The Mwalimu Nyerere Schools Invitational debating tournament was a great opportunity to challenge ourselves and use our April holiday break to improve our debating skills. We covered topics ranging from religion to criminal justice and, in each of the nine rounds, we engaged in interesting and enlightening debates with teams from across Africa. St Mary’s senior team won the tournament, with Nyasha Mazarura, Farai Mazarura, Danika Neuhoff, Hayley Laithwaite, and Franscesca Lewitton.

FRANSCESCA LEWITTON
FORM II

On Thursday 20 April, the junior debating team entered the 2021 Mwalimu Nyerere Invitational Debate tournament. The junior debating team was represented by Reitumetse Molapo, Kgaugelo Makgato, Juhi Baboolal, Thabisile Khumalo and myself.

Going into the competition, we did not have the slightest idea of what to expect. Our coach, Itumeleng Mohanoe, warmed us up, along with the senior team, as the competition was not going to be easy.

Having been given the topic the day before, we spent hours constructing our arguments. We were up against teams from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. The judges provided us with constructive criticism. Throughout the debates we were constantly challenged to improve our skills and techniques and, most importantly, we learned how to ride the chaotic wave of debating. We quickly realised that staying calm would be the best way to avoid mistakes.

A few highlights from the week were our teams making it to the semi-finals and winning rounds against well-known teams but, most of all, it was learning about one another as teammates, building relationships and learning how to encourage one another when the competition got tough. The support from the senior teams and our coach was amazing.

The experience provided us with a great opportunity to refine our critical and creative thinking skills as well as develop our writing and research. We to express our gratitude to all those who supported us throughout the competition.

OREFILE MOTSUKUNYANE
FORM I