Company Announcement - Breast cancer awareness month ended on a high in Mahikeng, North West Province. The Tobeka Madiba Zuma Foundation, in partnership with the North West Office of the Premier, hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Concert at Mmabatho Staduim, Mahikeng. A line-up of incredible artists, including Thembisile Ntaka, Ntando, Solly Mahlangu and Ladysmith Black Mambazo kept the crowd electrified from early morning until late in the afternoon. Many of the artists spoke about their personal experiences, including losing loved ones to cancer and the impact that it had on their lives. “I lost my mother to cancer when I was only seven,” said Thembisile Ntaka. “I understand well the pain that comes with losing a loved one to this disease.”

Three cancer survivors also spoke about being diagnosed with the disease and the enormous obstacles they overcame to beat it. “Early detection is the best weapon we have in our arsenal,” said Martina Motaung, a cervical cancer survivor and TMZ Foundation Ambassador. “Please check yourself and if you have any doubts, visit the clinic or your doctor,” she added.

Breast, Cervical and Prostate Cancer are the leading cancers in South Africa and October is dedicated to raising awareness, especially among women, of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Data shows that as many as one in eight women in South Africa will be affected by breast cancer in her life.

A similar concert was held in Mthatha earlier in October before it moved to Mahikeng to end off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These areas were targeted because of the high prevalence of breast and related cancers that they have. Supra Mahumapelo, Premier of the North West Province, came out in support of the concert. “We must show leadership,” he said, “and support women to overcome this disease. As men, prostate cancer is a threat. Even I am going to get checked today and I encourage others to do so as well. It is really important to have a healthy lifestyle ‒ eat right, exercise and stop smoking and drinking.”

The concert aimed to raise awareness on breast health, detection and treatment. It is hoped that the concert will encourage and support the work of local organisations that work towards eradicating the fatal effects of breast cancer.

“Although Breast Cancer Awareness month has come to an end, the work continues”, said Tobeka Zuma, First Lady of South Africa. “We cannot rest until we have eradicated breast cancer and other cancers, including cervical and prostate cancer. My heartfelt wish for the people of this beautiful country is for us to take our health seriously.”