GAUTENG PREMIER COMMENDS NET99!

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has commended Net Nine Nine for hosting a cancer awareness drive in Bekkersdal, describing the initiative as a critical intervention in the fight against one of South Africa’s most serious health challenges.

Addressing residents, healthcare workers, law enforcement agencies and various stakeholders gathered at the event at Irvin’s Park in the heart of Bekkersdal township, the Premier expressed heartfelt gratitude to the company and its leadership for investing in community well being beyond its core business.

“I want to sincerely thank the entire Net Nine Nine team for bringing these services into our communities. We truly appreciate your commitment,” Lesufi said.

He also acknowledged the presence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), health officials and community partners, emphasising that meaningful change requires collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society.

Turning to the core message of the day, Lesufi spoke candidly about the severity of cancer and its growing impact on families across Gauteng.

“Cancer is a very serious disease that is taking a heavy toll on our people,” he said.

The Premier revealed that during his Gauteng State of the Province (SOPA) address in council on Tuesday, 24 February 2026,he raised concerns about the province’s cancer treatment backlog.

At one stage, according to Lesufi, nearly 1 200 patients were on a waiting list for screening, medical support and essential medication.

“The waiting list was too long. We have managed to reduce it from 1 200 to 200, but 200 lives still need urgent support,” he explained.

He stressed that the most effective way to reduce waiting lists and save lives is through early detection and timely medical intervention.

Awareness campaigns such as the one hosted in Bekkersdal play a vital role in encouraging residents to get tested before it is too late.

“This is why initiatives like these are so important. When people test early, it allows us to intervene in time. But when they delay, it makes the situation more difficult for everyone,” Lesufi urged.

The Department of Health conducted screenings and provided educational information during the drive, focusing on different types of cancers affecting communities. However, He highlighted one particular area where government believes a generational breakthrough is possible – the fight against HIV/AIDS and related cancers.

He announced that government is intensifying vaccination and prevention programmes aimed at eliminating HIV/AIDS within this generation.

“We never thought the day would come when we could speak confidently about ending HIV/AIDS in our lifetime. But we are taking that decision as government,” he said.

Lesufi noted that HIV/AIDS is closely linked to certain cancers, meaning that defeating the virus would significantly reduce related cancer cases and improve the quality of life for thousands, particularly women and mothers.

He further pointed out that nearly 39% of cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage, making treatment more complex and less effective.

This, he said, underscores the urgency of community awareness and regular screening.

Encouraging residents to take full advantage of the services provided, Lesufi concluded by calling on communities to become proactive in protecting their health.

“Thank you for coming today. Let us use this opportunity. Together, we can end the problems we are facing and build healthier communities.”

The Bekkersdal cancer awareness drive stands as a powerful example of how partnerships between government and the private sector can directly impact lives, not only by raising awareness, but by offering practical support that brings hope closer to home.

A few heroes who defeated the pandemic came forward on the day to share their different stories on how they survived cancer.

More stories will be shared…