FROM eternity past toward eternity future, we are all passing through time. Men rise and fall like the winter wheat. Some to be remembered until the end of time, while others to be forgotten like they never existed.
A master and architecture of his own destiny, Kampa Senkwe created his own world years before he lived in it. The life of Kampa Senkwe tells a story of a wanna be who had to be. It is a story of a ghetto child’s desire to search for his authentic self. It is a story of one man’s passionate devotion to an excruciating effort of becoming-a transition person-a link between the past and the future.
This is a story about following your own lead and risking everything for a dream no one else sees, but you. It is about waiting upon your turn and giving life your best shot. This is a story of a young man’s struggle to find strength and courage to transcend the boundaries that define our lives. Basically, it is a story about one man’s search for fortune and salvation.
When you think of Kampa Senkwe, think of someone who knew what he wanted and went against all odds to get it. A man blessed with a talent for belonging, Kampa received love and affection almost everywhere he went.
At first sight, all you could see was a reticent fellow with an aloof attitude. But as you got closer to him, you would realise he was a kind, pleasant and friendly person you’d ever want to come across.
Kampa had a down to earth confidence and believed nothing was impossible if you put your mind to it. He was powerful in a strong way. A prolific goal setter, whenever he seized an idea or set his mind to do something, he did it and did it in a dignified way.
Though Kampa preferred not to be called a hard worker, he still never entertained complacency or mediocrity. He was a die-hard perfectionist who believed in excellence and accepted nothing but the best from himself and those around him.
However, in death as in life, Kampa still remains an enigma. A strange by many standards, Kampa was a strict vegetarian and a follower of a sect known as Davidians. He was an extremely private and elusive individual who enjoyed his own company more. He never let everyone know where he was or what he was doing every second.
The life and character of Kampa Senkwe was like a series of water-tight compartments. Everyone saw a different part of him, but no one saw everything. I don’t think he was sort of a chameleon. I would say he was simply a million-man.
He will be remembered by most people as a selfish individual for his courage of acting on his judgement and bearing sole responsibility for his own life. He will be remembered as an arrogant fellow for his independent mind. He will be remembered as a cruel individual for his unyielding integrity. He will be remembered as an anti-social for the vision that made him venture upon the road less travelled.
Others will remember Kampa as a ruthless man for the strength and self-discipline of his drive to his purpose and to some, a greedy individual for the magnificent of his hunger to create wealth.
On the other hand, his colleagues will remember him as a shrewd, assertive, organized and well balanced person. They will remember him as a dutiful man with an impressive self-control and extraordinary humility-the humility to meet others at their level without breaking a sweat or lose any integrity.
Among his closest friends, he will be remembered as a thoughtful and loving person with a spirit of true friendship.
And as for me, I find it hard to give a fitting character of a man everyone felt they knew, but nobody really did. There was no box that he was put in. Kampa had a mysterious quality. You never knew what he was thinking. His manner of glass-enclosed formality made it hard for anyone to know him too well. I just don’t think anybody explains Kampa better than Kampa.
Nonetheless, I will forever remember my good if not best friend as a spiritual and cultured person; a true African son with a wonderful sense of humour. He was one of those unusual individuals who combine uncommon physical grace with an unforgettable personality.
Kampa Senkwe was the kind of man who was dead-set on living and refused to tip-toe through life only to arrive safely at death. You may from this, form your own opinion about the character of one KAMPA SENKWE.
