UB hosts Setswana debate for secondary students

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 21, 2012 00:00

The convener of the unusual debate, Bruce Leonard Nkgakile, told Mmegi yesterday that 232 junior secondary schools in Botswana will participate in the tournament that has been styled the Setswana Debate Cup.The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the University of Botswana Debate Masters Association.The tournament is expected to equip the young Batswana with the ability to meaningfully engage in dialogue. Nkgakile said the initiative is the most prestigious debating tournament in Botswana, recognised for high level of critical analysis shown by participants, and for promoting rigorous discussion of important national and global issues across a wide spectrum. 

'The tournament provides a forum for young people to discuss some of the most important and contentious issues confronting society. Debating helps promote a variety of leadership skills, including the importance of understanding different perspectives before formulating a viewpoint, and the necessity of effective communication and teamwork. The Setswana Debate Cup allows participants to expand their horizons, hone their communication skills and make friendships that stay with them into their professional lives,' he said.

He said the debate will also provide a platform to educate participants on social issues like the HIV/AIDS pandemic, alcoholism, child abuse, corruption and voter apathy through the motions that will be debated.'Debaters would have to research on such motions and get learned as they exchange ideas when they debate. This project is vital to nurture the development of this valuable sector of our population as we believe that if we instill such ideals and information on them at such a tender age, the future of Botswana shall be guaranteed to be a success. Debate has proven to be the 21st Century weapon for conflict resolution as it promotes dialogue which is one of the ideals that our country is founded on,' he said.

Setswana debate, which is a new thing in Botswana, will also promote the use of Setswana language and in turn help preserve the language from extinction. Nkgakile said debate promotes tolerance of diverse views, which is fundamental for nurturing and promoting democracy, especially in Africa.He also revealed that next Saturday, all junior secondary schools in the South East region will battle it out at UB to represent their region at the national tournament to be held in October.