CBZ Bank has announced a US $30,000 sponsorship deal to support the National Schools Debate Tournament, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to youth development and education across Zimbabwe.
The funding will cover logistics, event coordination, travel grants, and participant resources for the tournament, which brings together top students from high schools nationwide to compete in structured debates on current affairs, governance, and social development. The bank has pledged full financial backing for the 2025 edition of the event.
During the unveiling ceremony, CBZ’s Chief Marketing Officer emphasised the bank’s goal of empowering young leaders and equipping them with critical thinking, public speaking, and research skills. “We believe today’s debaters will become tomorrow’s decision-makers,” she said. “This sponsorship supports academic excellence and nurtures confidence through healthy competition.”
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Sport, Art and Culture welcomed the support, noting that competitive debating fosters intellectual rigor and civic awareness among young people. “This is more than a debate, it’s a platform for future leaders to develop analytical thinking and public engagement,” a ministry official stated.
The national tournament is expected to attract more than 100 schools, with preliminary rounds scheduled to begin later this year and the grand finale slated for early next year. Winners will receive trophies, cash awards, and invitations to represent Zimbabwe in regional and international debating competitions.
Student participants expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative. “This sponsorship means we can focus on preparing well-researched arguments without worrying about travel costs,” said a finalist from Harare High School. “It lifts the weight off our shoulders and motivates us to perform our best.”
CBZ has also announced plans to host a series of debate workshops and mentoring sessions for teachers and students leading up to the tournament. These sessions will provide training in debate formats, fact-checking, public speaking, and teamwork.
The bank’s intervention is part of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy that supports education, youth empowerment, and community development across Zimbabwe. With this major sponsorship, CBZ aims to inspire critical discourse, confidence, and leadership among the nation’s youth.
