Tessa Gough, a 26-year-old product owner of the start-up Savvy Sites and a dedicated runner from Cape Town, will lace up her shoes and embark on a gruelling 250km journey through the Kalahari Desert as part of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) on 14 September 2024. This challenge is not just a test of physical endurance; it’s a mission to raise awareness about period poverty in South Africa.
Pictured above: Tessa Gough
“I discovered the KAEM through Erica Terblanche’s book, ‘Run for Life.’ Erica, a renowned ultra-distance runner in South Africa, inspired me to pursue the extreme challenge of desert running. The self-supported race, where participants carry all their essentials for seven days in the desert, symbolises the resilience and self-sufficiency women demonstrate daily. My goal is to inspire young girls in South Africa to chase their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem, and to remind them of their ability to support themselves and their ambitions. Partnering with Mama Flo, an organisation helping provide women with access to free period products, period education and agency to empower themselves, highlights the message that young women can achieve anything they aspire to.“says Tessa
As of 2024, the reality for many girls in South Africa remains dire. An astonishing 7 million girls still lack access to or cannot afford basic sanitary products. In 2023, approximately 30% of young girls missed school during their menstrual cycle due to the inability to afford these essential items, resulting in around 90 days of lost education each year, solely because of menstruation.
It is astonishing that in 2024, access to free sanitary pads for every woman is still not a reality. This stark situation inspired Tessa to partner with Mama Flo, an incredible Cape Town-based organisation that works tirelessly to provide every girl who menstruates with access to period freedom, free period education, and essential menstrual products. Founded in 2020, Mama Flo has quickly become a symbol of hope, offering both short and long-term solutions to period poverty.
Pictured above: Laurie Shone, Isabella Bisogno, and Melissa Zackon, the wonderful team behind Mama Flo
Mama Flo’s approach is a multifaceted organisation which is built around three pillars, which offers:
Workshops: These are more than just educational sessions; they are platforms for empowerment, mentorship, and community building. By engaging with young women in schools and communities, these workshops foster a sense of urgency and self-worth.
Pad Handouts: Immediate relief is provided through small and large-scale handouts of sanitary pads, giving girls the confidence and ability to attend school and participate fully in their lives.
Ambassadors and Interns: Through training and mentorship, Mama Flo cultivates leaders within communities. Their ambassadors, who are on the ground, play a vital role in promoting empowerment and uplifting those around them. This is an important element of the work Mama Flo does as it ensures no matter what, communities are getting a hand up and not simply a hand out.
“Growing up in South Africa, I witnessed the challenges young women face, from gender violence to lack of access to menstrual products, which often keeps them from participating in sports and activities. I’m running this ultra-endurance race to inspire others and highlight the importance of providing basic sanitary products. I’ve partnered with Mama Flo for their impactful, community-focused work in raising awareness about period poverty.” adds Tessa
Tessa believes that every girl should have the freedom to move, dance, learn, and reach her full potential without the burden of worrying about sanitary products—a basic human right. By supporting this journey, individuals are not just backing a demanding desert run; they are investing in a future where all girls can thrive and move their bodies freely.
“Period poverty is personal to me. I was fortunate enough to have access to menstrual products, but many young women in our country are denied this basic right, highlighting ongoing systemic inequalities. Mama Flo’s mission to provide free menstruation products is vital, as I believe every girl deserves this fundamental right. Without access, girls are held back from participating in sports, academics, and daily life. To reduce inequality, we must start by ensuring basic access to essential sanitary products, giving girls the best chance to reach their full potential.” Tessa told us
The goal is to raise R70,000 through their BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to provide 500 reusable sanitary pad packs to girls in need. Each pack contains four reusable pads, which can last up to five years. With the incredible support of Mama Flo, this goal can become a reality.
“The funds will be used to purchase packs of reusable sanitary pads (each pack is R170 and can last a girl up to 5 years!). My hope is to purchase 500 packs of these as well as help fund the distribution and educational workshops that Mama Flo facilitates as part of these pad handouts and workshops. The Mama Flo team has said that the education piece is crucial as we don’t just want to facilitate distribution but also aim to ensure empowerment through education about women’s sexual health and give them a platform to use their powerful voices.Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every donor! Every bit counts towards our goal of ending period poverty in South Africa. By supporting my journey and Mama Flo’s mission, you’re helping to break down barriers and empower girls to reach their full potential.” Tessa concludes
This International Day of Charity, we at BackaBuddy are happy to announce a transformative opportunity that will significantly boost your fundraising efforts. Previously, charity crowdfunding campaigns on our platform incurred a 5.75% fee, but in our commitment to better supporting your charitable missions and maximising the impact of every donation, we’ve now implemented a 0% platform fee for all charities raising funds with us.
A New Era for Fundraising
With the elimination of our platform fee, more of each donation will go directly to the causes that matter most to you. The only fees that remain are those associated with payment gateways, such as PayPal, Instant EFT, and credit cards. This change is designed to help you increase your impact and reach even more supporters.
