Over the next two months, PinkDrive, with support from Rio Tinto and Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), will take its free mobile cancer screening services to under-resourced, rural and remote communities across three provinces, aiming to reach approximately 9000 people. The campaign kicks off in KwaZulu-Natal from 13 to 17 July, before continuing to the Eastern Cape from 20 to 24 July and Mpumalanga from 24 to 28 August.
Focused on early detection, cancer education and referral support, the outreach aims to make preventative care more accessible to communities where screening services can be difficult to reach.
Campaign route
Community members must pre book a slot to have access to the mobile clinic at the following confirmed sites
KwaZulu-Natal
- Mkhontokayise Clinic, 13 July 2026
- Khandisa Clinic, 14 July 2026
- Ngwelezane Clinic, 15 July 2026
- Nseleni Clinic, 16 July 2026
- Umbonambi Clinic, 17 July 2026
Eastern Cape
- KwaZakhele CHC, 20 July 2026
- Chatty Clinic, 21 July 2026
- New Brighton Clinic, 22 July 2026
- Thanduxolo Clinic, 23 July 2026
- Joe Slovo Clinic, 24 July 2026
Mpumalanga site details will be shared closer to the time.
What to expect at each outreach site
At each site, PinkDrive’s team will provide a combination of cancer screening and early detection services, basic health checks and practical health information. Screening services may include clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pap smears, human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and prostate checks, depending on site requirements and clinical capacity. General health checks, such as blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screening, may also be available, depending on the services offered at each site.
Community members will also receive guidance on cancer risk, warning signs, self-examination and the importance of regular screening. Where additional assessment is required, PinkDrive will help guide participants on the appropriate next steps through the relevant healthcare channels.
Building on previous impact
The 2026 outreach builds on PinkDrive’s ongoing work to improve access to cancer screening and education across South Africa. During the 2025 outreach, PinkDrive delivered 13,060 services and reached 11,499 people through education. This included 634 mammograms, 883 clinical breast examinations, 1,203 human papillomavirus (HPV) pap smears, 915 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, 1,506 lung screenings, 855 skin screenings and 5,361 general health checks.
“Access to healthcare should not depend on geography,” said Noelene Kotschan, CEO and Founder of PinkDrive. “Far too many South Africans are diagnosed late because screening and diagnostic services are either too far away or too difficult to access. By taking our mobile health units directly into communities, we can help people understand their risks, access screening and, where needed, take the next step towards diagnosis and care.”
Partners enabling access
The campaign is made possible through collaboration with the Department of Health and funding support from Rio Tinto and RBM, whose contributions help PinkDrive cover the clinical, operational and logistical requirements involved in taking screening services to underserved communities. The outreach also takes place in a milestone year for RBM, as the business marks its 50th anniversary and celebrates the approval of the Zulti South project, the long-term investment expected to extend RBM’s contribution to KwaZulu-Natal and the broader economy by more than 25 years.
“Strong communities are built on strong health systems,” said Wilhemina Ngcobo, RBM Chief Operating Officer. “We are pleased to partner with PinkDrive to help expand access to healthcare services and health education in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. This initiative demonstrates the positive impact that collaborative partnerships can have on communities.”
Partnerships like these help PinkDrive continue bringing cancer screening and education to communities across South Africa. As a non-profit organisation, it relies on corporate funding and donations to continue its work. Businesses interested in supporting PinkDrive can contact the organisation to find out how they can get involved. Community members in the campaign areas are encouraged to attend the outreach events and make use of the free screening services and educational resources available. Site-specific details, including venues and times, will be shared through local clinics, community leaders and PinkDrive communication channels.
