01/11/2025
FROM "NO GRADE 12"TO MASTER’S:ZNBC'S K***A MANDO TRIUMPHS THROUGH PERSEVERANCE
Lusaka, 01st November 2025.
By Jack Makayi
Ministry of Education Assistant Director and Head of Communications, K***a Mando, has inspired many with her remarkable academic journey — rising from having “no Grade 12 certificate” to earning a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication for Development from Mulungushi University.
Mando was among several professionals conferred with master’s degrees at a colourful graduation ceremony held on Friday, where she joined fellow communicators — including Zambia Daily Mail Senior Reporter Chomba Musika, Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia Director of Public Relations Chongo Musonda, and Ministry of Agriculture Principal Public Relations Officer Balewa Zyuulu — in celebrating the milestone.
Reflecting on her journey, Mando shared a deeply personal testimony of resilience and determination, likening her story to a boxer who refuses to stay down after being knocked to the canvas.
"Life will knock you down, sometimes more than once , but the true victory lies in getting back up every single time ," she said.
For years, Mando said she missed out on opportunities due to not meeting formal academic qualifications. Determined to change her story, she made the bold decision to return to school and rewrite her Grade 12 subjects — all while building her journalism career.
"I'II never forget the feeling of walking into David Kaunda Technical secondary school as an established journalist, sitting among younger students.Some people laughed, but I shut them out and persevered .This was about me,not them," she recounted.
Her persistence paid off as she earned her Grade 12 certificate, then a degree, and now a master’s.
"Formal education does not just equalize ;it restores and cements dignity, " mando.
Her story has struck a chord with many, particularly women and professionals who may feel held back by past academic shortcomings.
"To anyone who feels like they've failed or fallen too far ,please hear this - start again. It's never too late to rebuild. Ignore the naysayers too late to rebuild .Ignore the naysayers, silence the doubts ,and remain a prisoner of hope because, in the end ,God truly rewards hard work, " she said.
With her latest achievement, Mando says she’s not done yet and continues to encourage others to keep pushing forward.
"Today belongs to me - and I am not even done yet . If I can do it, so can you. The only way is up."
CIC PRESS TEAM