NEWS
Cycling to Success in South Africa
Abandoned bikes from the University of Leeds are enjoying a new lease of life in rural South Africa thanks to an ongoing project led by the universities sport development team and local charity, The Bambisanani Partnership.
Abandoned bikes from the University of Leeds are enjoying a new lease of life in rural South Africa thanks to an ongoing project led by the universities sport development team and local charity, The Bambisanani Partnership.
Bambisanani Partnership Cycling to Success Programme 15 June 2016 CC BY-SA 3.0
Over the last four years the bikes have found their way to Mnyakanya High School in Kwa-Zulu Natal to support the charities inspirational ‘Cycle to Success’ programme.
Each summer staff and students from the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University travel to South Africa to deliver a week of cycling based activities to pupils at the school. Travel to and from school in these remote areas can be challenging with some pupils walking two hours every day to access education. The University students and staff spend a week teaching pupils how to ride and maintain bikes – a commonplace skill in the UK but a life changing and mobilising one over in this part of South Africa! The programme ultimately helps pupils develop confidence and skills which support them to remain in the education system as well as the mechanical skills needed to keep the bikes moving long term.
Through partnership work in the UK with university campus Sustainability and Security Services more than 20 bikes a year are refurbished and shipped to Mnyakanya along with new bikes acquired through University and Bambisanani Partnership fundraising and spare parts and tools funded by the Rob Stephenson Trust. The generous support of Manchester based shipping giants, Cardinal Maritime means the bikes are transported free of charge. Many of the old bikes are damaged when they are acquired so university staff and students give up their time to repair them to make sure they are safe and functional when they arrive in the port in Durban. The university student volunteers receive sports leadership and cycling proficiency training in the UK before travelling to South Africa to teach children aged 12-15 how to ride the bikes in just one week.
30-35 South African pupils are supported to learn regardless of their starting point – some have never sat on a bike before, whilst others progress quickly learning how to signal and ride safely on open roads. Pupils are also supplied with bikes parts such as inner tubes and brake cables and taught how to repair the bikes which inevitably break down more quickly on the dirt roads around the school. The bikes stay in a hub at the school, being loaned out to pupils to break down the barrier of transport to school where one exists. Additionally, students from Leeds and Mnyakanya also join together in a wide range of cultural activities with traditional singing, dancing and sports activities taking place after school each day.
For the past fourteen years the Yorkshire based charity, The Bambisanani Partnership has worked in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. The charity has gained international acclaim for its work and the university involvement has taken this to new heights, with the Mnyakanya bike hub and ‘Cycle to Success’ project being the brainchild of University of Leeds Professional Development Manager, Andrew Lockwood. Andrew was approached in 2015 by The Bambisanani Partnership to support the expansion of their work in South Africa to involve staff and students from the University of Leeds. Andrew accompanied a group from the projects founding school, St. Mary’s in Menston on a fact-finding mission that year. Using his expertise and experience in the field of sport development, Andrew engaged with teachers and pupils to understand some of the challenges faced in accessing education and future employment and the idea of the bike hub was born.
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya High School said: "Cycling was not that familiar in our community until this initiative was introduced four years ago. Since then it has become part of the lives of many learners. During lockdown, when schools were closed, they were so excited to be using the bikes. I could not believe to see even the elder people in the community showing interest in cycling. Mnyakanya young cyclists inspired the elder, who in turn decided to fix and renew their old bikes that had never been used for years and years. Some of those old bikes were brought to these young cyclists to fix them. We do not have enough words to pass on our gratitude and thanks to the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University for changing the lives of our young people.”
Community member Senzo Mdlalose added: “It is so amazing to see the interest of cycling growing like this our community. I volunteered in assisting these young people if they have some challenges in repairing their bikes. Cycling is help the young people not to involve themselves in doing bad things. I make sure that they follow the rules of Covid 19 while they are using and fixing the bikes. I so wish that this cycling project may grow stronger.”
