BUA Vol 8 Issue 2_April_Monday

Youth Take
Center Stage at
TUT Political
Debate
Leaders from different political student structures
By Excel Fongoma and Images by Lindokuhle Nkosi
T
shwane FM and BUA ignite political fire as student organizations
clash and collaborate for a better South Africa. Student
Governance and Leadership Development facilitated the
participation of the Political Structures.
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campus became a hotbed
of political discourse on [Date of Debate] as Tshwane FM, in partnership
with the BUA Student Newspaper, hosted a dynamic Political Debate.
Nine student organizations and political party youth leagues – SASCO,
EFFSC, SCO, BOSA, Mkhonto we Sizwe, IFP, ANC YCL, and YCL came
together to engage in a lively and thought-provoking exchange on
critical issues facing South Africa.
This diverse gathering ensured a multifaceted discussion.
Representatives from across the political spectrum tackled a range
of topics relevant to South African students, potentially including,
Access to quality and affordable education, The unemployment crisis
and graduate prospects, The National Student Financial Aid Scheme
(NSFAS), Social justice and equal opportunities and The trajectory of
South Africa's economy.
Tebogo Magubane, Station Manager at Tshwane FM, captured the
essence of the event, stating, “The youth of today can only write their
will at the voting booth, and for the first time we have a large number
of young people who are registered to vote. And if they do pull through
on the voting day we will see their efforts, as we have seen today
with the political debate that we had and how driven they were when
addressing issues that were talked upon.”
Amantle, a second-year Administrative Information Management
student, offers a critical analysis of the recent political debate
at TUT. Amantle feels the debate lacked respect and decorum,
hindering productive discussion. She worries that self-interest
overshadows genuine concern for student and citizen well-being.
While acknowledging some progress under the current administration,
Amantle remains cautious. She expresses concern that personal gain
may trump collective advancement in future leadership.
The TUT Political Debate serves a crucial
role in fostering political awareness and
engagement among students. By creating
a platform for open discussion and debate,
the event empowers future leaders to
become informed citizens who actively
participate in shaping South Africa's future.
Motshabi Phakwe and Mohale Molala
Amantle Hlatshwayo TUT Debate Society Chairperson 2024
Mr Makhushe, Student Governing and Leadership
Development HOD
Political debate
page
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BUA