Protecting our future: How Siyavuka is transforming the lives of children battling cancer
HERITAGE MEETS HOPE: André Theron, executive committee member of Siyavuka for Kids, works tirelessly to give children battling cancer a fighting chance
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"If we lose our children, we lose our future."
So says André Theron, executive committee member of Siyavuka for Kids, a SA organisation working to give children battling cancer a second chance at life.
In South Africa, approximately 800 to 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually.
However, according to Cansa, up to half of these cases go undetected due to misdiagnosis, limited access to healthcare, and systemic failures.
Consequently, many young lives are lost unnecessarily.
Siyavuka for Kids was born out of the urgent need to change this reality.
The organisation supports the paediatric oncology and haematology unit at the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital.
It also aims to establish a children’s hospital dedicated to treating cancer, rare diseases and other complex medical conditions.
Siyavuka means “We rise” in isiXhosa.
Speaking to IOL, Theron said protecting the nation’s heritage went hand in hand with protecting its children.
"Our children are the keepers of our culture, the living thread of our history," he said.
"If we fail them now, everything we have built as a country — our values, our communities, our future — is at risk."
Siyavuka for Kids has been running for about 15 years at the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital, starting with the paediatric oncology ward.
"That’s only one part of looking after kids," Theron said.
"And I think it's just grown into something bigger because of what the need is out there at the moment.
"The need is for a children's hospital in Gqeberha and I think that's where the heart is at the moment — to see how we can work with other organisations, including the health department and the management of the provincial hospital, and to see how we can make it work, small steps going forward.
"I think that's the heart of it."
Theron is not a founding member but joined the foundation's executive committee this year.
"The whole reason I got involved was because of the need for me to get involved with the hospital," he said.
"Children don’t have a voice.
"It’s very hard. I’m not one to stand by. I’m not that type of person.
"I’m not one to point fingers, and I don't look at my surroundings and go into the negative or blaming mode. I’m someone who has vision and I’m God-centred."
He said it was estimated that about 400 children in the Eastern Cape should be diagnosed with cancer every year.
"But it is not happening because of poor treatment and misdiagnosis at clinics all over the Eastern Cape and border region."
To address this, Theron and Siyavuka for Kids partnered with local clinics and trained nursing staff.
"That’s basically what we want at the moment."
The name Siyavuka, he said, carried a powerful meaning.
"Siyavuka means ‘we rise’ or the other word would be ‘resurrection’. If you look at the data behind the World Health Organisation, the children are not surviving.
"There’s so much more that we can do.
"Imagine having a children's hospital — the provincial hospital, the M-Ward, is the driving force.
"The goal is to create the M-Ward and make it a dedicated children’s hospital, from the emergency room to all levels of care."
Theron said he was inspired by the people he worked with.
"When I became involved, I saw the heart of the management of the provincial hospital, the nursing staff, and the gratefulness when we started cleaning the spaces where they work every day.
"The encouraging words they give the staff, and the thankfulness from patients, doctors, administrative staff, and nurses — it is very heartwarming.
"The first time they picked up the grass next to the tea room, the staff went and had their lunch on the grass that day. It was so nice to see. That’s all I can say. I love what I do."
Theron’s work extends beyond healthcare.
"I’m not a politician, so don’t ask me about politics.
"I look past that and focus on what I can do as an individual.
"The big thing for me is that I love inspiring others.
"I also like challenging people. I say to them, ‘yes, you’re like this and that, but what have you done?’"
Siyavuka for Kids has grown rapidly.
"Our executive committee is strong—driven people who want to make a difference quickly.
"Doors have just been opening constantly."
Partnerships with businesses have made small contributions possible and impactful.
He said the current focus was on improving hospital facilities.
"The real work starts inside the hospital, even half a floor at a time, building up one by one.
"We want to partner with everyone who wants to contribute.
"Trying to do everything alone gives the impression you want to control everything, which doesn’t work.
"We build things together in this country — that’s the way forward, to partner with everybody and pool resources."
Theron draws inspiration from other successes.
"It’s been proven with the Nelson Mandela Bay Children’s Hospital in Gauteng — it’s a magical place.
"There’s no reason it should not happen here, even for the poorest children who lack access to education and medical care.
"It should be possible for the health department, private sector, and community to establish a network of supportive relationships.
"That’s the main aim, but our first drive is clearly the paediatric oncology ward."
For Theron, the work was personal.
"Every day that we wake up and do something for the hospital, we’re protecting the heritage of the day."
He said giving back to heritage and children go hand in hand.
"When I hear these stories at night and see the children, I realise it’s not just about what I’ve done.
"It’s about what more I can do. We are limited as humans — with income, upbringing, or opportunities — but even small actions matter.
"Recently, I got into a lift and saw a young boy with his mom. He looked lifeless, and I prayed for him. Experiences like that make you think: what else can I do to make sure that child isn’t suffering as much?"
Success, for Theron, was measured in families’ joy.
"The real success stories are about the heart of the parents and the community.
"Parents spend the whole day at the hospital, and other organisations bring private individuals to feed them. Ensuring the whole family is supported—that is the real success."
Theron said there was a strong link between children and heritage.
"SA is a wonderful, unique country with many cultures living and learning together.
"If we don’t protect our heritage, what future will we leave for our children? They need to understand where they come from.
"As parents, we have a responsibility to protect our kids and teach them about their roots, which instills values regardless of wealth or background."
Looking ahead, he has clear goals.
"I’d like to see our ward improved — the building needs changes.
"More importantly, it should be financially stable, with enough funds for emergency medical needs.
"The vision is to be financially stable, grow the ward, and start the next phase: a second floor, a third floor."
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