United in fight against cancer

The community of Modimolle converged on the local Peter Nchabeleng Community Hall to recommit themselves to the continuing battle against cancer.

The event was hosted by the Community Works Programme (CWP) in collaboration with the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Otsile DIPG Cancer Foundation, the Community
Development Workers (CDW) and Joubert Park Youth Outreach Project.

CWP site manager, Mmoni Mathabatha, said the purpose of the event was to raise awareness about cancer, and also to encourage those who are affected to speak out.

“The battle against cancer is a difficult journey, and we wanted to remind locals to reach out for help, instead of suffering in silence,” she said.

Mathabatha also said they wanted to encourage people who are living with cancer not to be ashamed to share and communicate with their superiors at work.

She said this will enable management to provide the necessary support.

Reproductive health nurse, Nnini Teffu, said in order for the community to win the battle against cancer, they have to do their bit in supporting those who are diagnosed with this disease.

Teffu pleaded with members of the community with experience to work hand-in-glove with the organisations that are fighting cancer.

“Among you there are those who fought the battle against cancer, and eventually came out victorious. My plea to you is that you should get involved within your communities and contribute towards this ongoing battle,” she said.

Among the speakers of the day were cancer survivor, Ellen Phala, who took the attendants through her personal journey on how she was diagnosed and how she survived.

Another guest speaker was Brenda Matsatsi Chokolo, who lost her son to DIPG Cancer, which is a childhood cancerous tumour.

This prompted Chokolo to institute Otsile DIPG Cancer Foundation, in honour of her late son and to also help others.

— The BEAT