Harare Polytechnic emerged winners at the annual Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) National Tertiary Institutions Debate Competition held in the capital last Friday.
The final also featured University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University and Africa University.
According to the organisers, the event is an attempt to engage young people in economic governance and socio-economic justice issues.
In an interview, Harare Polytechnic coach Spanyoge Madziwa said it was the first time a Polytechnic had won such an accolade.
“In the wake of academic fraud and cheating, ZIMCODD debates foster a spirit of integrity among the youths. Debate is critical in sharpening minds on social, economic and political discourses,” Madziwa said while applauding the institution’s principal for supporting the society as its patron.
The duo of Mitchell Musandinyoze and Takudzwa Mharapara made up the Harare Poly team that scooped gold.
Speaking to NewsDay, Mharapara said they had faced stronger competition at this tournament compared to other ones they had participated in before.
“The biggest challenge we faced as a team was stiff competition against talented and reputable debaters from different institutions, which pushed us to elevate our game and strategy,” he said.
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“We managed to overcome through hardwork, resilience, an amazing debate partner and great support structure from our coaches, the institution, friends and most of importantly family.”
Asked what it felt like winning the ZIMCODD competition, Mharapara said:
“I felt blessed and overwhelmed to have the opportunity to compete with such talented, amazing debaters and at the end of the day, emerge as the winners. It was an exhilarating surprise to claim victory over teams with much more experience and talent.”
