By Ms. Violet Mathye
On Friday, 17 April 2026, I had the honour of leading the rollout of the Shovakalula Bicycle Handover Programme in Xihoko, Nwa’mitwa area, Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality. It was a day of hope, dignity, and tangible change for our learners.
We handed over a total of *177 bicycles* to deserving learners across three schools in Mopani District. At Gwambeni Secondary School, 60 bicycles were handed over. At Sevengwana Secondary School, 28 learners received bicycles. At Mugwazeni Secondary School, we handed over 89 bicycles. Each bicycle means shorter travel times, less fatigue, and more time for teaching and learning.
I was joined by His Worship, the Mayor of Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Cllr Garrison Molapisane; our Acting Head of Department, Mr. Paul Mainganyi; representatives of the SAPS Commissioner in Limpopo; senior departmental officials; education stakeholders; and our valued traditional leaders. I thank them for their presence and commitment to our children.
What touched me most was the response from our communities. Pupils, School Governing Bodies, community members, and traditional leadership expressed sincere appreciation for this intervention. Their words reminded us why we do this work. When a child no longer has to walk three hours to school, we are not just giving a bicycle – we are giving back time, safety, and opportunity.
Shovakalula is a national scholar transport initiative that targets learners who walk less than five kilometres to school and therefore do not qualify for formal scholar transport. These bicycles remain the property of the schools to ensure that future learners also benefit.
Critically, each handover was paired with a road safety awareness session. Our new young cyclists were taught safe riding habits, helmet use, and how to navigate our roads. Because handing over a bicycle without teaching safety is only half the job.
This programme contributes directly to restoring dignity, protecting teaching time, and motivating learners. But government cannot do it alone. I call on motorists, parents, and all community members: support these young riders. Slow down when you see them. Share the road. A child on a bicycle is a child on the way to a better future.
To the 177 learners who received bicycles today: ride with pride, ride safely, and arrive alive. Your education matters to Limpopo.
Together, we are pedalling our province forward.