The National Debating League presents...
The NDL's Polokwane Debating Championship
Limpopo is home to some of South Africa’s most competitive debating leagues, such as those in Polokwane, Sheshego, and Turfloop. Our upcoming championship will make it possible for your school teams to aim one level higher and compete directly against top schools from across South Africa, such as Michaelhouse, St David’s Inanda, and Rondebosch Boys High.
📅 Dates: April 16-17 | 🗺️ Venue: Mitchell House, Polokwane
🔑 Open to Grades 4 to 12 | 💵 Reg Fee: R600/student
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Championship Overview
All teams will compete in a minimum of 5 rounds. The top 4 teams per division will progress to a Semi-Final. Top performing teams will earn medals and trophies. All speakers and adjudicators will receive certificates of achievement/recognition. The top 4 teams per division will receive invitations to compete at the National Championship in Cape Town.
The registration fee is R600 per student and there are no fees for registered adjudicators. The registration fee includes lunch on both competition days.
- 4 x Age Divisions
- There are 4 possible divisions to enter:
- Group A: Grade 10+
- Group B: Grade 8-9
- Group C: Grade 6-7
- Group D: Grade 4-5
Each team should consist of between 3 and 5 members. Schools may enter one team per adjudicator supplied. If a school is short of adjudicators, we can hire additional judges on their behalf. Multiple teams per division is possible.
- Compete on the National Stage
Outside of the NDL system, schools only ever compete within their own city or province. The NDL makes it possible for your school to compete on a truly national stage, giving your debaters a higher goal to aim for. In 2026 our High School National Championship was won by Michaelhouse (from KZN) against St David’s Marist Inanda (from Sandton). Our Primary School Championship was won by Wynberg Girls’ Junior School from Cape Town.
- Join a Trusted Community
The NDL’s membership includes over 220 schools, thousands of debaters, and well over 400 educators. We are confident that you will receive positive reviews from every school listed on our website.
- Free Online Training for New Schools
Is debating new to your school? We are able to arrange a free one hour training session for your educators and debaters. You will also benefit from consulting our format guide using the link below.