Cycling is a popular sport in South Africa, with a long history of producing world-class cyclists. However, there is always room for improvement, and capacity building is an essential component of developing the sport further.
Capacity building refers to the process of developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals or groups to improve their performance and achieve their goals. In the context of cycling, capacity building can involve various initiatives that help to improve the skills and knowledge of cyclists, coaches, and other parties showing interest into the sport.
Education: Education is an essential component of capacity building for cycling in South Africa. This includes educating cyclists and other parties about the rules and regulations of the sport, as well as providing information on topics such as commissaire courses, management courses, and mechanical courses. Education initiatives can also help to promote the sport to a wider audience and encourage more people to take up cycling.
Partnerships and collaboration: Cycling South Africa with the support from the National Lottery Commission (Lotto) has identified #DevelopWithPurpose campaign to help to improve the overall capacity of the cycling community in South Africa. The National Development Plan drives a higher development mission and is outlined as a four-year plan.
How it works: Each Provincial or Regional Cycling hub identified role players in each of their districts inclusive of schools and development structures where cycling clinics and development courses are staged. Aggressive capacity building programmes are being rolled out across all provinces for administrators, coaches, mechanics, safety officials, event organisers, race officials and marshals.
The aim of the development programme is to give previously disadvantaged individuals the Youth, People of colour, people living with a disability, & women around the country who have not been able to participate in our educational programs before due to financial restrictions the ability to now do so.
Cycling South Africa in partnership with the different provinces with the support from Lotto have so far successfully hosted educational training course in:
- Gauteng
- Free State
- Western Cape
- KwaZulu- Natal
- Mpumalanga
- Eastern Cape
With the following still planned in
- Limpopo
- Northwest
- Northern Cape
For more information on the course and if you qualify to attend pls contact. transformation@cyclingsa.com
Capacity building is essential for the long-term success and development of cycling in South Africa. By focusing on key areas such as coaching, infrastructure, education, talent identification and development, stakeholders can work together to build a stronger and more vibrant cycling community in South Africa.
