South Africa’s truckers are renowned for lending a helping hand and for enthusiastically investing in social upliftment initiatives, conscious of the importance local communities play in their operational success. In similar spirit, Bakwena, concessionaire of the N1N4 toll road, brought much needed gender-related cancer screening, awareness and education to North West communities during Women’s Month.
The campaign, now in its eleventh year, was carried out from12 to16 August 2024 and included two phases focused on the North West areas of Radikhudu, Dinokana, and Lehurutshe.
The first phase involved visits to local secondary schools where both male and female learners were educated on breast, prostate and testicular cancer, with emphasis on the importance of early detection through self-examination.
The second phase partnered with local health clinics to extend these services to the surrounding communities. Bakwena also provided transport to help community members access the clinics.
The outreach programme was held at several medical facilities, including Gopane Clinic, Dinokana Community Health Centre and Lehurutshe Clinic. Seven secondary schools participated: Ntlatsang, Jangjo, Ramatu, Ramotshere, Ntebogang, NR Mandela and Ngotwane secondary schools.
Generating awareness for longer, healthier life
The campaign successfully reached a total of 2 292 males and 2 500 females, and 76 prostate-specific antigen tests were conducted. Nine individuals were referred for follow-up care, underscoring the importance of early detection and timely intervention.
Founded in 2009 by Noelene Kotschan, PinkDrive NPC is a health sector NGO based on the premise that “Early detection will help prolong a life”. PinkDrive’s cardinal purpose is to contribute meaningfully towards preventing cancer in as many people as it can, including breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer, especially among those without access to adequate care in areas underserved by health services.
By promoting health awareness and education, PinkDrive works to increase awareness of gender-related cancers in South Africa.
Solomon Kganyago, chief operating officer of Bakwena N1N4 toll road concession states: “Bakwena’s corporate social investment policy focuses on four pillars: road safety, health, environment & heritage and socio-economic development. Our programmes have had a meaningful impact on many aspects of the lives of people in communities around the routes that they operate. This partnership to promote cancer awareness highlights Bakwena’s dedication to improving the lives of communities along the N1N4 route
“Building relationships and partnership with the relevant stakeholders and government departments enables them to contribute to uplifting health and education systems. Bakwena is proud to support initiatives like this, which empowers women, children and men with the information and support needed to manage their health effectively.”
FleetWatch applauds Bakwena and its partners for their generous work in bringing much-needed cancer education to the residents of North West, who without doubt sincerely value the care and compassion the August initiative expressed.
