US$20 000 boost for Team Zimbabwe ahead of Nigeria debate challenge

Michelle Musandinyoze Chronicle Reporter

ZIMBABWE’s debate team is set to receive a US$20 000 boost towards its participation at the Pan-African Universities Debate Challenge slated for Nigeria in December this year.

Chairperson for Africa Youth Congress and Deputy National Political Commissar for the Zanu PF Youth league, Cde Taurai Kandishaya, revealed this during the 9th edition of the Zimbabwe Debate Challenge 2026 hosted at the Bulawayo Polytechnic between 13 to 19 June.

Cde Kandishaya highlighted that in support of President Mnangagwa, financial support will be given for the upcoming ‘Trabablas Open Debate Challenge’, which will host close to 5 000 delegates.

“The tournament will serve as a platform to celebrate the President’s vision while encouraging young people to appreciate their role in advancing Vision 2030,” he said.

“Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, in support of His Excellency the President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, committed US$20 000 towards Team Zimbabwe’s participation at the Pan African Debate in Nigeria this December.”
The Bulawayo Polytechnic tournament marked the biggest gathering of tertiary intellectual talent in Zimbabwe this year, with more than 500 of the country’s best debaters drawn from 26+ polytechnics and teacher training colleges across all provinces. The competition started with 88 teams.

After days of rigorous rounds, Kwekwe Polytechnic emerged as champions, followed by Bulawayo Polytechnic in second place, and Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic in third.
It also featured categories such as quiz and public speaking for inclusivity.

This year’s tournament ran under the theme: “Amplifying the Voices of Intellectual Competition and Setting a Footprint in Education 5.0.” The theme speaks directly to the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s tertiary education sector under Education 5.0 and Vision 2030.

In his remarks, Bulawayo Polytechnic vice principal for education and development, Mr I. Dube said they were honoured to have provided a platform where ideas have been exchanged, perspectives challenged and future leaders nurtured.

“ZIDC continues to demonstrate the vital role that debating, public speaking and quizzing play in developing the communication, analytical and problem solving skills that are essential in advancing Education 5.0 and the aspirations of Vision 2030,” he said.

Secretary for Tertiary Education Service Council, Dr Tafadzwa Mudondo also addressed the grand finale, extending his appreciation to the Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Debate Association, Bulawayo Polytechnic, and the Chief Adjudication Panel.

“This development broadens the scope of intellectual competition and creates additional opportunities for participants to showcase academic excellence, knowledge, teamwork, and creativity,” he said.
“From economic policy to industrialisation, from education to governance and transformation, the students demonstrated not just debating skill but a clear understanding of the issues shaping our country.

“One could clearly hear policy thinking coming from engineers, technicians, artisans, educators and other practically trained professionals. This is the kind of intellectual grounding that Education 5.0 demands.”
Chief adjudicator, Kayleen Zulu commended the debaters for their intellectual depth and discipline.

“What stood out for me was not just the eloquence, but the courage these young minds displayed in tackling complex national issues. Debating at this level demands research, critical thinking and teamwork – skills that align directly with Education 5.0,” she said.

“I am proud to have chaired a panel of young adjudicators proving that we can lead and uphold integrity in our own spaces. To all participants, your voices matter, and Zimbabwe’s future is in capable hands.”

She chaired alongside her two panelists Kwanele Leslie Mbiza and Hillary Monroe.

Despite being a young woman in her twenties, she said that she managed to run the national tournament smoothly with the help of her panelists displaying strong leadership skills.

” It was hectic, with rounds going late into the night, but we managed to maintain order, fairness and focus,”she said

Off the stage, Kayleen shows the same commitment to service. She co-founded Box & Basket, an SME that moves fresh fruits and vegetables into hotels, schools and restaurants.

The work keeps her connected to real issues students debate about like food access and supporting local farmers and contributing to value chains in the country.

The programme ran late into the night, ending around 2am, with President ED Mnangagwa’s biography _The Life of Sacrifice_ handed over to the winners as a symbol of leadership and service.