Kesa Molotsane is an ambitious, brave, and driven individual who is highly connected to hard work and strongly believes in learning. “I am not comfortable with settling for less in life; and therefore, always strive towards greatness. I am passionate about sports, and I am the biggest advocate for education, female, and children.”
The 31-year-old started running when she was 5 years old. Kesa did a lot of running unsupervised at first; so she would just attend the so-called traditional inter-house athletics meetings at school. “None of that really gave away that I would end up as a renowned South African middle-distance professional athlete.
“To keep fit; I would also play netball – so I was chosen to represent the Free State at the SA Schools Netball tournament in my matric year when I finally decided to do both sporting codes. I came to the University of the Free State where I joined the Kovsie Athletics camp under the watchful eye of Mrs Sarina Cronjé and Mr DB Prinsloo. I reached greater heights and milestones in my running career under their guardianship.
“I represented South Africa at the world’s second biggest games after the Olympic Games, namely the World Universiade Games; I represented the country at various African Cross Country Championships; I qualified and competed at three World Cross Country Championships, and even became the first person to ever win the Spar Grand Prix (10km series) in their debut year – also being the youngest (then). I have dedicated my life to daily exercises and crucial training to maintain my fitness. That all happened since the age of five.”
“I ran my very first Spar race on 2 April 2017, where I won the Cape Town leg. I have since been part of the family to date. I started working with the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge as their ambassador in 2019. I have completed exactly 40 Spar Women’s 10km races and 3 Spar Virtual Challenges since I started in 2017 until August 2023.”
The Smile Foundation
In May this year, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi sponsored four essential procedures for children at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg. The children who received treatment were between 18 months and eight years old. In all likelihood, these procedures would not have been able to be done without the backing of the Smile Foundation, which assists children with facial abnormalities such as cleft lips and palates. The Smile Foundation ensures that children needing these procedures receive the necessary medical attention, regardless of their financial situation.
The partnership between the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi and the Smile Foundation aligns with the theme message of #4Smiles, which aims to create more smiles by assisting those in need. By sponsoring these procedures, the organisation has helped to bring joy and hope to the lives of four children and their families.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is a world-class facility that provides medical care and treatment to children in South Africa. It was established in honour of the late Nelson Mandela, who was passionate about improving the lives of children in his country.
Overall, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi has demonstrated its commitment to improving children’s lives in South Africa by partnering with the Smile Foundation and supporting the critical work done at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Through initiatives like #4Smiles, the organisation is helping to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.
Join in a Day of Smiles!
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi 2023 is back and will be returning to Marks Park. This year promises to be another spectacular event which aims to capture the essence of the community and spread nothing but smiles.
The newly named SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi is set to be a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and, of course, plenty of smiles. With the campaign theme of #4Smiles, the organisers have chosen a name that perfectly reflects the event’s spirit. As part of the event’s charity initiative, the Smile Foundation will be supported, ensuring that the power of a smile can reach even more children in need.
So, get ready to lace up your running shoes, gather your friends and family, and embark on a journey that will leave you with a smile and memories to cherish.
Participants can register online or at selected stores. To stay updated and find important information about the event, keep an eye on the official website www.sparwomensjozi.co.za. There, you’ll find all the latest updates, news, and details you need to make your participation a memorable one.
All the info you need to know
The entry price is R150, which includes a T-shirt, My Jozie Challenge Magazine, a foam peak cap, a medal, and a goodie bag at the finish line. The race, at Marks Park in Emmerentia, Johannesburg, is on 1 October and starts at 8 am.
Text: SAZLY MOSES
