Darwin Chapuswike
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
May 1, 2025
“The highest grade is I grade,” a phrase that resonates deeply as we celebrate Labour Day on May 1st. It reminds us that true excellence in work comes from integrity, initiative, and the courage to stand out, even when others might see you as a “fool on the hill,” as the Beatles sang in their iconic song. This Labour Day, I reflect on a moment of collaboration captured on March 18, 2023, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, shown in the photo below. This image, paired with the timeless lyrics of the Beatles, inspires me to explore the value of hard work, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence in our professional lives.
The photo captures a moment at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport where my colleagues and I were troubleshooting a ticketing system issue. Taken on March 18, 2023, it shows us working together, focused and determined, to resolve a challenge that could have disrupted travelers’ plans. This scene embodies the spirit of Labour Day, a celebration of workers coming together to achieve a common goal. The “I grade” here is not just about individual effort but also about the integrity we bring to our teamwork, ensuring every traveler’s journey is smooth and efficient.
In the Beatles’ song “Fool on the Hill,” the fool is an outsider, someone who sees the world differently, often misunderstood but unperturbed. On Labour Day, I connect this to the idea of striving for the “I grade” in our work. At NetOne Zambia, I have often taken unconventional approaches to problem-solving, like when I led the access control project in April 2025. Some might have seen my methods as foolish, but staying true to my vision led to success. The fool on the hill teaches us that true excellence often requires stepping outside the norm, embracing initiative, and maintaining integrity, even if it means standing alone at times.
Labour Day is a time to honor the contributions of workers, and the phrase “The highest grade is I grade” serves as a reminder to aim for excellence in everything we do. At NetOne, I have seen how integrity and initiative can transform challenges into opportunities. The airport collaboration in the photo is a testament to this, working together with a shared commitment to quality ensured we delivered for our clients. As we celebrate Labour Day, let us strive for that “I grade” by putting in our best effort, supporting our colleagues, and daring to innovate, even if it makes us the “fool on the hill” in the eyes of others.
This Labour Day, the image from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and the Beatles’ “Fool on the Hill” remind me of the power of integrity, initiative, and collaboration in our work. The “I grade” is not just a mark of individual excellence but a collective achievement when we work together with purpose. As I continue my journey at NetOne Zambia, I am inspired to keep pushing for excellence, supporting my team, and embracing my unique perspective, even if it means standing apart. I hope this reflection encourages you to do the same this Labour Day, aim for the highest grade in all you do. #LabourDay #IGrade #FoolOnTheHill #NetOneZambia