At CIOVITA, we believe that sustainability is about more than just protecting the environment—it’s about uplifting and supporting the people who make our business and community thrive. Our ECHO initiative is more than just a commitment to the environment; it's also a pledge to social responsibility. We strive to create positive change by fostering a culture of care, equality, and empowerment in everything we do. From supporting our employees to giving back to local communities and empowering women, the “People” aspect of our ECHO initiative is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives we touch.
Charity Involvement: Supporting equality, health and wellness
CIOVITA’s social responsibility efforts are rooted in partnerships that drive meaningful change. Through collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, CIOVITA supports equality, justice, and community upliftment, contributing to a lasting legacy of positive impact. We also champion health and wellness by partnerships with Marang House, CANSA, and IloveBoobies, providing critical support for children with chronic illnesses and promoting cancer prevention and awareness. In the cycling community, CIOVITA’'s involvement with Tokai MTB and MTO Jonkershoek creates awareness for environmental sustainability, trail maintenance, and community engagement in outdoor sports.
Youth Upliftment
Giving back to the community is a vital part of our ECHO initiative. We are committed to ensuring that cycling becomes more accessible to everyone, especially South African youth at risk. Through our support and partnership with initiatives such as Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy and DSV Shift Cycling Academy and the Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series, we've been able to assist them in continuing their life changing work of introducing the beauty of sport, equipping youngsters with critical life skills and teaching the importance of a balanced lifestyle where sport and academic performance go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s supplying jerseys, bibs, or other cycling equipment, we aim to remove barriers and make the sport more inclusive. By supporting cyclists at a grassroots level, we've assisted individuals to experience the joy of riding but also, importantly, stimulate the growth of cycling communities across South Africa and beyond.
#SHEOVITA Initiative: Encouraging More Women to Ride
Gender equality and empowerment are central to our people-focused sustainability efforts. One of our proudest initiatives is #SHEOVITA, a campaign designed to encourage more women to embrace cycling. Historically, cycling has been a male-dominated sport, but we are working to change that by creating a supportive and empowering space for women. #SHEOVITA features inspiring stories from female cyclists who share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, motivating other women to get involved in the sport. By elevating these voices and encouraging women to take to the road, we aim to grow the presence of female cyclists and promote gender equality in the industry.
Empowering Women
At CIOVITA, our commitment to gender equality extends beyond the cycling community and into our workplace. We are proud to have a workforce that is 70% female, a reflection of our dedication to empowering women and creating opportunities for them to succeed. From our production team to our leadership, women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of CIOVITA. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce leads to innovation and strengthens our company culture. Our commitment to gender equality isn’t just about numbers—it’s about fostering an environment where women feel valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential.
Creating Positive Change for Communities
The heart of our ECHO initiative is the belief that sustainability should benefit people as much as it does the planet. Whether it’s through supporting local charities, empowering women, or ensuring the well-being of our staff, every action we take is designed to create positive change. Sustainability for us is not a box to tick but a commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those we touch, both within and beyond the cycling world.
The Road Ahead
At CIOVITA, we recognize that our efforts to create positive change in communities are part of a larger, ongoing journey. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that our business practices uplift those who work with us and those we serve. The “People” section of our ECHO initiative is a reflection of our dedication to building a better, more equitable future—one that benefits everyone involved.
Together, we can ride toward a world where sustainability is about more than the environment. It’s about making a lasting impact on the people and communities that make up our global family.
