The National Debating League presents...
The Windhoek Debating Championship
Join the NDL’s first championship in Windhoek. Top performing teams will earn a spot in the 2027 Pan-African Debating Championship.
12-13 September 2026 at St George's Diocesan School, Windhoek, Windhoek.
Entry open to students in Grades 4 to 12.
Overview
The Championship Experience
Our debating programs unite a community of over 220 schools from 51 cities and 11 countries.
Four Age Divisions
- Group A — Grade 10+
- Group B — Grade 8–9
- Group C — Grade 6–7
- Group D — Grade 4–5
Multiple teams may be entered per division. A team may consist of 3-5 members.
Adjudication Training
We will guide all educators through the adjudication process, ensuring a standard set of rules is applied across the competition. This will enhance also the educator’s ability to coach their students.
Build Experience
Debating skills, like maths and athletics, can only truly be developed through experience. We will therefore schedule all teams for a minimum of five competitive debates.
Aspire for Greatness
Top performing teams will be recognized with trophies and medals. Our most exceptional teams will receive invitations to represent Namibia at international tournaments.
Why Debate?
Build Teamwork and Camaraderie
No debate is won or lost by a single speaker – this is a team sport. Your debate team will face the highs and lows of competition together. You will learn how to support your teammates through tough moments, and how to rely on them for support.
Develop Your Communication Skills
Debating helps you master the English language and communicate with precision and confidence. Debating develops both your written and verbal communication skills.
Meet New People
As a debater, you will meet people from new schools, cities, and countries.
Create Memories
Debating tours are a fantastic way to visit new campuses, cities and countries.
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.
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.
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
N$ 1,200 Per Student
School Managed RegistrationsUse this option to register your school. This should be used by schools who are centrally managing registration payments.
Parent Managed RegistrationsUse 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.
Represent Namibia Internationally
Top performing teams will receive an invitation to compete at the 2027 Pan-African Debating Championship in Durban, South Africa.
Learn about the Pan-African Debating Championship