A tournament everyone can safely reach

Tshwane WUDC 2028 · Access

Safety & accessibility

A tournament everyone can safely reach

A safety plan built around Pretoria’s diplomatic infrastructure and a fully access-controlled campus, an accessibility committee with real teeth, and the largest scholarship commitment in WUDC history.

Safety Action Plan

  • Diplomatic, well-policed Pretoria
    134 embassies and high commissions, plus the Hatfield CID’s patrols, panic-button app, and VumaCam surveillance network.
  • A fully access-controlled campus
    Guarded entrances, campus-wide CCTV, and trained security throughout the tournament footprint.
  • Secure, scheduled transport
    The Gautrain runs 1,000+ CCTV cameras with a direct police link; all shuttles carry live-tracked, vetted drivers.
  • WGM safety, built in
    A dedicated WGM Safety Officer, background-checked volunteers, safe zones, and partnerships with UP’s Centre for Sexualities, AIDS & Gender and UP&Out.
  • Safe spaces & support services
    Sanctioned common areas, gender-inclusive facilities, mental health rooms, and sober spaces at every social.
  • Political neutrality, actively managed
    Clear behavioural expectations and staff monitoring ensure disagreements over state actions never spill into the competition or participants’ experience.

Accessibility commitments

  • A three-person accessibility committee
    Org Comm, UP’s Student Wellness Committee, and one externally appointed member by public application.
  • Access to physical space
    Elevators, wheelchair-accessible classrooms, low-echo rooms, and trained volunteer guides.
  • Certified mental health support
    Delivered with UP’s Student Wellness Committee, with safe spaces in every building.
  • Privacy and dignity, always
    Accessibility requests are routed solely through the committee and the Convenor — never a reason for stigma or exclusion.

Scholarship & development

The largest scholarship commitment in WUDC history

Funded independently of sponsorship, launching the day registration opens, and governed by a dedicated three-person committee focused on re-connecting the countries WUDC has lost touch with, and reaching regions geographically distant from South Africa.

Latin America & Caribbean
20%
Asian circuit (total)
30%
   – NE / South / SE Asia
10% ea.

The Adjudication Core commits the same floor to its IA budget: at least 15% to Latin America & the Caribbean, and 15% to Asia — minimums the CAP can exceed, never reduce, as scholarship applications come in.

Development

Building the circuit beyond one tournament

01

Application literacy

A trial DCA-style application process, with structured feedback, so first-time applicants can build confidence before the real process.

02

Transparent feedback

Structured check-box judge evaluations, shared with judges after Day 1 — giving everyone a chance to reflect and adjust mid-tournament.

03

Mentorship for new nations

Building on models like Kenya WSDC, linking new and emerging debating nations with experienced mentors across the community.