Big Walk for Cancer Countdown

The first steps have been taken in the annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer presented by Isuzu Motors South Africa – the Eastern Cape’s biggest mass participation charity event, which takes place on Saturday, October 31.

With prostate cancer now the most diagnosed cancer in South Africa, one of the focus areas for the 2026 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer is men’s health.

Funds raised in the 2026 event on October 31 will support projects by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

CHOC requires a twin cab bakkie to reach children in remote areas of Algoa Country, while Vital prostate cancer diagnosis equipment will be purchased for hospitals in George, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City.

“For the first time in 28 years, there will be a core focus on prostate cancer,” Alfie Jay, managing director of Algoa FM said at the official launch of the 2026 Big Walk.

“Gents, remember that early detection is the key to your future. Please make an appointment with a GP and get yourself checked.

“Together with the other guys on my team of champions, we hereby challenge all the men of Algoa country to unite for our brothers”.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting South African men,” says Andrew Oberholzer, chief executive officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

“Most men are reliant on public sector hospitals for healthcare, but the unfortunate reality is that these hospitals often lack the equipment to carry out specialised procedures.

“The funds raised by the Algoa FM Big Cancer Walk will be used to purchase equipment used to diagnose prostate cancer at the Urology Departments at Livingstone, Frere and George,” he says.

“For CHOC in the Eastern Cape, the support of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer once again is a game-changer for us,” says Juliet Houghton, Eastern Cape regional manager of CHOC, Childhood Cancer Foundation.

“The donation of a double cab bakkie will enable us to travel safely with all our equipment and educational materials to increase awareness of the Early Warning Signs of childhood cancer; improving early diagnosis and saving more little lives”.

For us at Isuzu Motors South Africa, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer is deeply personal, it connects us to a cause that touches so many lives,” said Nandi Matomela, Department Executive Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa.

“As a business built on mobility, our purpose goes beyond moving people from place to place, it’s about helping create a better life for our employees, families, customers and the communities we serve.

“Through our long-standing partnership with Algoa FM, we turn connection into action: raising awareness, supporting vital work, and standing alongside those affected by cancer. When we walk together, we do more than move forward, we help move the world for someone who needs it most,” she said.

“The consistency with which we have built and grown a community to support those affected and infected by cancer, encouraged awareness through education of early detection, and raised funds for charities with a cancer focus, has forged our bond with Algoa country and is rooted in our collective DNA,” adds Jay.

There will be starting points in George, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Buffalo City, as well as virtual starts.

“Our mission to unite three cities across the Garden Route, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Buffalo City, does more than just expand our reach.

“It solidifies a sustainable future in support of those affected by cancer,” he adds.

Entry is R80 per person, with the first 10 000 entries qualifying for a free iconic pink T-shirt and a pink temporary Big Walk tattoo.

The five kilometre walk is suitable for all ages, and starts at eight am at all three venues.