This year’s Women’s month coincides with the country’s commemoration of 30 years of freedom and democracy, marking an important time to reflect on the progress made in empowering women and advancing women’s rights.
Bakwena N1N4 toll road reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality by partnering with PinkDrive and the North West Departments of Health & Education, bringing much needed cancer screening, awareness and education to the North West communities.
This partnership, now in its eleventh year, highlights Bakwena’s dedication to improving the lives of communities along the N1N4 route.
The campaign focused on the North West areas of Radikhudu, Dinokana, and Lehurutshe, and was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved visits to local secondary schools, where both male and female learners were educated on breast, prostate and testicular cancer, emphasising the importance of early detection through self-examination. The second phase partnered with local health clinics to extend these services to the surrounding communities. Bakwena also provided transport to help community members access the clinics.
The outreach, which took place from 12 to 16 August 2024, included multiple clinics such as Gopane Clinic, Dinokana Community Health Centre and Lehurutshe Clinic. Seven secondary schools participated: Ntlatsang, Jangjo, Ramatu, Ramotshere, Ntebogang, NR Mandela and Ngotwane secondary schools.
The campaign successfully reached a total of 2 292 males and 2 500 females, and 76 prostate-specific antigen tests were conducted. Nine individuals were referred for follow-up care, stressing the importance of early detection and timely intervention.
Founded in 2009 by Noelene Kotschan, PinkDrive NPC is a health sector NGO based on the premise that “Early detection will help prolong a life”. PinkDrive’s cardinal purpose is to contribute meaningfully towards preventing as many people as it can, from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer especially among those without access to adequate care, in areas underserved by health services.
By promoting health awareness and education, PinkDrive works to increase awareness of gender-related cancers in South Africa.
Bakwena’s corporate social investment policy focuses on four pillars: road safety, health, environment & heritage and socio-economic development. Their programmes have had a meaningful impact on many aspects of the lives of people in communities around the routes that they operate. Building relationships and partnership with the relevant stakeholders and government departments enables them to contribute to uplifting health and education systems. Bakwena is proud to support initiatives like these, which empower women, children, and men with the information and support needed to manage their health effectively.
Solomon Kganyago, Chief Operating Officer of Bakwena N1N4 toll road concession, expressed pride in supporting initiatives like these which empower women, children and men with the necessary information to manage their health effectively.