Men across Johannesburg are once again being called to step out of their comfort zones and step up for men’s health as the Men in Heels Walkathon returns to Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Fourways, on Saturday, 10 October 2026, from 10am to 1pm.
Founded by Lerato Molete of Black Cherrie Management Holdings, Men in Heels has been five years in the making, with 2026 marking the fourth walkathon.
This year, the campaign takes another significant step forward with Daily Sun joining Men in Heels as official media partner, helping to amplify conversations around prostate cancer, male breast cancer, early detection and the importance of men taking a more proactive approach to their health.
The initiative is also supported by Cansa, continuing a relationship that has been part of the Men in Heels journey since its inception.
Men in Heels uses the striking visual of men walking in heels as a conversation starter – challenging discomfort, stigma and the silence that often surrounds men’s health.
But the campaign has never been about the shoes alone.
Men are welcome to participate in heels or sneakers.
“The heels were always intended to get people talking. They are the conversation starter, not the point. What matters is that men show up, have the conversations they normally avoid, learn what signs to look out for and understand that early detection can save lives. If wearing heels starts that conversation, then they have done their job. And if you would rather walk in your sneakers, come in your sneakers. Just come.” - Lerato Molete Founder, Men in Heels | Managing director, Black Cherrie Management Holdings.
Putting men’s health at the centre
The 2026 walkathon will place particular emphasis on prostate cancer and male breast cancer, while creating a broader platform for conversations around men’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Cansa will support the health-awareness and education component of the initiative, helping attendees access credible cancer information and encouraging men to recognise changes in their bodies, understand their personal risk and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
“Early detection remains one of the most important tools we have in improving cancer outcomes. Initiatives such as Men in Heels create opportunities to reach men in an accessible environment, start conversations about cancer risk and symptoms, and encourage them to take responsibility for their health. Cansa is proud to support a platform that brings awareness and action together.” - Olivia Curlewis Cansa media trained service manager
The programme will also include a medical perspective from Dr Brian Monaisa, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, contributing to the broader conversation around men’s health, male breast and chest health, treatment, recovery and the importance of early intervention.
The intention is to move the conversation beyond awareness alone and encourage men to become active participants in protecting their health.
Daily sun helps take the conversation further
As the official media partner for Men in Heels 2026, Daily Sun will help extend the campaign beyond Cedar Square and take the conversation directly into homes and communities.
The partnership is particularly significant for an initiative built around taking health conversations beyond traditional medical spaces and into communities, families and everyday life.
“Daily Sun is proud to support Men in Heels and the important conversation it is creating around men’s health. Our audience consists of fathers, brothers, partners, sons and friends, and encouraging men to speak openly about their health and seek help early is a conversation that belongs in our communities. We are pleased to use our platform to help take this message further.” - Amos Mananyetso Daily Sun Editor.
For Molete, the partnership is an important milestone for an initiative that has steadily grown from a community walk into a platform for wider conversations about men, health and vulnerability.
“Having one of South Africa’s biggest news brands like Daily Sun come on board as our official media partner is incredibly significant for Men in Heels. It gives this conversation the opportunity to travel far beyond Cedar Square and reach men, families and communities across the country. We want the man who might never ordinarily attend a health seminar to encounter the campaign through Daily Sun, become curious, engage with the message and ultimately think differently about his own health.” - Lerato Molete Founder, Men in Heels | Managing director, Black Cherrie Management Holdings.
A community comes together
Men in Heels 2026 is being supported by organisations and brands that have chosen to stand behind the men’s-health conversation.
Mentos joins the initiative as a supporting partner and will contribute to the participant experience through product sampling and hampers on the day.
Together with Cansa, Daily Sun and other supporters, the partnerships will help create an event that balances an important health message with an accessible, welcoming and engaging community experience.
“Men in Heels has always been about meeting people where they are. We can talk about something as serious as cancer while still creating a space that feels warm, human and welcoming. The ultimate goal is for someone to leave knowing something about their health that they did not know when they arrived.” - Lerato Molete Founder, Men in Heels.
Beyond the heels
Men in Heels also aims to challenge the idea that conversations about vulnerability, illness, screening or seeking medical help are incompatible with masculinity.
Participants, families and supporters will come together for a morning centred on awareness, education, community and action.
The event is open to men walking in heels or sneakers, as well as women, families, friends and supporters who want to stand behind the men in their lives.
Who are you walking for?
Whether for a father, husband, brother, son, friend, colleague – or yourself – Men in Heels encourages South Africans to turn awareness into action.
Event details
About men in heels
Men in Heels is a purpose-driven awareness initiative founded by Lerato Molete and Black Cherrie Management Holdings to encourage greater awareness and open conversation around men’s health, with a particular focus on prostate cancer, male breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Five years in the making, the initiative uses the symbolic act of men walking in heels to attract attention, challenge stigma and open conversations that can ultimately encourage men to seek information, screening and medical assistance earlier.
The 2026 event marks the fourth Men in Heels Walkathon.
