On this Workers’ Day, we pause to celebrate not only the importance of labour and the rights of workers across the globe, but also the passion and purpose that drives us at BackaBuddy.
Every member of our team plays a vital role in building a more compassionate South Africa, one campaign, one donor, and one act of kindness at a time. While our work spans different areas, tech, marketing, customer support, finance, and donor retention, what unites us is the shared belief: when people come together, amazing things happen.
This is what working at BackaBuddy means to us:
Catherine Du Plooy, our Chief Growth Officer, deeply values the sense of unity and shared purpose at BackaBuddy. “There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who genuinely care,” she says. Having witnessed countless moving campaigns, one that has particularly stayed with her is ‘Help us give Eben the care he deserves,’ a fundraiser for 10-year-old Eben Beukes, who needs 24-hour palliative care following severe complications from Covid-19. As a parent herself, Catherine is profoundly moved by Eben’s father, Hendrik, whose unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable hardship deeply resonates with her.
Bernelie Barwise, our Social Media Manager, finds deep fulfillment in helping campaign creators create meaningful impact. “It’s a great joy to see the results being achieved after putting in the hard work,” she says. “It’s very rewarding, motivating and purpose driven.” One campaign that recently inspired her is ‘Panthera Africa’s journey with Liza Moondancer,’ a trailblazer raising awareness and support for big cats through her swim from Robben Island to Blouberg.
Carla Isaacs, our Compliance and Operations Manager,values the ripple effect of kindness BackaBuddy fosters: “Campaign creators walk away with renewed hope in humanity, donors feel purposeful, and beneficiaries experience the power of community.” She’s been especially moved by the campaign ‘Keep Hope Alive,’ about Aadam Forgan, a stage 4 cancer warrior running a half marathon to support children with cancer through CHOC.
Monique Weich, our Donor Retention Coordinator, feels deeply honoured to witness the life-changing impact of every donation. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the relief and gratitude from Campaign Creators,” she reflects. One campaign that has left a lasting impression on her is ‘Ashley Oosthuizen’s Fight for Freedom,’ a heartbreaking story of a young woman wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand. Monique was especially moved by Ashley’s mother’s unwavering determination and the way strangers rallied behind them, a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that exists within humanity.
Mourine Muiruri, our Accounts Officer, says the “sense of purpose in our work is unmatched”. She was particularly inspired by the campaign ‘Matches on the Map,’ a global stem cell awareness journey sparked by Robin Lewis’s own battle with Fanconi Anaemia. The campaign’s innovative approach to saving lives deeply resonates with her.
Tessa Van Rensburg, a Crowdfunding Success Specialist, appreciates BackaBuddy’s culture of growth and support: “You’re not boxed in here. You’re encouraged to grow, share, and contribute in your own way.” One campaign that stood out for her was, ‘Help Toinette get “Chewbaka” under control,’ created by Dupie van Rensburg for his wife, Toinette, who is facing a rare autoimmune condition. Their plan to launch a healing business for others while supporting her recovery deeply inspired her.
Lakiwe Blekiwe, our Head of Charities, cherishes the moments when “generosity lights up even the darkest situations.”‘Carlie’s Story,’ a campaign about 12-year-old Carlie Grace fighting a mysterious illness in hospital for over two months, particularly moved her. “It reminded me how, even in the hardest times, people still choose kindness.”
Taswill Louw, our Portfolio Manager, says working at BackaBuddy has brought a new sense of meaning to his career. “Whether it’s helping someone access urgent medical care or fulfil a sporting dream, each task brings connection and joy.” One campaign that stands out for him is ‘Kopano’s extraordinary journey to study medicine,’ supported by a generous doctor who believes in paying it forward.
At BackaBuddy, every day is a chance to give back.Thank you to our team, our campaigners, and our donors for reminding us that meaningful work is measured not just in hours, but in impact.
Freedom Day marks a turning point in South Africa’s history, the day our nation chose unity over division, hope over fear, and democracy over oppression. It’s a day to honour the brave individuals who fought for justice, equality, and the right for every South African to live freely.
But true freedom isn’t just something we remember once a year. It’s something we build, protect, and pass on through our everyday actions.
This Freedom Day, we’re reminded that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the past is by giving back in the present.
And what better way to do that than by starting a fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy?
Whether you’re passionate about helping a family in crisis, supporting a local school, raising funds for someone’s medical treatment, or driving change in your community, your voice, your story, and your heart can make a real difference.
