Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa

13 May 2025

The Speaker of the Council of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Cllr Fikile Magagamela, hosted the first annual primary school debate competition on Thursday, 08 May 2025, at the Lillian Ngoyi Centre in Secunda.

The competition aims to uplift primary school learners’ thinking skills, public speaking skills, teamwork, and general knowledge.

It also helps them learn how to communicate confidently and effectively.

Ten (10) schools honored the invitation and participated in the competition: Shapeve Primary School, Osizweni Primary School, Buyani Primary School, Mbalenhle Primary School, Thorisong Primary School, Allan Makunga Primary School, Thistle Grove Combined School, Mpumelelo Primary School, Thandanani Primary School, and Trichardtfontein Combined School.

Although the learners were given different topics, debaters from Mbalenhle Primary School came out victorious.

“This honestly came as a surprise; some schools were very competitive, and no one knew what was right because of the community being the first of its kind. When we were announced as the best team, I became so emotional because this trophy means so much to me as a newly appointed teacher. It is a reflection of the love and hard work I put every day in class,” said Ms Andisile Bovana, grade 5 and 6 teacher from Mbalenhle Primary School.

Ms Bovana further stated that public speaking begins in class. “My learners were able to present seamlessly because they are used to standing in front of audiences, so before you catch a shark, start with fish. I would also like to encourage parents to support their children both in academics and in their interests. I really could not have done this if it wasn’t for the support from their parents,” she said.

Meanwhile, Trichardtfontein Primary School came second, and Thandanani Primary School came third.

Asibonge Mkhwanazi was awarded as best speaker, followed by Angel Hlophe and Tee Plai for third place.

The event was graced by the presence of the Executive Mayor of GMM, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, who congratulated the Speaker of Council on this initiative.

“Thank you for taking this initiative and believing that you will make it happen when no one took it seriously. These are one of the things that will make our municipality become a model city of excellence because the learners will learn more and gain knowledge from the competitions,” said Cllr Zuma in closing.