World University Debating Championships opens in CT

Over 1,000 students from 50 countries have descended upon the University of Cape Town to partake in the World University Debating Championships, which kicks off today, 27 December 2018.

Participants from Malaysia, Germany, Mexico, Nigeria and the USA, among others, will form into teams of two speakers that will battle in a British Parliamentary style against one another. The scoring of teams is done by adjudicators, most of whom are students or former students from the competing institutions.

Besides the main World Championship competition there are also English as a Second Language, English as a Foreign Language, individual public speaking and "World Masters" tournaments.

Universities, depending on their ranking, have multiple teams competing; UCT has five teams.

Emma Tiffin, who is Tournament Director is ecstatic about hosting the competition. “With so many burning issues globally and in South Africa this gathering brings together some of the finest critical thinkers from all around the world who will engage in vigorous debates and make friendships which will last a lifetime”, she said.

The event culminates in an awards ceremony at the CTICC on 3 January 2019 where the winners will be crowned.