Epako debate team shines at Aminius tourney

Claudia Livingi
  • 6 Hours Ago

Rietquelle Secondary School in Aminuis hosted a debating competition from 20 to 23 March, bringing together learners from several schools to test their skills in structured debates on a range of topics.

For the learners, the tournament offered more than a chance to win. It was an opportunity to share ideas, defend their views and learn from their opponents.

Candy Goreses of Epako Secondary School described the experience as exciting and rewarding, despite her team not taking the top prize. “I really enjoyed taking part in this competition. Although we did not win, I learned a lot,” she said.

Goreses added that the tournament helped her gain valuable experience, sharpen her debating skills and learn to perform under pressure.

The competition featured six rounds, with each speaker given eight minutes to present their arguments. Epako Secondary School won its opening round and progressed through the tournament, facing tough opposition along the way. Mokganedi Tiabanolo High School proved to be one of the team’s strongest opponents.

As the competition intensified, Epako adjusted its line-up, with experienced debaters Lee Gawaseb, Mario Katjinani and Davin Frey Syavani taking on leading roles.

The team reached the semi-finals, where it faced Wennie du Plessis Secondary School. Despite a strong performance, Epako was defeated, bringing its hopes of reaching the final to an end.

However, the loss did not dampen the team’s spirit. The learners remained positive and motivated, and their efforts were rewarded on the final day when Epako was announced as the overall third-place finisher.

Mokganedi Tiabanolo High School took first place, followed by Wennie du Plessis Secondary School in second. Goreses also earned individual recognition, receiving the Best Speaker award - a proud moment for her teammates and coaches.

The tournament ended on an encouraging note for Epako’s debaters, who returned with new skills, valuable experience and fresh motivation to aim even higher in future competitions.