MAHIKENG MAIL - DURBAN: A 27-year-old Master’s student from North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, has made the country proud by successfully representing South Africa at the BRICS-Research Institute Debate in Durban last week.
Thabo Tshireletso Rakuba was one of the delegates who participated in the competition, which brought together participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The theme of the debate was “BRICS and the Global South: a new perspective shift in the 21st century.” Rakuba said it was a profound privilege to deliberate on issues affecting developing countries, including unemployment, food security and digital governance.
He believes the experience has given him a deeper understanding of the responsibility young scholars have in shaping international discourse.
The event provided a platform for Rakuba to share ideas with delegates from across the BRICS bloc, and he is proud to have represented South Africa on the global stage. Rakuba said, “I am humbled to share that I obtained the 1st runner-up position in the Grand Finale. This achievement has not only strengthened my commitment to public policy and development research but also affirmed the importance of platforms that amplify youth involvement in global conversations”.
“Representing South Africa on an international platform was deeply fulfilling. It reminded me why I live by the motto: ‘Leadership is the ability to translate a vision into reality”. Through opportunities such as this debate, I continue striving to turn my vision of a more equitable and empowered Global South into meaningful action.’ I hope my journey inspires other young people to pursue academic excellence and seize opportunities that allow them to contribute to shaping our world.”
