Cape Town, South Africa — A Cape Town hospitality community has rallied around chef John Chavula after he suffered a sudden stroke, raising more than R42,000 in two days to help with his medical care and support his family during his recovery.
A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign launched by James Williams has raised R42,714 from 62 donors, reaching 64% of its R67,000 goal.
John has worked alongside friends and colleagues in Cape Town’s hospitality industry since 2019 and is described by those close to him as a talented chef and a generous, dependable member of the team.
The fundraising effort will continue this weekend when Emma, James and Alex take on the Mandela Marathon in his honour. The team behind the campaign has also committed to matching money raised rand for rand, up to R67,000, increasing the potential impact of every public donation.
Part of the Team From the Beginning
John first became part of James Williams’ working life in 2019, when the two worked together at Unfiltered on Kloof Street.
When Aperitif was being established in 2023, John became its first employee.
He was there before the restaurant opened its doors, helping to paint the walls that would later become part of the team’s everyday working life.
Over the years, John has become a trusted member of the kitchen and someone who has built strong relationships with the people around him.
“Before he was a valued member of our kitchen team and a talented chef, he is an extraordinary human being,” the campaign states. “He has given so much of himself to the people and places around him.”
For those who know John, the fundraiser is about supporting someone who has consistently shown up for others.
Support After a Sudden Health Emergency
John recently suffered a stroke, creating an unexpected need for medical care and financial support.
The campaign does not provide further details about the severity of the stroke, his treatment or his prognosis, and his friends have kept the focus on supporting John and his family as his recovery continues.
The R67,000 target is intended to contribute towards his medical care and help ease some of the financial pressure facing the family while his needs become clearer.
Within just two days of the campaign going live, 62 donors had contributed R42,714.
That response has taken the fundraiser close to two-thirds of its target.
Running for John
Support for John is also moving beyond the campaign page.
Emma, James and Alex will run the Mandela Marathon in his honour this weekend, using the event to rally further support around John and his family.
The team has also pledged to match funds raised rand for rand, up to R67,000.
For John’s friends and colleagues, the decision to support him is personal.
He has been part of their working lives for years, helping build the teams and spaces they have shared. Now, as he faces an unexpected health challenge, they are doing what they can to stand beside him.
With R42,714 already raised, the campaign is less than R25,000 away from its public fundraising target.
To support John Chavula, visit the BackaBuddy campaign.
