Unam snatches debate champion title

The University of Namibia (Unam) claimed first prize at the Bank of Namibia Tertiary Institutions Debate Challenge, walking away with N$20 000.

The challenge took place yesterday, with other prticipants being the Namibian University of Science and Technology (Nust), Triumphant College and International University of Management (IUM).

The runners-up were Nust in second place and IUM in third place.

Best speaker was awarded to Abraham Angula from Nust. He won a cash prize of N$3 000.

The universities argued the motion ‘This house believes that minerals and hydrocarbon abundance in an economy generates poor economic outcomes’.

Bank of Namibia (BoN) spokesperson Kazembire Zemburuka says the debate challenge allowed spectators to bear witness to a dialogue that will shape the future of Namibia.

“We are not only mere spectators, we are participating in this vital dialogue that will influence and shape decisions of the future for our nation,” Zemburuka says.

He was speaking at the preliminary round of the debate challenge on Monday, where five tertiary institutions, including Triumphant College, Nust, Unam, IUM and Lingua College, faced off for a spot in the finals.

The motion argued at that competition was ‘This house believes countries with newly discovered natural resources should focus on diversifying their economies to prevent the resource curse’.

According to Zemburuka, the platform allows the sharpest young minds from top tertiary institutions to converge in thoughtful debate.

“The governor of BoN, Johannes Gawaxab, had the vision to introduce a transformative, ground breaking initiative. A platform where the energy and the potential of young people can be harnessed to address complex issues facing our nation,” he said.

Speaking to Desert Radio on Tuesday, public education specialist Suzette Apollus said the theme of the debate was chosen due to Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industries.

She said the theme highlights the need for Namibia to manage its resources wisely to avoid these issues and to ensure balanced and sustainable economic growth.

“We felt that this theme is highly topical and relevant to the Namibian context with the recent discovery of oil and gas,” she said.