You wouldn't be surprised to hear the name Wazisomo mentioned in the corridors of CTC, because you've probably heard it a couple times, but if this is your first time coming across this name (or if you had questions but never had the opportunity to ask), you're in for a treat because you'll learn a lot in this brief exchange of Qs and As between "Wazisomo" Elia Manda, and yours truly Rabson Kashamba
Q;Who is Elia Manda??
A:Elia Manda is a young man who is passionate for Africa. I grew up in the ghetto like most people, something that most Malawians can relate; like going to the government schools. I'm a guy who is still discovering himself— Who is till trying to figure out things in life especially given the stage of my life, but I'm really passionate about Africa and change; so I would say Elia Manda is a young man on a journey of self discovery, and who is passionate about change; he loves to see people around him getting better. Born and raised in Blantyre, but I'm originally from Nkhatabay, so I'm one hundred percent Tonga.
Q:Why Wazisomo?(How did that name come about, and why do you incorporate it as your formal name?)
A:This name has many stories behind it, but first and foremost, it is a name that I like since it conveys a specific message. If you're a faith-filled man like me, Wazisomo is all about grace, and I believe that what we associate ourselves with draws things into our life. So Wazisomo, I think it's a good name, and that's what I'd like to have. On why, I incorporate it in my formal name: it was back in 2017/ 2018 after I wrote my MSCE exams and then I applied for NCHE, and I was left out of the selection list, despite having good points and many students including those who had not done better than me from our school were selected, so it was a very low moment of my life, and it really also left many people surprised. I started applying for other universities, and I received calls from a number of them, although I had a mentality that I'm a reject when I was applying. Those phone calls that I had received gave me hope again. I wouldn't say I was inspired by him, but there's also a musical artist who also goes by that name Wazisomo, so I just thought of having it.
A:Elia Manda is a young man who is passionate for Africa. I grew up in the ghetto like most people, something that most Malawians can relate; like going to the government schools. I'm a guy who is still discovering himself— Who is till trying to figure out things in life especially given the stage of my life, but I'm really passionate about Africa and change; so I would say Elia Manda is a young man on a journey of self discovery, and who is passionate about change; he loves to see people around him getting better. Born and raised in Blantyre, but I'm originally from Nkhatabay, so I'm one hundred percent Tonga.
Q:Why Wazisomo?(How did that name come about, and why do you incorporate it as your formal name?)
A:This name has many stories behind it, but first and foremost, it is a name that I like since it conveys a specific message. If you're a faith-filled man like me, Wazisomo is all about grace, and I believe that what we associate ourselves with draws things into our life. So Wazisomo, I think it's a good name, and that's what I'd like to have. On why, I incorporate it in my formal name: it was back in 2017/ 2018 after I wrote my MSCE exams and then I applied for NCHE, and I was left out of the selection list, despite having good points and many students including those who had not done better than me from our school were selected, so it was a very low moment of my life, and it really also left many people surprised. I started applying for other universities, and I received calls from a number of them, although I had a mentality that I'm a reject when I was applying. Those phone calls that I had received gave me hope again. I wouldn't say I was inspired by him, but there's also a musical artist who also goes by that name Wazisomo, so I just thought of having it.
Q:Tell us more about "Wazisomo" the writer and why did you choose it as your pen name?
A: Wazisomo, the writer, has always been there, but as Elia Manda initially. Although I gained an interest in reading in primary school, I began writing in high school since I have a very rigorous father when it comes to schooling, which helped me a lot in establishing a passion for literature. I wrote my first short story in form four, and that's when I began to identify as a writer, though I've been most active since starting college. I picked it as my pen name since most people, especially here at LUANAR, know me by that, and I thought it would be appropriate to associate it with my skill.
Q:What are your aspirations as a writer?
A: I enjoy connecting with people while also leaving something that will enhance their lives. So, as a writer, I see myself becoming into someone who teaches people rather than just writing fiction. I can write fiction, but I want to write something that teaches others how to do things – something that transfers knowledge.
Q:You were once a class rep, city campus president now CEA president. Is leadership your thing?
A:That's an intriguing question, but it brings us back to what I mentioned earlier: Wazisomo (Elia Manda) is a guy who is passionate about change; that characterizes everything about me. I wouldn't say I'm addicted to power or leadership, but I do want to change. I always try to give a good impression wherever I go. So, whenever an opportunity to contribute to a good course arises, I always give it my all. So, I would say yes, leadership maybe my thing, but it's really the change that comes with it.
Q:You were voted for CTC President, and people had high hopes in you from how you had handled you position as a class rep, and also it is believed that you gained people's trust in the 2019 Fees must fall demos- is it true? Do you think you delivered to people's expectations as a CTC President?
A: I've heard some people say that, but I wasn't the only one who participated in those demonstrations, so I guess people see something in individuals even if it's not their purpose. I was simply expressing solidarity with others who were struggling with fees. People will have to answer whether I delivered as CTC President, but I can say that I did my best with the team that I had. The team did an outstanding job, and I couldn't be more pleased. The team performed their job, and the rest is up to the public to decide.
Q:Apart from that what has being a CTC president been to you??
A:Given my youth at the time I assumed the position, managing the students union, the entire campus, and other institutions outside that was a huge responsibility, but I'm glad I was able to do it. Of course, taking charge had both positive and negative effects on my life, but overall, it was an experience I cannot regret.
