06 to 08 October 2025

2025 High School National Debating Championship

The 2025 National Championship will be held at Danville Girls High School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This event will bring together the top school teams from each of South Africa’s local leagues.

Schedule

How to Qualify

To be eligible for entry, your team must complete the preliminary rounds of your local league and rank in the top 4 for your age division. There are two divisions: Group A (Grade 10+) and Group B (Grade 8-9).

Participants in the 2024 High School National Championship are automatically requalified.

Venue and Dates

The championship will be held at Danville Girls High School in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. All debates and socials will be held on their campus. The registration package will include accommodation at a nearby hotel. The hotel will be announced soon.

Teams should arrive on Monday, 06 October 2025 and depart on Thursday, 09 October 2025.

Championship History

The 2024 edition of this championship was held at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town. This event brought together teams from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.

The Group B finals were ultimately won by Durban Girls’ College against Herzlia High School from Cape Town. The Group A finals were won by Crawford International Pretoria against Northwood College from Durban.

Official Hotel: Riverside Hotel Durban

🗺️ 10 Kenneth Kaunda Rd, Durban North, Durban, 4065

View Hotel Website View Hotel Video Google Maps Pin View Travel Route

Participants will stay at Riverside Hotel in Durban. This is a four star hotel with views over Durban's famous beaches, the Moses Mabhida Stadium and lush gardens.

Twin (Sharing) Rooms

As in 2024, participants will be allocated to sharing rooms.

Green cardstock box containing white, beige, and brown cards.

Breakfast Included

A full buffet breakfast is included.

Green cardstock box open with 50 cards inside.

Daily Shuttles

We will transport all participants between the hotel and Danville Girls' High School each day.

Detail of white today card, beige next card, and brown someday card with dot grid.

Outdoor Pool

The Riverside Hotel has an outdoor pool overlooking the spa and cafe.

Stack of three green cardstock boxes with 3 hole cutouts showing cards inside.

Registration Package

The registration package includes everything except getting to Durban. The registration fee is charged per person (student or teacher).

Included:

🛏️ Accommodation for the duration of the event
- ⏰ Check-in after 14:00 on 06 October 2025
- ⏰ Check-out by 10:00 on 09 October 2025
🍔 All Meals
- 🍗 Starting with dinner on 06 October 2025
- 🍳 Ending with breakfast on 09 October 2025
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Tournament registration and participation
🚌 Daily transfers between Riverside Hotel and Danville Girls' High School
📸 Sightseeing and social event access
🎁 Tournament merchandise
🏆 Any trophies or medals won