14 April 2023

Media Advisory

  

Mokopane, Limpopo Province – The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta  Bogopane-Zulu in collaboration with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and PinkDive will be hosting a PinkDrive outreach in Mokopane under the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo Province on April 15, 2023.

 

The outreach seeks to raise awareness and  provide education and health-related services to community members, particularly on cancer and women's health issues. PinkDrive will be providing a basket of services on the day, including free education on women’s health, free pap smear, free clinical self-breast examinations,  free mammogram, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men over the age of 40.

 

Cancer is a major public health concern in South Africa, and it is the second leading cause of death after HIV/AIDS. Breast and cervical cancer are prevalent among women, with cervical cancer being the most common cancer among women in South Africa. The 2019 National Cancer Registry (NCR) which falls under the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), estimated that one in every 27 women are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. As alarming as this is, breast cancer treatment can be highly effective, achieving survival probability of 40% in South Africa, particularly when it is detected early.

 

The lack of awareness about cancer and women's health issues, coupled with inadequate access to healthcare, has resulted in many preventable deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about cancer and women's health to ensure that women have the information and resources they need to take control of their health and prevent cancer-related deaths.

 

The Department of Social Development (DSD) plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing essential services to community members. The department will offer substance abuse support through the Siyalulama Programme, which will provide on-the-spot admission for alcohol and drug rehabilitation. Other support measures in place are the registration and compliance of non-profit organisations (NPOs), including disability unit services. Additionally, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will be educating and registering illegible social grant beneficiaries including the education of the CSG top-up for orphans in the care of relatives. The National Development Agency will provide customer care services, information sharing on the establishment of cooperatives and NPO support.

 

Other government departments that will be present on the day include the departments Home Affairs, Health and  Employment and Labour.

 

The Department of Social Development is committed to reducing the burden of disease on families, empowering women and educating both male and female about breast cancer and other male related cancers, spreading the message that the early detection of cancer saves lives.

 

The media is invited to attend and cover the outreach campaign scheduled as follow:

 

Date: Saturday, 15 April 2023

Time: 08:00-14:00

Venue: Mahwelereng Stadium, Mokopane, Limpopo Province.

 

Media can RSVP by contacting Ms. Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms. Lumka Oliphant on 0834848067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.