The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has launched a new anti-crime bicycle unit thanks to the donation of 100 bicycles. The unit will help with unemployment as well.
The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has had a busy few weeks. They recently launched the City Ambassadors Programme and now a new anti-crime bicycle unit.
The unit was announced at the Port Elizabeth City Hall, where the municipality distributed 50 Qhubeka bicycles and 50 bicycles donated by Volkswagen South Africa.
The unit will focus on the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship route and the Port Elizabeth beachfront. The 50 bicycles donated by Volkswagen SA will be distributed to 30 beach officers and 20 tourism ambassadors.
“We want to be a city that creates opportunities. We want to be a safe city, an inclusive city and a caring city. All of those pillars are highlighted today.” – Athol Trollip, Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor.
The city has been faced with unemployment, this was identified as the “most pressing” issue in the city. The bicycle unit members will receive a stipend, giving them an income to combat poverty and uplift lower-income households in the city.
“The project should go beyond the Ironman 70.3 World Champs in September to ensure continuous programmes and intensified participation in cycling.”
Luxolo Bell, 32, of Walmer, could not hold back his excitement as he climbed onto his bicycle.
“I feel [important] to be part of this programme,” he said.
“We have been given the power to arrest lawbreakers. This will help the community. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
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Ntombizanele Myoli, 25, also of Walmer, also vowed to use the opportunity well.
“South Africa has high levels of youth unemployment, so we’re excited that this programme will see 100 young people trained and kitted out as city ambassadors, tourism ambassadors and beach officers.” – Tsatsi Phaweni, Qhubeka executive director
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