In support of childhood cancer survivors and their families, sponsors and media gathered at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa’s Flip Flop Day launch on January 29.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is an internationally recognised non-profit organisation that supports children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Read more: Local NPO marks a year of powerful cancer advocacy in 2025

The NPO provides life-changing services, including emotional and practical support. With more than 1 500 children and teenagers in their care at any given time, CHOC’s mission is to ensure that no family walks this journey alone.

Flip Flop Day is an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Tshimangadzo Phidza, a mother to a cancer survivor, Wanga Khomola, detailed her journey leading up to when she was introduced to CHOC.

“My daughter often visits me in Johannesburg, and it was no different last year in June, until I noticed that she lost weight and that the right side of her face was swollen with a lump.

I then decided to take her to a hospital where they performed a biopsy at RahIma Moosa, and then we were referred to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in July, where she was diagnosed with stage 4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).”

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa, NPC is a rare type of head and neck cancer. The most common sign of nasopharyngeal cancer is a lump in the neck, caused by the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.

Other symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer may include nasal congestion, pain or ringing in the ears, persistent sore throat, or frequent nose bleeds.

Phidza added that her daughter’s treatment included chemo and radiation therapy.

“The journey wasn’t easy, especially because I am unemployed and the hospital visits required transport, which I couldn’t afford. This is when I was introduced to CHOC, where I was offered a place to stay for 35 days and where transport was freely provided to the hospital.”

She noted that CHOC was her haven and an answered prayer during a difficult time in not only her life, but her family’s life.

Also read: Cervical cancer is preventable with early steps

Taryn Seegers, CHOC communications coordinator, said that every flip-flop worn and every sticker purchased on February 20 represented a child or a teenager who had been diagnosed with cancer.

“It represents a family that has to be strong, and represents moments that are not seen. The theme also speaks to shared ownership. Flip Flop day is not only for CHOC, but it is for our partners, staff, volunteers and the rest of South Africans who have chosen to take part.”

She added that the initiative gives CHOC’s partners a chance to share their ‘why’ and gives other people ownership of making a difference with only R10.

Stickers are available at Tekkie Town, CHOC regional offices, or online at www.choc.org.za.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, CEO Hedley Lewis concluded, “Flip Flop day is about making sure that no matter where you are in the country, you have an opportunity to participate.”

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