CEO retreat raises awareness for prostate cancer
Cancer awareness paired with motivation and business insight were at the forefront of the recent CEO retreat held at the magnificent Mdluli Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Business people could revel in the tranquillity the luxury lodge offers, while also contributing to a worthy cause.
The main goal of the event, held by the Pinky Phosa Solutions Foundation in aid of CANSA, was to raise awareness for, specifically, prostate cancer. Phosa is the patron for CANSA in Mpumalanga.
Because men are often wary of going for check-ups relating to prostate cancer, the organisation has now started reaching out to businesses to offer employee wellness days.
Good news for men is that testing done on such a day only involves a finger prick test that reveals one’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.
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This does not confirm whether someone has cancer or not, but depending on the result, they can be referred for further testing in the case where the PSA level is abnormal.
Funds raised during the retreat by way of an auction as well as donations reached a staggering R108 000, of which a large portion will go towards PSA screenings in rural areas.
Prior to the auction, George Herman, chief investment officer of Citadel Investment Services, offered valuable insights into the business sector. His talk revolved around the repercussions of Covid-19 on the economy, the “new normal” it brought with it and the strategies needed to tackle 2021.
The following morning, former Springbok captain, Jean de Villiers, also head of philanthropy at Citadel Investment Services, balanced Herman’s economic talk out with a bit of motivation, leaving attendees in a spirit to tackle what lies ahead for the remainder of 2020, as well as 2021.
He reminded everyone of the responsibility we have as South Africans, whether it be as the head of a company or as an individual, to make a difference and to simply do better.
Sam Chigumbura, unit manager of CANSA Mpumalanga, said the event was incredible. “After the year we’ve had, many corporates are not in the position to be giving, so we need to get a platform like this to really talk to the people who are making decisions.
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“It opens up opportunities for the organisation. All these people care passionately about their province, of which I am a patron. I think great relationships are going to come from this and we are going to get some money and put it back into the community like we intend to.”
The organiser on behalf of the Pinky Phosa Solutions Foundation, Sandra Jacobs, thanked sponsors Citadel Investment Services, Mdluli Safari Lodge, Vriesenhof and all other donors for their contributions to a successful event.
She also mentioned a special thank you to Linda Pieters and Marita Kroon, who were her left and right hands while organising the event. 
