Walkable Journey Initiative Hosts 5th Annual Cancer Awareness Walk
Thabo Motlhabi
Community members, cancer survivors, healthcare practitioners, and stakeholders gathered at Chief Mogale Community Hall on Saturday, 17 October 2026. For the 5th annual Cancer Awareness Walk hosted by the Walkable Journey Initiative, founded by Maki Joyce
The event united West Rand residents to raise awareness about different types of cancer, promote early detection, and show solidarity with those affected by the disease, including families who have lost loved ones to cancer.
The program began with a candlelight ceremony in remembrance of those who lost their lives to cancer. The moment also served as a gesture of support for affected families and communities, creating an atmosphere of reflection, unity, and hope.
The 5th annual walk aimed to raise awareness, inform and educate the community about cancer, promote the importance of knowing one’s body, and encourage people to seek medical attention when they notice unusual changes in their health.
“If you’re not affected, you’re infected; we are all affected.”
Speaking at the event, Maki Joyce, founder of the Walkable Journey initiative, shared as a cancer survivor and explained the motivation behind establishing the movement:
Joyce is also an author and community activist and has written two books, Walkable Journey and Victory Over Cancer: Through her work, she continued to encourage people affected by cancer and those who support them to walk the journey together.
“I’m the founder of the Walkable Journey initiative, a cancer movement. I’m the author of two books, the first titled Walkable Journey and the second one titled Victory Over Cancer: I’m a community activist, a cancer survivor, a mother, a sister, and a friend to you all participating today. I went through all stages of cancer and treatment. When I got through those stages, that’s when I needed your support. We need you as cancer survivors, and we need you to understand what we go through.”
“I cannot walk this journey all alone without your support; that’s the reason why our motto is ‘If you’re not affected, you’re infected; we are all affected,'” Joyce said.
Her message highlighted the importance of collaborative responsibility, compassion, and support for people living with cancer, cancer survivors, and their families.
Stakeholders committed to supporting the initiative were:
Smart Future
Lenmed
Cell C
Gauteng EMS
Eagles Bikers Club “Come Fly With”
Choko Five Movement
Leratong EMS
Mogale City Traffic Police
SAPS
Naledi Ya Pholo
Mncedisi Ndlovu & Sedumedi Attorneys
Kagiso 2 Police Station
Gauteng Legislature
Krugersdorp Police Station
Rand West City Local Municipality Mayor’s office
Mogale City Bikers
Health Profession Emphasized Early Detection
Mrs. Elizabeth Radebe, a professional nurse for the Mogale City Local Municipality and Walkable Journey initiative, emphasized the importance of recognizing the early signs of cancer and understanding changes in one’s body.
“Know the early signs. When cancer starts, there is no pain, but there are signs. I would like to encourage people to know their bodies and for women to know their breasts,” Mrs. Radeve said.
Her message encouraged participants to be attentive to changes in their bodies and to seek professional medical advice when they notice anything unusual.
Other speakers also stressed the importance of education, awareness, and consulting healthcare professionals as early as possible. They encouraged community members not to ignore unusual symptoms and to make informed decisions about their health.
Knowledge with awareness can make a difference.
Mrs. Pogiso Tlholoe, a professional manager in the medical field at Floria Centre and Mogale City Local Municipality, highlighted the importance of knowledge and access to information about different types of cancers.
She urged people to pay attention to changes in their bodies and to seek medical assistance without delay.
“What is important is knowledge; signs are critical. Any abnormal signs in your body, you can feel and experience them. You then need to consult your doctor.”
Her message reinforced the importance of healthcare education and the role that informed communities can play in encouraging early consultation, diagnoses, and access to appropriate treatment.
Various speakers collectively called on community members to take their health seriously, learn about the different types of cancers, and consult healthcare professionals when they experience concerning symptoms.
Stakeholders commit to continued support.
At the conclusion of the campaign, various stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the Walkable Journey initiative and continue educating communities about cancer and supporting those affected by the disease.
The 5th annual Awareness Walk demonstrated the power of community participation, bringing people together around a shared cause. It also highlighted the importance of standing with cancer survivors, supporting affected families, and ensuring that people have access to reliable health information.
Through the continued efforts of the Walkable Journey initiative and its partners, the campaign seeks to inspire greater awareness, compassion, and solidarity throughout the West Rand.