HARARE – Specialist physician Dr Tapiwa Kusotera has urged Zimbabwean youth to break free from societal stereotypes and embrace self-discipline and delayed gratification as tools for success, drawing from his own journey of rising from obscurity to becoming a medical professional.
Speaking at The Avenues Clinic Father’s Day event held today to school children from Allan Wilson High School, Harare High and Mufakose High 1, Dr Kusotera said young men must resist being defined by background, poverty, or discouraging social narratives.
“When we were growing up, we were struggling with the same stereotypes that you face today,” he said. “What are the odds that I would make it in life? What are the odds that I would be someone worth mentioning?”
Now a certified specialist physician pursuing an MBA at the University of Stellenbosch, Dr Kusotera used his personal story to demonstrate how one’s background need not determine their future.
“Life is what you make it out to be. If you believe the stereotype, you will invariably become the thing you believe,” he said. “You’ve got to challenge the stereotype. You’ve got to challenge the status quo.”
Dr Kusotera, who attended Marondera High before proceeding to the University of Zimbabwe, said he never set out to become a doctor.
“I didn’t actually choose medicine. I had four friends, each with their own plans – a dentist, a pharmacist, a doctor. I was just the new guy, and I somehow found myself in medical school,” he said.
Despite initially struggling, even contemplating quitting in his third year, Kusotera said he eventually fell in love with the field. “It didn’t help that I was also very good at it,” he added with a laugh. “But I’ve always believed whatever you do, do it really well.”
His core message to the students was twofold: challenge stereotypes and adopt a broad perspective on life. “Zimbabwe is not the whole world. The boundaries exist in our minds, not in reality,” he said.
Kusotera urged students to ignore misleading definitions of success often portrayed in Zimbabwe, where “the richest people you know are people whose academic qualifications are left to our imagination.”
He said stereotypes and a lack of motivation were discouraging many young men, with some even questioning the value of education.
“I had a young man walk up to me and ask, ‘What good will come out of going to school?’ That’s the kind of thinking we have to change,” he said.
He emphasized that success was not confined to traditional professions. “I know a mechanic who makes more money than doctors. There’s a tailor in Avondale – she used to work across my office and probably earned more than I did.”
Dr Kusotera also warned students to consider future trends as they choose careers. “AI is evolving fast. Accountants, marketers, even some lawyers are in trouble. If you want safety, think medicine. Think humanities. These jobs are likely to be safe.”
The physician closed by stressing the importance of self-mastery.
“Delayed gratification is going to be a recurring theme in your life,” he said. “Whether you choose pleasure now or postpone it for tomorrow, self-discipline is an asset. As a young man, learn to choose tomorrow and invest in your future.”
