By Ontiretse Motingwa

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law hosted its annual cross-campus public speaking competition on 23 September.

This year marked the fifth Ubuntu Ambassadors Public Speaking Competition, which aims to improve students' public speaking abilities and raise knowledge of Ubuntu and human rights. This year the competition focused on the themes inclusiveness, inclusion and cancel culture.

“These platforms are crucial for student development and engagement, and this competition has really grown to be one of the highlights on the faculty calendar because the calibre of student contributions increases every year,” says Adv Rene Koraan, director for professional development and community engagement and supervisor of the event.

The competition was preceded by a lively and inspiring panel discussion which laid the scene for an even more thrilling competition.

It consisted of two rounds. In round one written speeches were submitted for adjudication across the three campuses to select a representative for each campus. During round two the top nine students presented their speeches in front of the panel and the audience, after which the top three were selected.

Mahikeng Campus student Liyakhanya Nonkondlo was announced the second runner-up, Lihle Ngubeni from the Vanderbijlpark Campus was first runner-up, and Sandile Mbizeni from Mahikeng was announced the winner. A finalist from the Potchefstroom Campus, Thabang Mnculwane, received the People’s Choice award.

“Congratulations to all the participants and a special well done to our winners. We are already looking forward to the next competition,” says Adv Koraan.