PAS Society Triumphs in Debate against Law Enforcement Society

As a leading academic institution in Malawi and a renowned centre of academic excellence in the SADC region, the University of Malawi remains committed to nurturing well-rounded and critically minded students. Recognizing the importance of student engagement in regional and national issues, UNIMA actively promotes platforms that challenge students to think, speak, and lead. One of the most powerful tools in this pursuit is debate, a space where ideas clash, perspectives are sharpened, and public speakers are born.

On 4th April 2025, the Department of Politics and Government and the Department of Law Enforcement, Leadership and Management jointly organized a debate between Political and Administrative Studies (PAS) Society and Law Enforcement Society. The event took place at the Great Hall. The debate, themed “Is Malawi's Continued Membership in SADC Misguided?”, sparked a lively and thought-provoking discussion between the two teams.

The PAS Society team—comprising Mr Samuel Iwalani, Ms Memory Munthali, Ms Tatenda Chiuye, and Mr Fatches Hussein—argued against the motion, while the Law Enforcement Society team—consisting of Mr Chisomo Anderson, Mr Henderson Mpembedza, Mr Paul Mzamu, and Ms Memory Ligowe—argued in favour of it. After a heated exchange of ideas and counterarguments, the PAS Society emerged victorious, earning higher points than their opponents.

This win preserves PAS Society’s undefeated record in campus debates, having won against Philosophy Society recently. Mr Hussein, chairperson of the PAS Society Debate Committee and the team’s chief opposer during the debate, expressed excitement about the victory, attributing the success to teamwork and dedication.

The debate was graced by notable figures, including Professor Happy Kayuni, Dean of the School of Law, Economics, and Government; Dr. Tiyesere Chikapa, Head of the Leadership and Management Skills Department; as well as Mr. Ernest Pondani and Miss Maureen Kapanga, who represented Professor Michael Chasukwa, Head of the Politics and Government Department.

Miss Kapanga commended the students for organizing the event, emphasizing the role of debates in enhancing students’ critical thinking and public speaking abilities.

“These debates are crucial as they shape the capacity of students to think beyond what they are taught in class,” she remarked. “They also help students build confidence in public speaking and stay engaged with current affairs.”

As recognition of their outstanding performance, the PAS Society was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of MK250,000.00 for their victory.