LISTEN: Transport MEC donates 120 bicycles to 12 local schools
The MEC of Roads and Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi donated 120 bicycles to 12 different schools in our community on January 21.
The MEC of Roads and Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi donated 120 bicycles to 12 different schools in our community on January 21.
The hand over took place at Everest Primary in Westbury and it was part of the Shova Kalula Bicycle Project, a national initiative to provide a mode of transport for learners who walk over three kilometers to school.
The welcoming on the day was done by Derek Eastwood, the chairman of the principal’s forum. All the principals had an opportunity to have a message of support. The keynote address was by Vadi and the vote of thanks by Cathy Seefort, the PR Councillor for Ward 82.
Ten learners from each of the following twelve schools received bicycles; Claremont Primary, Coronationville Secondary, Bosmont Primary, Westbury High, Dowling Primary, G.R Harris Primary, Newclare Primary, Everest Primary, Westbury Primary, Bernard Isaacs Primary, Chris J Botha Senior Secondary, and R.W Fick Senior Secondary.
Audio:
Principal Floyd Billings from Coronationville Secondary said that it was a challenge to pick the learners for the bicycles because they did not want to encourage the learners who were regular latecomers.
“We looked at giving learners who deserved these bikes, to make a difference not just for them to be early at school but to also improve their quality of life at home because we have afternoon and weekend programmes and this is going to make a difference in our learner’s lives,” said Billings.
The MEC said in his keynote address: “The department of transport has given over 30 000 bicycles out at school because we want to promote a non-motorised culture. Traffic congestion is becoming a nightmare to all major cities.
“So, we are advocating non-motorised transport and the use of only public transport.” The department would like the country to get into cycling, not just as a sport as a lifestyle.
The reason why they are starting with the young children is that children are able to adapt to a change in lifestyle easier than older people.
“We have soccer clubs, netball clubs, all the different clubs but we do not have cycling clubs. We want these learners to start cycling clubs and if there are adult cyclists in the community, we would like to mentor our youth we would like them to. I cycle myself and its beautiful,” added the MEC.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department was scheduled to give the learner’s road safety training only then the learners were able to receive their bicycles.
Ward Councillor Susan Stewart, said that she likes the bicycles and she would like for more initiatives for the children in our community. The MEC asked the schools to have cycle races during the school sports days, not just athletics.
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