N1 Campaign Promotes Early Cancer Detection

Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd (Bakwena), in partnership with PinkDrive and the Limpopo Departments of Health and Education, has once again taken to the road to raise cancer awareness and provide vital screening services to local communities.

Now in its twelfth year, the campaign focused on breast, cervical, prostate, and testicular cancer education and screening. The outreach, held from 25 to 29 August 2025 along the N1 route, reached high schools and clinics across the province. Clinics involved included Bela Bela Clinic, Warmbad Hospital, Kutlwanong and Pienaarsrivier, while participating secondary schools included Maope, Raeleng, Bela Bela, Hoërskool Warmbad, Zacharia Maukgatleng and Bathopele.

This year’s programme reached 2,812 women and 2,840 men, with 70 prostate-specific antigen tests conducted. Seven people were referred for follow-up care, highlighting the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

The initiative is supported by PinkDrive NPC, founded in 2009 by Noelene Kotschan, which shares Bakwena’s vision of preventing unnecessary cancer deaths, particularly in underserved communities where healthcare services are limited.

Bakwena’s Corporate Social Investment strategy rests on four pillars: road safety, health, environment and heritage, and socio-economic development. Through partnerships with government and stakeholders, the company has long invested in projects that uplift communities along the N1N4 corridor.

Speaking about the campaign, Bakwena’s Chief Operating Officer, Solomon Kganyago, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community health. “We are dedicated to initiatives that empower people with the knowledge and tools to manage their health proactively,” he said.

The annual cancer awareness drive continues to demonstrate the impact of collaboration in improving the health and quality of life of people in Limpopo.