Local team takes top honors in national debate tournament
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Kwekwe Polytechnic emerged as champions of the 7th Zimbabwe Debate and Public Speaking Tournament, held last week. The team, comprising Philip Banda and Donald Ruhukwa, outperformed 20 institutions from polytechnics and teachers’ colleges. The tournament aims to promote critical thinking, effective communication, and leadership skills among learners.
Minister of State Owen Ncube emphasized the importance of debate and public speaking in developing essential skills for the workforce and addressing societal challenges like drug and substance abuse. He commended the participants for honing skills in research, analysis, and persuasive rhetoric, which are increasingly demanded by employers and public institutions.
“This is where the power of debate and public speaking comes into play. These activities are not just about winning arguments or delivering eloquent speeches. At their core, they cultivate the essential critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities that will be indispensable in the workforce of today and tomorrow,” Minister Ncube said.
The government is committed to combating drug and substance abuse, and the minister encouraged the participants to become advocates, volunteers, and leaders in this fight
“Through rigorous research, strategic analysis, and persuasive rhetoric, participants in this tournament are honing the very skills that employers, entrepreneurs and public institutions increasingly demand the ability to distil complex information, formulate compelling narratives, and advocate for novel solutions to pressing challenges,” he said.
