H.E. the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini says the outstanding performance by the Swazi team in the World Schools Debate Championships shows that the country’s education standard ranks high in the world.

The Swazi team came second among 50 countries that participated in the competition held in Turkey recently. The team comprised Fanele Mashwama, Sivuse Mbingo, Sandile Mndzebele, Oliver Mills and Wabantu Hlophe. Fanele Mashwama was also chosen the second best speaker in the world, beating 400 contestants.

Receiving the trophy they won, the Hon. Prime Minister said the King, Indlovukazi and the entire Swazi nation is proud of the team and wishes them well as they pursue their education.

He noted that the standard of education in the country has always been outstanding, and this is evidenced by the high number of highly successful Swaziland educated executives who occupy high posts in the private and public sector both locally and internationally, especially in South Africa.

Since independence in 1968, the Kingdom has prioritized education with the education sector receiving the biggest slice of the national budget.

The Swazi debate team was led by Mlungisi Dlamini, a teacher at Waterford KaMhlaba School in Mbabane who noted that they are the first black team to reach the finals of the World Schools Debate Championship.