Zambia’s debating duo, comprising Kachusha Nkosha and Shadreck Thewo, has secured victory over South Sudan’s pair, Moses Makwei and Gal Manoah James, emerging as the overall winner in the virtual African Educational Debate organised by Writers Space Africa Foundation. The event was sponsored by Dbosz Recordz.
In a captivating exchange centered on the topic, “The Adoption of Foreign Languages as Official National Languages in African Countries: Undermining the Growth and Survival of Indigenous Languages,” Zambia accumulated 85.5 points, surpassing South Sudan’s score of 81.1 during the thrilling debating rounds conducted over Google Meet. This achievement earned Zambia the coveted $100 first prize.
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Shifting focus to the topic, “Artificial Intelligence: A Clear and Present Danger to Education,” drawn from the UK’s The Times on May 20, Zambia triumphed over Cameroon with a score of 70.3 to 69.5. Meanwhile, South Sudan outperformed Ghana with a score of 88.3 to 72.7. These victories propelled both Zambia and South Sudan to the final rounds of the closely contested challenge. Consequently, South Sudan secured the second-place position, earning a prize of $60, while Ghana claimed the third prize, valued at $40.
The debaters underwent evaluation based on several criteria, including clarity of ideas, confidence, time discipline, and topic comprehension. Additionally, they were assessed for the originality of their viewpoints, the depth of research and statistical backing, as well as emotional composure. Eloquence and language usage were also factors considered in the assessment process.
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The panel of judges consisted of a volunteer group, including Nigeria’s Steve Ogah and Glory Florentine from Tanzania, Autricia Timti from Cameroon, and Mimi Machakaire from Zimbabwe. Other assessors included Lise Nova Berwadushime from Rwanda, Hassan Kassim from Kenya, and Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare from Ghana.
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The Writers Space Africa Foundation has further educational events planned for African Writers. Anthony Onugba, the founder of WSA, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of these intellectually stimulating debates and expressed hopes to build upon the success of this inaugural edition. He added, “We aspire to expand the debate’s format in the future and broadcast the event to a wider audience.”
For more information about Writers Space Africa, visit www.writerspace.net.
