SA Junior Trials was hosted on Discord from 5 January 2021 – 7 January 2021. Six rounds of debating together with several hours in selection meetings culminated in the announcement of the SA Junior team and the SA Junior Development team on Sunday afternoon.
Tlou Mashitisho attended as a Junior Selector for the first time. He has often not been able to attend the event and felt fortunate to be in the position to attend this year. The hours are long but hearing feedback from learners about their growth is rewarding.
Gundo Mukwevho (Capricorn) applied to attend trials and her application was successful. She spoke for all the rounds and in one debate spoke twice: Opposition’s first speech and Opposition’s third speech. Her team mate had some trouble reconnecting and she stepped in to fill the role. It is good to see this kind of participation from our debaters.
Unfortunately, Gundo wasn’t selected but the feedback she received throughout the tournament will help her improve as a speaker.
SA Junior Trials takes place after the national championship in December. Debaters who are selected to represent the national teams participate in international tournaments throughout the year.