Creating lasting change and transforming lives.

In a world where countless children are left to navigate the dangers of the streets, Songezo Cycling Academy is making a profound difference. Through their after-school education programs, they are empowering children to break free from the cycle of poverty, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

The Buffalo Foundation has supported Songezo Cycling Academy since 2018 and has grown ever since. The Academy operated out of a container in 2015 where they stored bicycles to now have a fully functional classroom and bicycle storage room enough to accommodate 50 bicycles.

The Academy is based in Masiphumelele, an overpopulated township with more than 30,000 residents that offers very few recreational opportunities for the youth. Every day they are confronted with rampant crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and many other social evils, and their home circumstances are often terrible as unemployment is a huge problem in the area. Often we would find a household with 5 children in one room and a house built of zinc sheets 1 metre from your neighbours. Recently there were many fires which often took out 1000 shacks at a time.

The academy has grown to a point where they have a full-time tutor who helps and prepares children for upcoming exams. One of the greatest challenges faced by children in the communities is the lack of a safe environment. The academy provides a safe space to learn, dream, and foster youth talent that enables progress to the Provincial level and beyond.

The academy has internet access that allows children to do research for assignments and from time to time able to watch cycling races online inspired by their role models. The academy has a Coach who takes children on bicycle rides and training but also welcomes new riders to the academy and teaches them how to cycle and improve road safety and awareness amongst motorists.

Songezo Cycling Academy's mission is to upskill the children as they are our leaders of a better tomorrow. By doing this the academy focuses on enabling members to participate in organized cycling events and guide them with study programs with additional support before exams. The academy had many successful adventures along the way. Most recently was a trip to the youth festival where they had 6 riders represented to compete for their region which is a great achievement and opportunity.