December is the noisiest month of the year. It’s also the month when trust matters most.
Looking back at December 2025, one thing became clear very quickly: when urgency rises, scepticism rises with it. Fundraising, marketing, and media all compete for attention, and audiences don’t automatically become more generous — they become more discerning.
The Good News Drop was never designed to cut through that noise with pressure or short-term tactics. It was designed to do something far more intentional: create the conditions where generosity feels safe, credible, and sustainable.
As a campaign, it offered valuable insight into how trust is built, how it behaves, and how it ultimately supports meaningful participation — especially in high-noise seasons.
From the outset, the Good News Drop was positioned as a brand, trust, and behaviour-shaping initiative, not a transactional fundraising campaign.
Rather than leading with urgency, the campaign focused on:
Daily positive stories
Visible, real-world presence
Recognition of generosity
Small, repeatable moments of hope
The intent was simple: help people feel hopeful, not hurried.
That intent guided every decision — from creative direction to channel roles to how success was measured. The emphasis wasn’t on instant conversion, but on emotional safety, familiarity, and credibility during a time when people are often overwhelmed.
Browse the Good News Drop
South Africa just got crowned the world’s most generous nation. 🇿🇦💜
Not because we give the most money… but because we show up with time, energy, and thoughtfulness.
Top 3 from the study: 🇿🇦South Africa (51.57/60) 🇵🇭Philippines 🇺🇸USA
Tag an everyday hero who carried you this year.
The check-in call. The lift club. The “I’ve got you” person.
And from our team to yours: Merry Christmas. May joy, peace, and generosity fill your home today and always.🎄
This season, we’re reminded that the little heroes often go unseen - the drivers who keep our cities moving, rain or shine, day in and day out. 🛵
Through the BackaBuddy Heroes Fund, you can help support the 80 drivers behind our seasonal campaigns: those who often get forgotten when the festive season rolls in. Every donation makes a difference and helps them keep going, supporting their families and communities. ❤️
Delayed post, divine timing! #JuneExitwithGrace 🙌🏽✨ ✨🥰 June said ‘plot twist’ and July said ‘hold my halo.’ 😇🎉 #GoodNewsDrop 🙌🏽✨ marcela_dungca tonvalles
🌸 GOOD NEWS DROP 🌸 After a long 341 days staying at Leukaemia Foundation accommodation close to life-saving treatment, 3-year-old Jamie is well enough to leave the city and go home...
“Jamie is finally back at the farm! Seeing his little face light up as he was reunited with our lamb Coco after such a long time was a wonderful, joyus moment for us. We still have two years of this journey, but are so grateful that we can finally come home.” - Nicky, Jamie’s mum.
We 💙 hearing and sharing good news! Be sure to tag us in your milestone moments! - - - - #leukaemiafoundation #leukaemiafoundationaustralia #goodnewsdrop #goodnews #goodnewsfeed #bloodcancer #bloodcancersurvivor #bloodcancerawareness #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerawareness #childhoodcancersurvivor #feelgoodmoments #farmlife #heartsarefull❤️
The partnership with MotionAds was never about direct donation attribution. Its role was more strategic — and ultimately foundational.
MotionAds brought:
Physical visibility
Legitimacy
Real-world proof of presence
Execution highlights included:
80 riders activated
Approximately 20,000 flyers distributed via Uber Eats deliveries
QR codes linking to the Good News Drop hub
Full geo- and time-stamped photo assurance
This physical layer functioned as a trust transfer mechanism. In a season of heightened scepticism, seeing the campaign in the real world reinforced authenticity in a way digital-only exposure often cannot.
Offline Doesn’t Convert — It Prepares
QR performance is often misunderstood, so it’s worth addressing clearly.
Total QR scans: 159
This is not a failure metric
It is a signal of brand recall and confidence
What the data showed:
Social media drove the majority of traffic and engagement
QR codes acted as an assist channel
Physical presence increased confidence and memory, not impulse behaviour
This aligns with well-documented behaviour patterns: trust is often built offline, while conversion happens later — digitally and asynchronously.
Why Platform Context Matters
During the Good News Drop period, December 2025 became one of BackaBuddy’s strongest months on record:
R17.02 million donated
Average of R549,164 per day
9 days exceeding R700,000
17,480 donors
39% year-on-year growth
What’s important here is not just the growth — but how it happened.
The increase came from more people giving, not larger individual donations. This points to inclusion, emotional safety, and trust — not extraction.
Tipping Revealed the Trust Layer
One of the most reliable indicators of platform trust is tipping behaviour.
