Melissa Sibanda, a PhD student in the Discipline of Geography, Planning and Housing at UKZN, has won a national debate competition and will represent South Africa at the BRICS Debate Championship in Moscow, Russia, in December. Sibanda, 29, is currently an Academic Development Officer at UKZN and has been studying at the university since she matriculated. Her research focuses on the challenges faced by women living in informal settlements and their access to basic services.
Sibanda's interest in debating began when she attended the BRICS Debate Championship in China in 2024. She was inspired by the discussions on poverty, gender, and inequality and decided to participate in the competition to contribute to the conversations. Sibanda entered the competition in March this year and won, earning the right to represent South Africa at the international championship.
To prepare for the competition, Sibanda studied the history, institutions, and education systems of the BRICS countries, as well as their politics and economies. She believes that representing South Africa effectively requires her to be strategic and solution-focused, rather than criticizing other countries or peoples. Sibanda's goal is to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges facing her country and others.
Dr. Normah Zondo, Executive Director of International Relations at UKZN, has congratulated Sibanda on her achievement, saying that she has made the university proud. Zondo emphasized that Sibanda's educational background and research experience will enable her to make a positive impact in her community, particularly in addressing poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
The BRICS Debate Championship brings together students from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss and debate pressing global issues. The winner of the competition will receive a scholarship to pursue further studies at any university in the BRICS countries. Sibanda's achievement is a significant milestone for her and for UKZN, and her participation in the championship is expected to inspire other students to pursue academic excellence.
Sibanda's research on the challenges faced by women in informal settlements is particularly relevant in the South African context, where many women struggle to access basic services such as housing, healthcare, and education. Her participation in the BRICS Debate Championship provides an opportunity for her to share her knowledge and insights with a global audience and to learn from others.
Key points
- Melissa Sibanda, a UKZN student, will represent South Africa at the BRICS Debate Championship in Moscow, Russia, in December.
- Sibanda's research focuses on the challenges faced by women living in informal settlements and their access to basic services.
- The winner of the BRICS Debate Championship will receive a scholarship to pursue further studies at any university in the BRICS countries.
