Herzlia is honoured to be hosting this debut championship, taking place from 2-5 October 2023. Participating secondary/high school school pupils will form teams of three and engage in debates utilising the WSDC format, the premier style for schools debating worldwide. Each debate will challenge students to assess pragmatic solutions to shared issues prevalent in many African countries.The Pan-African Debating Championship, spearheaded by the National Debating League in South Africa, aims to become an annual assembly of brilliant young minds from across the African continent.

We wish our Herzlia High School team of Amit Melnik, Neo Hermus, Leah Rodenacker, Noah Zive and Noah Helman lots of ‘mazel’ as they compete against and build relationships with teams from Limpopo Province and Gauteng as well as from five other African countries – Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

As Africans, we face unique challenges, but we also have the power to solve them. Through this tournament, we hope to inspire a spirit of collaboration. Our goal is to create an environment where students can learn from one another, build friendships, and develop a deeper appreciation for their African heritage.

100 debaters and teachers in the Herzlia High School Lecture Theatre at the formal opening of the Pan-African Debating Championships.

Herzlia’s Head of JLL, Rabbi Sam Thurgood, explaining to the contestants what the Jewish High Holy Days are all about.