Q:What motivated you to run for CEA presidency, or what do you intend to bring to people as a CEA president?
A: Again, I'm a man who seeks change, and many people came me to tell me that we needed to redesign the association, and people trusted me with the position to establish the structure that others would follow.
Q:There is introduction of CEA debates what's the whole idea about? Who was the originator?
A:Those are one of the CEA activities, one way of bringing economists together to discuss and engage, interact and share ideas. It is part of the association, and it doesn't necessarily have an originator.
Q:We have seen recently, that you'll doing a survey under progressive life, first tell us more about Progressive Life
A: Progressive Life is an organization that I created in 2020 after learning a lot about Africa, and it has since grown into a research center. We conduct research to fill data gaps by collaborating with other organizations. There are many data gaps in Africa that must be filled, especially in this data-driven society.
Q:What is the My School Data for Change (MYSD4C) all about?
A:MYSD4 is all about gathering knowledge and perspectives of school-aged youths in five specific areas: sexual reproductive health, mental health, academics, politics and governance, and general knowledge in order to uncover gaps in disciplines. It will be operational for the foreseeable future.
Q:What's your final words to your people(CEA, Progressive Life, family and friends?)
A: I appreciate their love and support since all I've accomplished is because to them, and I hope this support will continue because it is what is required to bring about the necessary changes. Thank you very much.
A: Wazisomo, the writer, has always been there, but as Elia Manda initially. Although I gained an interest in reading in primary school, I began writing in high school since I have a very rigorous father when it comes to schooling, which helped me a lot in establishing a passion for literature. I wrote my first short story in form four, and that's when I began to identify as a writer, though I've been most active since starting college. I picked it as my pen name since most people, especially here at LUANAR, know me by that, and I thought it would be appropriate to associate it with my skill.
Q:What are your aspirations as a writer?
A: I enjoy connecting with people while also leaving something that will enhance their lives. So, as a writer, I see myself becoming into someone who teaches people rather than just writing fiction. I can write fiction, but I want to write something that teaches others how to do things – something that transfers knowledge.
Q:You were once a class rep, city campus president now CEA president. Is leadership your thing?
A:That's an intriguing question, but it brings us back to what I mentioned earlier: Wazisomo (Elia Manda) is a guy who is passionate about change; that characterizes everything about me. I wouldn't say I'm addicted to power or leadership, but I do want to change. I always try to give a good impression wherever I go. So, whenever an opportunity to contribute to a good course arises, I always give it my all. So, I would say yes, leadership maybe my thing, but it's really the change that comes with it.
Q:You were voted for CTC President, and people had high hopes in you from how you had handled you position as a class rep, and also it is believed that you gained people's trust in the 2019 Fees must fall demos- is it true? Do you think you delivered to people's expectations as a CTC President?
A: I've heard some people say that, but I wasn't the only one who participated in those demonstrations, so I guess people see something in individuals even if it's not their purpose. I was simply expressing solidarity with others who were struggling with fees. People will have to answer whether I delivered as CTC President, but I can say that I did my best with the team that I had. The team did an outstanding job, and I couldn't be more pleased. The team performed their job, and the rest is up to the public to decide.
Q:Apart from that what has being a CTC president been to you??
A:Given my youth at the time I assumed the position, managing the students union, the entire campus, and other institutions outside that was a huge responsibility, but I'm glad I was able to do it. Of course, taking charge had both positive and negative effects on my life, but overall, it was an experience I cannot regret.
Q:What motivated you to run for CEA presidency, or what do you intend to bring to people as a CEA president?
A: Again, I'm a man who seeks change, and many people came me to tell me that we needed to redesign the association, and people trusted me with the position to establish the structure that others would follow.
Q:There is introduction of CEA debates what's the whole idea about? Who was the originator?
A:Those are one of the CEA activities, one way of bringing economists together to discuss and engage, interact and share ideas. It is part of the association, and it doesn't necessarily have an originator.
Q:We have seen recently, that you'll doing a survey under progressive life, first tell us more about Progressive Life
A: Progressive Life is an organization that I created in 2020 after learning a lot about Africa, and it has since grown into a research center. We conduct research to fill data gaps by collaborating with other organizations. There are many data gaps in Africa that must be filled, especially in this data-driven society.
Q:What is the My School Data for Change (MYSD4C) all about?
A:MYSD4 is all about gathering knowledge and perspectives of school-aged youths in five specific areas: sexual reproductive health, mental health, academics, politics and governance, and general knowledge in order to uncover gaps in disciplines. It will be operational for the foreseeable future.
Q:What's your final words to your people(CEA, Progressive Life, family and friends?)
A: I appreciate their love and support since all I've accomplished is because to them, and I hope this support will continue because it is what is required to bring about the necessary changes. Thank you very much.
Conclusion
That was the end of today's Q&A. We hope you had a good time and learned something. If you have any questions, suggestions, or remarks, please leave them in the comments section below. We'll catch up with you in our future post. Thank you very much.
That was the end of today's Q&A. We hope you had a good time and learned something. If you have any questions, suggestions, or remarks, please leave them in the comments section below. We'll catch up with you in our future post. Thank you very much.