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On 22 September 2025, at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, the Walter Sisulu University debate team competed at the Cape Town Open (CTO) 2025, tackling complex motions to showcase Eastern Cape talent on a national stage through adjudicated rounds.
Their Story
The WSU contingent, student debaters, an adjudicator, and a debating coach, came together from Buffalo City and Komani campuses. Many juggle classes, part-time work, and long commutes. Debate, they say, is where they sharpen their thinking, find their voices, and learn to listen. Their goal in Cape Town was simple: test themselves against the best and bring that confidence back home.
The Event/Occasion
The CTO drew top debating institutions from across South Africa with both open and novice divisions. Motions cut across politics and governance; social justice and culture; health and ethics; technology and media; relationships and society; arts and culture.
CTO convener Menzimuhle Ncube praised the standard: “The tournament brought together top debating institutions from across the country, featuring both open and novice divisions. The event was marked by high-quality adjudication, innovative motions, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity and progressive discourse.”
Sample motions included:
fiscal dominance in emerging markets, treating social media influencers as legal and financial entities, the rise of “situationships” in modern society, whether medical institutions should adopt progressive qualification criteria for treatment.
Community Reactions
Back on campus, lecturers and peers celebrated the team’s performance and the exposure it gives to younger speakers. For many first-years, seeing WSU on a national platform makes debate feel reachable and worth the late nights. The team returns with fresh methods, case files, and the belief that strong argument and respect can travel far beyond the room.
