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Today an array of local and leading South African artists fired up a 5 000-strong crowd at the Walter Sisulu University Stadium in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The concert, hosted by the Tobeka Madiba Zuma (TMZ) Foundation, was in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.

“I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure when it comes to breast cancer. I am hoping that through this concert today that we can really bring awareness and information on breast cancer to the people of Mthatha,” said the First Lady of South Africa, Tobeka Zuma. “When we looked at the statistics this was one of the most affected areas in terms of cancer and this is why we wanted to come here.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast, Cervical and Prostate Cancer are the leading cancers in South Africa and October is dedicated to raising awareness, especially among women, of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Data shows that as many as one in eight women in South Africa will be affected by breast cancer in her life.

To this end, the TMZ Foundation hosted a concert in Mthatha aimed at raising awareness on breast health, detection and treatment. It is hoped that the concert will encourage and support the work of local organisations that work towards eradicating the fatal effects of breast cancer.

“I appreciate very much this concert that was held here in OR Tambo District. This is not a one-day event, but rather a day that ushers in a broader awareness in our communities of a number of non-communicable, diseases, especially breast cancer,” said Councillor Nomakhosazana Meth,  Executive Mayor of O.R. Tambo District Municipality.

The concert, which started in the morning and continued well into the early evening, used the platform provided by a number of South Africa super stars to educate the crowd , especially on methods that can be used for the early detection of breast cancer, such regular screening and self-examination.

Artists such as Zahara, Dumi Kokstad, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Nathi kept the crowd entertained with their greatest hits, and a testimony from a woman who has been affected by not only cervical cancer, but also HIV and TB, had the crowd riveted with her story.

“I am not a victim, I am a survivor,” said Martina Motaung. “I no longer have cervical cancer. I no longer have TB. The only thing I do is take my one antiretroviral pill once a day and my viral load is undetectable.  Mine is a story of hope and yours can be too.”

Contact: Natalie Ridgard, nridgard@gmail.com; +27 83 642 6759, Nomthandazo Mbokazi execpa@tmzfoundation.co.za or Skhumbuzo Cele, Skhumbuzo@presidency.gov.za

The Tobeka Madiba Zuma Foundation, founded in 2009, is an advocate for prevention, treatment and care of non-communicable diseases, a #cancersmart South Africa, and HIV prevention, treatment and care. For more information follow TMZ Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Photo caption:
692: First Lady Tobeka Zuma with Councillor Nomakhosazana Meth, Mayor of O.R. Tambo District Municpality

Issued by The Government Communications