Most teams have by now arrived and settled in, though the Cameroonian team is still on their way - we hope.
Visiting teams who have driven here from South Africa, Botswana and Namibia complain of having to pay fines or bribes, repeatedly, once in Zimbabwe, to opportunistic traffic police. I was astounded by the amounts. From one road block to the next it is as if the police are waiting for them. A young woman from Namibia (now absolutely fleeced of her money) told me she was pleased to be here but can't wait to get back to her own country, where she says corruption is not nearly so rife.
Students from other countries also seem surprised by the cost of basics here in Zimbabwe. One young woman from the University of Fort Hare said she couldn't believe how R100 went almost nowhere in a convenience store.
Nevertheless, there is a buoyant mood today at Falcon: there is a very friendly, happy atmosphere. This morning we were welcomed to 'the most widely attended and fastest growing universities debating competition on the African continent'. The organisers of PAUDC are making every effort to ensure a successful tournament.
It was a day of training and workshops for both adjudicators and speakers, followed by the Opening Night celebration.
The gathering of PAUDC delegates was addressed by Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister for Higher and Tertiary Education, Senator L. A. Tapela, who whole-heartedly endorsed the event and even enjoyed a few moves on the dance floor!
The debates start tomorrow...
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