South African Pupils Hold Their Own among World’s Best Speakers

Learners from schools across South Africa demonstrated why the country remains one of the strongest competitors in international debating and public speaking. South Africa (08 May 2026) – South... The post South African Pupils Hold Their Own among World’s Best Speakers appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 8, 2026 - 15:12

South African Pupils Hold Their Own among World’s Best Speakers

Learners from schools across South Africa demonstrated why the country remains one of the strongest competitors in international debating and public speaking.

South Africa (08 May 2026) – South Africa’s young public speakers once again proved they can compete with the very best in the world after a strong showing at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC) in Bristol, England.

The prestigious global competition, which has been running since 1988, brought together some of the world’s top high school speakers to compete across five categories: debate, impromptu speaking, interpretive reading, persuasive speaking and after-dinner speaking.

Speaking after the event, South African team manager and accompanying teacher Shaun McCabe praised the standard shown by the country’s 15-member contingent, which featured learners from several schools across South Africa.

“South African speakers compete with the best and are able to beat the best.”

The championships follow a layered and demanding format, with competitors taking part in preliminary rounds before advancing to semi-finals, finals and grand finals. Unlike traditional debating formats, the parliamentary debate section pairs learners randomly with competitors from other countries, testing not only speaking ability but adaptability and teamwork under pressure.

South Africa produced standout performances across multiple categories, with learners advancing deep into the competition. Jemma Trezling won the debate category, while Samuel Clarke claimed victory in persuasive speaking.

Several South African learners also reached the semi-final stages across the different disciplines. In debate, Samuel, Lucy, Connor, Hamad, Benjamin, Shivkar, Jemma and Oliver progressed to the semi-finals, while Daniel reached the reading final. Yalena, Connor, Hamad and Benjamin also advanced in impromptu speaking, highlighting the depth of talent within the South African team.

McCabe explained that the national team is selected through South Africa’s own National Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, which are held annually. The competition mirrors the international event and serves as the pathway for learners to qualify for the world stage.

However, he acknowledged that financial challenges remain a major obstacle for many learners hoping to participate internationally.

“Unfortunately, because it necessitates travel, it can be unaffordable for many speakers.”

Despite the challenges, McCabe said one of the most rewarding aspects of the championships was seeing learners from around the world build friendships and support one another beyond national borders.

“They arrive as adolescents and tend to stay within their own delegations at first, but within a few days they’re making friends with people from around the world. It’s less about the individual and more about internationalism. As a teacher, that really fills me with hope.”

Looking ahead, McCabe hopes South Africa will continue maintaining its strong reputation at the championships and inspiring more young people to pursue debating and public speaking.