8.2.10 Number of Rural Schools Receiving Bicycles for Learners The Department had undertaken to distribute 5 000 bicycles to learners in rural schools. However, at the time of tabling its Annual Report, the Department reported that only 900 bicycles had been distributed. It argued that this stemmed from the fact that the budget had not been approved for the period under review. It further stated that, in effect, these bicycles had been meant for COP 17 and were only issued after the completion of the event.