Ms Mulengula (2026)

25/06/2026

Sis I wonder too, but hey look at us. We always make it through🤍🤍🤍🤍

10/06/2026

MY SCOLIOSIS JOURNEY: LIFE IN SOCIETY

In the year 2015, I started working for Shoprite as a fruit and veg attendant, which meant standing for long hours. Now, standing for long hours was supposed to be somewhat tedious for me, but it wasn't. I actually managed and had no complications. In 2016, I was moved to a different department as a cashier, which meant sitting for long periods of time, and it didn't bother me either. I flourished and lived an active life.

I am the type of person who is intentional about creating impact and standing out (kuzifaka po), so I decided to enter a singing competition that was created for Shoprite staff across the globe called TOPSTARS. I got selected several times, competed, and was victorious. That, for me, was fulfilling.

In that very year, I founded the Mulengula Foundation, and the objective was to empower women and children. I didn't know exactly how, but as time went on, the vision became clearer when I went to university to pursue Medicine and Surgery. I always wanted to be a surgeon, and I'm glad I embarked on that journey.

While in school, I did something I never thought I'd see myself doing—I entered pageantry, the very dream that exposed my physical challenges, imperfections, insecurities, and fears. That was a crazy decision. It was like going against the tides and against the direction of the wind. It was like placing myself on a chopping board. You can imagine the amount of doubt I had to fight.

While surgery reduced my spinal curvature, if you look closely, you can still see the impairment. It bothered me. But my daring spirit couldn't let me sit this one out. So I went for the big one, Miss Universe Zambia 🇿🇲. I asked God not to let me walk this path alone because I really feared rejection, discrimination, and being different.

I auditioned, and behold, I was selected. What a confidence booster 👏. I was embraced and given a platform to share my story.

This is where my life really changed because, back when I had not yet undergone surgery, I had no confidence whatsoever. It was like dreaming had been taken away from me, my hope was shattered, and everything felt very dark. I hated the outside world, and the feeling of being different from everyone else was killing me slowly. Imagine being depressed as a kid.

I did get major relief after surgery, but the real change came in 2019—a change from within that made me feel like I could be anyone and anything in the world. That's the power of inclusion. Ms. Alice, thank you for seeing me and helping me become.

In 2019, I became the 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe Zambia, and I was overjoyed. It made me want to come back for more, but even more than that, it made me want to make a difference in my country. That was the beginning of my true advocacy. My vision became clear, and it was time to execute it.

I launched the campaign, where I started advocating for persons living with disabilities. Through this initiative, we got the opportunity to help children living with cleft lip and cleft palate access surgery. I turned my circumstances into an opportunity, and that in itself gave meaning to my life and brought a sense of fulfilment. Today, we also help women and are heading towards empowering the boy child.

I entered more pageants, and every time, new ideas were birthed. The aim was to represent the community of women and girls who are marginalised and to pave the way for future generations. Small girl, big dreams kind of vibes.

I did earn a few titles, such as Miss Tourism and Culture Universe Zambia, Miss World Zambia 2nd Runner-Up, Miss University Zambia, and Top Model Zambia. The dream was to break barriers and finally represent Zambia on a global platform—a culturally diverse nation, inclusive, the land of work and joy 😊.

As I grew older, I started to experience weight gain, which affected my productivity and activity levels. Going to the gym became more challenging, so I'd advise one to maintain a less stressful body size. Cold seasons were the hardest to deal with. The pain was excruciating (sharp), and at times it could last for weeks. No sleeping position was comfortable, and sometimes walking was unbearable.

I remember that in 2025, I attempted to compete for Miss Universe Zambia again because, hey, your girl still dreamed of stepping onto a global stage. This time, however, the story was different. I experienced more pain, I had put on weight, and getting rid of it was really challenging. But your girl loves a good fight, so I succeeded.

Medical reports had me feeling depressed. The curvature was progressing, the pain was getting worse, and I was gripped with so much fear for my future. I dreaded leaving my bed, but I still showed up. During the pageant, the directors noticed that something was off. They often spoke to me and gave me timely advice and encouragement. It carried me through for a few days, and then I would find myself slipping back into that strange state.

