Debate teams that made it to the final round of the 2018 Mayoral Debate tournament now have their eyes firmly set on the floating trophy and other educational prizes at stake as they are preparing for the final battle set to take place at Jack Botes Hall on Wednesday, 30 January.
The challenge which is hosted by the Polokwane Debating Society attracted a total of 52 teams from 31 schools across the province with some schools entering two teams. Polokwane City Library Literacy Officer, Maurdy Dunster set finalists in the junior category, Noorderland High School will propose the motion ‘The free movement of people, goods and services between Polokwane and Gauteng does more harm than good’, while St Brendan’s High School will oppose the motion.
The two senior teams, Capricorn High School (proposition team) and Motse Maria High School (opposing team) would battle it out on stage guided by the motion ‘Polokwane Municipality should prioritise economic development that employ youth over the provision of learnerships’.
The previous tournament was won by Northern Academy in the senior category with Eagles Nest Christian School lifting the trophy in the junior division.
Dunster said: “The finals were supposed to be held late last year but due to logistical issues and final examinations we had to put them on hold. We usually don’t disturb the school curriculum. All the teams that participated did their best and we are looking forward to the finals. This is the 20th edition and we had a new approach by hosting debates in various schools both in urban and rural areas rather than in libraries. The aim was to expose learners to both rural and urban environments and thereby enable them to debate on issues pertaining to the two locations.”
While Dunster applauded all the teams and debate officials for a job well done, she said more adjudicators are needed to join the society and potential sponsors to come on board to help improve the tournament. The Mayoral Debate tournament takes place from February to August, she stated and added that learners are involved for seven months of the year and they all work towards the grand finale where all teams are invited to attend and experience the best teams debating.
She concluded by urging schools that could not make it to the finals to start preparing for the 2019 contest and reminded that workshops would start in February to educate teams about the rules of the tournament.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
