Bonga Ngqobane, 26, the founder of Bonga Cycle Academy in Khayelitsha, has finally accomplished his dream. He was appointed as South Africa Cycling Transformation and Transformation Specialist by the Cycling board of South Africa.
The 26 year-old established the Cycling Academy in 2014 to keep young people away from the streets.
Asked what transformation would mean in cycling, Ngqobane said, “In cycling I believe bringing in participants from all colours and different backgrounds. This has to start from grassroots level that include black townships and rural areas.”
He is opposed to the quota system in cycling.
“To me quota system does not work. It is like you are placing someone to participate yet the individual has not reached that level of ability required. I believe individuals participating on national level should be chosen on merit and whoever so wishes to see himself or herself taking part at national level should work for it” he said.
Ngqobane’s role is to go around cycling academies in South Africa trying to find out what they need to develop cycling and encouraging women to also participate in this sport.
In addition he says, “I am also looking forward to let cycling be practised everywhere in the country like soccer. It must not be a sport for the elite only.”
To realise transformation and development in this sport Bonga urged the national government and everyone to donate anything for development of the sport.
According to him for the sport to be fully transformed the government should play a leading role.
“Now that I hold this national position I will make sure I knock at their doors until transformation is realised in cycling,” he said.
Ngqobane is proud of his role in cycling and how he managed to climb the ladder.
“I have done great work in Khayelitsha. I managed to train youth in taking cycling as a career and also change this attitude of loitering in the streets. Such has earned me this position,” he said.
During his early childhood he loved athletics. He usually competed in 12,000m race at school.
Migrating to Cape Town he began his love affair with cycling. To improve cycling skills, Bonga borrowed a bicycle from a friend who had given up cycling. He was inspired by the late cyclist, Ayabonga Ophila, who rode for the Toyota Cycle Lab Pro Team in Pretoria.
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