By Kuda Pembere in Nyazura
Once overlooked as underdogs, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) pulled off a surprise victory at this year’s SAYWHAT Speak and Solve Initiative (SASI) Debate Tournament, outshining former champions the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Midlands State University (MSU), and Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).
Just last year, MSUAS was eliminated in the early stages of the competition.
This year, they led the scoreboard, followed by UZ as first runners’ up. GZU came in third, and MSU in fourth place.
Speaking after the tournament, MSUAS debater Tanatswa Magwaza said the experience forced her to expand her reading habits and step away from the often unproductive trends found on social media.
I had to make an effort to explore topics I wouldn’t normally read about. As young people, when we buy data, it’s usually to check trending content that doesn’t add value or contribute to development,” she said. “But because of this debate, I discovered new ideas and pushed myself to think critically in areas I would have otherwise ignored. I’ve learned that I don’t know as much as I thought I did and that it’s okay. What matters is learning things that will help us as the youth and future leaders of this country.”
At the time of the interview, Tanatswa was still processing the win.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting it. Right now, I’m still shocked. As a university, we’re usually seen as underdogs and don’t expect to reach such heights. Even as I was debating, I didn’t see this coming. But when it was just us left in the finals, I told myself that whatever happened, I was proud to have made it that far,” she said.
Tanatswa’s teammate, Tadiwanashe Kanyemba, highlighted how platforms like the SASI Debate sharpen critical thinking and creativity in tackling complex issues affecting the country and the world.
“The competition was intense, with really strong teams, but I’m proud we made it. I’m especially happy that I had prepared well and was able to think on my feet. The motions were challenging, requiring us to think outside the box, identify the real problems being addressed, and consider which solutions and stakeholders mattered most,” he said.
Ropafadzo Mazarira from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) was named Best Female Speaker of the tournament.
“It was exciting to receive that recognition. I felt honoured, especially because there were so many outstanding speakers. Being named Best Female Speaker is a big achievement,” she said.
Canada’s Acting Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jessica Dawson hailed the involvement of youth in critical discussions around climate change, health policies, and technology, saying such engagement is essential for their future roles in leadership.
“Right now they’re students, but in 10 or 20 years, they’ll be the ones developing policies and making decisions. It’s vital they participate in these conversations now. These discussions will shape how they approach solutions in the future,” she said.
“When it comes to policymaking, we want to see students contributing to policy design, implementation, and evaluation. These young people bring lived experiences that policymakers may overlook. In debates on global issues like gender equity, health, and climate change, they’re filling in critical gaps.”
SAYWHAT Executive Director Jimmy Wilford said the debates generated meaningful solutions on pressing national issues such as health and gender policy.
“Once the rapporteurs finalize their report, we will share it with various stakeholders. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission, for instance, is already expecting it. I believe the young people have made valuable contributions toward shaping future gender frameworks and national policy,” he said.
Wilford added that the quality of the tournament has grown over the years, with university students now taking it more seriously.
“There’s been a huge improvement. Initially, students didn’t put much effort into preparation. Now, that has changed. The level of engagement, intellectual depth, and quality of submissions has significantly increased. This year’s tournament was particularly tough, and MSUAS’s win came as a surprise to many. Most expected institutions like CUT or UZ to dominate, but the outcome proves just how much students have stepped up their game,” he said.
The 2025 edition marked the eighth installment of the SASI Debate Tournament, supported by Nyaradzo Group and Akello Smart Learning.
