The University of Stellenbosch Debating Union (USDU) aims to re-establish its coaching structures and membership participation now that students have returned to SU campus.
This is according to Grace Mngadi, chairperson of the USDU. The sign up rate for the USDU, which hosted its opening function on 13 April, has dropped by almost 140 people compared to 2020, said Mngadi.
“We are currently sitting at about 60 sign ups, and I do blame Covid for this drop. Last year we had almost 200 members,” said Mngadi.
The executive committee of the University of Stellenbosch Debating Union at the society’s opening function. Left to right: Praise Chasela, Estelle Hislop, Grace Mngadi, JW Beukes, Corlia Kritzinger, Masilo Silokazi and Adam Butler. PHOTO: Giuseppe Rajkumar Guerandi
The USDU has faced various challenges since the return of students to campus, according to Mngadi. The lack of SU societies fairs, as well as limited marketing and restrictive online tournaments, has impacted participation in the society, she explained.
“For our newer debaters who do not have tournament experience, it is extremely overwhelming,” said Mngadi.
However, the value of debating continues to be recognised among other student bodies on campus, according to Lukhanyo Ngamlana, chairperson of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Student Parliament.
“We deeply appreciate the fact that there is a society on campus such as USDU, one that is premised on the promotion of debate and dialogue…a number of my committee members are members of the society as well, where they have been able to nurture their critical discussion skills,” said Ngamlana.
Adaptation to online debating
The coaching plan for debating has been revised for 2021, according to Praise Chasela, the internals director for USDU, who is in charge of coaching students.
The training will involve alternative venues with smaller capacities, so as to maintain in-person training to an extent, said Chasela.
“[Training] is going to be physical, but also streamed online via Microsoft Teams,” added Chasela.
Student debater, Shaniae Maharaj, participating in an online debate from her home. PHOTO: Giuseppe Rajkumar Guerandi
Online debating has made some international tournaments more accessible, according to Mngadi.
“With virtual tournaments, I think the community itself has grown,” said Mngadi. “Covid has strangely opened up the possibility of better globalisation and connection [in debating],” she added.
According to Mngadi, this year’s national debating championships will be hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand. The society is optimistic about partaking in the tournament, despite the setbacks of the past year, she said.
The official logo of the University of Stellenbosch Debating Union (USDU). PHOTO: Supplied/USDU Facebook page.