The Academic Trials

A call to perseverance as told by Billy Sichone

Fore word by Paul Mumba MBA

Billy C Sichone 1st edition 2005

Copyright (c) Billy C Sichone 2009 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be stored or reproduced in any form using available technologies without the express permission of the copyright holder. To get in touch with author, use the following contact points: Cell: 260977429521 or 260966559762 Email: [email protected]

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Comments and praise for/about this book “An inspirational giant of a book containing a life story told with such martyrdom and candidness... It is selfless help which exhorts any reader who is walking down a similar lane. A story told in an hilarious manner but driving home many serious points which make a difference between life and death, prosperity and poverty. Take time to read it and encourage the author to write and write and write to the glory of God.” Mr Evans R Lupiya, MANCOSA MBA student July 2009

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Acknowledgements

Many people were party to the writing of this book. Some heralded and urged its writing and publication. Others opposed it because it would be an activity in self praise and to some extent boasting. I have sought to bring out factual information which I thought would be handy and helpful to this and the next generation. I have done my best to steer a course that is neither egocentric nor overly pessimistic. To satisfactorily do this, a number of objective minds read through the manuscript and offered valuable advice. These were many but some stand out and I mention them. I thank all of them. Significant players that added to this story are: Mr & Mrs Banda (Marlon and Bupe) who stood by my side when it mattered most. Those three years they hosted me in their home were a critical, defining and formative stage. I emerged a potential winner when I headed to the Western Province on 21st July 1998. I thank my colleagues Twandi Mapzi, Christopher Kangwa, Patrick ‘old Guard’ Chama, Peter Mulenga, Hewitt Chizyuka, Gilbert Masona, Paul Simfukwe, Muki Phiri, Anne and Chikondi Phiri, Mr & Mrs Mwansa (of Ndola) and a whole host of others that walked with me in the very throes of academic trials. I thank my elder brothers and sisters in the faith that took my hand when I felt like giving up or quitting altogether. Among them are Mr Kunda Kalifungwa, Mr & Mrs Mumba (Paul and Emily), Ms Mwila Bwalya, Ms Judith (Lamisa) Konayuma, Mr Christian Kasumo, Mr Charles Masala, Mr Samuel Ngoma, Zambian Reformed Baptist Pastors (i.e. Conrad Mbewe, Cholwe Mwetwa, Victor Kanyanse, Ronald Kalifungwa, Kennedy Sunkutu etc) among many. Each of these spoke a word in season which built me up. I thank my teachers and lecturers throughout my education process from the Ngwerere Nursery school through Jacaranda, Kafue, DK, UNZA, Evelyn Hone College and other institutions that have I have passed through. Most of all, I thank my parents who bore the burden of shaping and moulding me into what I would eventually turn out to be. In the writing process, few people supported me through out. My wife Jane was always by my side to ensure that I ran the extra mile. I am indebted to her and eternally grateful to God for the great wife and kids I am blessed with. But one couple especially and particularly urged the writing of this book and without their repeated appeals, this book would probably not have seen the light of day, Danford and Anne Mwaba. I salute them most sincerely. Finally, to the only wise God, be praise forever and ever amen!

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Dedication

To all that stood by my side “when the going got tough” And To all those that will be encouraged by this account

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Foreword

I have known Billy for many years now right from the time I first met him way back in 1987. He struck me as a fragile but determined young boy coming out of the wood works of sin, having been miraculously delivered by the effectual power of Grace. I was working but struggling to complete my last UNZA degree course at the time. With the passage of time, this young teen age boy turned into a man and today he towers above many of us in the academic world. I clearly recall that in those early days, Billy was not a particularly strong reader of books but was zealous in other things. However, as he interacted with ‘men of kindred minds’, he progressively developed himself into an avid reader of high standard as evidenced by what he continuously churns out today. His racy pen is simply amazing. But things were not always easy for him. With the passing of years, this potential intellectual giant went through very touch patches in his life which we all failed to comprehend, understand or explain. Many things were said from all over but personally, deep in my mind, I was convinced that he would come up some day and show the world what he truly is made out of. It is therefore and honour and privilege to write this foreword for this dear brother and colleague that has distinguished himself. Read this book and I am persuaded you will not be disappointed! We need more of such men and women in our times and for generations to come. Paul Mumba July 2009 Lusaka

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Preface

Life is full of twists and turns which none of us can exactly predict. The winding path of life can be both exciting and hair raising. For some, it is simply plain sailing all the way through while for others, hurdles and challenges abound at every turn. It is basically not the same for any two people, no matter how similar they might be in terms of location, genes or genealogy. In a sense, this is what spices up life. While in the one, things work out really well, from the cradle to the grave while others have occasional challenges here and there but still excel. Yet to another, life seems simply impossible and one wishes they could depart from this life and be at rest with the Saviour. This book that you are about to read presents one aspect of life as relates to a fellow sojourner on planet earth like yourself. He has gone through various experiences of life and wishes to tell part of his story, tracing all the winding paths that he traversed to get to where he is. It is a painful story but worth telling for who knows, some soul may be encouraged to persevere a little longer. For weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning says the Psalmist somewhere. What you read in these pages, if read well will definitely build you up and put “iron in your bones” so that you take a fresh look at your trials, resolving to put up a spirited fight. For those exceptional students and blessed to fly plainly through life, this book may not fully appeal to you but a few strategic lessons here and there may be learnt. The aim of this book is four fold: The first is to encourage the faint or fainting heart to persevere on despite the hurdles. The second is to warn the lethargic lest the fall over the precipice of academic turmoil. The third is to foster a spirit of continuous self improvement particularly in academic matters. The last is to leave a written legacy for generations to come that shall traverse similar paths that we have trod, though their context will entirely be different from what presently confronts us. Thus, I hope that you will turn out to be a resolute and determined person at the end of this book! If we do not meet in this life, most likely we shall meet in the next, if you are a saint! Pleasant reading! Academic trials

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Billy Sichone June 2009 Mpika-Zambia

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Contents

INTRODUCTION AND OVER VIEW..............................................................10 HOW IT ALL BEGUN.................................................................................12 THE FALL................................................................................................19 THE SEVEN LEAN YEARS..........................................................................25 THE SEVEN RECOVERY YEARS..................................................................38 THE PROSPEROUS YEARS........................................................................45 LESSONS LEARNT....................................................................................52 A PARTING WORD....................................................................................62 APPENDICES...........................................................................................64 INDEX....................................................................................................67 ABOUT THE AUTHOR...............................................................................68

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Chapter 1

Introduction and over view

Writing about some theory or practice grants its own unique experience. One has to know exactly what they are to write extremely well before they attempt to write anything otherwise they risk being discredited by analysts. They will interrogate and play the Devils’ advocate if only they can test the validity of the theory or assertions. Writing about oneself however is an entirely different ball game with its unique challenges. This is because the person writing will write from an experiential subjective position, based on what they experienced, saw and concluded. This book is about courage and perseverance in the midst of suffering, shame, scathing attacks, reproach and ridicule. It is a book that shows that it pays to be persistent and focused whatever happens. Times and seasons of life will change and so will fortunes. Today someone is considered a pauper, tomorrow s/he is the national and international tycoon. Today someone is illiterate and hardly able to read but the next, they publish the

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# 1 consistent bestseller in the world! That’s life, full of unique meanders! The strategic mind will therefore prepare for whatever betide and ensure that past follies are not repeated. In coming up with this treatise, the author’s main aim is not to focus on himself but the principle. In as much as it is not possible to think of events without attaching it to his name, it is none the less his wish to have you remain with the principle in your lap rather than his face. Thus, this book has been divided into various chapters that tell a story in chronological order as events happened. The first section gives a brief over view and back ground of events as they occurred before the troubled waters arrived. The later chapters give some level of detail of the challenges encountered over time as events unfolded over the years. The book closes with some lessons and partying words which we must take home and apply. Having read this book, the reader is encouraged to retain only what they deem helpful and discard the rest. Every effort has been made to conceal the identity of some people whose image might be dented by this book but some have been mentioned by name because it is critical for readers to know them. Secondarily, their names have been made public as a way of saluting them for their heroic courage and support to the faint hearted. Perhaps, the extent and true motives will be known on the last day.

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Chapter 2

How it all begun

In January 1978, I started school at the Jacaranda Primary school. I had abruptly stopped nursery school midway because of infectious ring worms which invaded my scalp and thus quarantined at home. By the time I enrolled at the primary school, all my ailments had cleared and thus jubilantly entered my education career at one of Lusaka’s most prestigious schools. The Jacaranda School attracted all sorts of pupils from the rich and famous to about the poorest in the city. Most of them were average with their parents holding senior government positions. I fell in this bracket and my father was a senior civil servant with an impressive CV. He worked hard to provide for the family and ensured that for all of us, school was taken seriously. My father made it a point that he attended every school sports and open days. I felt supported and happy. My mother was the best mom in the world although quite a disciplinarian. She was an astute domestic manager and ensured that we were all fit and well provided for. Academic trials

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Thus, when I started school, I had all the financial and moral support because the national economy was generally good. We could afford three decent meals in addition to snacks in between. Friends would flock to our home and we would play all sorts of games dispersing at the end of the day all muddy and dirty. But it was all fun. My youth was a very happy one and I could not have asked for more.

With my parents as a baby (I am carried by dad)

As for my academic life, which is the focus of this book, I showed the first signs of brilliance in the first grade though became more evident in the subsequent grades. Legend has it that I loved drawing pictures and imagining things rather than number crunching, which I would later develop on. I am also reliably informed by my father that I was initially left handed but after much pressure and duress, I changed hands from using “ukuso” and partly explains why my hand writing has never been that good since. I can scarcely remember those coercive events but touching base with dad confirmed this. I started beating my class in the second grade and continued this trend throughout my lower and upper primary, excelling even more with time. I would beat all those in my stream in the entire school and not be able to explain how I did it. Looking back, it was probably because I attended every class and paid careful attention when the teacher was explaining something. Another probable reason is that I took my homework seriously and never missed doing it and handing it in for marking. I up held this practice throughout my primary years. I was good in about every subject, maths/arithmetic, English, General Science, Social studies and hand writing (a bit shaky here though!). Nobody could match up with my excellence in all but the handwriting papers although I was good enough there as well. I outclassed them all. The irony is that I played all term and rarely took up a book to study until the week before the end of term tests when I would practically halt any other activity to descend on my books. I read seriously and was “fully charged” for the tests which I would blast through without much ado. I took part in about every athletic activity, attended clubs such as the Culture and art (drawing) clubs as well as the inter-school contests. At one time, I led our school to a televised National quiz which we scooped. At another time, I won an international art competition sponsored by the JAICA and UNESCO. I was a celebrity among my peers and famous among the girls although I was extremely shy and dreaded the opposite sex. The Primary school years were some of my happiest years in life because about everything went well, yea, far better than I ever

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imagined or wished for. I had an exciting child hood and was a star at home, at school and church. I excelled and distinguished myself in about everything I did. I was loved by most people and was a celebrity with special features. My interpersonal skills opened doors for me to all classes of kids, whether rich or poor. I was invited to Porsche homes which were the exclusive preserve of only the rich by virtue of my lovable personality. I also went to places where the rich loathed setting foot in, the shanty compounds with little or no problem. I had friends everywhere and the lord’s favour rested over my soul. I busked under the shadow of his wings. The grade seven exams were chicken feed for me and confidently walked away from the exam thinking that I had scored a hundred percent pass. I was disappointed when I scored 738, the second highest at our school though nowhere near the provincial or national high mark. I failed to clinch a place at either of the National Technical schools, the David Kaunda or Hillcrest. My mark was also far below the St Canicious secondary school in Southern province but was good enough to get me to my school of first choice, the Kafue Secondary school. I first set foot there on 28th January 1985, the first time I ever spent a night away from my parents’ home. That period also marked the beginning of my independence and path to development and maturity. The first year (Grade eight) was really rough as we were terrible mocked and at some point was terminally ill at the grisly hands of Malaria.

8th Grade, 1985 Thank fully, I recovered and came round once again. I first showed flashes of brilliance in the third term when I beat my class. I would eventually beat the entire stream in the subsequent year and then wrote the final exam at the end of 1986.

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At DK, Grade 10 The results were made public in January 1987 and as expected, I excelled with eight distinctions out of ten. I was selected to go to the David Kaunda National Technical Secondary school (DK) because of my good performance. I scored 473, which was quite significant at the time. My DK stint was both a blessing and a struggle.

10th grade student ID, 1987

It was a struggle in the sense that I met my match at the school because they were also smart and exceptionally brilliant. I tried to compete with them but could not match up. It was a blessing in the sense that the DK stint is where I met the lord and got converted.

