Caption; MEC Macie handing over a prize to one the learners
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Six learners will represent Mpumalanga Province in the National Road Safety Debate finals to be held in Free State next month.
The successful learners won under the Urban and Rural categories during the provincial leg of the debate that was held on Saturday 24 August, hosted by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison(DCSSL).
DCSSL said about 110 schools took part in the initial stages of the competition, resulting in four Regional finals which produced participants in the Provincial finals.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, DCSSL MEC,Jackie Macie, thanked all the sponsors for showing interest in helping the department in its road safety initiatives, particularly in relation to the high number of deadly crashes that have claimed over 250 lives on various roads between June and August in Mpumalanga.
“ This programme is appropriate to inculcate a culture of sound conduct in the youths on the road as drivers, pedestrians and passengers. These kind of educational interventions will go a long way in ensuring that crashes are reduced and ultimately making the province’s roads safer,” said Macie.
DCSSL said the participating learners walked away with goodie bags and cash vouchers from BUSCOR, while the top 3 learners in both categories were presented with laptops from Forek Technology.
“ Two best speakers each walked away with cellphones along with goodie bags from Forek Technology and ABSA. The trainers of all teams also got goodie bags, cash vouchers and certificates. The two winners also received trophies. My Boet Transport will ferry all six finalists to the Free State province with their trainers in one of their luxury coaches,” said DCSSL.
The distinguished guests that were present during the event included representatives from the National Department of Transport and Old Mutual.
The Winners are as follows:
Urban Category
1. Lerato Bosiu(Nkangala Region)
2. Sithembiso Thomo(Nkangala Region)
3. Mpho Khumalo(Gert Sibande)
Rural Category
1. Nolwazi Maluleke(Ehlanzeni Region)
2. Sipho Hlebeya(Ehlanzeni Region)
3. Khayalethu Monareng(Ehlanzeni Region)
The Best Speakers in both categories are Mpho Khumalo(Urban) and Sipho Hlebeya(Rural).
