Deputy Minister for Transport Hon. Mangcu and MEC for Transport in the Eastern Cape Hon. Xolile Nqatha handed over 359 Shova Kalula bicycles to two schools in Kirkwood.

Rietberg Primary School will receive 151 bicycles while Moses Mabida will receive 208. The Department says these bicycles are there to assist those who are not ferried by scholar transport.

The handover of these bicycles is another effort by the government to reduce learner dropout rate, relieve parents from paying exorbitant funds to transport children to school and to ensure an educated youth which will eradicate poverty in the future. Speaking during the handover, the Deputy Minister for Transport Hon. Lisa Mangcu said the bicycles will increase these young people’s mobility.

“We hope that by increasing your mobility we will help you get to school quicker and easier,” he said.

 Hon. Mangcu said the bicycles will not only help the learners to get to school but will also contribute to their overall health.

“Riding to school is part of exercising which will improve their health and minds, while also contributing in ensuring that we reduce the carbon emissions in our environment so that we can breathe clean air,” he added.

 The Deputy Minister also committed that the beneficiaries will be taught how to ride their bicycles in a safe environment to avoid injuries.

 The DM also took the opportunity to wish all the learners the best as they will be starting their exams soon.