PinkDrive NPC is celebrating a remarkable achievement as its founder and CEO, Noelene Kotschan, was honoured with the prestigious award for Social Impact Influencer of the Year (NPO) at the Fluxx Awards, held in Doha, Qatar, on October 3, 2025.
This award, particularly significant as it coincides with World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlights Noelene’s dedication to advancing women's health and her relentless pursuit to ensure accessible cancer screening and education throughout South Africa.
The Fluxx Awards, integral to the Fluxx Conference, are renowned for recognising visionary leaders and organisations that create a tangible impact globally.
This year's ceremony showcased a constellation of thought leaders and influencers from various sectors, including healthcare, sustainability, and social innovation. Award winners are meticulously chosen by an international panel of judges based on their leadership, innovation, and contributions to meaningful social change.
“We at PinkDrive are deeply honoured to be led by such an inspiring and visionary leader,” stated Bongumusa Makhatini, chairman of PinkDrive.
“Noelene’s compassion, determination, and belief in the power of collaboration continue to shape PinkDrive’s mission to make early detection and health education accessible to all.”
In a commendation that echoed throughout the event, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla praised Kotschan’s selfless commitment in combating the escalating cancer epidemic in South Africa.
He remarked on the national health crisis that breast cancer poses, underscoring the government's commitment to collaborate with PinkDrive to enhance health education and access to early detection services.
“The Department of Health remains focused on reducing the high cancer morbidity and mortality rates in our country by intensifying health education and improving access to early detection and timely treatment,” said Phaahla. “This is vital in alleviating the financial strain on patients and their families.”
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Kotschan expressed gratitude not only for the award but also for the collaborative effort of everyone behind PinkDrive.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition on behalf of the entire PinkDrive family. This award is not mine alone; it belongs to every healthcare worker, partner, sponsor, and community member who stands with us in the fight against cancer. To be honoured during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is particularly meaningful, reminding us of how far we must go to ensure that no woman is left behind in accessing care.”
Under Noelene’s stewardship, PinkDrive has flourished, emerging as South Africa's leading non-profit catering to mobile women’s health. Each year, it provides life-saving screening and educational services to thousands of women, particularly in under-resourced areas where such services are scarce.
This accolade not only shines a light on Kotschan’s individual achievements but also showcases the tireless efforts of the PinkDrive team and their partners, who collectively share her vision for empowering women through healthcare access.
Saturday Star
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