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11th grade, 1988

School suddenly became rough, I struggled in most subjects and completely failed in others during the term tests. This shocked me because it was unlike me to plummet in any subject for I had been a high flier all along. Try as I might, things would just not pick up and eventually led to my having first doubts whether I was truly brilliant as I had claimed all along or had it been pure coincidence and chance? The scuffles with my parents started around this time because they could not understand why I suddenly plummeted. Looking back, one major reason is that I suffered from a serious conjunctivitis eye problem which hindered me from studies. Providentially, I converted to Christ about that time1. I became zealous and active in my new found faith which my parents could not comprehend. Thus, they would blame my poor academic performance on “Church” and rightly so (for them), because all they could see was my zealously carrying and reading the Bible with little or no interest or concentration on school books. I tried to explain but in vain. In grade twelve, I failed the first term tests and was banned from all church activities. I protested but was not heard. The next term, I went into self imposed ‘exile’ for a whole term. I never left boarding (went into a self determined recluse mode, away from everyone) but studied all the time emerging top of my class during that mock examination. I read about everything related to my subjects but NEVER missed fellowship. I became a rare commodity in the school compound and if someone met me walking around the school grounds, they wondered what had gone wrong! I became that scarce!

1

Refer to the conversion testimony in the Appendix

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12th Grade, with some colleagues

In the third term (Sept-Dec 1989), I became a bit more relaxed because I was on top of things. I moved around school freely and wrote all the weekly tests emerging with distinctions. I recall that many of those “Cambridge maths papers” I scored above 90% and was headed for a clear division one in each subject. I was poised for a six points score. I was so well prepared for the exams to the extent that when the papers eventually came, I found them ridiculously simple. I wrote and left DK sure that my name would be etched in the ‘Hall of fame’ at the school. I stayed at home for just a month before my father arranged an attachment at the Zambian State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) which lasted eleven months. I worked in the internal audit department visiting all the departments and agencies of the corporation conceivable. I was also part of the lunch time fellowship there and was probably the youngest but soon attracted a multiplicity of responsibilities. I preached my first sermon there. I also linked up with some secondary schools around town and moved around preaching as a “senior friend” whenever I had opportunity and time on my hands. The DK Scripture Union (SU) was naturally my soft spot and made repeated visits there. When the results were made public about March that year, I zealously went to collect them but felt sick at the results I scored. While I made it for the University, I did not score the one digit mark I strongly desired. I scored 13 points, which was just enough to slice me into the school of Natural Sciences. This result had other repercussions: it was difficult to get into the Mpelembe Secondary school (Form 6) on a Mine scholarship or clinch an international scholarship to the socialist countries. I felt quite sad with this development and wondered what went wrong in the examination. Was I over confident and thus careless? Did I deceive myself that I was ready when in fact I was not? Was someone playing some tricks at the examination council? Did I relax too much? What exactly went wrong? I tossed these unanswered questions in my mind for a long time and the more I did so, the more miserable I felt. However, whichever person heard about my results thought they were brilliant and I was the envy of about everyone at home, work or Church. Privately, I complained bitterly to my parents and urged them to find me a Academic trials

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scholarship abroad but they declined and pointed me to UNZA. I could not come to terms with this apparent “failure” though gradually I prepared myself to settle for UNZA. At the end of November 1990, my colleague and I (for there were two of us from DK on the same scheme at ZSIC) said our farewells and headed for the prestigious University education where I would pursue foundational science courses with a view to study human medicine.

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Chapter 3

The fall 1990-1991

Have you ever gone through an agonizing and trying time? Remember the last time when your world seemed to have cracked? All of us have many stories to tell and in this chapter I attempt to narrate an extremely difficult period in my life. The 1990-91 period has left an indelible mark upon my mind. Every time I look back, I still feel the tremor and echo that ripped through my mind then. Things happened too fast and by the time I realized it was all over for me and I was ejected out of UNZA on to the Lusaka Streets. I majestically left the Zambia State Insurance Corporation, where I had been attached for a year at the end of 1990 and enthusiastically entered the University of Zambia as a “Fresher” in the school of Natural Sciences. When I first set foot on campus, it was really exciting and felt that I had grown one step further in my progression. I felt I was nearer to my lifelong dream of being a Medical Doctor and with the human eye, nothing stood in the way having successfully secured a government bursary, a room and all the prior requisites. The only thing pending was self application. Naturally, I was confident, having passed all my exams in my short and illustrious educational landscape. Furthermore, I had many people on my side and could not possibly dare fail lest I disappoint the proud and expectant “on lookers”.

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By the Goma lakes, July 1991 as a “tourist” fresher

I therefore diligently set to work, read all the recommended books, networked, did all the assignments and of course resolved to remain as zealous as ever in matters spiritual. I purposed to be the best that I could ever be so that in all things, God would be glorified. For a while things went well, as I attended all the University norms such as lectures, tutorials, labs and food hunting (“Kambilombilo”). I was at full throttle when suddenly some disturbances erupted. The student unrest between the state and students led to the University subsequently being shut down prematurely in March 1991. I went home rather dejectedly and wished I could find other quick alternative in terms of a learning point. Looking back, that closure effectively killed all my earlier enthusiasm and caused me to look out for another option. At the time, the bursaries committee offered a series of scholarships to which I swiftly applied and secured a Cuban Scholarship. I was destined to study Human Medicine and hence the lengthy preparations ensued. I was to carry out medicals between May and September 1991, which I did. While I was undergoing the medicals, the University re-opened and by August 1991, the classes resumed full throttle. I had little or no motivation to return to UNZA but went back purely for the sake of “peace” at home where my parents never ceased to yell at me for aborting and despising the local University education. UNZA became my base for medicals.

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In the laboratory, Natural sciences

While my friends went back to lectures, tutorials and labs, I headed in the opposite direction, since Cuba had soaked into my blood stream. Around early September, I begun to bid fare well to friends as the time for my departure was imminent. As a routine, I went to the bursaries office to collect my final documentation but instead received a rude shock. I had been shifted from the Human medicine program to the Industrial Engineering stream! I protested but no one gave me a hearing. It became clear that It was a “take it or leave it” scenario. I felt really frustrated and somewhat confused. What was I to tell the world?

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With brethren at a Camp meeting July 1991

How was I going to appear to people? Did I really get the place or was I just dreaming? These and many troubling questions flooded my mind. Returning to UNZA was clearly not an option then because as far as I was concerned, I had effectively ‘burnt all the bridges’. I reluctantly walked back to campus in deep thought such that a number of vehicles nearly knocked me down as I crossed roads half conscious. I felt numb and completely powerless.

With Chola Kafwabulula, UNZA Graduating students’ party, 1991

At UNZA, I shared with a number of close brethren who advised me to pick up the deserted University studies, since nearly three weeks remained before the end of the academic year exams. After much persuasion and hurling out of my pride, I finally mobilised all the materials I needed and got down to some real serious work. I settled for long and hard study. During that three week period, I literary abandoned every activity and solely devoted myself to study. Often, I would study for as long as 13 hours nonstop, Academic trials

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slept little, ate little, and interacted little with anyone. My usual devotions were weak if not suspended but my constant prayer was that I could graciously be allowed to pass. During that panicky period, words which my friends had earlier said to me often came to mind, “Billy, be careful lest you lose both scholarships. A bird in hand is better than none”. I had ignored them at the time but these words came back to haunt me. I dreaded the failure prospects and hence diligently applied myself. As the exams approached, I felt a faint sense of being near ready and braced myself for action, although the previously absconded continuous assessments and labs would once in a while spoil the gravy. In early October, after a painstaking three weeks struggle, I sat for my first paper, popularly called the “M110”, one of the “Killer courses”. I walked out of that Library basement exam room shattered as I had failed to scribble anything. My memory deserted me, as my pulse skyrocketed. Adrenaline was splattered all over my body I suppose! I could hear the thump of my heart and felt hopeless by the minute. My brain literary shut down! I panicked and lost focus, forgetting everything I had studied all night. After the exam, I went straight to the roof top to pour out my heart to God and ask for strength. I clearly recall falling down in agonizing prayer and groaning before the Father. I felt really isolated but resolved to soldier on. The subsequent exams were better, and by the end of the fourth and last exam, I knew that the “Mwauluka’s axe” had hit me hard! I was fine dust at the grisly exam hands. There was little hope of passing that paper but I prompted myself into believing all would be well. I got home and quickly took off for Livingstone where I joined the others for Evangelism. At the beginning of November 1991, I received my results and you can Imagine how broken I was. I had failed all but one course and was effectively excluded from the School of Natural Sciences. To me, the world curved in as I thought about the grave implications. For one thing, I could not study medicine anywhere on Zambian turf, for another thing, I had lost both scholarships with no perceivable remedy. Thirdly and lastly, the alternatives were almost non-existent at the time. It was near unthinkable at the time to fail or else one subjected themselves to scorn, pity, criticism or outright rejection. Failure from UNZA, the highest institution of learning in the country, automatically spelt doom for some one. While I was still in Livingstone, the failure sting was not excruciating because my mind was still crowded with the CUBA dream and intense study issues, but the moment I touched Lusaka, the loss became very traumatic! It felt, as it were, as though an old wound had opened up and bled profusely. As news spread everywhere, people begun to talk, first was the fact denial and then criticism. I recall a person asking me “Young man, were you really studying or just moving around sharing the gospel?” Others attributed my failure to non-seriousness and a failure to concentrate whilst others understood, resolutely standing by my side. The most painful was to receive a sharp rebuke from my parents who felt really embarrassed and disappointed. The failure shocked them. Somehow, I had remotely hoped that they would empathize, I was wrong.

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After the storm settled, I picked up the broken pieces and applied at the other institutions while I took on one or two odd jobs in town while I pursued school places in some institutions. Providentially, I secured a place at the Evelyn Hone College where I pursued Accountancy studies. As the volcanic eruption recedes into the irretrievable past, I now look back with gratefulness that I picked up one lesson or two for application in future.

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Chapter 4

The seven lean years 1992-1998

When I got to the Evelyn Hone college, I thought my woes had come to a close, I was wrong. For when I got into the accountancy class I was a seriously distraught and demoralised individual despite the class being extremely difficult to secure a place in. It was in fact, the most sought after class and only a privileged few clinched a place. At the time, none of that clicked or mattered to me because the UNZA experience still weighed heavily on my mind and would eventually affect my performance in years that lay ahead. I first set foot on the Evelyn Hone college campus in January 1992, with a full resolve to excel and complete my course in record time, one and a half years instead of the usual three. I determined to prove to the world that I was a brilliant student still. I was persuaded that I had better grey matter between my ear lobes than any other person at the college. The reason for this conviction was simple. I was from THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA and the rest (College students) had miserably failed to secure a place there hence settling for the second rate institution. Furthermore, the courses offered at the institution were perceived inferior and far simpler than those at UNZA and thus I would

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have not much ado in completing studies independently. Thus was my mind set on my first college day in January 1992. The first few weeks were rather slow, boring and hardly interesting. Repeatedly, my mind kept traversing the walk ways of “Campus” and as each week passed by I really felt second rate and inferior for having failed from UNZA. People kept asking where I had been before enrolling at the Hone college and I would proudly respond that I had been at “Campus” but decided to leave (“because things didn’t work well”) to pursue Accountancy studies although I had the option of returning. I was pacified by the admiration they had for me as an ex UNZA student but felt really low when others sympathised with me for the failure rather than admiration. The wound was still fresh. In class, very few students registered the first month but by the end of the second month, the class was nearly full. We eventually got to know each other. The class was a mixed grill with half the class having “freshers” while the rest of us were either from the working world or from other institutions. It would appear that there were only two of us who had been to UNZA before making us stand out while the “mature” students appeared a bit odd and rusty. With time however, the real good students would be manifest.

An outing with my former UNZA colleagues to the Munda Wanga gardens, UCF 1992. I missed their company alot.

