Zimbabwe’s premier high school debating competition, the CBZ National Schools Debate Tournament, officially kicked off today at Dominican Convent Harare, backed by a US$30,000 sponsorship package from title sponsors CBZ Bank.
At a press conference held in Harare on the eve of the event, CBZ Holdings presented the sponsorship cheque, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing intellectual talent and shaping Zimbabwe’s future through education. The tournament, returning for its second edition since its 2023 debut, brings together 22 schools from across the country for a three-day showcase of oratory, critical thinking and youth leadership.
Speaking at the announcement, CBZ Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer expressed the bank’s deep belief in the power of education. “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 added that the sponsorship represents more than financial support: “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.”
The 2025 tournament features both junior and senior teams, with schools competing under the World Schools Debating Championships format. Among the notable participants are previous champions St George’s College (senior) and Dominican Convent Harare (junior), as well as top schools from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.
A key highlight leading up to the competition was the Development Bootcamp hosted earlier this year at Dominican Convent Harare. Designed to level the playing field, the workshop introduced 10 under-resourced schools to international debating standards, ensuring greater inclusivity and quality across all participating teams.
Dominican Convent Harare Headmistress Sister Kudzai Mutsure paid tribute to CBZ Bank’s continued support. “In the lead-up to the World Moot Court Championships in 2022, CBZ Bank believed in our girls and funded their journey to Romania. That global win became a turning point—not just for Dominican Convent, but for Zimbabwe’s academic landscape.”
She added that while the 2024 tournament was paused, it allowed for strategic restructuring. “We took a deliberate pause to refine the tournament’s structure and deepen its impact. This year, we return with a clearer vision and a more inclusive approach.”
The 2025 edition, running through Sunday, will see spirited debates on pressing national and global issues. Participating schools will be judged on logic, style, evidence, and teamwork as they battle for top honours in both the junior and senior divisions.
Participating Schools in the 2025 CBZ National Schools Debate Tournament:
- 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
With a mix of newcomers and seasoned debaters, the 2025 CBZ National Schools Debate Tournament promises to be a vibrant celebration of young Zimbabwean intellect and a strong testament to the transformative power of public-private partnerships in education.
