1. What inspired you to establish SAUAC, and what is its mission?
Cancer has affected my family across generations. My grandmother had cervical cancer, my sister had breast cancer, and in 2018, I lost my aunt to cancer. My aunt’s passing was especially difficult because we had a very deep conversation in her final days. I remember the doctors saying they didn’t think she would make it for another month.
When I went to see her, she looked at me and said, “I’m leaving.” That’s one of the hardest things you can hear from someone you love. I told her not to give up, but she said, “No, I’m tired.” What touched me most was what she said next. She said, “Tshepang, you guys are educated; you need to do something about this.” She told me that where she comes from in Limpopo, people often didn’t understand cancer.
For a long time, even in our communities, misconceptions spread, and people looked for other explanations instead of understanding the disease itself. She said, “Today we know better. Your generation needs to do something about it. If I had a chance, I would do awareness.” I remember telling her, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. We’re going to start an NGO, we’re going to create awareness and educate people.”
But it was already too late. The doctors had said she had about a month, but three days after I got home, I received a call that she was no more. That conversation never left me. It became the reason SAUAC was established. Our mission is to raise awareness, educate communities, encourage early detection, and ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Everything we do is driven by the belief that awareness can save lives and that together we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.
2. What was the impact of the recent Wellness Walk?
The recent SAUAC Wellness Walk was about more than bringing people together for a day; it was about turning awareness into action. The event created a platform for survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and community members to come together in support of a common cause. More importantly, participants had access to health information, health screenings, and healthcare professionals who were available to provide guidance and answer questions.
These opportunities allowed attendees to go beyond simply hearing about the importance of early detection and actually take steps towards prioritising their health. One of the biggest challenges in cancer awareness is encouraging people to move from awareness to action. Through the Wellness Walk, people were empowered to engage with health services, learn more about their wellbeing and better understand the importance of regular screening and early detection.
For us, the impact was not only reflected in the number of people who attended but in the conversations that took place, the screenings that were conducted, and the individuals who left feeling informed, empowered, and motivated to take charge of their health. That is what success looks like because awareness should always lead to action.
3. Why must cancer awareness continue beyond October?
Cancer does not only affect people in October, and awareness should not be limited to one month on the calendar. Every day, someone receives a diagnosis. Every day, families and loved ones support people through treatment and recovery. While October is an important opportunity to raise awareness, the reality is that cancer impacts lives throughout the year.
This is why education, awareness, and early detection conversations must continue long after October has ended. We need to keep encouraging people to know their bodies, understand their risk factors, attend screenings, and seek medical advice when something does not feel right. At SAUAC, we believe awareness is not a seasonal campaign. It is an ongoing commitment to educating communities, empowering people with information, and ultimately saving lives.
4. Why is early detection so important?
Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer. When cancer is detected early, treatment can often begin sooner, and outcomes are generally better. Early detection gives people more options and a better chance of successful treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, many people delay seeking help because of fear, stigma, or a lack of information.
That is why we continuously encourage people to pay attention to their bodies, attend recommended screenings, and seek medical advice when they notice changes. Early action can make a life-changing difference.
5. How can we break the stigma and fear surrounding cancer?
We break stigma by creating opportunities for open and honest conversations about cancer. For many years, cancer was something that people were afraid to talk about. In some communities, misconceptions still exist, which can prevent people from seeking help or sharing their experiences. Education plays a critical role in changing this.
When people have access to accurate information and hear real stories from survivors and families affected by cancer, fear is replaced with understanding. The more we normalise these conversations, the more we encourage people to seek support, get screened, and take action when necessary.
6. What message would you share with someone newly diagnosed with cancer?
I would want them to know that they are not alone. A diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening, but there are people ready to support you every step of the way. It is important to take things one day at a time, ask questions, trust your healthcare team, and lean on the support of your family, friends, and community. Most importantly, do not lose hope. Many people have faced cancer with courage and resilience, and there is always support available to help you navigate the journey ahead.
7. How can survivors’ stories inspire others facing cancer?
Survivors’ stories are powerful because they give people hope. When someone shares their experience, they remind others that a diagnosis is not necessarily the end of their story. Their journey can inspire people to seek help early, stay positive during treatment, and continue believing in the possibility of a better outcome. These stories also help break stigma and create awareness because they show the human side of cancer. They remind us that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a story of resilience.
8. How important is family and community support during the cancer journey?
Family and community support are incredibly important because cancer affects more than the person who receives the diagnosis. The journey can be emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging, and having a strong support system can make a tremendous difference. Support can come in many forms, whether it is offering encouragement, helping with practical needs, or simply being present during difficult moments. Knowing that you are surrounded by people who care can provide comfort, strength, and hope throughout the cancer journey.
9. What are the biggest challenges facing cancer awareness in South Africa?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that accurate information reaches every community. There are still many people who do not have access to enough information about cancer, early detection, and the importance of screening.
Misinformation, fear, and stigma also continue to prevent some individuals from seeking help as early as they should. Another challenge is encouraging people to move from awareness to action. Awareness is important, but it must be accompanied by action such as attending screenings, seeking medical advice, and prioritising one’s health. Bridging that gap remains a critical part of our work.
10. How does SAUAC continue to educate and empower communities?
SAUAC continues to educate and empower communities through awareness campaigns, community outreach initiatives, partnerships, wellness events, and ongoing engagement with the public. Our focus is on making information accessible and encouraging open conversations about cancer.
Through our activities, we create opportunities for people to learn more about cancer, understand the importance of early detection, and access information that can help them make informed decisions about their health. Everything we do is aimed at empowering people with knowledge because informed communities are better equipped to take action and advocate for their well-being.
11. How can individuals and businesses support cancer awareness?
Everyone has a role to play in the fight against cancer. Individuals can support awareness by sharing information, encouraging friends and family to attend screenings, participating in awareness initiatives and having open conversations about cancer.
Businesses can contribute by supporting awareness campaigns, sponsoring community initiatives, promoting wellness among employees and partnering with organisations that are working to make a difference. When communities, organisations and businesses work together, we are able to extend our reach and increase our impact.
12. What message of hope would you like to share with survivors and their families?
My message is simple: do not lose hope. To every survivor, caregiver, and family member, please know that you are not alone. While the cancer journey may be challenging, there is strength in community, strength in support, and strength in hope. Every day we see people facing cancer with remarkable courage and resilience.
Their stories remind us that hope is powerful and that even in difficult circumstances, there is always a reason to keep moving forward. Together, we can continue raising awareness, supporting one another, and building a future where more lives are saved through education, early detection, and action.
