As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month unfolds in September, the much-anticipated 2024 Seven7 Drive is set to embark on its ninth annual cross-country journey, continuing its mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Organised by Seven7 Drive NPC, a non-profit organisation committed to raising awareness and delivering support to young cancer patients, this year’s event promises an even more expansive and impactful experience.
The Urgency of Childhood Cancer Awareness
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death among children aged one to 14 worldwide, with approximately one in 408 children diagnosed before the age of 15. In South Africa, while many academic hospitals feature paediatric oncology units, a persistent lack of awareness about early detection means survival rates remain worryingly low. The Seven7 Drive aims to combat this by raising awareness about the life-saving benefits of early detection and by delivering hope and much-needed supplies to children in hospitals across South Africa.
The 2024 Route: A Cross-Country Mission
The 2024 Seven7 Drive will span seven provinces, bringing support to hospitals nationwide. Beginning on Sunday, 15 September, at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg, the convoy will visit hospitals in Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, Cape Town, Kimberley, and Polokwane, before concluding at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane on Saturday, 21 September. This expanded route allows the drive to reach more children and communities, underscoring its commitment to creating a lasting impact.
A Team of Passionate Advocates
Led by Danie Botha, owner of BoBo Productions and one of the original co-founders of the Seven7 Drive, the organisation’s mission is supported by a dedicated team of media and motoring experts. Ziphorah Masethe, a presenter and producer at IgnitionTV, joins the board alongside Christo Valentyn, head of marketing for Kia South Africa, and media personality Khulekani Dumisa. Together, they aim to grow the event’s reach and efficacy, ensuring that more children receive help regularly.
Botha acknowledges that the challenging economic environment has posed obstacles to the 2024 drive. However, the organisers remain grateful for the continued backing of the South African motoring industry, which has once again stepped up to support this noble cause.
Partners and Vehicles: Driving the Cause Forward
Since the drive’s inception in 2015, Kia has been a steadfast partner, returning this year with two vehicles: the latest Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos. Toyota also joins as a new partner, participating with its cutting-edge Hilux 48V hybrid double-cab. Stellantis will field the rugged Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, while Hyundai contributes its versatile Venue Cargo. These vehicles, a mix of compact SUVs, cargo vans, and powerful 4x4s, are well-suited for the diverse and often challenging terrains the drive will encounter.
Danie Botha and Ziphorah Masethe will be behind the wheel, joined by rally legend Hannes Grobler and medic George Wright, who return to the event for the second year. The drive will also be filmed by a videography crew, with footage set to air on IgnitionTV, bringing the event’s powerful message to a wider audience.
An Adventure with Purpose
As is tradition, the Seven7 Drive will avoid main roads wherever possible, opting for more scenic and lesser-known routes that take the team through some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes. With reports of snow near Lesotho, there’s potential for added adventure, especially for the front-wheel drive vehicles. But as Botha notes, “An adventure is not an adventure without a few stories to tell.”
Grateful Hearts: The Support Behind the Drive
The success of the Seven7 Drive is made possible by the generosity of numerous sponsors. Freshive Digital has developed the organisation’s website, IgnitionTV has donated airtime for a feature on the drive, and Wilna Moolman, along with the community of Kareedouw, has sponsored a special dinner and accommodation for the crew during their journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town. Additionally, Road Lodge in Kimberley will host the team for a night’s rest.
Follow the Journey
The 2024 Seven7 Drive promises to be a remarkable journey of hope, courage, and solidarity with children fighting cancer. To follow the progress of this year’s drive and offer your support, visit the Seven7 Drive’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/seven7Drive.
