By Comfort Mamabolo
The University of Limpopo (UL) debating team marked Valentine’s Day by hosting an inter-institutional debate featuring teams from the University of South Africa (UNISA), Taxila Secondary School, Capricorn High School and PEPPS High School. The debate took place at the K17 and K19 venues and centered on the clash between cultural norms, values and modern relationship dynamics.
The tournament brought together experienced facilitators and adjudicators, including the Tournament Convenor Morore Sekhukhune, Tournament Director Praise Mailula, Deputy Chief Adjudicator Paulos Ntswela , Zeenat Ali from the University of Cape Town, and the Scorekeeper, from the University of South Africa Lesedi Jackson. They were joined by Marlyne Motadi, Lehlogonolo Letsoalo and Lashelle Bhimjee, who supported the smooth running of the event.
This year’s debate motions included: This House Would Abolish the Cultural Expectation That Men Must Propose; This House Supports Mandatory Open-Phone Policies in Relationships; This House Believes Valentine’s Day Reinforces Harmful Gender Norms; and This House Believes That Christians Should Not Celebrate Valentine’s Day Due to Its Pagan Origins.
In the opening round, debaters engaged with the motion This House Would Abolish the Cultural Expectation That Men Must Propose. Alicia Moremi and Khanyisile Ngele from Team Peach (K17) opened the floor by defining key concepts such as “abolish” and “proposal”, prompting active engagement from the opposition.
Opposing speakers questioned whether abolishing the expectation would genuinely empower women, with Webster Morrison and Lethabo Kekana arguing that such a move could reinforce patriarchal pressures rather than dismantle them. They suggested that societal expectations around proposals remain deeply embedded in gendered power dynamics.
In K19, Kegoratile Makgato argued that abolishing the tradition could lead to insecurity and discrimination within relationships, particularly for men who are proposed to. Makgato further noted that while culture is subject to change, the meaning of love should not be confined to rigid traditions. Tshilidzi Mphego added that shifting the narrative could also benefit men by reframing proposals as gestures of mutual respect, empathy and shared commitment.
As the debate progressed, Tshilidzi Mphego and Theto Ntlhane from Team Strawberry secured third place, followed by O’nel Thema and Onthatile Thema from Team Pink in fourth place. Judges acknowledged that the discussions highlighted how intentions to commit, cohabit or build a future together can also be interpreted as forms of proposal beyond traditional norms.
Neo Nkoane and Kegoratile Makgato Team Orange. Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Team Grape’s Webster Morrison and Lethabo Kekana emerged as overall winners, taking home the trophy, while Kegoratile Makgato and Neo Nkoane from Team Orange finished as runners-up.
2026 Valentines day debate champions, K17, Photo by: Unarine Mudau
Audience members also reflected positively on the experience. Khuselwa Magwaza, a first-year nursing student at UL, said she attended to learn more about debating while gaining insight into relationships and culture. Fellow first-year student Kamogelo Mapaila, who is studying Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, described the debate as both educational and entertaining. “It was interesting to see young people engage critically with love, culture and gender roles,” he said.
Preparation breaks for debators. Photo by: Unarine Mudau
