Last weekend, 40 South African top debaters from around the country gathered at Roedean School to compete in the rigorous selection trials for the South African Junior Debating Team.

Rossen Zarkov, Grade 10, was one of the speakers who qualified to participate and he delivered an outstanding performance across six debates. He was the top-ranked debater on the day.

As a result of his excellent performance, Rossen has been selected to represent South Africa as part of the Junior SA Team at the Asian World Schools Debating Championship (AWSDC) in Bangkok, Thailand later in the year. The tournament will feature some of the finest junior debaters from around the world.

“Debating has opened my mind and developed my critical thinking skills,” Rossen said. “Understanding the logic behind a wide range of perspectives has been fascinating. I’m proud that I am going to be to be wearing green and gold, but I wouldn’t have achieved this without the black and white. I’ve never been prouder to be a Jeppe boy and to have the opportunity to represent both my school and my country in an International competition.”

Rossen’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and passion for debating. We congratulate him and this amazing milestone in competing on the international stage!

A very big thank you and congratulations are in order to Mr Neo Kgaphola who has invested so much of his time in coaching Rossen. “Rossen is an exceptionally talented debater,” he said. “Since he started debating two years ago his development has been nothing short of astounding. This achievement is just reward for countless hours spent formulating nuanced and compelling arguments.”

Well done to the both of them for this achievement!