Pupils from ID Mkhize and Fezeka high schools battled for top honours when they locked horns in a debate about xenophobia and bullying, at Gugulethu sports complex hall on Friday June 15.
The event was spearheaded by the YMCA, in partnership with Africa Unite and the Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town, and was aimed at commemorating the anti-apartheid student protests of June 16 1976, remembered as Youth Day, the next day.
Pupils from Heidveld and some parents braved the rainy weather to attend the event.
These young intelligent pupils kept the audience on the edge of their seats as they articulated their critical, thought-provoking points.
Each debater from the school left the judges nodding their heads while some were left in awe.
Youth worker volunteer at YMCA, Leroy Glam, said it was important that young people were provided with such platforms to engage in meaningful discussions that stimulate critical thinking.
He said they wanted these pupils to start talking about issues which reflected their experience in their lives as well as in their communities.
But, most importantly, they wanted young people to think before they spoke and formulate well-constructed arguments.
He believed debates and discussions help pupils see the importance of using logical, reasoned and compelling evidence and arguments.
He said debates boosted pupils confidence and could equip them with ways of developing analytical and research skills.
But, he added, it also taught them the importance of team work and helped them to engage on issues affecting them.
He said there were few young people who were involved in debates.
He said they wanted pupils to make wise and informed decisions but young people were often not afforded such platforms to express themselves eloquently about issues affecting them and their communities.
“We want to inculcate a culture of reading and debating. We want to encourage schools to start debating sessions in schools. We are bit disappointed with the turn out but we are thrilled that these young people took up the challenge of debating. Debates assists pupils in presenting their ideas in a chronological order. We want to create a society where there is a flow of ideas. We are promoting the importance of a debate among our pupils. Debating is not popular in the township,” he said.
Deputy Representative Council of Learners (RCL) at ID Mkhize, Siyakholwa Mcobo, said it was important that they debate about such issues as it assists them to gain extensive knowledge and broadens their thinking and perspective. He said the harsh reality was that there were few schools that have debating sessions in the township.
He said these issues they tackled were often taken for granted and never really thought about critically. He said as a debater he has learnt that he has to look deeper in every issues and attempt to find resolutions.
He said he has also learnt to accept other people’s views and understand where they were coming from.
Facilitator at Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town, Mthetheleli Wontyi, said they offer development and welfare programmes to the migrant and local communities of Cape Town. He said they use a holistic approach that considers all basic needs and human rights.
He said it was crucial that young people talk about such issues as they affect their communities and hope that they would work together in promoting the spirit of cohesion.