Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga recently facilitated the distribution of 455 bicycles to students in Mpumalanga, aiming to enhance their commute to school. This initiative, part of the national Shova Kalula or Ride Easy Bicycle Programme, targeted learners in various schools within the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, including Sindawonye and Kwakwari Primary, as well as Mgudlwa, Mkhephuli, Mbedlwana, Sozilani, and Hlomanani Secondary Schools.
Chikunga expressed optimism about the impact of these bicycles on students’ daily routines, stating, “We hope that these means will help them to get to and from school quicker, and that it will inspire them to pursue their educational dreams.” The Shova Kalula Programme, initiated as a pilot project in 2001, aims to promote bicycle usage as a cost-effective mobility solution, especially in rural communities.
Acknowledging the broader learner transport program, Chikunga highlighted the significance of initiatives such as Shova Kalula in addressing mobility challenges faced by students, particularly those walking long distances to school. She emphasized that the program supplements other modes of transport like buses and taxis, managed through provincial contracts, ultimately ensuring access to education for all learners.
Furthermore, Chikunga shed light on the National Learner Transport Policy, designed to support learners living more than 5 kilometers away from school by providing transportation services. With approximately 900,946 learners in 5,635 schools requiring learner transport, the policy plays a vital role in improving school attendance and performance among students facing mobility obstacles.
During her visit to Mpumalanga, Minister Chikunga inspected the progress of a bridge construction project along the R573 Moloto Road in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality. She commended the efforts of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) in ensuring road safety and accessibility for all users. Across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, SANRAL’s ongoing projects aim to enhance road infrastructure, with significant progress reported in various phases.
SANRAL’s investment of R4.5 billion over five years into the Moloto Road project is not only aimed at improving infrastructure but also at generating employment opportunities. With an anticipated creation of 12,500 jobs, the project aligns with SANRAL’s Transformation Policy, prioritizing the inclusion of youth- and women-owned businesses. Moreover, SANRAL has initiated programs to empower Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), particularly those led by individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the project’s construction phase.
Chikunga emphasized SANRAL’s commitment to safety interventions, especially regarding pedestrian safety along the R573. The agency has allocated significant funds for training prospective contractors from designated groups, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills to engage in competitive tenders effectively.
In Mpumalanga and Limpopo, substantial progress has been made on the Moloto Road, with plans underway to commence work in Gauteng. Notably, investments totaling R559 million and R362.8 million have been allocated for the upgrading of national road sections in Mpumalanga and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, respectively.
The holistic approach adopted by Minister Chikunga and SANRAL reflects a commitment to addressing transportation challenges while simultaneously fostering economic growth and development, essential for the prosperity of South Africa’s communities, including those in Mpumalanga.
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