Young debater talks her way into global round

A love for current affairs, public speaking and debating burning issues made it possible for PEPPS College Grade 9 learner, Phindu Mainganye to secure a spot in the global round of the World Scholars’ Cup scheduled for 21 to 26 July in The Hague, Amsterdam.
The 14-year-old debater raised the trophy as overall best senior speaker at the provincial round hosted at Mitchell House recently. Phindu, together with five of her schoolmates were selected at the provincial leg to proceed to the global round.
The junior team from PEPPS College that is through to the global challenge consists of Gift Ogwu, Khumo Matlala and Mpho Molepo while the senior team is made up of Phindu, Lashelle Bhimjee and Maarij Alam.
Each learner took part in creative writing, an intelligence quotient scholars bowl challenge and various debates. All six debaters excelled in the aforementioned challenges and placed in the first three rankings being gold, silver and bronze in every category. PEPPS won the overall prizes in both the junior and senior sections. Phindu claimed a total of 13 medals in the competition namely nine golds at the Limpopo round, two golds, a silver and bronze at the Polokwane debating leg. The achievements earned her the provincial debating colours. Phindu is not only a debater but also a gymnast, swimmer and is currently on the list of top ten best learners in her grade. She indicated that the competition is based on unprepared motions and debaters from at least 50 countries are expected to battle it out on stage.
Her favourite motions include international relations and policies that would affect her life if implemented. Phindu highlighted that she is a natural speaker and excels in English and as a result she uses debating platforms to exercise her public speaking abilities.
“It took a lot of training from my coach, Thato Makgoba for me and the PEPPS teams to earn this remarkable opportunity. The competitions were not a walk in the park but I am delighted that we made it this far. I am looking forward to the global round and getting to explore high level debating. It is unfortunate that each debater has to pay for the trip themselves hence we request financial support from companies and government entities,” Phindu said.
Phindu, who wishes to study law at the University of Cape Town after matric, emphasised that for one to excel in debating they must be confident and a team player. She stressed that they must also have the facts and be acquainted with what is happening around the world. Her motto in life is ‘Just do your best and God will do the rest’. She further said her mother, Priscilla and friends are supportive when it gets overwhelming and added that the fact that most people want to see her succeed keeps her going.
Phindu encouraged her peers to chase after their dreams and take part in various activities to stay active. She concluded by pleading with the public for financial support to make it possible for the teams to compete on a global stage.

Story & photo: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za