UB Hosts National Trials for Botswana’s World Schools Debate Team
The University of Botswana (UB) recently hosted national selection trials for Botswana’s team to the World Schools Debating Championship.
Held on the 7th of March 2026 at UB Block 240, the trials were organised by the Teemane Oratory Academy, a student-led debating and public speaking club based at the University.
The event which reaffirms the University’s role in nurturing debate, public speaking and leadership development among young people, brought together 150 students from junior and senior secondary schools across Gaborone, who competed in preliminary debating rounds as part of the national selection process.
The competition forms part of the official process to identify Botswana’s top five (5) secondary school debaters who will represent the country at the World Schools Debating Championship, scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya from the 13th – 24th of July 2026.
Through its involvement in hosting and organising the national trials, UB continues to play a key role in promoting intellectual engagement, critical thinking and youth leadership development beyond the University campus. The event also highlights UB’s commitment to supporting academic excellence and public speaking initiatives among secondary school learners.
Following the preliminary rounds, 15 students advanced to the final national trials, where the country’s top five (5) debaters will ultimately be selected. The finalists represent several secondary schools including Maru-a-Pula School, Enko Botho Campus, Phakalane Secondary School, The Learning Centre (TLC), Naledi Senior Secondary School, St Joseph’s College, Private Academy, Verdict Vanguard and Kwena Sereto.
The finalists are Lone Phaphane, Michelle Ketlhokile, Isabella Lephodisa, Game Kebonye, Laura Malemane, Losika Mbaakanyi, Boago Moganetsi, Aumake Aaron, Letsema Marope, Tumisang Radueng, Tshepo Moatshe, Michelle Thabano, Bosa Machuka, Kgosi Moroka and Eva Bathogile.
Teemane Oratory Academy was entrusted with organising the national trials given its track record in advancing debate and oratory programmes in Botswana. Over the years, the academy has coordinated national and regional debating competitions, public speaking workshops and youth leadership initiatives.
As a student-led club at the University of Botswana, Teemane Oratory Academy provides UB students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork and leadership skills while contributing to national youth development initiatives.
The upcoming final trials will determine the five students who will represent Botswana on the global stage at the World Schools Debating Championship.