The Big C, as cancer is sometimes referred to, is survivable, and knowledge about it plays a vital role in overcoming it.
"Especially in rural and poorer areas of the country, there is a serious need to create awareness and educate people about cancer," says Dirk le Grange (Head Market Development: Rest of Africa, Vehicle and Asset Finance of Absa).
Dirk, himself a cancer survivor, says his and Absa's involvement is through the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) called Cancervive, a survivor-driven organisation focused on cancer awareness and education.
Cancervive was established in 2011 by the well-known television personality Janie du Plessis. Janie and fellow women survivors took to their motorcycles to tour the country, educating people and spreading awareness about cancer.
Over the past 14 years, the organisation has effectively engaged, entertained and educated over 612 319 South Africans in seven different languages.
Dirk says Absa became involved in 2019, and four staff members of the bank are active in Cancervive, providing education on early detection and promoting self-awareness at all their different call centres across the country.
Cancervive has an annual "Flagship Motorcycle Ride" to the most remote areas of South Africa to provide this education. A group of cancer survivors and their supporters conduct awareness shows during the year, and all participants must raise funds to make the ride possible.
"Our mission is to address the urgent need for cancer education in South African communities, with a particular emphasis on schools, mines, factories and remote rural areas where access to critical information is often limited," Dirk tells Dealerfloor.
"This year, the Cancervive Flagship Ride, which was held in October, took us to different towns and villages across KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga where the need for more information and education about cancer is great.
"Cancervive is more than just a ride; it's a celebration of life, resilience and the power of shared stories. The mission is to connect, educate and inspire communities across the country, and we inspire hope, spread awareness and empower those who need it most," he says.
Dirk says Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance has been part of Cancervive since 2019 as one of the sponsors, and that this is part of Absa's Force for Good, their community involvement.
He says other parties involved include Suzuki Auto SA (both the motorcycle and passenger car divisions), , Sani Rentals and various other businesses and institutions.
Dirk invited dealerships to become involved with Cancervive and says donations and sponsorships are important. "A SARS document will be issued that can be used for tax purposes.
Dealerships can also invite Cancervive to visit them to conduct education and awareness campaigns, for instance during October for Breast Cancer or the Movember activities that focus on men's health during November."
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