BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MALKERNS – Inkhosikati Maké LaNkambule has issued a powerful call for emaSwati to take childhood cancer awareness seriously, stressing the importance of early detection in improving survival rates among children.
Speaking through Dr Charity Newton during a collaborative programme between the Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation and LivPadel Eswatini, Inkhosikati urged parents and communities to “take issues of learning about cancer seriously, especially in children,” saying early knowledge can save lives.
The event, held in world-class padel tennis facility at Malkerns Square on Saturday, July 4, 2026, combined sport and advocacy as part of a fundraising and awareness drive aimed at strengthening support for children living with cancer in Eswatini.
Inkhosikati LaNkambule, who is the patron of the Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation, emphasized that the Foundation exists to ensure that childhood cancer is detected early and treated effectively. She said when symptoms are identified at an early stage, treatment becomes more successful and less complicated.
She further highlighted that the initiative reflects a broader national responsibility to protect children’s health and strengthen awareness at community level.
The Foundation, which was established by the Inkhosikati herself, continues to expand its outreach programmes aimed at supporting affected families through awareness, care coordination, and psychosocial support.
Dr Charity Newton, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, outlined key warning signs that parents should never ignore. She cautioned that persistent fever lasting more than two weeks should prompt medical attention, along with unexplained symptoms such as unusual eye changes, persistent pain, or ongoing fatigue.
She encouraged parents not to dismiss unusual changes in a child’s health, noting that “any unexplained or persistent symptom should be checked by medical professionals as early as possible.”
Representing the Ministry of Health, Zamokuhle Magagula described childhood cancer as a serious public health concern that requires collective action from government, civil society, and families. He stressed that strengthening early detection systems remains a national priority in improving survival outcomes.
According to health sector insights, childhood cancer in Eswatini has seen increased attention in recent years, with hundreds of cases recorded over the past decade. The most common types include leukemia, lymphomas, and other solid tumours. Health experts note that survival rates improve significantly when cases are identified early and treatment begins promptly.
The Secretary General of the Foundation, Siniketiwe Dlamini, explained that the collaboration with LivPadel Eswatini, is not merely a sporting event but a strategic fundraising initiative aimed at expanding support services for children battling cancer.
She said the goal is to ensure that affected children receive medical, emotional, and financial assistance, adding that the programme seeks to bring together communities in solidarity with patients and their families.
“Today we are doing this for a bigger purpose than just playing paddle,” she said. “We are raising funds so that children suffering from cancer can be supported in every possible way.”
The event also highlighted the role of partnerships in strengthening childhood cancer response systems in Eswatini. Stakeholders underscored the importance of continuous awareness campaigns, early screening, and improved access to treatment facilities.
Looking ahead, the Foundation announced plans to host additional sporting and community engagement activities in September, inviting emaSwati from all walks of life to participate and support the cause.
The initiative, organisers say, reflects a growing national movement to ensure that no child faces cancer alone, and that families receive the support they need throughout treatment and recovery.
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