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SA celebrities who beat cancer
ongezwa.zibi
Mon, 02/04/2019 - 12:53

Teaser Media

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South African musician Johnny Clegg performs on stage on June 17, 2010 in Toulouse

JOHANNESBURG - Thousands of people have taken the time to share inspiring messages of hope on Monday to mark World Cancer Day.

The international day is marked to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

READ: World Cancer Day activists highlight prevention

Many celebrities who have been diagnosed with cancer have been vocal about their different journeys and although some have managed to beat cancer, others have not been so lucky.

Below is a list of local celebrities who have fought cancer:

1. Xolani Gwala 

The radio personality announced in September 2017 that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer.

During an interview, Gwala described his journey towards remission as being like going through 'hell.'

2. Lillian Dube 

Actress Lillian Dube has used her breast cancer diagnosis as a way to spread awareness about the disease.

In 2008, Dube underwent surgery for breast cancer.

Dube's message is for women to ensure that they go for routine check-ups as this could make the difference.

View this post on Instagram

Ladies and gents i present to you Dr Lillian Dube! Congratulations Mme oaka 😍😍😍 A post shared by Liteboho Molise (@liteboho_molise) on Oct 18, 2017 at 6:03am PDT

3. Johnny Clegg

Legendary South African musician Johnny Clegg has fought a long battle since being diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer in 2015.

Despite numerous surgeries and radiation therapy sessions, lesions were once again found in his lungs last year.

In a post on Facebook the  "Asimbonanga" singer said he is preparing for hard times ahead.

4. Zoleka Mandela 

Zoleka Mandela, Nelson Mandela's granddaughter, has never been shy about sharing her six-year battle with breast cancer.

Zoleka was diagnosed in 2012 and although she was declared cancer-free after chemotherapy, Mandela was re-diagnosed in 2016.

In an Instagram post, Mandela said she is lucky to be alive.

 

View this post on Instagram

Here’s how I wore my outfit today! Had the outfit made in Yeoville, bought the fabric in Pretoria, the earrings at a market in Ghana, the beaded bag and bangles in Soweto ... if that helps? 😂 Thanking my make up artist/stylist @zolekamandela for putting me together and for all the times she’s completed my AFRICAN SWAGGG!!! 😊 #BashalaBabyBump #BabyBump #MakeUpByMrsBashala #MrsBashalaInAfricanPrint #MrsBashalaAfricanPrintMaternityWear #MrsBashalaInBangkok #MrsBashala #MwasiYaThierry #MakotiKaThierry #ProudCongoleseWife #WifeOfAnAfricanMan #38YrOldMotherOf5 #PregnantAt38Yrs A post shared by Zoleka Mandela (@zolekamandela) on Nov 4, 2018 at 11:55pm PST

5. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has been fighting prostate cancer for more than 20 years.

Over the years Tutu has been hospitalised and treated for prostate cancer.

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It does take an extraordinary person to forgive, and we all have the capacity to be extraordinary A post shared by Desmond Tutu (@desmondtutu) on Mar 10, 2014 at 2:56pm PDT