His height may make people doubt whether he can drive, but Rodwell Kamenya, popularly known as ‘Mr Handsome’, has proved otherwise.
With support from Vice-President Jane Mayemu Ansah, Kamenya has completed driving training and obtained a licence, putting him on the road towards his dream of becoming a professional driver.
Speaking in Blantyre on Tuesday when she organized a luncheon to celebrate the victory, Ansah said the achievement shows why people should be given opportunities to develop skills regardless of their physical circumstances.
“I am very, very happy to see that these two have completed their driving school and now they have driving licences,” Ansah said.
She said her Foundation is focused on helping people acquire skills that can lead to employment rather than relying on short-term financial assistance.
“It is not about giving Mr Handsome K5,000 here, K1,000 there, but he should be able to earn,” she said.
Ansah said she hopes Kamenya will soon secure a job and use his qualification to become economically independent.
She said Kamenya’s performance during the driving course demonstrated that his short stature should not prevent him from working as a driver.
“He has demonstrated here that he has got to those extensions he has talked about, 3.10, the reverse, so he is even able to do reverse,” Ansah said.
The Foundation says the initiative is also targeting other groups that face barriers to employment.
Ansah said people with disabilities and older people who remain capable of working could also benefit from similar opportunities.
“One of the instructors has a disability, but she is an instructor. She is not only a driver, she is an instructor,” she said.
Ansah said the example demonstrates that disability or age should not automatically prevent people from acquiring skills and earning a living.
Kamenya said the opportunity has boosted his confidence and brought him closer to his ambition of becoming a professional driver.
“I am very happy because this has given me confidence. I have always wanted to become a professional driver, and now I have my licence,” Kamenya said.
He said his achievement has also challenged the perception that people of short stature cannot drive.
Kamenya further said he hopes to secure a job and use his driving skills to support himself and contribute to his community.
His journey started after Ansah came across his story on social media and invited him to discuss his circumstances and aspirations.
To enable Kamenya to drive comfortably, he bought expandable pedal extensions that will be attached to the vehicle’s three pedals, allowing him to reach and operate them more easily.
Kamenya said he bought the extensions four years ago, hoping that one day he would get an opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a professional driver.
Augustine Chabwera, owner of Chabwera Driving School, said the institution assesses learners based on their abilities and commitment rather than their physical appearance.
