UKZN Students Unite against Cancer and Xenophobia

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Members of Together Against Cancer (T.A.C) and the International Student Organisation (ISO) joined forces to heighten awareness about cancer and xenophobia at an event held on the Howard College campus.

 T.A.C is an organisation which strives to educate and empower students about cancer with the involvement of the UKZN Health Clinic, the South African National Blood Service, the Sunflower Fund Foundation and Netcell Bioscience.

The ISO is an international students’ body which promotes the establishment of a culture of embracing diverse African heritage and instilling a sense of pride in being an African while raising consciousness about the intertwined history of people on the continent. 

Founder and Chairperson of the T.A.C, Ms Mahle Myaka, said: ‘We have previously done a survey on campus which revealed how uneducated our students are about their health, thus we have piloted this awareness campaign. We provide students with vital information about cancer and encourage them to become blood donors.’

Myaka, a second-year Bachelor of Social Science-Geography and Environmental student, said the event was aimed at “supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, and honouring the taken’, while celebrating all African countries and expressing opposition to xenophobia.

Candles were lit in memory of people who have died or suffered in xenophobic attacks as well as those who have died from cancer. The ceremony was also a symbol of the hope that the light of humanity and prosperity will once again shine on Africa.

Cancer survivor, Ms Lucinda Johns, who is a UKZN Lecturer, spoke about her experiences in overcoming the disease. She encouraged students to take charge of their destinies.

Mahle Myaka