GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Asisipho Mdedelwa from Nqweba Senior Secondary School in Graaff-Reinet scooped first place in the isiXhosa category at the annual State Of The Province Address School Debate Championships held recently.

During the Sopa debate competition the participating learners were required to reflect on the Premier’s recent state of the province address.

The pupils has to raise discussions on five topics: integrated human settlements with better healthcare and infrastructure; the pioneer maritime sector and industrial development in the province; and better access to quality education and competing socio-economic priorities; building cohesive communities and nation-building amid shrinking resources; and accelerating transformation of the economy to create jobs, stimulate rural development, land reform, food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Topics were discussed in English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans and in Sesotho.

Mdedelwa, who represented the Sarah Baartman District Municipality during the debate, scooped first place in the isiXhosa category and came third overall.

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