The Evolution towards a Life of "Honour, Duty and Service"

A Personal Story of a Journey in Life

I was born in a humble, stable and hardworking family of both parents and ten siblings, while living a life of indeterminate but untiring energies.

Like many humble people, I grew up in a financially limited environment that would make a person like me ordinarily angry, resentful and sometimes extremely bitter against those of better economic means. 

When I then went to school, I was taught that poverty and limited financial means was as a result of the colonial legacy and the cruelty of those who are well endowed. I strongly felt that the rich and well-to-do owed modest people like me a living and financial support. 

Unfortunately, I did not learn HOW to overcome poverty at micro and macro levels except simply by acquiring a formal educational qualification to become a professional so as to become a worker or manager in a very big company. Up to this day, the core of the educational system in Zimbabwe has not changed.  

I was to read from WE DuBois that, "If we make money the object of man-training, we shall develop money-makers but not necessarily men; if we make technical skill the object of education, we may possess artisans but not, in nature, men. Men we shall have only as we make manhood the object of the work of the schools—intelligence, broad sympathy, knowledge of the world that was and is, and of the relation of men to it—this is the curriculum of that Higher Education which must underlie true life. On this foundation we may build bread winning, skill of hand and quickness of brain, with never a fear lest the child and man mistake the means of living for the object of life." - The Talented Tenth (1903). 

As a result over the years of my life until 2004, I ignorantly consumed and validated hateful and hurtful conspiracy theories, fears and prejudices about other people and fed on bitterness and anger arising out of historical events for which I had no control and influence over. I did not develop the skill to deal with what is within my sphere of control. I regret such unhelpful and unnecessary effort because it meant I became negatively energised. 

The education system in Zimbabwe and many other parts of the developing world provides narrowly designed technical (trade and professional) competence or qualification. To get out of the limiting conspiratorial and bitterness-filled attitude, I had to do a serious introspection, well informed contemplation and then embarked on a self-study for individual growth beyond my technical and professional competence. 

Clinical psychologist Roya R. Rad says a person undergoes a transition when he/she finds a need to re-examine long held assumptions, values and to broaden views of life. This is the phase in which a sense of introspection and contemplation emerges. This is the stage in which the individual's attention is centered more toward the internal world as a moral and causative agent. This provides a basis towards consciousness, self-actualisation and self-motivation.    

Coming from within a world whose education system is simply focused towards learning a trade and acquiring a professional qualification, one has to contend with the deep seated colonial and racial wounds in the whole social construct. The tragedies and a painful racial past has far reaching implications in shaping the individual and collective political, economic and social perspectives. 

I belong to a part of the world that is still struggling to delicately deal with the structural and psychological legacy of such a painful past that conditioned a people to live a life of unconscious assumptions of negativity, bitterness and anger.

This painful condition if shared by many people is called "collective grievances" in the now. To grow to become a better person, one has to move out of its social framing. Unfortunately, "collective grievances" as people of African origin and as a nation have given us a very weak and limiting self-expression. 

The fatal danger of this form of self-expression based on "collective grievances" is that it traps one into perpetual negativity and retributive dysfunctionality. It is a conceptual identity of "us" as perpetual victims against the perennial evil "others" and a fueled and unfulfilled reactivity.  

"A grievance is a strong negative emotion connected to an event in the sometimes distant past that is being kept alive by compulsive thinking, by retelling the story in the head or out loud of "what someone did to me" or "what someone did to us." A grievance will also contaminate other areas of your life. For example, while you think about and feel your grievance, its negative emotional energy can distort your perception of an event that is happening in the present or influence the way in which you speak or behave toward someone in the present. On strong grievance is enough to contaminate large areas of your life and keep you in the grip of the ego...The past has no power to stop you from being present now. Only your grievance about the past can do that. And what is a grievance? The baggage of old thought and emotion...Complaining as well as faultfinding and reactivity strengthen the ego's sense of boundary and separateness on which its survival depends." - Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Create a Better Life (2005). 

My life took a more focused and defined form in the last quarter of 2004 after having lived a life motivated by achievement, albeit haphazardly and fluidly. Prior to late 2004, I had to push back frontiers, but, in the course of doing so, I stumbled and made mistakes. I learnt from them and sometimes had misplaced explanations of blame based on inadequate or irrational information.  

Working myself with the intense help of my very close childhood friend and who had a better appreciation of my pains and anxieties, wilful effort and aspirations, I was genuinely assisted to re-focus my attention. As a result I located and found my center of gravity and internal compass. 

