EMJINDINI – A local learner will represent not only Barberton but will also hoist the Mpumalanga flag in this year’s National Road Safety School debates in Port Elizabeth from September 25 to 26.
Nokwanda Hazel Nkosi (17) of Kamhola High School in Emjindini is among the five learners from the province who will debate at national level.
She was chosen in the regional round in Lydenburg on August 31. “I’m very excited about my achievement. I have never boarded a plane before and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I’m looking forward to,” she said.
The debate is aimed at educating learners about road safety through an interactive and academic approach.
The provincial debates on road safety project was initiated in 2004 following the escalating statistics of road fatalities involving young people aged up to 25.
It is therefore dedicated to young pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, novice drivers and passengers. It was first introduced by the Mpumalanga Province which scooped national honours in 2007 and 2010.
Secondary schools are targeted to debate on motions such as pedestrian safety, traffic-law enforcement, effectiveness of traffic regulations, effectiveness of road safety, and other road-safety-related motions.Nokwanda, who is in grade 11, says she owes most of her success to her debate coaches, Fikile Rejoice Nkosi and Nokhululeko Nkosi.
She is the first learner of the Barberton education circuit to go all the way to national level.
Her coach, Rejoice, said Nokwanda’s success was long overdue. “She is hardworking and didn’t need to be pushed into any task assigned to her.”
Though the finals will be held on September 25 and 26, Nokwanda will depart to Port Elizabeth on September 20 to attend workshops related to debate. For her achievement at the regional stage in Lydenburg, Nokwanda won herself three trophies, tree medals and a laptop. Meanwhile, MEC Vusi Shongwe has congratulated all five learners and also wished them best of luck with the finals. “I was impressed with the knowledge that these young leaders have about road safety. Their future and that of future generations, is in their hands.”
