The Voice (Botswana)

DREAM CHASER

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WORKING TOGETHER:

I grew up and attended primary school in a neighbourh­ood known as Tshabala and I did my secondary school in a neighbourh­ood known as Sizinda. I later enrolled for Secretaria­l Studies at

Bulawayo Polytechni­c. I grew up in a polygamous home, which came with difficult complexiti­es as we were many. It was tough in terms of supplies, and I guess the one good thing for me was that I had a beautiful stepmother who loved me like her own child.

You seem to be a jack of all trades. When did you discover your many talents?

At primary school in Tshabalala, I used to have a teacher who loved my English compositio­ns. He would read them loudly to my classmates or pass my book around in class. Unfortunat­ely, he never told me I was a good writer. Now looking back, I know that he had thought I had a gift in writing, but it was never pronounced.

Why is it necessary to pronounce it?

When you see someone with a gift, tell them. Who knows when I’d have started and how far I’d have gone? The same teacher taught me music every Thursday and would beat me when I didn’t sing well, but he never told me I was a good singer. It’s important to tell a child and let them know they could have a career based on their talents. Let’s normalise telling people about their gifts once we spot them, it could change their lives for the better.

Besides pastoring and mentoring young women, what else do you do?

I’m currently studying Writing and Publishing. My hands are full as I also do public speaking.

Speaking about publishing, you recently published a book titled ‘Watch Out for Laban’. Kindly take us through that book.

I’ve always wanted to publish. I have about 10 books in my laptop I’m about to complete. I could have published stuff on my blog or Facebook page, but last year I just had this urge to publish a book and my husband supported me. I wanted to write a book based on some of the characters in the Bible that I felt hampered people’s progress and successes. It is a book that teaches about different life situations and how to deal with them based on biblical teachings. I don’t think there’s anyone in life who has not met a Laban. That’s how the book was birthed and I sent it to my publisher in South Africa.

How’s the book doing and why should people buy it?

Within two months, I had already sold 200 copies, and this was something I could have never fathomed. The book has arrived in Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is available at Botswana Book Centre in Gaborone and in Francistow­n it is with me. People should buy this book because it brings real freedom. There’s a lot to learn from it. I want students to read it and learn these lessons early in life. They can also visit my Facebook page, Unique Writings Publisher, for more insights.

You relocated to Botswana, a 193 km away from home, in 2003. Why did you leave Bulawayo?

Like I’ve already told you, I come from a very tough background. After careful prayers, I came to the realisatio­n that the only way to break out from certain stronghold­s was to go somewhere else. I worked for a law firm as a Legal Secretary when I saw an advert in the paper about a job in Botswana. I was so broken at the time that, even though I had the desire and needed a fresh start and new environmen­t, I didn’t apply. That was until my friend persuaded me to apply. I got the job and relocated.

You’re also a Pastor?

Yes, I am. Currently, I fellowship at The Rock Christian Church. I don’t do any pastoring there as the church has resident pastors.

The book has arrived in Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is available at Botswana Book Centre in Gaborone and in Francistow­n it is with me.

How are you able to balance your life? You seem to have too much on your plate?

I’ve a lovely husband. He’s always with me and works with me. He’s my rock, and I lean on him. He applies himself and helps when he knows I’ve to focus on other things. Like when I’ve to be in class, he ensures that whatever was supposed to be done is done. We share chores. He’s my biggest support structure.

How does a Christian wife have fun?

My husband and I are like twins. We’re inseparabl­e. When we go for a walk, a romantic walk together, I have fun because I’m with him. We also go out for dinner and I can also meet friends for coffee and stuff like that. We also have time for movies. We also use music to unwind. We sometimes step outside the house, he’ll strum his guitar and I’ll sing and we’re refreshed.

Thank God Its Friday. What do you have planned for this weekend?

I mostly spend my weekends with family. I’ve two teenagers who need a lot of attention. Apart from church, or any other engagement­s, I spend time with my family.

 ?? ?? Melody and her husband, Rabson Banda
Melody and her husband, Rabson Banda

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