In 1995, I had joined Junior Chamber International (JCI) Harare and took a back seat in 2000 due to financial pressures. In 2005, I resumed my active association with the organisation. 

At a very personal level, I dropped a conformist and static approach in issues relating to religious and denominational affiliation. I took a deconstructive, transformative and eclectic (wide ranging) worldview. 

In my self-discovery, I realised my humanity should be free from human constructs of doctrines, dogmas and strictures. This had risen from lack of an internal locus of control to an externalist one that surrendered and submitted to a power or force viewed as humanoid or anthropological whom I had gotten socialised about from family and public schooling socialisation.   

Slowly, my new approach towards life took shape away from a religious outlook to a non-religious one. 

The contemporary and mainstream religious affiliation, denominational persuasion and sectarian divisions are aspects of life sustained by fragilities, insecurities, vulnerabilities and the hate of a fellow human being or violence against the "other." 

From 2005, I found institutionalized or organized religious affinity, affiliation and practices too stifling, very limiting, divisive, rigid and dissolving the Self in a fatalistic crowd of those who are in a hurry. 

A mystic, Joseph Fort Newton said, we should learn to be both gentle and brave; learn to accept the joys of life with great delight while enduring the ills with valour patiently; learn the universal kinship of humanity through reason and conscience no matter the diverse linguistic expressions and references; learn to keep a fine poise of reason between the falsehood of extremes driven by hate, bigotry and intolerance; learn to have faith in the worth of a character and kinship of humanity as the core; and learn to accept the weaknesses of humanity but not forget the possibility of the sublimity of character. This way we can create a sane world, sweet of heart and full of hope in the pursuit of the highest and an eager, incessant quest of truth.   

To religious despots and tyrannies, the worst and atrocious crime is not physical murder but freedom of thought or gentle persuasions of reason. 

Painfully and sadistically, the ecclesiastical chariot treats the human conscience as a hard core criminal and drags it at its wheel and makes ceaseless attempts to assassinate it so that humanity lives a beastly and savage life. Amidst such hate and barriers of persuasion, the human conscience toils for goodwill, elevation and exaltation.     

1) The worst human-made brutalities against fellow human beings is most likely to have been suffered in the name of religion or by the religious. 
2) The worst human attacks against indigenous cultures all over the world may have been suffered at the hands of religions or the religious. 
3) The worst armed conflicts that may have been fought between nations or a people against another has been on religious grounds. 
4) The worst massacre of innocent lives by supposedly good people may have been at the hands of religions or the religious. 
5) The worst human intolerance that the world has suffered may have been at the hands of religions or the religious. 
6) The worst humanity insanity may have been during the time when religions clash or when religions are on their course of "conversion" and "civilizing" outreach programmes. 
7) World peace and harmony may have been most elusive when religious and denominational differences are the center of a society. 
8) Radical or militant religious affiliation has allowed adherents to hate, kill and torture others claiming to be doing a better good and in serving the Divine. 
9) Hundreds, thousands and millions of people have been cruelly tortured, brutalised and killed in the name of a religion or the Divine. 
Read "Victims of the Christian Faith" by Kelsos, (http://letmetellyouthis.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/victims-of-the-christian-faith/)   

Why is any religion or the name of the humanoid divine such an instigator and a powerful force of the worst of human behaviour towards a fellow human being? Why do we become like or worse than beasts in the name of any religion and the humanoid divine? 

A humanist approach to life unifies all people of goodwill by seeking that which binds and brings together all humanity using a common thread or denominator. That which brings them together is: to be of honourable characters; and to create a better world free from ignorance, fear, want and disease through "individual development, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship." 

Amidst ecclesiastical or doctrinal diversity, bitter sectarian hostility and intolerance, the humanist approach consists of:

   i.  Kinship or common parenthood of human source or origin, we are exactly of the same genetic complex formula and vehicles of a sexless, impersonal and infinite Life Force or Cosmic Energy. This is discovered through reason and experience, no matter the diverse linguistic references of the source or origin of life and the various religious convictions and affiliations. "Ocean waves appear separate from each other, and yet they are all actually one with the ocean and each other";

  ii.  Fellowship of humanity – because we share kinship in the source or origin of the universal, impersonal and infinite force of life, we rejoice together with fellow human beings in times of happiness and be part of a solution in times of need. We should humbly and compassionately have a charitable attitude or sense of grace (goodwill) towards the genuinely needy and disadvantaged and honour commitments and aspirations; and

 iii.  “Golden rule” (Principle of Reciprocity) - “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” found in all civilisations. Dan Barker's take on the Rule, "Some people are kind to others because they want to be treated the same way themselves…Other people are kind because they think human beings are valuable, not because they want a reward." – ‘Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong: A Guide for Young Thinkers’ (1992).     