December showed:
73% of donors chose to tip
15,778 tips received
Average tip of R61
Tip margin of 5.4%
Optional tipping only works when people trust the system they’re participating in. These numbers reinforced what the campaign was designed to do: strengthen confidence, not apply pressure.
How the Ecosystem Worked
The Good News Drop worked because each channel played a distinct role:
MotionAds reinforced legitimacy and real-world presence
Social media delivered reach, engagement, and repeat exposure
PR ensured narrative consistency and partner credibility
Social performance highlights included:
Facebook: 180,000 views
Instagram: strong month-on-month uplift
LinkedIn: high credibility and partner engagement
TikTok: 79,000 views and over 2,400 new followers
Short-form, emotionally resonant content performed best — amplified by the credibility halo created through physical presence.
What This Means Going Forward
The Good News Drop validated a core insight that will continue to shape how we think about partnerships:
Trust precedes conversion — every time.
What worked:
Emotion before urgency
Recognition over pressure
Physical presence as a trust signal
Social as the primary conversion engin
What this opens up:
Clearer offline success metrics from the outset
Stronger post-exposure retargeting strategies
Deeper storytelling integration across physical channels
Lifecycle systems that convert trust into long-term participation
A Final Reflection
The Good News Drop wasn’t about raising money. It was about strengthening the conditions under which generosity happens.
For corporates and partners exploring purpose-led visibility, ESG-aligned storytelling, and brand-safe impact, this campaign offered a practical, real-world example of what becomes possible when trust is intentionally designed — not assumed.
As we move into a new year, that lesson feels more relevant than ever.
Location: Remote / Cape Town preferred Level: Manco Salary: Depending on experience between R60 000 to R80 000 per month Reports to: Chief Growth Officer (Exco – Catherine Swanepoel) Start date: Q1 2026
About BackaBuddy
If you are a high-performance sales team manager who has successfully delivered in leading a distributed team of sales agents using significant integration of CRM toolkits AND you want to engage those skills for nation-wide purpose-driven impact, then you’re the right person for this position.
We are BackaBuddy. We’re the leaders in our field of crowdfunding. Our target, to be the leaders in Africa, and we’re building the team to achieve it. Every month, we enable 1,000s of people and organisations to raise the funds they need from 10,000s of people. We are looking for ‘the’ person who will operationally lead the impact sales team as we target 10x impact growth over the next 3 years.
Role Overview
The Impact Sales Operating Manager will lead the sales function implementation — build the internal team and the structures that empower an external volunteer army of fundraisers to succeed.
It is a highly operational leadership role, reporting directly to our Chief Growth Officer (CGO) at Exco level. You will work closely with the CGO to co-develop the growth strategy and take full ownership of its implementation across the department.
What makes this role unusual is that your internal team of 8–9 people will only be the core of traditional sales to fundraisers — beyond this, your job is to support, equip, and activate 1000s of external fundraisers (mostly individuals) who each act as their own dedicated sales agents for their campaigns during short, high-intensity fundraising windows.
In many ways, this structure is similar to straight commercial sales models:
Insurance agency models (central team supporting independent agents)
Real estate group models (central team supporting individual agents)
Airbnb hosts (a central platform providing toolkits to support hosts)
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Implementation and Leadership
Partner with the CGO to set and execute quarterly and annual sales/growth objectives.
Translate vision into measurable plans, OKRs, and team accountability frameworks.
Lead the sales/growth function with a focus on scalable systems and performance outcomes.
Internal Team Management and Cross-functional Alignment
Lead and align the Charities, Portfolio Management, and Campaign Success teams to deliver exceptional support for thousands of active campaign creators.
Foster collaboration across marketing, tech, and customer success to streamline campaigner experience.
Build a culture of learning through feedback loops and shared knowledge.
Equip an ‘army’ of 1,000s – develop Systems, Toolkits and Knowledge Infrastructure
Develop scalable toolkits, playbooks, templates, and automations that drive campaign success.
Design and test resources to maximise fundraising results within the key 3-week campaign window.
Reporting and Performance Management
Establish dashboards and reporting to track performance, success rates, and bottlenecks.
Deliver regular performance insights and improvement recommendations to senior leadership.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Skills and Experience
5+ years in sales operations, growth, or channel management, ideally leading distributed teams or partner networks.
Skilled in building scalable enablement systems (toolkits, playbooks, training).
Proven leader with strong KPI delivery and cross-functional collaboration.
Experience in platforms, marketplaces, or fundraising environments is a plus.
Proficient with CRM (Zoho), project management, and reporting tools.
Mindset and Attributes
Purpose-driven, empathetic, and passionate about people-powered impact.
