In Johannesburg, South Africans marched together decked out in pink to help spread awareness of breast cancer and encourage early detection. Cancer in South Africa is an emerging health problem, with breast cancer being one of the leading cancers in women, following similar worldwide statistics. One in 29 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but the good news is that if it is detected early, there is an excellent chance of recovery. The pink colored ribbon is used as an international symbol of solidarity with breast cancer patients. South Africans in Johannesburg marched together in a walk dressed in pink to show their support for the cause.

Sporting all varieties of pink, participants walked up to three kilometres (1.8 miles) to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). A total amount of R7,500 (just over 700 US dollars) was raised and handed-over to CANSA after the walk. The activities in Johannesburg were in support of Siemens’ Turn Your City Pink! campaign that was launched in October and will run for one year. The goal of the one-year campaign is to encourage people around the world to take action by spreading the campaign motto in their own environments in the most creative and public way possible. Participants can document their creative activities by uploading a photo or video on the campaign website and share with friends to spread awareness.

For every photo or video uploaded on the site, Siemens will donate five US dollars to a non-profit breast cancer organization. In addition, Internet users will vote on the best photo or video of the month and the ten monthly winners (October 2011 – July 2012) will each be awarded a pink Apple iPad¹ courtesy of Siemens. These winners will also be invited by Siemens to attend the donation ceremony scheduled to take place in London in October 2012. The web site additionally offers valuable information about the early detection of breast cancer which includes self-examination tips, articles about diagnostic imaging, and a collection of facts about breast cancer.