iv.     Possibilities about life - we are defined by the unlimited possibilities and opportunities of life. This is the key knowledge that dispels willful ignorance, despair, fear and hate. Our biological (Animal-Human and therefore Lower) attributes and personal particulars are the dynamic, potent and the rich soil for manifestation and fuller expression of our Human-Refined nature within our anthropological constitution “like a mustard seed in the soil” awaiting discovery and cultivation. This is because "the window is not the view; the window allows the view!" - Hugh Prather, "Love and Courage" (1977).

“The window allows the view” of the inner dimension of being able to grow, rise in triumph and glow by dutifully discovering, developing and protecting our human dignity solidly anchored on creative will, causation and vista of possibilities in life.      


The highest common denominator that brings together all religions, the religious and the non-religious is the need to acknowledge and proclaim the:

 i. Inherent dignity and worth of a human being; 

 ii. Respect of property of others; 

 iii. Reliance on rationality to understand and deal with social matters and life concerns; 

  iv. Civic and public affairs based on individual freedom, responsibility and integrity; and 

  v. Development of society based on merit, i.e. inherent talent, developed ability or skill and effort. 

The dogmatic or doctrinal strictures and hierarchical structures of organized or institutionalized religions and denominations need a serious re-look in light of entrenched conflicts and human misunderstandings and lack of world peace.  

The Noble Human 'Quest'

The evolved and "new Shingai" from late 2004 was to be the emergence of a transformed consciousness. Thus, from late 2004, I took a personal journey so that my noble “Quest” in life became:

Step 1. To understand the human nature to recover from inertia, the “sleep-mode” or “self-exile” because each human being is his/her own and a society’s “stone/mustard seed,” “sculptor/grower” and with the universe as the “building/field.”  

Step 2. To attain the ultimate truth of Self-knowledge and enlightenment to discover and actualize one’s own Real or True Self.

Step 3. To achieve Regeneration by “delving deep into one’s heart to discover the secrets of creation and immortality, and the uncovering of the inner faculty of insight and wisdom.” I would then live a life of the authentic Self with integrity, honour and the pursuit of excellence in character and deeds.

I then focused on living a world of expanding existing and creating new opportunities and possibilities. This life became the now and the better future not of regrets, bitterness and anger about the past that I have no control and influence over. 


I have faltered and fallen in my life. I was like dust in the wind and like a rough stone of the quarry. Both undefined! I stopped to let shortcomings, mistakes, errors of commission or omission, unthoughtful statements against others and neglectful failures define me, instead I was taught by them. I focused and energized myself towards the positive and progressive course. I refused to abandon myself. 


I humbly recovered myself and then found the ancient Egyptian aphorism (a universally accepted principle) "Know thyself" as the most credible and eternal significance for individual growth and evolutionary improvement.

The modern and mainstream approach to life is full of semi-consciousness. It is highly technical or it is too much about mechanical dexterity. It is an approach that has an addictive narrow conception of life, success and happiness. It pushes people to simply gain trade or professional skills and then gain access to a job so that one can live "well" while devoid of high consciousness or self-awareness and multi-contextuality.

Thus, the mid-2005 marked a remarkable turning point of my individual journey in dealing with tragedies and triumphs, regrets and satisfaction. I strived with a firm conviction, passion and positive energy so that I was fortified through the variability of despair and hope.

I have not lived my life alone, it is actually empty if one lives by him/herself. It has been nourished by my supportive and dear wife, vibrant and highly energizing children who have given me every reason to focus on improving today’s life for theirs in future, caring parents who are my prime examples of unconditional sacrifice and service, and the warm company and unconditional appreciation of siblings, relatives and friends.

I shall remain committed to the betterment of the world around me driven by high consciousness and authenticity. 

Since mid-2005, I have remained brimming with hope and optimism for the better future having learnt from past experiences. When I falter and fail my individual life standards, I have constantly picked myself up, became remorseful towards those affected and disturbed by my conduct, and learnt from others’ and my experiences and focused on the needful and right thing to do, so that I become a better me.

