Amid the chaos of gang-related shootings, turf wars, and substance abuse, one Cape Town project is pedalling for positivity. Hanover Park Bicycles for Change (HPBFC) aims to create a safer Hanover Park, by creating positive alternatives to gangsterism and drugs for the community, especially children.
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Shaun Weitz – a former gangster who lost a son to gang violence – began the initiative during lockdown. He began building bicycles from scratch in his yard using spares from a nearby scrapyard.
Two built bicycles then became 37 which Weitz decided to give to children in the community and soon a new kind of ‘gang’ was formed.
Although the initiative is mostly targeted towards the youth, there is no age restriction on membership. The club allows participants to learn how to ride a bicycle, go on group rides, as well as teach and perform bicycle maintenance and repairs.
During the previous financial year (2021/22), officials working in the Community Development Worker (CDW) programme saw the potential of this initiative.
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Between the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town, a donation of bicycles and tools to the value of R61 000 was handed over in February 2022.
This is in addition to other independent organisations that have been backing the cycling initiative since it gained traction.
Since then the cycling culture in the area has blossomed and the club is even using funds from bicycle repairs to start a soup kitchen.
Recently the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg visited the area to follow up on the City’s previous donation.
‘It is clear that this initiative is helping to build positive camaraderie amongst the community and is providing the youth with a safe space and a sense of belonging that they might otherwise try and find in a gang or drug culture,’ says Twigg.
The City says the intention going forward is to continue providing support to the initiative in the coming financial years so that more children can benefit.
Any resident or organisation that would like to provide sponsorship should please contact the ward-based CDW which can be located at the Subcouncil Offices.
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Picture: City of Cape Town