The Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF) is delighted to announce that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province has claimed first place in the 2025 Youth4SaferSA Debate Championship. Limpopo province earned second place, while the Mpumalanga finished in third position in this highly competitive national event.
The debate championship coincided with UNESCO International Literacy Day (8 September), themed “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” This alignment highlights the competition’s role in equipping young people with essential 21st-century skills, leadership, problem-solving, and communication, alongside academic disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The event brought together 254 learners from 25 schools from across the country, representing 9 provinces. These Grade 8–11 learners from schools in Khayelitsha (Cape Town), the Buffalo Flats and Amalinda in East London, Jouberton in Klerksdorp, Diepkloof in Soweto, Vergenoeg in Kimberley and Welkom in the Free State. These areas face poverty, unemployment, and high crime rates, including gang activity, drugs, and alcohol abuse.
Retired Lieutenant General Mamonnye Ngobeni, SSAF KZN Provincial Coordinator, expressed pride in the team’s achievement: “Congratulations to Team KZN! You have displayed outstanding determination, discipline, and courage. The skills you have developed, critical thinking, in-depth research, and confident presentation, will benefit you far beyond this competition, both academically and professionally.”
The winning team was led by Samkelo Mdlalose, a Grade 10 learner from Mzuvele Secondary School, joined by his schoolmate Asemahle Ngcobo. Other members included Akhile Mangena and Unathi Mangena from Nqabakazulu Secondary, and Fezokuhle Magwaza and Olwethu Duma from Sbonelo Secondary School.
Reflecting on the journey, Mdlalose said: “I feel relieved that the intense preparation is over, but even more excited that we emerged victorious. Our schools are in communities facing serious challenges such as unemployment and crime, so this achievement is a source of pride and hope. We are grateful to our parents, teachers, the Safer South Africa Foundation, and our debating coach for their guidance and encouragement.”
He added that the experience had been eye-opening: “The topic on the national dialogue pushed us to explore social challenges, understand how government policy is shaped, and think critically about solutions. These were areas we had never studied in such depth before.”
SSAF CEO, General (Ret.) Riah Phiyega, commended all participants:
“I am immensely proud of every learner who took part in this closely contested championship. This event proves that our youth can rise above their circumstances and use their voices to influence positive change.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to POPCRU, our founder, , , and all our valued partners, Department of Basic Education, The Training Firm, Pick n Pay School Club, Workerslife, Medschem, Old Mutual, River Foundation, Insurance institute of South Africa, Banking Association South Africa, Metropolitan, and Institute of Performance Management, Mkhwanazi Inc, Simphiwe Mtetwa pty and Birchwood Hotel and Conference center. Your support makes this championship possible and continues to transform young lives,” Phiyega concluded.