University College Dublin were crowned the winners of the fifth Mandela Africa Debate at DIT Aungier Street recently.

 

  The UCD team defeated Maynooth University in the final round of the inter-varsity debating competition, sponsored by Concern and created by the Africa Students Association of Ireland (ASAI) to bring together students from Africa societies in the various colleges and universities across Ireland. 

 

  Organisers say the contest fosters students’ leadership, learning and advocacy on matters that concern justice, freedom, democracy, national and global sustainable development, and other related issues. 

 

The debate’s impetus, they add, is to reflect the spirit of Nelson Mandela and other inspiring figures from Desmond Tutu to Daniel O’Connell “whose lives serve as examples in their contribution to creating a more just, diverse and inclusive society.”

 

  The Mandela Africa Debate series started in 2014 and now involves more than 15 Africa societies annually who qualify for the finals via four regional rounds.

 

  This year saw the finalists debate motions related to African businesses, insecurities within the community, as well as other current and topical issues for Africans.

 

  For more on the ASAI’s events, find them on Facebook at ASAI Ireland and Snapchat @official_asai.