Robertsham Primary learners set high standards in national debate

The National Debate League (NDL), founded by Mr T Moodley, has been a cornerstone of debate excellence for over a decade.

This prestigious league, which began in the south of Johannesburg, has grown from humble beginnings to encompass 1 700 learners from 124 schools across 34 cities in eight countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Angola, and Uganda.

Open to students from Grades Four to 12, the NDL offers a platform for both primary and high school students to showcase their debating skills.

This year, Robertsham Primary School selected 12 learners from Grades Five, Six, and Seven to compete in the Johannesburg South Debate League. The competition included four tournaments with eight rounds of intense debates.

Johannesburg South Debate League 2024 results:

Junior Team (Grade Five):

• Oarona Mahwai

• Amara Metu

• Mphedi Seng

• Shekinah Ngwenya

The junior team achieved an outstanding performance, winning all eight rounds and securing first place in the finals of the Johannesburg South League. Individual accolades followed with Oarona Mahwai ranked as the first best speaker, Mphedi Seng ranked third, and Amara Metu ranked seventh.

Senior team one:

• Saaliha Kajee (Grade Six)

• Mary Nkomo (Grade Seven)

• Ava Rayners (Grade Seven)

• Himaayat Tong (Grade Seven)

Senior Team 1 delivered an impressive performance, winning seven out of eight rounds, and securing third place in the Johannesburg South League. Individual rankings included Himaayat Tong as second-best speaker, Ava Rayners as third, and Mary Nkomo as ninth.

Senior team two:

• Shika Manthata (Grade Seven)

• Karabo Nemutaduni (Grade Six)

• Kholofelo Senong (Grade Seven)

• Busisiwe Zulu (Grade Seven)

The also excelled, winning six out of seven rounds, finishing fourth in the Johannesburg South League. Busisiwe Zulu was ranked sixth-best speaker, Shika Manthata 10th, and Kholofelo Senong 12th.

National Debate Championships:

All three Robertsham Primary teams qualified for the National Debates which took place in Cape Town in September.

The junior team continued their dominance, winning all seven rounds to emerge as the Junior National Debate Champions.

National speaker rankings included Amara Metu (10th), Oarona Mahwai (fifth), Shekinah Ngwenya fourth), and Mphedi Seng (second).

Senior Team 1 won four out of five rounds at nationals and was placed fifth overall while the Senior Team 2 won five out of seven rounds, securing an impressive second-place finish nationally.

National speaker rankings for the senior teams were:

• Saaliha Kajee (sixth)

• Shika Manthata (13th)

• Ava Rayners (16th)

• Kholofelo Senong (17th)

• Karabo Nemutaduni (20th)

• Busisiwe Zulu (22nd)

• Himaayat Tong (28th)

Newly appointed Robertsham principal, Mrs N Pillay, expressed immense pride in her students’ accomplishments, commending their dedication and teamwork.

She attributed their success to the unwavering commitment of the school’s debate coaches, whose guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping these young talents.

Robertsham Primary’s remarkable achievements highlight its rising prominence in national debate circles, setting high standards for future competitors.