CAPE TOWN-Muizenberg beach blazed in pink when cancer survivors and 1 500 police officers marched together in their pink T-shirts to honour the millions of families fighting breast cancer .
The event, on Wednesday 29 October, was organised by Gift of the Givers in partnership with the South African Police Service (Saps) and Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). It brought together law enforcement officers, cancer survivors, and those currently battling the disease to demonstrate solidarity and inspire hope.
More than 1 500 police officers and cancer survivors marched in their pink T-shirts along the Muizenberg coastline on Wednesday 29 October to honour all those fighting breast cancer. Members of the Women Network from the 63 station precincts of the South African Police in the City of Cape Town District set off on the 10 km Cancer Awareness Walk. Pictured from left are Manenberg police station officers, Princess Koni, Edith Kalimashe, Ncumisa Mbali, Phumza Gomba and Yalie Madywabe. Read more on page 4. PHOTO: KEANAN HARMSE 
More than 1 500 police officers and cancer survivors marched in their pink T-shirts along the Muizenberg coastline on Wednesday 29 October to honour all those fighting breast cancer. Members of the Women Network from the 63 station precincts of the SA Police City of Cape Town District set off on the 10 km Cancer Awareness Walk. Manenberg officers joined the campaign. PHOTO: KEANAN HARMSE 
Gift of the Givers made sure all participants received refreshments on the day. 
Participants had the choice of undertaking a 5km or10km awareness walk across Muizenberg beach. Photo: Keanan Harmse 
The awareness walk began at 08:00 sharp from Sunrise Circle, Muizenberg Beach.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative to raise awareness, honour lives impacted by the disease, and reaffirm commitment to provide access to healthcare.
The message the organisers wished to convey was that no one fights cancer alone, emphasising that a breast cancer diagnosis represents a journey of courage and community rather than stigma.
The officers represent 63 Western Cape police districts and could choose to take part in the 5 km and 10 km awareness walk.
This year’s international theme: “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” highlights how each person’s cancer experience serves as a powerful testament to resilience and hope.
People’s Post spoke with two police officers, Dieketso Femele and Abel Sethonga, who explained why they were inspired to raise awareness. Femele is an admin clerk at Langa Police Station and she said: “Today I’m here supporting all the people who have cancer and those who died from the disease. This is also my second cancer walk I’ve taken part in. The previous one was in Milnerton.”
Femele added she was blessed that no one in her family was impacted by cancer.
Sethonga has been working as a warrant officer for the past 23 years at Cape Town Central Police Station.
“I first took part in the walk last year at Cape Town Stadium. At the moment one of my friends is battling stage four colon cancer. I encourage more people to take part, sometimes we take things for granted,” Sethonga said.
Each participant received a gift bag sponsored by Kenvue, Euro Choc, and Polar Ice Cream, courtesy of Gift of the Givers on the day.
