Qhubeka Is A Start-Up That Seeks To Address Social Issues Through Cycling
Qhubeka Is A Start-Up That Seeks To Address Social Issues Through Cycling. Anthony Fitzhenry, Founded Qhubeka in 2005 based on his belief that bicycles are the most cost-effective and efficient means of bringing last-mile delivery of resources to people in Africa. Each person is committed to using their various skills and strengths to support Qhubeka’s goal of moving people and communities forward with bicycles. Qhubeka’s team is spread across South Africa, with a concentration at its office in Johannesburg.
Qhubeka is a global charity that moves people forward with bicycles in Africa. People earn bicycles through its programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs. A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, to generate income and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.
Qhubeka is an Nguni word that means “to progress”, “to move forward”. Bicycles help people move forward. With a bicycle, a person can travel faster and further, and carry more. Bicycles help people to change their lives as they are an accessible, reliable and affordable form of personal transport.
It measures the success of its programmes by their sustained impact over a decade. If it returns to an area after 10 years, its hope is that it will find fresh Qhubeka bicycle tracks on the ground. Qhubeka Charity is a Non-Profit Company registered in South Africa and incorporated for public benefit.
People earn bicycles through Qhubeka’s different programmes. Its programmes are based throughout South Africa, predominantly in its SHIFT regions, and are implemented in communities by Qhubeka’s partners. Bicycles make it easier for school children to get to and from school, helping to improve their attendance and performance. Children and their coaches also use bicycles to access school and sports activities, encouraging health and saving them time. Qhubeka also provides bicycles for first responders following a disaster as bicycles can be used to transport life-saving services and gear.
