To the guest of honour,
Invited guests
Dr Paula Otukile
Distinguished Members of the Organizing Committee,
Esteemed Fellow Authors, Publishers, Literary Lovers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Standing here today, at the age of eighty four , receiving the prestigious Mulher Forte African Authors Award, is a moment that deeply humbles me and fills my heart with overwhelming gratitude. This honour resonates far beyond my weathered hands; it is a beacon of light shining on the rich tapestry of Zambian literature and storytelling. I accept it, therefore, not merely for myself, but with immense pride and humility, on behalf of Zambian storytellers – past, present, and those yet to emerge.
The journey of words, for me, has spanned decades. It began beneath the shade of trees in my village, listening to tales spun by elders, tales that carried the wisdom, the joys, the struggles, and the very soul of our people. To see that journey culminate here, on this platform, recognised by such a distinguished continental award, is truly a gift I could scarcely have imagined in my younger years.
This moment is made richer by the grace and hospitality we find ourselves embraced in the Tswana community. Therefore, my deepest gratitude flows first and foremost towards our generous hosts:
The guest of honour, Sir, your presence here today elevates this occasion beyond measure. It signifies the importance Botswana places on the arts, on our shared African heritage, and on the power of the written word to unite and inspire. Thank you for honouring us, and Zambian literature, with your recognition. Your support is a powerful affirmation.
Dr Paula: Your commitment to fostering culture and literary excellence within Botswana and across our region is deeply appreciated. Your presence lends significant weight to this celebration of African voices. Thank you for championing the spaces where stories like ours can flourish.
The Dedicated Organizing Committee:To the brilliant minds and tireless hands behind the Mulher Forte Award – *Ke a leboga!* Your vision, planning, and dedication have created this magnificent platform. You have not only identified excellence but have woven an event that truly celebrates it. You have made us feel welcomed and valued. This award shines brightly because of your efforts.
This award, bearing the name “Mulher Forte,” speaks of strength and beauty – qualities inherent in the African narrative. It reminds us that our stories, born from diverse soils like the banks of the Zambezi or the expanse of the Kalahari, are not isolated streams, but tributaries feeding a mighty continental river of expression. Zambian stories – our myths, our histories, our contemporary struggles and triumphs – are integral threads in this vast, beautiful tapestry.
For decades, I have tried to capture a sliver of our Zambian experience – the resilience of our people, the whispers of our ancestors carried on the wind, the bright colours of our traditions, and the complex realities of our changing world. To have this endeavour recognised by such a prestigious pan-African body tells me that our specific Zambian voice echos within the wider African chorus. That is a gift beyond measure.
Receiving this as an octogenarian adds a unique layer of reflection. I see the young writers in this room, the fire in their eyes, the keyboards and notebooks poised to capture new realities. This award is not just a crown for past efforts; it is a torch. I accept it with the hope that it brightens the path for future generations of Zambian writers. May it encourage them to dig deep into our heritage, to observe keenly our present, and to dream boldly for our future. Your stories are vital. Tell them with courage, tell them with truth, tell them with beauty.
The Mulher Forte Award is more than an accolade; it is an affirmation that the stories nurtured in the heart of Zambia matter. That our perspectives enrich the grand narrative of Africa. That the written word, crafted with passion and integrity, retains its enduring power to move, to challenge, and to connect.
So, to Botswana, our gracious host nation – Re a leboga.
To the Muhler Forte Foundation and its visionary committee – twatotela.
To the spirit of Zambian storytelling – Tiyende pamodzi
And to the enduring power of African literature – May it continue to flourish and light our way forward.
Paula! Thank you!
To my family; My wife of 53 years, Felistus, our children; Chabala and Victor, Nkuka and Holy, Chibesa and Kafula, Lombe and Cresta, Chiwala and Grorge, our last born Mulamba – thank you.
To my beautiful grandchildren – I love you.
And to my beloved Zambia – Aluta continua! The story continues!
Thank you, from the depths of my grateful, Zambian heart.