For some reason, I focused my eyes on writing the first papers half way through the year instead of at the end of 1992. Thus, I begun to put my act together but for some reason, things were not tying in so well. Money was going to be the limiting factor. I resolved to do all I could to prepare but three disturbances derailed my plans. The first is that the teaching method was radically different at the college compared to “Campus”. While the lecture method was used at UNZA, the teaching method was utilised which made things appear rather too simple for my “complex advanced mind”. I strangely felt uncomfortable because I considered myself past being taught but lectured to. On several occasions, I was found at daggers drawn with the lecturers because they were treating us as pupils when we were adults. In addition, they gave detailed notes and Academic trials

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supervised us like kids. The class register idea often upset me because I felt “caged”. Thus, my interest in studies and college life begun to drastically decline. The second thing that killed my zeal was the lack of accommodation. When I first enrolled, I was given some assurances that I would be accommodated at the college but by and by, things proved otherwise, I was not offered a room. This hit me really badly because I did not want to be a day scholar, knowing the difficult time at home. Providentially, a friend graciously offered to allow me to “squat” with him while we looked out for a vacant room. What was more painful was that those that enrolled after me secured rooms while I failed. I discovered that some of those bribed their way through while I determined to maintain my integrity, and paid dearly for it. My concentration levels were affected by that token. The third and final hurdle that broke the camels’ back was the abrupt closure of the college in March 1992. The student body boycotted classes and threatened to demonstrate along the Church road because of the falling standards at the college. While our cause was genuine, the path used was perceived not to be acceptable by the powers that be. I recall brave Bright Mwape eloquently crusading our cause but then the college was abruptly and suddenly closed. We were hounded out of college and sent home. The College would remain closed for over six months. This break really devastated the little academic energy I had no choice though but to reluctantly troop home. I was once again stranded, with absolutely nothing to do or gainful employment on my hands. Home was tough as the economic pangs struck from every side. My only solace came from visiting friends at UNZA as well as church activities. Whenever I showed up at campus, colleagues mobbed around me and wanted to find out how I was doing because I looked amazingly resilient after ‘the UNZA tour” and crushing failure the previous academic year. Whenever I went home, my stardom drastically ceased because I was back to the tough realities of life. Thankfully, along the way, I spotted a book writing contest hosted by the WWF which required us to write at least a book related to the environment. I took up the challenge and worked my way to producing two illustrated books. While I was writing and drawing, I received a lot of scathing criticism and discouragement from every side because what I was doing was perceived a waste of time instead of looking for gainful employment. I nearly quit but somehow soldiered on and eventually submitted my write up for consideration. To write the books, I gathered information from about every conceivable source and intently tracked developments during the 1992 Rio Earth summit. My deeper interest in our planet was etched on the tablets of my heart about that time. Next, I secured a part time vocational employment at the Cold Storage Board as an accounts assistant but worked only for a month before College opened shortly afterwards. We expectantly trooped back into college hoping to catch up where we left off sixth months earlier. As a precondition for readmission, each student paid a charge in addition to the regular school fees. We hoped our concerns had been attended to but alas, alas indeed, things had deteriorated further! For instance, beds and mattresses were now like gold and one had to guard them with their lives! I felt terrible! I wondered whether getting back to school

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was a wise idea or should I have done something else? None the less, we got back to class and sailed along hoping that the examination date would be somehow pushed ahead, which was somewhat remote because other institutions had gone ahead despite our closure. But then, the Hone College was the largest institution with the greatest number of students writing the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) papers. In my heart of hearts, I wanted to attempt at the end of December that year because I had missed the midyear session due to the closure as well as being cash strapped. I was in a hurry to complete by December 1993. Sadly (especially for final year students), the examination was rescheduled to the following year, about March 1993 because the education authorities felt we all needed to catch up. So, no examination session was offered that December for my program. I felt frustrated but looking back, that was the best thing to happen because I was far from ready. For instance, I could hardly understand the financial accounting basic concepts like double entry! But at the time, I felt I could succeed. As tests and assignments begun to flow in, I soon realised that I had a lot of ground to cover, although one part of me stubbornly revolted to accept such a view. Weeks rolled into months and soon the examinations were around the corner! I had worked hard, done my assignments, attended as many classes as possible and read a lot, though my interest in the course was still feeble. All I wanted to do was complete, prove a point to the world and catch with my UNZA colleagues, although this was deeply veiled in the remote recesses of my heart. I was profusely internally bleeding deep down my soul. Around March 1993, we wrote our “deferred exams” as a college. I attempted all the six and confidently left the Hone college hoping to return the ensuing month. I got busy with The Lord’s work as well as reading Christian literature while I waited for the results which were soon made public in mid April. The funny thing is that we all reported back to school at the regular opening time and settled in to commence the delayed second year (for me). The results would come later and determine who stayed and who got booted out. I was extremely confident I would pull through to the next year, since I knew my mettle. Things looked poised to be better that year because I secured college accommodation without much ado and my fees were paid on time. I felt more senior and respectable. Class attendance was extremely poor because everyone was anxious to know their fate. We however busied ourselves mobilising the local interdenominational Christian fellowship (ZAFES) and visited the saints on and off campus. Everything went on well and looked promising until the results were ready for collection. We braced ourselves to hear our results from the Principal. When he was announcing the accountancy results, our hearts throbbed within but still confident that we could pull through. The principal gave the usual statistics of the performance and then called out the names of those excluded from college. I was stunned when he mentioned my name. I could not believe it and stood motionless and confused for a moment, not knowing what to do. I was not the only one who was shocked at my failure to clear all the courses, the whole college was because they had considered me one of the extremely good students. The rule that year was that if one failed two or more, they were “excluded” from full time studies until they re-sat and passed before continuing. I had failed two and thus booted out.

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I staggered out of the college hall with friends mobbing around to support me. I can scarcely recall who exactly it was but whoever it was, they tried to comfort me though I swiftly sunk into self pity and a mild depression. I felt numb as I walked to my room, and fell into a troubled sleep. I woke up later hoping that what I felt had just been a night mare but oh no, it was true. According to the College regulations, I had to vacate the college premises and surrender the room to other “more deserving students” within a week. I wondered what I would tell the world, especially my parents! I briefly left college to get some fresh air and then returned to college that evening for the fellowship. Word had gone round among the saints that I was a casualty and that I was to give my final farewell and indeed I pitched up. When my turn came to say my last words and leave, I composed myself and exhorted them to remain stead fast in the Lord. As for my future plans, I did not know but God did. I said to them that I would most likely leave for the copper belt and then return to write the exams, although I did not know anyone there at the time, save a few saints. As I was talking, I was shocked to note some of my colleagues shedding tears and only then did it occur to me that I had been very dear to them and had weaved my way into their lives and hearts. But I had to leave and so I did. Once again, I was stranded, without a job, no qualification, no influence or tangible support to do any other course. I felt sick disillusioned and lost in this world!! For the weeks and months that followed, I was all over the place, getting whatever I could lay my hands on so that I could keep busy or earn some money. The first few weeks were tough as criticism upon criticism assaulted me from every front. Some thought and said that I was lazy, while others felt I did not concentrate at school. Still others believed that I could make it only that things had not fallen in pleasant places. This latter group were very few and far between. The vast majority judged me as an irresponsible and unfocused young man. I was both traumatised and embarrassed at the same time. I was also confused because I knew just how hard I had worked though I still failed. I could not explain anything relating to the exams and could not face any of my colleagues because most of them had passed while I failed. The painful thing was that I was clearly better than some of them and had coached several of them but they passed while I plummeted. My self esteem and self confidence nosedived further at that stage. The following eight months would be a mixed package, some comfort and misery along the way. The high points of that period included my winning the WWF contest and bagging 200 pounds sterling, purchasing a racer (sports bike), acquiring some shares through the Cavmont Bank, Investment with ZSIC, opening of a “Meridian Account with the BIAO bank, work on two projects as enumerator and the writing of two new books. I was active in the local Church, attended youth camps and visited friends all over Lusaka. I also had time to spend with some colleagues at UNZA and renewed fellowship with them. I picked up a part time job as a commission agent with the Associated Printers and did some sales and marketing, which experience in many senses has tremendously helped me in these latter days. The down side of that period was my failure to pass one of the two papers I wrote midyear, things were generally not economically well at home as well as strained relations with my parents and colleagues. I daily walked under a dark heavy shadow of failure and felt trapped with no hope of ever pulling out of my quagmire. On

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the one hand, I was succeeding but on the other I was static. My heart sunk when my racer was stolen later that year and had to return to “Zamfoot”. I walked the rest of the year while pursing my clients across the city, many times going hungry if only to get that extra client. By examination payment time, I was broke without any hope of raising some cash. My clients were not paying up and my colleagues were moving on with their affairs, too busy for me. Around that time, I began to question whether Accounting was the course for me because I did not understand why I had failed the apparently simple courses in March and August. I contemplated abandoning ship and taking on a simpler course such as Journalism, after all, I had proved that I could write! But then, who would support me and pay for my fees? How much more time would I waste? I tossed these debates in my mind and a day before the close out date of paying exam fees for the December session, I resolved not to attempt the Statistics paper anymore and thus effectively end my Accounting career pursuit. I recall loitering around the UTH after I had visited a working colleague (Masona) on the last day of the exam payment day. I sat on some rock near the Paediatric wing carried away in deep thought when someone disturbed me. It was Judith, an older sister in the Lord. She enquired as to whether I had paid up for the exams but I confidently said no. She was stunned and immediately demanded answers. I explained that I had quit and would pursue something else. She immediately threw out my flimsy reasons and ordered me to pay up without delay. She probably thrust the last coin she had into my hands and gave me marching orders to go and pay. I reluctantly went and eventually paid. From that point onwards, she monitored my progress although I must confess I felt “Bullied”! When exam time came, I wrote and carried on with everything else. For some reason, the results delayed to come out that year (2004) thus the returning full time students would only get back to college in February. I was not interested in finding out my results nor was I prepared to get back on the Accounting course because I dreaded failing again...and disappointing many other people! However, some one checked my result and discovered that I had cleared the course and thus entitled to return to full time studies. Naturally, I was elated and at the same time dreaded getting back to school lest I failed. I went rather late to check the results for myself and eventually got back to class, this time a year behind my first year colleagues. I put myself together and positioned myself to attempt the second level papers midyear and then the final stage that same year so that I could catch up with my colleagues. I knew the odds that stood against me because second level ZDA was one of the most difficult, complex and lethal but still purposed to pursue my goal. Accordingly, I attended all the available classes, studied ahead and consulted much with my seniors who thought my strategy was a none-starter. My commitment did not waver despite being a day scholar. With much dedication and commitment, things got easier for me and were doing far much better than my class mates. They did not know that I was aiming to write the exams ahead of them. In addition, I consulted with a friend, Peter Njobvu who had completed CIMA stage 4 whilst studying practically alone/independent of any class attendance. He suggested to me that it was possible to excel, if only I concentrated far much more. With his encouragement and hard work, I signed up to attempt all five papers in the July/August 1994 exam diet. I attempted all the

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papers but suffered some casualties which stopped my third year bid that year. I passed three and failed two and was thus blocked to register for the third stage. I felt a bit disappointed but when my class mates discovered they were amazed and full of praise. In December that year, while they wrote five papers, I wrote two and passed one failing the other. The third and final stage (1995) was one of the most stable years for me academically for I attended nearly all the classes from the first day till the last, except for Taxation and Auditing. I was extremely disciplined and aimed to complete my year on a clean slate. Besides, things were looking up once again. The worst was behind me (second level) and the third level was viewed basically as a home run period. I diligently got to class, acquired all the books and got to serious work. I was intending to re-sit the one paper as well as attempt the third year about the same time, six months before schedule. My friends at UNZA were completing and my college first year colleagues had completed the previous year. My resolve got stronger by the day and determined to use the same formula I had exploited the year before. By March however, it increasingly became clear to me that the third stage was extremely involving (bulky rather than difficult) but still my instincts told me I could still make it. When I attempted to pay for the third year, I was blocked because I had a second level course pending. This killed my dream to complete earlier. I none the less paid for the paper and wrote it that August. I passed it and proceeded to prepare for the final Level papers slated for December 1995. As expected, we all attempted the papers but what loud agony cries ensued after the last paper! Financial Accounting III clearly came out as the killer course contrary to what we had expected. We left College confident that we had cleared all the rest though the Accounting paper was” passable” none the less. That marked the end of my full time college student days. I felt elated and looked forward to wearing my first suit to work as an Accountant in a large firm. I dreamed that shortly I would have a house of my own and drive a Porsche car akin to what I had seen from my colleagues that were ahead. Finally, I would have a paper tied to my name and could then help my family in many ways than one. With such loft thoughts, I exited the Evelyn Hone college orbit. By all standards, 1996 opened on an extremely promising note. I had completed college, was ready formal employment and generally had reclaimed some of my lost self esteem and public image. All indicators were looking up and it appeared that was going to be a great year, with a possibility of marrying, if I got a job soon, which was highly likely. With a Regional class Accounting qualification, what stood in the way of my clinching a pretty good job soon? Thus, when the results were ready for collection in late January, I majestically made my way to the college to collect my results. At worst, I expected only one re-sit, the famous Financial Accounting III! As I ascended the stair case to our department, I met individual after individual. Some carried elated faces but the majority carried grave and sombre faces. I got concerned though still sure that failing was behind me forever. I took my place on the queue that led to the head of section’s office where I was to collect my results and when my turn came, I confidently entered the room only to come out completely shattered and confused! For when I sat down, he calmly greeted me and got my particulars before releasing the results. I looked at the paper in disbelief. On practically every paper I sat, there was an “F” for “fail” except one paper- Information

