The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison hosted the Regional Road Safety Debate competitions for the Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande regions on Saturday, July 25, providing Grade 10 and 11 learners with a platform to advocate for safer roads while developing their public speaking and research skills.
The competitions were held at Valencia Combined School in Mbombela for the Ehlanzeni Region and Batho Pele Hall in Ermelo for the Gert Sibande Region.
The annual Road Safety Debate competition aims to instill a culture of road safety among young people, recognising that learners are road users as passengers, pedestrians and, eventually, newly licensed drivers. Through the debates, participants are encouraged to become road safety ambassadors who promote responsible road user behaviour within their families, schools and communities.
Following a competitive round of debates, three learners from the Gert Sibande Region secured places in the provincial competition. The successful learners are:
Mhlangu Rose from Msukaligwa Local Municipality.
Mahlambi Thembelihle from Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.
Mahlangu Simphiwe from Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.
Each participating learner received a medal, a certificate and a goodie bag in recognition of their commitment and participation.
The three learners advancing to the provincial competition were also presented with trophies for their outstanding performances.
The Ehlanzeni Regional competition received sponsorship from TRAC N4, which awarded every participating learner a commemorative medal. The company also organised a variety of games and fun activities throughout the day, giving learners an opportunity to win prizes while reinforcing the road safety message in an engaging and interactive environment.
Beyond developing confidence in public speaking and research, the competition equips learners with the knowledge and responsibility to champion road safety initiatives in their communities. By empowering young people to become advocates for safer roads, the Department hopes to contribute to reducing road crashes and promoting responsible behaviour among all road users.
The provincial competition will see the regional winners compete for top honours as they continue spreading the message that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
