ANKH ARTICLE

By Scotch Simwanza

Why I Table

As I write this, I am pondering on why I joined RoundTable or what inspired me to join. I was invited to my first Kitwe RoundTable Number two (2) meeting by Bwighane Mwafulilwa, a friend of many years. Almost two (2) years down the road and the journey has been both fun and fulfilling. I probably would Table again, in another life. So, instead of talking about why I joined RoundTable, I will talk about why I am still a member and the following are my reasons, in no particular order of importance:

Friendship: RoundTable is a brotherhood whose many members were once invited by a friend who was invited by another friend. A brotherhood that fosters cooperation amongst its members. In my short time as a member, I have formed respectful relationships and friendships with numerous people within the club, some of whom I can call for advice on issues relating to my business, personal life and career. The fellowships (or chills) are a highlight of my tabling because the y give me the opportunity to make new friends and interact at a personal level with so many of the members I have only known at a distance. One popular statement about RoundTable that I have come to appreciate is “Meeting old friends for the first time.” One may wonder, how do you meet old friends for the first time? My response is; how people treat you. A Tabler will home host a person they are meeting for the very first time without regard to how you look or where you are coming from, we are global citizens whose brothers live across the world. Our friendships are not restricted by boarders.

Community Service: This takes me back to our recent donation in Luanshya. The donation was at a home of the aged and currently being run by the Catholic Nuns. This particular donation stands out, for me, because of the joy and the many smiles we could see from the faces of the old men and women there. It was an emotional moment because of the indelible mark it left on the people we touched. We could see their gratitude and felt it too and, in that moment, I knew and remembered, that RoundTable is not meant to benefit me alone but the numerous needy people in our society. Networking: You see, RoundTable has a wide pool of Men between the ages of 18 to 40 years and an additional pool of 41ners. The combined experiences of the various members in my table alone, is over 50 years in professional practice and life in general and as a member, this is what I have been exposed to. The wealth of experience and networking with people of diverse backgrounds, both in professional careers and business is vast. You will meet

Taxmen like myself, Insurers, Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Investment Analysts, ICT experts and businessmen. These networks have not only helped me at personal level but with business and vice versa. Like they say “Iron sharpens Iron.”

Lastly and definitely not the least, RoundTable offers each and every member the opportunity to learn from the other. When we are having Table Business Meetings, every person is just a Tabler despite their position at work or in society. The various portfolios people have in the Table equip an Engineer with the skills to read financial statements, a sole trader will pick up skills on how to run and chair a board meeting. The lessons in RoundTable are replete to list, however, learning is a continuous process. The above reasons and lessons sum up why I am still Tabling and hopefully, why I will continue Tabling until I am 40 years young. To the readers, I hope this is of some value to you as it has been to me and if you are a man still considering RoundTable, stop considering and join.