My active citizenship and social leadership

JCI is an organization for young active citizens founded on December 11, 1944 in Mexico City, Mexico. It is found in more than 115 countries with a membership of more than 200,000 worldwide. Internationally, JCI has produced the finest and well groomed corporate, social and political leadership focused on results. Its alumni are outstanding figures in all spheres of life. Form being ordinary people, JCI is the best ground to make one better in life to self, one’s community and worthy others. 

Having joined JCI in September 1995, I then served in various projects and became a Local President in 1998. At the national level, served as JCI Zimbabwe Vice President (2007), Secretary General (2008) and 42nd National President (2009) and member of the JCI Board of Directors (2010) as a Vice President responsible for Africa and the Middle East assigned to Ghana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. The last time Zimbabwe had a JCI international officer was 13 years earlier when Geoffrey Chikonyora was one in 1997.

As part of my responsibilities as the 2010 JCI Vice President, I worked with and visited all the assigned countries as a representative of JCI to create and reinforce a commitment to the core purpose of JCI of creating positive change. I ensured the development of the organization by promoting JCI programs, provided training and evaluated the performance of the local and national organizations. Initiatives were to seek to accomplish three principal goals, notably an increase in membership; a repositioning of the organization through marketing and communications; and the implementation of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with emphasis on the JCI Nothing But Nets campaign.

On the assignment trips, there were meetings with JCI members, national and local board members, senior government officials, the media and other strategic partners (UN agencies, AISEC and national chambers of commerce).

International events, recognitions and training

I attended three JCI Area Conferences in Johannesburg, South Africa (2007), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire (2009) and Abuja, Nigeria (2010); four JCI World Congresses in Antalya, Turkey (2007), New Delhi, India (2008), Hammamet, Tunisia (2009), and Osaka, Japan (2010). I also attended the 2010 JCI Board of Directors meeting in St. Louis, Missouri in the USA and the 2010 JCI Global Partnership Summit in New York, USA.

Travelling to JCI events connects the worldwide membership network, empower the members and provide a framework for positive change. During such events, members exchange ideas, gain a global perspective to challenges and solutions, foster cooperation across boundaries, learn how to maximize their local impact and engage in dialogue to ignite global development projects and localize what has been learned while getting exposed to the world in the process.

I was awarded the most outstanding member of JCI Harare in 1996, life membership (Inyangani Honoree) of JCI Zimbabwe in 2007, the most outstanding national officer in 2008. In recognition of the outstanding leadership, dedication and contribution to JCI in 2010, I also became the most outstanding 2010 JCI Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. 

I am now a member of JCI Foundation, a Graduate of JCI Trainer (2006) and the JCI African and the Middle East Leadership Academy (2007), and a JCI Certified Local Trainer (CLT).

I am very thankful to the JCI Zimbabwe members and local and national officers especially of 2009, the 2008 JCI Executive Vice President Aruna Pulton (Mauritius) together with the 2010 JCI World President Roland Kwemain (Cameroon), the 2010 JCI Executive Vice President Joseph Pheto (Botswana), JCI Secretary General Edson Kodama, JCI Executive Director Arrey Obenson, Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja (JCI Nigeria and the 1996 JCI Vice President and Advisor for JCI Africa and the Middle East), Pamphile Djoffon (JCI Benin and the 1999 JCI Executive Vice President and Advisor for JCI Africa and the Middle East) and fellow 2010 JCI Board members for the times we diligently worked together to make a meaningful positive difference in our own lives and in this our only world. 

Besides my day to day professional work, I have a story to share as it may inspire and assist others, I now do intellectually energizing and engaging life coaching for corporate executives, and mentorship for individual and leadership development. 

My area of focus is to be an agent of individual empowerment and growth for people who want to achieve optimum performance in their lives.

An individual should build a well rewarding active life of social virtues and noble civic duties; prudent self-responsibility and judicious freewill underpinned by integrity and honour. To do so, one should:

1.     Keenly develop a good character and 'gravitas';

2.     Have a transformative willingness to learn;

3.     Have a broadened, deepened and heightened one's humanistic outlook; and

4.  Have a sincere respect for the human ingenuity and ability that overcomes adversity, transcends limitations and nurtures a more positive, innovative and creative approach to life and relationships to achieve phenomenal results and improve living conditions.  

My passion is to live a full life! 

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Note 

"A liberal education is a practical education because it develops just those capacities needed by every thinking adult: analytical skills, effective communication, practical intelligence, ethical judgment, and social responsibility." - Greater Expectations: A New Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College (2002).