WHILE most children are welcomed into the world with open arms, Prince Muchimba’s story was different, facing rejection from the sunrise of his life.
Born 27 years ago in Macha Chiefdom of Choma District in Southern Province, Prince’s father chose to walk away, abandoning him and leaving his mother, a small-scale farmer, to shoulder the heavy load of raising a child with a disability because mostly society thought he would never thrive.
“My father has never actually wanted me as his child. So, he disowned me when he discovered I’m someone who’s differently abled,” Prince told #Kalemba.
My mother took over all the responsibility of the father and mother. So, she did everything to raise me and bring me this far.”
Growing up, hospitals became Prince’s second home and school felt like a privilege that slipped through his fingers each time sickness called.
His mother, armed only with love and prayer, carried him on her back to school and pushed him forward when the world tried to pull him back.
While at Mamba Special School, fate finally showed him kindness.
After delivering a bold vote of thanks at a school event, Prince caught the attention of Mamba Energy Limited, who pledged to sponsor his education all the way to University.
That sponsorship opened doors to finally pursue his dream career of being an accountant.
Later, other well-wishers joined hands to pay for his tuition, medical bills, transport, groceries and even provided him with an electric wheelchair.
But the road to success was still rough.
At the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS), where Prince pursued his dream of becoming an accountant, the challenges were endless as lecture rooms were not built with suitable pathways for wheelchairs making it difficult for him to attend classes.
Meanwhile, caregivers demanded money he did not have and illness forced him to miss an entire term at some point.
“Sometimes I missed a whole term while receiving treatment, but no matter how much I missed, [making it was a must],” Prince recalled.
Still, determination and the loyalty of friends kept him afloat. His classmates bathed him, cooked for him and wheeled him to lectures, ensuring that he never missed his chance to rise.
Last week Friday, Prince finally graduated with a degree in accountancy at the colourful graduation ceremony graced by the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema, the proudest moment of his life.
For him, the graduation gown was more than fabric as it was the evidence that rejection cannot bury destiny.
“My dream has always been to live independently and have a career in accountancy. Today, I am closer to that dream,” he said.
Prince now hopes his story will inspire others, especially young persons with disability across Zambia, to believe that their future is bigger than their obstacles.
The father who walked away on him will now testify that indeed the rejected stone has become the chief cornerstone.
By George Musonda
Kalemba, September 24, 2025
