It is that time of the year when matric learners from all the districts in the Eastern Cape descend to Bhisho for the State of the Province Address Schools Debates Competition (SoPA Schools Debates). The event takes place on Saturday, 3 March 2012 at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in Bhisho at 09h00.
More than 100 learners are expected to take over the Provincial Legislature’s Raymond Mhlaba Chamber with 30 of them participating in the debates, representing their respective schools and districts.
The SoPA Schools debates programme is in its third year successful running with the inaugural event held in March 2010. Participants have been chosen from regions where they had earlier competed by debating Premier Noxolo Kiviet’s 2011 State of the Province Address.
SoPA Schools Debates Competition has five categories; Afrikaans, English Home language, English First Language, English First Additional Language, Isi-Xhosa Home language and Sesotho Home language. This is done to cater and recognise every language spoken in the Eastern Cape.
The debates are championed by the Office of the Premier in partnership with the provincial Department of Education. Provincial government has noted the non participation and lack of interest among the youth in government programmes, thus the introduction of this programme. The aim is to involve and expose young people to the work of government.
Chief Coordinator and Office of the Premier official Mrs Nomfundo Nqinana says, “these debates are also aimed at engaging children in activities that would enhance their education; as debate and public speaking is central in every country. We hope this skill will be taken to their tertiary level.”
Institutions of higher learning like Fort Hare University and Walter Sisulu University have been roped in to give motivation and career guidance to the learners. Prizes include certificates signed by both Premier Noxolo Kiviet and Education MEC Mandla Makupula for all participants, a Britannic encyclopaedia and a trophy for the school and for an individual.
Contact:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
