RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT

Nehema Ntumba 

@nehema_ntumba

 

The North-West University (NWU) debating union is one of the youngest arts societies on campus. It was officially recognised by the university’s Arts Department  in 2020. Despite its infancy, the union has remained consistent in achieving success each year by reaching new heights that seemed unachievable.

 

Despite winning Southern African Universities Debate Championship (SAUDC) Nationals – which is one of the biggest debating tournaments in Africa – they are often overlooked in favor of more prominent figures on campus, they lack sufficient funding and never get the same amount of recognition as other art societies. The debate society can be compared to Black Widow from the Avengers – they are incredibly skilled and make constant sacrifices (whether it is finding time every Tuesday and Thursday to attend practice to be able to represent the university at tournaments). 

 

The NWU debate society was an  “unofficial” society for many years, tracing back to when the university was still a Christian university. Students would gather trading opinions and thoughts on various topics, including music, politics and social issues. Eventually students realized that these “chat fests” should become a structured union, allowing students to meet other individuals that could not only challenge them but also help them garner better public speaking skills.

 

To the credit of Cabrin Redlingys, Helaine Duvenhage, Owen Shaw and Miles Kean Robinson, the society began its journey in 2020. The society aimed to create a space where individuals could relax after a long day of lectures, where they could be their authentic selves and be able to press pause on the hustle and bustle of university life. 

 

The most common misconceptions about the debate society are that only “nerds” and “bookworms” will be able to flourish in the debating environment. Anybody who doesn’t have the IQ of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, weirdness of Howard, shyness of Raj and terrible taste in fashion like Leornard is therefore “unfit” to join the society. The union was based on creating a welcoming environment for all.

 

Over the years, the society has garnered massive success, notably winning SAUDC in 2024 and are the current Novice champions of Jozi Rumble (one of the most competitive debating tournaments in South Africa). Ponatshego Moselakgomo and Zukisani Nameka represented the NWU last year at SAUDC and won the tournament after multiple close calls in the semi-finals and finals that always ended in disappointment. Their hard work and dedication inspired newcomers Khumo Morebudi and Kutlwano Molebatsi to power through at Jozi Rumble and win the novice competition. These achievements showcase the potential this union possesses and its ability to find success despite challenges. The debate society acts as an inspiration to one of the biggest arts competitions on campus – Hostel debates – and rarely gets recognition. I believe that it’s time we start giving this undervalued society the credit, it is due, and to rally around growing its potential.

 

“To see the crown jewel of activities that individuals can participate in – that consistently brings you to victory –  to be underrated time and time again is just criminal.” – Khumo Morebudi (current novice champion of Jozi rumble and member of the NWU debating society).

 

The NWU Debate Society Stall on Open Day, 17 May, on Potchefstroom Campus (Source: Nehema Ntumba)

 

Edited by Mignon Walters and Mhlengi Khumalo