Meet Joseph Kalimbwe; 2 Books Written, Astute Conversations Junior Editor, Student Leader & UB Writers Attendee

This is a satirical website. Don't take it Seriously. It's a joke.

2059 17924 Shares

Editor (E) :What is your name & where do you heal from?

Joseph (Jk) : My name is Joseph Kalimbwe and I grew up on the Copperbelt.

Editor: At 22 you have two books and writting several newspaper articles. How did you start?

JK: I saw the need of writing in 2011-2012. I was 17,18 then and fresh from high school. I was working selling phones for Zamtel and we would make close to K500 a month but get paid K210 at the monthend. So i asked my boss why he was stealing from his workers. I convinced my colleagues to stop the injustices because they were also troubled by that. We put the boss under presure and contacted his seniors until change arrived. His senior intervened and it was discovered that he involved in corrupt activities. My colleagues began to enjoy those fruits but my friend and were removed from group for speaking for colleagues. They began to get paid really well for their age but I couldn't go back. It was then that I realized the many injustices sorrounding young people and I began to put that in black and white.

I was also troubled by the behaviour of too many young people of my age 15-20 who were constantly engaging western ideas, trying to feet what they see on television deep in the heart of Africa. That promoted me to write my first book," Teenage-hood and the impact of the westen world" at 18.

Editor: Do your parents read your books, articles or do they even know you write?

JK: My father and Mother passed when I was very little. I think 3 and 11 years respectively. I do miss mum sometimes but I was too little to appreciate her existence. I cannot miss Mr. Kalimbwe because I never got to meet him nor his lineage.

But I was raised by two wonderful people who have become my dear parents since I was kid and have been the bedrock of my strength ever since. I never told them about my writing but they have heard about it. They told me it gives them some pride. But honestly I don't like talking to my parents about these things so they cannot expect much from me or my young brother. That way we can work freely. I do consult them on each and single thing going on.

Editor: Ooh that's a long one, of the two books which one is your favourite?

JK: Without doubt "The pain of an Empty stomach", because I was more mature then and had read much. I made a target of reading at least 6 books during my December recess and am glad I managed. However since holiday I only read 2 because I was only home for 2 weeks. My first book has a lot of errors but I don't want to amend them so the work can reflect the 18 year old that I was.

Editor: Talking about books, which ones do you read most?

JK: I usually read books about the African Struggles through Micheal Wrong who blew the whistle on the Kenya Corruption. And also read about politics a lot, the Prince of the Great Machiavelli, the Courage of JFK and the Lincon rise to power.

My friends and young brother sometimes laugh at me for being old in a young man's mind. My young brother was telling sometime back that am an old man at 22 but I have denied myself so many youthful times to do things. I used to laugh at my Dad for watching news networks but they are my favourites now, I also watch news and documentaries.

Editor: You also write in the Namibian Sun?

JK: Yes I do, it's a great experience. There is what we call Astute Conversations on page of the Sun every tuesday. It was founded by Mr. Job Amupanda, I usually edit the articles from the students and young people. It's a humbling experience everyday to be part of the Astute.

Editor: Although this is about writing, tell us your leadership experiences?

JK: I began student leadership in high school where I was LRC (Prefect). I attended a government school on the East of Ndola. It was one of the most underrated school, teachers never really cared about. So we had to learn how to get things for ourselves. It was a tough experience for a 15, 16 year old but those are the effects faced by most students at government schools. Governments do not motivate teachers to work hard and improve the education system.

When I went to the University of Namibia (UNAM), I become a class representative and helped my classmates in ways i thought was best. We had a lot of problems as a class and the faculty (Economics) was putting a lot on our shoulders. So i asked my classmates to elect me to be a class rep and i remember getting 54 votes.

When the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections loomed, my friends encouraged me to run but I couldn't because I knew very little about the broad student problems besides the little struggles of my classmates. I was also fresh with the UNAM environment. So i didn't want to get into SRC unprepared because I could let down the students who voted.

The following year I stood for SRC and with the help of great friends and grateful classmates with whom I had served, we rallied students to support and vote for us. In the end we got 1021 votes in the SRC elections and won a seat in the student parliament as SRC External 2016.

In the council, I meet great young and energetic minds who inspired me with the drive to serve students before others. My colleagues were nothing but great throughout 2016. Towards the end of the 2016 academic year my friends and some colleagues encouraged me to run for SRC Vice President, I spent close to one month reminiscing over it. Finally I decided to write a document stating the student issues at UNAM main campus and how I thought of solving them. I then applied for the post and got through after the other 3 candidates couldn't qualify. I will thus serve in the SRC as Vice President for 2017.

Editor: Thats inspirational, who and what inspires you?

JK: I have always never wanted to go outside our home to look for a raw module. My parents taught me about the values of hard work and putting other people's problems as equally important. My parents have been a source of inspiration over the years.

Editor: What is next for 2017?

JK: To serve the students the best way I can and concentrate on my studies.

Editor: With all those responsibilities at a young age don't you think it's best to give yourself time to relax while young?

JK: While I have not really had a stress free time since grade 8 at Northrise Primary. I had just failed the first term terribly being the 2nd lowest in a class of 34. I was not free with myself, so I used to hide from my failures. I then began to study and emerged 10th the next term and 5th the other. I stated to have sleepless nights of study and in Grade 9 first term, I came out 1st and maintained that number for 2 terms. So the embarrassment that came with grade 8 failing woke me up and gave me reality check and I have not turned back since. It's been a turning point.

Editor: Lastly, with all the stress, do you have a girlfriend?

JK: Mmmmm yes I do. I have a wonderful Oshiwambo girlfriend who understands me in every way. She grew up in the North and always tells me those wonderful stories up north.

Am always busy with either school work or student issues or Astute Articles. I only get 4 hours of sleep. But she loves me despite my little time and knows whenever am busy or doing my work I don't like being disturbed so I can finish the work I began on that particular day. Whenever I feel down she lifts up my spirit. She is a smart young lady who inspires me with her dedication to get things done in her young life.

Editor: Mr. Kalimbwe, thank you for taking time to talk to us. From all of us here at React365.com we wish you the very best.

JK: It's my pleasure sir, wishing you the best best too.

This is a satirical website. Don't take it Seriously. It's a joke.