Emalahleni - Nearly 2 000 children in townships around Siyabuswa and Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga will no longer have to walk to school.
Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Clifford Mkasi this week handed over 1 643 bicycles that will be distributed to schools in the Dr JS Moroka and Thembisile Hani local municipalities, north of Emalahleni (Witbank).
"The donation is part of the national Shova Kalula (pedal easy) campaign to cater for learners who have to walk up to 6km to get to school," said department spokeperson Dumisani Malamule.
He said 11 animal-drawn carts were also donated for use in communities where residents still had to gather firewood or walk long distances to collect water.
One beneficiary, Christina Mahhanyele, stressed that the carts did not belong strictly to her or the other 10 individuals who received them.
"We are the custodians of them. They belong to the community. We are just happy that we will be doing something for the community," she said.
Another beneficiary, Lufuno Sekgwela, added: "We are going to ensure that our communities are assisted with carrying wood and water."
As part of his visit to the area, MEC Mkasi also opened the R66.5 million D2927 road between Marapyane and Lefiso.
The 14km stretch of road was completed in October and provided 112 jobs, mainly for local people.
Mkasi urged road users to be vigilant, sober and obey speed limits.
