The Pan African Schools Debate Championship (PASDC) 2025 was more than a competition—it was a powerful continental gathering of young African voices committed to dialogue, leadership, and critical thinking. Hosted at the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, South Africa, from 27 June to 2 July 2025, the championship brought together over 70 students from more than 15 secondary schools across Africa.
Facilitated nationally by Baseline Orators Network (BON)–Cameroon and organized by the Pan African Schools’ Debating Council, PASDC 2025 stood as a celebration of intellect, culture, and Pan-African unity.
Cameroon’s Proud Representation
Cameroon was proudly represented by a delegation of four outstanding students drawn from three schools that actively participate in the Cameroon Schools Debate Championship (CSDC):
- Saint Joseph’s College, Sasse – Esoe-Prince Honor
- Saint Joseph Calasanz Bilingual Academic Complex, Messamendongo – Limla Monyuy Wongibe
- Saker Baptist College, Limbe – Canicia Arah Morfaw and Vivica Arrah
The delegation arrived in South Africa on 24 June 2025 and departed on 4 July 2025, following an intensive and enriching international experience.
Before the championship, the students underwent one month of online national-level training, supported by experienced coaches from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Uganda. This preparation laid a strong foundation for their performance on the continental stage.
Championship Schedule & Activities
The PASDC 2025 programme was carefully structured to balance competition, learning, and cultural immersion:
- 27–30 June 2025: Competitive debating and public speaking rounds
- 1 July 2025: Cultural excursions and free day
- 2 July 2025: Grand finals and closing ceremony at the Johannesburg Council Chambers
- 3 July 2025: Educational visits to the Apartheid Museum, Mall of Africa, and China Mall
Debates, Public Speaking & Intellectual Growth
Participants engaged with bold and thought-provoking motions spanning trade policy, taxation, religion, political commentary, and international relations. One of the opening debate motions challenged students to argue:
“This House prefers regional trade agreements (e.g., AfCFTA, ASEAN) over G20-led global trade frameworks.”
Public speaking sessions explored themes of Pan-Africanism, cultural identity, leadership, and civic responsibility. The final impromptu speaking round proved especially demanding. Many students confronted intense fear—some struggling with anxiety and stage fright—yet the experience tested and ultimately strengthened their clarity of thought, confidence, and composure under pressure.
Team Cameroon Achievements
Despite the highly competitive environment, Team Cameroon emerged with distinction:
- 🥉 3rd Best Novice Team at PASDC 2025
- 🌍 Vivica Arrah (Saker Baptist College) ranked 6th Best Public Speaker overall
These achievements highlight Cameroon’s growing influence in continental youth dialogue and reflect the quality of mentorship and preparation provided by participating schools and Baseline Orators Network–Cameroon.
Voices of the Students
The championship left a lasting impact on the participants:
Canicia Arah (Saker Baptist College, Limbe):
“Participating in PASDC 2025 brought out abilities I didn’t even know I had. Speaking to large audiences and engaging across cultures expanded my thinking and vocabulary. Writing speeches regularly built my presentation and analysis skills. I’ve learned that you’re never too small to do great things—just stay focused and trust God.”
Esoe-Prince Honor (Saint Joseph’s College, Sasse):
“The event was a life-changing exposure. I wish I had taken the preparation more seriously from the start. I never imagined it would be this big.”
Inspired by their experience, the students committed to establishing debate clubs in their respective schools, ensuring that public speaking and critical reasoning continue to thrive among their peers.
Cultural Enrichment & Historical Learning
Beyond the debates, PASDC 2025 provided a profound cultural and historical exposure.
Constitution Hill
Several debate rounds were held at Constitution Hill, a former prison complex that has been transformed into a human rights museum. Here, students reflected on justice, resilience, and leadership while learning about the legacies of Nelson Mandela, a global symbol of equality, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a moral compass during the apartheid era.
Educational Excursions
The delegation also visited the Apartheid Museum, where students gained transformative insights into South Africa’s journey from segregation to democracy. Visits to the Mall of Africa and China Mall provided moments of leisure, cultural exchange, and social bonding.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy of Voices
Team Cameroon’s performance at PASDC 2025 is a strong call to action for more schools to participate in future editions of the Cameroon Schools Debate Championship (CSDC) and continental platforms like PASDC.
When we empower students to speak, they learn to lead. And when they lead, they transform nations.
As we continue to pray, debate, and travel, we remain confident that through such experiences, Africa’s future is being shaped—one voice at a time.