Pedal power for kids
Athlete teaching children how their bicycles work so that they can become better cyclists.
Caring about your community and standing up for change is what Gxoba Istibulo Academy for Cycling Development in Shaka’s Head is all about.
When the Courier visited the Academy last Friday, founder Goodman Manqele was teaching the children how to fix their broken bicycles.
About 50 children were taught how to fix their equipment and 24 bicycles were repaired on the day.
“As much as I want them to be good cyclists, they must first be able to fix their own bicycles. Then they will be able to take care of themselves when their bikes break down and there is no one to help them,” said Manqele.
Most of the children are using bikes that are not in good condition, so he had collected all the materials that they might need to fix their bikes.
Manqele has opened up cycling routes outside of Shaka’s Head where the kids can practice.
The athlete and cyclist dedicates all his spare time to teaching the sport to the children of his home township.
He was at the workshop to ensure that everything was done properly and safely. However he was not fixing the kids’ bikes for them.
Those who did not own their own bike or whose bicycles were in good repair were helping those who had to fix their bikes.
“I let them do the fixing and I checked and helped where needed,” said Manqele.
He said he would like to one day see cyclists coming into Shaka’s Head to motivate the children.
“We also need donations of old bikes and cycling kit that can be used by my small cyclists. So if any one can help us, it would be highly appreciated,” said Manqele.
If you can help please call Manqele on 073 423 0605.
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