UCT’s Debating Union perform on global stage

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Debating Union has solidified the institution’s international standing – trotting the continent and the globe to debate pressing issues that affect all corners of the world.

Their most recent competition – the World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC) – was held in Bulgaria from 28 December 2025 until 4 January 2026. And thanks to debaters’ superb skills, the team reached the outround stage of the competition – an outstanding achievement given its world-class standing. The club also made history as the only African team to reach this stage of the event.

The WUDC is the world’s biggest debating tournament, held annually in English, with teams representing universities from across the world. The outrounds usually feature the top 16–48 teams that have advanced from nine preliminary rounds to compete in the knockouts. Reaching this phase of the competition is a tough nut to crack.

“Making outrounds was an enormous achievement, simply because we were up against the best debaters in the world. Getting there took some very hard work, but we won all our debates and made it. So, this was definitely the highlight of our time at WUDC. It also taught us so much,” said chairperson of UCT’s Debating Union, Menzimuhle Ncube.

The power of debate

Ncube, a third-year mechatronics engineering student, who’s also been voted the highest-ranked African debater in the world, described the championship as a good learning opportunity that challenged his and his team’s thinking and opened many doors for the union and its members. Thanks to the networking opportunities, they’ve interacted with people from all walks of life and made lasting friendships.

“The tournament gave us the opportunity to interact with world-renowned debaters and form lasting connections that will help further develop debaters at UCT.”

“The tournament gave us the opportunity to interact with world-renowned debaters and form lasting connections that will help further develop debaters at UCT. Because of these connections, many have also committed to provide us with training to help us grow, which is a real bonus,” he explained.

He said the team enjoyed every debate, and each session covered a range of topics, including economics and politics, as well as technology and artificial intelligence. Ncube described the experience as invaluable because it taught them something new every day.

Global recognition

Participating in these and other competitions have also contributed to the union’s growth and development both on the continent and around the world. And through building this solid reputation, Ncube said they’re often invited to participate in debating tournaments and assist with coaching other clubs.

This year, club members are looking forward to participating in the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Round Robin Debate Tournament that joins an elite and internationally diverse group of debaters for a weekend of debate at the highest level. The event will take place in April in the United States.

“I am immensely proud of the growth of our union. When I joined, the club barely attended tournaments and had very few achievements under their belt. Now, we’re really doing well and performing on a global stage. We’ve worked very hard to earn our accolades. It’s up to us to keep going,” Ncube said.

Other tournaments the club participated in and performed notably include: the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship; the African National Debating League; and the South Atlantic Debating Championship.