In South Africa, the challenge of healthcare access is a story of two halves. 

While urban centres have a network of hospitals and clinics, many rural communities face significant hurdles, often leading to late diagnoses for serious illnesses. 

This is especially true for cancer, where early detection can make all the difference. 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for a staggering 65% of all natural causes of death in our country, a burden that the National Department of Health is working hard to reduce. 

It is in this context that a partnership is making a real difference: a collaboration between Rio Tinto, PinkDrive, and the National Department of Health to bring essential health screening directly to those who need it most.

Starting in late July and running through August 2025, this initiative will see mobile healthcare screening clinics travelling through KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Northern Cape. 

This comes after a successful outreach in 2024, which laid the groundwork for this expanded mission.

Werner Duvenhage, Managing Director of RTIT Africa Operations & RBM, shared his pride in the project, stating, “We are proud to once again collaborate with PinkDrive to bring these services closer to those who need them most. Through this collaboration we can extend our reach and make a meaningful impact even in areas where we are not physically present. It is an extension of our core values.”

The numbers from last year’s outreach are impressive, with 7,695 people screened in just two weeks. This year, the goal is even more ambitious: to screen over 12,000 individuals and provide health education to many more. 

Noelene Kotschan, CEO and Founder of PinkDrive, highlighted the critical need for this type of service, explaining, “Far too many South Africans are diagnosed late because they simply don’t have access to screening facilities. Our model of mobile healthcare has proven both innovative and effective in bridging this gap.” 

PinkDrive’s model is about bringing the healthcare facility to the community, using a fleet of mobile units to provide services that would otherwise be out of reach.

The services offered are comprehensive and all provided at no cost. The mobile clinics will be staffed by a team of qualified doctors, nurses, radiographers, and health educators, offering everything from mammograms and pap smears to Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, clinical breast examinations, and skin and lung cancer screenings.

General health check-ups will also be available, with referrals to public health facilities arranged for anyone who needs further care. 

This initiative is a vital part of South Africa’s national health goals, which focus on reducing the burden of NCDs through early detection, prevention, and improved access to care.

The funding for this impactful project comes from the Rio Tinto Social Investment Fund, which is dedicated to creating lasting socio-economic benefits in the communities where the company operates. 

This collaboration is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can directly improve health outcomes and bring essential services to the doorsteps of those who need them most, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of South Africans.

IOL Lifestyle

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