DEATH OF AN IDEA LAUNCHED

         DEATH OF AN IDEA LAUNCHED IN MALAWI  

                               By Rhoda Zulu, PEN International, Malawi Chapter

 

                              

                                                                                     Above: Rhoda Zulu managing the launch event

PEN International, Malawi Chapter is a branch of PEN International, a world association of writers which promotes literature and intellectual cooperation among writers worldwide. The Malawi Chapter has a committee headed by its President Alfred Msadala. The association recently launched an anthology called Death of an Idea; Malawi Writing Today 11 on 30^th June, 2019 at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre, Malawi. To have the book finally out funds were provided by the former Norwergian ambassador to Malawi Asbjorn Eidhaim. Before the ambassador left his position in Malawi he published a book titled Malawi a Place Apart. It is from the proceeds of selling his book that he supported the publication of this recently launched anthology.  Rhoda Zulu is a member of a translation committee of PEN, Malawi Chapter, plus a contributor to the anthology. She now reports.

The anthology launch drew academicians from various colleges including Chancellor College. The title of the book is Death of an Idea, a name which is derived from one of the authors Ken Lipenga’s poem which was discussed way back in 1974 when he was a student at the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. Then Ken Lipenga was 22 year old. On the day of launch Ken Lipenga’s poem was read by Linly Mayenda, who is 22years old and is the youngest member of PEN Malawi Chapter.  It is interesting that the anthology is composed of an integrated mix of seasoned and budding writers. Some of these are several women who have their stories and poetry included in the anthology.

The book is a celebration of intergenerational writing seeking to expose talent and ideas past and present. Some of the female writers are Rhoda Zulu, Luckier Chikopa, Matilda Phiri, Wezzie Msukwa. Some male contributors are Ken Lipenga, Francis Moto and William Mpina.

 

          

          (From Left to right) Rhoda Zulu, Luckier Chikopa, Ken Lipenga, Francis Moto, Matilda Phiri and Alfred Msadala

Rhoda Zulu, one of the contributors to this anthology is currently employed as a Community Mobilisation Officer at the Story Workshop Educational Trust (SWET) www.storyworkshop.org.  Her career path started as a primary, secondary school teacher, then national Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) where she initiated Modern Woman, a radio programme where successful women explain the rough rides they endured as they rose to their success stories. She continues modelling through various efforts; such that she is currently conducting a research towards the award of a Masters in Health and Behavior Change Communication (HBCC); at the Malawi Polytechnic in Blantyre, Malawi.

Talk of writing, Rhoda is a member and trained writer for social and professional needs. She has been trained by the Malawi Writers Union, Uganda Women Writers Association-FEMRITE Uganda and is in in translation committee of PEN International, Malawi Chapter. One of her short stories on Gender Based Violence stories, published by Uganda women writers (Summoning the Rains) is about an African village girl who was forced out of school into early marriage soon after initiation; curtailed by her mother. Due to constant fights the woman killed the husband but society accuses her. She suffers death penalty. In 2018 Rhoda facilitated several Malawian women contribution to another anthology, “Stories of Struggle for Education and Equality in Malawi, supported by Mary Tuchscherer of the Voice Flame Writers. For more information reach out to www.amazon.com. The book features women stories likely to inspire girls to work hard in school despite whatever huddles they encounter along the way. Finally, Rhoda is also a contributor to a University of Malawi, Chancellor College initiated forum for sharing women write ups. See www.makewana.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                      Below: Timwa Lipenga, founder of makewana forum reads an excerpt from the anthology

                    

Curtain raisers for the event included two poems read by Mike Batomeo, a standard seven pupil at Nakazimu Primary School at Area 12 South Lunzu and another two poems by Prisca Chipolonga a Form two student at Chichiri Secondary School, also in Blantyre. Rhoda discovered these young pupils talent at her location in South Lunzu.

 Below: Mike Batomeo and Prisca Chipolonga at the launch function

                          

Rhoda encouraged fellow writers to sow seeds of new writers wherever they are so that more young ones develop interest in writing.

                            

         Above: Egdio Hermes Mpanga (in black shirt) the anthology editor, franked by some of the female contributors.

 

 

                                   

                                  Rhoda Zulu with Maureen Mlenga(right), a yao language writer

PEN Malawi chapter invites and readily welcomes all interestede writers to join the association by contacting its president Alfred Msadala amsadala@gmail.com  Below find attached captions by the Daily Times and Malawi News.

