Six learners were awarded as the best speakers for the annual Road Safety Debate competition accelerated by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.
The learners were awarded with trophies and electronic tablets sponsored by Syntell, for their hard work and determination during the provincial competition at Hoërskool Kanonkop in Middelburg on Saturday August 13.
The competition commenced in three district municipalities, namely Nkangala, Gert Sibande, and Ehlanzeni, where eliminations led to learners of various schools forming teams to represent their respective regions at the provincial level.
The debate comprised of two categories. The urban category was won by Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and the best speaker was Jean-Paul Mukendi. He was followed by Angel Thumbathi in second and Bohlale Mola in third.
The rural category’s first place was occupied by Nobuhle Meyiwa and second place by Simphiwe Nkosi, both from the Gert Sibande District Municipality. The third spot was occupied by Amanda Jiana from the Nkangala District Municipality.
The best speakers in both categories will go on to represent Mpumalanga at the National Road Safety Debates finals later this year, in which all nine provinces are expected to participate.
The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, said the debates are not only empowering the learners on road safety, but also assist in developing their research skills and teamwork.
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“Our purpose for the day was to honour and recognise the effort of our young people that have exposed their talents and dedication into problem solving and critical reasoning that they showed during the competition,” Shongwe said.
He said the programme will result in positive attitudes being portrayed by the youth. “We need to create awareness in road safety issues, empower learners with research skills, develop and enhance learners’ knowledge on such issues, and promote teamwork through educational techniques.”
Shongwe said the competition aims to empower leaners and their peers to become safer road users and ambassadors in their communities, and make informed decisions on the road. “My wish is to see this programme yield greater results and as a department, we will make sure to get more sponsors who will provide more prizes for every participant.”
Many stakeholders honoured the event, including the Nkangala District Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr Leah Mabuza, and representatives of the Steve Tshwete Municipality, Department of Education, Road Traffic Management Corporation, Road Traffic Infringement Agency, Syntell and South African National Taxi Council in Mpumalanga.
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The prize-giving ceremony did not only see the best speakers receiving tokens of hard work, but more learners were awarded medals and certificates of participation.
