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Purple Project

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Purple Project

💜 No Shame, Just Support. We are an NPO dedicated to gynaecological cancer awareness, early detection, and community advocacy.

Our mission is to break stigmas and promote women’s health through education, offering a safe space.

05/09/2026

What a night 💜🏆

Last night, Purple Project was named the Health and Safety category winner at The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, held at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre under this year's theme, "Radiance of Change."

Dr Mel represented Purple Project on the night, and when we asked her what the moment meant to her, she said it best:

"To be honoured and celebrated, and to represent those who are not seen is such a huge priviledge."

That's what this award really represents, every woman whose story hasn't had a stage yet.

Thank you to The Herald and Nelson Mandela University for the honour, and for a truly glamorous evening celebrating the people changing our community for the better.

03/09/2026

Another room, another conversation started 💜

Dr Melissa Pietersen was invited to speak at Nelson Mandela University's Social Work Department Women's Wellness Campaign, alongside guest speakers covering mental health and community wellbeing.

Her focus: cancer awareness, risk factors, prevention, and why early detection saves lives - the same message we carry into every school, every activation, every conversation.

It's a fitting way to open September - Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

Thank you to NMU's Student Social Workers for creating this space, and to everyone who showed up ready to listen.

01/09/2026

5 More days left! 💜

Join us at Walmer Park Mall this Saturday🤩

28/08/2026

The countdown is on 💜

Behind the scenes, our team is prepping for the Purple Project activation, together with the CANSA Shavathon - happening 5 September at Walmer Park Mall, Centre Court, from 9:30 to 14:00.

Gynaecological cancer awareness, HPV prevention education, and real community support, all in one place.

Tag a friend who should come through with you 👇

📍 Walmer Park Mall | 📅 5 September 2026 | 🕤 9:30–14:00

25/08/2026

It's happening again 💜

Purple Project is hosting a community activation at Walmer Park Mall in collaboration with CANSA Shavathon, to support those affected by cancer.

📍 Walmer Park Mall, Centre Court
📅 5 September 2026
🕤 9:30 – 14:00

Come shave your head, cheer someone on, or just stopping by to show support — be part of it.

No one fights alone. 💜

21/08/2026

Happy No One Fights Alone Friday 🖤💜

Healthcare teams at Netcare Cuyler Hospital, Livingstone Hospital (Physio, OT, Speech, Dietetics, Radiology), PE Provincial Hospital, and Polokwane Hospital Oncology, along with local pharmacies and small businesses were all wearing the black "No One Fights Alone" tee.

Purple is the colour that started this movement: a symbol of dignity, hope, and inclusivity that helps break the stigma around gynaecological health.

No Shame, Just Support is a daily commitment from everyone who shows up in that shirt.

Are you or your workplace joining in soon? Share your photos in the comments - we'd love to feature your support.

19/08/2026

A category win is a headline. The years behind it are the real story. 💜

Purple Project has been named the Health & Safety category winner at The Herald Citizens of the Year Awards, supported by Nelson Mandela University, and The Herald has published a feature on the journey behind it.

Since 2022, that journey has included sanitary pad drives, care packages for patients, and HPV education expanded into primary and secondary schools, all working toward one goal: making gynaecological cancer something we talk about openly, the way breast cancer awareness changed the conversation a generation ago.

This recognition matters because it means the work is being seen. And it's a reminder of how much more this community can still do together - more schools, more conversations, more women reached before it's too late.

Thank you, Herald, for this honour, and for helping tell this story.

Read the full feature here:
https://www.theherald.co.za/news/2026-08-18-this-came-when-breakthrough-id-been-praying-for-was-needed-most/

14/08/2026

Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes of Nelson Mandela Bay—the change-makers whose impactful stories often go untold and positive impact remains largely unseen. On Friday, 4 September we honour them and salute their spirit of upliftment and transformation. Limited tickets are available. Don’t miss out!

🎤 Host: Masasa Mbangeni
📍 Boardwalk International Convention Centre
⏰ 18:00 - 23:00
🎟️ Tickets: R695pp or R6255 per table of 10 (ex VAT)

To book, contact The Herald Marketing Manager, Berna Ulay-Walters on [email protected]. Tickets include 3-course meal, live entertainment, winners’ video showcasing, Vodacom prize giveaways, music & dance.

WE CELEBRATE OUR WINNERS:
Education: Gem Project | Civil society: Central SRA | GBV: Thembani Gqiba of Doxa Youth Program | Arts & culture: Nomakhomazi Dewavrin | Business: Sinazo Vabaza Tundube | Community: Wings and Wishes | Sport: Ra'ees Khan of Swim GQ | Health: Purple Project ZA | Youth: Sinovuyo Mafilika

Nelson Mandela University I My SPAR I Continental I Coega Development Corporation (Pty) Ltd I Nedbank I Boardwalk Hotel and Casino I Capsicum Culinary Studio I Kingfisher FM I Three Peaks W**e I JTC Caterers I Hugo Studio

07/08/2026

So honoured to be the recipient in the Health category. Thank you HeraldLIVE - Nelson Mandela Bay for honouring the work we do.

06/08/2026

Behind every movement is a heart that refused to stay silent.

For Dr. Melissa Pietersen, founder of Purple Project, compassionate care is both a clinical standard and a personal calling.

Dr. Melissa Pietersen is a doctor in the field of Radiation Oncology, with over a decade of clinical experience.

Growing up in Atlantis on South Africa’s West Coast.

After graduating with her MBChB from Stellenbosch University, her medical journey brought her to Gqeberha for her internship and Kimberley for community service, where her path in oncology took root.

Her clinical experience revealed a heartbreaking reality across all gynaecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vulvar, and vaginal.

Cervical cancer alone remains a leading cause of cancer death among South African women, with too many suffering in silence due to fear and late diagnosis.

Inspired by her family's own encounters with cancer, Mel founded Purple Project to normalize conversations around women's health.

Her work combines rigorous, evidence-based care with deep empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Beyond Purple Project, Mel works closely with Project Flamingo, CHOC, Reach For A Dream, the Cancer Alliance, and Nelson Mandela University to ensure compassionate care reaches every corner of our community.

"Gynaecological cancer should be a conversation, not a taboo; early detection a reality, not a privilege." - Dr. Melissa Pietersen

Join us in celebrating Dr. Pietersen’s vision for a healthier, more empowered future.

Address

Stanford Road
Port Elizabeth
6000

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