Khayelitsha, 13 October 2001
“Bicycle transport for the people”
The National Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar today launched the National Shova Kalula bicycle transport project at Masibambane Hall, Khayelitsha in the Western Cape. The Minister addressed the more than 1000 members of the community who attended the launch and also lead a demonstration ride, with other guests, from the hall to the Shova Kalula shop and back – a roundtrip of 7km.
Shova Kalula (or Pedal Easy) is a programme targeted at improving the mobility of South Africans through promoting bicycle transport use. It will target users in our most disadvantaged rural and urban settings who currently have to walk long distances to get to work. Over time it also intends to promote citywide bicycle transport infrastructure networks. Over the next 2 years the programme will aim to set up bicycle microbusinesses nationwide and to use these to distribute affordable bicycles.
Shova Kalula is a partnership between national, local and provincial government. It comprises low-cost, new and used bicycles and a delivery chain that includes a container-based shop, a cycle repair training course and light engineering modifications to produce load carrying work-cycles. It also incorporates a scholar programme and a women's training programme.
The Minister said bicycles come very handy for daily commuting of students and also for short distance workers. “ The survey of school principals revealed that 70% of students are visibly tired at school, 60 % are often late and 58% are sometimes absent due to effects of long walking distances” He said The programme has already improved the lives of people in Witpoort and Bakenberg in Northern Province, Muden and Izingolweni in KwaZulu Natal, and Temba and Ivory Park in Gauteng.
Issued by:
Ndivhuwo Mabaya
Communications Officer
National Department of Transport