Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
ELGIBOH Group of Companies, with interests in hospitality, trucking, hardware and travel, has turned to football to encourage men to undergo prostate cancer testing, boldly declaring that November is more than just growing moustaches.
The Group yesterday organised a social football tournament held at the Bulawayo Chiefs Village, featuring teams such as Highlanders Legends, Unity Village, Bulawayo Chiefs, Chicken Inn Supporters and Elgiboh Group of Companies.
The group’s Human Resources Director, Mrs Sibongiseni Ngwenya, said the decision to involve football teams was a masterstroke.
“Men love football and we knew that once they know that football will be on display, they would come and in the process they will then come through and be tested. Zithiywa ngezikudlayo,” said Mrs Ngwenya in a brief interview.
Yesterday’s event was held under the banner of the Movember Prostate Cancer Awareness Event.
Movember is an annual event in November aimed at raising awareness for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide by growing moustaches. Participants can grow a “mo” (short for moustache), take part in “Move for Mental Health” challenges, or host fundraising events. The movement started in Australia in 2003 and has since become a global charity funding men’s health projects worldwide.
In her speech before the Highlanders Legends match against Unity Village, Mrs Ngwenya said Elgiboh was honoured to have a dedicated gathering of professionals, community leaders and partners supporting a cause that often does not receive the attention it deserves — men’s health.
“As you may know, the month of Movember is more than just growing moustaches, it is a global movement aimed at raising awareness around men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Today, we shine the light specifically on prostate cancer which remains one of the leading health risks affecting men in Zimbabwe and across the world,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
She added that at Elgiboh, promoting health and wellness is not just corporate social responsibility but a moral duty, recognising that early detection saves lives and that awareness is the first step to action.
Yesterday’s programme included educational talks by health professionals, testimonials, and on-site health screening — all designed to empower men with knowledge and the courage to take charge of their health.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Ngwenya saluted their partners, including Corporate 24, Cimas, Rugare Medical, World Mental Health Focus, Mpilo Central Hospital, Baker’s Inn and the participating teams.
“Let us break the silence, challenge the stigma and spread the message that men’s health matters,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
Following October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, November has become dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer, as well as other health problems affecting men.
In their latest online publication, Cimas stated that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, especially those over 50. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
However, since there are often no symptoms in the early stages, prostate cancer is frequently diagnosed late.
It has the best chance of successful treatment if detected while still confined to the prostate gland. At this stage, if it is not growing quickly, treatment may not be necessary.
“The cancer should be monitored in case it starts to grow rapidly or is in danger of spreading outside the prostate. It is dangerous if it spreads outside the prostate. Men die from advanced prostate cancer every year,” wrote Cimas.
