City Lodge Hotels has smashed its fundraising target for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), raising R144,258 through its Cuppa For CANSA campaign in the 2025/2026 financial year – 44% more than the R100,000 goal it set out to reach. The money, raised one cup at a time across the group's 23 Road Lodges, was formally handed over at a brunch on 14 August at Road Lodge Sandton in Johannesburg.

CANSA CEO Elize Joubert accepted the donation on behalf of the organisation, joined by the CANSA Sustainability team members.

City Lodge Hotels was represented by Divisional Director: Operations Ross Phinn, General Manager: Operations Stefan Janse van Rensburg, Chief Financial Officer Dhanisha Nathoo, Operations General Manager: Food and Beverage Trevor Boyd, General Managers from several Road Lodges including Ross Thompson, Lungi Simelane, Jani Ligthelm and Socrates Koom, and National Sales Manager for Brew Coffee, part of SloJo, Gary Petzer.

Above left: Ross Phinn (CLH Divisional Director: Operations), Dhanisha Nathoo (CLH Chief Financial Officer), Makoma Raolane (CANSA Sustainability Manager), Elize Joubert (CANSA CEO), Stefan Janse van Rensburg (CLH General Manager: Operations).

Above right: Ross Thompson (Road Lodge Sandton General Manager), Lungi Simelane (Road Lodge Sandton GM), Makoma Raolane (CANSA Sustainability Manager), Jani Ligthelm (Road Lodge Centurion GM), Sonja Nel (CANSA Operations Manager), Gary Petzer (Brew Coffee), Socrates Koom (Road Lodge Southgate GM).

The milestone represents a partnership between the two organisations that goes back to 2004, and comes as City Lodge Hotels' newly rolled-out self-serve, tap-to-pay coffee machines in Road Lodges have driven guest contributions to record highs.

Ross Phinn, Divisional Director of Operations, credits the result to a true team effort – the commitment of General Managers and staff across all 23 Road Lodges, matched by the generosity of guests who chose to purchase coffee from the machine for a good cause.

“When we launched this latest campaign last year July, our target was set at R100,000. Thanks to the passion, energy, and dedication of our Road Lodge teams, we smashed that goal. Every cup poured, every guest engaged, and every effort made has contributed to something truly meaningful. We look forward to raising the bar even higher in the year ahead!” he adds.

Elize Joubert, CEO at CANSA says, “We’re always so grateful for long-standing relationships with organisations such as City Lodge Hotels. The funds raised through Cuppa For CANSA initiatives help us achieve our goals of lowering the cancer risk, supporting early detection, and caring for people affected by this disease. Funds also go towards cancer advocacy programmes, patient and family support services like our care homes, stoma clinics, CANSA Info and Help Desks, and public education and awareness campaigns across South Africa.”

“Thank you for your partnership, your commitment to our cause, and for believing in the work we do. Together, we’re creating hope, support, and positive change for so many people.”

Above: City Lodge Hotels has enjoyed a long-term relationship with CANSA through its Cuppa For CANSA initiative at Road Lodge. The annual funds handover brunch is always a celebration of all the work CANSA does in supporting those suffering from this disease.