Shot in the arm for ex-Highlanders player
LOCAL cigarette manufacturer, Savanna Tobacco has come to the aid of former Highlanders Rugby Club player Lameck Kasuka with a donation of their products to kick start his own business.
Kasuka has been confined to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for the past 26 years after suffering a spinal injury during training on 25 January, 1990.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union president Nyararai Sibanda told journalists during a Sports Journalist Association (Southern Region) Interactive Forum on Friday, that the cigarette manufacturer would give Kasuka an unspecified amount of stock to kick-start a small business at UBH.
He said although they are yet to find out the value of cigarettes the company would be donating, the offer would be critical in ensuring Kasuka continues to create his own income. Sibanda said he initiated the move as a way of assisting Kasuka who has continued to come up with ways of remaining independent despite being confined to a wheelchair because of his injury.
“I was present when Kasuka was injured and I constantly check up on him and right now Savanna has agreed to give him some stock to kick start his kiosk booth after which he would be ordering like any other trader.
“Kasuka has always made efforts to remain independent and created the Lamsuka Foundation, which I chair, which holds various activities such as a primary schools tournament and modelling contest. I believe the new venture will provide critical finance to aid his needs in hospital,” he said.
Sibanda revealed ZRU was taking steps to ensure every player had personal insurance to ensure cover in case of serious injury as rugby was a contact sport.
Currently, he said, the union bought insurance for national team players on duty.
Speaking to Sunday News last year, Kasuka revealed he had managed to keep himself occupied and developed money generating projects.
“There are a few things that I do here and there to at least keep me busy and also give me some pocket money. I run a little photocopying and typing business here, which assists me with a few things that I need in case my friends or family are unable to provide,” he said.
Kasuka has adopted the Eaton Ward at UBH, where he offers assistance to patients.
The foundation also embarks on health outreaches in the city’s high-density suburbs where hisA friends who are doctors and nurses provide free medical services.
Kasuka also gives motivational talks to people about how to overcome tribulations they face in life.