Thinking on his feet

Tunohole Mungoba



Clinton Fluksman Muinjo, a final year law student at the University of Namibia (Unam), is a young man that balances his studies with his passion for debating. The 22 year old serves as the head debating coach of Namibia and trains high school learners to be the crème de la crème of debaters and public speakers of the country. He hopes that Namibia will leave its mark at the prestigious Heart of Europe Debate Championship in the Czech Republic, taking place from the 11 to 16 July.

“I realised that I have a passion for public speaking and I also enjoy reading, I came to the conclusion that it would only make sense to amalgamate my passion for debating and the law by becoming a debating coach,” Muinjo explains.

He plans on pursuing a master’s degree in international relations, but his long term goal is to open his own law firm to create jobs for lawyers and to provide a service for his community.

The debating teams that he has coached have been very successful over the years. This has resulted in Namibia receiving an invitation to participate at Heart of Europe Debate Championship in the Czech Republic. This is one of the most competitive high school debate tournaments in the world.

“I regard myself as being more of a life coach than a debating coach as I teach learners about the rules and principles of life and we also learn how these rules and principles can be applied in real life,” he said.

His motto for debating is 20% talent and 80% passion. “I support my learners whether they win or not. I am their biggest motivator and I believe in them even when they do not believe in themselves.”

He has always been active as a young boy and took part in various sports in primary school. “In high school sport became so competitive, I got tired of sitting on the soccer bench. I noticed my mom and sister were into media and speaking at public events, so I joined the debating club in grade 8 and that is when my public speaking journey began.”

His leadership journey started as class captain, being part of the learners’ representative council (LRC) and being the sports team captain all in 2013 during high school. “I was also the chairperson of debate club as well as the Model United Nations club,” he said.

Muinjo’s other accolades include being an Uitani Childline radio presenter, Unam debate president, Unam student assistant, Unam electoral commissioner and co-founder of Unam Model United Nations.

He also served as the 2017 Unam SRC secretary general. “I was inspired by my late sister Nancy Muinjo as she was a Unam graduate and she told me that one day I will serve on the SRC,” he said.

So how does he juggle it all? Muinjo believes one cannot solely do academic work and should strive to be a well-rounded individual. “I try to manage my time as best I can and try not to procrastinate with my school work, I have a timetable where I keep track of everything.”

Currently in search for sponsorship to take part at the Heart of Europe, the team requires roughly N$200 000 to cover their costs for the trip. While they are hoping for the public to assist them in coming up with the funds needed for the trip, Muinjo and his team have been working hard to raise funds on their own as well. “Firstly, it important to invest in the leaders of tomorrow and allowing them to be exposed to and engage with relevant local and national issues that have an impact on them directly and indirectly,” he said.

Fast facts about Clinton Muinjo:

· What is your favourite food? Beef burgers.

· What is your all-time favourite song? ‘Another day in paradise’ by Phil Collins.

· What is your favourite hangout spot in Namibia? Swakopmund beach.

· What is your motto in life? ‘Humility will take your far in life’.

· Who is the one Namibian you look up to? Nancy Chi-Chi Muinjo.

· One superpower you wish to have and why? Super-human strength to protect my loved ones.

· Last book you read? ‘The Spirit of Python’ by Jenterzen Franklin.