“I love cycling. Sometimes I compete with my friends in a distance of about 10 kilometers or more. Cycling has become my daily activity, especially if there is no school. Many people on the road show an exciting interest in our cycling activity. We hear people hooting their taxis and others clapping their hands to encourage our cycling competition. Many people stop and watch what we do. I would like to thank Leeds University and Leeds Trinity University for introducing cycling to us." - Asanda Gabela
“I am so grateful that I can ride and fix my bicycle for myself. It is now easier for me when my parents send me to a place that is far from home because I use a bike to take that journey. I can ride as many times as I can, even if the weather conditions are bad. The bikes also help me to get to school earlier and faster. When there are heavy rains my books and my school uniform are not getting too wet if I am riding a bike. It is so exciting that the bikes have changed our lives for better. May God bless The Bambisanani Partnership and the Leeds university teams for changing our lives.” - Sakhile Magwaza
"Thank you very much to The Bambisanani Partnership for donating the bikes to us, and also for offering riding and fixing training. Our lives are becoming easier with bikes. This is all very exciting! Almost all young people in my community like to learn cycling. We also use the bikes for sports and as a transport. Many people in this community have developed the love of cycling. People ride the bikes to work, to their relatives, to shops and others to school. Bikes are so helpful and save money." - Bonginkosi Magwaza
“Cycling is greatly appreciated by our local soccer team. The Bambisanani bikes are used by our team for physical training. Using the bikes has encouraged active participation in our fitness work. Players really enjoy using bikes for exercising and are motivated. Thank you very much to the Bambisanani team.” - Mholi Hlabisa
Parallel to the impact on the recipients of the bikes, the impression on the skills and values of the UK students is huge. Skills auditing before, during and after the intervention saw students develop 10 top graduate level skills by an average of 31% from start to completion. “I’m proud to say I helped teach 30 kids how to ride a bicycle in just a few days. I am however even prouder to say that a group of 30 kids have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I discovered the perseverance the children had as well as the importance of Zulu culture in those same couple of days!” said Franki Darko, a University of Leeds student who visited Mnyakanya in 2018.
Despite an unscheduled pause in the project this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic both here in the UK and in South Africa, the legacy of the last four years continues. Since 2016:
70 used bikes have been refurbished and shipped to Mnyakanya High School with the support of University of Leeds Security and Sustainability and Cardinal Maritime
80 new bikes have also been purchased and shipped through student and staff fundraising and The Bambisanani Partnership
Tools and consumables to the value of £10k have also been provided thanks to the support of the Rob Stephenson Trust and The Bambisanani Partnership
Over 120 South African children have been supported to learn to ride and maintain bikes
59 University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity students and staff have been involved in the project
Andrew Lockwood, who is now a Trustee of The Bambisanani Partnership said: “Setting up the bike hub at Mnyakanya has been hugely beneficial to all involved, not only the recipients of the bikes, but also the University staff and students who are able to develop outstanding professional skills and personal values through this unique challenge. The hub is now clearly embedded at Mnyakanya and in the surrounding community and we now hope to expand the project to further rural schools in the area over the next few years”.
David Geldart Founder and Chair of The Bambisanani Partnership added: “This initiative has clearly had a remarkable impact both on those receiving the training and those providing the training. Andrew and the university teams deserve enormous credit for pioneering this inspirational work. It has been absolutely wonderful to see cycling introduced to this remote rural area. For the Mnyakanya students, and indeed in the wider community, we have seen a growing interest in cycling as a mode of transport, for sport, recreation, fitness training and for some, a source of employment! There is a real desire in the community for this initiative to grow further and indeed in other communities for it to be introduced. It really has been a tremendous success; I would like to congratulate and thank everyone involved for making this amazing project happen.”
For more information about The Bambisanani Partnership please contact David Geldart: d.geldart@bambisananipartnership.org
VIDEO: Congratulations to Lucy Moorby winner of the Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding Leadership.
The prestigious Sbonelo Magwaza trophy was this year awarded to Lucy Moorby for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the Bambisanani Partnership.
The prestigious Sbonelo Magwaza trophy was this year awarded to Lucy Moorby for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the Bambisanani Partnership.
Lucy visited South Africa in 2019 as part of the St. Mary’s team and made a significant impact in her volunteering work. Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Co-ordinator at St. Mary’s praised Lucy’s exceptional contribution to the partnership and leadership qualities.
The award remembers Sbonelo Magwaza, a wonderful Mnyakanya student who successfully completed the Bambisanani Partnership Leadership course some years ago before sadly passing away after a short illness. Both St. Mary’s School and Mnyakanya School present this special award annually. Sbonelo was an inspirational young man who continues to inspire through these very special awards. Well done to Lucy who is a most worthy winner and an inspiration herself.
A delighted Lucy said:
“I am so happy to receive this award, it is such an honour. I love the Bambisanani Partnership and will continue to support it’s important work.”
Support from Bettys & Taylors Group
Special thanks to Bettys and Taylors Group who have recently provided valuable help to the partnerships work in South Africa.
Special thanks to Bettys & Taylors Group who have recently provided valuable help to the partnership’s work in South Africa. Through their Good Cause Award scheme they donated £1000 for Vumanhlamvu Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal to enhance Literacy, Numeracy and Sport. The school is situated in one the countries most deprived areas and has very limited resources; the funding will make a significant difference in educational provision.
