Two remarkable Zimbabwean teenagers, Takura Sayi and Tanyaradzwa Kafera, are poised to make history as they step onto the prestigious halls of Cambridge Union in the United Kingdom to participate in the International Competition for Young Debaters in May 2025.
The competition, renowned as one of the world’s leading debating platforms, is reserved for students aged 15 and under. Takura and Tanyaradzwa, both 15, hail from Zvishavane, a mining town in Zimbabwe, and qualified for this esteemed event by securing second place at the inaugural African Qualifiers, where debaters from five countries competed.
The young duo expressed their excitement and gratitude, with Takura saying, “We never thought we would make it to this stage. It is a dream come true for us. Many thanks to Mr. Dube of the Ideas Matter Consultancy, who organised this trip for us to go and showcase our talent.”
The Cambridge Union, a space known for hosting some of the world’s greatest intellectuals, such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, will now witness the voices of these talented Zimbabwean teens.
The International Competition for Young Debaters is not only a major achievement for Takura and Tanyaradzwa but also a testament to the growing prominence of Zimbabwean youth on the global stage. Their journey to this momentous event marks a significant milestone in their educational and personal development, and their participation will undoubtedly inspire other young Zimbabweans to pursue excellence in debate and other intellectual pursuits.
