The Provincial Road Debate finals were concluded today, Saturday, 24 August 2024. The winning top six learners in both Urban and Rural categories of the Debates will represent the Province during the National finals to be held in the Free State in September this year.
During the initial stages of the competition, about 110 schools took part. This culminated in four Regional finals, which produced participants in the Provincial finals.
The following learners will represent Mpumalanga in the National finals:
Urban category
1. Lerato Bosiu: Nkangala Region
2. Sithembiso Thomo: Nkangala Region
3. Mpho Khumalo: Gert Sibande Region
Rural category
1. Nolwazi Maluleke: Ehlanzeni Region
2. Sipho Hlebeya: Ehlanzeni
3. Khayalethu Monareng: Ehlanzeni Region
Best speakers were Mpho Khumalo and Sipho Hlebeya in the Urban and Rural categories, respectively.
The participating learners walked away with goodie bags and cash vouchers from BUSCOR, while the top three learners in both categories were presented with laptops from Forek Technology. Two best speakers each walked away with cellphones along goodie bags with compliments of Forek and ABSA.
The trainers of all teams also got goodie bags, cash vouchers and certificates. The two winners also received trophies.
Meanwhile, MYboet Transport will ferry all six finalists to the Free State province with their trainers in one of their luxurious coaches.
Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie thanked all the sponsors for assisting the department in its road safety initiatives.
He emphasized that the programme was important considering the high number of deadly crashes on our roads.
He also mentioned anout over 250 were killed on various roads between June and August in Mpumalanga.
He said that the programme was appropriate to inculcate a culture of sound conduct in the youths on the road as drivers, pedestrians and passengers.
He added that these kind of educational interventions will go a long way in ensuring that crashes are reduced and ultimately making the province’s roads safer.
Provincial Road Safety Debate winners named https://t.co/u3O4avsaJP#ArriveAlive #ProvincialRoadSafetyDebate @mpumalangadcssl pic.twitter.com/zN7Zpc6zqy
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 25, 2024