PINK HOPE, BRAVE HEARTS: Bulawayo city Council leads breast cancer fight

Mthokozisi Ncube

THE Bulawayo City Council has been quietly but powerfully leading the charge against breast cancer, hosting a series of awareness campaigns across the city’s clinics last week in honour of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While this morning’s Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk splashed pink across Bulawayo’s streets and grabbed national attention, the council’s earlier clinic visits laid the groundwork, teaching women how to detect breast cancer early and bringing survivors to share their emotional journeys.

City Council Corporate Communications Manager Nesisa Mpofu said the goal was to reach every clinic in the city to educate women on early detection and break the stigma surrounding the disease.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated every October worldwide to promote awareness and support for early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Our motivation comes from a mix of health, social and emotional reasons,” said Mpofu.

The sessions, held under the 2025 theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” featured breast cancer survivors who spoke about their battles and recovery.
One such survivor, Chipo Makumbe, discovered she had breast cancer at 35. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, describing her ordeal as both painful and transformative.

“It was terrifying, but I thank my family and God for helping me through. Some did not make it, but I survived. I now share my story so others know that you can overcome this,” she said.
Ward 27 Councillor Lizzy Sibanda said the Pumula Clinic event saw an impressive turnout. “This initiative is vital for women. It teaches healthy living and encourages regular check-ups. Having breast cancer is not the end of the road.

If detected early, it can be treated. Let’s rush to the hospital first before we rush to traditional healers,” she said.
October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and 19 October marks International Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The city’s campaign emphasises that early detection can save lives.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo joined thousands nationwide in the 10th Annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk this morning, turning the streets into a sea of pink. The event celebrated unity and resilience under the theme “United by Unique,” reminding everyone that cancer does not discriminate.
Together, Bulawayo walks, learns and fights for life.