UFH Bcom Law student, Lebhongo Ralana elected Treasurer of Southern African Universities Debate Union

Submitted by Aretha Linden on Fri, 02/09/2022 - 12:46
Read time: 2 mins

Our students continue to cement themselves in prominent spaces, nationally and internationally.   Most recently, Lebhongo Ralana, a third-year Bcom Law student and chairperson of the UFH Debate Society was elected Treasurer of the Southern African Universities Debate Union for the year 2023.

The Union is the host of the prestigious South African National University Debating Championship (SANUDC) - the largest annual non-sporting event held for students from higher learning institutions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The event brings together the brightest student debaters from various universities in the region who compete in robust and intellectual engagements to find solutions for current societal problems that persist in the region and in the world.

Lebhongo was elected during this year’s Championship held at Wits University last month (August) where he represented UFH, alongside his team members, Bontle Badashe, Somila Toto and Khanyisile Samente. The UFH team was placed seventh out of 68 teams.

Lebhongo who is a passionae debator started debating whilst in high school. He played a pivotal role in reigniting the University’s East London Campus Debate Society.

“Being part of the debate community has changed my life, it has enabled me to think outside the box and it has exposed me to different views. Furthermore, it has drastically improved my critical thinking skills which have been essential in my daily life. I love the challenge of being taught broad bodies of complex information and exercising creativity,” he said.

Commenting on his election as Treasurer, Lebhongo said: “This opportunity means a lot to me, it will allow me to represent my fellow talented UFH Society speakers on an international stage. Also, I am hoping my new position will present more opportunities for every debater at this institution and allow the society to grow even greater.’’

“I feel honoured to have been chosen amongst multiple individuals from the SADC region,” he said in excitement.