Curro Delft learners find their voice on South Africa’s debating stage
09 October 2025There is something powerful about watching young people realise they have something worth saying… And every reason to say it with confidence!
From small beginnings to national success
What began as a modest after-school gathering has become a standout example of teamwork and growth. Curro Delft’s debating society had no external mentors or formal training programmes. Teachers and learners built it together, learning as they went and turning limited resources into opportunity.
Today, those same learners stand on national stages, competing against some of South Africa’s most established schools. Their achievements include winning the Climate Change School Debate Competition, placing first at the Western Cape Interschool Debate, and qualifying for the 2025 High School National Debating Championship at Danville Girls’ High School in Durban. They currently rank second in their division, having produced the best speaker in every round of the National Debating League.
Rising through the ranks
From ninth place last year to second this year, Curro Delft’s progress has been remarkable. The team has debated against schools such as Bishops Diocesan College, Herzlia High School, Edgemead High School, and Milnerton High School.
Finding confidence through speech
For many of these learners, debating has been transformative. One reflected, ‘I’ve always been afraid of public speaking, worried about being judged. Debating has taught me that it’s about rising to challenges and working under pressure.’ Another, a Grade 8 newcomer, added, ‘Representing Curro Delft on such a large scale so soon after arriving truly means so much to me.’
One learner described the team’s spirit best: ‘There’s no prejudice or discrimination. It’s supportive and inclusive. It’s beautiful.’
Debating as a model for education
Curro Delft, part of the Curro DigiEd Schools network, embraces an innovative approach to learning through technology, small classes, and project-based education. This environment equips learners with collaboration, self-discipline, and analytical skills.
For some, debating has become a way to channel confidence; for others, it has been a life-changing lesson in courage. It teaches learners to think critically, articulate ideas clearly, listen attentively, and engage with respect.
Leadership and vision
Ruan Beukes, Executive Head of Curro Delft High School, captured the essence of their achievement: ‘Our learners’ journey shows what becomes possible when they are given space to discover their voice and the courage to use it. In just over a year, they have grown from a small after-school group to the national stage. They have learned something far more important than rules of debating: that their voices deserve to be heard.’