                              

 

                               

 

                             

SEARCH MY DESTINY

SEARCH FOR MY DESTINY

 

My name is Rhoda Nyundo Zulu. I am an ambitious, dynamic and progressive woman. I am aware that great people we admire are ordinary people just like you and me; only that they have a special drive, determination and desire (Developing the Leaders around You by John Maxwell). According to the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, University Press 2002, to succeed is to achieve what you’ve been trying to get or to be victorious.  Hence I am on a pilgrim’s journey, towards my own uniqueness. So if you think that you are done with failure, then this essay is tailor made to inspire you.

When my mum was expecting me, my father was hoping for a boy, so though I was born a female, he still named me Harvey (meaning warrior), but I was christened Rhoda. One day I asked him why he called me Harvey,                

      “Our culture values a boy such that he is given charge of a family clan. This is one reason why although I grew up as an orphan in various families I still went further with school. Now I am  a father but  I soak my legs in a pail of water to remain awake and study. But your mother was denied further education by her own father who opted for her brother, yet the brother failed. I will give you all my energy so you can excel though you are a girl.”

I appreciated his determination as I wondered what was special about males. When I started standard one my teacher was female, Mrs Gomile. When I fell sick I was fascinated by a female nurse who treated me. In view of the nurse I admired nurses’ uniform, especially the white head cap. By and by these role models inspired me to work hard. In 1975 I was selected to Likuni Girls Secondary School. I was surprised by my father’s reward,

    “Learn to drive this Raleigh bicycle. I await to see you drive a vehicle one day as I do.”

While at Likuni Girls there were several career talks by women that were educated and were employed. Aim High Never Tire was the school slogan of encouragement. Regrettably back home relationship with my father turned sour after I only passed Malawi School Certificate of Education Exams. By not making it to university I failed to envisage any light beyond my failure. I was a shame even to our teachers since nobody was selected from our class. My father called me loud,

         “Harvey! Why did you fail? Your headmistress Sister Perpetua Zitande assured me you were university material.”

I looked down and left. “Why has Aim High, Never Tire failed to prove my success?”

All along I put maximum effort on my studies to please my father. May be I was complacent after mock exams listed me on top ten. I wiped out my tears and clenched my hands,

“This failure is not permanent,” I consoled myself.

One day a friend of mine, Jane from Ntcheu visited us. She too just like me, had only passed without getting selected to university. She sought permission from my parents that I should accompany her to Lilongwe. But I got surprised when she led me to her boyfriend; then her boyfriend brought me his friend to get married to. I refused; a situation which led to being booted out of their home. Then luck struck when my boyfriend Christopher Zulu from Ntcheu, who then worked at Malawi Housing Corporation in Blantyre, came to Lilongwe. He took me to Blantyre. When I wrote a letter updating my father about my whereabouts he instructed me to send back the chitenje (wrap around) that my mum had given me. As I wrapped and sent back the wrap around failed to figure out how else I would regain my father’s favour. My apology carried no weight- it only widen the gap between me and my father.  Few months later we got blessed with our first born daughter, Bertha in 1980 followed by a son, Patrick in 1982.

My ambition to be employed set me to apply and did interviews at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi revenue Authority (MRA) then secured a job at Lever Brothers. It was a blessing in disguise when my husband left Blantyre upon securing employment with a construction company. I resigned to follow him although I hated that I became a housewife again. Few months later I applied and went to St Anne’s’ Midwifery School in Nkhotakota.  Little did I know that my husband silently applied for me to undergo training as a teacher which I had earlier refused. I complied; quit nursing and went to Lilongwe Teachers’ College. That same year I received a letter of success to start work at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation as an announcer. This was based on interviews done two previous years. I was in a hurry, decided to dump my husband’s choice; but my husband put me in a fix,

            “If you don’t want to be a teacher, come back to take care of the family.’’

I shed tears at the lost opportunity. Upon graduating as a teacher we arranged to formalize our marriage in Dedza. My father commended was pleased to hear I became a teacher. Hence I taught Standard two then later requested to teach the next higher class, every year. After I taught standard eight I requested teaching authorities to post me to a correspondence Secondary School. It worked and smiled as I commenced teaching at St Kizito Distance Education Centre. That same year I applied, succeeded and underwent a Diploma study at Domasi Teachers’ College in Zomba. Back home one day a neighbor, a woman whispered to me,

      “These women laugh at you. They claim your husband now does your female roles. One day he will remarry.”

