- Kwakhanya Ndzuzo, a 12-year-old Grade 7 learner from Siyabulela Primary School in Langa, won the senior division of the Cape Town National Debate League (NDL) championship, beating 96 other schools.
- Ndzuzo’s victory is seen as a motivation to other learners, demonstrating that despite coming from a less-resourced school, she was able to achieve success through hard work and dedication.
- The debate program aims to instill discipline, boost confidence, and improve public speaking skill.
A Grade 7 learner from Siyabulela Primary School in Langa has put her school on the map after becoming a champion in the Cape Town National Debate League (NDL).
Kwakhanya Ndzuzo (12) won the senior division of the contest at Zwaanswyk Academy in Retreat on Wednesday 31 July.
At least 96 schools around Cape Town participated in the competition.
Kwakhanya won a trophy and several certificates.
Zwaanswyk’s coach Lubabalo Ntsizi described the competition as a learning curve for all 12 learners who participated in it. He said the aim is to shape them for the future.
“We had four teams from the school participating. We had three teams for juniors and one for seniors. Each team comprises three members. Our aim is to encourage and motivate them to speak out. This is not about debate only but we are instilling discipline as well.”
He said he couldn’t believe it when Ndzuzo was called on the stage to collect her trophy as a champion.
Ntsizi described Ndzuzo’s success as a motivation to other learners at school. “She demonstrated that despite where you are coming from, you can achieve what you want to be.
“We were competing with more resourced schools but she managed to beat them,” he explained.
Ntsizi described Ndzuzo as humble and very intelligent.
The soft-spoken learner described her participation in the competition as an eye-opener, as she was able to compete with learners from wealthy schools.
“I was a bit nervous before I went on stage, but I kept composed all the time. I competed in five different stages, all of which I won. Being part of the programme makes me able to speak in public and does much to boost my self-esteem.”
Ndzuzo said the programme also teaches discipline and boosts confidence. She urged other learners to participate in such initiatives as they are exposed to many things.
Teacher and Ndzuzo’s mentor Yamkela Dyakopi described the debate session as being among the school’s programmes.
“We normally do debate practice after school,” she said.
“Our intention is to train them in public speaking for them to gain confidence. Also, we really want to familiarise them with English. And participating in these events helps them to interact with other learners from other schools.”
