BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- A powerful call to protect the nation’s daughters will echo at the second leg of the Umhlanga ceremony to be held this weekend in Shiselweni at Mbangweni Royal Residence.
The annual cultural event, which celebrates purity, unity, and tradition, will also serve as a platform to raise awareness about the fight against cancer.
According to Sincedzile Ndzimandze, Project Officer for the Education for Cancer Prevention and Treatment (ECPT) consortium, they will be bringing free cancer screening and awareness to the event.
Formed by Baylor, FAWEESWA, and the Eswatini Breast Cancer Network, ECPT is on a mission to fight breast and cervical cancer through education, early detection, and community outreach. The consortium was recently present at the Umhlanga at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, and now shifts its focus to Shiselweni, urging the nation to take part in its lifesaving campaign.
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, ECPT will provide cervical cancer screening for the public and breast cancer screening for Imbali. This initiative coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when nations across the world shine a light on prevention and survival.
“Our mission is to save lives through knowledge and early detection,” said Sincedzile Ndzimandze, Project Officer at ECPT. “We encourage the nation to come forward for screening, especially during this month of awareness.”
She added, “Every woman and every girl deserves the chance to live free from the fear of late-stage cancer. Early detection is the best protection.”
Beyond the Reed Dance, the consortium will continue visiting communities across Eswatini, ensuring that women and girls everywhere gain access to information and screening services that could save lives.