Photo: To the guest of honour,
Invited guests
Dr Paula Otukile
Distinguished Members of the Organizing Committee,
Esteemed Fellow Authors, Publishers, Literary Lovers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Standing here today, at the age of eighty four , receiving the prestigious Mulher Forte African Authors Award, is a moment that deeply humbles me and fills my heart with overwhelming gratitude. This honour resonates far beyond my weathered hands; it is a beacon of light shining on the rich tapestry of Zambian literature and storytelling. I accept it, therefore, not merely for myself, but with immense pride and humility, on behalf of Zambian storytellers – past, present, and those yet to emerge.
The journey of words, for me, has spanned decades. It began beneath the shade of trees in my village, listening to tales spun by elders, tales that carried the wisdom, the joys, the struggles, and the very soul of our people. To see that journey culminate here, on this platform, recognised by such a distinguished continental award, is truly a gift I could scarcely have imagined in my younger years.
This moment is made richer by the grace and hospitality we find ourselves embraced in the Tswana community. Therefore, my deepest gratitude flows first and foremost towards our generous hosts:
The guest of honour, Sir, your presence here today elevates this occasion beyond measure. It signifies the importance Botswana places on the arts, on our shared African heritage, and on the power of the written word to unite and inspire. Thank you for honouring us, and Zambian literature, with your recognition. Your support is a powerful affirmation.
Dr Paula: Your commitment to fostering culture and literary excellence within Botswana and across our region is deeply appreciated. Your presence lends significant weight to this celebration of African voices. Thank you for championing the spaces where stories like ours can flourish.
The Dedicated Organizing Committee:To the brilliant minds and tireless hands behind the Mulher Forte Award – *Ke a leboga!* Your vision, planning, and dedication have created this magnificent platform. You have not only identified excellence but have woven an event that truly celebrates it. You have made us feel welcomed and valued. This award shines brightly because of your efforts.
This award, bearing the name “Mulher Forte,” speaks of strength and beauty – qualities inherent in the African narrative. It reminds us that our stories, born from diverse soils like the banks of the Zambezi or the expanse of the Kalahari, are not isolated streams, but tributaries feeding a mighty continental river of expression. Zambian stories – our myths, our histories, our contemporary struggles and triumphs – are integral threads in this vast, beautiful tapestry.
For decades, I have tried to capture a sliver of our Zambian experience – the resilience of our people, the whispers of our ancestors carried on the wind, the bright colours of our traditions, and the complex realities of our changing world. To have this endeavour recognised by such a prestigious pan-African body tells me that our specific Zambian voice echos within the wider African chorus. That is a gift beyond measure.
Receiving this as an octogenarian adds a unique layer of reflection. I see the young writers in this room, the fire in their eyes, the keyboards and notebooks poised to capture new realities. This award is not just a crown for past efforts; it is a torch. I accept it with the hope that it brightens the path for future generations of Zambian writers. May it encourage them to dig deep into our heritage, to observe keenly our present, and to dream boldly for our future. Your stories are vital. Tell them with courage, tell them with truth, tell them with beauty.
The Mulher Forte Award is more than an accolade; it is an affirmation that the stories nurtured in the heart of Zambia matter. That our perspectives enrich the grand narrative of Africa. That the written word, crafted with passion and integrity, retains its enduring power to move, to challenge, and to connect.
So, to Botswana, our gracious host nation – Re a leboga.
To the Muhler Forte Foundation and its visionary committee – twatotela.
To the spirit of Zambian storytelling – Tiyende pamodzi
And to the enduring power of African literature – May it continue to flourish and light our way forward.
Paula! Thank you!
To my family; My wife of 53 years, Felistus, our children; Chabala and Victor, Nkuka and Holy, Chibesa and Kafula, Lombe and Cresta, Chiwala and Grorge, our last born Mulamba – thank you.
To my beautiful grandchildren – I love you.
And to my beloved Zambia – Aluta continua! The story continues!
Thank you, from the depths of my grateful, Zambian heart.
Mt Kenya Times