PEDALING TOWARDS SUCCESS: MEC MATHYE DELIVERS 150 SHOVAKALULA BICYCLES TO GIYANI LEARNERS
Giyani – The wheels of service delivery rolled into Giyani on Friday, 10 April 2026, as MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Violet Mathye, handed over 150 bicycles to learners at three schools through the Shovakalula Project. The handover formed part of Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba’s Service Delivery Week, aimed at bringing government services directly to communities. The day began at 8h00 at Hanyani Thomo High School in Ka Thomo Block 7, where 70 learners received new bicycles.
The delegation then moved to N’wa-Khada Secondary School in Ka-Kheyi, where 10 bicycles were handed over, before concluding at Nghonyama High School in Mageva Village (Dzumeri) with a further 70 bicycles distributed. MEC Mathye was joined by Acting HOD Mr. Oupa Nkanyane, Speaker of Mopani District Municipality Cllr Martha Maswanganyi, Department of Education officials, and Local Traditional Leaders from all three communities. Their presence underscored the integrated approach to service delivery being championed across the province. Addressing learners, educators, and community members, MEC Mathye explained the critical role of the Shovakalula Project. “Government provides scholar transport for learners who travel more than 5 km.
Those traveling less do not qualify, and it is for this reason we are using the Shova Kalula program to assist learners so they do not walk long distances and get tired.”
She was clear on the purpose of the bicycles. “The bicycles are meant to assist learners to access education with ease and to excel. Learners must improve and pass with distinctions. Bicycles must not be used to go anywhere else other than to school. Learners must behave and avoid wrong behavior and criminality.”
A National Program with Local Impact
Launched nationally in 2001, Shovakalula targets learners in rural and peri-urban areas who walk between 3 and 5 km to school. By cutting travel time and physical fatigue, the program improves punctuality, attendance, and road safety for vulnerable learners.
The Service Delivery Week intervention in Giyani comes at a critical time, as parts of the area recover from recent flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted access to services. The bicycle handover complemented other provincial interventions including road maintenance, health facility upgrades, and social support programs.
Building a Safer Tomorrow
As the Department of Transport and Community Safety, our mandate goes beyond roads and law enforcement. It includes creating conditions for communities to thrive. Initiatives like Shovakalula speak directly to our vision of zero road fatalities by 2030 by promoting safer, non-motorized transport for young people. With 150 learners now better equipped to reach school, the department remains committed to practical, visible service delivery that changes lives one community at a time.