By 
By Ross Moyo
KIDZCAN Zimbabwe hosted Survivor’s Day honoring 40 child cancer survivors who have been cancer-free for 5+ years Saturday at Rainbow Children’s Village in Harare. This was done to celebrate survivorship and drive Zimbabwe toward the WHO Global Initiative target of 60% childhood cancer survival by 2030 through community support, corporate partnerships, and early detection advocacy led by Executive Director Daniel Mackenzie.
“Where you are born does not determine who you can be,” Mackenzie told survivors. “Now that you’ve survived, pursue your dreams. Be whoever you want to be.” The event, normally held in June, was delayed due to a packed calendar but went ahead with parents, doctors, food scientists, and volunteers in attendance.
The survivors shared powerful stories. Some have graduated. Others are now social workers. Several volunteer at KIDZCAN. “I was just touched by the different stories that we’ve heard here today,” Mackenzie said. “Some are even supporting us here as volunteers.”
Zimbabwe’s goal is clear: reach 60% survival by 2030 under the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. “Here we are in Zimbabwe saying that, yes, we can survive, we can treat cancer,” Mackenzie said. His message to the public: “Early detection is the best protection. Every child who presents early has that opportunity to conquer and survive cancer.”
But survival isn’t solo. Mackenzie thanked parents, siblings, doctors, nurses, and KIDZCAN staff. “Don’t forget those that have supported you throughout your journey… Be grateful and remember them. But also, more importantly, look after yourself, look after your health.”
The event highlighted a “whole corporate approach.” Mackenzie said cancer is expensive and no foundation or family can fight it alone. “When you want to go far, you go with others. And that’s what we’re doing here in Zimbabwe.”
Partners stepped up. West Pop, the Ken Sharpe-led investment group, gave every survivor a hamper. Simbisa Brands, through Chicken Inn and its confectionery division, provided lunch. “Mr. Chingwa” was also recognized as “our great friend.” “In all that we do as KIDZCAN, we don’t do this alone. There are partners who help to make a difference. No man is an island,” Mackenzie said.
KIDZCAN’s strategy is “local ownership” for sustainability. “It takes a village to raise a child. But whose village is it? It’s our village. Whose children are they? They’re our children,” Mackenzie told corporates. “They are the future of tomorrow.”
The day wasn’t just speeches. Entertainment was central. “When someone survives cancer, they can conquer and become anybody. So today was about celebrating with them,” Mackenzie said. The mix of play, food, and recognition is part of healing — and hope.
KIDZCAN held a similar event in Bulawayo weeks earlier. With early detection, corporate backing, and survivor voices, Mackenzie believes Zimbabwe can beat the 60% target. “Yes, we can survive.”
Comments