Springs Boys’ High School (SBHS) debaters recently completed the first two rounds of the National Debating League (NDL) and are off to a good start. The SBHS A2 team is currently top of the league, SBHS A1 is ninth, SBHS B1 is sixth and SBHS B2 is 12th.
One of the debate coordinators, Liezel van der Nest, said their proudest achievement is sustainable growth and expanding as more learners join.
“This year, we have grown to 50 active debaters across junior and senior levels. That growth reflects the culture we are building, one of academic excellence, leadership development, and strong mentorship between senior and junior members,” she said.
Liezel added that for SBHS, debating is no longer just a niche activity but a part of their identity. Last year, the debaters qualified for the NDL championships, which were held in Durban.
One of the debaters, Owethu Kwankwa. Photo: Supplied
“2025 was a year of exceptional growth for our debaters. We were also invited to compete at the Johannesburg Open in December, an intense, high-level tournament often described as ‘a full year of debating compressed into three days.
“There, our learners competed against teams from South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. The exposure accelerated both their analytical ability and team cohesion,” Liezel explained.
She added that the junior team reached the quarterfinals while the senior team advanced to the semifinals. These achievements have earned them international invitations to compete in Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe later this year.
“Qualifying for the NDL national championship was a defining moment. However, the deeper milestone was the shift in mindset. Our learners moved from seeing themselves as competitors to seeing themselves as contenders.
“Competing at the Johannesburg Open and earning international invitations showed them that they can stand on any stage and hold their own,” Liezel said proudly.
Beyond NDL, the SBHS debate team will also be competing in the GAMA MUN League, SACEE, and Atheneum MUN.
“We are exploring participation in the British Parliamentary circuit at the University of the Witwatersrand,” she added.
She also appealed to businesses and community stakeholders for sponsorship.
“The growth and international recognition of the programme bring significant opportunities but also financial pressure Sponsors would not simply be funding a team. They would be investing in the next generation of lawyers, economists, policymakers, and leaders,” she said.
The Springs Boys’ High School debaters are ready for another year of debating excellence. Photo: Supplied
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