Critical thinkers from different schools across the country are taking part in the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund National Debate Championship at Otjiwarongo.

The Namibia Schools Debating Association (NSDA) started last year with a debate championship, though only two regions participated.

This year, through sponsorship by the MVA Fund, the debate championship is back, with all 14 regions taking part.

Learners will debate road safety, which is an issue of interest to all Namibians.

"Thousands of lives perish every year on the roads, and these lives matter a lot. Namibia is one of the African countries that has the best roads, but the country continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons because lives are perishing through car accidents. The jaw of death continues to snatch the lives of our loved ones as we, the road users, be they drivers or pedestrians, decide to be reckless on the roads," says NSDA President, Dr. Elizabeth Namundjemo.

Though debate enhances public speaking and analytical skills, participants will also become ambassadors for road safety.

The National Debate Championship will continue for the next two days at Parisis Secondary School in Otjiwarongo.