Deputy Speaker, the ANC-led government welcomes the launch of the new hydrogen-powered bicycle, called "A hi Fambeni", by Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor at the Resource-driven Technology Centre for South Africa Conference on 12 August 2010. The hydrogen bicycle was designed by Pierre Terblanche, an internationally renowned bike designer, and built by students of the Tshwane University of Technology.
The bicycle, translated as "Let's go", is made of cutting-edge light and strong materials. The design is meant to accommodate the transport needs of people living in rural villages. A hi Fambeni offers a practical way to promote public awareness of hydrogen and fuel cell technology as a clean energy alternative. Electric bikes are a huge part of the future of the green transport economy.
In 2007, the department launched Shova Kalula, a programme that means "pedal easy", which is a partnership between the private sector and civil society. This programme plans to give a million bicycles to schoolchildren by 2015 and to construct a dedicated bicycle pathway. There will be some energy between Shova Kalula and A hi Fambeni, the hydrogen-fuelled e- bicycle prototype. According to the Minister of Science and Technology, the department plans to start a bike, a trike, and then a car. The ANC welcomes this initiative which will, upon completion, add value to the lives of our people with regard to offering them an alternative mode of transport. I thank you.