There was no shortage of sparkle or spirit as ‘The Ballroom’ venue on Bengal Street, Laudium, lit up this past Wednesday (Dec 3) for the Laudium Cancer Care (LCC) Year-End Gala. The event brought together cancer patients, survivors, families, volunteers and supporters for an afternoon of celebration and recognition. The programme opened with a heartfelt dua delivered by Guest of Honour, Dr Ahmed Adam, who is a medical doctor and researcher living with a spinal disability following a home invasion that left him paralysed. His brief but impactful message offered words of encouragement and reflection, especially meaningful to those in the room facing physical and emotional battles of their own. The afternoon then moved into a full programme led by eloquent MC Zaki Bhika. From entertaining the crowd with her signature Macarena moment to keeping the programme on pace, Zaki kept attendees engaged. One of the most anticipated segments was the crowning of Miss LCC 2025, a moment which was met with loud cheers and applause. Guests also enjoyed a full catered lunch, generous sponsored gifts, lucky draw prizes and the presence of several volunteers’ husbands, who attended to better understand the hands-on work involved in supporting patients. LCC Chairperson, Rashida Ebrahim, expressed deep gratitude to the community for their support, adding, ” Our volunteers give their hearts and our donors keep us going.”
Laudium Cancer Care warms hearts hosting heartwarming year-end celebration… laughter, hope and a crown for 2025
‘The Ballroom’ venue on Bengal Street, Laudium, was transformed into a vibrant sea of colour, joy and unity this past Wednesday (December 3), as Laudium Cancer Care (LCC) hosted its highly anticipated year-end gala, bringing together cancer patients, survivors, families and supporters for an afternoon filled with warmth, laughter and celebration.
For a few precious hours, the weight of illness lifted as guests immersed themselves in fun activities, delicious food and an atmosphere overflowing with positivity. The event opened with a beautiful dua delivered by Guest of Honour, Dr Ahmed Adam, a medical doctor and scientist with four advanced degrees from WITS University. Dr Adam lives with a spinal disability following a violent home invasion in which he was shot three times, yet continues practising medicine and inspiring communities across South Africa. His brief message of encouragement set a gentle tone of resilience and gratitude for the afternoon.
From that moment onward, the spotlight belonged to the LCC community. The MC for the day, Zaki Bhika, steered the entire programme with charm, humour and unwavering energy. Her lively spirit lit up the hall and when she launched into the now famous Macarena, the entire ballroom joined in, patients, volunteers, children, supporters, and even the speakers. For a moment, illness stood no chance against laughter.
The highlight of the afternoon came with the glittering crowning of Miss LCC 2025, a celebration of courage, sisterhood and survival. Generous spot prizes, sponsored gifts and beautifully prepared meals ensured that every attendee felt valued and uplifted.
Speaking after the event, to the Laudium Sun, LCC spokesperson Zaki Bhika said, “Our patients carry so much every single day. Today was designed to give them joy, dignity and a sense of belonging. For many, this is the only day of the year where they can forget their pain even for a moment, and that makes all the planning worth it.”
She also used the platform to acknowledge the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, noting that a large majority of LCC’s patients are women.
“Our community cannot speak about healing without speaking about safety,” she added.
“Many of our patients fight battles at home alongside their medical ones. Today, we honour every woman who continues to rise.”
Another inspiring presence at the event was Guest of Honour, Dr Abie Joosub, who praised the initiative: “What LCC is doing here is beyond care, it is community rehabilitation. You can feel the love the moment you walk in. This is how healing happens, together.”
This year’s event also saw several volunteers’ husbands attending, to support their wives and to better understand the emotional and physical labour that goes into LCC’s work. Their presence added a touching layer of unity and family involvement.
LCC Chairperson, Rashida Ebrahim, expressed deep gratitude to the community: “We are a small organisation with a massive mission. Our volunteers give their hearts, and our donors keep us going. Today’s joy reflects the dedication behind the scenes, from home visits and transport to treatment, to groceries, counselling, prosthetics and financial support. Our work does not stop after this function. It continues every single day, throughout the festive season.
As the newly crowned Miss LCC 2025 waved to the crowd and the hall filled with applause, one thing became clear… this was far more than a party. It was a celebration of hope, shining, shared and unbreakable.
LCC extends its heartfelt thanks to the businesses, sponsors and individuals whose generosity makes this work possible. For those wishing to support LCC in 2026, any contribution can help to transform lives. For more information, contact Laudium Cancer Care on their official platforms. Together, as a community, we keep polishing diamonds.