Even my mother In- law lamented,

     “Why leave my son and these children?”

I did not answer back, but I was unstoppable. My husband advised me to ignore them. However, I encouraged one woman; she accepted, went back to a night secondary school and passed. She too went to a teacher college. Unfortunately her husband died just after she completed her course. After the funeral the gossipers envied her that she would ably take care of her family singlehandedly. Upon graduation I was posted to teach at Chichiri Secondary School. Hence for four years I taught Form 1 then 2 then 3 and 4. While I wondered what my next line of achievement would be, in 1999 I heard a radio advert for producers and presenters at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). I immediately forwarded application, interviewed and got employed. One of my brainchild programmes was ‘Mai Wamakono’ (A woman of today). I got inspired by break throughs that some outstanding women had made. Among notable women interviewed were former president of Malawi Mrs Joyce Banda who by then chaired National Association of Business Women in Malawi (NABW) and Mrs Anastazia Msosa who was then a high court judge.

In 2001 MBC management trained me in development journalism then seconded to the Development Broadcasting Unit of MBC. Our Kenyan manager sponsored me in driving and the first car I drove for three years was a land rover. I visited my father with the land rover; we found him drinking chibuku (local beer made from fermented maize). I felt pride and joy as he crowned me,

       “Now you are the pillar of our family.” 

In 2003 I got a scholarship through the Joint OXFAM Programme in Malawi; hence I did undergo post graduate certificate in Non Governmental Organisations’ Management with Imperial College, University of London. I passed with a credit. I was very glad that long at last I had regained closeness to my parents. In 2005 I applied and got a scholarship from National Media Institute, went to the Rhodes University in South Africa to study Media Leadership and Management with the Sol Plaatje Media Institute. My face was awash with smiles on this long awaited first flight, the fantastic scenery of Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg town then to Graham’s town where Rhodes University is. One day I met an old European woman past the university library. She had a walking stick to support her balance. We greeted and she told me her pride as she was doing her Masters in education after she retired long time ago. I informed her that I failed to make it to university. She looked at me held my hand and said,

“Look at me. I just turned 60 years. I will not die before I attain my first degree. Go back to school.”

I recalled I was 48 years old while I crowned this woman. I thought this woman was my angel. I promised to take next action.

With my husband we bought a plot at Machinjiri Area 12; after which purchased four more plots. We now have planted over fifty fruit trees. This was yet a long time dream realised.

                      

                         Our house at plot 1 of our five plots

Another milestone was that I applied and studied Community Development at the Malawi Polytechnic. I passed with higher credit. Come 2008 I applied, succeeded interviews then joined Story Workshop Educational Trust (SWET), a local media Organisation. Next I applied to a private university which by then was accredited by the Malawi Government-Blantyre International University. I continued studying community development; such that I then joined a class level which our fourth born daughter Caroline Zulu was. I did distant learning while I continued doing community work. (See pictures below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     Rhoda (centre) captured during community nutrition displays

               

                   Above: Rhoda, from a radio producer to community development facilitator

As we chatted my husband commended that teaching career had developed me. I thanked him. Unfortunately he passed on in 2013 before I graduated in 2014. I marveled as Professor Charles Chamthunya encouraged me,

         “Congratulations, always aim high.”

I smiled while inwardly recalling, “Aim high never tire.”                   

My continued search for career advancement resurfaced when in 2017 I applied, selected and started Masters of Health and Behavior Change Communication at the Malawi Polytechnic University. Out of 38 students who started, we are only 16 remaining. The rest gave up because it is tough going but am determined to score.

Let me point out that I discovered my writing potential upon being tasked to write community stories for projects’ visibility. One of my feature articles I wrote was “Kanthu nkhama motomoto’ (hard work pays). Mr Sambalikagwa Mvona, then an editor of the magazine) from Moni (greetings) magazine who had selected this article invited me to join the Malawi writers’ Union.

