PRIME TV JOURNALIST WEDS

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 10:14:52 +0000

…as he calls on youths to wait for the right time

By Siachitoba Innocent

Marriage before the age of 18 is a reality for many young women in Zambia, particularly in rural areas. In many parts of developing nations parents encourage marriage of their daughters while they are still children hoping that such arrangements will benefit them both financially and socially, while also relieving financial burdens on the family.

In actuality, child marriage is a violation of human rights, compromising the physical development of girls and often resulting in early pregnancy and social isolation, with little education and poor vocational training reinforcing the gendered nature of poverty.

However, there are still young Zambian youths who think getting married before the age of 18 may not only jeopardize one’s physical, moral, emotional or spiritual development but also affect one’s academic progress. The case in point is the newlyweds Cephas Chitalu and Taonga Khondowe who tied a knot on Sunday, June 4.

Here is the verbatim:

Who is Mr Chitalu?  I am the second born in a family of five. I live a quiet life and I am more reserved, good listener and always reach a helping hand to the needy.

What is your current academic qualifications?  I hold a diploma in Journalism from Zamcom currently working for Prime Television Zambia

What are your hobbies?  I enjoy doing five things. (1) I like travelling to new places and discovering new things. (2) I love making new friends (3) I love paying attention to current affairs (4) Listening to music particularly gospel and kalimdula (5) As a youth, I also love camping and hiking

Mr. Chitalu, do you go to church?  Yes, I do. Actually I am a baptised member of Kamwala Seventh-day Adventist Church currently serving as a deacon. Apart from that, I am also a member of the youth movement serving as a Master Guide.

You just said a Master Guide, what does it mean? A Master Guide is a trained leader of the youth  particularly those aged below 15.

 What’s your favourite quote? My favourite quotation is found in Galatians 6:10 and it says ‘Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith’’.(NLT)

How did you meet Taonga?  The first time to meet Taonga was at church. We became close friends whilst enjoying youth programs like singing, drills, hiking, singing and poems.

How long did you date Taonga before tying a knot with her? We dated for over five years and on December 25,2016  I made surprise engagement party and I couldn’t hold it back. I had to put a ring on her finger. It was a happy moment for both of us.

But, who is Taonga Khondowe?  Taonga is a third born in a family of four and currently working for MTN Zambia under ISON as a customer care Executive. She holds a diploma in Business Administration from National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). As I said earlier, she is also a dedicated member of Kamwala Seventh-day Adventist Church.

What her hobbies?  Taonga loves cooking, making new friends, reading and listening to music. I am a social and shy person living quite.

What’s her favourite quotation? A long journey starts with a single step. Finally, we are now Mr.and Mrs Chitalu.

How is your new life in marriage, Mr. Chitalu? The new life in marriage, ok, so far so good and I count it all joy and I thank God for giving me a life partner who is so loving, caring, down to earth and above all cute. Truly speaking, I thank God for our marriage.

What about you Mrs. Chitalu , how is your new life in marriage?  I just thank God Almighty for giving me a God fearing man as a husband. He is truly a blessing to me and I can’t imagine my life without him. I love him without reservations and I will love him until forever.

Mr. Chitalu ,what advice do you have for your fellow youths? My advice to the youth is that they should remember to seek God’s guidance and be faithful to him. He is a just and loving Lord who blesses His own without reserve. Youths should not rush into getting married because early marriages lead also to some socio-economic repercussions. They should respect their bodies for they are the temples of God. Its’ very important to pray when making such life time decisions.

Do you have anything to say? Surely, first and foremost, I would like to  thank both of our families for the support they rendered from the time we had ‘ chilanga mulilo’, kitchen party and wedding. Secondly, I also thank our special committee, church members from Kamwala SDA, Prime TV crew, my wife’s workmates, our matrons Sr Lundu and Sr Seule and their families. Thirdly, I wish to thank Pastor Nelson Simweemba who is more like our daddy for the wonderful three months of counselling. It has been a long journey with him. Our marriage will be a little heaven on earth because of his lessons. Showers of blessings to the family and Shepardess Simweemba.