KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa — For more than two decades, Haden Searles has been a familiar presence in Durban North and uMhlanga, helping connect residents with police, responding to community safety concerns and supporting local crime-prevention initiatives.
Now, after suffering a stroke and later being diagnosed with acute heart failure, the long-serving Community Policing Forum leader is the one receiving support.
A BackaBuddy campaign established to assist with his medical and ongoing care costs has raised R26,230 from 40 donors towards a R200,000 goal.
More Than Two Decades of Community Service
Haden’s involvement in community safety stretches back many years.
He has served as chairperson of the Durban North and uMhlanga Community Policing Forum, acting as a link between residents and the South African Police Service.
In 2016, he was re-elected to serve another five-year term as chairperson after already completing five years in the role.
His public service continued well beyond that term. In 2022 and 2023, Haden was still representing the CPF publicly on issues ranging from vigilantism and crime reporting to strengthening cooperation between residents and police.
Over the years, he has also supported practical community-safety initiatives, including projects aimed at improving services at local police stations.
A Sudden Change in Health
According to campaign organiser Bronwynne Delaney, Haden recently suffered a stroke that significantly changed daily life for him and his family.
During his recovery, the family also received the news that he was experiencing acute heart failure.
The campaign says Haden now requires ongoing chronic medication and uses an oxygen machine as part of his care.
His medical condition and treatment needs have placed increasing financial pressure on the family, with funds needed for medical expenses, medication and ongoing support.
The Community Begins Giving Back
For those who know Haden through the CPF, the campaign represents a reversal of roles.
For years, he was often one of the people residents turned to during emergencies or when they needed guidance on community-safety matters.
Now, 40 donors have contributed more than R26,000 towards helping him and his family manage the costs surrounding his health.
One of the central messages behind the campaign is simple: after years of showing up for others, Haden should not have to face this chapter without support.
Support for the Road Ahead
The R200,000 campaign target is intended to help ease the cost of Haden’s ongoing medical needs while his family focuses on his care and recovery.
His medical outcome cannot be predicted, and the campaign does not promise a particular recovery.
What the support can do is reduce some of the financial pressure around medication, treatment and everyday care.
Haden has spent years advocating for the idea that safer communities depend on people being willing to show up for one another.
Today, that same principle is being reflected back to him.
To support Supporting Haden Searles, visit the campaign page.
