From classrooms where debate once seemed out of reach to winning podium finishes, young voices across the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) and Amathole District Municipality are beginning to challenge harmful gender norms and speak out on issues affecting their lives.
This transformation is being driven by the IkhweloLethu programme implemented by nonprofit organisation bumb’INGOMSO, which focuses on shaping positive and equal gender norms among adolescents aged 10 to 14.
“Early adolescence is a critical stage where beliefs about identity, relationships and social roles are formed,” said Anezwa Gcilitchana from bumb’INGOMSO.
“If we intervene at this stage, we have a real opportunity to influence how young people think about equality and respect.”
The programme responds to persistent challenges faced by young people in these communities, including poverty, inequality and exposure to harmful gender expectations.
Through structured discussions, debate, public speaking, sport and parent-child dialogues, the programme creates safe spaces for pupils to reflect, question and engage with social issues.
A key component of the programme is the bumb’INGOMSO Debate Strategy, which has been implemented over the past four years.
Through school-based debate clubs, pupils engage with topics such as gender equality, education, leadership and social justice.
“Debate gives learners a platform to analyse complex issues, listen to different perspectives and express themselves with confidence.
“It also helps challenge stereotypes and build mutual respect among young people,” said Gcilitchana.
The programme is now transitioning to an educator-led model to ensure long-term sustainability.
Between 2024 and 2025, 123 teachers and 59 pupil support agents were trained in debate facilitation, coaching and adjudication, enabling schools to independently run debate clubs.
This shift is already producing results.
Schools such as Mfundiso Primary and Lwandisa Primary, which had never participated in formal debate competitions before, recently secured first-place victories in the Ikhwelolethu Metro Leagues.
“With the right support and training, any school can excel,” Gcilitchana said.
“These achievements show that debate is not only for well-resourced or elite schools.”
Beyond the competition, the programme is making a meaningful impact on the children’s attitudes and behaviour.
A pupil, who did not want to be named in the paper, reflected on his personal growth.
“The things that society labels us with do not define us,” he said, demonstrating a shift towards more inclusive thinking.
Charles Morgan Primary teachers Masixole Goli have also embraced the initiative, taken ownership of debate clubs and integrated them into school activities.
“It’s more than just debate; it’s about shaping how pupils think, express themselves and listen to others with respect.”
Parental involvement remains a cornerstone of the programme, with more than 1,300 parents engaged through dialogues on topics such as puberty, substance abuse and gender norms, helping to reinforce positive values at home.
Since its launch in 2020, Ikhwelolethu has reached 230 schools across the Buffalo City and Amathole regions.
In 2026, 42 schools remain actively engaged, with 43 schools participating specifically in the debate strategy.
Looking ahead, the programme aims to embed debate within the department of basic education’s co-curricular system, creating a sustainable debate ecosystem across the region. By 2027, the goal is for at least 70% of supported schools to run debate programmes independently.
“Our goal is to see young people not just participate, but lead change in their communities,” a determined Gcilitchana said.
Upcoming activities include teacher training sessions, debate leagues, sports programmes and community dialogues, all aimed at strengthening the programme’s reach and long-term impact.
