University of Johannesburg provide 131 bicycles to learners at Hanyani Secondary School in Limpopo
The University of Johannesburg partnered with Absa and Qhubeka to provide 131 bicycles to Grade 11 learners at Hanyani Secondary School in Tshipise, Limpopo.
Students who walked an hour to school now arrive in 15 minutes with energy to learn.
The bicycle initiative arose out of UJ’s transformative Societal Impact project of leveraging technology to address critical infrastructure needs for residents in under-resourced areas.
Three villages, Gwakwani, Matatani and Mbodi have substantially benefited from the project, which brings sustainable solutions in energy, water, connectivity, and education.
The groundbreaking project, launched in 2014, addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
The project has also been expanded to Hanyani Secondary School, and it now boasts solar panels and a state-of-the-art learning facility, known as the Tshumisano Learning Centre equipped with computers, books and updated learning materials.
For the Grade 11 learners, the bicycle initiative came as a welcome relief.
“The walk is already a workout,” said Mbedzi Rokunda, a 16-year-old learner, speaking moments after receiving his bicycle with a helmet and a mini toolkit.
Mbedzi lives in Matahe section of Tshipise and walks for about 40 minutes to get to Hanyani.
“By the time I get to school my body is strained. I don’t have much energy left and my mind can’t keep up with the teacher due to losing focus. This causes me to be left behind in many instances.”
His dream is to become a pilot. “With these bikes here, it will definitely make it easier for me to achieve my goals. I appreciate this so much.”
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Mpedi was among the dignitaries who attended the bicycle distribution ceremony, along with local traditional leaders and government officials.
Prof Mpedi called on other institutions to emulate UJ’s Societal Impact initiative as it has become a tried and tested method of improving not only learners’ lives but the communities at large.
“Through the UJ for Societal Impact, we aim to create inclusive, sustainable solutions that support learners in remote communities. The bicycles are a good incentive for the students to encourage them to pass with good marks,” he said
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Prof Mpedi called on other institutions to emulate UJ’s Societal Impact initiative as it has become a tried and tested method of improving not only learners’ lives but the communities at large.
Thifhelimbilu Ndou, the principal of Hanyani Secondary School said the bicycles would “make a huge difference” in the learners’ lives.
“We have learners who have to walk over 5km from neighbouring villages because they are not covered by the scholar transport. Often you find them already in slumber at 8am because of the long walk they have to take first thing in the morning to get to school. This will be a relief for those learners.”
“We don’t just want to be a university that says look how special we are. We want to be the best university for the world,” says Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi.
Schools with bicycle programs report pass rates above 90% and dramatic academic improvements. This is UJ’s Societal Impact project in action – breaking down barriers to education and creating lasting change in rural communities.