RS South Africa, in proud partnership with Qhubeka Charity through the Inqolobane Trust, is continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of South African learners. Through its bicycle donation initiative, 354 bicycles have been distributed to date, empowering students to access education more easily by reducing the physical and economic barriers posed by long daily commutes.
As part of this year’s rollout, bicycles have been delivered to high schools in various provinces, including Mawewe High School in Mpumalanga, Morare High School in Limpopo, and both Sewagodimo Technical and Commercial High School and Gabonewe Secondary School in North West.
These distributions targeted primarily Grade 9, 11 and 12 learners, whose schooling is critical to long-term academic success. The initiative recognises that for many learners, walking long distances to school consumes time and energy that should be dedicated to studying.
The latest handover took place at Langalibalele Secondary School in the Mogalakwena District, Limpopo, on 6 August 2025, where 27 bicycles were donated to Grade 12 learners. An additional distribution of 53 bicycles was scheduled for a school to be confirmed at a later date.
The initiative was inspired by RS South Africa’s Managing Director, Brian Andrew, who rode a Qhubeka bicycle during the 97km Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg in November 2022. His experience sparked the #Qhubeka1000 fundraising initiative, which laid the foundation for a partnership with Inqolobane Investment Trust, with Qhubeka as the nominated beneficiary.
Through this partnership, RS South Africa has continued to make a meaningful contribution to Qhubeka’s bicycle distribution and mobility programmes, helping to expand access to reliable transport for learners in underserved communities.
Reflecting on the partnership, Brian Andrew, Managing Director of RS South Africa, explained, “This collaboration with Qhubeka is about more than just bicycles; it is about giving young South Africans a real chance to succeed. Mobility plays a crucial role in education, and by reducing the time and effort it takes to get to school, we are helping to unlock opportunities that can change lives. It is an honour for RS South Africa to play a part in this journey.”
The principal of Langalibalele Secondary School, Mrs Kekana, noted, “Our learners are required to be at school early and often leave late in the afternoon. The long walk to and from school is exhausting, leaving them drained before lessons even begin. These bicycles will ease that burden and give them more time and energy to focus on their studies.”
The principal of Morare Secondary School, Mr Moeketsi, also expressed his gratitude, saying, “We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the good gesture of donating bicycles to our learners. The gesture goes a long way in alleviating transport problems to ferry learners to school and also brings some form of entertainment and motivation after school, offering much-needed psychosocial support. Ordinarily, this has reduced late coming and absenteeism of learners in our school.”
In South Africa, 8 million children walk to school every day, often travelling long, dangerous routes. Bicycles help reduce commute time, increase safety, and enable better attendance and performance in the classroom.
Beyond education, bicycles offer a powerful tool against poverty. With 8 million children living below the food poverty line, families often spend up to 39% of their budgets on transport. A bicycle is an affordable and sustainable alternative, providing long-term economic relief.
“Qhubeka extends heartfelt thanks to RS South Africa for their generous donation and ongoing support. At Qhubeka, we know that a bicycle is far more than just a way to get around it is a tool for transformation. In the schools and communities, we serve, we have witnessed how access to bicycles leads to improved academic performance, higher pass rates, increased university admissions, and greater learner retention.
Thanks to partners like RS South Africa, we are able to help more children move forward faster, safer, and with renewed purpose. Together, we are changing lives, one bicycle at a time,” concluded Anthony Fitzhenry, the Founder of Qhubeka.
To support Qhubeka’s mission and help more learners move forward, visit www.qhubeka.org.
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Author: Thobile Ndlovu from NGAGE on behalf of RS South Africa.
Submit your Press Release for free to MyPR here: MyPR Free Press Release Submission.