Systems thinker who thrives on scale, structure, and rapid execution.
Blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership.
Understands that sales is storytelling — inspiring belief and action.
Why Join BackaBuddy?
This is an opportunity to help tens of thousands of campaigners raise funds for what matters most to them — while shaping the systems and team that support them. You will operate at the heart of a platform where real-world impact happens fast, and your work translates directly into lives changed.
If you have led distributed sales networks, supported gig-economy workers, or enabled communities at scale — and you want your work to matter — this role was made for you.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover video (with transcript) telling us why you think you’re ‘the one we need’ to [email protected].
Why We Love What We Do
“At BackaBuddy, we believe people are most powerful when we work together. That’s the heart of your role — to enable thousands of individuals and organisations to turn compassion into funds raised. You’ll create toolkits that guide, support, and advise campaign creators as they launch their fundraisers, run them effectively, and raise the funds they need for what truly matters in the world. Your work will empower everyday people to make extraordinary change”
Patrick Schofield, CEO
“We’re at a point where structure meets soul — where operational excellence unlocks human potential. If you love building systems that empower others to succeed, and you care deeply about the ‘why’ behind the work, this is where you’ll thrive.”
Catherine Du Plooy, CGO
“I’ve been at BackaBuddy for almost 9 years. It’s incredible to be a part of a company that allows you to have a positive impact on the lives of the people around you, as well as the wider world. One of the things I am most proud of at BackaBuddy, is our warm, friendly and respectful work culture, that will allow you to grow both personally and professionally.”
Zane Groenewald, Head of Campaign Marketing and Strategy
In the heart of Franschhoek, surrounded by vineyards and dreams, a wedding and events coordinator, Eldorét Visser (38), was living what seemed to be a fairy-tale life. Newly married and mother to a beautiful baby girl named Olivia (19 months), she was juggling the demands of motherhood and a thriving career at Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, until life took an unimaginable turn.
In August 2024, just weeks before Olivia’s first birthday, Eldorét discovered a lump in her left breast. “I thought it was a clogged milk duct from breastfeeding,” she shared. But her father, Joe Breytenbach (79), an orthopaedic surgeon, urged her to get it checked. What followed was a whirlwind of tests, biopsies, and devastating news.
Pictured above:Eldorét Visser with her husband, Jaandri, and their beautiful baby girl, Olivia
“On 16 September 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I remember sitting in the doctor’s chair, clutching my husband Jaandri’s (30) hand, unable to stop the tears. It felt so unfair.”
While raising a toddler and planning weddings for other families, Eldorét quietly endured months of aggressive chemotherapy, first one session every three weeks for four months, followed by weekly sessions for 12 weeks. “Each session came with nausea, exhaustion, mouth sores, and an immune system that couldn’t keep up. But there’s no chance to rest with an 18-month-old at your feet.”
As if fate hadn’t dealt a heavy enough blow, her father was diagnosed with colon cancer midway through her treatment. Genetic testing, an R8,000 cost not covered by medical aid, confirmed a high likelihood of recurrence. The news prompted Eldorét to make a gut-wrenching but lifesaving decision: a double mastectomy with advanced reconstructive surgery.
The surgery, a 9 to 12-hour oncoplastic procedure, was performed on 5 May 2025. “I was incredibly anxious leading up to it. They removed the tumour, drained lymph nodes, harvested fat cells from my abdomen, and reconstructed my breasts. I spent three days in ICU battling nausea, low blood pressure, and fainting spells. But I pulled through.”
Pictured above:Eldorét with her mum, Madi Breytenbach
She was discharged on day six. Movement remained restricted, and she could no longer lift Olivia or drive. Her parents stayed to help with school runs and house chores. On 21 May, doctors confirmed: “All the wounds are healing. There’s no evidence of cancer. I’m well on the road to recovery.”
Eldorét’s physical transformation was only part of the battle. “Cancer is as much in your head as it is in your body. I started antidepressants and leaned on loved ones. Losing my hair was one of the hardest parts, it felt like losing part of my identity. I wore a wig to work because no bride wants to see a sick wedding coordinator.”
Through it all, she remained anchored by her faith, her husband, and her daughter. “I waited 38 years for a baby, and Olivia is our greatest joy. Spending time with her kept me focused.”
Still, the cost of survival was staggering, over R500,000. Her upgraded medical aid covered just 15%. In desperation, a friend named Chantelle White (40) encouraged her to launch a campaign on BackaBuddy. “I was too proud to ask for help. But Chantelle said, ‘You’ll be supported.’ And she was right. I wept with every notification. The funds enabled me to pay my surgeon and go for surgery. I was blown away.”
