British Parliamentary Debate Training
Master the world's most prestigious debate format and compete nationally.
Majestic Discourse Debate Academy empowers learners from under-resourced South African schools to find their voice, think critically, and compete on the world stage.
Master the world's most prestigious debate format and compete nationally.
"Every learner deserves a platform to be heard. Debate gives them that platform — and the confidence to use it."
Majestic Discourse Debate Academy bridges the gap between under-resourced South African schools and world-class debate opportunities. We believe that every learner — regardless of geography or resources — deserves the chance to find their voice.
To empower learners from underserved schools with debate and communication skills that enable them to participate confidently in global discourse.
To build a globally recognized debate development platform that connects rural South African learners with international debate opportunities.
Every statistic represents a young learner finding their voice, a school gaining access, a future being transformed.
"Debate training gave our learners the confidence to speak up not just in competitions, but in classrooms, communities, and boardrooms. MDDA is doing essential work."
Progressive, structured training from beginner to tournament-ready — designed for learners at every level.
Build confidence, voice projection, and structured communication from the ground up. Ideal for learners with no debate experience.
Develop sharp analytical thinking, evidence-based argumentation, and the ability to respond to opposing arguments under pressure.
Deep-dive training in British Parliamentary, World Schools, and World Scholars Cup formats with mock debates and judging feedback.
Each learner is paired with an experienced mentor who guides their academic and competitive development throughout the year.
Teach learners to find credible sources, analyze evidence, construct logical frameworks, and apply academic reasoning in debate.
Full logistics support for national and international tournaments — from registration to travel preparation and post-competition debrief.
MDDA's Teacher Facilitator Training equips educators with the skills and confidence to run debate clubs, coach learners, and integrate critical thinking into the classroom — all independently, once trained.
A practical, intensive training experience for educators
✦ Free to qualifying educators & schools ✦
Our curriculum covers three internationally recognized debate formats used in the most prestigious competitions across Africa and the world.
4 teams · 8 speakers · Global standard
2 teams · 3 speakers · WSDC format
Collaborative · Multi-discipline · Global
The most widely used debate format in universities and international competitions. Four teams compete simultaneously — two proposing, two opposing — with each speaker making a unique contribution.
Two government benches and two opposition benches each with two speakers
Each speaker has 7 minutes with Points of Information in the middle
Motions revealed 15 minutes before the round — testing real reasoning
South Africa's top university-hosted tournaments use this format
The format of the World Schools Debating Championships — used by national teams competing at the highest level. Combines prepared and impromptu rounds to test both depth and adaptability.
Proposition vs Opposition with a structured speech order and reply speeches
Blend of motions known in advance and motions on the day
4-minute closing speeches that summarize and frame the debate
The standard for South African national and provincial debate teams
A unique multi-discipline tournament where learners compete in team debates, individual writing, and collaborative challenges across six diverse academic subjects.
6 subject areas — from science to arts — all woven into debate topics
Written exam testing broad academic knowledge across all subjects
Collaborative Writing requires strategic teamwork and shared analysis
Culminates at the Tournament of Champions at Yale or other global venues
A passionate advocate for educational equity in South Africa, Charmaine founded MDDA with a single conviction: that where a child grows up should never determine the size of their voice.
"I started MDDA because I saw brilliant minds in our rural schools that no one was giving a stage. Debate doesn't just teach you to argue — it teaches you to think, to listen, and to lead. Every learner deserves that."
Built MDDA from the ground up to serve communities overlooked by the mainstream
Works directly with principals and teachers to bring debate into rural classrooms
Partners with Georgetown Global Consulting for strategic organizational growth
Believes in the transformative power of public discourse for youth development
Founder & Executive Director
Whether you're a student ready to find your voice, a teacher wanting to embed debate in your classroom, a principal looking to partner, or a funder ready to transform lives — MDDA has a place for you.
Whether you're a principal, a parent, a funder, or a learner — we'd love to hear from you. Fill in the form and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.
We respond within 48 hours to all enquiries.