By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard, joins representatives from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa and CANSA during the official handover of R1.2 million raised through the 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run. The funds will support prostate and testicular cancer awareness, screening programmes and patient support initiatives as Hollard officially launched the 2026 Daredevil Run campaign, encouraging South African men to prioritise their health through early detection and regular screenings. Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s most unconventional charity run has once again delivered a powerful message about men’s health, raising an impressive R1.2 million for prostate and testicular cancer awareness while officially launching the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run campaign.
Hosted at the Hollard Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg, the cheque handover ceremony celebrated the thousands of brave participants who took part in the 2025 edition of the event, famously running in bright purple speedos to raise awareness about cancers affecting men.
The funds raised have been donated in full to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), where they will support awareness campaigns, free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening initiatives, educational programmes and patient support services across the country.
Now in its 17th year, the Hollard Daredevil Run has grown into one of South Africa’s most recognisable awareness campaigns, using humour and boldness to tackle a serious public health challenge.
Speaking at the event, Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard, praised participants for embracing the campaign’s mission.
“The Hollard Daredevil Run is an unforgettable experience that raises awareness in a fun, engaging manner and sparks dialogue about men’s health in a non-threatening way,” said Chimhandamba.
“We are incredibly grateful to every Daredevil who dared to run in a purple speedo. It takes a special kind of bravery to turn heads for something that truly matters. Because behind all the laughs is a very serious mission: getting more men to check in on their health and each other.”
The campaign comes at a critical time. Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among South African men, with one in eight men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. Black African men face an even greater risk, with studies indicating they are approximately 60% more likely to develop the disease than other population groups.
Testicular cancer, although less common, remains the most prevalent cancer among young men aged between 15 and 49. Health experts continue to stress the importance of regular self-examinations and early detection, which significantly improve treatment outcomes.
According to Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, the annual donation from the Hollard Daredevil Run remains the organisation’s largest single source of fundraising support.
“The Hollard Daredevil donation is the largest single donation the PCF receives each year,” said Oberholzer.
“These funds allow us to distribute multilingual educational materials, conduct free PSA screening programmes and expand support services for men and families affected by prostate cancer.”
He also revealed that proceeds from the initiative have contributed to the development of South Africa’s first comprehensive prostate cancer registry, expected to launch in 2026. The registry will track incidence rates, treatment pathways and patient outcomes, helping to strengthen research and healthcare planning.
Lorraine Govender, National Manager of Health Programmes at CANSA, said the campaign has evolved into far more than a fundraising initiative.
“The Hollard Daredevil Run has become a national movement that encourages men to speak openly about their health and seek help sooner,” said Govender.
“The courage and commitment shown by participants enable CANSA to continue providing awareness, early detection, screening and support services to men across South Africa.”
The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run is set to take place on Friday, 23 October 2026, at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, while participants across the country will once again be encouraged to run in their own communities, workplaces, schools and universities.
Registration opens on 1 July 2026, with tickets available through Ticketpro at R200. Each registration includes a participant pack and the event’s iconic purple speedo.
As the campaign prepares for another year, organisers hope to build on the momentum generated over nearly two decades, proving that a simple run—and a lot of courage—can save lives.
With every kilometre covered in purple, South Africans are not only raising funds but also breaking down stigmas, encouraging early detection and championing a future where men’s health receives the attention it deserves.
