Pan-African universities debates organizing coming up well
by Kedidimetse Mpolokeng
26.11.2009 8:46:30 A

Preparations for the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) are said to be progressing smoothly, following sponsorships from the British Council, the University of Botswana and the Open Society at New York.

Organizing committee chairman, Justice Motlhabani, said that the event, which will be hosted by the University of Botswana, is set to be a success as everything is in place, and they are hopeful that more sponsors will come on board in the near future.

Motlhabani stated that the Open Society at New York will assist by flying in debaters from Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Uganda.

“Most importantly, they will also be flying in debate trainers and adjudicators from Malaysia and South Africa,” he said.

He further told The Telegraph that the championship is a continental event involving fifteen African countries. He also stated that besides hosting the championships, Botswana also hosted the inaugural tournaments. The championships were previously held at Nigeria and Namibia respectively.

Motlhabani further explained that the championships are also a way of promoting active citizenship and debate knowledge in the African Continent.

“During the debates, problems and issues affecting the African continent get to be discussed. Issues like the current economic situation and climate change are debated and possible ideas on how to solve those issues are brought up.”

He expressed hope that championships will also help spread debates. “For instance, countries like Rwanda will be participating for the first time and from here they may return back to their countries and share what transpired,” he said.

“Other preparations are also going on well and so far 350 people have confirmed their participation,” he said. He explained that most of the funds they still need are social activities, like entertainment.

He further noted that this year’s championships will see 108 teams and that the debates will be run through computer systems.
The championship is scheduled to be held in Gaborone, Botswana, from the 12 to 18 December.