Alexandra residents united to confront cancer through vigorous physical exercise on October 24 at KwaDlozi Car Wash, proving that awareness campaigns do not always require audiences to sit and listen.

Most attendees agreed the initiative killed two birds with one stone, as it rallied the community behind a worthy cause and gave residents a rare opportunity to start their Saturday morning with vigorous aerobics.

Read more: Sbosh brings women together through aerobics at KwaDlozi’s carwash

Sbongile Tshabalala, founder of Sbosh Body Core, who has led similar initiatives before, said this one sought specifically to educate people about cancer, including the lifestyle and diet people living with the disease should follow.

Even more importantly, she emphasised, the event aimed to encourage participants to test for cancer regularly. While the women wore pink gym wear in support of those affected by breast cancer, Tshabalala used the occasion to stress that men, too, need regular screening.

For some participants, the cause struck a deeper chord. Lerato Boshomane said that, having lost a loved one to breast cancer, she could not let the invitation slip through her fingers.

Though the cause drew her in, it was the aerobics that kept her moving during the exercises. “It was my first time doing aerobics, and I really enjoyed it,” Boshomane said.

Also read: Alexandra wellness movement brings movement and mental health to Kwabhekilanga Sports Ground

She is among a group of attendees who said they enjoyed the exercises. This was exactly what Tshabalala wanted people to do: find joy in movement while supporting a just cause. She emphasised that people must stay active to avoid falling ill. “It is better to live a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Sibusiso Radebe, owner of KwaDlozi Car Wash, said supporting the cause matters because cancer affects everyone, both those living with it and their families. “People need to educate themselves about this. It doesn’t only affect women, but men also get affected,” he said, adding that this is why he consistently makes his venue available.

Zanele Radebe, his sister, said this is the kind of support that is imperative for the growth of the Sbosh Body Core initiative, which she believes has the potential to reach beyond Alexandra.

As one of the organisers, Radebe explained that hosting such events remains a significant challenge, mainly because organisers must constantly seek support. She called on organisations to show willingness to back the initiative.

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