Since then am always close to my pen and paper. One of my writings is Flight to Success, an insipirational article, published in the Bachelor of Chikanda, an anthology of the Malawi Writers’ Union. Through continued personal efforts I have undergone international training by FEMRITE Uganda Women Writers, an all Women Writers’ Workshop in Kampala, Uganda, in 2011. While there I interacted and contributed to an African Women Writers’ Anthology, Summoning the Rains, in 2012; with my short story, Knife Pleat Skirt. The story was derived from a gender based violence incident which is believed to have occurred in Malawian community. I was further privileged when I got a scholarship to join active female writers from some African countries at Rockefeller Foundation, Bellagio Centre in Milan, Italy. There we setup the African Women Writers Network.

Finally, bear with me that not all goals will be achieved; not every dream will come true. But you must keep on in motion while you stay focused. Surmount any discomfort on your life journey for I have never seen a storm last forever.  Don’t ever give up. Rise up soon after every fall because your best stories will come from your struggles. I am unique because I always turn my failures into seeds for my next achievement.

  Rhoda Zulu steps up the ladders at the Bellargio Flat, Milan Italy, 2014

 

I love Malawi, my sweet home

 

 

 

 

Sharing joys of female contributors to anthology, The Grafted Tree

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOREMAN'S AWARD

THE FOREMAN’S AWARD

Geo Sheng, the General Manager of Shen Shen construction Limited spoke as he handed over a bunch of keys,

      ‘’ Mike, this is your reward.’’

Dudu’s face looked sullen. He was sweating and shivering as he tried to open the house he had built for himself. But why was not amused with such a reward?

Mike Dudu was the last born in a family of ten. He was born when both her parents worked at a coal mine in Zimbabwe and his parents returned to Malawi when he was five years, leaving all his brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately both the parents died just a year later. Since none of her parents’ relatives welcomed him in their homes he befriended himself with pastors at Mtendere mission such that eventually he worked as a part time houseboy. In turn the missionaries provided him with school fees and upkeep.

Although Mike was selected to Mtendere secondary school he only went up to form three because he could not manage to pay for his fees. Luckily enough he developed interest in building and construction such that studied building construction at Namitete Technical School. Back to Mtendere he was employed to help in construction of primary and secondary schools. As time went on Mike saved part of his earning and bought builders tools such as level, meter such that a Chinese Company, Shen Shen Construction, deployed him. So he used to travel to various sites and got promoted to become a foreman because of his special skills, integrity and dedication to duty.

Dudu married Nabetha and got blessed with six children within ten years. This was because the couple longed for a male child but all of them were girls. Dudu started to enjoy beer drinking and in due course started to substitute Nabetha with other women. Each time he moved from one construction site to another he would find a new concubine to keep him company since his wife Nabetha was left at their home village. By the time Dudu returned to his home at Mtendere he had fathered three other children that overburdened him. But all these children died at the ages of six and seven, remaining with the six  children. On the other side of his life the builders enjoyed the fun and beers that he bought after knock off.

          ‘’ There comes the king,’’ drunkards would clap hands.

          ‘’ Welcome guys, take your choice.’’ He would chip in.

Most of the builders envied him and knew his tricks. One of his friends informed the General Manager, who summoned him to a hearing,

          ‘’Am told you often have money to waste for beers. How far is this true?’’

‘’ But I only taste a bit of beer, not much, bwana. I know these builders hate me because you love me.’’

But things turned worse when Geo proved that Dudu was a drunkard when he caught him taking liquor during working hours. So the manager thought of dismissing him but with a house reward for Dudu. They gave him a house plan to build at Golomoti Trading centre. He was provided cement, sand and iron sheets enough to build a four bed roomed house. When he asked who would occupy the house he was told certain Chinese people wanted to grow rice and were planned to occupy it. Dudu smiled as he thought it was high time to enrich himself. He used to steal a lot of cement such that he built a mud house and only coated the walls with a few cement. Most of the cement was either sold and proceeds used for beer drinking or else he took some cement bags and iron sheets to his home village. In addition he used low quality burglar bars, including door flames. He tactfully produced fake receipts of payments whenever Shen came to supervise his construction.

Dudu was a creative and hardworking foreman such that within six months construction was completed. As he invited the manager to hand over the work he congratulated himself for the joyful moments he had gone through. When the General Manager invited him to go and see how far he had constructed,

          ‘’The house is complete bwana.’’

          ‘’ See you next week.’’

          ‘’ Thanks bwana, you’re welcome.’’ Dudu responded to his manager,the caller.

