Visa hurdles fail to deter Zimbabwe’s debaters in Panama

 Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

THE Zimbabwe National Debate Team is in Panama for the 2025 World Schools Debate Championships, which commenced yesterday and will run until August 2.

The prestigious global tournament has attracted teams from 60 countries, with Africa represented by Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Other participating nations include the United States, Brazil, Spain, Germany, France and Japan.

The students, who travelled to Panama — a country strategically located on the isthmus, linking Central and South America — are: Captain Dean Femayi (Bulawayo), Chuhan Cheng (Harare), Mbonisi Nkala (Bulawayo) and Gabriel Marumahoko (Matabeleland South). Tanatswa Moyo (Harare) and Christian Nhika (Harare) will participate virtually due to visa challenges.

The technical team is led by Head Coach Maison Maphosa, Team Manager Methembe Mthimkhulu and Senior Coach Mary Anne Nazombe.

Team Zimbabwe enters the championships with strong momentum, having recently secured silver medals at the East Africa World Schools Debating and Public Speaking Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.

Coach Maphosa said the team is prepared to demonstrate its strength on the global stage.

“The team is fairly ready. We hope to maintain our momentum as one of the world’s most respected teams. We’re currently ranked 16th globally and number one in Africa. Our goal is to defend that ranking and improve our world record,” he said.

However, Maphosa noted that the journey to Panama had been far from smooth due to visa delays.

“Getting to Latin America has been more stressful than preparing for the tournament. The visa process was tough, and unfortunately, two of our main debaters could not travel. We had to restructure the team with three main speakers and a research assistant, while the two members, who stayed behind will contribute virtually,” he said.

Maphosa expressed gratitude to parents, co-coaches and supporters, who have backed the team over the past months.

“Competing at the World Schools Debate Championships is not just mentally demanding, but also physically and financially challenging. For the past seven months, parents have been actively involved, making this journey smoother than it might have been otherwise. All the coaching staff — from selection and training to mentoring — have worked tirelessly. The country should recognise the effort that has gone into making this team exceptional,” said Maphosa.