South Africa’s First Cancer Registry Launched At Gateway

Gateway’s Cancer Tribute Brings Together The Umhlanga Community For a Moving and Meaningful Event

KwaZulu-Natal, 9 June 2025 — This past weekend, Gateway Theatre of Shopping transformed into more than a retail destination; it became a sanctuary of remembrance, resilience and community spirit. In collaboration with Living with Cancer SA, Gateway hosted a deeply personal public event as part of the national International Cancer Survivors Day campaign, delivering a poignant message: Your Cancer Counts.

In a strikingly symbolic activation, shoppers inscribed the names of loved ones affected by cancer onto coloured balls and placed them within a giant ribbon structure in the centre court. Each addition turned the installation into a vibrant, evolving memorial — a tangible expression of grief, love, and enduring hope.

Gateway’s Marketing Manager, Ayesha Sewbaran, initiated the tribute with a personal gesture, adding a ball in memory of her uncle. “It was emotional, but also grounding,” she reflected. “This isn’t just about remembering those we’ve lost, but about helping others going forward.”

Beyond the symbolism, the event served a critical health purpose by offering visitors the opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s first patient-led cancer registry. This new database intends to provide invaluable insight into how cancer affects individuals across the country — information historically underrepresented in local healthcare data.

Adding further depth to the four-day gathering, the centre welcomed survivor talks, healthcare professionals, and personal testimonies. A standout moment came from Kesavan Govender, a former Gateway Facilities Manager and Durban North local, who courageously shared his ongoing journey with Glioblastoma, underscoring the essential role of community, early detection, and perseverance.

The initiative left an indelible mark on Gateway’s shoppers and participants alike, merging awareness with action in a space better known for commerce than commemoration.

For more on Living with Cancer SA or to join the registry, visit livingwithcancersa.co.za. For Gateway’s latest updates, promotions, and community campaigns, visit gatewayworld.co.za or follow @gatewayumhlanga on Instagram.