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By Ross Moyo
KIDZCAN, West Prop, Simbisa Brands partnered to host Survivor’s Day for 40+ child cancer survivors at Rainbow Children’s Village, Saturday in Harare to demonstrate that “cancer is a very expensive disease” and requires local corporate ownership for sustainability. With West Prop hampers, Simbisa Brands catering, and KIDZCAN coordination under Director Daniel Mackenzie everything was made possible.
“As always, when it comes to childhood cancers, we all know that cancer is a very expensive disease. And we as a foundation cannot do it on our own. Families also cannot do it on their own,” Mackenzie said. “Hence, in Zimbabwe, we’re very fortunate that we have very supportive corporates who come on board to also make a difference.”
The model is intentional. KIDZCAN calls it a “whole corporate approach.” West Prop — the Ken Sharpe-led investment group — donated hampers to every survivor present. Simbisa Brands, through Chicken Inn and its confectionery unit, catered lunch. Mackenzie also thanked “Mr. Chingwa” as a key friend of the foundation.
“I just want to say a special thank you to West Prop… I want to also say thank you to the Simbisa Brands for providing lunch for us here today,” Mackenzie said. “There are partners who help to make a difference. No man is an island.”
For KIDZCAN, corporate buy-in isn’t charity — it’s strategy. “Our strategy as KIDZCAN is that it’s about local ownership. It also helps with our own sustainability,” Mackenzie explained. The pitch to business: “It takes a village to raise a child. But my point to corporates is, whose village is it? It’s our village. Whose children are they? They’re our children.”
The ROI is human. Survivors at the event included graduates, social workers, and KIDZCAN volunteers. “Some are even supporting us here as volunteers at KIDZCAN,” Mackenzie said. Investing in treatment today creates mentors, staff, and advocates tomorrow.
The event aligns with Zimbabwe’s push to hit 60% childhood cancer survival by 2030 under the WHO Global Initiative. Mackenzie says early detection + corporate support + community care = survivorship. “Every child who presents early has that opportunity to conquer and survive cancer.”
KIDZCAN is now courting more partners. “Are you looking forward to bringing more corporates on board?” Mackenzie was asked. His answer: Yes — because children are “the future of tomorrow.”
Entertainment was also part of the day. “All work and no play makes the young child dull,” Mackenzie noted. “Today was about celebrating with them.” For West Prop and Simbisa, it was brand purpose in action. For survivors, it was a village showing up.
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