Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among South African women, and early detection is often the only chance at survival. Yet thousands of women in rural and township areas still lack access to even basic screening.
PinkDrive, the non-profit behind the country’s iconic pink mobile health trucks, has been filling this gap for years – travelling to remote communities to provide mammograms, pap smears and clinical breast examinations free of charge. In a single week of outreach in KwaZulu-Natal, the organisation delivered 2,251 health services, including 146 mammograms and 141 breast exams. PinkDrive receives no government funding and relies entirely on public and corporate support to sustain its work.
To raise critical funds, PinkDrive will host its annual “Hope Blooms” high tea at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. The event – part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – aims to double last year’s fundraising total to purchase a new mammogram truck and expand free screening services.
Long-time corporate partner Lee-Chem Laboratories, through its Mandy’s brand, is again backing the initiative. “This cause is deeply important to us because of the difference PinkDrive makes in communities that need it most,” says Bhavna Sanker, Lee-Chem’s Marketing Manager.
Guest speakers include Dr Marion Algar, Clinical Oncologist at Hopelands Cancer Centre, and Advocate Pria Hassan, founder of Women of Africa and champion of accessible healthcare through initiatives like iBreast. Mrs SA 2024 finalist Delia Kroll will host the morning, which features a welcome drink, live auction, raffle prizes, networking and gift bags.
According to PinkDrive’s Janice Benecke, partnerships like Mandy’s are essential to delivering life-saving services. “Through sponsored events like Hope Blooms, we hope to inspire further support for our mission,” she says. “Only believe – all things are possible. Just look at me, I am a walking miracle.”
Tickets are R695 per person, with 10% of proceeds going directly to PinkDrive. Corporate tables and group bookings are encouraged. To book, email info.durban.umhlanga@radissonblu.com.
By attending, South Africans will not only enjoy an uplifting morning but also help PinkDrive continue its vital work of bringing early detection and hope to women who would otherwise go without care.
