I will never look at a bicycle the same way again

I will never look at a bicycle the same way again

Thabo is a young boy living in rural South Africa. Every day, he woke before dawn to do his chores, then walked an hour to school, rushing home at the end of the day to finish those chores before sundown. He had little time for his studies. Then he received a bicycle from Qhubeka, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved children in Africa. It gave him back more than an hour-and-a-half each day to focus on his schoolwork, helping him to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor with the hope of one day raising his family out of poverty.

I heard this story during a reception for Deloitte’s new global sponsorship of Team Dimension Data, Africa’s first professional World Tour cycling team and a partner with Qhubeka. It was a powerful story. I share it to amplify a crucial issue it brings to light: the importance of expanding opportunity. It’s a massive and complex challenge and I believe the business community can more actively be a part of the solution.

As a start, there must be more concerted and creative alliances among business, government, and nonprofits like Qhubeka/World Bicycle Relief Foundation. While financial contributions are important, skills-based volunteerism often provides value far beyond traditional giving or volunteering. For example, an important element of Deloitte’s sponsorship involves pro bono projects that help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Qhubeka.

However, the greatest potential for impact comes when organizations take a fresh look at their core business and commit to adopt practices that expand opportunity for segments of society that have been shut out of economic prosperity. That means creating programs focused on educating, hiring and supporting disadvantaged populations; paying a living wage; and providing critical health benefits. And, importantly, we cannot view these actions as some sort of favor or philanthropy. We must view them as central to the role of business in society, and instrumental in driving business’ future success.

By opening the doors of opportunity for more people, we strengthen our ability to address not only business challenges but the world’s challenges.

I admit my views on opportunity are informed by my own personal experience. I came to the U.S. from India on a scholarship that gave me the opportunity to attend school in America. Without this gift of education, I would not be where I am today.

In Thabo’s case, a bicycle helped to set the wheels of change in motion. Whether he will achieve his dream of becoming a doctor is still unknown. But, he has something now that he didn’t have before – hope. The business community has the ability to create more opportunities for individuals like Thabo by advancing its role from a supporter of causes to a provider of solutions.  

I’m interested to hear your thoughts. What do you believe should be the role of business in helping to expand opportunity? Please share your views.

Rube Singh

Higher education, India

1y

Great thought process and beautiful blend in your leadership style...inspiring

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A Small ray of hope results in impactful results on overall society and human kind !!!

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Great insight, very inspiring!

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Christian ILic

MBA/Strategy-Performance-Innovation-Market Research-Entrepreneurship

3y

Business world can be instrumental by providing intentional solutions to the underprivileged. So many opportunities can leverage from simple yet strong and creative ways to help. Thank you for sharing Thabo's story.

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Leda Dizon

SVP, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager

6y

Julie W. check this out! Cool, right?

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