Village Hero Bikes 40km to Deliver Meds Everyday
Every morning, Siphelo Lose, an unemployed 43-year-old from Komani, Eastern Cape, rises early to help those who can’t help themselves. Village Hero Bikes 40km to Deliver Meds Everyday
Known as the community’s “doctor,” Siphelo collects chronic medication from local clinics for patients unable to make the trip themselves.
His house in Ezibeleni is the first stop for many Enkululekweni residents before they consider calling an ambulance or visiting a doctor.
Initially, Siphelo used an old bicycle to make his rounds, but a Cape Town resident, impressed by his efforts, donated an electric bicycle to support his work.
Siphelo’s daily mission is clear: he gathers clinic cards from patients, collects their meds, and delivers them—completely free.
Most of the people he helps are farmworkers living up to 40km from the nearest clinic, many of whom are unable to leave their jobs or homes to access the care they need. Some are wheelchair-bound; others can’t afford the long journey. “Some patients risk losing their jobs if they leave for the clinic,” Siphelo said. Without mobile clinics visiting the farms, they’re left with few options.
Siphelo’s dedication began when he worked at Philani Clinic, where he delivered medication to those who missed their pick-up. Now, he continues that mission, running a nonprofit that delivers meds and runs a soup kitchen to ensure patients can take their pills with a meal. “It’s painful to see people default on their meds or die because they don’t have food,” Siphelo said.
Despite the challenges—dodging dogs and criminals trying to steal his delivery bag—Siphelo remains determined.
“Money doesn’t matter to me. What matters is making sure people get their medication,” he said. His goal is to expand his impact with a container for the soup kitchen.
For now, Siphelo’s electric bicycle and his heart of gold are delivering life-saving meds and hope to Komani.
Village Hero Bikes 40km to Deliver Meds Everyday
