50 distinctions not out: Celebrating a trailblazing UZ graduate
AWARD winner and University of Zimbabwe 2023 actuarial science graduate Ivan Chuma (IC) who got 50 distinctions has paved a path of success and distinction that will be difficult for other students to follow. In this report, Sifelani Tsiko (ST) – Herald Innovations Editor speaks to the resourceful and tenacious student about how he went to great lengths to get himself a higher education despite the numerous challenges he faced.
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ST: Ivan, tell us briefly about yourself, where you were born, where you grew up and your primary, secondary education background.
IC: My name is Ivan Tadiwanashe Chuma and I was born on 29 July 1999. I have a unique educational journey marked by resilience and determination. I was born and raised in Kwekwe where I initially attended Emthonjeni Primary School for Grades 1 and 2. In 2008, due to my mother’s illness, I relocated to Bikita and continued my primary education at Muvuti Primary School, completing Grades 3 to 6 by the second term of 2011. My early exposure to science and mathematics, through my uncle’s O Level materials, sparked my interest in these subjects. Despite concerns from my family about potential harm to my brain, I thrived academically. The family conflicts led to my transfer to Zishumbe Primary School in Masvingo district, where I excelled in mathematics and became the head boy in 2012. Upon completing Grade 7 with outstanding results, I faced the challenge of finding money to fund my secondary education. Despite financial constraints, I enrolled at Mazare Secondary School, a rural institution, facing additional challenges such as early morning farm work and limited study time. Despite these hardships, my academic performance improved, leading to my promotion from Form 1 to Form 3 based on the recommendation of senior staff. In Form 3, I developed a passion for actuarial science, adding Commerce, Statistics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry to my studies in Form 4. Despite being voted as the head boy for 2015, the school staff appointed another student to the position to ensure my focus remained on academics. The O Level results reflected my dedication, making me the top student at Mazare and in the satellite schools in Masvingo district, with a remarkable number of A passes. Continuing with A Level studies at Masvingo Christian College in 2017, I faced new challenges, including conflicts between relatives and teachers. Despite interruptions during my second term, I returned to complete my Form 6 studies, commuting long distances, and occasionally walking up to 30km on challenging days. My journey demonstrates my commitment to education despite numerous obstacles.
ST: Can you tell us more about your mum, dad and family background? How they saw you growing up, your interest as a child.
IC: I had a unique and somewhat challenging family background. Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2004 when I was very young and as a result, my memories of him are quite limited. I recall two specific moments: one when he sent me to buy his cigarettes, and the other during his funeral. These moments are permanently etched in my mind, serving as the only tangible connections I have with him. On the other hand, my mother played a pivotal role in my life. She was an embodiment of patience, kindness, and boundless love. Even during her struggle with serious illness in her final days, she continued to shower me with affection and support. I cherish the memories of spending time beside her when I was young, and I was there by her side as she drew her last breath. However, the pain of not being able to see her one last time during her body viewing lingers, and I find myself grappling with the fading image of her face in my memory. Despite this, I am grateful that I was able to fulfil her dying wish. In addition to my immediate family, I have an older brother named Ian, who has been a constant source of motivation throughout my life. Since my early years, he has encouraged me to strive for greatness and has played a significant role in shaping my aspirations and ambitions. Navigating the complexities of loss and memory has undoubtedly shaped my perspective on life. The support and influence of my family, both past and present, have played a crucial role in moulding the person I am today.
ST: Can you tell us a bit about your Grade 7, O’ Level and A’ Level performance? How many As at O’ Level and the points you scored at A’ Level?
IC: In Grade 7 at Zishumbe Primary School, I scored 5 units. Moving on to O’ Level at Mazare Secondary School, I achieved an impressive result with 8A’s, 2B’s, and 1C. At A’ Level at Masvingo Christian Secondary School, I scored 18 points. It’s worth noting that both Zishumbe Primary School and Mazare Secondary School are satellite schools located in Masvingo district, and my academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to excellence across different educational levels.
ST: What motivated you to choose actuarial science? It’s a very difficult course. Tell us briefly about this.
IC: Choosing actuarial science was driven by a combination of factors that stemmed from my passion for mathematics and the recognition of a rewarding career path. After completing my A’ Level studies, my uncles and cousin brother played a crucial role in guiding me through the application process. In Zimbabwe, the prevailing notion for students excelling in mathematics often directed them towards careers as primary or high school teachers. However, my perspective shifted when my brother Ian enlightened me about the potential for a rewarding career in actuarial science, especially for those proficient in mathematics. Motivated by the achievements of historical mathematicians such as Leonhard Euler, Carl Friedrich Gauss, Bernoullis, Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier, Dennis Simeone Poisson, and Norbert Wiener, I recognised the significance of applying mathematical skills to address real-world problems. This realisation fuelled my decision to specialise in Computational Finance and Investments within the field of Actuarial Science.
With a strong background in mathematics and statistics and a keen interest in applying mathematical concepts to solve practical problems, I applied for Actuarial Science programs at both NUST and UZ. Upon receiving the responses, I was offered a place in BSc Chemistry at NUST but was pleased to receive an offer for Actuarial Science at UZ, aligning with my career aspirations. Consequently, I accepted the offer from UZ and declined the one from NUST. To further immerse myself in the field, one of my uncles assisted me in applying for a bursary to attend the Actuarial Society of Zimbabwe (ASZ) 4th annual convention in 2018 at Meikles Hotel.
Fortunately, I was granted the bursary, providing me with a transformative opportunity to connect with fully and partly qualified actuaries from Zimbabwe and beyond. Meeting industry leaders like Ms Marjorie Ngwenya, Mr Douglas Hoto, and Mr Prosper Matiashe at the ASZ convention provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and real-world applications of Actuarial Science. This experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in Actuarial Science and affirmed the importance of continuous learning and networking in the field.
ST: Who helped you to pay fees at UZ? Who took care of your upkeep?
IC: During my academic year 1 semester 1 at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), my uncles from my mother’s family provided crucial assistance by covering both tuition and accommodation fees.
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