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systems and computer science. I was shaken to the core and failed to stand up for some minutes. Sensing that I was too deeply shocked and could collapse in his office, the man quickly calmed me down and led me out of his office. I could not hear any of his words as I was numb and speechless. I sat down on one of the chairs I had sat on earlier and sunk my face in my palms. My head spinned uncontrollably with my stomach going upside down. How on earth was I going to explain to the world? How was I to face my parents, guardians and girl friend? Where would I get money to pay for my exams? Who would believe me if I claimed that I had worked hard throughout the year? All these questions flooded my mind to the extent that I practically closed out the whole world! A colleague from the fellowship came round and greeted me in the usual warm way but soon realised that my mind was on another dust storm plagued planet, totally unable to respond or recognise him. I sat there for close to an hour before the scriptures returned to my mind. Romans 8 verse 28 was especially uplifting in the midst of mental turmoil. The Sovereignty of God also helped me much and so, slowly but steadily, I got myself together and staggered to Christopher Kangwa’s room where I lay down to regain some strength. I found him with Twandi and broke the sad news. They too were shocked and marshalled all the words they could muster to comfort the afflicted brother. That evening, I reluctantly made my way back to Roma where I had lived since 1995. Arriving at home just after sunset and expecting to be blasted by my hosts, I broke the heart rending news to them. Surprisingly, they took it extremely well. I was confused and thought they were acting up but later weeks and months would prove me wrong because the Banda’s meant every word and stood by my side all the way through. Instead of lashing out at me, they instead turned to encourage me to try again and forget what lay behind. They helped me look up again and never remain defeated on the ground but always believe in trying. Their theory was that “man put limits and time frames to activities but not God”. They encouraged me from Gods’ word to always trust in the Sovereign Lord. Those words have remained with me to this day. But the war had scarcely begun, there was a whole world out there to explain to. I still had to tell my aging parents, friends and colleagues from all walks of life. There were the five tough papers to be written and money mobilised. I still had to go out and tell my shameful story. The first few days after getting the results were painful but more excruciating pain was to come out of this development. I spent some days in solitude re-strategising as well as internalising the pain in readiness to face the world as well as what steps to take next. I phoned my fiancée who did not seem amused by the development but I was yet to see the actual reaction when we met. That dark week went by with my meeting very few people. I determined to accept the failure before I faced the world. Accordingly, circumstances arrived which compelled me to leave my solitude chamber (bedroom) and face the world. I walked to my parents’ home in Rhodes Park, broke the news and proceeded to see the lady in my life. My parents were sad and anxious at the same time. My fiancée expressed sadness but hoped we could pull through somehow. Her silence over the matter made me uncomfortable because I expected her to comfort, cry or shout at me but none of that came. I assumed all was well and carried on as usual. At church, the saints asked how I

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had fared and upon hearing about my fate, mixed reactions emerged. Some distanced themselves; others empathised while still others encouraged me on. The majority were clearly not pleased at all & I immediately sensed it. For some months, I prepared to re attempt the five papers and even moved back into College with Christopher to concentrate and focus on my studies. I diligently laboured at my studies for many hours each day and was hardly available for anything except this one task before me. My guardians urged me on but cautioned against mental break down. My fiancée maintained her silence and expected me to be hard at my studies all the time. If she heard I was away from my books, I was in deep weeds and got a scolding. My allies, Twandi and Christopher were most helpful and gracious. I began to stabilise and slowly mustered some courage to face the world. About March, 1996, I was offered a part time job as an Audit Technician and since I badly needed money to pay for exams as well as to do some things, I accepted the offer to work for a few months. Unknown to me, my fiancée was extremely upset with this move though she did not show it. I had no clue and gladly took up the job. As the exams approached, I decided to quit and concentrate on my studies for the month of July. I mobilised all the necessary study resources and closed out the world. Little did I know that a lot was happening in the background. My colleagues would leave early in the morning without hinting where they were headed and return in the night without saying a word of what they were about. That was rather odd but I ignored and buried my head in the books. The exam period was around the corner and in due season I commenced my studies. My last paper was on a Tuesday. That material Tuesday evening, my colleagues returned early back to school and called a “press conference”. I smelt a rat but was ready to hear them out whatever it was but as they broke the news that my fiancée had suddenly pulled out of the relationship, my world curved in. I lay down once again in excruciating pain and anguish of soul. I was in the semi paralysis state for three days or so without food but with continuous support and encouragement from my colleagues, I slowly revived. My guardians came and picked me up from school and took me home. For some time, my world was in pieces needing urgent repair. I risked dropping into a deep depression but thankfully, my hosts were on hand to help me through. I limped along and then another disaster came my way, I passed only two out of the five papers written! I went home and cried. That was about September 1996. I decided I needed a breather and thus took off for the Copper belt University to be with some saints. I was there for two months and only returned in time to reattempt the three papers. I sat them and headed back to the Copper belt staying with the ‘old guard’ good Mr Patrick Chama. Thus the year ended. When the results were announced in January 1997, I again failed all the papers. I restrategized afresh and looked for colleagues who were in similar dire straits. Thank fully, I discovered an old school friend Evans who had a job but no study partner. He suggested

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that I move over to his house in Kamwala so that we could make a study group. I eagerly consented and moved over from the comforts or Roma to Kamwala. That would be my base for close to seven months. I declared 1997 “a year of study and recovery”. I bade farewell to my lovely hosts and promised to return ONLY after I had cleared the examinations. I went away with their blessings though I could tell that they were seriously and deeply concerned. My parents were so worried that they did not know what to say. The closest I got to hear my father talk was when I visited him at his office. He opened up and expressed his deep concern for me because I had not made any head way after so many years. He also stated that I was becoming an embarrassment to the family. That said, he strongly urged me to diligently work hard to pull out of my mess. I was reluctant to tell him that I had moved to Kamwala because that would have further worried them. At the time, Kamwala was largely considered a semi shanty compound though I discovered it otherwise during my stay there. Of course there were marked differences with the plush high class residential areas such as Roma and Rhodes Park. Here at Kamwala, high security wall fences were foreign and neighbours interacted freely on a daily basis. Admittedly, I had to adjust to the culture shock but that did not deter me from working hard. In fact, that experience helped to resolve strongly to pull up my socks. The first few days we made our study plan, mobilised resources and went to NIPA for studies in the evening. During that day, I would walk to the City Library and study there till the library closed. I was always first to arrive and last to leave. I studied through lunch because I had nowhere to go or money to buy any food. Thus for seven months, we studied in the evening at NIPA from 18 hours to 22 then walked home, slept and woke up at 04 hrs to meditate and study. At seven, Evans left for work while I headed for the Library only to return at 17 hours in readiness for the NIPA stint. At the weekend, we organised a tutor who took us in Financial Management (FM) and Financial Accounting (FA III). He also tutored us in Taxation. Evans graciously bore the bill as I was 100 % dependant on him. He also paid for my exams. Due to some family conflicts, Evans and I moved over briefly to a place near the Evelyn Hone College and from there eventually wrote the examinations.

My Pastor, Conrad Mbewe for 1997 & 98

I quickly head back to Roma after an absence of nearly eight months although this time I had a story to tell my hosts, I had a new girl friend! It was about this time that I read that Academic trials

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small but highly potent book by Deeper life Pastor, William Kumuyu, “The 4 Ds of success and failure”. It radically changed my thinking and perspective. The fire for success started burning in my bones about that time. The results came out in September that year and I cleared two leaving one nagging paperTaxation. About that time, the ECZ was about to phase out the Zambia Diploma in Accountancy (ZDA) and gave one year for people to clear or else revert to the certificate course. I was determined not to go backwards thus I enlisted for the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) of the UK. It was relatively cheap and would help me survive the certificate storm up ahead. To prepare for the pending ZDA paper as well as the IFA, I went back to the Copper belt University and devoted myself to study. I read all sorts of related books and at this stage came across ‘Strategy’. The subject amused and impressed me. It was at this stage that I developed interest in strategy as well as determined to do an MBA, if I ever went past the ZDA and IFA night mare. Two months of diligent, focused hard study saw me come to attempt the ZDA tax paper as well as two papers from the IFA during the December 1997 examination diet. I failed the tax but passed the IFA papers with flying colours! I scored the highest mark in the world in the Information Analysis paper! That was an oasis in the desert. As prize money, I was offered 120 pounds sterling. What mattered to me was not so much the money but the ability to be world class. I scored an excellent grade (B+) in the Audit paper as well. This success in many years triggered some glimmer of hope that I still had sufficient grey matter in my brain and caused me to start believing in the new strategy that it was paying dividends. The Kamwala stint proved one thing that with more dedication and focus, something could be achieved. But I was still bugged by the nagging ZDA paper, which, in my view was more critical to pass if I was to get a decent job on the Zambian turf rather that the IFA which was not well known or appreciated in Zambia. One could hardly find any people that had done this paper (IFA) on the industry but ZDA was the paper of the times...and I did not have it! Time was running out and only one exam session was pending which if I did not pass would imply going backwards to the certificate. Nearly six years had passed since I first started this paper without tangible progress. My peers and colleagues had advanced to successfully do other higher professional courses such as ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA etc while I remained marooned moving around circles round the same hill. The world did not care about my IFA success, all they demanded was to complete the “simple paper” then I would be heard. I was also viewed as an escapist, trying to flee to other things rather than face what was at hand. To get a “breather” I went to Mpika on a Church mission trip so that the turmoil could die down a little. It was whilst there that I was called for an interview with World Vision for the job of Program Accountant. I attended the interview and headed out again to the Copper belt thinking and planning what to do next. I was certain I could not possibly have been picked for that job, given my multiple failures and perceived lack of confidence. I stayed on the Copper belt for a further two months (up to March 1998) and by all standards forgot about the World Vision Interview. In early April, while I was preparing to return to Lusaka to “answer charges” from my parents, my guardians called to tell me that World Vision wanted to see me immediately. I couldn’t believe it, and was in fact afraid!! I arrived in Lusaka around April 5th and opened the letter that had been

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sent to me and behold, they had offered me a job!!! I wondered whether it was a mistake which they would correct soon. I just had lost about all hope of being “employable”. Besides, my relationship was on the rocks. I reluctantly signed and showed up at the National office the next day. The reception I received was short of superb. Everyone was warm, excited and looking forward to see the “Epilogue star” for I had carried out a series of epilogues for several years. The TV stint kind of marketed me making my entry into World Vision much easier, for I was a ‘celebrity’ of sorts! The orientation lasted three months before I finally took up my appointment at the Namuso Area Development Program (ADP) on 21st July 1998. Prior to that, my orientation took me to Southern, Central and Northern provinces to have a feel of what a Program Accountant does. This orientation was exceptional though I kept having this gut feeling that I was entering troubled waters in a wrong field.

On orientation with a colleague at Siachitema ADP, 1998

At the same time, my relationship was showing signs of disrepair and thus prepared my mind for the worst. It was painful to have a second lady walk out of my life for no clear reason. I felt sad and fearful. I wondered what exactly was wrong with me. When I announced to the world that I was hired by World Vision and heading to Mongu, eye brows were raised! They could not believe their ears and thought I was a joker or dreamer of sorts. But when they verified, they wondered whether I could truly keep or sustain a job. Others, though very few, were excited and very supportive. My guardians were amazing as ever. They gave me an option whether I wanted to go or not and still pledged their unwavering support in the event I elected to stay and complete my studies. That was a gracious offer and I will never forget that gesture till I die but I had made up my mind that I needed to start somewhere. I was nearly 28 and should have been doing something. Another elder brother, Dr Simon Mphuka, clearly came in support of my

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intended departure for Mongu. He advised me to take up the job, get the valuable rural experience and never forget two things: God and studies. I took his words very seriously and determined to do just that. In keeping with my resolve, I registered for an MBA with the Preston University (USA) for long distance studies so that I could progress whilst in the remote part of the world. The strategy was to complete my ZDA and IFA then do the MBA. The Lord granting, I would progress further from there. My strategic instincts told me that I could do it but it would certainly call for serious sacrifice on my part. Thus, when I landed in Mongu that 21st July evening, my mind was very clear: to serve God and excel in studies.

