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Success Stories
‘My bicycle makes me feel wealthy.’
Ishmail Cassiem, BEN BEC, Rocklands High School
‘I like cycling because it’s cheap. And it helps that I love
cycling as well! I’m not going to spend my money on
transport if I can help it!’
Naym Moltie,
BEN Stock Controller
Phumlani Dlongwana, BEC, Masiphumelele
Phumlani is still active at his bike shop in Masiphumelele,
although most of his work involves repairs, not sales. His
customers prefer mountain bikes with a wide range of gears,
even though they’re more expensive than his second-hand
stock. Masiphumelele is in a valley, surrounded by
‘beautiful climbs enjoyed by riders who are looking for
fitness, not transportation!’ To raise awareness about cycle
transport, and bring in extra income, Phumlani rents his
bikes to one of BEN’s tourism projects. Phumlani also works
as a ‘worm farmer’ for an innovative project in Noordhoek
called FullCycle. He collects food waste from three local
restaurants on his highly visible California bike and
trailer, and oversees the production of earthworm compost.
Robert Templeton, oversees the BEC in
Riebeek Kasteel
The bike workshop maintains and services
the California bikes used by health-care workers in the area
(who help people adhere to their TB medication), and sells
second-hand and new bikes, pumps, helmets and other
important accessories. Unlike in the urban areas, where
cyclists fear heavy traffic and driver attitudes, rural
cyclists have to contend with farm dogs and bumpy roads,
says Peter. But far from giving up, the Goedgedacht Trust is
working hard to encourage more schools to get involved in
cycling, and is planning to expand the project to nearby
Riebeek West.
Meshack Nchupetsang, Eyethu Cycle Shop, Westlake
Since
the beginning of his business in 2002,
Meshack has sold many bikes. He has managed to put Eyethu
Cycle Shop on the cycling map by being involved in the
following events during 2007: Cape Argus Cycle Tour
(repairing of bikes during the race)
 Cape
Times Big Walk (bicycle marshall for the athletes)
Appeared on the Saturday Pedal Talk sports
show on SABC2 (2007) with Lance Armstrong.
‘I have received help from BEN first of all for giving me
this opportunity
to live my dream’
Jeff Mamile,
BEC, Capricorn (Vrygrond)
Jeff’s bike shop in Capricorn is going well, sometimes with
him fixing up to 12 bikes in one day! His stock of
second-hand bikes sells quickly – Capricorn is a reasonably
flat area, and commuters don’t seem to need as many gears as
they do in other areas (and most of his market finds new
bikes a little too expensive).
Themba Makau, BEC, Hout Bay
Themba spends most of his time fixing bikes at his bike
workshop, and persuading people to take up bike commuting
instead of paying for public transport every day. ‘Transport
costs are going up. With a bicycle, you pay for it once, and
then you’re fine. And if you’re not fine, bring your bike to
me and I’ll make it fine again!’ When he’s not in his
workshop, Themba trains on his bike for at least two hours a
day.
Ishmail Cassiem, BEC, Rocklands High School
The children and learners in Ishmael’s community are
particularly knowledgeable about climate change, and how
cycling can make a difference – which is why ‘they know well
the value of bicycles, and they share this information with
others,’ he says.
Karoo farmers save to get bikes and gain mobility
Contributed by: Bradley Schroeder, ITDP Workers in
Calitzdorp are discovering a newfound sense of self-worth
and independence. In partnership with the Great Western Cape
Bicycle Ride, BEN and the ITDP developed a savings program
that makes it possible for farm workers in South Africa to
set aside a portion of their earnings towards the purchase
of a new subsidised bicycle. In November, 310 farmers in
Calitzdorp who participated in the savings plan received
California Bikes, helmets, and repair kits subsidised by
Axiz Ltd, an information technology company based in South
Africa. For the Calitzdorp farm workers, the California
Bikes are the first items that they have purchased with
their own savings, giving them a newfound sense ofownership,
self-worth and independence.
‘It makes me feel good about myself and
I take good care of [the bike],’ said one of the
participants. ‘I get to work on time, and I can even sleep a
bit later,’ said another. Since the Calitzdorp event in
November, hundreds of additional requests for bicycles have
been received from other farm workers who
have taken note
of the improved access to markets, healthcare
and education
that the bicycles provide. |
