"Why should we build cycling lanes? For what?"This salvo was launched by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema in June, at what should have been an audience deeply unsympathetic to that particular sentiment.Malema was, after all, addressing the Daily Maverick's "Gathering" event in Midrand last week — a sold-out audience consisting largely of white middle-class South Africans, some of whom, you’d imagine, were cyclists themselves, squirming silently.Characteristically, this didn’t deter Malema. "Why do people demand cycling lanes when there is no cycling culture in SA? You must be ashamed that you want bicycling lanes when there are people who [are] without flushing toilets!" he admonished his listeners.That money could be used to provide people in Alexandra with water, electricity and flushing toilets — if municipalities had their priorities right."Hey Sandton: no more bicycle lanes," Malema thundered.It may seem like a small issue, but cycling lanes — which have been dema...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.