CSI INITIATIVE: ARTICLES
7 August 2026
Giving Back, Saving Lives: Lee-Chem Laboratories and Mandy’s Join PinkDrive’s Christmas in July
The spirit of Christmas was alive and well at PinkDrive’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser dinner, recently held at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg. Twinkling fairy lights, festive décor, generous giving and heartfelt stories created an atmosphere of hope, reminding guests that the greatest gift anyone can give is the chance to save a life.
Supported by long-standing corporate partners, the themed ‘Night of Giving Back’ once again united business, cancer survivors and the community behind PinkDrive’s mission to make early cancer detection accessible to more South Africans.
Each year, this non-profit organisation (NPO) makes a measurable difference to thousands of lives. Relying on donations, corporate sponsorships and community support, it’s dedicated to the early detection of gender-related cancers in underserved communities. PinkDrives mobile units travel across the country, offering screenings such as mammograms, clinical breast examinations, pap smears, and PSA testing directly to people who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare.
The evening struck a thoughtful balance between festive celebration and meaningful reflection, honouring cancer survivors while remembering those who lost their lives to the disease. One of the most moving moments came through a testimonial video featuring women whose lives were saved thanks to PinkDrive’s mobile screening units. Their stories vividly illustrated the impact of accessible healthcare and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to taking cancer screening to communities where it is needed most.
The message was echoed by guest speaker Nicole Fuller, elite athlete and cancer survivor, who shared her personal journey following an early diagnosis that enabled her to avoid chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Inspired by her own experience, Fuller has since become the first South African to receive specialist training in cancer recovery and rehabilitation. Encouraging guests to prioritise regular screenings, she highlighted how early detection, combined with appropriate rehabilitation and physical activity, can significantly improve both recovery and long-term wellbeing.
An address by Koo Govender, Non-Executive Board Member and CEO of Publicis Groupe, spoke to the strength of PinkDrive’s leadership and the collective expertise steering its mission. Sound governance and committed partnerships, she noted, are what allow the NPO to keep expanding its reach and deepening its impact.
Closing the formal programme, PinkDrive founder and CEO Noelene Kotschan took guests back to where it all began: a single mobile screening unit, and a mission to reach those that healthcare so often overlooks. From that modest start, she traced PinkDrive’s growth into a nationally recognised force in cancer awareness and early detection. She closed with heartfelt thanks to all those whose continued support keeps that mission alive.
The fundraiser’s philanthropic spirit continued throughout the evening with raffle draws and a lively auction at the end. Guests bid enthusiastically for luxury prizes including diamond earrings and dream holiday experiences, helping to raise significant funds for PinkDrive’s awareness, education and mobile screening programmes.
To add to the Christmas spirit, spot prizes and hampers, generously sponsored by PinkDrive’s corporate partners, sent guests home with some festive spoils too. And as part of its ongoing support, Lee-Chem Laboratories, through its Mandy’s brand, ensured every guest received a generously filled Mandy’s goodie bag, adding another thoughtful touch to an evening centred on generosity, hope and community.
For Lee-Chem, that generosity runs deeper than a gesture on the night.
“You can’t put a price on the moment someone gets the all-clear because they were screened in time. That’s what keeps us partnering with PinkDrive year after year, and why we’re proud to stand with so many others who believe in that same mission,” says Bhavna Sanker, Marketing Manager at Lee-Chem Laboratories.
Because while Christmas may only appear on the calendar once a year, the spirit of giving and the opportunity to change someone’s future are always in season.
20 July 2026
Lee-Chem Laboratories Supports Epic Youth Matters in Empowering Young Leaders
At LEE-CHEM LABORATORIES , we are proud to partner with organisations that are creating lasting change in the communities they serve.
This Mandela Month, we shine a spotlight on EPIC YOUTH MATTERS, a KwaZulu-Natal-based youth development organisation dedicated to empowering young people to become confident, compassionate leaders. Through their Young Women on the Move (YWOMB) and Young Men of Honour (YMOH) programmes, they provide safe spaces where young people develop resilience, leadership skills, and the confidence to challenge bullying, exclusion, and gender-based violence.
Each year, Epic Youth Matters impacts 2,500–3,000 learners and educators across KwaZulu-Natal through weekly youth clubs, mentorship, teacher training, and community initiatives that create meaningful, long-term change.
During Mandela Month, their inspiring holiday programme brought together nearly 150 children, led by passionate high school and university student volunteers who gave their time to mentor, teach, and inspire through storytelling, sport, creative arts, and life skills. It is a powerful example of leadership through service—living Madiba’s legacy by uplifting others.
Our partnership with Epic Youth Matters is helping them expand their youth programmes, strengthen community training, and prepare for their upcoming Girls’ Camp, ensuring that even more young people have access to opportunities that inspire hope and positive change.
Together, we can help build a future where every young person has the opportunity to lead with courage, dignity, and purpose.
27 October 2025
Lee-Chem Laboratories Brings Knowledge to Life at Ingomezulu Primary School
In celebration of Mandela Day, Lee-Chem Laboratories proudly partnered with Ingomezulu Primary School, an underprivileged school located in the heart of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, to create a lasting impact through education.
As part of the company’s Giving Back Through Purpose initiative, Lee-Chem Laboratories undertook the ambitious project of building a library and multi-media centre for the learners and educators of Ingomezulu Primary School. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable — turning an unused classroom into a vibrant, inspiring space that now serves as a hub for reading, digital learning, and creative exploration.
Driven by the belief that knowledge empowers future generations, this project reflects Lee-Chem Laboratories’ ongoing commitment to education, community upliftment, and creating opportunities for young minds to thrive.
The official opening of the new library and media centre was a joyous occasion filled with gratitude and celebration. Learners and educators expressed their appreciation through song, traditional dance, and heartfelt speeches, showcasing the true spirit of unity and hope that the day embodied.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for change,” said a Lee-Chem spokesperson. “By providing access to learning resources and technology, we hope to inspire curiosity, confidence, and ambition in every learner who walks through those doors.”
Lee-Chem Laboratories remains deeply committed to making a positive difference in communities across South Africa — fostering growth, empowerment, and purpose through initiatives that extend beyond the laboratory.
31 October 20225
Lee-Chem Laboratories Supports PinkDrive in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
As part of Lee-Chem Laboratories’ ongoing Giving Back Through Purpose initiative, the company is proud to reaffirm its partnership with PinkDrive, a leading South African non-profit organisation dedicated to breast cancer awareness, screening, and education.
Each year, Lee-Chem Laboratories’ sponsors PinkDrive’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness High Tea events held in Durban and Johannesburg. These gatherings serve as important platforms to raise both funds and awareness for early detection and support services that save lives.
In October 2025, Lee-Chem Laboratories contributed a R30,000 donation towards PinkDrive’s mission, in addition to sponsoring Mandy’s Hair Removal products for inclusion in the event goodie bags. This support formed part of an inspiring collective effort that raised a total of R132,000 for breast cancer screening and awareness initiatives nationwide.
Through this partnership, Lee-Chem Laboratories continues to champion causes that promote women’s health and well-being.
“The PinkDrive High Tea events are a celebration of hope, courage, and community,” said Bhavna Sanker, Marketing Manager at Lee-Chem Laboratories. “We are honoured to contribute to an organisation whose work makes such a tangible difference in the lives of women across South Africa.”
Lee-Chem Laboratories remains committed to empowering individuals and communities through meaningful partnerships that extend beyond the laboratory — fostering awareness, compassion, and purpose in every initiative undertaken.
