Learners from across the city recently engaged in meaningful debate on contemporary societal issues, while promoting literacy, critical thinking, public speaking and active youth participation.
The City of Tshwane Libraries City Final Debates Competition took place on May 22 at the Hammanskraal Community Hall.
It was successfully hosted by the Tshwane metro, through its Community and Social Development Services Department, in partnership with the Department of Education.
Learners from Cullinan Combined School in Region 5 won the competition, Modilate Secondary School from Region 2 took second place, and Seshegong Secondary School from Region 4 secured third.
WINNERS GALLERY
Image: Supplied.
Image: Supplied.
MMC for Community and Social Development Services, Palesa Modise, said the initiative was originally launched in December 2018.
“The City of Tshwane Libraries City Final Debates Competition has become an important educational platform that supports literacy, research, and public speaking skills among learners,” she said.
Modise said following a temporary pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme resumed in 2021 and has continued to be implemented annually, reinforcing the role of libraries as important centres for learning, research and youth empowerment.
She added that this year’s competition began with regional debates held in April and May, during which learners debated whether private schools are better than public schools in South Africa.
“The top two teams from each region advanced to the city finals, where they debated the motion exploring whether artificial intelligence has a greater negative or positive impact on society, particularly in relation to social equity, privacy, and human skills,” she added.
Modise stated that the event welcomed about 120 participants, including learners, educators, city officials, and community stakeholders.
She said participants competed for top honours, with winners recognised through a range of awards celebrating their achievements and academic excellence.
“Beyond the competition itself, initiatives of this nature play an important social role by creating safe and constructive spaces for young people to engage with contemporary issues, develop confidence and strengthen values such as respect, dialogue, and active citizenship,” said Modise.
Image: Supplied.
She mentioned that such initiatives also help encourage a culture of learning and positive youth development within communities.
“Through programmes such as this, the City of Tshwane continues to invest in empowering young people by equipping them with essential skills to participate meaningfully in societal discourse, while fostering a culture of reading, critical engagement and lifelong learning,” she concluded.
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