I didn't know how to get out of it, but again, I'm glad they saw the dark nights and the hidden struggles of living with scoliosis.

I often encourage people to be strong, ambitious, and determined while trying to be the very thing I preach. But how can you be victorious if there's no battle to fight? How can you be resilient if you give in and give up? I won the fight. That's why I call myself strong and resilient.

Thank you for reading. This marks the end of our Scoliosis Series. But do stay glued to this page—you'll be glad you did.

08/06/2026

MY SCOLIOSIS JOURNEY: LIFE IN HIGH SCHOOL

After being able to walk and deciding to go back to school ( Mazabuka Girls Secondary School ) in Grade 8, I actually battled insecurities and fears. But the only thing that gave me a positive attitude was the great sense of destiny I felt. I believed I was created for more, and I wanted to fulfill that. It pushed me to go beyond my insecurities and fears. With God, everything was possible, and He kept me in check. In Grade 8, I was determined to make up for the time I had lost and worked hard to catch up on my studies so that I could excel in my Grade 9 examinations.

In Grade 9, I took a bold step and joined the JETS Club. I was determined to succeed, and I did. I won every science fair in my category (Biology projects) at high school level, district level and national level, and that made my parents and my school really proud. Science became my safe place. It kept me focused, motivated, and grounded. Through dedication and hard work, I passed my Grade 9 examinations with flying colours.

By the time I reached grade 10, I had fully recovered from my surgery. I made it my mission to be the very best version of myself and do everything I wanted to do. So I joined badminton. I was naturally good at it, and it kept me very fit and healthy. We travelled to other schools to compete, and we always emerged victorious. I was always picked to represent the province at national level, and boy, was I good! No one could tell I had a spinal condition or that I had metal rods in my spine unless I told them. And no, they couldn't believe it, so I'd show them my scar.

I really enjoyed sports, and I had no complications. In fact, the more I did it, the stronger I became. I even did athletics 😅, and no, I was not an average runner. I won every race in high school, even at district and provincial level, and competed at national level, where I would often place 2nd or 3rd. I competed in all disciplines (including long jump and high jump) except the 400m and 800m—I knew my limits.

But I felt alive. Nothing beats that feeling, and victory was just the cherry on top. I now play professional badminton at national and international level (on a break 🤣).

I joined NASAZ in Grade 11. I was in the Drama Club and Music Club. Yes, yes, yes, I was in fact very good—I took lead roles. This is where my love for acting and singing was born. I don't know why, but I had this feeling that something big would happen for me.

Back in my day, we used to have gigs, and I was sometimes the MC, especially when we had modelling competitions. I never modelled in high school because I didn't have the confidence to show my body. I could only dream, so the furthest I went was MCing. I loved dancing; it was the first talent I discovered (in 3rd and 4th grade).

In Grade 12, I became the Badminton captain, Science Prefect and JETS President. To me, it was all about assuming my true identity and defying the norms.These leadership positions represented something much bigger than titles, they symbolized resilience and determination.

I was no longer the girl defined by scoliosis. I was a young woman determined to rise above every obstacle, break barriers, and blaze her own trail. I believed that I was destined for greatness, and I was committed to pursuing it with everything I had.

I am sharing this story to raise awareness about scoliosis and to inspire others who may be facing their own challenges. No matter what obstacles stand before you, your limitations do not have to determine your future.

And to the parents who may be hesitant about scoliosis surgery, I hope my story offers encouragement. With proper medical care, support, and determination, children who undergo surgery can go on to live full, active, and extraordinary lives.

My scar tells a story of survival. My journey tells a story of resilience. And my life is proof that adversity can become the foundation of greatness.

Look out for my next article.

07/06/2026

MY SCOLIOSIS JOURNEY: LIFE AFTER MY SURGERY

After the surgery was completed, I was taken back to my hospital ward and carefully settled into my bed. I remember looking over and seeing my mother. She looked exhausted, worried, and relieved all at once. The operation had been successful, and I knew she was grateful that I had made it through safely. Like me, she was eager to see what life would look like after scoliosis surgery.

