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The coronavirus-induced lockdowns impacted negatively on people’s lives and generated a lot of cynicism as communities adjusted to the new normal. However, for some, the moment gave them a rare opportunity to explore their hidden talents and unleash their creative capabilities. One such individual is self-taught teacher, entrepreneur and author NGONI CHRISPEN CHISIKARAMBWE (NCC). He has penned four books from the onset of the pandemic to date. The books tackle various topics and are highly inspired by his personal life experiences. Our Features and Arts Editor PRINCE MUSHAWEVATO (PM) interviewed Chisikarambwe to find out more about his new- found love, among other things. Here are excerpts from the interview.
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PM: Can you tell us how you became an author?
NCC: I started serious writing in 2020, during the coronavirus-induced lockdowns. It all started during the lockdowns. I had to use the idle time profitably. That is when I really discovered myself as a writer. Once I start writing, it just flows; the pen does not stop, as it were. I write to express myself; to let the world know the challenges one can endure to become better in life. Determination and sacrifice propel one to achieve greater things.
PM: How many books have you written so far?
NCC: From 2020 to date, I have published four books, namely, “The Will Determines the Way”, “Life is not Fair”, “My God Cares and Provides” and “How to Start and Manage a Small Business”. I still have a number of titles to put on paper.
PM: Has it always been your wish to be an author?
NCC: Yes, I have always wanted to write but I was always kept busy with studies since I am self-taught and work. In the early 80s, I used to write short stories and my primary school compositions used to be read in class.
PM: Take us through the inspiration behind each book?
NCC: The books are basically about my life experiences and my career. “The Will Determines the Way” is a book about my poor family background; how I struggled to get a decent education. It shows how I had to self-finance my high school and tertiary education against all the odds, and how I had to do odd jobs. I worked for fees at a boarding school and on a commercial farm. I worked during the day and attended classes in the evenings. I simply wanted to highlight that where there is a will, there is a way.
PM: You can carry on.
NCC: “Life is not Fair” is a true story about genuine love, sacrifice, cheating and betrayal. Mandiranga (fictional character in the book) married his childhood sweetheart, had a white wedding, sired four children, and improved and empowered the wife, only for her to think otherwise. The marriage ended up in an emotional and painful divorce. He lost all he had worked for during almost four decades. Given the circumstances, he had to remarry and move on. This is how life is. It is not fair at times. In “How to Start and Manage a Small Business”, I am targeting school-leavers and those in high schools or tertiary institutions. I am more like giving them an idea on how to start and manage a small business. The book will also come in handy for those already in business.
PM: Do you think you have enough business depth to lecture others on the subject?
NCC: At work, I climbed the ladder from being a clerical assistant, clerk, bookkeeper, senior bookkeeper, assistant accountant, until I became an accountant. I worked in the finance department of Apex Corporation, which was once a leading group of companies.
I started my career in Government and ended up in the private sector. I eventually founded three small companies, namely, Best Solution Enterprises, Tapdan Investments and Ray Support Company. I have vast experience in the subjects I write about. The publications are all approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as “reference books”.
PM: Let’s talk about “My God Cares and Provides”.
NCC: It highlights those instances where I witnessed the hand of the Almighty at play. I make use of appropriate biblical scriptures for easy reference. The book appeals to both believers and non-believers. I can inspire other people who feel like losing hope. I also want learners in schools, colleges and universities to use local books, instead of relying on foreign literature.
PM: Is any one of your eight children showing interest in writing?
NCC: Certainly! My youngest son, who is in Lower Sixth. His subject combination includes Literature in English. He is intending to pursue media studies at the university.
I am reliably informed that during his Ordinary Level days, he used to write short stories that would be read in class.
PM: Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
NCC: I was born on August 19, 1961. I grew up in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza. I like reading and gardening. I am very religious; I am a preacher with the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. I am more of a reserved person. In term of sports, I am a football fanatic and I support Dynamos and Liverpool. My favourite food are mainly traditional dishes. For refreshments, I like orange juice and the traditional maheu drink.
PM: Any final words?
NCC: Getting a breakthrough is not easy, mainly due to finance challenges. I wish budding writers could get assistance from relevant stakeholders. I wish to improve my writing, and collaborate with seasoned writers.
Online Reporter