Cancer Survivor DJ LILZONDECKZ Marks Mandela Day with 67 Minutes of Victory Against Cancer
Ntokozo ‘Lily’ Bophela, professionally known as DJ LILZONDECKZ, is preparing for a triumphant return to the music industry after overcoming Stage 3B cervical cancer.
To celebrate this remarkable milestone and inspire others facing similar challenges, Lily will host The Victory Concert: 67 Minutes of Victory Against Cancer on Saturday, 18 July 2026 (Mandela Day) at Mea Culpa, Johannesburg, in partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
The event’s powerful message captures Lily’s journey from diagnosis to survivorship: “I BEAT cancer and I’m back on the decks with a new BEAT.”
In late 2025, Lily’s flourishing music career came to an unexpected stop when she was diagnosed with Stage 3B cervical cancer. Reflecting on her experience, Lily says: “My life and career as a DJ were put on hold when I was diagnosed with Stage 3B cervical cancer. What followed was a gruelling six-month journey of radiation and brachytherapy at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. I saw firsthand the resilience of patients going through their cancer experience in our public health system, often with very little comfort or support. This concert isn’t just a return to music; it’s a platform to give back to those still experiencing this.”
More than a celebration of survivorship, the concert serves a greater purpose. Funds raised through the initiative will support the creation and distribution of 500 ‘Victory Goodie Bags’ for patients receiving treatment in government hospital cancer wards and guests staying at CANSA Care Homes across South Africa.
Each goodie bag has been carefully designed to provide dignity, comfort and practical support to individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Through the partnership with CANSA, the bags will be distributed to patients who need them most. The initiative also aims to raise awareness about cancer, celebrate survivorship and remind patients that they are not alone in their diagnosis.
A cornerstone of CANSA’s care and support network is its eight CANSA Care Homes, which provide home-from-home accommodation for patients who must travel far from their communities to access life-saving oncology treatment.
These facilities offer safe lodging, nutritious meals and transport to and from treatment centres, helping to reduce both the financial and emotional burden of cancer treatment. During the past financial year alone, more than 2 000 patients stayed at CANSA Care Homes across South Africa.
According to Lisa Strydom, National Manager: Care and Support, at CANSA: “For many patients travelling from distant parts of the country for treatment, this kind of practical support can make the difference between completing treatment and defaulting on it. Our Care Homes ensure that patients can focus on their treatment and recovery without the added stress of finding accommodation or transport.”
Guests typically stay at CANSA Care Homes for an average of six weeks while undergoing treatment and receive meals and transport to and from oncology facilities.
By aligning her personal victory with Mandela Day’s spirit of service, Lily hopes to transform her experience into meaningful support for others facing cancer and inspire South Africans to take action.
How You Can Help
“The success of The Victory Concert: 67 Minutes of Victory Against Cancer depends on the collective support of individuals, businesses and communities who believe in making a difference in the lives of cancer patients,” says Lily.
Every contribution counts. While a donation of R150 sponsors one complete Victory Goodie Bag, no amount is too small. Every Rand donated helps bring comfort, dignity and encouragement to a patient undergoing cancer treatment at a CANSA Care Home. Donations can be made via Thundafund: https://thunda.fund/TheVictoryConcert
Help spread the word by sharing the campaign with friends, family, colleagues and social media communities. Supporters are encouraged to use the hashtags #TheVictoryConcert and #67MinutesOfVictory to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved.
Join DJ LILZONDECKZ on 18 July 2026 at Mea Culpa, Johannesburg, for a powerful celebration of life, music, resilience and survivorship.
(For more information, please contact Melissa Zaayman, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at CANSA at email mzaayman@cansa.org.za. Call 084 989 6890).
Queries CANSA
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071 867 3530 isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana and Sepedi (text only)
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