Andrew
Book Review
Edmore Zvinonzwa
RUTENDO Gwatidzo’s latest book “Breaking the Silence: Navigating Through Tough Times, Fighting for Survival” is not an ordinary read.
It is a unique effort that recounts lived experiences of the author and her family.
While most people would opt to remain quiet about similar experiences, Gwatidzo, like the culture and change management strategist that she is, does the opposite. She opens up to the world with the hope that it may assist others on how to manoeuvre through similar challenges. The author chooses to call the encounters “This Kind” because they are not only new, but also different.
The Covid-19 pandemic, indeed, ravaged all countries across the globe, but perhaps differently, especially when it comes to response mechanisms that largely depend on how well-resourced an economy or family is.
However, some of the lessons learnt from the pandemic are global.
For instance, it taught businesses on how to operate remotely as gathering was discouraged.
“My family and I faced a sudden attack of Covid-19 in July of 2021; during a period when infections were at an unsurpassed high, and many people from all walks of life had already lost their lives from this strange and peculiar illness. We had no idea how to even start fighting this battle or if we could achieve victory. I certainly would not wish for anyone else to go through what we went through as a family.” (p10)
Gwatidzo seems bent on telling the world that no matter how insurmountable situations may appear, there are always winning strategies.
By using her own lived experience, she is encouraging humanity to keep fighting. Societal judgmental attitudes, according to Gwatidzo, often force us into keeping issues to ourselves. But sharing, she reckons, opens floodgates of help and ideas.
“I have noticed that some people contemplate keeping quiet when they encounter ‘This Kind’ because they fear society’s judgement. I also noticed that in cases where trouble is happening to someone close, people tend to keep quiet in order to protect their image as a family or their image as the affected person.” (p27)
Perhaps one good lesson the author shares in the book, which was published last month and was officially launched recently, is that there is no need to stay around if all you can do is to be judgemental, gossip or engage in unnecessary talk.
The author makes sure every chapter begins with a quote from the Bible and then includes two or so other gems from other renowned thought leaders.
For Gwatidzo, her husband’s illness from Covid-19 taught her many lessons, especially because their domestic helper had also tested positive to the virus.
Her husband had to be admitted to hospital as his condition deteriorated. Her daughter also began showing similar symptoms.
The author learnt the importance of communication.
“A winning strategy is compartmentalising your communications and directing one key contact to funnel communication to your interested parties and from your interested parties back to you.” (p55)
Communication remains a key component in our lives as individuals, families, villages, corporates and nations. It is not only about living together and sharing information but also about proffering solutions to the different challenges we may encounter as unique groupings.
“My husband was on an oxygen support system for 25 days. Those days felt like years and there were times we wondered if he would rely on that tank to breathe for the rest of his life.” (p97)
One other crucial thing the author talks about is that of rediscovering yourself after going through a challenge like serious illness. Also, she talks about discovering the real nature of relationships you have. Another key highlight was being able to question what gives life meaning and value.
“We looked at our big beautiful house with its luxurious furniture and amazing high-end cars and we realised that all this was vanity . . . ” (p101) Gwatidzo is a devout Christian and the managing director of MRTG Trust, an organisation that seeks to assist orphans and the underprivileged with educational support.
She was on the list of the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe’s Under 40 Influential Leaders in 2022 and has a Leadership and Inspiration gong from Gumiguru Achievers Awards 2022. Gwatidzo has previously published another book — “Born to Fight”.
Online Reporter