The first few days of recovery were some of the most challenging days of my life. I was in a great deal of pain and could barely move. The nurses regularly checked my wound, changed my dressings, monitored my recovery, and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. Every small movement felt like a major task.

For the first several days, walking was out of the question. I spent most of my time in bed, relying on the nurses and my family for help. Recovery required patience—something I was not very good at.

The doctors repeatedly reminded me that there were certain activities I would need to avoid while my spine healed. They explained that although I would eventually return to many normal activities, I had to be careful and follow instructions to prevent complications. Knowing how determined—and sometimes stubborn—I was, they made sure to emphasize this point more than once! 🤣

Of course, being curious, I asked what would happen if I ignored their advice. They patiently explained the risks and reminded me that healing properly was more important than trying to prove how strong I was.

One day, my mother left briefly to run some errands in town and left me in the care of my grandmother, who had just arrived from our village. My grandmother loved me dearly, but she wasn't fully aware of all the restrictions I had after surgery.

That day, I told her I needed to use the bathroom. What she didn't know was that I had a secret mission: I wanted to see if I could walk.

With the help of another caregiver, she transferred me into a wheelchair and wheeled me to the bathroom. As I tried to stand, I nearly lost my balance and fell back into the chair, but thankfully she didn't notice.

When we reached the bathroom, I asked her to wait outside.

The moment the door closed, I decided it was time to test my strength.

I slowly pushed myself up and, to my surprise, managed to stand.

Now, before surgery, I absolutely loved dancing. So naturally, the next thought that entered my mind was:

"Let's see if I can still dance." 😂

Looking back, that was probably not my brightest idea.

Within seconds, I lost my balance and fell to the floor.

My grandmother heard the noise and rushed in. Panic filled the room as she helped me back into the wheelchair. While everyone else was worried, part of me was secretly celebrating—I had managed to stand on my own for the first time since surgery! 😊

What childish determination!

Unfortunately, my little experiment came with consequences.

Later, when the doctors examined me, they noticed that a small part of the wound at the lower end of my incision had opened. To help it heal properly, they needed to close it again. I was awake during the procedure, and although they did everything they could to make me comfortable, it was still one of the most painful experiences I can remember.

After that, I finally accepted that recovery wasn't a race.

As the days passed, the pain gradually became more manageable. The wound healed, my strength slowly returned, and I became even more determined to walk again.

My mission had not changed.

Day after day, I pushed myself a little further. With the guidance of my doctors, the support of the nurses, and the encouragement of my mother, I progressed from sitting, to standing, and eventually to walking independently.

The day I took those first confident steps remains one of the happiest moments of my life.

For the first time in a long while, I felt hopeful. I felt strong. I felt like myself again.

Eventually, I was discharged from the hospital and returned home to continue my recovery. Although I was grateful to be home, I quickly became restless. After about a month, I told my parents that I was ready to return to high school.

The truth is, I was excited.

I wanted to see my friends. I wanted to continue with my education. And yes—I wanted everyone to see the transformation that had taken place.

I believed the hardest part of my journey was behind me.

Stay tuned for the next chapter as I share how I defied expectations and learned that true strength comes from embracing who you are, even when the world sees you differently.

06/06/2026

MY SCOLIOSIS JOURNEY: DISCOVERING I HAD SCOLIOSIS AND UNDERGOING SURGERY

My scoliosis journey began in 2009 when I was in Grade 7. I started noticing that my body was curving to one side. At first, I wasn't too concerned because I thought it was simply a result of poor posture and that I just needed to stand up straighter.

As time went on, however, I realized that something wasn't right. The curve became more noticeable, and no matter how hard I tried to stand straight, I couldn't. I could clearly see the difference in my posture, even from the front.

When I told my parents about it, they took me to the hospital. After several examinations, the doctor informed us that I had scoliosis. At the time, I had never heard of the condition and knew very little about it. As the days passed, I slowly began to understand what it meant and how it would affect my life.

