With October being Cancer Awareness Month, the Gender Forum at the Durban University of Technology recently hosted Cancer Awareness Day to promote awareness about the illness as well as raise funds for the Association.
Held in partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) on Friday last week (October 26, 2012) at the DUT Steve Biko Campus, this year’s awareness campaign was named “29” because one in 29 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I’m very excited about this project being brought to DUT. It brings awareness to students and staff about the importance of being checked (for breast cancer) and for them to support the cause,” said Rosaline Govender, the Deputy Chairperson of the Gender Forum at DUT.
During the day, DUT staff and students supported the cause by making donations of R29 which then earned them a fabric block which they used to place a pink hand print with a message of hope or remembrance.
Every 29th block was painted in purple to symbolise the one in every 29 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The completed prints will be stitched together to form a quilt which will be displayed on Campus. An appropriate place will be decided on soon.
“Imagine a (huge) canvas filled with people who have made their mark and messages of hope and remembrance”, said Ranilla Pillay, the Chairperson of the Gender Forum at DUT.
Govender said this has been a great way to raise funds, adding that the response from DUT students and staff has been great.
Third-year Information Technology student Siphelelo Gcabashe who was a volunteer at one of the stands said, “I’m doing this in aid to support. No one in my family has ever been diagnosed (with breast cancer), but it’s for a good cause and I’m happy to be doing my part”, he said.
Rina Ramsingh, DUT Gender Forum Exco member and cancer survivor encouraged individuals to be aware of the disease and to support cancer awareness initiatives and programmes. Ramsingh was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour above her abdomen in 2003. “I have been in good health since my surgery”, she said.
–Nongcebo Khumalo
Caption: Front Row from left: DUT Gender Forum Exco member Rina Ramsingh who is a cancer survivor, DUT Gender Forum Treasurer Ruby Govender, DUT Gender Forum Deputy Chairperson Rosaline Govender and Chemistry Department Secretary Karen Ferguson.
Back row from left: First-year Information Technology student Lindelani Mhlongo, Cansa Project Manager Jeffery Skosana, DUT Gender Forum member Melissa Ogle and Information Technology third-year student Siphelelo Gcabashe.
