HEROES ON BIKES
The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of lockdown restrictions continue to starkly highlight the massive persistent poverty and need that many communities face throughout South Africa.
Bicycles have emerged as a means of transport that is particularly well adapted to the new “normal”.
Qhubeka is partnering with key bicycle related Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in South Africa, Tour de France United, Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works and individual donors from all over the world to support projects to put community heroes on bicycles.
This week our featured hero is Sindile Mavundla, the man behind the idea of the “Heroes on Bikes” campaign.
FUNDING PARTNERS:
Tour de France United
Western Cape Government
Individual Donors
NGO PARTNERS:
Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN)
Pedal Power Association (PPA)
Khaltsha Cycles
SINDILE MAVUNDLA AND KHALTSHA CYCLES
Heroes on Bikes started as a wild idea. It was a response to COVID-19. We sat around and we thought what can we do in terms of contributing to getting people on bicycles. – Sindile
Together with Khaltsha Cycles and other partners over 200 bicycles have already been distributed to community heroes.
That first smile of someone getting a bicycle for the first time that’s what actually makes me do what I do.
We have seen also in this time where there’s so much hopelessness bicycles are that one tool that actually gives hope.
KHALTSHA CYCLES
Khaltsha Cycles was founded by three Khayelitsha based entrepreneurs as a one-stop shop to offer quality affordable bicycles to township residents to create and promote a culture of cycling in townships.
They have a passion for cycling, and more importantly, a shared passion for local community development through cycling. This is why a key part of their business model is to create township-based bicycle programmes that will change the lives of township communities.
It is off the back of this passion, COVID-19 and the associated lockdown that Khaltsha Cycles changed gears and initiated a campaign called “Heroes on Bikes”.
The main goal of the “Heroes on Bikes” campaign is to provide essential workers with bicycles to enable them to have safe, reliable and convenient transport to reach township communities. It also aims to encourage and promote the use of bicycles as the preferred mode of transport in township communities.
TOUR DE FRANCE PARTNERSHIP
Thanks to the Tour de France and the Tour de France United campaign close to 1,000 bicycles have already been funded to change the lives of heroes in this crazy COVID-19 affected year.
You too can unite behind the cause and help bring more bicycles to those in need.
CLICK HERE to help us put more “Heroes on Bikes”
