Johannesburg’s DP World Wanderers Stadium was awash in pink on 31 January as thousands of fans rallied behind breast cancer awareness during the third Proteas Men’s T20 International against the West Indies. But the most powerful moment of the day came off the field: KFC Africa announced a donation of R600,000 to the Breast Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
The contribution coincides with World Cancer Day on 4 February and marks the first anniversary of the clinic, which has already transformed breast cancer detection, treatment, and research in Gauteng and beyond. For patients, the unit has meant improved access to specialised care regardless of income or location — a lifeline for thousands each year.
A Commitment Beyond the Game
With 60% of its workforce being female, KFC Africa’s support underscores its commitment to women’s health and empowerment. “People are at the heart of everything we do at KFC Africa, and health is deeply personal to us,” said Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa. She highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women, affecting one in 27 during their lifetime.
“This contribution on Pink Day is one way we show up for our staff by helping to create spaces where everyone does not just belong but is genuinely seen, heard and supported,” Qengqe added.
Pink Day: A Movement That Transcends Cricket
Since its inception in 2011, Pink Day has grown into South Africa’s most iconic sporting movement for breast cancer awareness. What began during a Test match against Australia has evolved into a national tradition — uniting fans, families, survivors, players, and corporates in a shared purpose to honour resilience and the human spirit.
Pholetsi Moseki, CEO of Cricket South Africa, described it as “one of the most powerful moments in South African cricket; a day when sport transcends boundaries and brings people together around a cause that touches so many lives.” He praised KFC’s involvement as proof that brands serious about public well‑being can amplify impact far beyond the boundary ropes.
More Than a Donation
KFC’s participation in Pink Day stems from its broader partnership with Cricket South Africa, including KFC Mini‑Cricket and sponsorships of both the Proteas Men’s and Women’s teams. Hosting the event for the first time at the third KFC T20 International was a natural extension of shared values.
For the Charlotte Maxeke Breast Care Unit, the R600,000 donation means expanded capacity, improved resources, and continued momentum in the fight against breast cancer. For South Africans, it’s a reminder that sport, corporate responsibility, and public health can intersect to create lasting change.
The Bigger Picture
Pink Day is more than a match. It’s a cultural statement: that awareness saves lives, that early detection matters, and that collective action can shift outcomes. As the stadium turned pink, the message was clear — breast cancer is not fought alone.
For more information on breast health and early detection, visit:
- cansa.org.za/breast-cancer (cansa.org.za in Bing)
- mybreast.org.za
