Byline: Nojabuliso Nhlambo
22 March 2024
Kinross friends of the library hosted their first annual debate competition for primary schools around Govan Mbeki municipality on Tuesday, 19 March 2024.
About nine schools honoured the invitation, including one from Standerton.
The following schools took part in the debate competition: Thistle Grove Combined, Sidingulwazi Primary School, Highveld Muslim School, Osizweni Secondary School, Emdibini Primary School, Sasolia Primary School, Allan Makhunga Primary School, Kinross primary school, and Igugulabasha primary school.
The purpose of the debate competition was to help build confidence in learners and develop critical thinking skills. Through debate training, students learn to communicate confidently and effectively, think critically, and work in groups as a team.
The event organizer, Ms Priscilla Naidoo, said schools need to expose learners to such events as it will improve their leadership skills.
The topic of the day was “Books versus Technology”. The learners were required to debate which platform provided more educational value.
Osizweni Combined School claimed its victory while backing up books against technology.
Mvelo Sithole, also from Osizweni combined school, received an outstanding award after outshining everyone at the competition.
Four learners received R500.00 vouchers which is inclusive of two learners from the affirmative teams and two learners from the opposing team and those four leaners are OlwethuGamwde, Emman Ebrahim, Masonsela Elenkosi and Mvelo Makhanya.
Top learners from each participating school were also awarded with recognition trophies and those learners are the following;
Thistle Groove Combined School – Oyintando Solani
Emdibini Primary School – Bulelani Farooq
Sasolia Primary School – Olwethu Gamede
Allan Makunga Primary School – Madonsela Elenkosi
Osizweni Combined School – Mvelo Sithole
Kinross Primary School – Samkelo Mhlongo
Igugulabasha Primary School – Bongumusa Mthethwa
All participating learners received certificates of appreciation and medals.
Osizweni Combined School will have to compete again next year and win the debate for them to keep the trophy at their school.
