Johannesburg South Debating League
The Johannesburg South Debating League was founded in January 2023 with 8 founding schools. Our inaugural season brought together nearly 130 students.
Register for our 2024 season by 30 January 2024. While the league is primarily based in Johannesburg's south, schools from all parts of the city are welcome.
Participation is open to Grades 4 to 12.
Navigation
Learn, Reflect, Iterate
Program Overview
- Welcome & Orientation
We will start the league with an orientation session for our adjudication panel and participants. We'll start with the basics, so no prior debate experience is needed.
- Debates & Feedback
We'll meet for 3 tournaments consisting of 2 debates each. We'll work with teachers to create a supportive environment that encourages experimentation. Each debate will have at least two adjudicators.
- The Finals & Awards
Certificates, medals, and trophies will be awarded to our top performing teams and individuals. Our top 4 teams in each division will be invited to the National Championship.
Member Schools
Join our growing community of schools.
BESA Leadership Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa
ESI Boutique School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Florida Islamic School
Roodepoort, South Africa
Glenvista High School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Grace Trinity School for Girls
Johannesburg, South Africa
Hoërskool Jeugland
Kempton Park, South Africa
Jeppe High Preparatory School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg Muslim School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Kensington Secondary School
Johannesburg, South Africa
King Edward VII Preparatory School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Marist Brothers Linmeyer
Johannesburg, South Africa
Our Lady Of Lebanon Maronite Catholic School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Robertsham Primary School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Sandton School Group
Johannesburg, South Africa
St. Declan's School for Boys
Johannesburg, South Africa
Yellow Wood Environmental Prep School
Johannesburg, South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our team by sending us an email or call 081 343 9036.
- What are the age divisions?
- Team members do not have to be from the same grade. We divide teams into the following divisions:
- Group A: Grade 10+
- Group B: Grade 8-9
- Group C: Grade 6-7
- Group D: Grade 4-5
- Does everyone debate at the same time?
- Yes. All 4 divisions will debate simultaneously. Each debate will happen in a different classroom.
- When do students prepare?
- All teams will recieve their topics and sides in advance. They will therefore prepare before arriving at the tournament.
- How many students can a team involve?
- In each debate, a team will have only three speakers. You are welcome to change your speakers from round to round.
- Are there alternatives ways to involve students?
- Yes. Every team needs to bring an additional student. That person will either be the timekeeper or chairperson for the debate.
- High school students may also register as adjudicators at our primary school rounds. They will have to attend our adjudication workshop in advance and will always be paired with 2 educators.
- What are the staffing requirements?
- Every school needs to bring at least one teacher to supervise their group.
- We require one adjudicator for each team entered.
- Are teams allowed to access the internet during a debate?
- No. Using a device capable of connecting to the internet or recieving messages may lead to the entire team being disqualified from the round. This also applies to Group A teams preparing at the tournament.
- We will provide stopwatches in every debate room to minimise the need for phones.
- Can we bring spectators?
- Yes. Schools will be responsible for the conduct of their guests. Teachers, parents and fellow students are always welcome.
- Are there avenues for further competition?
- Yes. The top 4 teams in each division will recieve an invitation to our national championship for primary and high schools.
- High school teams may be interested in joining us at the Pan-African Debating Championship at Roedean School (SA) in Johannesburg.
- We are also working on plans to create debate tours to Limpopo and the Free State.
Join the Johannesburg South Debating League
Entry is open to Grades 4-12. No prior debate experience is needed.
- Registration deadline is 30 January 2024
- 3 students per team
- 6 rounds over 3 tournaments
- 1 teacher per team