SWGC debaters scoop top awards

The South West Gauteng College (SWGC) debate teams won a top prestigious award at the institution’s award ceremony hosted in Molapo campus over the weekend.

Students who participated in the inter-campus, provincial and regional debating tournaments which were held throughout the course of the year, were bestowed honorary awards and trophies for their dedication and efforts to the underdeveloped sport.

I think the broad vision was to honour every student and college that participated but we are excited that we could honour more than 10 students from all the campuses who have been interacting and participating fully in tournaments.

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The national debate tournament was discontinued but the college recognise their efforts into making the sport a worthwhile, Chief Adjudicator and Head facilitator, Nyakallo Mokoena said.

Mokoena who is the founder of the stallions debating team which started at Molapo, provided the students with personal trainings and mentorship.

This is my sector, so I just had to give back and I’ve been passionate about teaching and equipping people from the debate sector.

This started with the Molapo campus, as the only SWGC campus participating.

We wheeled in the other campuses into this vision and what has been impressive is that we have debate students from different fields and not just business or marketing but also artisans that can argue, she added.

SWGC student, Mercy Napo who won in three categories told Urban News, I feel like I have so much to offer when it comes to public speaking.

Debating has been a great step ladder especially because in my career path I will be working with people constantly. This tournament enables me to be able to articulate myself confidently.

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In addition, the college also recognised mentors and lecturers who were lauded for their contribution to cultivating the skills. During the ceremony, debaters took to the stage demonstrating their know-how during a debate demo session.

Meanwhile, fellow winning student, Lindokuhle Mthembu expressed her excitement for more tournaments citing that taking part in the debate team had been a positive impact to her speech.

We have people in different spheres who still cannot articulate themselves. When we look at the recent stats of learners that are illiterate, we wonder how can we marry ourselves into such conversations and really try to mitigate. So debate and initiatives to speak and try to equip learners in terms of sharp speaking skills,” Mokoena continued.