The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport in conjunction with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has handed about 400 bicycles, in a Shovakalula Project, to pupils in Bapsfontein near Kempton Park at Ekurhuleni. The Shovakalula project is a national Department of Transport's initiative aimed at benefiting pupils from previously marginalised communities.
These bicycles assist school kids to be on time for school and to get home. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport works closely with municipalities and the sister Department of Education who identify areas where there is a greater need for bicycles. Pupils are then identified, given training on road safety and thereafter handed bicycle for school travel use. The road safety training is conducted by the Department of Community Safety, who then issue certificates to deserving pupils.
The department stressed that communities are still to benefit from the Shovakalula Project. The project further creates employment opportunities in the form of maintenance of the bicycles and the construction of cycle paths.
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Gauteng Provincial Government
22 September 2009
