Addressing teachers at the national debate training workshop held at the UB, Otlogetswe said that conflicts and wars in some parts of the world could be averted if people debated issues to iron out their differences. He said debate promotes national unity and cohesion as people tolerate divergent views even if they are repulsive. He said teachers should use debate as it builds students' confidence thus enabling them to speak freely in front of others.
Otlogetswe said most importantly, it is through debate that students can acquire linguistic competence. He stated that debate inculcates in students the spirit of winning and knowing how to deal with defeat and most importantly, working hard to excel.Historian and government spokesperson, Dr Jeff Ramsay concurred with Otlogetswe and cited the Kgotla forum where divergent views are tolerated, hence the Setswana proverb "Mafoko a kgotla a mantle otlhe". Deliberating on the power of public speaking in life and business, Lesang Magang said debate develops in students' critical thinking skills that help them to be globally competitive in business. One of the organisers of the workshop, Seji Wale commended teachers for attending the workshop in large numbers.
