The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) hosted the Regional Road Safety Debate Competition for the Bohlabela and Nkangala regions on Saturday, June 20.
The competitions were held at the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College in Mkhuhlu in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and at Middelburg Combined School in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
The Nkangala region was represented by learners from schools across the Thembisile Hani, eMalahleni, Steve Tshwete and Dr JS Moroka Local Municipalities. Bohlabela participants came from the Bushbuckridge and Thaba Chweu Local Municipalities. Each team consisted of three learners.
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Learners debated topical road safety issues aimed at encouraging critical thinking and promoting safer road-user behaviour. The Bohlabela region debated the motion of youth drivers as a contributory factor towards the high rate of road carnage, while the Nkangala region debated the motion that more road safety messages alongside our roads will encourage safer road conduct and reduce road accidents.
The regional competitions form part of the build-up to the Provincial Finals scheduled for August 2026. The winning provincial team will go on to represent Mpumalanga at the national competition later this year.
The three learners selected to represent the Bohlabela region at the Provincial Finals are:
• Anele Mutola (Mashishing Secondary School, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality)
• Kgodisho Thibela (Shobiyana Secondary School, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality)
• Joy Rooi (NP Mathabela Secondary School, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality)
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The winners received medals, trophies, certificates, goodie bags, laptops and bluetooth speakers.
Anele Mutola was named Best Speaker and was awarded a brand-new bicycle, while Mr Result Mabunda of Shobiyana Secondary School received the Best Trainer award.
The runners-up received medals, certificates, goodie bags and tablets.
The Nkangala region will be represented at the Provincial Finals by:
• Tshegofatso Mononyane (Somsuswa Secondary School, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality)
• Basil Moya (HTS Witbank, eMalahleni Local Municipality)
• Lehlogonolo Masha (HTS Witbank, eMalahleni Local Municipality)
Basil Moya was named Best Speaker, while Mr Isaac Khuseka of HTS Witbank won the Best Trainer category.
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