Zutari, a leading buildings, infrastructure engineering, and advisory practice, successfully completed its focused partnership initiative with Qhubeka, a non-profit organisation dedicated to moving people forward with bicycles, to mark Transport Month in South Africa. The handover of the bicycles underscored Zutari’s commitment to building safer, more integrated transport systems that deliver both economic growth and social impact.
Engineering Impact Beyond Infrastructure
October is celebrated as Transport Month, a time for reflection on South Africa's collective responsibility in advancing an efficient transport system. Zutari is leveraging this period to shine a spotlight on sustainable mobility and climate action, highlighting the critical role transport plays in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener economy.
The partnership with Qhubeka, whose philosophy is ‘Bicycles Change Lives’, is centred on empowering vulnerable communities. By committing a strategic investment (R250 000 in FY25, with further commitment in FY26), Zutari donated 50 bicycles in rural areas like Groot Marico, directly addressing systemic barriers to opportunity.
Key Impact and Alignment:
- Sustainable Mobility: The initiative promotes cycling as a viable, sustainable, and non-polluting mode of transport, directly aligning with national goals for a greener transport system during Transport Month.
- Education and Wellbeing: The bicycles will reduce school drop-out rates caused by long, unsafe walking distances, ensuring learners gain reliable access to schools and now have more time to focus on studies and personal growth.
- Economic Empowerment: The bicycles were successfully distributed through structured ‘learn-to-earn’ and ‘work-to-earn’ programmes, empowering communities by enhancing access to healthcare and opening pathways for economic participation and improved livelihoods.
This initiative is a tangible expression of the Zutari Codes: ‘Do the Right Thing’, by tackling poverty and mobility constraints; ‘We Are One’, by strengthening the commitment to collective progress; and ‘Lead Boldly’, by investing in innovative solutions that bridge ambition and opportunity.
“This Transport Month, we celebrate transport as the system and mobility as the experience, building infrastructure that enables safe, affordable, and sustainable mobility for all,” says Jaco Bruwer, Technical Director: Transport at Zutari.
“At Zutari, we believe in something we call engineering impact. We do not just design bridges or roads; we design solutions that change lives. And these bicycles are now part of that impact, transforming lives while positioning Zutari as a trusted partner in sustainable transport solutions and community empowerment,” adds Jaco.
"At Zutari, we believe in something we call engineering impact. We don’t just design bridges or roads; we design solutions that change lives. And these bicycles are now part of that impact, transforming lives while positioning Zutari as a trusted partner in sustainable transport solutions and community empowerment," comments Senzekile Mdluli, Head: DEI & CSI.
The Qhubeka programme will continue to ensure accountability through measurable outcomes, including tracking improved school attendance and community benefits, reinforcing Zutari’s reputation as a business that delivers real impact beyond engineering.
