The first session of the 'Setswana Debate Cup 2013' contest took place last Saturday at the UB under the aegis of UB Debate Masters Association. The competition is dubbed the most prestigious debating tournament in Botswana. It is recognised for the high level of critical analysis shown by participants and the promotion of rigorous discussion of important national and global issues across a wide spectrum.The convenor, Bruce Leonard Nkgakile told Mmegi that this year, 234 junior and senior secondary schools in the country will compete in the event. He said the tournament has broken the trend because debating contests in Botswana have always been in English, which limited participants.
"This initiative, among other things serves to promote and to protect our national and indigenous language, Setswana as the tournament format necessitates that the participants be eloquent and fluent in speaking Setswana," he said. He said debating helps promote a variety of leadership skills, like the importance of understanding different perspectives before formulating a viewpoint and the necessity of effective communication and teamwork. ''This project shall also provide a forum to educate the participants on key issues confronting our society today such as the HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, child abuse, corruption, voter apathy just to mention a few through the motions that shall be debated and most importantly 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.
