Title sponsors CBZ Bank have announced a US$30,000 sponsorship package for the 2025 edition of the National Schools Debate Tournament, which kicks off today at Dominican Convent Harare.
The leading financial institution presented the cheque for the "CBZ National Schools Debate Tournament" at a press conference in Harare yesterday.
A total of 22 schools from across the country are set to participate in the three-day event, which is making a comeback after its inaugural edition in 2023.
In that first tournament, St. George's College won the seniors' category, while Dominican Convent Harare emerged as the junior champions.
Speaking at the press conference, CBZ Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, said the organization believes education is a powerful tool for change.
"It gives me immense pride and joy to stand before you today on the eve of an extraordinary intellectual showcase, the CBZ National Schools Debate Tournament," she stated. "As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' At CBZ Holdings, we deeply believe in the power of this weapon, not just to change the world, but to sharpen minds, ignite purpose, and build a better Zimbabwe."
She further added, "With an investment of US$30,000, this tournament is more than just a sponsorship. It is a deliberate, strategic commitment to shaping our nation’s future through critical thinking, constructive debate, and bold leadership. This year’s tournament brings together 22 remarkable schools from across the country. Each one of these schools has already proven itself not only through academic excellence, but through the courage to challenge ideas and articulate visions for a better tomorrow."
Nyathi also highlighted a pre-tournament initiative: "We are particularly proud of the Development Bootcamp we hosted here at Dominican Convent in the lead-up to this tournament. This platform was designed to upskill and empower schools developing in international debate standards, ensuring inclusivity and excellence across the board."
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The tournament is expected to conclude on Sunday.
Dominican Convent Headmistress, Sister Kudzai Mutsure, expressed gratitude to CBZ for their continued support.
"It is with great pride and excitement that I stand before you today to officially launch the 2025 edition of the CBZ Schools Debate Tournament, an event that continues to grow in stature, meaning, and impact, not only for our students at Dominican Convent High School but for the entire country," Sister Mutsure remarked.
She traced the origins of the initiative back to a pivotal moment in the school's history.
"In the lead-up to the World Moot Court Championships in 2022, it was CBZ Bank that extended a hand of support and belief in the potential of Zimbabwean youth. Their generous sponsorship made it possible for our brilliant girls to compete on the global stage in Romania—and more importantly, to win. That resounding victory was not just a triumph for Dominican Convent; it was a triumph for Zimbabwe.
"Out of that success story blossomed a unique and deeply valued partnership between Dominican Convent and CBZ Bank, culminating in the inaugural CBZ Debate Tournament in 2023.
"The 2024 edition was momentarily paused—not due to lack of interest, but out of a shared vision: to restructure, refine, and expand the tournament's impact. Today, we proudly unveil the fruit of that effort," Sister Mutare clarified.
She elaborated on this year's inclusive approach.
"This year, in line with our joint commitment to educational equity and national empowerment, we introduced a fully funded pre-tournament workshop, targeting schools across the nation that may not have previously had exposure to the World Schools Debating Championships model we employ. Ten schools from nine provinces attended this transformative workshop at the beginning of May, and I am proud to announce that they will be competing in this year's tournament. In total, 22 schools, each fielding both a Junior and Senior team, will participate in this prestigious event."
Participating Teams:
*John Tallach
*Christian Brothers College
*Petra High
*Oriel Boys High School
*St George's College
*St John's Emerald Hill
*Kriste Mambo
*Gwanda High
*Falcon College
*Prince Edward
*Vimbai High
*Montrose Girls High
*Friendship High School
*Harare High
*Mazowe High
*USAP
*St Ignatius College
*Fletcher High School
*Dominican Convent Bulawayo
*St John's College
*Dominican Convent Harare
*Mutare Girls High
