Follow the ways of a Debate Master

Extroverted, ambitious, level-headed, successful and down- to- earth but how does Luyanda Mfeka see himself? “I am a very adventurous person but try to stay grounded in everything I do,” he said.

Luyanda, or ‘Lu’ as he is known to his friends, resides in Jan Smuts residence which of course comes with a reputation of debauchery but as you enter his neat room and are comforted by his bright smile it is obvious that he is not one who enhances this reputation in any way. His room is well organised which reflects in his nature and appearance with trim stylish hair and slight stubble.

‘Lu’ attended Alexander High School in Pietermaritzburg where he had as scholarship and served as head boy in his senior year. It was at Alexander High that he first became involved in debate, mainly due to his headmaster who felt it was necessary to excel in all forms of school activity to keep a scholarship and according to ‘Lu’ he, “wasn’t in the mood to play chess,” so debate became a part of his life. ‘Lu’ feels that debating is enjoyable but what he enjoys most is the challenge, “I like to see if I can argue my way out of anything.” said ‘Lu’.

‘Lu’s decision to come to Rhodes was based on his experience of the Grahamstown festival as well as,” the party experience and the experiences that I had heard from my friends.” Being confident in nature ‘Lu’ felt little apprehension upon entering the Rhodes community and was exited about experiencing a new environment and set of people. “You get over the nervousness quite quickly all you need to do is find a good bunch of friends because as a survival mechanism first years bunch and being alone can be quite rough.” Said ‘Lu’.

For ‘Lu’ joining the Rhodes debating society was a natural progression from high-school, he just wanted to see what would happen and had low expectations,” Quite frankly I expected to get my but kicked,” said ‘Lu’. This however was not the case and ‘Lu’ soon found out that you don’t have to be ‘Ultra-intelligent’ to debate and he began to make his mark on the debating scene. ‘Lu’ became so successful that he and his debating partner Luxolo Matebese reached the final of the English Secondary Language (ESL) debate division. ‘Lu’ admits to being nervous in the debate competition, facing fourth years on occasion, but realised that at times, “I could run circles around them.” ‘Lu’ added to his debating achievements when he made the Eastern Cape provincial team and received an award from the province. He also picked up an award for best new speaker from Rhodes.

After an excellent maiden debating season at Rhodes ‘Lu’ was also chosen as secretary of the Rhodes debating society and adding to his C.V was voted as a student’s representative counsel (SRC) hall rep for Jan Smuts Hall.

Luyanda Mfeka is not just a survivor of first year at Rhodes; he is someone who has achieved much in a short space of time. He has also gone about achieving what he has in a very humble way and so has made many friends throughout the year. This grounded nature and achievement is something that all prospective first year students can aspire to an ‘Lu’s’ example is one that can be learnt from and should be followed.

Fast Facts:

Favourite Movie: ‘V for Vendetta’

Favourite Colour: ‘black or blue, never been able to make up my mind on that one’

Role Model: Ruth Everson, ”The woman left me close to tears after attending one of her lectures and I have been a fan of her work ever since.”

Favourite Varsity Moment: “For better or for worse, the night of the 8/08/08(those concerned will know) legendary night at the monument filled with good buds and the bear.”

Most Embarrassing Moment: “Many but failing to pronounce the word homeopathic while participating in a public debate in high-school about alternative medicines.