In 3 hours time Ill be writing my final exam. It has been a very long year for me, academically and personally. Ive had to make great sacrifices which impacted a lot on some of my life plans. The decision to decrease the number of subjects I was doing, and thereby delay my graduation by a year, is one that didnt come very easily, but one that nevertheless had to be taken in order to ensure the accomplishment of an even greater long-term vision. Eleven months ago, I sat down with my friends and family and had to make a very difficult decision of whether or not I should return to university this year or continue working, secure important things back home, and then return next year. One of the difficulties about being from a working-class background is that you must make decisions that arent just about you, but about the livelihoods of those who depend on you. Ultimately, I had to make the difficult decision to return to school full-time and also work full-time. I thought Id cope with this arrangement until I woke up one morning with a flight ticket to Ethiopia, where I had work to do, and a semester test to write. Thats the day I knew I was never going to cope with my workload, and had to make a decision right there and then. Knowing that I was risking my professional reputation within the African Youth Panel into which I was appointed with confidence, I called my Chairperson, who was already in Addis Ababa, and cancelled the trip so as to be able to write that test later that evening. MEMOIRS OF A BORN FREE: REFLECTIONS ON THE RAINBOW NATION came out a few months later and with it, a lot of work needed to be done. I didnt think the book would do badly, but even I was overwhelmed by just how well its been doing. But the price for the success of the book has been endless interviews, criss-crossing the country, sitting through grueling seminars, launching in different provinces...it has been hard. For those on the outside, the hotels and travels seem glamorous. But the sacrifices that come with all of that, the immeasurable amount of hardwork, is far from desirable. It has been emotionally, physically and intellectually taxing. I am most grateful to my family for its continuing support; my friends, in particular Phindile Kunene, for the unwavering loyalty; my Chairperson at the AYP, Ibrahim Ceesay, who has had to put up with my crap this year; my boss at the SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, Mathanda Ncube, who has had to extend deadlines for me; various departments in the South Afrikan government, particularly the Department of Public Enterprises, for giving me opportunities that have not only helped me grow as a person, but also paid my bills; Rhodes University, specifically, Dr. Nomalanga Mkhize and Babalwa Magoqwana, who have been my academic support this year; my new employer at THIS IS AFRICA for the patience; and last but not least, the multitudes of friends Ive met on this platform, who have believed in me when Ive doubted myself. Without all of you, this year wouldnt have been as great as it has been. The next 2 years are dedicated to academic work, so expect no book from me for the next 24 months. Its been a good year. Ive learned a lot, grown a lot and most importantly, Im a very happy person. I wouldnt wish to be anyone else but Malaika Wa Azania. With that said, remain truly blessed and highly favoured. Love to you all!
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 04:07:42 +0000
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