For 40 years, CHOC South Africa has stood as a pillar of hope for families navigating the emotional, financial and medical realities of childhood cancer. From patient support programmes to parent education and accommodation initiatives, the organisation has consistently advocated for children whose voices are often unheard.
The Flip Flop Day campaign remains one of CHOC’s most recognisable national movements, encouraging South Africans to “stand in another’s shoes” — or flip flops — in support of young cancer fighters.
The launch was seamlessly hosted by energetic broadcaster Siya Sangweni, whose warmth and charisma set the tone for an afternoon that balanced celebration with reflection. His engaging presence ensured the message remained clear: childhood cancer is not a distant issue, but a collective responsibility.
The guest list reflected a strong show of unity across media, PR and influencer circles. Among the notable attendees were broadcaster Sam Lehoko, formerly known as Sammy Sousa, and respected PR industry leader Melanie Hypress Ramjee, whose attendance amplified the importance of visibility in advocacy work.
Their presence reinforced the role of influential voices in driving awareness and mobilising public support for causes that truly matter.
The emotional heart of the event belonged to Surprise, a mother whose baby girl Wanga is courageously battling cancer. Her testimony offered an unfiltered glimpse into the lived reality of parenting a child with cancer — a journey marked by fear, resilience and unwavering love.
Surprise encouraged fellow parents to remain strong, to work closely with medical professionals, and to nurture both their children and themselves through the process. She emphasised the importance of hope, faith and community, while openly applauding CHOC’s philanthropic work and the vital role the organisation played in helping her regain strength during her darkest moments.
As guests symbolically embraced flip flops in solidarity, the message resonated deeply: every step taken for childhood cancer awareness counts. The Flip Flop Day launch was not merely a campaign unveiling — it was a celebration of resilience, advocacy and the unwavering belief that children living with cancer deserve dignity, support and hope.
Four decades on, CHOC continues to walk beside families, proving that compassion, when sustained, can change lives — one child, one family, and one courageous step at a time
South Africans are urged to come together on the 20th of February, for a #FlipFlopDay, across all social media platforms, in offices and at home, at just R10 a sticker, which all proceeds to to all those that live with cancer ♋️.
This year CHOC makes the vision of seeing every South African wearing flip flops more of a reality by forging partnership with a giant in courier services, The Courier Guy, the stickers should reach you anywhere you are.
Entertaining the guests at the launch was the sounds of the seasoned musician and actress Stephanie Baartman, and Keith Juluka who introduced us all to a #FlipFlopDay tune which is set to be a trend as we usher into the official #FlipFlopDay on the 20th of February, 2026.
