Popular debating competition returns to Southfield library

17 April 2025

The City’s Southfield library hosted another successful debating competition yesterday, with 15 learners going head to head on a range of topics

This is the second such competition at the library. In 2024, Southfield, Meadowridge and Tokai libraries hosted the first debating competition in area South. Because the topics under debate were only revealed on the day, it added to the challenge of the competition.

‘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 City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Topics that were debated included:

• This house will punish police more harshly than general citizens for crimes committed
• This house encourages child labour
• This house will change the legal voting age to 16

Participants represented Wynberg High School, South Peninsula High School and Cultivating Excellence Academy, an independent school. The three teams comprised five learners per team.

South Peninsula walked away with top honours, while Wynberg finished in second place.

Zayaan Solomons from South Peninsula High School came out tops as the best speaker of the day.

South Peninsula High School team members: Mihle Sigenu, Naqeeba Boomgaard, Safaah Moses, Zarah Molte and Zayaan Solomons.

Wynberg High School team members: Elethu Dzila, Emihle Quphe, Inga Sodinga, Ivokuhle Nyingwa and Madrine Chizipi.

Cultivating Excellence Academy team: Astin Solomon, Bethany February, Lily Conway, Seth Van Kersteren and Sophia Hinz.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office