The Johannesburg-based rugby franchise together with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will on 17 February 2024 host the 22^nd edition of the popular Shavathon initiative to be hosted at Emirates Airline Park. The day also marks the return fixture of the Jukskei Derby between the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship competition.

Themed ‘Be Colourfully Kind’, the collaboration between rugby and cancer awareness encourages fans attending the much-anticipated return match to show their support for cancer by either shaving or spray-colouring their hair in support of those affected by cancer.

CANSA Shavathon is one of South Africa’s best-loved events allowing participants to show solidarity with those affected by cancer. Losing one’s hair is a common side-effect of cancer therapy – so shaving or spraying heads, has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors.

Says Elijah Masubelele, CANSA Head: Business Development: “While shopping malls provide us with wonderful platforms to host Shavathon activities every year, we have also found that running individual events with companies, schools and other organisations makes a significant positive impact on creating awareness and raising funds.”

“Partnering with the Lions and hosting the Shavathon at the iconic Emirates Airline Park on the day of such a massive local derby will go a long way in raising awareness in a fun, colourful way,’ he concluded.

Ellis Park Stadium Managing Director Pieter Burger says sport is a powerful tool to raise awareness for not only social but also to draw attention to health matters in our society.

“We all know of or have someone close to us who is currently living with or has succumbed to cancer, so to raise awareness through sport is something we fully support and are privileged to be a part of.”

“Emirates Airline Park is world-class stadium offering an incredible in-stadium experience for all who attend our facility. What better way to enhance the experience than to collaborate with CANSA on a such a meaningful and heartfelt cause where all our fans and players can participate,” concluded Burger.

Shavathon stations will be located inside the stadium where fans attending the game can either shave or spray their hair ahead of the 15:00 kick-off. The donation fee for shaving or spraying hair is R50 an adult and R25 a child under 12 years old.