Sport and Recreation South Africa donates bicycles and equipment to Velokhaya.

Cape Town, May 9, 2012

The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, accompanied by his Deputy Minister, Mr Gert Oosthuizen, visited the Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 to formally hand over 19 bicycles and cycling equipment as part of the Minister’s legacy to mark his participation in the 2012 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.

The delegation was welcomed by Mthunzi Mdwaba, Velokhaya board member, who outlined the valuable work being done by Velokhaya in “creating champions, both on and off the bike”.

Minister Mbalula, having recognized the importrance and relevance of Velokhaya’s activities in the local community, praised all the stakeholders for their commitment to social upliftment and sport in Khayelitsha. The Minister, who has selected Velokhaya as part of the Department of Sport and Recreation’s outreach programme, further pledged to lobby all relevant national stakeholders to support such initiatives so that organizations such as Velokhaya may continue to provide platforms for young people to grow in all aspects of their lives.

Luthando Kaka, a product of Velokhaya and now a professional rider for Team Bonitas, was given a heroes welcome by the large crowd who had come to show their appreciation for the generous donation by the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA).

SRSA is the national government department responsible for sport in South Africa. Aligned with its vision of creating ‘An Active and Winning Nation’, one of its primary focuses is providing opportunities for all South Africans to participate in sport.

Also showing their support for Velokhaya at the ceremony were the Director-General of SRSA, Mr. Alec Moemi, the MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape, Dr. Ivan Meyer, the newly appointed President of Cycling SA, William Newman, sub-councillor Patrick Mmnxhunyeni, the chairman of the Khayelitsha Sports Council and the chairman of the Khayelitsha Development Forum.

Our thanks to all involved – we appreciate your continued support.