Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
The Zimbabwe National Debate Team, through its subsidiary, the Royal Pact Debate Academy (RPDA), is set to award scholarships to six talented debaters in need of financial assistance to cover school fees and further their studies.
The scholarship targets academically gifted students who are active members of a debate team in any government school and require financial support. Successful applicants will not only have their tuition fees covered, but will also gain the opportunity to enhance their debating skills by competing at the national level without the burden of tournament costs. To apply for the year-long bursary, candidates must submit a PDF application showcasing their debating achievements and passion.
Maison Maphosa, the head coach of the national debate team and founding director of RPDA, said that the scholarships aim to support dedicated debaters with strong academic records who are in dire financial need.
“We noticed that many young debaters from underprivileged backgrounds struggle to participate in high-level competitions because they often have to choose between debate and paying their school fees. “This tuition scholarship provides a solution, allowing them to focus on both their education and debate without financial stress. Additionally, the scholarship will also cover expenses for our national debate competition.
“For this first phase, we are targeting six students across Zimbabwe, with plans to expand the programme in the next academic year,” Maphosa said.
Coming from a humble background himself, Maphosa said the initiative was inspired by his own experiences and a desire to uplift talented students so they can pursue their dreams without financial barriers.
“Most of us leading the national debate team, including myself, attended government schools, and it was difficult to fully commit to debate due to financial constraints. Even today, many students face the same challenge, which affects both their academic performance and mental well-being,” he said.
“This scholarship is our way of giving back to the community by supporting talented debaters who deserve an opportunity to thrive. We hope it will empower them to reach greater heights,” Maphosa added.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Debate Team is preparing to represent the country at the African Championships in Cape Town, South Africa, from June 27 to July 3, where they aim to defend their title. They will also compete at the World Championships in Panama from July 22 to August 2.
