Impact Cycle

Ar Impact Cycle, we use bicycles as an incentive to improve school attendance and educational outcomes for children in South Africa. Equally important, we create meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, contributing to stronger, more independent and connected communities.

CONNECT! That’s all it is

Connection is the starting point. It opens the door to everything: hope, dignity, opportunity, and even miracles. It’s that simple. Pure, human connection has the power to transform lives and, ultimately to turn South Africa around. And this isn’t just an idea. It has been proven, four times, on a national level. Winning the Rugby World Cup is undeniable proof of the power of connection. In those weeks and months, as the anticipation and excitement grew, so did South Africa's unity. In those moments, we were one. We were united.an entire nation.

Absenteeism. And more.

Connection is the foundation and guiding principle on which we stand as a Non-Profit Company. As a team, we are deeply committed to making a lasting difference, not only in education, but in the lives of the children and communities we serve.

This is how we impact the cycle:
For good.
For all.
With positive intent.

Eight years into our journey as Impact Cycle, we can confidently say, with evidence to support it, that we have addressed a major national challenge: school absenteeism. But our program goes beyond simply getting children into classrooms. It teaches a core life principle: Work = Reward. If I do, I get. This lesson fosters independence and lays the foundation for self-worth and dignity—values that shape not just

Our Vision

We know that if we can implement our program at all the rural, township, previously disadvantaged and under resourced schools across South Africa, we will Impact the nation in a very real way, and create true and real change. The scale we are aiming at is big. Very big: 20 000 schools. A big vision, with even bigger Impact energy, this is where we're going. This is our vision. And. With 2 Impact Cyle coaches employed at each school, we will create real employment opportunities for 40 000 people

Education and Bicycles

In South Africa, education and bicycles together offer children a powerful pathway to freedom, and to a brighter future. By addressing school absenteeism, through access to bicycles, students are far more likely to attend school regularly, and to improve their academic performance. Bicycles not only symbolize mobility, they represent opportunity. With reliable access to education, children are better equipped to secure decent jobs and achieve financial independence. In many communities, low school attendance contributes to high dropout rates, but combining education and access to bicycles, we have been able to help break this cycle, and to open the door to lasting change.

School Absenteeism

Low school attendance has far-reaching consequences, impacting both students and teachers. For children, frequent absenteeism leads to poor academic performance, reduced motivation, and limited access to higher education and future job opportunities. As dropout rates continue to rise, many young people are left without the skills or qualifications needed to succeed. For teachers, consistent student attendance is essential not only for delivering effective education but also for maintaining their own job security. Addressing absenteeism is critical—not just for improving learning outcomes, but for restoring hope and creating a more stable, empowered educational environment.

Success! Mshwati Memorial Primary School

The Impact Cycle initiative made a transformative difference at Mshwati Memorial Primary School by significantly improving student attendance and academic performance. By using bicycles as an incentive for consistent school attendance, the program motivated learners to show up and stay engaged. In 2018, Grade R attendance increased by an impressive 98%, and by 2019, the entire grade achieved a 100% pass rate for the first time in the school’s history. Average absenteeism, which previously ranged from 31 to 42 days per learner, dropped to nearly zero—enabling all students to advance to the next grade and setting a powerful example of what’s possible when access and opportunity come together.

Expansion Plans

After eight years of on-the-ground activation, Impact Cycle has developed a model that is Repeatable, Scalable, and Transplantable. These three core pillars have been proven through tested systems, consistent delivery, and measurable outcomes. With this strong foundation, the time has come to scale the initiative across South Africa. Impact Cycle’s expansion will focus on increasing student attendance, deepening community engagement, creating local employment, and improving educational resources. The program plans to train local coaches, partner with additional schools, and host community cycling events to raise awareness and inspire participation. As more students attend school regularly, teacher retention will improve, facilities will be enhanced, and the cycle of opportunity will continue to grow.

Requirements for Successful Implementation

To effectively introduce the program in new schools, certain essential resources and support must be in place. Each school requires 40 bicycles along with safety equipment, with a total cost of R120,000. Additionally, two local coaches per school are needed to guide the program, costing R16,800 per term. To ensure the longevity and security of the bicycles, maintenance tools and proper storage solutions are also crucial.

Get Involved and Support

Community involvement plays a vital role in expanding this initiative and improving educational opportunities for children. Individuals can support the program by donating directly to Impact Cycle, contributing bicycles or safety gear, organizing fundraising efforts, or referring schools and partner organizations that could benefit from the program. Together, these actions help build a stronger foundation for lasting impact.