Hage returns to regional debate with glorious comeback
From silence to success: Hage reigns supreme
After a two-year break, the Hage Geingob High School Debate Unit made an exciting return at the Circuit 1 Debate Competition at Goreangab Junior Secondary School.
After two years of silence, the Hage Geingob High School Debate Unit stormed back into the limelight at the Circuit 1 Debate Competition, held at Goreangab Junior Secondary School on 5 April. And what a return it was! Blazing, brilliant and unforgettable.For many, Hage was the underdog. Having not participated in circuit-level debate tournaments for two years, expectations were modest. But what followed was nothing short of a statement: Hage is back, and they mean business.
Competing against the finest debaters from Circuit 1 schools, the Hage Debate Unit dominated the tournament with powerful arguments, sharp rebuttals, and stage presence that could command silence from a roaring crowd. The team of Johannes Johannes, Johanna Shikongo, Tanaka Mapwanye and Vivienne Alfred cruised to the finals after a unanimous decision in the semi-finals - a powerful mark of excellence, as every adjudicator agreed they deserved the win.
In the finals, they faced the formidable Concordia team, but Hage outshone them with passion, clarity, and confidence, snatching victory and taking home the title.
“All I could think about was proving that we never truly left, but only paused to grow stronger,” said Johannes Johannes. “When they announced our win, it felt like all the late nights, breakdowns, and comebacks were worth it. We were ready, and we showed that.”
Adding to the triumph, every single Hage debater made it into the Top 10 Best Speakers list—a feat that few schools have ever achieved. These top speakers are selected to represent Circuit 1 at the prestigious Khomas Regional Debate Competition, where the region’s best clash for glory.
From that Top 10, Johanna Shikongo and Johannes Johannes secured their spots on the final Khomas Regional Debate Team, cementing their place as two of the best young minds in the region.
The Circuit 1 Debate Competition wasn’t just any tournament for Hage, and with regionals on the horizon, one thing is clear:
Hage isn’t just back - they’re here to conquer.