Meet Daniel Mususa – he is the latest former student from Pakati to tell his story, and a fascinating one it is too. It begins his home village of Chidawaya, a few kilometres from the two Pakati schools. I have edited his story, but the vast majority is from his own words.
My home at Chidawaya village is about half way between Pakati Primary and Chanetsa Primary schools. I did my Grade 1 and 2 at Pakati, where I was taught by Mrs Kupara and Mr Nyamahohwa. For Grades 3 to 7 I went to Chanetsa, where Mr Muza was my Grade 7 teacher. I remember as a child playing a rural version of football – chukweshe – a ball home-made from plastics. It can still be seen today.
I then went into Form 1 at Pakati Secondary school. I can remember several of my schoolmates, namely Tendai Nemaruru, Ian Mushowo, Lovemore Mhishi and others. I also remember some of my teachers, like Mrs Katonha, and Mr Chifaka (current Head) who taught us Commerce.
I took a practical subject, Fashion and Fabrics, and we were two boys in a class with seven girls. Tendai, my best friend, got the best results in that class.
Fashion and Fabrics block (above)
One of the girls, Josephine Madzivs, sometime later married our History teacher, Mr. Mushaninga. My favourite subject was History, and I got an ‘A’ at GCSE O level, thanks to my teacher.
From my first day, I was aleays earliest to arrive at school, no-one would ever beat me to it. In my second term therefore I was given the school bell to ring at all times every day, up to Form 4. That is an everlasting memory for me. Even now i always beat the clock!
Assembly at Pakati Secondary school
At school assembly i was the one to sing a church song before the prayer with my young brother Peter Njerere, till the end of school. I was born a singer even at church, I was the one to lead and still do today.
I finished my Form 4 at Pakat in 2008, and now I am an upcoming gospel artist (see my youtube link above), getting on radio and TV in Zimbabwe to become a celebrity. My stage name is Uncle Danny, from a nickname given to me by one of my teachers. it is amazing having come so far from such a humble school.
It is great to see Daniel making a name for himself in Zimbabwe. Coming from such a background as his shows what is possible…here at Friends of Pakati we will keep an eye on his progress!
