The National Debating League presents...

The Mpumalanga Debating Championship

Join the NDL’s first championship in Mpumalanga. Top performing teams will represent Mpumalanga at the National Championship in Durban.

30 to 31 August 2025 @ Uplands College, White River.

Entry open to students in Grades 4 to 12.

Become a confident speaker and a critical thinker.

Participants in our Mpumalanga Debating Championship will participate in a minimum of five debates. Students will debate a diverse range of issues, including international relations, economics, and how we configure our society. Each debate gives students a practical way to learn more about the world around them and develop their mastery of the English language.

Preparation Material

The resources on our website will help educators start the debate preparations in their schools. We have also pre-released some of the debate topics, making it possible for students to research and practice for some of their debates.

Surprise Topics

Some of our debate topics will only be released at the debate tournament. In these situations, teams will have 40 minutes to prepare at the venue. This will give teams a chance to impliment the feedback they have received from adjudicators.

Constructive Feedback

The adjudicators will deliver feedback to teams at the end of each debate. Teams will use this information to improve their cases and speech delivery.

Awards

We will recognize our top performing speakers and teams with trophies, medals, and certificates. Teachers will also receive certificates for adjudicating debates.

Represent Mpumalanga at Nationals

Top performing teams will receive an invitation to compete at the 2025 National Championship at Danville Girls' High School in Durban.

Learn about the National Debating Championship

Age Divisions and Team Entries

Teams will be assigned to a division based on the grades of the speakers. Team members can be from different grades, and a team can consist of between 3 and 5 debaters. Each time they debate, 3 members will debate.

Grade 4-5

Group D

Max 4 minutes per speech.

Grade 6-7

Group C

Max 4 minutes per speech.

Grade 8-9

Group B

Max 6 minutes per speech.

Grade 10-12

Group A

Max 8 minutes per speech.

Registering Teams

Schools may enter multiple teams in the competition. There is a registration fee per student. There are no registration fees for teachers who help us adjudicate debates. Parents are always welcome to spectate. Lunch will be arranged for all debaters and adjudicators.

Schools may centrally manage the registration for their students. Alternatively, they can direct parents to pay the NDL directly using our secure online system.

Entry Requirements:

  • Each team should be accompanied by a teacher who will help adjudicate debates.
  • Each team should have between 3 and 5 members.
  • Each member of the team should be from the same school.

We are able to accept payments through VISA, Mastercard, or SWIFT bank transfers to our South African bank account. Online card payments will have additional processing fees.

Registration Fee

ZAR 550 Per Student

School Managed Registrations

Use this option to register your school. The website will automatically generate invoices.

Parent Managed Registrations

Use this option if you are a parent paying the NDL directly. This will allow you to make a secure online payment. Your child's teacher will be notified of the registration.

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