‘What bike do you want?’ he asked. ‘One that looks like yours!’ they shouted. That was the moment that sparked an incredible initiative that aims to empower children in Lesotho with mobility by giving them bicycles. Two wheels can open a world of opportunity!
South Africa (23 February 2026) – It all started in December 2024 when Phano Liphoto cycled through Lesotho on a family trip.
“We came across a group of children from the Mantsa Settlement in Lesotho. The innocence and wonder in their eyes warmed our hearts as they marvelled at our bicycles. They screamed with excitement, asking that we get them bicycles like ours.” he shares.
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The initial goal was to give six children in the Mantsa Settlement six bikes.
The fundraiser, called the Youth Pedal Project, was launched in March 2025 and within a year, the initiative had collected over 24 children’s and adult bikes. A total of R6440 had also been raised via an online crowdfund to cover other essentials like helmets and travel costs.
Last month, Phano returned to Ha Mansta and met with the parents of each child he plans to bless with a bicycle, informing them that the youth would soon be receiving their wheels!
The handover will be made next month, with plans to extend the gesture by donating the rest of the 18 bicycles to those living in other settlements or areas where there is a need for mobility.
Cycling is a big part of Phano’s life. He took it up six years ago, after an injury left him unable to play rugby. As a researcher who holds an honours degree in Urban Planning, cycling has also been one of his central focuses professionally.
“I conducted research in Johannesburg, particularly around cycling in townships. I came to understand that much of the infrastructure and facilities available were not intended to accommodate everyday commuter cyclists. There are no routes that lead directly to schools or community centres,” Phano shares.
“My studies eventually led me to the Mother City when The University of Cape Town’s Centre for Transport Studies reached out, asking me to cover the history of cycling in Cape Town.”
That work has now been published in a book, ‘Cycling Cities, the African Experience,’ which looks at the history of cycling across 18 cities in Africa.
Phano’s research, and his experience with cycling, has developed his perspective on how impactful a set of wheels can be. Not only for mental and physical well-being, but for livelihood. That’s what the vision for the Youth Pedal Project is.
Phano says that with each bicycle donated, he wants to create a positive impact for a young person or a community in need. The hope is that it will help fulfil a meaningful purpose – like getting to work and school – and for the mobility to create new opportunities for income and employment.
In March, Phano will return to the Mansta Settlement with six refurbished bikes in tow. Along the way, helpers have joined in to make it happen.
“Lesotho Bike Hangar is refurbishing every bike for us, free of charge. They have also pledged 10 bicycles for donation” says Phano. “We’ve received support from Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation for the Government of Lesotho. She has kindly offered to assist with transport and distribution of the remaining bikes,” he adds.
Handover day will include a cycling workshop which aims to educate the youth on safe cycling. Cape Town’s Bicycling Empowerment Network has sponsored educational booklets and stickers which will be distributed amongst the kids.
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“There has been so much excitement and immense support from everyone around me, from former school mates, strangers I have never even met, and close family. The chief of the community – Morena Mantsa Mantsa supports the project and will be attending.” says Phano.
If you’d like to keep up with the journey, follow Phano on Instagram or TikTok. If you’d like to support the cause, please reach out to him directly.
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