By creating a campaign on BackaBuddy, you can:
Help someone in need
Celebrate a cause close to your heart
Mobilise your community for good
Inspire others to step up and give back
Freedom is not just about the right to vote, it’s about the power to uplift. It’s about turning empathy into action, and hope into something tangible.
This Freedom Day, don’t just remember the past. Shape the future.
Willemina “Mina” Solomons, a 40-year-old woman from Smutsville in Sedgefield along the Garden Route, is the heart behind a powerful story of compassion, community, and resilience. What began as a single act of kindness on Easter Sunday 2024 has since grown into a heartfelt movement that now feeds about 500 children every Saturday, thanks to Mina’s unwavering dedication and the support of her community.
Willemina, known lovingly by everyone as “Mina,” is more than a housekeeper. She’s a mother of three, a trained cook, and a woman with a heart big enough to feed a village, literally. After losing her job in a local restaurant during COVID-19, Mina turned to cleaning to support her family. That’s how she met Shulka (31) and Keshav Mohabir (34), a couple who had moved to Sedgefield and were building their SME development firm, Curious Cat Creative.
Pictured above:Willemina “Mina” Solomons and the ladies of Mina’s Kitchen
“We hired Mina as our housekeeper, but it was clear from day one that she was so much more,” Shulka recalls. “One day, I asked her what she really loved doing, and without missing a beat she said that she loved cooking for people. That’s her spark.”
Recognizing her talent and passion, Shulka and Keshav asked Mina to start preparing meals for them during the week. It wasn’t long before an idea began to take shape. Wanting to give back to their community, the trio decided to sponsor a meal for 100 children in Smutsville. On Easter Sunday 2024, Mina rallied a small team of local women and served up braai chicken, potato salad, savoury rice, and malva pudding. The impact was immediate and profound.
“The kids were over the moon,” says Keshav. “But it wasn’t just them. The women who helped cook felt something too, that they were doing something meaningful. That day changed everything.”
Now, every Saturday, Mina leads a team of 6 to 10 women—many of whom are family and friends with little to no stable income—to cook for 500 children in the community. The initiative, dubbed Mina’s Kitchen, has become a cornerstone of Smutsville, bringing food, hope, and dignity to those who need it most.
Pictured above: The ladies of Mina’s Kitchen handing out food to the children
A Family Effort Rooted in Community
Mina’s team is a beautiful blend of generations. Her mother often helps in the kitchen, while two older aunties entertain the children with stories and laughter as they wait for their meals. Mina’s cousins and friends assist with prepping and cooking, often working through the night. Each woman earns R500 per feeding, a fair wage that many say has been life-changing.
“Some of these ladies were only managing one day of cleaning work a week,” explains Shulka. “This has not only given them income but a sense of pride and belonging. It’s amazing to witness.”
What’s even more heartening is how the children have responded. Initially shy and uncertain, many would take their food and run. But as Mina and her team continued showing up, rain or shine, the kids began to smile, to linger, to trust.
“They now see us as part of their Saturday,” says Mina. “They know we’ll be there. That consistency means everything.”
The ripple effects of Mina’s Kitchen are already being felt. Some older children have started picking up litter around the streets while waiting for their meals, an initiative that grew naturally from their desire to give back. The feeding scheme has inspired conversations around community care, job creation, and the importance of dignity in service.
Though support from local businesses is still limited, Greefs Butchery has stepped up as a consistent partner, supplying meat at discounted prices to stretch the budget. Mina’s Kitchen is currently in the process of registering as a nonprofit, which will allow them to offer tax incentives to potential sponsors and expand their impact.
Dreams of a Permanent Kitchen
Their bigger dream? A professional kitchen in Sedgefield, equipped with ovens, prep stations, freezers, and storage, to serve as both a base for Mina’s Kitchen and a production hub for frozen meals, including pet food, that can be sold to support the project. This kitchen would also provide more weekday work for the women and eliminate the logistical strain of hauling equipment every week.
To sustain and grow this initiative, the Mohabirs and Mina are aiming to raise R500,000 through their BackaBuddy campaign. These funds will cover six months of Saturday feedings for 500 children, but that’s only the beginning. So far, they have raised R15,500 with the help of 8 incredible donors, laying a strong foundation for what they hope will become a lasting legacy of hope and nourishment.
