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02 May 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
UFS Debate Society
The UFS Debate Society led by example at the 2019 Jozi Rumble.

After competing in the Jozi Rumble final for six consecutive years, the UFS Debate Society won the competition – Africa’s largest intercollegiate debate open – for the second consecutive year. The tournament took place at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in April 2019.

After seven preliminary rounds, three UFS teams out of a total of 100 competing teams overall were placed in the top 16, earning them a place in the quarterfinals – where they faced each other. A composite team of UFS LLB graduate and LLM student, Lehakoe Masedi, and a partner from Wits beat all teams, qualified for the final themed ‘This house regrets the glorification of opulence in popular culture’, and won the league.

“It was one of the most validating moments of my entire debating career; everybody wants to win the Jozi Rumble, and to have done it and to be the best speaker is truly amazing,” said Lehakoe. The top-ranking speaker at the tournament added that she had been working hard, and that she is glad that her efforts are coming full circle.

The UFS sent six teams overall to the tournament, including two novice teams competing in their first-ever intercollegiate debate tournament. 

“Speaking at the Jozi Rumble debate tournament for the first time was truly an educational experience; it exposed me to the dynamics of varsity-level debating,” said Simphiwe Yana, debater in of the UFS novice teams.

The UFS speaking squad consisted of Lehakoe Masedi, 2018 Abe Bailey Bursary victor and Rhodes scholarship recipient Nkahiseng Ralepeli, Khotso Khokho, Siyanda Rixana, Morena Moabi, Simphiwe Yana, Luvuyo Shoco, Asemahle Noholoza, and Nontobeko Msimangu. Former Chairperson of the UFS Debate Society and Editor-in-Chief of the IRAWA newspaper, Tshiamo Malatji, was also present at the tournament as the Tabulation Director. 

On 11 May 2019, the UFS will travel to the University of Pretoria to defend yet another debate open title at the Pretoria Parlay Intervarsity. 


News Archive

#PeopleOfKovsies brimming with positivity
2016-12-26

Kovsies both young and old, whether they are currently studying or have already graduated, abound in positive energy. Striving to harness this positivity, the #PeopleOfKovsies campaign was born. Over the past three years, this campaign has garnered a collection of photographs and quotable quotes from visitors, staff, students, and alumni that showcases the feeling that only a Kovsie knows.

The process is simple: Staff photographers approach people on campus and ask whether they are willing to pose for a photo. How they do this is up to the individual’s favourite style: pouting, looking serious, pointing, or just smiling. Participants then also have the opportunity to share a brief message with the Kovsie community, whether it is just how they feel at that particular moment, what it means to them to be a Kovsie, or how they picture that indescribable Kovsie feeling. These photographs, along with their captions, are shared on our social media platforms, and, in some cases, used on campus billboards or in our publications.

Description: Retha Hill Tags: Retha Hill

“I loved being a Kovsie, because my fellow Kovsies were more than just friends   they were like
FAMILY.” - Retha Hill

Description: Keamogetswe Nnyane Tags: Keamogetswe Nnyane

“I get to enrich my community through the diversity and exposure I received as a Kovsie.
To help uplift those who can’t do the same for themselves.” - Keamogetswe Nnyane

Description: Byron Wegger Tags: Byron Wegger

“The gateway that opened my mind to different ideas as well as giving me opportunities
through sport and academics I never would have experienced anywhere else.” - Byron Wegger

Description: Tamie Mbombo_PeopleOfKovsies Tags: Tamie Mbombo

“They have succeeded in creating the conditions wherein students from disadvantaged
backgrounds can be brought to the starting line of a race that many are unaware is even
being run.”-  Tamie Mbombo

Description: Lerothodi Molete Tags: Lerothodi Molete

“It means being an agent of change. Also equipping me with skills and exposure to be the
change I want to see in the world.” - Lerothodi Molete

Description: Lebogang Kotsi Tags: Lebogang Kotsi

"To be a Kovsie means being in a multi-racial learning institution and striving to be a great
leader in the future." - Lebogang Kotsi




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