BRINGING WORLD DEBATERS’ TO OUR SHORES: Justice Motlhabani
Hot on the heels of South Africa’s 2010 FIFA world cup which was held in June and July for the first time in Africa, the continent is set to host another global event and this time it is in our soil.And this is all because of two young Batswana, renowned debator Justice Motlhabani and Tebogo Mogotsi together with some of their peers from the University of Botswana who successfully lobbied for the tournament to be held in the country.
The tournament which has been running for almost 30 years is coming to Africa for the third time after it was held in South Africa twice. It will run from December 27, 2010 to January 4, 2011.
More than 1000 participants from 52 different countries are expected to land in the country to battle it out for the debating championship.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Mogosti called on the government, the private sector and the entire nation to rally behind the event, dubbed Botswana Worlds 2011 so it can be a success.
“This is the first time for Botswana to hold a global event and we cannot afford not to make it a success. We are therefore calling on both the public and the private sector to sponsor the event so that participant can go back to their respective countries with a positive story to tell,’’ he said.
At least P8million is needed for the event to get off the ground and so far the organizers have only managed to raise P2.1 million.
For his part Motlhabani said he was happy that their efforts to bring the tournament to the country finally paid off.
“But there is a lot at stake because all eyes will be on us as a country and we can only hope that we will live up to expectations,’’ he said.
According to a statement released by the organizers the event will display the highest levels of parliamentary debating between the premier caliber of students from the most esteemed institutions around the world.
“Not only will they be here to engage in the art of advocacy and persuasion but also learn more about Setswana culture through the various events and excursion which are sure to leave them all positive lasting impression of our beautiful country,’’ reads the statement.
Since the country did not benefit at all from the world cup, it is hoped that it will at least reap from this debating tournament.
“An event of this magnitude will reflect well on the entire nation as well as boosting the economy with the large influx of foreign currency,’’ reads the statement.
