Cancervive motorcycle fleet educates Lowveld communities on cancer
A multilingual WhatsApp chatbot named Thuto connects rural learners and farm workers directly to early detection resources.
The Cancervive all-women motorcycle fleet travelled from Gauteng to Mpumalanga from October 3 to 10 for a week-long flagship ride through the towns and farmlands of the Lowveld.
The non-profit organisation visited schools, hospitals, and farms to help break myths and stigmas, and educate communities about cancer. Its mission is to start conversations about a disease that is prevalent in many South African communities and to give people the tools for early detection to help save lives.
Stops included Rob Ferreira High School, Lowveld Secondary School, Agristar Macadamia Farm, York Timbers, and the Rob Ferreira Hospital Oncology Ward. Cancervive was backed by sponsors such as Suzuki South Africa, Astral, Goldi Chicken, and Netcare 911, who made the mission possible.
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Campaign reaches more than 6 000 learners and workers
The team spent six days in the Lowveld, travelling between Mbombela, White River, and Sabie, and engaged with more than 6 000 school learners and workers, not only providing education, but also leaving them with a tool that is easily accessible to almost everyone.
At every education session, the crowd was introduced to Thuto, the Cancervive WhatsApp chatbot, which anyone can message to learn about cancer and get in touch with representatives for support if needed. Thuto speaks six South African languages and is constantly being updated. To access Thuto, send “Hi” to 010 442 5324 to start chatting or visit the Cancervive website.
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Journey of Hope spans 15 years
The flagship ride started 15 years ago when a group of breast cancer survivors travelled the country on their motorcycles, creating the Journey of Hope. Today it has grown into an independent organisation with education shows and fundraisers happening throughout the year.
The Cancervive mission is an ongoing one, driven by inspiration from survivors and supporters from all over the country, whose lives are touched and whose stories provide hope to so many others.
