Chronicle Editor
Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday Life Reporter
The Zimbabwe national debate team has assembled a team comprising 18 students who will represent the country on different continental tournaments and world championships in 2024.
A public speaking team made up of seven students was also named.
The debate team will participate in major tournaments including debate Olympics in July, World Public Championships to be held in May in Australia, African Championships to be held in Kenya in May as well as the Asia World Championships to be held in June in Thailand.
A national tournament held in Bulawayo and Harare in November was used to select the team, as scouts spotted top speakers. With the debate team currently ranked number one in Africa and number eight in the world, the new members have a task to maintain the regional standing and try to achieve better results on world championships in 2024.
Maison Maphosa who is the head coach said they are satisfied with the new team and they are aiming at making history next year in the world of debating.
“In November we hosted two national tournament in Bulawayo and Harare and we invited schools from all over Zimbabwe to participate. We used the tournament as a way of selecting the debate and public speaking teams.
“The selection process was thoroughly done as we scouted top speakers whom we are sure will represent the country on different tournaments very well.
“We are number one in Africa and we are ranked in the top 10 in the world. This means that we have a status to protect and we will be proud to do national duty and represent the country well,” said Maphosa.
2024 National Debate Team
Lethukuthula Ngwenya, Collin Mambo (all from Gifford High), Nomthandazo Ncube (Sizane High School), Dean Femayi (Christian Brothers College), Sussana L Zulu (Founders High School), Tinotenda Sapoti, Unathi Njonga, Ryaan Teki (all from St George’s College), Barry Kamanga (Hellenic Academy), Makaita Makwanya (Arundel School), Tanatswa Moyo (St Johns College), Lesley Machimbidza, Denver Musamirapamwe (all from Star Leadership Academy), Davisha Chapfika (Domincan Convent, Harare), Mitchell William, Munotidaishe Gwanzura (all from Wise Owl High School), Leona Marimira (Peterhouse Girls) and Gabriel Muramahoko (Falcon College).
2024 National Public Speaking team
Jordan Tauro (Rockland High School), Davisha Chapfika (Dominican Convent, Harare), Devine Rabvukwa (St George’s College), Thandiwe Chakamanga (Domincan Convent, Bulawayo, Yandisiwe Chisanga (Petra College), Jephthan Chirikuutsi (RPDA/USAP Community School), and Vimbainashe Gwimbi (Midlands Christian College).
Coaches
Maison Maphosa (Head Coach), Thembani Khumalo, Mary Anne Nazombe (Senior Coaches), Methembe Mthimkhulu, Menzimuhle Ncube, Providence Nhongo, Nkosilathi Nkala and Mukudzeiishe Madzivire (Assistant Coaches).
Online Reporter