As the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) celebrates its 95th anniversary of serving South Africans, the organisation is calling on the Pietermaritzburg community to come together for an unforgettable day of celebration, remembrance and action at  CANSA Relay For Life, Pietermaritzburg, taking place on1 August 2026, from 12:00 until midnight, at TPA Primary School, Northdale.

Anand’s journey with cancer began when he learned that his mother had breast cancer. Growing up in a small village where cancer was a taboo topic, he cared for her without fully understanding her illness. When he finally learned the truth, he was devastated but made a vow to break the silence around cancer.

CANSA proudly celebrates Sophia Alley from Durban, who has been named a Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope for 2025. A dedicated volunteer for over a decade, Sophia was inspired to give back after completing her cancer treatment 10 years ago.

Empowering Leaders, Enhancing Impact!

CANSA Relay For Life is an impactful, team experience, which mobilises cancer survivors and the community to stand together in the fight against cancer. It’s also an opportunity to remember loved ones that have passed away from cancer and to raise funds for the fight against cancer. The theme for this year is ‘Fighting Cancer Together.’

If it had not been for the active role that I played in CANSA, it would have been much more difficult to accept and understand what my husband was going through. The staff partner at the CANSA Pietermaritzburg Care Centre had given so much support to me during my husband’s ordeal. She was the caregiver to the caregiver.

Cancer Survivors assemble at start of the first eShowe CANSA Relay For Life event held at Gratton Prep. Zander Buitendach cuts the ribbon as CANSA International Hero of Hope, Cenessa Stork, watches on. Teams walked around the track for 24 hours.