A battle of words and wits met at the Southfield library for the second annual inter-school debating competition. Pictured together with City staff are school teachers and debaters from South Peninsula High, Wynberg High, and the School of Cultivating Excellence.
Image: supplied
Southfield library, in partnership with Meadowridge library, hosted a debating competition last Wednesday, April 16, with 15 pupils going head to head on a range of topics.
This is the second competition of its kind at the library. Last year, Southfield, Meadowridge and Tokai libraries hosted the first annual inter-school debating competition.
The topics under debate were only revealed on the day, adding an extra challenge to the competition. This year the topics debated included: whether harsher punishments should be mitigated against police than general citizens, child labour and changing the legal voting age from 18 to 16.
Participants represented Wynberg High School, South Peninsula High School and Cultivating Excellence Academy, an independent school, and each team had five pupils.
South Peninsula walked away with top honours, while Wynberg finished in second place.
Best speaker of the day was awarded to South Peninsula High School pupil, Zayaan Solomons.
“We are delighted to see so much enthusiasm from learners who participated in the debating competition. Debating not only improves communication skills and confidence, but also provides learners with the ability to think independently and foster an interest in reading and knowledge sharing,” said the Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham who was in attendance along with ward councillors Eddie Andrews and Carmen Siebritz.
Natasha Segers, principal librarian at Meadowridge library, said the competition was a resounding success, marked by high energy, respectful engagement, and a shared excitement for the power of words.
“It was heartening to witness such enthusiasm and confidence from all the learners who took part. We look forward to hosting many more events that encourage youth voices and community collaboration.”