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Chapter 5

The seven recovery years 1999-2005

As I was travelling to my new station, news went ahead of me that I had been posted there. Paul, my long time friend and former classmate, better still a brother in the Lord had been in Mongu for close to two years. He was overjoyed to learn that an ally was coming to town. Therefore, when I arrived, he was on hand to welcome me and blocked any attempts by my workmates to house me at some guest house or new flat earmarked for me. I was equally elated to meet this long time colleague alongside whom I had fought many battles with in the past. We had organised camps together, went to UNZA at the same time but he went ahead and completed while I withered away into college levels. Paul was a fine Christian of good standing and thus, I was more than willing to lodge with him as long as he deemed me a welcome visitor. About 19:30 hours, we drove into Mongu and met him along the road looking out for us. At home, we talked into the small hours because we had a lot to catch up. I did not mention to him at that stage that I had been trashed by my fiancée because that would have disrupted the smooth flow of our discussion and I was tired of sympathy from people. All I wanted was a clean slate, a clean break with the past. Accordingly, I reported for work on the first day and was driven around town to see key places such as the Shoprite, town centre, Council and Education offices. It was a somewhat rural place but far much better than I had imagined. People in Lusaka, even those that hailed from this part of Zambia described ‘Western’ as the ‘Worst’, which I Academic trials

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effectively repudiated the first few days after arrival. To the contrary, the place was potentially an oasis of peace, variety of food and vast potential. For instance, I was shocked to learn that a 90 kg bag of ‘Super” Mongu rice was less than $5! The fish was plentiful and cheap. The people were not hostile or complicated as some fellows had made me believe back home in Lusaka. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Mongu, at least in those early days. It is always important to arrive in a new place with an open objective mind. I think this largely explains why I loved every little second I spent in Mongu. Everything felt new as though I was rediscovering myself and cut off from all those never ending criticisms and condemnations I had suffered those lean years. Now was the time to set things straight thus I quickly set my objectives for my tenure in Mongu. I list them below in chronological order: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Serve God-Be as active as possible in the local church. (throughout my stay in Mongu) Make my mark on the industry i.e. know the job and learn the ropes Education: ZDA, IFA and MBA to be completed by 2000. Marriage (after MBA around 2001) Building house/acquiring (about 2003). Real estate development.

Thus I firmly engraved these resolutions upon the tablets of my heart and devoted myself to them. It was critical to complete my Diploma for instance because one of the HR staff had hinted to me that if I did not complete, I would probably lose my job so as soon as I arrived, I got down to my Taxation studies although I did not know what to study because I had read and done about everything in the book but still failed to make the grade. I knew the “Kamanga” taxation text book so well that I could easily tell what was in the index in order but still failed! Anyway, I went through one more time and positioned myself to return to Lusaka to write in the last and final sitting of ZDA. It was do or die for me. I spent three weeks in Mongu and returned to the city in pretty much higher spirits than I had ever been for many years. My health and changing body shape and skin complexion eloquently told the story. But in my heart of hearts, I still dreaded failure at the grisly hands of the deadly ZDA! I returned to Mongu and continued with my new found joys and liberty. I particularly found it amusing that people referred to me as “sir” and sought permission to do anything. Suddenly I had a lot of power and authority in my hands! In a short time, I was asked to act as Manager because the incumbent was on suspension. It was an amazing, almost ‘from rags to riches’ story!! I entered senior program management straight from school and acted for slightly over two months before another Manager (Chikondi Phiri) took over the reign of the ADP while I held on to my Assistant Accountant job (for I had not yet been confirmed as Program Accountant yet, the ZDA paper stood in the way!) The work relations were cordial though the team seemed to have suffered a rough time in the previous management regime. I was the first Accountant for that particular program. Around early October 1998, I got my results and guess what? I cleared that stubborn paper at last!!!

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Diploma graduation day, Oct 1998

I was too exhausted to celebrate big time but I was thankful none the less. Accordingly, I was invited to graduate which I did silently as well as wrote my IFA exams and quickly returned to base. To date, very few know that I actually completed that program. Some realised to their utter shock when I graduated with my MBA some years later. I got my first MBA text books about this time. Spiritual wise, we aligned ourselves with a local Evangelical church where we remained until we were hounded out leading to the formation of the Kambule Reformed Baptist Church in July 1999. By all standards, things were looking up as we closed 1998 into 1999.

Things were looking up, 1999

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In February 1999, I attended the first Sun system (accounting package) workshop at Siavonga and it was whilst there that I suddenly recalled an old friend from Scripture Union (SU). I searched around from colleagues who told me that she had left the country a few months before. I eventually got in touch and subsequently, a relationship begun, though we never met physically. This relationship lasted 2 years before she just went silent! I gnashed my teeth once again.

Relaxing with friends at the Sun Systems workshop 1999

That year (99) went through very fast but it was evident that the old Billy was alive and kicking once again. Things were taking shape and I matured really fast. At the end of the year, Paul left for the Netherlands to pursue his MSc while I diligently worked on my MBA. I suspended the IFA because my job and MBA studies were too demanding. I was also very key in the new church we had planted. I was confirmed Program Accountant midway 1999.

Paul, as MSc student, Netherlands, 2000

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The year 2000 came and zoomed by very quickly but what I recall significantly that year was the endless assignments and books I had to handle. My MBA had 16 full courses and demanded total dedication to do a good job as well as to acquire good grades. Thus my life was reduced to a triangle. If I was not at home (studying), then I was at work (working) or at Church (serving God). If I was not in that triangle, just know that I was out of town. Another important feature of that year is the aggressive evangelistic campaigns as well as the two Christian radio programs we commenced on the local Community radio.

Church

Study

Work

Triangle of my life (1998-2003) Twice a week, our church hosted thirty minute sessions (discussion and sermon of the week) and this would continue for six years none stop. Towards the end of the year, I acted as Program Accountant at Kalabo, held my job as well as acted as Program Manager. I simultaneously held all these three heavy jobs for nearly four months and to some extent managed. Because of the heavy responsibilities on my shoulders, a number of smaller finer details in my job suffered or were not done. From nowhere, auditors called in early October 2000 that they would arrive at my office within days. I tried to protest but the decision was cast in concrete, they descended on our office. We were not prepared at all and thus eventually failed the audit. There were debates in the corridors of power whether I was to be retained or fired. One school of thought vehemently campaigned that I be sacked, and for a good reason while another opposed and preferred that I be given a chance to explain and correct things in a three months period. If I failed then, they would have no opposition to the sacking move. Yet another school thought I needed to be transferred to another program so that I start on a clean slate. For a season, this latter group seems to have prevailed and so a transfer letter was drafted and things ready to be effected. But from nowhere, the decision was reversed and instead asked me to rectify things within three months. Those were extremely difficult days because I felt so humiliated, incompetent and to blame for the ADP’s failure. I determined not to give up and worked tirelessly to correct things, sometimes not sleeping a wink for days on end. At about this time, the examinations for the MBA became due. I studied extremely hard every day & night grasping as much as I could in order to prepare for the papers. At times, I could read for twelve hours nonstop, especially at weekends. During the week, I would work hard from 08 hrs to 17:30 hrs and then turn to my books from that time to nearly 21hours. I would then walk home, have family devotions and continue my studies

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up to midnight. I would sleep up to 04 hrs and then read for two hours before grooming and get to the office, arriving at 06:30 hrs every day. I kept up this practice until 2003.

“Studying like a mad man” 1998-2003

But at that particular exam time, I asked for time off to write eight full courses in one sitting which I effectively passed! Some of the papers, I did not event study a page of the prescribed text book but because they are interrelated, I used the principles to answer and cleared the exams. I cannot fully explain how but things went well despite the challenges rocking my professional boat. At the appointed time, the auditors made a return visit and for sure, we were ready for them and we did extremely well. My image, though considerably dented would begin to be repaired at this stage. Thus by 2001, I had completed my MBA course work and was ready for graduation which delayed until 2002.

MBA graduation 2002

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In the mean time, shortly after completing the MBA, I enrolled for a research PhD focusing on International Business. I researched and wrote my dissertation which I submitted for consideration in January 2003. I was awarded the PhD (Business Administration) on 14th February 2003.

Showing off the PhD souvenir 2003

It had been nearly six extremely back wrecking busy years to which I had devoted my time, energy and was about to graduate from my study goal towards marriage and real estate building. Providentially, I had delayed on marriage and real estate goals but had gained in other ways. I felt I had reached the pinnacle of my achievement.

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Chapter 6

The prosperous years 2005-

Writing this chapter was probably one of the most pleasant experiences in the compilation process. It was pleasant in the sense that I record some of the best and finest moments in my life ‘post traumatic phase’. I was actually at a loss as to what to pick because things have generally worked so well in many senses. In a sense, with the human eye, I attribute most of these good things are attributed to the acquired academic credentials though we all know that all things are directed by the Ancient of days. I commence my narration from about 2003 soon after completing my first Doctorate. February 14th is land mark because the degree was conferred. The certificate summarised all my toil reduced into one little sheet of paper! I had worked tirelessly and still had the urge and momentum to continue studying hard ‘like a mad man’ as someone once jokingly remarked. I suddenly felt too big and stifled by the “small job” I held though I told myself to be calm and wait for God’s timing for another opening. But this year was different, I was preparing for my wedding which was initially slated for December 2004 but brought forward to December 2003. As at February, it was well over ten months away but a lot needed to be done in between. There was the engagement party in May, the Kitchen Party in September and finally the marriage union on December 20th. Many little things had to be put in place such as cakes, wedding dress, suits, venues rehearsals and so on. Phew that year was a hive of activity! As though that were not bad enough, we had

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relatives and friends to contend with, each of them clamouring to take part in the preparations. The contention largely rested around who would eventually land on our line up, what we were to dress up and how the procession was to take place. Many ideas were offered and each was scrutinized for its merit. Each suggestion was somewhat “political” and I am sure we lost as well as gained friends in the process. When we finally announced our line up, mixed reactions resulted, some of which are still evident today. We however reconciled with many of them soon after the event. There was also the professional side to attend to. I had by that time regained my long lost good image after the audit crash of 2000/2001. It was hard won but thanks to the MBA and PhD which still stunned many people and for a good reason. I graduated with the MBA in December 2002 and a few months later I announced that I had a doctorate tied to my name. This puzzled many who were either suspicious or too dumb founded to comprehend that the once frail looking and weak Accountant had in fact completed his ZDA, MBA and PhD! One or two asked for my dissertation paper which I gladly sent over. But with time, the credential frenzy died down and was now to be proved by improved output. I remembered my IFA about this time as well. I wrote the Institute and I was granted full exemptions and thus became a ‘Fellow’ of the Institute of Financial Accountants. I was now called an “Incorporated Financial Accountant” and entitled to put the letters “FFA” after my name, in addition to “FIAB, MBA and PhD”. This was a high point because things were suddenly falling into place. But there was also the ZICA accreditation that I badly needed if I were to continue practicing. I was accepted and given the “Licentiate” grade and thus added “ZICA Lic” to my name. My ideas went wild, I wanted to grab about every paper that I could lay my hand on, especially those that I had begun but abandoned along the way because of some reasons, especially on financial grounds. One such paper was the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators of Zimbabwe, CISA. I pursued it for a while but soon abandoned it in the wake of the wedding preparations in Lusaka. I took leave and eventually married beautiful Jane on 20th December 2003.

Our wedding day, December 2003

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After our honey moon, we returned to our home in Mongu to start a new life together in January 2004. The year was good but a lot of adjustments had to be made by both of us. For instance, I had to cut down on my study durations/periods, work hours and movements. I had to learn to consult and plan the day with my spouse. Many things changed for the better none the less! The year was critical because my personal calendar was telling me that I was behind schedule in commencing the real estate/building projects. According to my personal strategic plan, I should have commenced building having married earlier on with a view to retire into private business in 2010. Thus, by July that year, we commenced building our flats on a plot that had been bought way back in 1999, long before anyone ever imagined that Chalala would one day become a prime area. What prompted us to start immediately was what we saw when we returned to inspect the plot, lo and behold, it was like a football pitch surrounded by spectacular fine looking houses! Our neighbours had developed their plots in the six year lag time while ours remained desolate. Since we did not have large lump some cash, we dug the foundation and later poured nearly all our gratuity earnings that year towards the house. We made significant head way. As I write, we have nearly completed our building project and should move on to something else. Professionally, I picked up one of the only work related scuffles with my Manager’s Manager in that year. It was so hot that I was nearly axed but thanks to my greatly improved output. I resolved to quit the organisation at the end of that year and thus gave informal notice, knowing that my credentials would work for me. As September arrived, I got a job with a USAID funded project (RAPIDS). Shortly after that, I was offered a job with some UN agency, appointed directly from Geneva. I was in a dilemma, what was I to choose, USAID project or UN agency? I initially settled for the UN job but later changed mind and went for the RAPIDS. Looking back, that was probably a good move, although I could have weaved my way into the main UN system had I hung in there. But I had just married and stability was critical, although the RAPIDS job meant relocating to Sinazongwe for at least six months before returning to Mongu. Accordingly, we went to the Southern province where we faithfully served for seven months and then our employers took us back to Mongu where we started up the RAPIDS office as well. At the time, my wife was expecting our first child who came into the world in early December 2005. There was much joy and jubilation around the clan.

