 joined several corporates coming on board to empower the 2023 ABSA Bank Marathon finalist){kind=link}
Zambia: The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) joined several corporates coming on board to empower the 2023 ABSA Bank Marathon finalist Tisa Kalemba with employment as a civilian and athlete under the Red Arrows Athletics Club (RAAC).
Tisa travelled from Mkushi to Lusaka to compete in the 2023 ABSA Marathon in the 42 km category.
She was a vulnerable young lady working in Mkushi as a part-time maid who arrived without any money for her participation fee and had nowhere to sleep. She was spotted by an ABSA Security Officer who brought her plight to the attention of the Head of Marketing. Tisa was helped with the participation fee, a place to sleep and a warm meal.
Spurred by this act of generosity, Tisa went on to emerge 3rd place winner in the 42 km category, coming behind two Kenyans, to scoop the K10,000 prize money, which ABSA later doubled.
ABSA Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu then initiated and lobbied corporates and institutions to help Tisa harness her talent and make a career that has the potential to bring honours to the nation on the continental and world stage.
Among those that have come on board to join ABSA Bank in this life-changing episode and contributed an assortment of goods and finances for her livelihood, sports training equipment, technical, mentorship, and financial literacy include the Zambia Air Force, Zambia Sugar, ZAMBEEF, Trade Kings, MTN, African Milling, Pound Stretcher, Pick n Pay and private citizens, among others.
ZAF Commander Lt Gen Colin Barry disclosed the employment and adoption of the athlete Monday, 9 October 2023, at the ABSA media briefing.
Lt. Gen Barry said that the courage and fighting spirit of Tisa is uncommon and touching.
Lt. Gen Barry believes that collaboration with other partners on Tisa’s incredible journey is one way the Defence Force can impact communities and inculcate a sense of patriotism in the young generation.
“Tisa’s story is one that can be possible when corporations and institutions embrace a human face. The Zambia Air Force identifies with Tisa’s fighting spirit and courage. She embodies the attitude we want to see in our personnel and in all those we interact with. I am pleased to announce that Tisa has been adopted to be trained and run under the Zambia’s best brand – Red Arrows Athletics Club, subsequently she has been employed as a civilian employee,” disclosed the Air Force Commander.
He assured partners and the general public that ZAF will continue to contribute to the growth and development of all sports in Zambia under the brand of choice – the Red Arrows brand.
The Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, has commended the Zambia Air Force and other corporate institutions for coming together to sponsor and empower Tisa. He said this generosity has ensured that Tisa does not only start a new life but a journey of a brighter future as well as contribute to the development of sport in the country.
Nkandu described Tisa as a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope for every individual striving for a better tomorrow.
“It’s a testament that with determination and hard work, sport has the potential to transform someone’s life. Despite the hardships she had faced, Tisa demonstrated unmatched dedication and strength, clinching her place among top runners,” Nkandu recounted.