Where and when were you at school?
I completed most of my schooling in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, from 1984 to 1994.
My junior school was Rhodes Estate Preparatory School (REPS) in the Matopos situated outside Bulawayo. Strange that my schooling was in the heartland of Matabeleland, the centre of the atrocities of the early and mid-Eighties. Here, thousands lost their lives to state forces in the name of flushing out dissidents allegedly bent on ousting the government. I was oblivious as a youth to how being in that region at that time would affect my future decisions.
My high school years were spent at Plumtree School on the Botswana border. Both schools I attended had a Rhodesian influence.They were steeped in tradition and ensured that the learners had every opportunity in academic, cultural and sporting fields — and in particular that most colonial of sports, cricket. I was head boy of both REPS and Plumtree.
Can you share one of your favourite memories from school with us?
One of my fondest memories was being a teacher’s pet. I used to be a quiet kid back then and the teachers would fuss over me to get me to open up. It was cool to experience their confidence in me.
When did you realise your exceptional ability as a sportsman?
I realised I could run when I had to chase an ice-cream man down the road and caught him. Man, was I hungry!
You’re also a talented singer. Do you intend pursuing music as a career?
I certainly hope to do justice to my desire to become a musician and when my website is up I will have samples. The address is www.henryolonga.com
Do you get a chance to see much of your family?
I can’t see my dad and brother because they are in Zimbabwe, but I get to see my stepmom and sisters.
How did you find the courage to make such a daring stand against the ‘death of democracy†in Zimbabwe during this year’s Cricket World Cup?
I guess I believed in the cause and I saw how much Zimbabweans were suffering. That was enough for me.
What are your views on public education in Zimbabwe or elsewhere in Africa?
More effort can be spent and more resources placed so that Africans become skilled labourers and not merely cheap uneducated workers open to exploitation. This will start when the people who have the political power gain the political will to make this happen.
What advice would you give to Africa’s youth?
The best way to avoid HIV/Aids is abstinence. I am still a virgin myself and hope I can remain that way until I settle down. That is because I have my Christian convictions at heart. But I realise we live in an over-sexed world and convictions seem to hold less and less appeal.