Transitioning to the New Platform
To make the most of this exciting new benefit, here’s what you need to do:
Start a New Campaign: Launch your campaign on our platform.
Share the New Campaign: Once live, spread the word by sharing your campaign link with supporters to start generating donations.
Our new platform offers an enhanced user experience, improved campaign management tools, and better support to assist you in your fundraising journey.
Partnerships for Change
We proudly partner with nearly 9,000 charities, including The Gift of the Givers, Kolisi Foundation, and Rainbows, all dedicated to making a difference in their communities. Whether you’re supporting individuals facing severe medical conditions or aiding those affected by gender-based violence, BackaBuddy is home to countless campaigns fueled by compassion and commitment.
Join BackaBuddy’s Fee-Free Fundraising
As we celebrate International Day of Charity, we encourage you to leverage this new opportunity to enhance your fundraising efforts. Our team is here to assist with any questions to help you start your crowdfunding journey.
Together, let’s use this new initiative to further our mission of creating a better world for those in need.
Gift Zingora, a dedicated and passionate gardener, has achieved a monumental milestone. After two years of persistent saving and remarkable community support, Gift now proudly owns a fully-fledged garden service business. This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph for Gift but also a cause for celebration across the Bryanston community.
Gift’s inspiring journey began in November 2022 when he first garnered the attention of the Bryanston residents. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Gift ingeniously converted his bicycle into a mobile gardening toolkit, tirelessly cycling between clients’ gardens. It was during this period that local resident Grant Zoghby noticed Gift’s dedication and struck up a conversation with him about his work. Deeply moved by Gift’s story and aspirations, Grant initiated a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to help Gift realise his dream of expanding his garden service.
Back in 2022, Gift’s daily workload was limited to a single garden due to the constraints of cycling between clients. His vision was to extend his services to two or three gardens a day, which necessitated the acquisition of a bakkie and a team. With the help of Grant and another resident, Bridget Nortje, fundraising efforts through BackaBuddy raised enough money to provide Gift with essential safety gear, a cell phone, and some additional supplies, while the rest of the funds were saved for purchasing a bakkie.
Pictured above: (Left) Gift Zingora with his mobile gardening tool kit, (Right) Gift with Grant Zoghby and Bridget Nortje
“I’m sure many of you will remember the story of Gift, who Grant Zoghby and I met a few years back. He is a wonderful gardener who works 7 days a week and has made his own makeshift “bakkie” with his bicycle to transport his gardening goods to his workplaces and back home.” – Bridget Nortje
“The story grew and the reach was further than we could ever have imagined. Many of you contributed to a BackaBuddy fund and we managed to do repairs to his bike, supply proper lights, shoes, a helmet and safety equipment as well as buy a cellphone for Gift to communicate with clients. Gift’s ultimate goal and dream was to one day own a bakkie of his own to do his gardening work and transport his equipment to and from his home to his employers’ homes. With the money raised, this goal still seemed very out of reach. We explained to Gift that we would need to keep saving and help him get a driver’s licence for him to own this vehicle.” Bridget told Good Things Guy
Thanks to years of perseverance, diligent saving, and the generosity of the Bryanston community, Gift’s dream has finally come to fruition. Today, he proudly owns a bakkie, ready to elevate his business to new heights.
On the night of July 28th, life for the Engelbrecht family was forever changed. Baby Ellané, a vibrant 21-month-old toddler, suffered third-degree burns that covered 16% of her tiny body, including her face, neck, and head. What started as a routine evening of preparing tea for her and her twin quickly turned into a nightmare when she accidentally pulled a jug of hot tea over herself.
Her mother, Irene Engelbrecht, recalls the terrifying moment: “I jumped up to find that my daughter had climbed onto the kitchen counter and pulled the hot jug of tea over her head and face. I immediately jumped up to help my husband get her out of the tea, undress her, and rushed to the bathroom to put her under cold water.” she tells The Citizen
Despite the family’s swift response, Ellané’s injuries were severe. Her eyes were swollen, blisters formed, and the pain was excruciating. Without medical aid, Irene and her husband, Christof, rushed their precious daughter to the nearest hospital. The family was faced with the harsh reality of immediate payments for Ellané’s urgent care, a cost they couldn’t afford. But in their darkest hour, an angel—someone who didn’t even know them—stepped in to cover the expenses.
“We are deeply grateful and will repay the rest,” Irene shared.
Ellané spent ten days in the hospital before being transferred to Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria West, where she continues her recovery in the paediatric surgical ward. One of her eyes has opened, but the other remains swollen. The family anxiously awaits more news on potential damage once it opens.
The Engelbrecht family is now faced with the ongoing challenge of covering Ellané’s extensive medical expenses, setting a goal of R100 000 on their BackaBuddy page where they have raised just over R20 000 with the help of 46 amazing donors.
Irene, with grace and humility, has expressed the family’s deep need for further support during this difficult time. The journey to recovery is long, and the financial burden is overwhelming.