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By lake Kariba in Sinazongwe, 2005

The RAPIDS job was very different from the Finance job in many senses. For one thing, the coordinator job was a “people” job and involved interacting with stake holders at different levels. Networking, linkages, collaboration and support were the catch phrases with this job. While in the Finance job I dealt very little with “outside” people, this job entailed actually meeting negotiating and persuading people. I had no option but to master the Lozi dialect. Furthermore, the finance job was very precise and dealt with definite figures while the Coordinator job was contingent on what happened and thus relative. I had to make major adjustments in my modus operandi and thankfully, I was prepared for that. We laboured away the whole of 2006, attending several high profile job interviews as well as recording some strategy presentations which I would later upload to You tube in 2007. It was during that year that I refined and completed the first draft of the two books I started at Sinazongwe in 2005. “The Strategic Horizon” was first followed by the motivational book “Labour”. At this time I started entertaining ideas of attempting another Master’s degree or full time PhD. I applied to several institutions across the world and settled for the UK’s Staffordshire University. Towards the end of 2006, Program Manager jobs fell vacant to which I applied. I was shortlisted and offered a Manager Job at Mpika. Reluctantly we left our much loved Mongu in January 2007. The Program was new and I had to study and steer it to success. This was all new but gave me the necessary challenge that I had been looking for. In addition to acceptance at Staffordshire, I was required to attend orientation program in the UK. We planned to travel to the UK as a family and then head to Wales to visit Paul who was pursuing his PhD then. All this worked well though my family joined us a little later. A few weeks before departure for the UK, my sister died and once again we were saddened at the loss of a second family member, the first having died a decade earlier.

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Paul Simfukwe, the PhD Student 2006-2009

Upon my return, I submitted my Strategy book to some University abroad for review in the bid to clinch the “Doctor of Letters” degree. The said University gave a favourable feedback that my book passed for that award except that I had to publish the book, submit two hard copies as well as do the necessary paper work. I was accepted to attend a top class US University, the HULT, in Dubai and given an 80% MBA scholarship the following year. At the end of November 2007, it was elating to have my family back from the UK.

Visiting some colleagues in the UK, September 2007

We rolled into 2008 when I opened my You tube site (Video repository ), PDFCOKE site Academic trials

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(document repository ) and an internet (online store ) store. I also completed several books along the way and posted them on the ‘net’. The ‘Dr Mwanawasa’ book impressed me most first by its content and second by how it was written. It was pasted on the internet site shortly after his burial. But I would write another book on Quality for the Cavendish University which, in my view was a land mark paving the way for future consultancy and lecturing prospects. In the process, I have been invited to many forums and conferences to either attend or present papers but have not yet fully positioned myself to do that yet (I have been visiting Lecturer at several institutions, following the steps of Dr Msimuko who once visited a record breaking 21 different international universities in a continuous 20 day period! I am yet to get anywhere near his record but it is my fervent desire.) On the economic and social side, we had another addition to our family in 2008, bought a car, negotiated a 3,000 hectare farm, completed our Chalala flats and commenced on another complex within Lusaka and well as other properties around the country. We also continued to attend high profile job interviews. My wife and I lectured at the UNZA adult education centre in Mpika, following my late father in law’s footsteps (Dr Arthur Msimuko). We have never forgotten the Lord as all these blessings come from Him. Our lives revolve around the ‘Temple courts’ because we feel God takes us places for a specific purpose. It is now over eleven years since I first left Lusaka and now we are positioning ourselves to get back into the greater city having sorted out most, if not all life stressors such as accommodation and transport. We shall have to struggle on the food aspects as well as security concerns. But what are our plans and prospects? I have a bag full of them. Our strategic plan and direction is to get back into the city having got a better job than we presently have with a view to retirement not long after 2010. Alternatively, we want to travel abroad and get international exposure either by way of study or work, say a five year tenure. Our eyes are fixed on China or Europe for now. Having acquired the exposure, we plan to return home, take up a lecturing job or consultancy while we work on our Plantations in Mpika as well as the real estate business. The three houses we have in Lusaka’s good areas need to be beefed up while the Timber, Moringa, Jatropha, citrus and oil Palm plantations improved upon. The Farm house is now complete and may be turned into a multipurpose centre where different activities such as youth camps can take place. These are short term plans but can materialise. As for my family, my wife will take up her degree on to her Master’s and Doctorate while our daughters should grow up to be responsible citizens, the lord willing. Personally, I want to go as high as I can academically. I plan to acquire a further two Doctorates and another Masters’ degree in addition to the credentials I already have under my belt. Having a short stint in Government circles is highly desirable and on our cards. The turmoil of yesteryears is now in the remote irretrievable past of my mind catacombs. The acrimony, agony, distress and excruciating pain are now in the remote parts of my mind but always serve as a reminder that should I mess up, the worst can return, which we all dread. This history also has taught me never to despise any one and mind what I say and when. Never despise the day of small things as the scripture has said somewhere.

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The people that came to my rescue when I needed them most have now scattered all over the world. The Banda’s for instance have settled in the UK while Mr Charles Masala is in the USA or Canada. Mr Charles Chowa is in the USA while my other colleagues are big respectable business men and women in Lusaka. The Lord made things so well for us and we are grateful. The sky is scarcely the limit, and opportunities have not been more available as they are now. What it takes is a strategic thinking mindset and acting Will you seize the opportunities that come your way? Remember, you will pass this way but once, redeem the time!

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Chapter 7

Lessons learnt

The previous chapters have elaborated a twisted winding path that I went through and still continue. It has not been easy to tell this story as it has opened up many old wounds. It is also true that I have held back much more detail but only let out what I deemed of mutual help and importance. I have also endeavoured to be as candid and open as possible and stand ready for any repercussions. As we draw to a fitting close, I thought it would be prudent to draw some ‘take home’ lessons and principles which would help all of us to be better citizens of our respective contexts regardless of where we may live. Chances are that we shall never meet in person but these learning points will connect with you and those after you. I pray that these words will scale many generations long after we are all gathered to our fathers. I have picked out some valuable lessons which I think are key for success and list them in point form with some comments. Note that this list is not exhaustive.

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If you would succeed and be a legend, leaving a classic legacy, you need to internalise the following: Theo centricity To have God at the centre of your life is the single most important and critical blessing one would ever possess. If God is in your life, your view of things is very different from the world ling that has no hope. As I was narrating my story, the danger could have been focussing on the negative side only but it must be noted that amidst all the turmoil around me, I had a sense of Gods’ peace about me. I was unhappy several times but I still had the Joy of the Holy Ghost. If you are God centred in your thinking and acting, things eventually fall into place. What you believe ultimately affects how and what you do. I have never ceased to rejoice in God and feel indebted to his grace each passing day. Radical mental paradigm shift The second thing that I propose is that you need a radical paradigm shift. This means you have to change the way you think and view things so that you become proactive and thus position yourself in success’ path. Unless you change the way that you think about the world and yourself, you will always be “a victim of circumstances” rather than charting the course to your desired haven. Self SWOT analysis The third thing I suggest is that you need to stop and take stock of yourself. Know exactly what you are, who you really are and what you want to achieve. In addition, you need to check whether you have what it takes as well as the resources towards that end. Cease to cheat yourself that you are better or worse than what you actually are. SWOT analysis demands brutal honesty with yourself and then placing yourself in the right place. Self knowledge is key to right positioning. Honesty In the fourth place, you need to cultivate a value and inner quality of honesty both to yourself and those around you. If you are honest in your dealings, you will not only open up many other doors to prosperity but will realistically position yourself at the right place in the nick of time. Many make ship wreck on this rock because they think dishonesty will get them to their goal quicker. Well, it may for a season but is not sustainable. Diligence and hard work Fifthly, you need to cast off sloth and adopt a culture of diligence and hard work. Whatever your hands find to do, do it all with all your might. Then and only then will you succeed. I may add that you also need to work smart but ethically to get what you want. Hard work is not easy and is increasingly a lonely path but I can assure you, it pays dividends eventually. Think of the long lonely painful hours I spent at my studies and look at me today. I seem to be extremely relaxed and happy but the truth of the matter is that I worked as a slave yesterday in order to live like a king today.

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Focus You need to be a person of pre-eminently one thing at a time. If you are multitasked, use whatever avenues available to you to get to that one big goal. Resist the temptation of taking on too much or more than you can reasonably handle but ensure you have everything under control revolving around one focal point. The Apostle Paul was a man of one thing and left no stone unturned towards his goal. He refused to settle for less (I Corinthians 2:2). Single mindedness Apart from the focus mentioned in the earlier point, you need to have virgin devotion towards one cause and goal. You must be single minded about something to the extent that you cannot possibly be shifted from your goal regardless of what tasty carrot is dangled before your eyes. You must be at home and resolved to achieve what you desire. Further, you must be satisfied and derive immense pleasure in pursuing your goal. Admittedly, the process may not be pleasant but the goal definitely is. Strategic thinking This is the desperate need of the times! Very few people think long range in their plans. The vast majority live for the moment and forget tomorrow and the other day. If you are to succeed, you need to read the times and correctly craft a plan to position yourself for success. In my case, I realised strategic thinking relatively late in life but see what changes it has wrought in my life! I have written a whole book on strategy and you will do well to refer to “The Strategic Horizon”. In addition to thinking, you must act as well at the right time. Everything in life hinges on what strategies one puts in place. I strongly believe that some of my recorded successes in education and others wise are in part because of strategic thinking and acting. Perseverance & persistence If there is one mark that I can leave with you, it is that of perseverance. It is one of the most difficult virtues to explain and theorise about until you are in the actual situation. Things might not work according to plan but you need to hang in there and hope things will eventually work out, despite the sweat and blood that results. The other twin virtue is persistence, the ability to hold on to one thing despite outward challenges that might suggest another path. I knew of a Doctor friend who was often in bed during her medical studies but she graduated with distinction ahead of the others that were always in class. Apart from the genes talk and all, she persisted in her cause. You need that stamina. To illustrate what I am saying consider the following: a. I did the Diploma in six years instead of three. b. I was kicked out of Educational institutions twice onto the streets. c. I failed about every examination paper between 1990 and 1997. d. I was jobless for several years while my peers changed them frequently. e. I was dumped by girls thrice for being “none progressive”. All these needed extraordinary nerve and muscle to resiliently handle or contend with. It was hard to contain them but thanks to the persevering spirit.

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Ethics Ethics are expected rules of practice and behaviour in a given context. They may be written or not but as you conduct business or relate to people, you need to be mindful how your actions will impact other people. I worked in Mongu for eight years without a single problem contrary to what I had been fed before I ventured there. I think one of the things that made me succeed was the issue of ethics, respecting people and customs as well as the job related rules. Have the end in mind As I set out to tackle my MBA ‘mountain’, many of my seniors thought it was an impossible feat. Some even ridiculed me as a person with unrealistic dreams. Well, a few years later, I was their consultant, giving ideas on how to best succeed at their studies. What kept me going? It was the knowledge that I would eventually reap benefits at the end of the day. Whatever you do, have a mental picture of what you want to see at some point. Others call it the “vision”. Have a written plan In Africa, most of us are at home with and accustomed to an oral tradition culture. For some reason we find it hard to write (document) what we think or plan. We would rather talk and leave it there. Closely connected to this is that we learn better by what we see rather than what we read. If you are to follow through your plan, write it down and tick against it as you achieve. I had a written logical plan and I am in my last stages of implementation before I retire to go home to be with the Lord. Engage only in value adding activities Whatever you are about, always invest your energies in value adding activities. Always ask yourself one question before you do something and it is this: Will this contribute to my prime goal? If it does not, then abandon it as it is not priority. This calls for prudence and knowing your life’s agenda very well. Mind the company you keep The company that you keep eventually affects your decisions for good or bad. I have always surrounded myself with good friends, winners who have helped me to launch to higher orbs. I have benchmarked myself against them and vice versa. Be cautious who you draw near to yourself or befriend for they may build or destroy you eventually. Flee wicked company! That said, your values and convictions should guide & keep you on track. Keep things simple In life, the best things are sometimes very simple and straight forward. Do not make your life unduly complex to the extent that you become a prisoner of your own self. I have read of some celebrities that have excessively made their lives complex and in the end they were reclusive and died miserable people. Make it easy for yourself and others by being accessible, flexible and ready to adapt in any and every situation. If the context requires you to literary fold your sleeves, by all means do it! After all, what will you

