Sinokubonga Nkala
Langalakhe Mabena
THE Zimbabwe national debate team has announced a new squad that will represent the country in various regional and international tournaments scheduled for 2025.
The team, comprising fourteen students from different schools in Zimbabwe, was selected at the national debate tournament held in Bulawayo and Harare, which showcased the country’s top debaters.
The team will represent the country at the World Debate Championships in Panama, the Asian Championships in Thailand, and the African Championships in Kenya, among other major tournaments.
Students who made it to the national team are Tanatswa Moyo (St Johns College), Mthokozisi Dube (Founders High School) Chuhan Cheng and Makaita Makwanya (both from Arundel School), Kudakwashe Mahambo (Gifford High School), Divine Rabvukwa and Christian Nhika (both from St George’s College), Dean Femayi and Mbonisi Nkala (both from Christian Brothers College).
Other debaters who are part of the team are Zoey Simbini and Munotida Nyamanhindi (both from Dominican Convent-Harare), Brooklyn Hayter and Barry Kamanga (both from Hellenic Academy) and Gabriel Marumahoko from Falcon College.
The coaching staff from 2024 has been retained and is expected to lead the new team to victory.
Maison Maphosa will serve as head coach, while Thembani Khumalo, Mary Anne Nazombe, and Methembe Mthimkhulu will lead the senior debate teams. Menzimuhle Ncube, Nkosilathi Nkala, Providence Nhongo, and Mukudzeiishe Madzivire will lead the junior teams.
Maphosa expressed satisfaction with the selected team and expressed hope for future successes.
“We selected this team from a tournament we held in both Bulawayo and Harare.
“Out of the 140 students who participated, we managed to select fourteen who will represent us. These are not just ordinary debaters; they are top-tier talent.
“We aim to maintain our streak as African champions and improve our performance at the World Championships, striving for a world title,” said Maphosa.