Before he met his manager Dudu went home to Mtendere to check on his sent property. He was surprised that his wife Nabetha knew nothing about the building materials he had sent. Julio, the builders he had self trained and entrusted to transfer materials home claimed to have sent through a track driver. But this time Julio’s where abouts could not be traced. Even his cell number could not be reached.

But Dudu had less time to track Julio since he had to rush back to Golomoti to meet as agreed with his manager, Geo.

So Dudu was accompanied by his assistant to the house which he built at Golomoti. The other employees were also invited. They all ate and drank amid cheers,

          ‘’ Long live Shen Shen Company… Long live Dudu.’’

Geo Sheng invited all the builders to the front of the newly constructed house. He took out a bunch of keys from his pocket and gave out unexpected speech,

          ‘’This is the foreman’s gift.’’ he spoke as he handed over the keys to Dudu.

          ‘’ Thanks a lot,’’ Dudu spoke, amid ululations from the other builders.

All the other employees envied Dudu. But Dudu’s face looked unpleased. He was sweating and shivering as he tried to open the house he had built for himself. Only Julio knew the reason behind the sorrow.

 

 

THE BLIND AMBASSADOR

THE BLIND AMBASSODOR

‘’ Antafada! Antafada! Antafada!’’ All animals of Umtomosya chanted as they jumped and ululated. They had spread out palm leaves on all roads for this poor fellow that had usurped the Annual Festival Award. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the giants of the forest. Giraffe, lion and elephant whisked their tails and shook their heads in sheer disapproval. But why had they not managed to win the trophy as they had always done?

Umtomosya Kwenu was a civilized animal village that grew various crops and tamed other smaller species for consumption and security. All neighbouring villages envied this community because of their hard work and support for each other. Once a year the animals celebrated their crop harvest through festive activities like football, jumping castle, really race, long jump, traditional dances as well as javelling. During the festive season competitions were grouped into two distinct categories - the smaller animals competed among themselves like mice, rats, coach roaches and frogs; while the giants- lion, leopard, buffalo, cow were in another group. Winners of these activities were recognized through an Annual Festival Award. After several years of the contest the giants ruled out the smaller animals’ competition so that the reward for the winner would be increased. The smaller animals tried to protest but the lions’ roar was enough to send all smaller ones into hiding. A day later the young ones came and apologized to the giants and agreed they would try their luck. The big animals guessed and teased they will forever be the winners. Kalulu the hare was adamant. He flapped his ears, crossed his legs, poked his nose before he spoke out,

          ‘’You know my tricks, I will be the winner.’’

When the duke heard this it looked at the hare twice then spit on the ground, covered it with soil and said,

          ‘’Never listen to this stupid one, I will surprise this village.’’

The giants silenced the small animals, leopard was first,

          ‘’ Unless the sun changes direction, you can only win in your dreams.’’

          ‘’ Don’t ever dare to enter this competition,’’ Lion chipped in.

Giraffe calmed down the animals and Chipembere announced that the winner will be the one who first manages to climb to the top of the wall obstacle. One frog, Antafada by name, had big patches around its dark,rough skinned body. Its legs were flat but long enough with clips that would grip strongly. Antafada  was guided by another frog to join the cue. But the buffalo pushed the frog aside and mocked,

‘’Go and rest with your small body mass.’’

Lion echoed these sentiments,

          ‘’You better watch out you tiny creatures.’’

But Antafada, scratched it’s his patched body and clung to the line,

          ‘’ Come rain or sunshine, we are here to win,’’ these were sentiments by the escort frog.’’

          ‘’Shut up!’’ Shouted Chipembere the organizer.

The giants laughed and continued to scorn the two frogs,

          ‘’This is a joke of the year.’’

More animals came close and spit on the frogs. They bulldozed the frogs, squeezing them to a far corner. When the whistle blew all the giant animals were busy with mockery such that they did not hear it. But the escort frog was attentive. As soon as he heard the whistle blow he pushed the blind frog and it started climbing upwards slowly. By the time the other animals noted that the whistle had already been blown they too started climbing. The giants pushed their body masses forward. Some tried to jump in a bid to surpass frog. But as they touched the wall they failed to grip. One by one they returned down. The lion broke its left leg and cried loud with pain. He was treated by first aid crew and laid down to rest. Next was the giraffe who managed to get up to half level but could not hold on strongly to the wall such that he finally came down. Some of the giants felt tired due to their heavy weights and the scorching heat since it was getting to midday.

