Curro Delft has been crowned the overall winner of the 2025 Climate Change School Debate Competition, hosted by the Working on Fire–Kishugu Joint Venture and proudly sponsored by Woolworths’ MyDifference programme. The team’s innovative solutions and persuasive arguments highlighted how young people are stepping up to lead in the fight against climate change.
The competition, held on Friday, 22 August at the Green Point Smart Living Centre, ran under the theme “Empowering Youth as Agents of Change in Disaster Risk Reduction.” The event brought together six teams of Grade 9 learners, each comprising five participants, who tackled pressing topics such as renewable energy, conservation, wildfire management, and global climate policy. Their debates combined scientific evidence with bold ideas and fresh perspectives, inspiring both judges and attendees.
“Congratulations to all the learners and especially Curro Delft who took top honours. Woolworths is committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people to think critically and act boldly on climate issues. These learners are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are making a difference today,” said Mbuso Mlambo, representative of the Woolworths MyDifference Programme.
The judging panel featured experts from the Western Cape Education Department, CapeNature, SANParks and the City of Cape Town, bringing credibility and professional insights to the event.
Working on Fire–Kishugu JV said the debate reaffirmed the vital role of youth in shaping Africa’s future. By creating platforms like this, the organisation aims to nurture informed citizens ready to adapt to a changing climate and reduce disaster risks.
For the learners of Curro Delft — Oyintando Mqeshule, Valiant Munyanyi, Rayhana Van Ziel, Mbali Maseko, Siphosethu Ntilane and Enam Sasa — the victory represents more than a trophy. It symbolises the growing leadership of young South Africans in driving sustainable change and reimagining a resilient future for their communities.
