The Namibian Critical Thinking Competition all set

officially launched the annual Critical Thinking Competition 2017 at Nust in Windhoek on Wednesday.

Formerly known as The Namibian Public Speaking and Debate Cup, the competition has 14 teams which will compete for the coveted trophy at Rundu from 15 to 18 June.

This is the first time that is collaborating with the Namibian Schools Debating Association, whose main objective is to introduce and establish the spirit of debate in schools.

The president of the debating association, Elizabeth Namundjebo, said the youth has what it takes to make Namibia a better place.

Former education minister John Mutorwa inaugurated the debate association in 2003 as a non-profit organisation.

Namundjebo said about 80% of those who were members of the debate association have become lawyers. Education ministry representative Florence Kauami, who spoke on behalf of minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, said debate should be more than an extramural activity.

“Debate empowers students with the research and presentation skills they need. This is a move in the right direction,” the minister said. editor, Tangeni Amupadhi, spoke about the importance of critical thinking.

“Without logic and critical thinking, the world would move at a snail’s pace. We should move towards a stage where we have a subject called Logic and Critical Thinking in tertiary institutions. Logic helps us determine what challenges we are facing, while finding solutions is a stage in critical thinking,” Amupadhi noted.

The patron of the Critical Thinking Competition is former politician Nico Kaiyamo, who also delivered a short speech. “I am indeed humbled and honoured to be part of the competition. We need to introduce and establish a spirit of debate in schools. It is necessary, not only for pupils’ performance, but as lifelong skills. The competition we are launching is about empowering and developing young people.”

It will take place from 15 to 18 June at the Kavango East Regional Council hall at Rundu. Official sponsors include the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation and Coca-Cola.