Qhubeka Bicycles come to Calitzdorp thanks to Jan Braai and Investec Asset Management

On Wednesday morning, 9 May, 60 Qhubeka Bicycles were distributed to learners at Calitzdorp High School. The bicycle distribution was a combined effort between Jan Braai, Investec Asset Management and Qhubeka Charity.

The high school learners were among the first in South Africa to receive the brand new South African-built “Qhubeka Bicycle”. The bicycles will help the children get to and from school, allowing them also to have freedom of movement around the small Klein Karoo town.

Calitzdorp is a town close to Jan Braai’s heart, while cycling is a passion of his too. He’s managed to combine the two by using Calitzdorp as an overnight stop for his Tour de Braai. The Tour de Braai takes place twice a year, and sees cyclists riding from George to Swellendam over the course of five days while enjoying braais during the day and in the evening. The overnight stops include Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Rooiberg Lodge, Riversdale and Swellendam.

“I have been coming to Calitzdorp for a number of years, and now I am able to take people through the town on the Tour de Braai,” says Braai.

“It’s a beautiful region, and while I am passionate about showcasing the best of the area, I’m also passionate about seeing more people on bicycles.

Thanks to Investec Asset Management we were able to obtain the 60 bicycles from Qhubeka and involve them in the bicycle distribution. I think these bikes will make a huge difference in the lives of the school children, and as we return each time to Calitzdorp we hope to bring more bikes and happiness to the kids.”

Investec Asset Management were thrilled to be involved in the bike distribution. “By hosting fund-raising events in Johannesburg and Cape Town we helped to raise approximately R200 000, enough to provide Qhubeka Bicycles for 60 learners,” said Nicolaas Alberts, Client Director, Investec Asset Management.

“This is an investment in their future and we are humbled to have been able to make a difference. We wish to thank our clients and the government of the Western Cape who helped contribute to this worthy cause.”

For Qhubeka, the Tour de Braai and the Calitzdorp bike handover allowed them the opportunity to start a programme in a part of South Africa that is ripe for cycling.

“The Tour de Braai distribution is such a lovely event because it brings together people who are celebrating the beauty of South Africa’s landscapes and food, the joy of riding a bicycle and the potential we all have to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Tsatsi Phaweni, Qhubeka Executive Director.

“The bicycles being distributed to the school children of Calitzdorp will help them get to school more quickly and regularly, as well as improving their access to other services, like shops and sports. At Qhubeka, we like to say that hope travels on two wheels, and I think that was evident to everyone at the distribution today. This is just the beginning, however, and at Qhubeka we’re looking forward to working with the communities in Calitzdorp and our partners over the long term to develop a sustainable bicycle programme in this region, to help more people move forward with bicycles.”

The next Tour de Braai takes place from 4-10 November 2018. Entries are open at braai.com/braaitour/tour-de-braai/