Cancer awareness campaign Cancervive is back in the Place of the Rising Sun with its weeklong flagship drive in the Lowveld from October 4 to 10, spreading knowledge and entertainment across Kaapsehoop, Mbombela, White River, Barberton and Sabie.

The NPO’s key objectives are to educate and create awareness, fostering an understanding and recognition of cancer as a disease in an impactful and unique way. Its uniqueness shines through in all its events, from djembe and marimba performances to an all-female motorbike convoy. Communities get to have fun and learn simultaneously.

ALSO READ: The Mathews Phosa Half-Marathon is much more than just a race

Digital support and sponsorship

Cancervive is also bringing along its mascot, Thuto, its multilingual WhatsApp bot that ensures individuals have equitable and easy access to information, education and support services. The bot serves as a central hub for individuals to find relevant information.

Cancervive gives thanks to its sponsors: Suzuki for all its vehicular needs; Astral Cares and Goldi Chicken as ride partners and major supporters; Netcare 911 for safety support; Absa Vehicle Finance, Sani Sixt as vehicle rental partner, Calitz Real Estate, AgriStar Macadamias, York Timbers, SPAR and lastly, Southern Sun for providing accommodation in Mbombela.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the initiative can contact Cancervive at 064 850 3936 or admin@cancervive.co.za.

ALSO READ: King Thulare III Charity Golf played for a worthy cause

Drive itinerary

• October 4: The motorbikes arrive in Kaapsehoop after a send-off in Kievits Kroon. A meet-and-greet with the Cancervive team and EduShow Unplugged will take place at Silvermist Venue in Kaapsehoop. Times are 15:30 for 16:00.

• October 5: The morning kicks off at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela at 10:00 for human-interest storytelling and Cancervive’s caring programme, where care packs are handed out and the team interacts with children and families. The adult EduShow commences at 12:30 for 13:00, featuring survivor stories, cancer awareness, education and impact footage. Lastly, at 15:00, the SPAR CSI partnership and Cancervive water campaign take place.

• October 6: The team is travelling to Barberton, where they will start their day with a visit to Barberton High School at 08:00 for their major learner EduShow, youth cancer awareness messaging and survivor interaction. They will continue spreading their message at Barberton Secondary School from 12:00.

• October 7: Cancervive is in the White River area, where they will visit AgriStar Macadamia ACP Plant from 08:00 to 12:00 and 15:30 to 16:30 for their AgriStar Macadamias partnership. They will focus on workplace cancer education, staff engagement and sponsor interviews, and raise awareness in agricultural and rural communities. During the day, the team will visit Rob Ferreira High School at 12:00 for another learner EduShow.

• October 8: The focus is on engaging with South African youth, with a visit to Lowveld High School at 08:00 and Khanyisani Secondary School at 12:00 for another learner EduShow, allowing survivors to tell their stories.

• October 9: The team is moving to York Timbers in Sabie from 10:00 to 14:00 for a session on healthcare-worker education and a staff EduShow.

• October 10: The Cancervive team will return to Gauteng.