The blind frog continued slowly and confidently upwards. He could not hear the mocking or jeers; neither did he know how many animals they were still struggling up or had fallen down. Small animals continued to cheer up the blind frog while the giants looked on. Interestingly, by the time the last whistle blew the blind frog was on top, panting and clearing sweat from his body. For him he had given up,

          ‘’ Seems this is the end; there is nowhere else for me to continue,’’ he thought.

The other animals called aloud,

‘’Antafada! Antafada! Antafada!’ .

The rest of the animals turned to the escort frog who threw out a long rope to Antafada. The frog felt the rope and started to follow it with its fore legs until it landed down. Chipembere, the master of ceremony held the frog by the hand and escorted it to get its award trophy. It was news to all animals in Umtomosya Kwenu ,

          ‘’Antafada is the winner of this years’ race,’’ announced the master of ceremonies.’’

The escort frog touched Antafada and led him to get his trophy,

          ‘’But doesn’t see,’’ commented Lion.

          ‘’How come he has beaten us? Asked another giant, the hippo.

          ‘’He has won because he has a foresighted mind. He listened to no discouragement.

All animals including the giants opened their eyes wide as they obeyed command to bow down before Antafada as he got dressed in silver attire and put on a lion skin chair. Kalulu the hare, mocked the giants as they knelt before Antafada as  he was being crowned a bright cap. All this signified end of wrestle; all the animals were told to listen to the new ambassador  of Umtomosya who would represent them at all meetings of the year.

 

FLIGHT TO SUCCESS

A FLIGHT TO SUCCESS ….by Rhoda Zulu

Forever under construction, a pilgrim’s journey, full of joys, surprises, obstacles including pitfalls. Those people you admire to have succeeded weren’t born with exceptional intelligence but have powers of dedication to their chosen chief objective. As such great people are those with an extraordinary amount of drive, determination and desire. (John Maxwell, Developing the Leaders around You). Therefore this flight to success takes you through various principles so that you too develop the right wings to fly.

 

Firstly, let’s define Success. According to the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, University Press 2002, to succeed is to achieve what you’ve been trying to get or do. In other words, it is to be victorious. Since the journey to success is subjective and dynamic, I may not be successful yet, but have the courage and competence to take you through a success flight. Hence with the trust of my Pilot, I humbly volunteer to be your Captain to our destination. Our Steward will be joining us shortly.

 

But before takeoff let me just warn you. Not all goals will be achieved, not every job will end successfully, not all relationships will endure, not every love will last and not every dream will be realized. Apart from this bear in mind that every individual has the potential to better their life. So your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing (Abraham Lincoln). You may now fasten your seat belts and better be steady, for I’m only carrying a pen and following the hands of the Creator.

There are several key principles which achievers encourage us to take into account. One key principle of success is to develop Positive Mental Attitudes (PMA) which attracts success. You must practice positive affirmations which appeal to the heart and encourage you to forge ahead. Do not be prisoners of negativity for Dr Stuart Grason laments that those people who are victimized by their belief structures are limited by the quality of that situation in their lives.

So you must imagine your life as a mirror which reflects to the thinker what he thinks into it (Elnest Holmes, American Writer). This entails that life challenges are not supposed to paralyse you; instead they’re supposed to help you discover who you are and what else you can do to attain your destiny. You never know that by surmounting challenges you get to new stepping grounds or horizon. Once you overcome them you may clearly see an alternative route to your next success. Dr D.D Phiri (Malawi Nation Newspaper, May 2009) alluded that the road to prosperity is bumpy such that people must accept the temporary discomforts associated with it. Alexander Graham Bell asserts that sometimes people stare so long at a door which is closing that they see too late another one that’s open. So if you’ve time to reflect you better do so on your previous successes. This is because you can’t do well in life unless you let go your past failures. As mountains crumble and life comes to a standstill you might feel your world is coming to a halt. But you should not give up for every problem has an expiry date. Hence  you better stop wasting your precious time on negatives which discourage and let you give up or do nothing where you should have acted – missing your opportunity in turn. This implies that clinging to past failures will negatively daunt you, thereby becoming key destructors against your next line of achievement.

 

Second principle of success is to be specific as you put up your vision to reality towards what you want to achieve. Some advice reads,

 

‘’Achievers are those that are self motivated and really committed in working towards their goals, dreams and vision. So you should always be compelled by the goal or desire end- your own gold medal.’’   (Chimwemwe Matonga Thought for the week, Malawi Weekend Nation 30-31 August 2008).

