This past Friday, Duze High School became more than just a venue for competition it transformed into a forum of ideas, critical thinking and spirited discourse, as eight schools from across the Lubombo Region gathered to debate one pressing question: ‘Who actually causes road accidents motorists or pedestrians?’
The debate competition, hosted by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) in partnership with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), attracted a number of notable guests. In attendance were, Senior Assistant Commisioner of Police Raphael Maseko, Deputy National Commissioner of Police Wendy Hleta, SMVAF Accident Prevention and Education Manager Dumisani Dlamini and Road Safety Counsellor Dr Fortunate Shabalala, among other dignitaries.
Eight schools battled it out for the top honours this included Mkhweli High School, Duze High School, Gilgal High School, Phonjwane High School, Siphofaneni High School, Mnotfweni High School, Maphilingo High School and Sibusisweni High School.
The event was divided into three key categories: Junior Public Speaking, Senior Public Speaking and the highly-anticipated Debate, alongside an award for the Best Debate Speaker.
Dumisani Dlamini of SMVAF lauded the collaboration with REPS and commended the students for their passion and preparation.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from both the learners and their teachers. Our roads are simply not up to standard there are no provisions for pedestrians. Reckless overtaking is another major issue motorists must avoid at all costs,” he emphasised.
He added that although this was their first time hosting the debate, it marks the beginning of a broader effort to educate youth on road safety.
Road Safety Counsellor Dr Fortunate Shabalala passionately advocated for the competition to be extended beyond Lubombo. “This must become a national initiative. We should roll out regional debates consistently and eventually establish a Youth Parliament, where young people can share their concerns directly and suggest how the government can support them,” Shabalala said.
Dr Shabalala also urged for harsher penalties for traffic offences: “The current E60 fine is not effective. Repeat offenders should risk losing their driving licences. Moreover, road safety education should be a compulsory part of the national school curriculum.”
Senior Assistant Commisioner of Police Raphael Maseko who was speaking on behalf o the National Commissioner of Police Manoma Masango praised all participating schools and pupils for their performance.
“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 this important initiative to explore real solutions to road safety.”
The star of the day was undoubtedly Melissa Gamedze, head girl of Mkhweli High School, who not only led her school to first place in the Debate category, but also clinched the coveted award, Best Debate Speaker.
As the curtain closed on a day of sharp arguments and inspiring youth voices, it was clear that this was not merely a debate it was the ignition of a movement towards safer roads and empowered young citizens.
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