Shavathon after over R7 000 were raised

Early March is the time for shavathons to raise cancer awareness countrywide.

Krugersdorp High School (KHS) started early when eight staff members, including principal Ivan Bailey, shaved off all their hair after raising more than R7 000 the week before.

“Bailey! Bailey! Bailey!” cheered the school on Monday morning 23 February as their principal took to the stage to have all of his hair shaved off by the school’s head girl Khanyisile Malongete.

KHS pupils wore their Proteas shirts the previous Friday after donating to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa). The goal was to reach R5 000 so that a few teachers would have their heads shaved.

“But when we raised over R7 000 the principal agreed to take part as well,” said Lauren Jooste-Coetsee, marketing manager and former KHS pupil.

The mood suddenly turned sombre when the the principal told the pupils, “My father died of cancer. It is a very emotional subject for me. My eldest sister got cancer in her early 20s. Even today, the operation that saved her life left her with a scar from her ear down her neck to her collarbone. The reality is – cancer effects the whole family,” he said.

When Ivan asked pupils to indicate by a show of hands who had a family member who suffered from some form of cancer, more than half the pupils – and teachers – put up their hands.

Then the curtains were drawn away to show the teachers in their seats, ready for the shavathon. The pupils were somewhat disappointed that none of the female teachers participated, but that did not spoil the fun. The results inspired many and gave the pupils the opportunity to share their experiences and support one another in true school spirit.

“We should talk more about cancer and how we can help one another,” Ivan added.

The news wishes any resident of Krugersdorp who is battling with cancer a successful journey towards recovery.