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BRAND AMBASSADORS

Auto brand teams up with ‘bold and limitless’ disabled tennis player

By our News Team | 2021

Isuzu reaches agreement with Kgothatso ‘KG’ Montjane to be a brand ambassador for its newly launched MU-X seven-seater SUV.

Automotive company Isuzu has announced the appointment of Kgothatso ‘KG’ Montjane as a new brand ambassador for the South African market.

Montjane is a wheelchair tennis player who, in 2018, became the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon. She has been named as the country’s disabled sportswoman of the year multiple times and is currently placed fifth in the world on the ITF World Wheelchair Tennis rankings.

Isuzu is heavily involved in South African sport through its #IsuzuLegends marketing programme and has involvement with the likes of the Blue Bulls rugby team and Corporate Ironman race.

“KG is an inspiration to us all. Isuzu Motors South Africa is proud to be associated with an athlete who is bold and limitless in pursuing her passion, and we look forward to this journey together,” said Mandlakazi Sigcawu, Department Executive for Corporate & Public Affairs.

Brand ambassadors

Image courtesy of Isuzu

Agreement will promote new Isuzu SUV

The ‘mobility agreement’ between the athlete and the auto brand gives her access to the newly launched Isuzu MU-X, a seven-seater SUV competing against heavyweight models such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Pajero Sport.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Isuzu. The space and versatility of the MU-X [that] I will be driving suits my lifestyle and profession,” said Montjane. 

“For me it’s more than just a brand ambassadorship. I want to use this opportunity to inspire others to be brave and limitless in overcoming adversities. Always remember that no worthwhile journey is without its challenges. It’s the adventures on the rough roads that reach greatness.”

Born in the city of Polokwane in Limpopo province with a congenital birth defect, KG went through a single amputation below the knee at the age of 12. At 19 she began her tennis career when she received the equipment necessary to play wheelchair tennis, and never looked back as she progressed all the way to the world stage.

Among her achievements is representing her country at the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Paralympics.

Dr Kin Kariisa

Group CEO - Next Media

Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.