Best female speaker, Charity Magawa from Gutu high school
Phineas Chinyanga
Sustainable Environmental Conservation Trust Africa (SECTA) recently launched a high schools debate championship for Masvingo province, attracting Masakeyi, Gutu, Silveira, Gwindingwi, Rupare, Chibi and the host, Pamushana.
SECTA is a non-profit making organisation that empowers young people to become responsible citizens and leaders through its engagement with them on environmental issues.
Since 2012, the organisation has been using the British parliamentary debate style to engage tertiary institutions on contemporary issues bedevilling our nation and Africa at large. The British parliamentary debate style develops learners’ confidence and presentation skills, and also encourages critical thinking as well as originality of thought.
The championship has already been launched in Manicaland.
The initiative to introduce the same debating style to Masvingo was brought about by Talent Hilary Gowere who is a seasoned debater, trainer and adjudicator. Moses Chimedza, the SECTA programmes coordinator, was also responsible for training both speakers and adjudicators.
The tournament was structured to have three teams per school, comprising two students per team. From the 24 teams that participated, two teams from Gutu High School, one from Chibi and four from Pamushana made it to the semi-final.
Gutu and Pamushana teams broke through to the finals with Charity Magawa and Shawn Muzenda walking away with a trophy and gold medals as the winners. Pamushana, as the runner-up, got a trophy and silver medals.
The best male speaker was Tinotenda Madusise from Silveira while the most outstanding female speaker was Charity Magawa from Gutu.
“As SECTA, we are now preparing for the national tournament in December. Viva BP, Aluta continua!” Said Talent Hilary Gowere, the tournament convenor.education
