UNIMA DEBATE TEAM RETAINS TOP POSITION
The University of Malawi team at the 2022 Student Debates has once again impressed the nation, having defended their title as winning debate team. The most recent victory took place on 9th December, 2022 during the Grand Finale of the debates, which were held at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe. This was the final event in debates that had been held since 14th February, 2022. Eight universities were involved from the beginning, including Blantyre International University, Central Christian University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Pentecostal Life University, Malawi Assembles of God University, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Malawi institute of Management (MIM) and the University of Malawi (UNIMA).
The UNIMA Team comprised of Jatta Manoah Mhone (4th Year), Nomsa Zgambo (3rd Year), Tracy Mwalilino (3rd Year), and Ernestina Chiona (3rd Year). In preparation for the debates, the students underwent intense training, which comprised of several meetings with coaches. During these meetings, they shared ideas and perfected various points for debate.
During the finale, the four students faced their opponents from LUANAR. The two teams were tasked with debating the motion on whether the government should continue borrowing, given its levels of debt. The debate was characterised by impassioned presentations, well supported with reports from authoritative sources such as Ministry of Finance, the country’s nation budget, and the Malawi Economic Monitor. The students impressively defended their points by drawing on data from various sectors of the country, such as the agricultural and mining sectors.
Although the battle was a close one, UNIMA was finally chosen as the winner, gaining an average score of 52.33 points, ahead of LUANAR which gained 52.22 points. Among the criteria that the judges referred to were confidence, clarity, and citing of factual details. The winners received MK1,000,000, whereas the runners-up received Mk500,000.
Various organisations were involved in the organising of the debates. These included OXFAM, Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA), and the European Union (Funders). Other organisations, such as the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the Ministry of Finance, MEJN, and FDH were also represented at the function.
The OXFAM Country Director, Ms Lingalireni Mihowa, also spoke during the event. She pointed out that the debates fall under the “Enhanced evidence-based research to inform policy decision making in public finance management” project, which is part of the European Union’s Chuma cha Dziko programme. The project aims to contribute towards improved use and management of public resources through a public finance management system that promotes transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline, efficiency and effectiveness. “The debates have provided a unique opportunity for students to share their perspectives as well as well-researched evidence on best practices on public finance management policy and practice,” she said. “We have noted a number of benefits from these debates. There has been expanded discourse on public finance management among students in public universities, the youth have been able to provide alternative pathways for improving public finance management in Malawi, and the debates have also improved young people’s understanding of the national budget and also built their capacity to engage in fiscal justice.”
Certificates were presented to all students who participated in the debate. One of the coaches for the UNIMA team, Ms Bertha Nguluwe, observed that through the debates, students from different universities have had the chance to interact and to improve their research skills. She also pointed out that the performance of the UNIMA team reflects the quality of training that the institution offers, as well as the dedication and commitment of students.