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lose? You will then most likely enjoy life and avoid the ‘status’ trap or the power trappings that captivate many. Choose what should disturb you, know what you want This point is very instructive. Until I learnt this point, I was always a victim of people’s opinions and always minded what they said about me. In other words, unknowingly, I was their prisoner and dared not disappoint them. It was good while it lasted but I soon realised that it is important to know yourself and live the real life, of course ensuring that you are ethical in behaviour and practice. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes advises against listening to every word people say lest you hear your servant cursing you. The take home lesson is that you should not take everything to heart that others say about you, pick and chose what is relevant and true. I do not for a moment encourage stubbornness or bigotry but objectivity & prudence. Prudence Whatever you do in life, always think of the consequences and repercussions. Never assume or postpone thinking about something. Many of us leave things to chance but reap adverse consequences later when we could have avoided that turn of events. In other words, think BEFORE you act. In addition, exercise maximum caution on what you do or spend money on, will it add value to your life goal? If not, flee from it! This is all part of strategic thinking. Maintain a sense of debt to others I am a product of many souls that sacrificed for me and risked even their reputations to ensure I am what I am. As the Puritans used to say, “We radiate today because we stand on the shoulders of giants”. What this group of Godly people meant is that we appear great today because we owe it to our predecessors who laid the foundation upon which we stand and build. This means we have to hold them in high esteem, think well of them and in a sense honour them. I am indebted greatly to a number of people who stood by my side when things were tough and they know themselves, some of who I have mentioned by name in this book. The other day, I was watching the Normady Invasion of German occupied France by the 156,000 + allied forces which took place in 1944. It was just amazing how Leader after Leader expressed their sense of debt to each of the soldiers that sacrificed their lives for the sake of their countries and colleagues when they landed on Ohama beach in the early hours of 6th June 1944. Over 10,000 of them never made it beyond the beach as they were gunned down by the waiting Germans. Yet today, we honour their bravery and heroism. Similarly, we should never lose focus of this but aim to build others as well. Be daring Life is full of risks and only the resolute achieve what they desire. They cast off fear and view threats as opportunities which can propel them to the next level. If you are feverishly risk averse, chances are that you will not go far in anything nor achieve much in your life time. There are times when we must break our ‘bunks’ and go a step further to reach out for the stars. For a long time, I dreaded taking risks and thus remained boxed in. Things are different now. Academic trials

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Leave room for disappointment, rejection, betrayal and frustration As my story was unfolding, perhaps some of you felt really sad and occasionally even angry. Some could have not picked the emotions behind this whole narration. Whatever the case, the point is that disappointments are a fact of life and we meet them at every turn. Some disappointments are more painful than others. I was betrayed and disappointed at critical points when I needed some people and had to live with it. You and I should realise that we will be disappointed by fellow human beings one way or the other hence the need to prepare for the “rainy day”. It may delay but it will definitely come in one way or the other. In addition to disappointment and betrayal, you will be frustrated from different angles because things will not always work your way, sometimes even completely falling apart. In my case, exam after exam brought its own frustration and tormented me. Thank fully, I was resilient. The point is that you and I need to stock enough “Shock Absorbers” which will help us to take in a lot of trauma and yet remain resilient to carry on. This “acceptance” and “allowing” may not sit well in certain circles but I think prudent strategies also factor in possibilities of an alternative strategy should things go wrong. Doing your best all the time You and I must do our best at all times regardless of our status, position or aim in life. We must not settle for mediocre standards but endeavour to do all we can to make things better than we initially found them. We need to raise the bar higher each ensuing year and exert our selves towards that end. Contentment is a good virtue in its right context but not in the wrong things. Never leave things to chance!

Never be naive There was a time when I trusted nearly everyone’s word without question. I was raised up telling the truth and when I left home, I expected and assumed everyone was the same. I was badly mistaken and only learnt the hard way. Sadly, I learnt after I had been stabbed in the back by people I expected to support me and be on my side. Tread carefully and ensure you know who is who. Careful what you say and to whom. Focus on your business but always be scanning your environment for any potential threats and “land mines”. Watch out for “corporate suicide bombers” as well. Interrogate circumstances, situations and read between the lines. If you are naive, you may be carrying your own death warrant to your executioner akin to what Uriah of old did (2 Samuel 11:14). Adopt a ‘project mindset’ Life is a talent and we have to give it up at some point. What will matter ultimately is how we have lived life and what we did with the time frame we had in our life time.

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Always adopt a “project” mindset in the sense that a project has a start and end date. In between, the project has stages and bench marks that must be met to deem the project timely and successful at the evaluation stage. In projects, time is of essence and must thus be treated with utmost care. Want (lack) of this kind of thinking and approach to life explains why people leave things to chance and fate. In as much as God, in his providence will ultimately overrule, there is none the less need for us to act responsibly. Have realistic targets which you can monitor and measure. For instance, I went into Mongu with five goals and achieved all of them. In that way, I have been able to see progress which others wonder about. Be proactive and read the times This calls for forward thinking and some level of wisdom at all times. You need to have direction, focus and determination to achieve your goal. In pursuing these targets, you also need to be thinking ahead of things and strategically position yourself so that when the storm arrives, you will have stayed out of its path. Furthermore, you need to develop intuition and knowing when to act. The writing on the wall can only be deciphered by the wise strategic thinker who then gets busy preventing a catastrophe or getting ahead of the pack. Act in ways that mitigate future turmoil or backlash. The strategic eye foresaw & prepared for the global crunch (economic meltdown) of 2009. Do first things first Life is like nature which follows the law of gravity. Always know what is important and priority. Not everything is equally critical although it may appear urgent. Your job is to be able to tell apart what is critical, important and urgent from what is urgent but not important. Having identified and determined the priority areas, we then need to sequence them in order of importance and returns. Pareto taught us a good principle which can help us to sort out a lot of matters. For instance, what is more critical in life, a car or a house? Which one should you get first and why? Which opens the window to the next and vice versa? Flee procrastination! This is a killer trait which many of us suffer from. I think for many years I suffered from this “virus” though I did not realise its damaging effects. I reaped problem after problem to the extent that it nearly ruined my life and prospects. Thankfully, strategy taught me in the nick of time. From the day I quit procrastinating, things eventually changed. The temptation still comes to procrastinate but I have resolved never to give this vice a foot hold. Remember, “Procrastination is the thief of time” as an apt old adage goes. Hence the need to flee from it! Do only what you can manage at a time Never crowd yourself with too much baggage or work to the point that you become ineffective. The temptation is to take on everything and somehow hope things will work Academic trials

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out but what does this lead to? It just multiplies problems in an exponential fashion. Recall how I lamentably failed the audit? It was largely because I was over loaded and did not bother about it. I enjoyed the prestige that comes from simultaneously holding several big positions. To some extent, I may attribute my dismal academic performance to my having too many things to do at the same time to the extent that I did not give sufficient time to one thing. I was “a Jack of all trades but a master of none”. The path to multitasking may be destructive in the short run if not handled well but for me, this built my task stamina a thousand fold. I am now able to handle more than one thing and still excel. But this was not the case way back in the nineties. Train yourself and be a lifelong student You and I need to constantly and consistently train ourselves for the challenging day ahead. Who knows, you and I may be called upon to do some simple task and only if we are ready and equal to the task will we be ready for success. At one time, a colleague requested me to drive one of the Official cars but I declined to because I was not confident to drive nor did I have a license. From then onwards, I purposed to get a licence, passport and whatever document that I might need just in case. I have now avoided any further embarrassments. Similarly, we need to be ready in and out of season. Another dimension worth stressing is that we should never cease to be readers and students. Make it a point to read and study whatever you lay your hands or eyes on. Acquire a new skill set each year and refresh what you already have. Never become mentally rusty! Have an “insider group” Not everyone loves or cares for you in the sense that you want or expect. Some a good people to transact with and no further. Others are good for specific interaction period. But there should be a group of individuals or people that will be with you regardless of the storm or circumstance you find yourself in. This select group will do everything to ensure that you remain buoyant and ticking. They would even hazard their very lives to serve and advise you. This pack of friends is interested in mutual development. This is the group we would term “The insider” team, to borrow the words of Dr John Maxwell. These people will be firm but fair with you and objectively speak into your life just as you in theirs. To identify this group is to know thy self. They may not necessarily know each other but are attached to you and you can freely cry on their shoulder knowing that you have been heard. They maintain confidentiality and urge you on to success. Do you have such a company of friends? I have had some which have stuck close by and will definitely rise to the occasion should something happen to me. You also need such though you must carefully select them, for the days are evil. Never forget your roots and what you have been through As we ascend the corporate ladder or indeed succeed beyond where most mortals reach, the temptation is to grow proud, obstinate and bigoted. That is the sure way to destruction eventually. Rather, we must always recall what we were prior to reaching where we are. If that individual had not supported you, would you have reached where you presently are Academic trials

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today? Would you be the respectable and influential person you are now? Chances are that you would not. Thus, it’s only courtesy and right to periodically reflect and remind ourselves from whence we hail. Further, we must take steps to help out those that that helped us, although not in a “tit for tat” spirit. It is just right and good. Distinguish yourself Have you wondered why and how some people simply fly from success orbit to orbit? It is simply because they stand out from the crowd and do things differently. Whatever comes out of their hands has a ting of excellence about it. As a student, particularly during my tertiary studies, I made it a point that my work was impeccable. This paid dividends and continues to. Whatever you do, give it your best shot. Objectivity In life, there is need to maintain a cool head in all situations. One must not allow circumstances or situations make them lose their objectivity. Objectivity carries the connotation of being level headed, fair and realistic. You must be all these and only then will you surmount all odds to higher ground. Never allow emotions to rule over you or impair your judgement. Be above these. Maximise your potential What you have achieved hither to may be good and world class but there is still room to get better. Never rest on your laurels or past achievements because they have a tendency to cloud your vision. I have accumulated a few honours here and there but I know I can still excel and go higher. For instance, I have a number of academic credentials but I know that I can still get a few more. Akin to an astute business man, I can bag a few more papers, provided they are relevant and useful. Whatever you are about, you can get better. I ceased a long time ago settling for minimum standards, I want nothing less than the best of the best. It may not be easy but it is my goal. Believe in yourself Always believe you can do it, if correctly prepared and positioned. Quit deceiving yourself that you are the best but rather cultivate a culture of ever improving yourself. I have spent many years training myself to do different things and sometimes surprise people when I do something they thought I had no clue of. What actually I have been doing in the back ground is to train myself for that day as well as build my esteem and confidence levels. You need to train yourself in objectively believing in yourself rather than living in the shadow of another. For a time, it is good to understudy and imitate someone but a time comes when you become you own man. Right a ttitude is k ey to succe ss With the correct mindset and attitude, I believe anyone can achieve do mighty exploits. They can become legends some day and live well. The path to that end is not easy nor

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plausible but once grasped and applied in the right dosage, you can exceed world class standards and etch out a unique niche for yourself. It may look impossible now but believe me, your attitude is what makes the difference. Belie ve in tr ying Great achievers are never faint hearted. They often pour their entire souls, minds and bodies into that one thing they want to achieve, sometimes with devastating effects on their lives. At other times, they live like kings ever after. I have always believed in trying out things in many ways than one. Where others fear to tread, I have at times taken the risk and walked on the “knife edge”. Have you been to the Kalambo Falls in Mbala (northern Zambia)? The place is scary and any missed step would lead you to an early grave. You could easily tip over and fall over the over 220 metres precipice to your watery grave below. However, after successfully walking through the deadly stretch, there is a sense of relief and satisfaction as you head home. Similarly, we need to keep knocking unless the thing we want to do is in clear violation of ethics or God’s will. Trea t Challenges as oppor tunitie s This point was earlier alluded in the book but there is need to change our view of challenges. Rather than considering them as inconveniences or encumbrances, we need a mental paradigm shift that turns threats into opportunities to get us to the next level. Where others are fleeing, it may be that is where our opportunity to success may lie. Read your context well and apply the right strategy. Trea t Change as an aid to the top or getting bette r Half the time, many of use dread change because it rocks our comfort zone. At other times, change also capsizes our vessels hurling us into a whole new dimension. But change also brings about much good in that it enables us to revive those latent hidden talents that have not been exploited for years. Change is unfortunately a fact of life which we must live with. If that be the case, then the prudent thing is to befriend it and harness it towards our advantage. I did not know that my multiple failures out of school enabled me to improve my writing and art skills. You may have your own unique situation. Aim for the stars!! Finally, aim to be the best that you can ever be! Refuse to settle for less or mediocre standards. You can do it and end up far better than you ever imagined. Go beyond the 10% that the average person uses of their brain and exploit the other 90%. It can be done and you will leave the world a better place than you found it. This is my aim too.

