Kimberley : 08 November 2023 : The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola hosted the Pink and Blue Walk in aid of cancer awareness on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 in Kimberley.
An opening prayer by Chaplain Baard kicked off the 9km walk that started at the Trim Park in Oliver Road and concluded at the SANDF sports grounds in Diskobolos, Kimberley.
The walk was held in conjunction with the SAPS Women's Network, Men for Change, the Department of Health, Department of Transport Safety and Liaison, Department of Correctional Services, the SANDF and the Provincial SAPS Management, Provincial Components, Specialised units and local police stations within the greater Kimberley area.
Other stakeholders who participated in the event were the SANBS, Community Police Forum, POLMED, Virgin Active , Metropolitan, Metropolitan Health Risk Management, GEMS , Magic Lab, Croftassage and Liberty.
Participants were afforded an opportunity to donate blood, conduct health screenings, sports massages, participate in sporting activities, mass aerobics and Zumba at the SANDF.
The formal Programme commenced with a welcoming address by the Provincial Head of Pro Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi.
A cancer awareness address was delivered by the Head of Oncology at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Dr Daniel Osei-Fofie and he relayed vital information regarding breast, prostate and cervical cancer and different treatments offered by the state.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Lt Gen Koliswa Otola who lauded the more than 500 participants for the outstanding support and turnout at the Pink & Blue Walk.
Lt Gen Otola specifically focused on taking personal responsibility for your own health and do regularly body checks as "early detection" is key in having victory over cancer.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Maj Gen Mmantsheke Lekhele appreciated all the participants and stakeholders for their valuable and generous contributions towards the cause.
She expressed her gratitude to all sponsorships, and all stakeholders for supporting the robust cancer awareness campaign.
SAPS personnel sponsored cupcakes that were sold to raise funds for cancer awareness . All funds generated will donated to the oncology department at the RMS hospital in Kimberley. Cupcakes were also donated to various charity organizations in the city.