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of the school said: “On behalf of my learners and educators I would like to thank Bettys and Taylors Group and the Bambisanani Partnership charity so much for the wonderful support which will have a tremendous impact at our school. The funding will help us to raise standards, spirits and expectations.”
Bettys and Taylors, through their community recycling project, the Cone Exchange, have also provided knitted baby clothing for both the Vumanhlamvu community and the neighbouring Mnyakanya community which is equally impoverished with a large number of orphans. The clothing is much needed in the high rural hills which experience very cold winters.
Christmas Message from the Vumanhlamvu community
As we approach towards the end of the year, we as Vumanhlamvu the community would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for everything you have done for us. You showed us the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity) when fires devastated us.
As we approach towards the end of the year, we as the Vumanhlamvu community would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for everything you have done for us. You showed us the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity) when fires devastated us.
Aid delivered and Rebuilding begins in the Vumanhlamvu community, October 2020
We have shelters where we sing Christmas carol like everyone during festive season in our community through your kindness , you restored our dignity and confidence to our children at school by providing us with school uniform and food. Our prayers will be with you during this challenging times of Covid 19.
We would like to wish all those who supported us a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We are what we are today because of you. We will never forget your contributions.
With kind regards
William
VIDEO: Christmas Message from Mnyakanya School read by Caitlin Copsey from St. Mary's School Chapel
Message to the St. Mary’s school community
Message to the St. Mary’s school community
Jordan Sinnott honoured in South Africa
The tragic death of former St. Mary’s student, Jordan Sinnott last January touched the heart of the nation and indeed beyond. Jordan had always been a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and this week two specially commissioned awards in his memory were presented by the charity for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
The tragic death of former St. Mary’s student, Jordan Sinnott last January touched the heart of the nation and indeed beyond. Jordan had always been a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and this week two specially commissioned awards in his memory were presented by the charity for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Nombulelo Biyela and Mzwandile Zondi
The Bambisanani Partnership Sportswoman of the Year Award in Memory of Jordan Sinnott was won by Nombulelo Biyela
The Bambisanani Partnership Sportsman of the Year Award in Memory of Jordan Sinnott was won by Mzwandile Zondi
This is the first time that any awards have ever been presented at the school and there was much excitement as the two winners were announced at a special ceremony. The recipients were both surprised and delighted:
““I am very happy and feel very much honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award in memory of Jordan Sinnott. I am the first person ever in our school to lift such an award and I would like to thank our Principal Mr Vilakazi and my educators for nominating me. I would like to thank again the Bambisanani Partnership for their kindness and support to our school and also to Jordan’s family who are in our prayers.” ”
““I am so very excited to be a first recipient of this award in memory of Jordan Sinnott in the United Kingdom. Although this was the toughest year due to Covid 19 my teachers have managed to recognise my talent. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to demonstrate it. I would like also to send my special thanks to the Bambisanani Partnership and to the Sinnott family for all this. May Jordan’s soul rest in peace. Thank you Bambisanani Partnership.””
The Principal of Vumanhlamvu School, Mr William Vilakazi had actually met Jordan when he visited St. Mary’s in 2011. “Yes, I remembered meeting Jordan as soon as I saw the photograph – I remember his smile and how respectful he was. I also saw him play football – what a talent! It is a great honour to have these very special awards in memory of Jordan installed at our school which serves a very remote and deprived community. These awards will raise spirits and motivate our learners in sports and in the classroom – healthy minds need healthy bodies. The interest in the awards is amazing and I can foresee tough competition in sports in the year ahead at Vumanhlamvu. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Jordan’s family and friends; Jordan will become part of life at Vumanhlamvu School.
St. Mary’s Menston Students and Staff
From left to right:
Aisling Hendron, Sabrina Spilker, Millie Carroll, Oscar Helliwell, Archie Bange, Dion Barber, Joe Newman, Matt Harvey, David Geldart, Julia Findlay, Charlotte Wood and Catherine Chattoe.
Following Jordan’s death the phenomenal ‘Sinnott 25’ football shirt campaign not only received shirts from every football league club in the country it went on to receive over 850 sports shirts from more than 30 countries from around the world! More than 100 of these shirts will be going out to South Africa when Bambisanani volunteers from St. Mary’s visit next summer (Covid permitting).
