Celebrating a decade of impact
The Eluthandweni Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon 2025 marked a significant milestone – 10 years of championing community health and cancer awareness together.
Hosted by Eluthandweni Maternity Services and proudly supported by AfroCentric Group since 2015, this year’s event was a powerful celebration of survivorship, early detection, and healthy living.
Held in the heart of Kathorus, the walkathon brought together over 1,000 participants, including more than 200 AfroCentric employees, to raise awareness around breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. The 8km walk kicked off at 8am, with the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department ensuring a safe and seamless route for all.
Throughout the day, attendees accessed free health screenings – from breast and prostate cancer checks to pap smears, HIV testing, and general wellness assessments like glucose, blood pressure, and BMI. The event also featured interactive educational quizzes, entertainment, and a medal ceremony for all finishers.
A highlight of the day was the presence of AfroCentric Group CEO Gerald Van Wyk and Chief People & Marketing Officer Lindiwe Miyambu, underscoring the Group’s deep commitment to community wellness.
The event was further elevated by Goitsemang Lekgetho, a medical student and award-winning content creator, who served as MC. His energy, knowledge, and crowd engagement brought the programme to life, blending education with entertainment.
A meaningful health impact
Out of 1000 attendees, a total of 1,258 screenings were conducted across multiple health areas. Breast cancer checks were the highest at 193 screenings, followed by blood pressure (347) and pap smears (217), indicating a strong uptake of preventive services. HIV testing reached 273 individuals, with one positive case identified for follow-up care. Prostate cancer screenings totalled 42, resulting in one referral, while breast cancer screenings led to three referrals, highlighting the importance of early detection.
These figures demonstrate that the event not only raised awareness but also provided actionable health interventions, reinforcing its role in improving community health outcomes.
Unwavering support
Key partners in the annual walkathon included Medscheme, Pink Drive, Hollywood Foundation, the Department of Health, the Community Policing Forum, and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, all of whom played vital roles in making the day a success.
In a touching moment, AfroCentric Group was honoured with an award from Eluthandweni Maternity Services, recognising a decade of unwavering support for the clinic’s health initiatives.
As we reflect on this milestone, we remain inspired by the resilience of survivors, the power of partnerships, and the importance of accessible healthcare. Here’s to another decade of walking together for change!
