Clubs and Societies
Debating
‘It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.’ Joseph Joubert. 2014 proved to be a year of great excitement for our Debating Society while the world around us discussed anti-homosexual laws in Russia and Uganda, Crimean succession and sovereignty, humans and the culture of polygamy in South Africa. The National All Girls’ Schools’ Sports and Cultural Festival held in Port Elizabeth did not necessarily result in victory and triumph, but rather the creation of happy memories and the cultivation of an impressive team spirit which helped get us through the year. For the first time, PHSG entered two senior teams into the SACEE Debating League, in which both teams progressed to the championships. After two full days and six exhausting debates, the First Team ranked ninth. The juniors also participated, but were not so lucky. I thank the entire Debating Society for a truly enriching year. It has been exciting hearing terms such as hactivism, vigilantism, polyandry and non-heteronormativity used in the school corridors. I hope they will continue to question the world around us and that they will inspire their peers to do the same. Thanks go to Mrs Cÿrus, coach Chris Hojem and Jolandi Swanepoel (Old Girl) for the hours they have given to keeping debating at our school alive and challenging. Karina de Kock Head
SENIOR DEBATING TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Side Ntsaluba, Ponahalo Mojapelo, Cameron Perumal, Joyce Bongongo, Voni Pillay Middle Row (L-R): Mona-Lisa Gqwede, Shannon Wardlaw, Sinazo Mogadlela, Ms J Cÿrus, Jeanay van Schalkwyk, Kate Kabe, Tumi Makhafola Front Row (L-R): Mr C Hojem, Karina de Kock, Ms J Swanepoel, Rebecca Ewang, Mr P Margondo
Model United Nations
This year Model United Nations (MUN) at Pretoria High School for Girls has grown immensely, not only in terms of support but also in the number of young ladies getting involved in numerous ways. The highlight for this year has been hosting our very own MINIMUN Conference, a global summit to end sexual violence in conflict. We represented Syria (Rebecca Ewang, Sinazo Magadlela and Shikara Balkshun) and the United Kingdom (Mona-Lisa Gqwede, Vani Pillay and Cameron Perumal). Both teams performed remarkably, living up to their real delegation’s standards! Overall our United Kingdom team was ranked third and Syria’s opening speaker was awarded best speaker. The comments and points raised at our conference were used to create a two to three page South African Youth Communiqué for Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict. It was an honour to be part of the official handing over of the communiqué to the British High Commissioner of South Africa. As in the previous year, we entered into the Environmental Sustainability Project at SAIIA, but this time we entered two teams
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PHSG 1902–2014 •
The Iris
JUNIOR DEBATING TEAM
Back Row (L-R): Stacey Sapsford, Grace Mngadi, Tania Twinoburyo, Naledi Sekoati Middle Row (L-R): Mr C Hojem, Khutso Maloka, Maryam Mohamad Al Mahdi, Ms J Cÿrus, Malengete Ngoatje, Katleho Moteane, Mr P Mangondo Front Row (L-R): Chipo Hansungule, Karina de Kock, Ms J Swanepoel, Rebecca Ewang, Nolitha Mrwata
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT WINNERS
Tumi Makhafola, Joyce Bongongo, Mr Werner Smit, Sinazo Magadlela, Vani Pillay