On 30 October 2026, the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) Wellness Committee invited the Makhanda community to participate in its second annual Pink Walk. The event aimed to raise cancer awareness, advocate for healthy living and demonstrate solidarity with individuals and families affected by the disease. Close to 400 participants took part in either a 5 km walk or a 9.8 km run. Participants dressed in pink, a colour recognised as a symbol of hope, strength, and solidarity in the fight against cancer. The event served as a reminder that raising awareness is an important step towards building a more informed and supportive community. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Lulama Makana, Chairperson of the NRF-SAIAB Wellness Committee, shared a message of hope: “A breast cancer diagnosis is not a battle for just one woman; we are all in this fight together and together we can ease the burden.” “It is vital for the Institute to support breast cancer awareness because we are people first. As mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, friends, and community members, we are all affected by breast cancer, and none of us are immune to it,” Makana said.
To recognise participants’ efforts and celebrate their achievements, the first 50 finishers in each category received a gold medal. Additionally, the first 100 people to register for the event received a complimentary pink NRF-SAIAB-branded head buff. Cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and its impact extends beyond those diagnosed, affecting their families, friends, and communities. Siphamandla Mceleli, NRF-SAIAB Pink Walk organiser, emphasised the importance of broadening the conversation beyond breast cancer awareness: “As an organiser, I believe it is important not to make the event exclusively about breast cancer, as there are other cancer awareness campaigns throughout the year that deserve equal attention. The aim is to encompass and raise awareness about all types of cancer, including breast cancer. It is important not to let the conversation end in October because cancer does not target specific months, and a lack of awareness could mean that people only discover the disease when it is too late.”
NRF-SAIAB 2nd Annual Pink Walk for Cancer Awareness
He further highlighted the initiative’s broader impact on community cohesion and solidarity: “We hope this event reassures the community that they are not alone. NRF-SAIAB is an integral part of Makhanda, and coming together for this cause demonstrates our collective strength and ability to unite against challenges that threaten the well-being of our community.” Initiatives such as the NRF-SAIB Pink Walk provide an opportunity for people to stand together, share messages of encouragement and remind those affected by cancer that they are not alone.