Pictured above:Eldorét holding baby Olivia wears her wig with quiet strength after bravely losing her hair.
With the help of 86 incredible donors, Eldorét’s campaign raised over R79,000, exceeding her R70,000 goal.
To those who contributed, Eldorét says:
“Thank you seems like such an insignificant word to express my gratitude, you have changed my life and given me more time with my daughter. For that, I cannot thank you enough.”
Looking ahead, Eldorét hopes to use her experience to raise awareness around breast health. “God carried me through this. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I want my story to bring hope to others who are still fighting.”
Thanks to the generosity of strangers, the support of her family, and her own unyielding courage, Eldorét has defied the odds, and is now cancer-free, embracing a future she once feared she wouldn’t see.
“I believe I’m destined to be the best Mom, wife, and woman I can be, and now, I finally have the chance to be her.”
Every year on May 28th, the world comes together to shine a light on a group of devastating illnesses, blood cancers, which include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. On World Blood Cancer Day, we honour the fighters, remember the fallen, and empower communities with information that could save lives.
What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer affects the production and function of blood cells. Most begin in the bone marrow where blood is produced. Abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting the body’s ability to fight infection, transport oxygen, and control bleeding.
Main types of blood cancer:
Leukemia – Cancer of the white blood cells.
Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymphatic system.
Multiple Myeloma – Cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.
Where to Go for Help and Support in South Africa
If you or someone you know is affected by blood cancer, or you’d like to get involved, here are some important organisations and facilities offering support and services:
To Join the Donor Registry or Get Tested
DKMS Africa (The Sunflower Fund) Branches nationwide www.dkms-africa.org 0800 12 10 82 Offers free donor registration and information on stem cell transplants.
To Donate Blood or Platelets
South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Available in all provinces except the Western Cape www.sanbs.org.za 0800 11 90 31
Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) Western Cape Province www.wcbs.org.za 021 507 6300
For Patient Support and Resources
Leukaemia Foundation of South Africa leukaemia.org.za Provides patient support, awareness campaigns, and donor education.
Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Regional Care Centres across South Africa cansa.org.za 0800 22 66 22 Offers counselling, wigs, support groups, and patient accommodation.
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA Support centres near major paediatric oncology units choc.org.za Supports children with cancer and their families with practical and psychosocial help.
How You Can Help
Join the Donor Registry
Joining DKMS’s stem cell registry takes minutes and could mean the world to someone waiting for a life-saving match.
Donate Blood or Platelets
Regular donations are vital for patients undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplants.
Start or Support a Fundraiser
Create or support a crowdfunding campaign for a cancer patient on platforms like BackaBuddy.
Share and Educate
Use your voice to spread awareness. Share stories, facts, and resources using #WorldBloodCancerDay.
Wear Red on May 28
Stand in solidarity with warriors by wearing red and encouraging conversations about blood cancer.
World Blood Cancer Day is more than a symbol, it’s a life-saving opportunity. Whether you’re helping someone get a diagnosis, joining the donor registry, or donating blood, your contribution can make an impact.
Every year on May 30th, the global community comes together to mark World Multiple Sclerosis Day, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and amplify the voices of those living with MS.
World MS Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a worldwide movement of solidarity, a call for better access to care, and a celebration of resilience.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is a chronic illness of the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin), causing inflammation and disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS affects over 2.8 million people globally, with varying symptoms depending on the area and severity of nerve damage.
Where to Find Help and Support in South Africa
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a caregiver, or looking to support someone living with MS, help is available:
Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA)
www.multiplesclerosis.co.za Regional branches in Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN, and Eastern Cape – 0860 45 67 87 Offers education, support groups, access to resources, and advocacy for MS patients.
South African MS Facebook Groups and Forums
Search for private support groups like:
MS Warriors South Africa
Living with MS in SA
Neurology Departments at Major Public Hospitals
Access diagnosis, treatment plans, and referrals for further care:
Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town)
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Johannesburg)
Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria)
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital (Durban)
How You Can Help This World MS Day
Raise Awareness
Share stories, facts, or the official hashtag #WorldMSDay on social media.
Donate or Fundraise
Support MSSA or individuals raising funds for mobility aids, treatment, or daily living needs on platforms likeBackaBuddy.
Wear Orange on May 30
Orange is the global colour of MS awareness. Wear it proudly and spark conversations.
Living with MS can be an uphill journey, but no one has to walk it alone. By increasing awareness, strengthening support networks, and advocating for better care, we can help people with MS live fuller, more empowered lives.
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