St Dominic’s Catholic  School for Girls  debating team made a remarkable impression at the Gauteng Provincial Debating Championships, with the junior team securing an impressive 4th place finish.

The tournament brought together over 60 schools from across the province, with St Dominic’s seniors competing in Phase 1 and the juniors advancing to the semi-finals.

Wasiva and Ruby, St Dominic’s junior debaters, excelled in the Atheneum Central Juniors earlier this year, placing top 10. At provincials, they won three out of six debates in Phase 1 and two split panel wins, securing a spot in the top 28.

The junior team then faced stiff competition in the partial double octo-final rounds, knocking out Parktown Girls (13th place) and St Dunstans (5th place). They proceeded to quarter-finals, defeating Trinity House, before losing to McHauley House in a split decision.

“We are incredibly proud of our debaters’ achievements,” said Tayla Barrett

– Debating Coach and St Dominic’s Alumnus. “Their dedication, research, and critical thinking skills were evident throughout the tournament.”

Motions:

– Round 1: This house regrets the rise of true crime documentaries as a form of entertainment.

– Round 2: This house would nationalize the mini-bus taxi industry.

– Round 3: This house supports the right of indigenous peoples to have publicly-funded schools, with autonomy over curriculum, operations, and educational philosophy.

– Round 4: This house believes that free will is an illusion.

Tozama Matona, Angela Coste Tre, Ruby Banjac, Tayla Barrett (Debating Coach) ,Ashlee Masekoane, Wasiva Qoqo