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Chapter 8

A parting word Alright kids listen up to the last instructions!

We have reached the pinnacle of our mountain climb, having avoided many mishaps during our ascent and now proudly place our flag on the summit. As I was scribbling away, I felt I had done justice to this subject that needed to be heard by the world so that many more may take courage and tell their story. My hope also was that this book may encourage some soul to pluck some courage and move on from where they had been stuck for many years. It is now time to say goodbye. But is now time to say a few words as we part, please pay particular attention. You will pass the path that you now tread but once, therefore ensure you do things right the first time. Always look to the Lord in all matters of life, he will come through for you somehow some day. If he does not, still trust him. Education and academic credentials are but a means to an end, acquire and use them for your good. Never become a prisoner of what is meant to build you up. Flee the status bug like a plague!

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Treat failure as a stepping stone to success. Consider the positive side of events and what you can learn from them rather than the dark side. Think like a winner; focus on the opportunistic rather than the pessimistic side of things. Look out for the best out of others rather than their weak irritating side. Know that you will have to give an account for your life some day and finally, Settle it in your mind that your legacy tells what type of a person you actually were whether a legend or a time waster! Farewell!

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Appendices

Christian Testimony Have you gone through that agonising experience in your life when the entire world has seemed upside down? Do you recall the time when circumstances pinned you to the wall to think of the futility of life? Like steam from a boiling kettle, life is here today and soon it is gone and forgotten. In no time we are buried and grass grows over our graves. How frustrating it has been when nothing worked a right. Remember that time when the people around you all seemed to be getting aright with their endeavours. In every sense they “tick” and are free from all cares, fears and affliction. If this has been your lot, then I must say that your case is not unique. Pause a little and I will gladly narrate to you of the darkest and yet brightest moment in my life. I want to tell you of a man who flushed an eternal light of joy, peace and freedom in my life. The year was 1987. I had been invited to attend a Scripture Union Camp meeting. The venue was an excellently preserved natural farm situated about 10km west of Lusaka. I had yielded to attend the camp after much persuasion from one of the committee members at school. I cannot explain why I suddenly opted to attend the camp because I had a Tennis Tournament lined up for me that very week. Being a devoted player, nothing could stand in my way but somehow, I changed my decision just to “spend my week for God”. My previous religious coat had off like a tread bare garment. On 8th August, we assemble at the main Post Office in town from where we were picked. My first impression about the people that I found was negative because they seemed to have some air of unwarranted excitement written all over their faces. Upon initially meeting, probably after a long time, they embraced very warmly. At first, I thought that they were gold-coated hypocrites like myself but as I observed, I noticed some kind of genuiness in their smile. This suddenly offset me and I felt lonely. By about 18hours, we had all arrived at the campsite. It was a very quiet place and we had two or three simple structures. I was not impressed. The moment I set foot on the campground, all my peace evaporated and I felt terribly out of place. I desperately searched within myself but could not trace the root cause. Looking around, I noticed that the other campers had a peace and joy, which was absent in me. They claimed to be born again, and so was I because I had been baptized in infancy. I marshalled all my credentials of baptism communion and to comfort me. I convinced myself that I was also ‘Born Again’ except that I had not known anybody in the camp and previously lacked fellowship. For a season, these grounds kept me afloat. During recreation and games, I was unmatched and so active such that by the third day, everyone in camp had noticed me. As such, I earned myself the title “BROTHER BILLY”. This added fuel and fir to my zeal. Strangely, throughout this time, a still small voice kept telling me that I was still different from the rest. I often shoved it aside in the wake of the day’s activities. On the third day of the camp however, I sat down and lamented my lack of concentration during the evening preaching session I Academic trials

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often dozed. Henceforth, I resolved to keep wake. That evening I took a shower, ate supper and sanctimoniously walked into the hall. Everyone else piously walked in and sat in silent meditation. At 18:30 Hours, the prayer meeting commenced. As the same progressed, I snored away only to be awakened by a thunderous chorus. When the preacher ascends the pulpit, I was ready for him. He introduced the subject as ‘JUSTIFICTION BY FAITH”. He spoke for 30 minutes in which time I was lingering between sleep and listening. My eyelids felt heavier than a ton of iron. Towards the end of the sermon, I rebuked myself for dozing and concentrating there on. Never will I forget those moments. For as soon as I sat up the speaker’s words came crashing like thunder and lightning upon me. There was much power, weight and conviction in those words. They echoed painfully loudly as they cut the sin filled chambers of my heart. What amount of horror my soul at that moment! It was as if my eyes were suddenly opened to see how filthy, wicked and sinful I was. For the first time I could see the terrors of hell before my eyes. The preacher pounded it on our consciences how that without saving faith in Christ, there was no hope of salvation. He powerfully demolished the mountain of good works as a sure hope of getting to Heaven. All our human efforts including church going and praying cannot appease the thrice Holy God. As I sat in my pew, I trembled at the prospects of being lost forever. My soul became pitch dark and a very gloomy spell set in upon me. Ah, how very heavy it felt! How unbearable! I dared not look to Christ because I was too sinful for Him and felt His blood was could not suffice to cleanse my scarlet sins away. I was chronically desperate but dared not look to Christ. The gospel pounding was too thorough that by the end of the sermon, I knew I was a non-Christian. At the end of the message, the speaker requested us to remain in our seats if we needed help, while the rest trickled outside to the campfire. To date, I do not know what type of “glue” kept me stuck to that pew wondering what to do. My heart pounded very heavily as though it would leap out of its socket. As the seconds ticked away, hell seemed to be drawing nearer and I could smell death sucking me. Obviously, I did not want to be noticed by other people as a fake or phony “B.A” and neither could I take any step further in my sin either. I was in deep, deep quandary. So engrossed in the thought that by the time I realized everyone had gone, I shot up to leave but alas some unwelcomed counsellor had already descended on me. I sat down reluctantly and naturally, he enquired of my spiritual genesis. I mumble a few words which gave me away as nonchristian. I had no testimony. The spiritual physician diagnosed my cancer of sin and we turned to EPHESIANS 2 where the Apostle Paul describes the natural state of every man outside Christ. The Apostle Paul shows that because of the fall in Adam all men without exception are born sinners and hence dead spiritually. The counsellor pointed out to me that I was lifeless as a corpse and totally insensitive to spiritual things. This is the picture of every non-regenerate soul! Ah! How desperately helpless I felt! I despaired of ever being saved when he said that all my human efforts could never please God. They are in fact filthy! Without faith, it impossible to please God. I felt I would be vanquished any second by the almighty just wrath of God. As the counsellor went on explaining, I groaned within “what must I do to be saved?” Like the Philippian jailer, I could see nonway of escape. At the end of our short discourse he rightly pointed me to Christ. We joined the others around the campfire I had no peace. I was full of wild imaginations of the wrath of God lingering over me all the time. Everything that was shared that evening

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kept pricking my oversensitive soul. When it was bedtime we prayed and everyone else snored away almost immediately. I still had my sins to deal with. Who could help me? Where cold I turn to? Oh the terrible anguish of soul! I reached a point of no return whereby I could no longer endure the painful conviction. In the quite darkness of the room and yet turmoil filled heart, I sent a desperate ejaculatory prayer to Christ- “Jesus! Jesus! SAVE ME OR I DIE!” From that moment, words fail me, a stream of joy came flooding into my life. I suddenly felt the heavy load on my shoulders washed away in the current o the flood. Behold the chambers of my heart opened! On the one side, my filthy works of darkness flowed out while on the other the righteousness of Christ flowed in Indeed, Rivers of living waters flowed undisturbed. Ah, how refreshing! How exhilarating that moment! In overwhelming joy, I prayed continuously and drifted into sleep. Early the next morning, before dawn, I opened my eyes and wondered what had happed t me. It was time to test whether the ‘nice’ feeling was still present. To my great joy and surprise it was still there! I felt brand new and knew that all my sins were forgiven. The valves of my heart were open and no longer blocked by sin. The best human illustration I can offer is of one who has just had a warm shower after a hectic, laborious and stuffy day. Thereafter he goes to busk in the sun or near a heater…. how refreshed he feels! All the skin pores are unblocked and freshly respiring! That kind of feeling, and a thousand times more is what I felt. I have never been the same since that day. Now reader, I turn to you. I am sure you have read with great pleasure and amusement. This experience can happen to anyone including you! It has happed to millions through the corridors of 20 centuries. It happened to Paul (Acts 9), to Cornelius (Acts 10), to Lydia (Acts 16) and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16). Why shouldn’t it happen to you? The Lord Jesus Christ with invites you to come just as you are, no matter how filthy. If you are weary and heavy laden with sin, Christ is able to make you brand newnewer, cleaner and more precious than the most costly article the world can offer. Your faith will be of greater worth than gold. Will I put my pen to rest without your turning to Christ? God forbid! I tremble at the thought of leaving you unmoved. Why will you die when there is much a gracious way of escape? Ignorance is no excuse because God commands you to repent and your conscience testifies that God exists. Oh that I could shake you out of your slumber! It high time to awake. I am about to leave off writing, but on which side of eternity will you be on that dreadful and yet glorious last day? I am content to wait to prove your words on that resurrection morning. Farewell and meet me on the day of reckoning! Amen.

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Index A

ADP.......................................36, 39, 42

J

B

John Maxwell.....................................59 JUSTIFICTION BY FAITH......................65

C

Kamwala.....................................34, 35 Killer courses.................................. ...23

Business Administration....................44 business man....................................60

K

Cambridge........................................17 campus.................................19, 25, 28 Campus.................................... .........26 Chalala........................................47, 50 Christ..........................................16, 65 Church...........16, 17, 27, 29, 35, 40, 42 CIMA......................................... ...30, 35 CISA..................................................46 Community.......................................42 Contentment.....................................57 Copper belt.................................33, 35 Culture..............................................13

L

D

N

David Kaunda..............................14, 15 Devils................................. ...............10 DK.....................................4, 15, 17, 18 Doctor of Letters...............................49 Dr Mwanawasa..................................50

E

ECZ.......................................28, 35, 40 education..............4, 12, 18, 20, 28, 50 English..............................................13 Evelyn Hone College...............4, 24, 34 excellence...................................13, 60

F

lectures.............................................20 legacy.....................................7, 53, 63 Lozi...................................................48

M

marriage.....................................44, 45 MBA....1, 35, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 55, 69 momentum.......................................45 Mongu.....36, 37, 38, 39, 47, 48, 55, 58 mountain................................. ....62, 65 MSc................................ ...................41 Netherlands......................................41 NIPA..................................................34

P

Pareto.............................................. ..58 PhD.................................44, 45, 46, 48 plague.................................... ...........62 plantations........................................50 Psalmist..............................................7

Q

quality.........................................50, 53

R

farm............................................50, 64 FIAB................................................... 46 Financial Accounting...................31, 34

RAPIDS........................................47, 48 Rhodes Park................................32, 34

G

Staffordshire.....................................48 strategic....7, 11, 37, 50, 51, 54, 56, 58 strategically......................................58 strategy.........30, 35, 37, 48, 54, 57, 58 success....35, 48, 52, 53, 54, 59, 60, 63 Sun system.......................................41 SWOT................................................53

German.............................................56 God.....4, 20, 23, 29, 32, 37, 39, 42, 50, 53, 58, 64, 65, 66 government................................12, 19 Grade................................. ...............14

H

Heaven............................................ ..65 hectare........................................... ...50 Hillcrest.................................. ...........14 HULT............................................. .....49

I

IFA.......................35, 37, 39, 40, 41, 46

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T

targets..............................................58 turmoil...................7, 32, 35, 50, 53, 66 tutorials.......................................... ...20

U

UK.............................35, 48, 49, 51, 69

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UN......................................... ............47 University.....17, 18, 19, 20, 33, 35, 37, 48, 49, 50 UNZA. .4, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 38, 50 Uriah.................................................57 USAID......................................... .......47 UTH.................................... ...............30

W Wales................................................48 WWF.......................................... ..27, 29

Z

ZAFES...............................................28 Zambia State Insurance Corporation.19 ZDA.....................30, 35, 37, 39, 46, 69

About the author

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Billy Sichone trained as an Accountant and worked as a Program Accountant at one of World Vision Zambia’s large scale Area Development Programs for seven years. He studied the Zambia Diploma in Accountancy (ZDA), is a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Accountants of UK (FFA), holds an MBA and is presently a second Doctorate candidate. He is married to Jane and they have two daughters together. He now works as Program Manager at a large scale World Vision International Program in Zambia. Among his interests are studying, research, reading, meeting people, poultry, astronomy, botany and adventure.

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