Soon after my diagnosis, I began attending physiotherapy sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This meant missing many classes during Grade 7, which was not easy. Despite the challenges, I remained focused on my education. I worked hard, sat for my Grade 7 examinations, and passed with excellent results.

Unfortunately, when I entered Grade 8, my condition continued to progress. The curve became more severe, and I often experienced discomfort. Every evening when I returned home, my mother would place a hot water bottle on my back and gently help stretch my body. When she became tired, my father would take over. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the love, dedication, and support my parents showed me during that difficult period.

One day, during a hospital visit, we met a team from Beit CURE Hospital who had come to Mazabuka to screen patients with conditions that could be corrected through specialized treatment. After examining me, they advised that I should be referred to Beit CURE Hospital in Lusaka before my condition became worse.

We traveled to Lusaka, and after further assessments, I was given admission dates. The doctors explained the available treatment options and told me that I would either receive a brace or undergo surgery.

As a child, the idea of surgery sounded exciting and brave. I remember choosing surgery without fully understanding what it involved. Looking back now, I smile at how fearless I was.

In October 2010, I was admitted for surgery. I remember being taken into the operating theatre, anaesthetia administered and one of the surgeons asked me what I wanted to become after high school. Without hesitation, I told him that I wanted to be a surgeon just like him, I kept on talking and talking, before i knew it, I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Eight hours later, I woke up to a completely different reality. The surgery had been successful, but I was in significant pain. My lips were swollen, and it felt as though something was tightly holding my back. It was one of the toughest moments of my life. The doctors explained that because of the surgery, there were certain things my body would never do in the same way again.

Yet, what they could not know was that this surgery would become more than a medical procedure—it would become a turning point in my life.

Scoliosis tested my strength, challenged my confidence, and forced me to grow up earlier than many of my peers. But it also taught me resilience, perseverance, and gratitude. It showed me the importance of family, faith, and determination. Most importantly, it taught me that our challenges do not define us; our response to them does.

Today, as I reflect on that journey, I am reminded that every scar tells a story—not of defeat, but of survival, courage, and hope. Mine is a mark of Victory

To be continued...

05/06/2026

Guess who auditioned😭🙌

05/06/2026

My Journey: Living with Scoliosis

Before I share my recovery journey, I want to talk about a condition that many people have heard of but don't fully understand—scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often forming an "S" or "C" shape instead of growing straight. While some cases are mild, others can become severe and affect a person's physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

For me, scoliosis was more than just a curved spine. It affected the way I looked, the way I moved, and sometimes even the way I felt about myself. As the curve became more noticeable, simple things that many people take for granted became difficult. Standing for long periods, walking comfortably, and maintaining good posture could be challenging. In severe cases, scoliosis can also affect breathing, cause chronic pain, and place pressure on internal organs.

But the physical effects are only part of the story.

Living with scoliosis can take a heavy emotional toll. When your body looks different from others, people often stare, ask uncomfortable questions, or make hurtful comments. Some individuals with scoliosis experience bullying, discrimination, and social exclusion because of their appearance. Being judged for something beyond your control can damage self-confidence and leave emotional scars that are not always visible.

There were moments when I felt misunderstood. Moments when I wished people could see beyond my condition and recognize my worth. The journey was not only about managing physical challenges but also learning to overcome fear, insecurity, and self-doubt.

Despite these struggles, scoliosis taught me resilience. It taught me strength, patience, and perseverance. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today.

02/06/2026

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month.

Many people know me as an advocate, a beauty queen, and a leader, but not everyone knows the journey that shaped me.

At the age of 13, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. Like many young people facing a medical condition, I experienced uncertainty, fear, and challenges that seemed overwhelming at the time.

Surgery changed my life.

Today, I use my experience to advocate for children with disabilities and help them access life-changing healthcare services. Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of their circumstances.

This month, I will be sharing more about my journey, raising awareness about scoliosis, and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

If my story inspires even one child or parent to seek help, then sharing it will be worth it.

Ms Mulengula

25/06/2026

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