The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has made history once again by being the first university in South Africa to host the inaugural BRICS Debate Championship Grand Finale 2025. This landmark event hosted in collaboration with the BRICS Research Institute (BRICS-RI) and the University of Venda is currently being held at the DUT Mansfield Hall, Ritson campus in Durban from Wednesday, 26 November 2025 to Friday, 28 November 2025.
Battling for the championship title are five national champions from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). Representing Brazil is Mr Rodrigo Ferreira Barros from the National School of Public Administration, Mr Vaniashev Sergeevich is representing Russia, India is being represented by Ms Riddima Pant from Delhi Technological University, Mr Zhisheng Wang from Zhejiang University is representing China and South Africa is being represented by Mr Thabo Rakuba from North-West University. These young scholars are competing in a three-round, one-on-one international debate series exploring global power transitions and South-South cooperation. The championship is guided by the theme: “BRICS and the Global South: A New Power Shift in the 21st Century.”
Moderating the opening ceremony was Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit at DUT. He commended the BRICS-RI for establishing this first debate platform which is dedicated to nurturing intellectual diplomacy among young scholars across BRICS. He shared that DUT is honoured to host the five national champions of their representative countries. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests who graced the opening ceremony including the Indian Embassy, Chinese Embassy and executive management and representatives from the various institutions in attendance.
In his welcome address, Dr Lavern Samuels, Director of International Education and Partnerships at DUT said DUT was privileged to host this pioneering intellectual platform that has brought together the brightest young thinkers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Dr Samuels shared that in an era defined by complexity, uncertainty, and unprecedented global shifts, societies increasingly depend on scholars who can analyse deeply, communicate persuasively, and engage collaboratively across cultural and geopolitical borders. He shared that this championship reflects a collective commitment within DUT and across BRICS to nurturing young scholars. Dr Samuels also shared briefly the historical concept that led to the establishment of the BRICS-RI and how this initiative aligns strongly with DUT’s mission to foster innovation, cultivate transformative scholarship, and expand global engagement that contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.
Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, the Head of BRICS Research Institute and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda said that the BRICS Research Institute was founded on the principles of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and scholarly excellence.
“Today, these principles find vibrant expressions in this pioneering debate platform. As I have often affirmed, through debate, we do not merely compete, we connect. This championship exemplifies how South Africa and the broader BRICS community are reshaping global narratives through research, innovation, and intellectual diplomacy. May this championship inspire deeper inquiry, foster lasting friendships, and ignite a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and global cooperation,” shared Prof Netswera.
Additionally, Prof Netswera shared that the debate empowers young thinkers to interrogate global challenges, defend evidence-based reasoning, and develop the diplomatic temperament essential for leadership in an interconnected world. In doing so, he indicated that it affirms their belief that the next generation of BRICS scholars will not only inherit the global order but will play a decisive role in shaping it.
Delivering the diplomatic address, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban, Mr Li Zhighong expressed his continuous efforts to strengthening the longstanding ties between China and South Africa. He solidified the Chinese Consulate’s commitment in fostering economic and cultural ties between South Africa and China. He wished each participant a meaningful, enriching, and a transformative experience.
The five debaters are taking part in back to back matches where they are rated on competitive fairness, and a comprehensive assessment of each participant’s analytical and diplomatic abilities. The final round will be held on Friday, 28 November 2025 where the champion will be crowned.
Pictured: The national champions along with the distinguished guests during the opening ceremony.
Photographer: DUT Multimedia
Simangele Zuma
