Volunteers – Ordinary South Africans Who Keep CANSA’s Heart Beating
1 July 2026 – For 95 years, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has stood beside individuals and families affected by cancer. Behind every support group, awareness talk, hospital support group visit, fundraiser, screening event and community outreach initiative is a powerful force – CANSA volunteers.
To recognise this extraordinary commitment, CANSA hosts its own annual Volunteer Day each July in order to celebrate and recognise our Volunteers and acknowledge their dedication.
On Saturday, 25 July 2026, volunteers across South Africa will gather at regional celebrations to enjoy entertainment, inspiring speakers and well-deserved appreciation. This year’s theme, ‘Leading with Love, Serving with Purpose’, celebrates the compassion, initiative and leadership that volunteers bring to every community they serve.
Some have walked the cancer experience themselves. Others have cared for a loved one through diagnosis and treatment. Many simply believe that no one should face cancer alone. Regardless of what brought them to CANSA, they have become an indispensable part of the organisation’s mission to reduce the impact of cancer in South Africa.
Many of these celebrations have been made possible through the generosity of donors who recognise that volunteers are among CANSA’s greatest strengths.
As CANSA celebrates 95 years of service in 2026, the organisation honours the thousands of volunteers who have helped shape its legacy of research, education, advocacy, screening, care and support. Their selfless contribution has enabled CANSA to reach communities across South Africa every single day.
“Volunteers are instrumental to the work we do,” says Carien Hamman, Volunteer Programme Manager. “They don’t simply support our staff – they lead initiatives in their communities, educate the public, comfort cancer patients and extend our reach far beyond what would otherwise be possible. When we say they are the backbone of CANSA, we truly mean it.”
CANSA volunteers serve in countless ways. They provide companionship to cancer patients, facilitate Information and Support Desks at public hospitals, lead support groups, educate communities about cancer risk reduction and early detection, assist at CANSA Care Centres and screening events, support marketing and communications, complete virtual administrative tasks, source donations for patients and help raise much-needed funds.
With cancer diagnoses continuing to rise across South Africa, the need for support is greater than ever. “Our dedicated staff cannot meet this growing demand alone,” Hamman explains. “Every volunteer helps us reach another patient, another family or another community with life-changing information, practical support and hope.”
For many volunteers, giving their time has become just as life changing as the difference they make.
Tshepo Pita, from Bloemfontein in the Free State, says volunteering has deepened both his knowledge and his purpose. “Volunteering for CANSA has helped me understand cancers I knew little about and the challenges people affected by cancer face. It also allows me to continue doing what I love most – educating and connecting with the community I serve.”
For Leader Volunteer, Rudolph Scharneck from the Western Cape, volunteering is an opportunity to bring light into difficult moments. “Every act of kindness, whether it’s hosting a fundraiser, giving a cancer awareness talk or organising a support group, has the power to change someone’s world. CANSA has enriched my life through incredible people, valuable skills and countless reminders to be grateful.”
Cervical cancer survivor, Winnie Ndlovu from Gauteng, believes volunteering is as much about personal growth as it is about serving others. “Volunteering with CANSA has given me the opportunity to support people affected by cancer while growing in compassion, confidence and understanding. It’s shown me that giving your time can transform both the lives of others and your own.”
As CANSA reflects on its years of service, one truth remains unchanged: the fight against cancer belongs to all South Africans. Every hour volunteered, every patient comforted, every awareness talk delivered and every fundraiser organised brings the organisation one step closer to a future where fewer people are affected by cancer, and more lives are supported with dignity and hope.
Hamman concludes, “Volunteers have helped write CANSA’s story thus far and the next chapter could begin with you. CANSA invites South Africans who are passionate about making a difference to become part of its volunteer community.”
To learn more or apply to become a CANSA volunteer, visit: https://cansa.org.za/become-a-volunteer/
(For more information, please contact Melissa Zaayman, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at CANSA at email mzaayman@cansa.org.za. Call 084 989 6890).
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