Foundation raises R10 000 for Cansa

“Continued support enables Cansa to support those fighting the bravest fight of their lives.”

March 3, 2026

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Woman wearing black with pink hair flexes her arm along with a man wearing a purple shirt and blue hair — The face of a warrior. Jolene Freeman, two times cancer survivor, flexes a muscle with The Humanity Foundation’s Pierre Marneweck. Photo: Jani de Beer

Clippers were oiled, and cans rattled as The Humanity Foundation (HF) snipped, shaved and sprayed their way to R10 000, in aid of the Cancer Association of SA (Cansa).

End of the month shopping became a colourful affair as members of the community and shoppers lined up to take their seats in support of the organisation’s third annual Cansa Shavathon, at the Farrarmere Shopping Centre on February 28.

Woman makes a fun pose with green and orange hair — Looking fabulous in orange and green is Bronwyn Pollock, of Farrarmere. Photo: Jani de Beer

“Not a day goes by that we are not confronted by the impact of cancer,” said HF’s Pierre Marneweck.

“There isn’t a single family, friendship group, work space or club not affected. It is, therefore, our greatest pleasure to not only support the Shavathon but also play our part in creating awareness, supporting those who are fighting a brave fight, celebrating those who have overcome and paying our respects to those who lost the battle.

Three people, two woman and man with brightly coloured hair — Ewen and Leigh-Anne Sim, along with Ada Nicholls, made a colourful statement in honour of loved ones. Photo: Jani de Beer

“This is about more than just hosting an event and raising money; it is about showing our heart.”

Taking his seat, Stuart Ward-Pool’s eyes well up as Friend of Humanity member Kirstern Bayley gathered his mane into a single ponytail.

Grey haired man holds a ponytail of hair while a woman holding a child looks over his shoulder. — Five years of growth snipped off in minutes as Stuart Ward-Pool celebrates his sister Nikki Shamrock’s brave fight against cancer. Photo: Jani de Beer

“I have been growing my hair for the past five years. My sister, Nikki Shamrock, fought and overcame cancer. In honour of her bravery, I want to donate my hair to Cansa to create a wig and restore the dignity of others,” he said, anticipating the snip of the scissors.

As the owner of H2O Sensation at the Summerfields Shopping Centre, Atlasville, Ward-Pool is further committed to donating a portion of every sale until March 8 to Cansa.

Woman and man with brightly coloured hair stand back-to-back in a fun pose — Daring to stand out are Elaine and Ken Smith, of Benoni. Photo: Jani de Beer

Donning a head of bright pink hair, Jolene Freeman of Atlasville said she is a firm supporter of the Shavathon and uses the opportunity to celebrate life.

“I have beaten cancer twice! It was not through my own will but by the grace of God, specialist care and unwavering support from my friends and family,” she said, raising her arm and flexing her muscle.

Blonde girl with multi-coloured hair — Remembering her grandmother, Amy Fort of Springs proudly donned a head of rainbow colours. Photo: Jani de Beer

“Battling cancer is not easy, and often giving up seems easier, but once you mute the voice of doubt, accepting God’s embrace, that’s when miracles happen.”

Watching hair fly and take on translucent hues, Friend of Humanity member Collen Bayley fights back the tears.

Two woman look solemn while embracing each other. — Family support is invaluable in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Seen here is HF’s Tania Marneweck and Friend of Humanity member, Colleen Bayley. Photo: Jani de Beer

“My husband was diagnosed with stage four cancer at the end of last year. The diagnosis came as a shock,” she said.

“While in the throes of a cancer battle, one can easily feel disconnected from the world, becoming isolated in one’s own thoughts.

Short woman and tall man with colourful hair — Short and tall with colours galore, Dorathy and Maans Booysen, of Bonaero Park, joined in the festivities. Photo: Jani de Beer

“It is on days like this that you realise that you are not alone and a single act of support feels like a community rooting for you and your loved ones.”

HF is a support organisation servicing Boksburg and Benoni.

Little girl wearing a pink outfit waves and smiles. — Young Girl Guide Hannah Meston (5) proved that a little support can go a long way in brightening up someone’s day. Photo: Jani de Beer

Their aim is to provide sustainable community service solutions achieved by Friendly Hearts at Work, by supporting specialist NPOs, so that they can focus on what they do best.

For more information or to become a Friend of Humanity, contact Marneweck on 082 924 6739 or email pierremarneweck@gmail.com