The St Mary’s debaters participated in a plethora of online debate competitions during last year. The most notable being the South African National Schools’ Debating Championships over the December holidays. The St Mary’s girls in the junior division included Hayley Laithwaite, Danika Neuhoff, Franscesca Lewitton and Dalila Spinazze. Nyasha Mazarura competed in the senior division. It was their first time competing at a national level for all the girls and, despite the difficulties that came with competing online, they did exceptionally well. Danika and Nyasha both won Nationals within their respective Gauteng teams, with Nyasha being selected as a reserve for the national senior A team.

Hailey, Franscesca and Dalila all made the Open Break into the final rounds with their teams which is an astounding achievement. Regarding the junior debaters, Franscesca ranked 4th as the best junior debater in South Africa and ranked 2nd as the new junior speaker. Additionally, she attained the national runner-up position with her team. Danika was ranked as the 6th best junior debater overall. Dalila ranked as the 5th best junior debater and ranked as the 3rd best new junior speaker. Overall, her team was the runner up in the junior division.

The girls grappled with motions surrounding gender, politics, Black Lives Matter, and numerous other topical issues. With support from their debating coach, Itumeleng Mohanoe, and the Gauteng delegation, the girls represented St Mary’s exceptionally well. With all the St Mary’s speakers being selected to trial for the national team, it was clear the St Mary’s debaters showed high levels of promise in their craft in 2020.

NYASHA MAZARURA
FORM IV