Hottentots-Holland High School is celebrating a landmark achievement in public speaking and critical thinking after five of its pupils were selected to represent the Western Cape at the upcoming 2026 National Schools’ Debating Tournament.

The selection follows a standout performance by the school’s debate team at the Western Cape Provincial Debating Tournament, where HHH debaters went head-to-head with top talent from across the region.

The learners selected to the provincial squad, spanning both the junior and senior ranks, are Destiny Chamisa (Grade 12), Isivile Matwa (Grade 11), Unathi Mazwi (Grade 11), Zingce Ndamana (Grade 9) and Shalom Ruzvidzo (Grade 9).

“Having five pupils from our school selected to represent the province is an exceptional achievement and one that we are incredibly proud of. It is particularly meaningful to see pupils from different grades being recognised for their dedication,” the school said in a statement.

School representatives expressed immense pride in the debaters’ accomplishment, noting that the recognition is a direct result of the hours of intense preparation, research and persuasive discipline the team invested ahead of the provincial tournament.

The five debaters will now refine their motions and argument strategies in the coming months as they prepare to take the national stage representing the Western Cape.

The national tournament takes place at Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 December.