Ayanda is tops in Police debating contests

Her determination to help build a crime-free province and country has earned a local Grade 10 learner, Ayanda Malapane the titles of junior deputy national Police commissioner and the junior provincial Police commissioner in debating competitions hosted by the Police.
The 15-year-old learner and passionate debater from Calvin College in Burgersfort had to engage in fierce arguments against learners from other clusters and provinces on issues relating to crime to earn the two titles. She won the provincial competition against 12 other learners at the University of Limpopo late last year and recently finished second against eight others representing their various provinces in Gauteng. Ayanda received a trophy for winning the provincial challenge and a cell phone for finishing second on the national stage.
The young dreamer, who uses the titles to discourage youngsters to engage in criminal activities resides in Ga-Mampuru village, Greater Tubatse. The arguments at the Limpopo leg were focused on alcohol and drugs while the national one was more on violence, it was learnt. Ayanda is currently mentored by the Police to improve her knowledge on Police work. She informed that her task mostly focusses on addressing youth on dangers of crime and said the titles made her aware that most youngsters don’t commit crime because they want to but are forced by circumstances such as poverty and abuse.
She reckoned that children should be spoken to as often as possible for their foundation to be well laid to be able to distinguish between wrong and right. Ayanda, who has won many awards for public speaking, debate and academics, said: “I want to see crime being dealt with for our country to be peaceful. I am a Christian hence I believe people should come closer to God to live by the Ten Commandments as stipulated in the Bible.”
She commended that the law enforcement agencies are doing their best to fight crime and urged communities to join forces with the Police to expose criminals and get them arrested. Ayanda joined safety stakeholders who attended the Provincial Stability Summit at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort last Thursday. This was part of her mentorship programme, she informed and added that she was offered to address youth about crime at a venue in the city on the day.
She would like to become an English professor, lawyer or a surgeon in the future as she indicated that she loves sharing knowledge and helping people, hence one of the three professions would assist her fulfil her dreams.
Ayanda encouraged her peers to focus on their goals and see life in a good way to become better people. She reiterated that youth must surround themselves with good people who motivate and inspire them to work hard. She reminded youngsters that there is no gain without pain.
Ayanda concluded by thanking her family, friends, educators and the Police for the support and for motivating her to do her best.

Story and photo: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za