Members of the UFS Debate Society Executive Committee: (from left) Miriam
Mukiwa (Secretary), Tshiamo Malatji (Chairperson), Lindelani Jones Nomnganga
(Treasurer), Francois Brits (Chief Adjudicator), Phomolo Khamane
(Vice Chairperson)
Photo: Kgotso Modikoe

While still marvelling in their recent regional success, the University of the Free State’s Debate Society (UFSDS) is currently competing at a Namibian regional tournament (from 28 November to 5 December). Thereafter, they are set to join the World Universities’ Debating Championships in Mexico from 27 December 2017 to 4 January 2018.

At the Gauteng open earlier this term, first-ranking Lehakoe Masedi and Francois Brits narrowly lost during the tournament final. At the Free State Opens, however, Francois Brits and Tshiamo Malatji won during the Grand Final. The motion was “This House Supports the resignation of Makhosi Khoza”. But UFSDS has debated all sorts of motions in the past year, ranging from politics, economics, the environment, social issues, human rights, feminism, technology, science, medicine, international relations, war, ethics, and sport.

The debating style used in the university circuit across the world, is called British Parliamentary. In this style, there is always a ‘Government’ side who favours a motion, and an ‘Opposition’ who opposes the motion. Teams are drawn on the Government or Opposition side, determining if they will support or oppose a motion.

“Debating is both intensive, and rewarding,” says UFSDS chairperson Tshiamo Malatji about this activity where students acquire and improve public talking and critical thinking skills. “To excel, we must continue to develop ideas, arguments, and our understanding of the world. You have to be creative, curious, and eager to learn. Being part of South African debating is very rewarding,” he concludes, “because we are exposed to the country’s greatest thinkers.”