By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MBABANE – Pure Rich Beauty Salon, in partnership with MTN Eswatini, Onpoint Print and Brand and Swaziland Deco Services, is hosting the second Inter-Schools Debate Competition at St Marks High School.
The event will be held in two stages, with the elimination round set for June 24 and the grand finals taking place on June 30, 2025.
This year’s edition has doubled in size, expanding from four to eight participating schools, reflecting its growing popularity and educational impact. In 2024, Saim High School claimed the title, defeating schools like Londunduma, Motjane, and Nhlanganisweni High Schools.
For the 2025 contest, the debating fixtures are as follows:
KaBoyce High vs. Mater Dolorosa: Is online learning more effective than traditional education?
Mbabane Central High School vs. Saim Christian HighSchool: Should entrepreneurship be part of school curricula?
Sigangeni High School vs. St Francis High School: Should gender-neutral hairstyle policies be allowed in curricula?
St Marks High vs. Woodlands High: Is economic empowerment the best strategy to reduce gender-based violence?
Each team is made up of three students, with recognition for both team and individual excellence. The Best Overall Speaker will receive a Samsung Galaxy A05S, MTN merchandise, a E250 Lula Combo, and a sponsored hair-do from Pure Rich Beauty Salon, redeemable between July and November. Additionally, the best speaker from each participating school will walk away with MTN merchandise and a E250 Lula Combo.
MTN Eswatini is powering the prize sponsorship, Onpoint Print and Branding will provide branded materials, and Swaziland Deco Services will furnish the venue with professional décor.
Reflecting on last year’s prizes, the Best Overall Speaker received E300 and a hairdo from Pure Rich, while the best speakers from each school took home E250 each. The second-place school was awarded E700 and a box of Sunlight soap, while the winning school walked away with E1 000 and cleaning equipment.
With powerful motions and strong community partnerships, the competition aims to sharpen critical thinking, enhance public speaking, and inspire the next generation of confident young leaders.
(Courtesy Pics)