 

On the other hand non achievers are those that do things without any motivation, easily get distracted, get consumed with temporal pleasures then end up losing even that which they already had. Take note of late Julius Nyerere’s advice,

 

 “People cannot be developed; they can only develop themselves by what they do.”

This advice implies that the decisions you make, the charges you undertake plus your ability and persistence , all make you be whom you aspire to become.

 

Maybe that’s why Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish Novelist comments further,

 

“An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding; not to be found in foreign lands , but in the heart itself…“

 

So if you’re keyless in life then you are a self prisoner. It’s high time you open up your mind and look yonder. Then you must set targets and create a self reminder by jotting down your intentions, placing them where you‘ll easily be reminded. Also make your goals challenging but doable and realisable with clearly defined deadlines; it helps to focus and target in your attempts. Better get out of your cocoon and set up your life agenda towards your destiny. This is because the power of change rests within you. If you do not want to leave the nest of comfort then you’ll forever do things the way you’ve always done and will always get the same results. The Late prime Minister of India, Mahatma Gandhi once said,

 

“If you want change, you must be the change you’d want to see in the world.”

In fact Barak Obama, then president of the United States echoed to these wise sentiments. Another author, Ray Norda seemed to echo Mahatma Gandhi by this statement,

 

“Cause change and lead. Accept change and survive. Resist change and die.”

 

Listen to Harry Anderson,

 

“Though you can’t touch the stars it doesn’t stop a wise person from trying.”

 

This means that after developing a desire, you must set off action points and make the necessary sacrifice. Remember it is said that failure to plan is planning to fail. The five P’s Principle cements this fact– Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

 

A third principle of success is to maximise your efforts by concentrating on your specific purpose to remain focused with enthusiasm. Better centre your attention on what you want in life. This will assure you reflect the truth of what you’re capable of doing, otherwise you get attracted to several interests and by the time you refocus; precious resources may have been wasted. After all, although there are many interesting issues world over, not everything is meant

for you. Then why spread yourself thinly on a net of various interests? You’d better concentrate on a few so as to enable completion within a specified time. This will result in self motivation to set new focal points for more scores.

 

We are now traveling at three hundred thousand feet above sea level. Can you see the Zambezi River down there? Look at how beautifully it meanders and ends into Indian Ocean. I hope you’ve already chosen your snack and drink to freshen up. If not, you may do so now.

 

Next principle of success- develop a disciplined mindset; doing the right thing at the right time and in the right manner. This entails living a life that is well ordered through developing self control in your dealings. In addition, you must control your own behaviour even when the heart breaks, so you do not become a slave of passions. If you get down to quarrels every day, you’re devoting yourself to the devil, and time will not wait for you. Rather free yourself from hate,

mischief and jealousy. Take heed of Lee Lacocca’s advice of Ford and Chrysler Motor Company,

 

“You don’t succeed for long by kicking people around. Just know how to talk to them, plain and simple.”

You must therefore remain stable no matter the pressure or stressful encounters. In so doing you’ll ably control your tongue, keep your words soft and supple, so they do not become bitter in case you’ve to swallow them later.

 

To add on, be able to stand on your feet; avoid dependence by developing self reliance. You must also be sincere and practice integrity (purity of doing what’s right, no matter what). It’ll give you freedom of conscious. In addition you must give others chances to act. This is because no matter your intelligence quotient (High Eye Cue) – you can’t be a master of all fields. It is said that a jack of all trades is often a master of none. Yes, you may be a good entrepreneur but a poor manager. Hence no matter how you presume others to be dull, they too have their story (Desiderata). Maybe we can learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, others are pretty and some are dull. True they have different colours and brightness, but they all have to live in the same box. So you better give others a chance to perform, since John Powell, American Catholic teacher and writer advises that the spirit of acceptance grows in the soil of acceptance.

