Mkhweli High School Crowned Champion at Inaugural Lubombo Road Safety Debate

The Duze High School Hall was electrified last Friday as eight schools from the Lubombo region competed in a spirited debate competition focused on road safety. The inaugural event, a collaborative initiative by the Sincephetelo MVA Fund (SMVAF) and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), culminated in Mkhweli High School being crowned the champion.

The competition drew notable figures and key stakeholders, highlighting its significance. Among the audience were Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Raphael Maseko, Deputy National Commissioner Wendy Hleta, SMVAF Head of Legal Senzo Masuku, SMVAF Accident Prevention and Education Manager Dumisa Dlamini, and erstwhile Road Safety Council Chairperson Dr. Fortunate Shabalala who attended on her personal capacity.

The eight competing schools, Duze High School, Mkhweli High School, Siphofaneni High School, Mnotfweni High School, Phonjwane High School, Maphilingo High School, Gilgal High School, and Sibusisweni High School, battled across three categories vied for top honours in three categories: Junior Public Speaking, Senior Public Speaking, and the overall Best Debate Speaker.

In his remarks, SMVAF’s Dumisa Dlamini praised the partnership with REPS and commended the students’ dedication. “We are incredibly grateful for the support from both the learners and their teachers,” Dlamini stated. He highlighted critical road safety issues, pointing out that, ‘Our roads are simply not up to standard; there are no provisions for pedestrians. Reckless overtaking is a major issue motorists must avoid.” He emphasized that the debate marks the launch of a broader effort to educate the youth on road safety.

Echoing the call for expansion, Dr. Fortunate Shabalala advocated for the initiative to grow nationally “This must become a national initiative. We should roll out regional debates consistently and eventually establish a Youth Parliament”, Shabalala proposed. She also called for stricter enforcement, stating, “The current E60.00 fine is not effective. Repeat offenders should risk losing their driving licenses,” and urged for road safety education to be integrated into the school curriculum.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Raphael Maseko, speaking on behalf of the National Commissioner, commended all participants. “The quality of presentations showed just how well-informed these young people are. It’s inspiring to witness their critical thinking and public speaking abilities. We thank SMVAF for joining hands in this important initiative to explore real solutions to road safety,” he said.

The standout performer of the day was Melissa Gamedze, head girl of Mkhweli High School, who masterfully led her team to first place in the debate category and personally clinched the coveted award for Best Debate Speaker.

As the event concluded, it was clear that the day was more than a competition; it was the ignition of a movement towards safer roads and a platform for empowering young citizens.

Full Competition Results:

• Junior Public Speaking:
  1. Ngwenya Ngcuka – Duze High School
  2. Msibi Tenele – Gilgal High School
  3. Rita Mahoza – Siphofaneni High School
• Senior Public Speaking:

1. Kunene Bongumenzi – Phonjwane High School
2. Tsabedze Mbusiswa – Duze High School
3. Sikhosana Kholiswa – Gilgal High School

• Debate Results:

1. 1st Place: Mkhweli High School
2. 2nd Place: Duze High School
3. 3rd Place: Phonjwane High School

• Best Debate Speaker: Melissa Gamedze – Mkhweli High School