THE Civil Service Commission has awarded a job to Mephrine Moonga, a graduate nurse, in recognition of her lifesaving actions.
Moonga becomes the first among four siblings to be employed in her family.
She has been credited for saving the life of renowned former Chipolopolo captain Rainford Kalaba.
Kalaba’s was involved in a car accident two weeks ago which claimed the life of the driver.
What started as a regular Saturday for Moonga turned out to be the springboard for her elevation to come, through her act of compassion for human life.
The bus she was traveling in rattled along Great North Road popularly known as Kafue Road, Moonga, a young nurse on her way home to Chikankata, glanced out the window, her mind already drifting to the weekend ahead.
Suddenly, the bus lurched to a halt, the driver’s voice sharp with urgency, “kwachitika accident,” Moonga’s heart leaped into her throat. Without hesitation, she pushed past startled passengers and hurried off the bus.
The scene that greeted her was chaotic -Twisted metal and shattered glass littered the road.
But amidst the wreckage, Moonga spotted two figures – a woman, still and pale, and a man, groaning weakly.
Instinct took over. Rushing towards the man, she knelt beside him, assessing his vitals. He was alive, but barely.
Taking a deep breath, Mephrine began chest compressions. Her training kicked in, her movements precise and determined.
Minutes after agonising minute ticked by, sweat beading on her brow. Just as doubt began to creep in, a flicker of movement – a response to her efforts.
Relief washed over her as the man coughed, his breaths coming shallower but stronger after 20 minutes.
It wasn’t until much later, after paramedics came that she realised that the life she saved via (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was of the 2012 AfCON winner.
“The Civil Service Commission has, with immediate effect, awarded employment in the Civil Service to Mephrine Moonga, a Bachelor of Science graduate from Eden University for bravery,” revealed the Civil Service Commission through a statement.
Her quick thinking is credited with saving the life of 37 year old ex- Chipolopolo player, who has been discharged from the University Teaching Hospital today since the incident.
“I think it is important to understand that this issue is not about Mr. Kalaba because he is known,” Commission chairperson Dr Choolwe Beyani said when he handing over the letter of employment to Moonga.
“It is an issue of a selfless young lady who rose to the demands of her profession under very unusual circumstances.”
Dr Beyani, disclosed that the gesture was an extension of the Presidential Initiative on Cholera Volunteers that has seen several volunteers earn space into the Civil Service.
Moonga, 25, who will serve in Livingstone as a registered nurse, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “This changes my life,” she said, highlighting the impact on her family.
She said the opportunity to serve in government will have a great impact on her family being the first out of four siblings to be employed in the family.
Moonga told the media that she had no idea who the victim was and only learned that it was a football icon after getting home and reading on social media.
“What has happened today has changed my life. On 13th April (2024), on my way home in Chikankata from Lusaka, I helped a victim of an accident not knowing that it would come to this. I am very grateful,” Moonga narrated in an emotional tone.
Moonga said she had never heard of the footballer or watched him on television as she was not a soccer fan but that her action was based on her passion to serve mankind.
Her actions demonstrate the true essence of humanity and the job is a well deserved gesture for a woman with such a compassionate soul…https://kalemba.news/local/2024/04/26/nurse-becomes-family-pillar-after-given-government-job-for-her-lifesaving-cpr/
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba April 26, 2024
