In a world often defined by sound bites and echo chambers, the importance of critical thinking, effective communication and thoughtful debate cannot be overstated.
Among the many platforms that nurture these essential skills, youth debating teams stand out as powerful catalysts for personal growth and social impact.
Thalente Maphumulo from Clermont is aiming to do just that with his debating programme, being run at various high schools in Durban.
At 22, Maphumulo manages the Superstars League Debate tournament.
He was inspired, based on his own experience of being part of the debating team at his school, to get young people to think critically and to research topics.
“My life changed when I started developing various skills during my days of participating in debates. Engaging in debates harnesses one’s ability to research and analyse problems. It also teaches pupils how to express their thoughts and feelings fluently and with confidence, develops communication, leadership and critical thinking skills and it nudges their curiosity and creativity. I wanted to manifest those qualities within them.
“More than anything, I wanted the youth to engage in this activity in order to keep them occupied and off the streets, as most young people tend to fall into the trap of crime and drug abuse, among other social ills, when they are not occupied with something constructive,” said Maphumulo.
He does not receive any funding, so he relies on sponsorships and collaborations for the programme.
He has collaborated with the BAT Centre, which provides the venue and sometimes refreshments for the participants; Vuma FM, for radio interviews; and the South African Police Service, for safety.
Maphumulo started the programme last month and has hosted eight schools, including Sithengile Secondary School, Ziphathele High School and Pinetown Girls High School.
Topics discussed cover current affairs.
He said that while there were challenges running the programme, he manages to overcome them.
“Some of these challenges are providing refreshments to pupils and transportation to the venue for my team members. I overcome these through God’s grace as last minute help always shows up from people I least expect it to come from,” said Maphumulo.
Following the death of his parents while he was a teenager, Maphumulo lived with his grandmother and then his step mother.
He completed his matric at Burnwood Secondary School and has a qualification in sound engineering from the Creative Arts College. Maphumulo is also a musician, photographer and a videographer.
He said he has plans to take the debating team to international levels.
“I envision the Superstars League Debate going very far and becoming well-known in South Africa and overseas as it is a tournament. All the schools that qualify would challenge each other until they qualify to go overseas for the debate. I see it making a major difference in the lives of many young high school scholars,” said Maphumulo.