 

Taking you further, you must develop personal initiatives. Good ideas or good aims are worthwhile when implemented otherwise dreams remain mere fantasies. It seems that success is connected with action; keep on exploiting and strike head on any chance by making up your mind that it is worth venturing; no matter the risks en route. Just trust yourself and try to carry out today what you ought to and even go on to tomorrow’s work, if time permits. Otherwise if say,

 

 “I’ll do this tomorrow,”

 

How do you know the tides accompanying your tomorrow? It’s possible that the good times of today may turn out to be the bad times of tomorrow. Even Parkinson’s Law states,

 

“Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”

 

Hence, if you’re not careful you may take a week to accomplish that which with concentrated effort and devotion could only have taken two days. Moreover you also need to learn to work independently with minimum supervision, not just to please your supervisor. That’s why wise people believe that time has to be budgeted since it has monetary value. So you should take an extra mile (Kilometer nowadays) in your works; for if you always knock off when the bell rings, you may miss your next victory. But this doesn’t imply that you overload yourself to exhaustion, no. You may grow older than your age; for it is said that all work no play makes Clara a dull girl.

 

However, perform your best wherever you are, putting your energies on a service before a reward. You never know how your current endeavors will lift you towards your next achievement. Listen to Napoleon Hill,

 

“Render more service than that which you are paid; soon you will be paid more than you render.”

 

We are now turning east and about to cross the border on our way back to the warm heart of Africa. The bumps are because of the rain showers, no cause for worry.

 

Let’s now see the role faith contributes to your success. Faith, meaning conviction or belief, is a state of mind that charges your energies to act for change. Faith and persistence are thus considered as inseparable Siamese twins in the pursuit of success. By implication, if you only have faith but have no confidence and commitment, you remain a wishful thinker without produce of miracles. But where there is faith, hope and optimism, then courage develops while fear recedes. As such you must be confident in your abilities since even most inventions were made by individuals who had been underrated by others. Likewise, riches do not respond to wishes but to definite plans backed by devotion and dedication to constant acting. You well know that worthwhile objectives are often difficult to attain.

On the other hand, if you think No it can’t work, then you may not apply enough effort to realize your expectations. Truthfully speaking, great deeds and interventions start in the mind; thus by

planting the seed of success you yield success. If you always think you’ll fail, then you likewise plant a seed of failure which eventually leads you to fail as perceived. Remember that a river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence” ~ Jim Watkins.

 

Let me now take you to the importance of maintaining good health. A healthy body often develops a healthy soul and mind. So take deliberate efforts to be physically fit by nourishing your body with nutritious foods which contain all six food groups – staples, meat and meat products, vegetables, fruits, legumes, fats and oils. Add on regular body exercise plus adequate time for sleep to maintain your health.

 

To discuss further, another principle of success is that you need not carry your burdens all the time. The reason is that a problem thought over for long makes you feel very heavy due to stress and discomfort. It is said that scientifically, an object becomes heavier the more time it is held. Even stress management tells us to put down our burdens for a while. So for a moment try to switch yourself off from whatever disturbs your peace, turn your attention to something else; in addition to some deep breathing exercises (at least twenty times) and smile a bit. Your beam is worth a million dollar of good health. After relaxation, you may re pick up your challenge; trust me, you’ll appreciate how light it becomes. This is because you’ve restored more energy to counteract it. In fact, it is said that life is what you make, how do you make your life with such burdens?

 

We’ll be landing in a few minutes from now. May I therefore request that you fasten your seat belts and switch off all your electrical appliances?

Finally, listen to this “Be willing to fail temporarily, not permanently. Imagine one man had failed in business in 1831. He was defeated in politics in 1832; failed again in business in 1834, had a nervous breakdown in 1841. In 1842 he failed to receive his political party nomination for the senate in 1855; defeated again in 1858.

 

“A hopeless loser,” people conferred.

 

But he finally surprised all. He was elected president of the United States in 1860. Guess who? Abraham Lincoln (Quoted from Norman Vincent Peale).Here is another quote,

            “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” ~ Michael Jordan

 

That’s why Napoleon advises that a winner never quits, a quitter never wins. You must change the attitude of easily giving up or life of doubts. These worries are traitors and make us lose the good you could have won by further attempts (William Shakespeare). So be ambitious as you strive towards your desire. And when you achieve you’ll proudly say,

“This I have attained because I am objective, targeted, work hard with persistence and perseverance.’’

 

Finally, don’t forget that not all winners sweat to succeed, others get it on a silver platter. But then, note that what easily comes ends up in easy go. Ladies and gentlemen, remember your luggage as you disembark this plane to success. If you have enjoyed my company, I look forward to hear your next success.  Wishing you a safe flight to Success!