The National Shova Kalula Bicycle programme by the national Department of Transport is on track for the 2021 school year with the department delivering seventy-three (73) bicycles to learners of Northam Comprehensive School in Northam. The event took place today in Thabazimbi in Limpopo.
The beneficiaries of the bicycles are 73 pupils who walked a distance of between 3 to 5 kilometers to school. The learners also received road safety kits that includes safety helmets and reflector vests. In addition, the public transport branch within the department of transport provided a safety induction to the recipients prior to the delivery of the bicycles. The induction is intended to empower the leaners with road safety tips when using the bicycles.
Transport Deputy Minister, Ms Dekeledi Magadzi presided over the ceremony at the Northam Comprehensive School. “Safety of the learners on the road is important. Hence, the department provides motorised scholar transport for learners who walk more than 5 km and bicycles for those who walk less than 5 kilometres”, said Deputy Minister Magadzi.
The Shova Kalula bicycles remain a property of government. Therefore, Ms Magadzi urged the recipients of the bicycles to look after them.
Transport department initiated Shova Kalula project in 2001. The aim of the project is to provide low cost mobility solutions to the learners in order to enable them to access educational facilities mostly in remote locations. Beneficiaries of shova kalula programme should travel a distance of not more than 5 kilometres by foot.
The department's goal is to contribute one million bicycles to deserving South Africans in the nine provinces. More than one hundred thousand (100 000) bicycles have been distributed to school learners and communities throughout South Africa to date.
Media contacts:
Tshegofatso Maake (063 281 9453 / maaket@dot.gov.za)
