On 14 August 2018, 200 schoolchildren at Tshukudu High School in Rustenburg received brand new Qhubeka Bicycles to help them get to and from school, thanks to Anglo American Platinum and the National Lotteries Commission.
The bicycle distribution event is part of a Qhubeka learn-to-earn programme in the region. The schoolchildren receive the bicycles in exchange for committing to improve their school attendance and results. Qhubeka has also trained two bicycle mechanics in the area, providing them with skills and tools to generate an income, as well as ensuring the bicycles remain rideable.
Of the 200 bicycles, 100 were funded by National Lotteries Commission, with the remaining 100 bicycles sponsored through match-funding by Anglo American Platinum. “This is an example of how public private partnerships can deliver value to communities,” said Qhubeka Executive Director Tsatsi Phaweni. “Working together with public and private sector entities, as well as communities, Qhubeka can change more lives with bicycles, helping schoolchildren to travel faster and further, and to carry more.”
Chris Griffith, Anglo American Platinum CEO, said, “Anglo American Platinum is proud to be involved with this project which practically enables school children to travel to and from school to overcome any mobility restraints, therefore enabling them access to a structured learning environment. I am particularly proud that our employees who took part and completed the Comrades Marathon 2018 and the 94.7 cycle challenge each earned a bicycle which has been donated to learners today. This is our way of committing to improving education outcomes.”