Empowering communities through bicycles

The 6th Annual Charity Challenge, in collaboration with Qhubeka, is a prime example of how we live our values through the charitable nature of our staff members.

Moving communities forward

Qhubeka, an Nguni word that means "to progress" or "to move forward," is a global charity that empowers people in Africa with bicycles. These bicycles are more than just a means of transportation; they are tools for empowerment, enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

The Impact of Qhubeka's Programmes

1. For Children: Bicycles dramatically reduce travel time to school, increase on-time arrival, improve academic performance, and boost attendance. Data from the Garmin Mobility Project showed that learners with bicycles travel three times faster by bicycle than on foot.
2. Qhubeka Shift: A project that aims to distribute 5000 bicycles per year into a specific geographic area for 5 years, with the goal of shifting the entire community forward.
3. Learn-to-Earn and Work-to-Earn Programs: These programs allow children and adults to earn bicycles, improving their access to schools, clinics, and jobs.

The 6th Annual Charity Challenge

To raise funds for this important charity, staff members took part in the week-long 'Play a Part' cycle event. As part of this initiative they volunteered their time to raise funds for Qhubeka. 

Fund-raising activities included:

• Have an active week: Staff members set a target to cycle, run or walk 10km or more over the course of the week.
• Various charity races: Among the activities throughout the week, staff members took part in 5km lunchtime walks, 5km runs, and a 100km cycle in various locations.

The charity challenge is more than just an event: it's a manifestation of Standard Bank Offshore's core values and mission, particularly our broader CSR and ESG commitments. These commitments are built on four pillars:

• Volunteering: Our staff members are encouraged to volunteer in their local communities.
• Fundraising: Through our £for£ matching scheme, we amplify the charitable efforts of our staff.
• Supply Chain: We buy from local suppliers where possible and make a conscious effort to be mindful with our office consumption.
• Strategic partnerships: Our collaboration with Qhubeka is part of our long-term strategy to build partnerships that create positive impacts.

The 6th Annual Charity Challenge is a testament to our commitment to empowering communities and living our values. Together, we can create a better future, one bicycle at a time.