Pictured above: The ladies of Mina’s Kitchen
“There’s so much more we could do with the right tools,” says Keshav. “We need a reliable vehicle, industrial ovens, training courses for the women, and proper storage. This isn’t just about feeding kids, it’s about creating jobs, empowering women, and building a better community from the inside out.”
For Mina, this journey is deeply personal. She’s no longer just working to support her family, she’s leading a movement that feeds and nurtures children.
For Shulka and Keshav, Mina’s Kitchen has become their heart work. “We came here for a fresh start,” says Shulka, “but we found something we didn’t even know we were looking for, a deeper purpose, a connection to something bigger than ourselves.”
April 11th marks World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day, a moment to unite in solidarity, educate the public, and highlight the voices of individuals and families navigating life with this complex neurological condition.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand, and can eventually impact speech, mobility, and daily function. But more than its visible symptoms, Parkinson’s often brings invisible battles with mental health, fatigue, and emotional well-being.
In South Africa, thousands of individuals live with Parkinson’s Disease, and yet, awareness remains limited. Many people go undiagnosed or face delays in receiving proper care due to lack of information, financial constraints, and limited access to neurological specialists, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Living with Parkinson’s in South Africa requires navigating unique challenges. Access to neurologists, medication, and therapy can be limited outside major cities. Many caregivers also lack support and information.
But there is hope!
Local support networks, online forums, and awareness campaigns are empowering individuals to speak up, seek help, and break the silence around the condition. Initiatives that promote exercise, mental health support, and community care are helping people with Parkinson’s live full, meaningful lives.
How You Can Help
Whether you know someone affected by Parkinson’s or simply want to be part of the solution, here’s how you can make a difference:
Learn and Share: Use your voice and social media to spread awareness this Parkinson’s Day.
Support Local Organisations: Donate or volunteer with Parkinson’s ZA or similar groups.
Be Kind and Patient: Offer compassion to those living with Parkinson’s, it goes a long way.
Start a Campaign on BackaBuddy
This Parkinson’s Awareness Day, consider launching a crowdfunding campaign onBackaBuddy to support someone living with Parkinson’s or raise funds for vital services like therapy, transport to treatment, or medication.
Whether you’re a caregiver, friend, family member, or advocate, creating a campaign is simple, and every donation can help someone live with more dignity, comfort, and hope.
Parkinson’s Association of South Africa: Website:www.parkinsons.co.za, Phone: +27 21 447 9350, Email: info@parkinsons.co.za
Facebook Groups: Search for “Parkinson’s Support South Africa” to join active online communities.
Therapeutic Services: Consider physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which can greatly improve quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease may be a lifelong diagnosis, but with early intervention, support, and awareness, people can thrive and find strength in community. Let’s commit to building a more inclusive South Africa, one where no person living with Parkinson’s walks alone.
In a world where generosity is often met with recognition, anonymous donors are the quiet champions of countless causes. Their contributions shaping lives and changing futures without ever expecting a thank you in return.
At BackaBuddy, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of these unsung heroes. Time and again, anonymous donations, sometimes modest, sometimes staggeringly generous, have provided relief to struggling families, life-saving medical care to those in need, and opportunities to individuals who never dared to dream. These silent acts of kindness are a testament to the belief that true generosity is not about recognition, but about making a difference.
Anonymity in giving is a rare and beautiful thing. It is the purest form of altruism, a quiet acknowledgment that the act of helping others is its own reward. It speaks to a level of selflessness that transcends personal gain, focusing solely on the needs of those who benefit. The choice to give without expectation reflects a deep, unwavering belief in humanity, a belief that kindness, even in its most unseen form, has the power to change lives.
For the parents who can now afford their child’s critical surgery, for the students whose education is no longer a distant dream, for the individuals who find hope in their darkest moments, you are their miracle. Your generosity is a reminder that even in an often chaotic world, there is still goodness, compassion, and a willingness to lift others up without fanfare.
To the anonymous donors who choose to give without the need for acknowledgment, we see you. Though your name may never be known, your kindness is felt in the hearts of every beneficiary, in every tear wiped away, in every dream made possible. Your generosity reminds us that humanity thrives not in grand gestures alone, but in quiet, selfless acts of goodwill.
Thank you for being the invisible thread that holds communities together, for believing in the power of giving, and for proving that real impact does not need a name attached to it. You are the reason so many can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
From all of us at BackaBuddy, and from every life you’ve touched, thank you.
