Online Reporter
Rutendo Gwatidzo
Changing Perspectives
HAPPY fourth anniversary. Four years of ink and impact — what writing has taught me about Purpose, People, and Power!
The month of November is a special month to me because I get to celebrate a new season of my life from different aspects. November 2 is my birthday and November 7 is the day I started writing articles for the The Sunday Mail newspaper in 2021.
Four years ago, I started writing in the national newspaper out of fun and excitement because prior that, I had release a book titled Born To Fight out of pain and beyond my imagination, the book was approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as a humanities setbook for secondary schools.
When I then got an invitation to write a few articles in The Sunday Mail, my hope was to release at least four articles that would last a month and that alone was exciting enough for me. I did not realise that I was stepping into my purpose just like that.
When my first column was published, I was both terrified and thrilled. What if no one reads it? What if everyone did? Yet here I am, four years later — humbled, shaped, and now passionately convinced that words can build nations just as surely as they can build people. In a world that often forgets how to listen, I now write with purpose.
The Power of the Pen!
Over the years, I’ve learned that writing is not merely about sharing opinions, it’s about influence — the kind that shapes thought, stirs conscience, and sometimes unsettles comfort zones. The columnist’s pen is not supposed to be for decoration but, direction.
Every article carries responsibility. Behind every line, there’s a reader searching for validation, truth, courage, or comfort.
Lessons from the Journey!
The first lesson I’ve learned is that consistency births credibility. Writing weekly means showing up even when inspiration doesn’t. Some of my most impactful pieces were written on days I felt empty, proof that purpose does not wait for perfect conditions.
I have also learned that people don’t just read columns, they feel them. They remember not the grammar, but the grace in the article. They quote not the statistics, but the story that touched their humanity. The columnist’s craft lies not in sophistication, but sincerity and impact.
Purpose and People!
My writing journey has deepened my faith in God and in people. Every time I sit to write, I’m reminded that my words are borrowed and entrusted to me to serve, not to boast. Writing has been a form of ministry — a pulpit without walls. There are weeks when readers write back, telling me that an article kept them from giving up, restored their dignity, or made them rethink how they lead, just to mention a few. Those moments remind me that words, when written in truth and love, are oxygen for the human spirit.
The Power Behind the Page!
In an age of fast opinions and fragile egos, writing must reclaim its sacred duty which I believe is to build, not to break; to illuminate, not to intimidate. The power of the pen must never be abused for personal gain. It should point society toward justice, empathy, and wisdom just to mention a few.
Writing has also taught me humility. Once an article is published, it no longer belongs to the writer. It belongs to the nation – to interpretation, debate, even criticise. And that’s the beauty of thought leadership, it stretches you beyond applause into accountability.
To the Next Generation of Voices!
To every aspiring columnist or young writer watching others from the sidelines – write! And yes, start now.
There is never a perfect moment to start, just go ahead and start now. Somewhere somehow, someone awaits your voice for them to become the person they are purposed to be.
Your story that you probably deem irrelevant, is an answered prayer to someone. Even if your hands tremble, go ahead and write with truth, compassion and purpose. Your words may not trend, but they might transform. There is always enough room for more voices and ethical storytellers.
A Grateful Reflection
Four years in, I am still learning, still listening, and still writing. My gratitude runs deep to my readers, editors, and every stranger who found a mirror in my words.
And if, through my words, even one person has found courage to stand taller or think deeper — then these four years have not been in vain. For that one person, I am grateful.
What if the one person transformed by my articles becomes the Strive Masiiwa of tomorrow who will change our continent.
What if they become the Divine Ndhlukula of tomorrow who will employ the biggest number of women in their nation?
The person might become the Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates of tomorrow just to mention a few. Happy fourth anniversary to you all my readers, mentors, destiny helpers and myself. Without you all, my writing will be in vain. Cheers to another four years of writing.
To all my fellow writers who probably felt like no one was hearing their voice, keep writing.
Do not focus on quantity, be encouraged to focus on impact. Your speaking out will not be in vain.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is a Human Capital Executive as Managing Consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy. She is a Multi-Award Winning Leader, Speaker and Coach. She is also an Author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence books. Contact detail – 0714575805/ [email protected] / Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official fb public page.