The Bambisanani Partnership Sportsman of the Year Award in Memory of Jordan Sinnott
David Geldart from the partnership had worked very closely with Jordan at St. Mary’s as he prepared to become a professional footballer and had remained in contact when he had left school. David said: “Jordan was an amazing young man; a massive character with a heart of gold. Despite his phenomenal talent he was always modest and unassuming. He loved the Bambisanani Partnership and was a great supporter. The awards in South Africa will encourage learners, year on year, to be the best that they can be. With an award also to be introduced at St. Mary’s School a wonderful legacy has been established that will ensure that Jordan will always be remembered and that he will continually inspire others. Taking his shirts out to South Africa will be amazing; Zulu children absolutely love football and I can see a ‘Sinnott 25’ shirt becoming a particularly prized possession! Massive congratulations to Nombulelo and Mzwandile; we are all very proud of you. This is all very positive and just the kind of thing that Jordan would love.”
WATCH: "A little true miracle" - Former @htafc @ChesterfieldFC @FCHTOnline footballer Jordan Sinnott never got to meet his daughter Maisie, but his fiancee Kelly and mum Mel will ensure she'll grow up knowing all about her dad - @chrisdawkesITV reports pic.twitter.com/Riy17DMhfd
— ITV News Calendar (@itvcalendar) October 9, 2020
Shipping company Cardinal Maritime help Bambisanani Partnership make a difference in South Africa
Massive thanks to shipping company Cardinal Maritime who are yet again taking goods to South Africa for the Bambisanani Partnership to support some of the most deprived communities in the country.
Massive thanks to shipping company Cardinal Maritime who are yet again taking goods to South Africa for the Bambisanani Partnership to support some of the most deprived communities in the country.
The Manchester based company has supported the charity since its inception with funding, transportation and even with members of staff travelling to South Africa to volunteer on Bambisanani programmes.
David Geldart from the partnership said: “The team at Cardinal Maritime have been just wonderful to work with. They have supported us for the past fourteen years and take a genuine interest in all that we do; they have helped us make a real difference in the most challenging of circumstances."
Aid delivered and Rebuilding begins in the Vumanhlamvu community, 2020
St. Mary’s Menston team visit Umlalazi Day Centre and Creche, 2018
Bambisanani Design a Christmas Card Competition 2020
Massive Congratulation to the winner of The Bambisanani Design a Christmas Card Competition 2020
Massive Congratulation to the winner of The Bambisanani Design a Christmas Card Competition 2020
Emily Hogg 7 Postgate
Mr David Geldart, founder of the Bambisanani Partnership judged the competition and selected Emily Hogg's design. Emily is in form 7 Postgate at St. Mary’s Menston.
Other excellent designs were received from the following St. Mary’s students:
Eloise Dawson, 7 Dickenson
Lily Evans, 7 Dickenson
Harriet Kelly, 7 Dickenson
Isabelle Stewardson, 7 Clitherow
Lily Plaxton, 7 Clitherow
Freya Cheyne, 7 Dickenson
Emilia Armitage, 7 Dickenson
Bebe Mason, 7 Gwyn
Elias Sutcliffe, 7 Wharton
Leona Vaduthala, 8 Postgate
Ursula Burrows, 7 Dickenson
Well done to all entrants in our competition!
Bambisanani Partnership Alumni Group launches!
As you will know from a previous news post, Brogan O'Connor has recently become a Trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership.
As you will know from a previous news post, Brogan O'Connor has recently become a Trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Brogan is very keen to get involved with our social media and would like to develop a specific Bambisanani Alumni Group on Facebook to give an added interactive dimension to what we do in this area.
If you would like to be involved or indeed help Brogan establish the group, then please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/719102342356476/?ref=share
New Principal and Deputy Principal appointed at Mnyakanya School
The Bambisanani Partnership would like to congratulate Mr S V Ngubane and Ms F J Lekena on their recent appointment as Principal and Deputy Principal at Mnyakanya School.
The Bambisanani Partnership would like to congratulate Mr S V Ngubane and Ms F J Lekena on their recent appointment as Principal and Deputy Principal at Mnyakanya School.
Mr S V Ngubane, Principal at Mnyakanya School.
Mnyakanya School and St. Mary’s School founded the Bambisanani Partnership back in 2006. Mr Ngubane was quick to acknowledge the importance and significance of the partnership at the school and pledged his commitment to it. His ambition for this rural and remote school, which serves on the most deprived areas in the country, is ‘to see it competing with the most highly ranked schools in South Africa’. Mr Ngubane has enthusiastically spoken of his commitment to create more opportunities for his students to succeed by expanding both curricular and extracurricular activities with many more students ultimately going on to pursue their education at tertiary level.
Ms F J Lekena, Deputy Principal at Mnyakanya School
The Bambisanani team are looking forward to working with Mr Ngubane and Ms Lekena and taking the partnership to the next level. As ever in this partnership we all have much to learn by working and learning together.