CANSA welcomes donation of extra space
The Sibaya Community Trust came through for CANSA by donating six beds and designing a new look at its Umbilo facility.
FOR decades the CANSA Durban Care Centre in Umbilo had only 28 beds. With the limited resources, the facility managed to make it a home away from home for cancer patients.
A Good Samaritan in Sibaya Community Trust (SCT) answered their call for additional beds, and renovated rooms and staff quarters.
The foundation recently donated six additional beds and designed a new look, fit for renewed strength and healing. It was a much-welcomed contribution, as the reality of fast-escalating cancer infections stares in the face.
“Given the increase in need for care, this addition is amazing. It provides breathing room to start treatment sooner. This will make a huge difference in the journey of treatment,” said Lisa Strydom, CANSA National Manager: Care and Support.
Cancer patient Zimaza Myeki, originally from the Eastern Cape, concurred. Having been diagnosed in 2024, she experienced hardships during her initial treatment due to a lack of support and facilities like CANSA. “I have been here for six weeks, and I feel so fortunate to receive this kind of care.”
Founder and chairperson of SCT, Vivian Reddy, shared, “Cancer touches all of us. Today is more than just infrastructure; it is about dignity and hope. Shared commitment and compassion bring us together to ensure that those in recovery need not worry about a place to stay.”
He admitted that six beds may seem modest, but “behind every bed, there is a person, there is family. And for years to come, countless families will be served”.
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mapaseka Letsike, reckoned that treatment remained a burden for those already living in poverty.
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“This donation is a display of evolution. It tells a story of what happens when resources meet real human need. This is a reminder that none of us have to face this journey alone. We must put in more resources to ensure that CANSA grows in its efforts,” Letsike said.
CANSA National Manager: Health Programmes, Lorraine Govender, expressed her appreciation and extended gratitude to Sibaya Community Trust for believing in the work and supporting their proposal at a time when additional resources were needed.
“We are equally grateful to Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, the Rotary Club of Durban Morningside, Dr Nadine Rapiti and her team at Victoria Mxenge Hospital, CANSA staff, and donors,” Govender said.
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