FAQs
Afrikaanse Antwoorde op Gereelde Vrae
1. How often is CANSA Shavathon Held?
CANSA’s Shavathon events have become so popular, that we have changed our focus from an annual national Shavathon at participating malls across the country, to participation through communities and corporates / workplaces all year round.
Once per year, we will continue to host Shavathon events at selected malls. The date for 2025 is Saturday, 28th February 2026, with a few events at malls on Sunday, 1st March 2026.
Our Shavathon Hosts, including workplaces, organisations, schools, or individuals will be holding their own events from Monday, 2nd March 2026 to the end of March.
However, as mentioned previously Shavathon events may now be hosted throughout the year. Read more: communities | corporates / workplaces.
2. What is Shavathon all About?
Shavathon started back in 2003 in the Eastern Cape (watch video with Simon Clark), as a way to show solidarity or support for cancer patients, as losing hair is a common side effect of cancer therapy. Since then the event has gone national. Participants show support by donating a fee to shave or spray their hair. The donation is used by CANSA to provide a care and support service to the public and all people affected by cancer.
3. How to become an Online Champion
Sign up your company as a Shavathon Online Champion or create your own corporate internal project where individual employees or different divisions and branches can sign up as activists. You can also create your own fundraising account and challenge employees to support your project – and match the employees’ contribution. Challenge other corporates to see who will raise the most funds. Donors can view your organisation’s projects and latest posts and make a donation on a secure donation page.
Individuals and volunteers can also create their own fundraising page – set up your online fundraising profile; write a short overview of what your aim is and why people should donate towards your project. Invite all your friends, colleagues, employees and family to your fundraising page and ask them to make donations. Keep your fundraising project alive with updates, photos and videos while tracking your progress. There are various prizes available and will be given to the online Champions who raise the most funds by 31 March 2026.
Create your online fundraising page here…
4. Workplace and Community Shavathon Hosts
Many workplaces, or organisations, educational institutions, or individuals within a community decide to host their own Shavathons in order to raise awareness and funds for the cancer cause.
Hosting a Shavathon is a wonderful team-building experience and many companies adopt CANSA Shavathon as their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project.
Employees take part and often they invite service providers, clients and friends to also participate. The designated staff member pays the commitment fee online, orders the materials from the CANSA eShop, hosts the event and afterwards transfers the funds to CANSA. Many companies match the funds contributed by employees to make this event an even bigger success.
Read more: community hosts | corporates / workplace hosts
5. How does the Event Work at Malls?
Members of the public arrive at their nearest participating mall to shave or spray for a donation of R50. Children under 12 donate only R25. They first register and sign an indemnity form and then pay the amount before proceeding to get shaved or sprayed. The process can take between 15 and 60 minutes depending on how busy the event is. The event is normally open from 9:00 to 15:00 (may vary from one event to another – check event directory) and try to get there early to avoid disappointment.
6. Bail Out Fee
If you cannot shave or spray at a workplace or mall you can pay a bail out fee. Pay your ‘bail out fee’ online (a minimum or R50). If you missed the mall events you can check if there are community | corporates / workplace events open to the public in your area.
7. What’s New?
It’s our 24th national Shavathon at selected malls on Saturday, 28th February 2026.
Limited Edition CANSA Headwear (R60) will be available at selected venues.
For convenience, we are now supporting SnapScan payments at Shavathon venues. No need for cash when you can just scan the QR code and make your donation.
CANSA’s Shavathon events have become so popular, that we have changed our focus from an annual national Shavathon at participating malls across the country, to participation through communities and corporates / workplaces all year round.
8. Will the Hair from Shaved Heads at Shavathon be Used to make Wigs?
Hair donations of over 25cm are preferred by the wigmaker. Hair that is dyed or bleached can also be donated; however, hair clean and free of chemical treatments is preferred as this produces a higher quality wig. To donate hair the donations must be placed into a sealed plastic bag, with your name and contact details clearly visible, and put into an envelope to be posted or couriered to our CANSA Head Office – read more regarding requirements… or it can be delivered to your local CANSA Care Centre. We then use these ponytails to create wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Patients give a donation of R350 for a natural hair wig, which covers cost of couriering hair to the wigmaker and back to our Care Centres and maintenance of wig banks.
9. Are the Clippers and Scissors Sterilised after use?
The blades do not touch the skin; however, there are sterilisation materials at all venues.
10. Why does CANSA Shavathon not do Clean-Shaving?
We offer a number 1 comb as the shortest shave, in order to reduce the risk of nicks or cuts. CANSA advocates being SunSmart, so we don’t want you to go bald all the way and place yourself at risk from sun damage. We advise on always wearing a CANSA approved sunscreen or wearing a wide brimmed hat to protect you from the sun. There is a selection of number 2 – 4 combs for shaving or you can spray or stencil your hair a multitude of colours if you are not willing or unable to shave your head with a number 1 comb.
11. Are the Colour Sprays used Safe / non-Hazardous / will not Stain?
The sprays are made from vegetable dye and won’t stain and can be washed out. However, use the cape / towelling to protect clothing e.g. white t-shirts.
12. Where does the Money go to?
Funds raised go to providing the unique integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research, the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public. Our health programmes comprise health and education campaigns; CANSA Care Centres that offer a wide range of care and support services to those affected by cancer; stoma and other clinical support and organisational management; medical equipment hire, as well as a toll-free line to offer information and support. We also supply patient care and support in the form of CANSA Care Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients; and CANSA-TLC lodging for parents and guardians of children undergoing cancer treatment. See how we fight cancer in your community…
13. R50 is too Expensive. Why not make it Cheaper for Families?
The price has remained R50 since the first Shavathon in 2003, and is considered a donation. Children under 12 donate only R25.
14. Who are the Partners for CANSA Shavathon?
Dedicated partners are Newsclip Media Monitoring and Limegreen Online Design Print. There are a number of other media partners that assist with free coverage or exposure on a regional basis – these are listed on the website footer, and all participating malls are also listed on the website.
15. What Colours are you Offering for the Colour Spray?
Colours this year are pink, purple, blue, green, silver, yellow, red, orange, black and white, so you can choose one or a combination of colours. Some people even shave and then spray to double their support!
16. Which Social Media Platforms is Shavathon part of?
Shavathon is making use of most social networking sites. Follow us:
• Facebook: CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa
• X (previously Twitter): @CANSA
• Instagram: @CancerAssociationOfSouthAfrica
• YouTube: Cancer Association of South Africa
• TikTok: @cancerassociationza
Share your Shavathon experience with us! Post and share your photos and videos on your social media platforms – remember to tag us, including the hashtag #CANSAShavathon
CANSA is committed to connecting people facing cancer with information, day-to-day help as well as emotional support they need in the communities where they live. Our aim is to ensure that cancer Survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone; we’re here to support them through every step of their cancer journey.*
Your support helps us to continue the fight against cancer in South Africa and brings us closer to the challenge of a cancer-free society within our generation. Let this become our legacy to our children and generations to come.
* The responsibility rests with patients to contact CANSA for assistance. CANSA is not informed of any diagnoses / of patients being treated at medical centres. Family need to obtain permission from patients, before CANSA may contact them. Read more…
For more info see www.shavathon.org.za, email info@cansa.org.za, call 0800 22 66 22 or contact your local CANSA Care Centre.
