Nine Years in Journalism: How Bright Mukwasa Changed My Life

The author with Bright Mukwasa
at ZNBC Mass Media Complex
in 2014

By Paul Shalala

Sometimes, people's lives are changed by people who never know that the actions they are taking are historical.

Nine years ago, I received a phone call which changed my life forever.

Bright Mukwasa, a close friend of mine and classmate at Evelyn Hone College from 2005 to 2008 made a phone call in July 2008 with an offer for me to join a newly established newspaper called the New Vision.

At the time I was unemployed and living with my elder sister Nawa Shalala Mwale (now Dr) and her husband Humphrey Kasiya Mwale (I prefer calling him my big brother) in Minestone, Lusaka.

I accepted Bright's offer and joined the small newsroom which was located in the dusty Soweto area just near Uniturtle Industries and PG Glass.

In those humble days, we would sometimes walk to assignments and back to the newsroom to write stories and that wasn't a bother to me because where I grew up in Mumbwa I was used to walk many kilometers to play or watch inter school games in nearby villages.

The New Vision Newspaper gave me the big break into the media, I rose through the ranks to News Editor but before that, Bright had left for the Post Newspaper.

I later left for MUVI Televison where i spent two years.

In July 2012, Bright and I again met at ZNBC Mass Media Complex and we attended job interviews.

Three months later, the national broadcaster gave us jobs and today we proudly serve the nation together.

My story in the last nine years has been great: I have won two international media awards, five local media awards, I have travelled and covered news in Asia, Europe, North America and throughout Africa, oh plus meeting President Barack Obama hehehe.

This success is all because of BRIGHT MUKWASA the man I fondly call CARLOS CARDOSO.

Paul receives the second prize for the Africa Fact Checking
Media Award from Peter Cunliffe-Jones of Africa in
Nairobi, Kenya in November, 2014

Am writing a full article about people who have impacted my small journalism career but Bright stands out, he gave me a good start.

The article will have paragraphs featuring my mentors like Costa Mwansa, Mabvuto Phiri, Yvette Tembo Chanda, Kennedy Bwalya, Brian Mwale, Brenda Nglazi Zulu, Ray Mwareya, Collins Mtika and Chansa Mayani who have had a positive impact on how I do my job.

I pray God should continues to bless Bright and make him a blessing to many more people.

Bembas say: "Uwakwensha ubushiku bamutasha elyo bwacha" (when a person drives you at night, you must appreciate them at day break).

Lesa amipale ba Cardoso, epashili bakuleka (God bless you Cardoso, continue with your good work)!!!!!!