Minister of Trade and Industry’s public lecturer on Thursday at Comesa Hall in Blantyre turned the fortunes of Malawi University of Business and Applied Science (MUBAS) student Grivin Black.
The Bachelor’s of Business Communication First Year student’s quest to ask a question drew public ridicule of poor presentation and grammar of English which is a language of instruction in Malawi.
In a world of technology, his gaffe did not end in the hall but was made public when the video clip went viral on various social media platforms.
The convener of the lecturer, Mumba in a bid to encourage Black and condemning the criticism, invited him to his personal residence in Lilongwe to have a chat with him over dinner.
The Minister said in a Facebook post, he did not want him to look back at the public lecture as his point of departure.
The post drew the attention of well-wishers, including Urunji Mezuwa of Urunji Farm who offered to pay for his bus fare to Lilongwe, Bishop Chafumuka who offered K100,000. Journalist and corporate communication specialist Chisomo Mwamadi also offered free public speaking drills to boost his confidence.
After the dinner, the minister established that Black had a tough life at secondary school on his way to be selected to university.
“Grivin grew up and studied at Linthipe but due to financial challenges, after completing his Form 3, he stayed at home for a year. During this year, his single mum managed to raise funds and he relocated to Chinsapo to continue with his studies (Form 4).
“He did his Form 4 at Chinsapo Secondary (Open Distance Learning basis) and got 19 points. He was one of the 5 students out of 300 [from the school] that made it to university. He is studying Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication at MUBAS. He barely manages to pay rentals (outside campus) via some piece jobs during holidays.”
Black, who was also offered his first flight in life, said he was grateful to the minister for turning his shame to fame.
“Firstly, allow me to appreciate the invitation. In fact, it really means a world to me. After I felt upset and later recognised as hero ain’t simple thing and I don’t take it for granted. The Conversation was great. I was motivated to work for extra mile not to give up. He is God-fearing man, advised me to rely on God not man’s attention. Finally, he has also supported me financially.
“He paid my bills. Allow me to also acknowledge offer from different individuals who have contributed to other spheres of life. I had never board a flight before but this man has introduced me to an Aeroplane.”
Pictures courtesy of Minister’s Facebook Page