Support Ellané’s Campaign here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/angels-for-ellan
Nicela Naudé, affectionately known as Nikki, is a 10-year-old, grade 4 student at Riverside College in Cape Town. She entered the world under the shadow of abandonment. Born from an unwanted pregnancy 2014, her biological mother chose not to see her or even learn whether she had given birth to a boy or girl. Left alone at Groote Schuur Hospital state hospital, Nikki faced a bleak future, compounded by her diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome. This rare condition, affecting just 1 in 100,000 people, caused severe lymphatic and vascular malformations on the left side of her body. Tumours weighing up to 1 kg grew on her chest, and her left arm and hand were deformed. Her life expectancy was heartbreakingly estimated to be only four months.
Pictured above: 10-year-old Nicela Naudé
But Nikki’s story was destined for a miraculous turn. Jacques (51) and Madelaine Naudé (52) , two dedicated officers in the South African Police Service in Elsies River and Bothasig respectively, learned about Nikki through a mutual friend, 60-year-old Karin Noonan. Without hesitation, they began the adoption process, driven by a profound desire to provide her with a loving home. They didn’t have much, but they promised to share whatever they had with Nikki. They envisioned a life filled with siblings, pets, princess parties, and endless love.
Pictured above: Nicela with mum, Madelaine Naudé, and dad, Jacques Naudé
‘It was heartbreaking to see a fragile little girl lay there with big eyes and knowing she has nothing in life. A mother who didn’t want her and a life threatening disease. She was beautiful and we loved her instantly. When we heard that no-one was prepared to adopt her because of her short life expectancy we decided that we can give her a chance in life with a loving family for as long as she has to live. We had nothing to lose but so much to gain by loving this precious child that God had gifted us’ says mum Madelaine
On March 16, 2024, Nicela celebrated her tenth birthday. She is now a beautiful, spontaneous, and happy little girl who adores dogs and make-up. Despite undergoing eight complex debulking surgeries, which aim to improve her quality of life, her condition remains incurable. The surgeries have become increasingly dangerous as the affected tissue has infiltrated her muscles and nerves. Future surgeries risk leaving her without the use of her hand.
‘Nicela is a vibrant, beautiful little girl who is raised with buckets full of love and confidence. She is top of her class at school and loves her school concerts where she has been leading lady for the past 2 years. She is loving and kind and shows empathy for others. She always wants to help people, even from a very young age. She also intends on opening an animal shelter when she is older’ dad Jacques tells us
Pictured above: Nicela Naudé
However, hope has emerged. Nicela has been referred to vascular surgeon, Dr Laura Redman, at the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, who will take over her treatment from Professor Frank Graewe. A promising procedure called sclerotherapy will be attempted. This procedure involves injecting 90% alcohol into the affected areas to shrink the tumours, which have now started forming bones. She has also been prescribed a chemotherapy drug, Sirolimus, to aid in the treatment. Her arm and hand are heavy, causing her lower arm to bend and appear shorter than her right arm. Nicela will need to undergo this procedure for the next six months, costing R71,000 per month, with medication adding another R4,000 per month. Unfortunately, their medical aid does not recognize her condition, covering only a fraction of the expenses.
‘Nicela is flourishing under the care of Dr Laura Redman. She is currently undergoing sclerotherapy once a month under anaesthesia as it is a very painful procedure with 90% alcohol injections into the tumours to help shrink and hopefully slow the growing process. It is all still very traumatising with all the blood tests, x-rays, several debulking surgeries and now the sclerotherapy. A total of 21 surgeries.’ explains Madelaine
Despite the financial strain, Jacques and Madelaine are determined to give Nikki the best life possible. They have taken out a second bond on their home to cover the costs, with their medical aid only covering R12,000 out of R140,000 in medical expenses. Yet, the results are encouraging. Nicela has already undergone two procedures and shown significant improvement. She feels beautiful and is excited about the possibility of looking “normal” one day. She has even vowed not to cry anymore when blood is drawn, understanding it is part of her journey to getting better.
Pictured above: Nicela with her brother Rick Naudé
‘Nicela’s sclerotherapy is a very costly procedure and her medical aid only covers a fraction of the cost. We have tried to get gap cover but unfortunately they do not cover pre-existing conditions. A procedure is R71 000 at a time. Nicela is also prescribed chemo medication to help keep the tumours at bay at a monthly cost of R3900 which the medical aid does not cover because it does not fall under their prescribed medical benefits. The donation that we receive will go towards all of Nicela’s medical expenses’ says Jacques
Now, they need your help. This courageous family should not have to halt treatment due to financial constraints. To help alleviate the financial strain that they are facing the family has started a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign where they have already raised over R100 000 with the help of 190 incredible donors.
‘To the donors, you are absolutely amazing. Showing that there is indeed still kindness and empathy in this world. Nicela knows about your donations and always says “that’s so nice of them, please say thank you for me.” You are improving the quality of life for a little girl you have no relation to and that takes a special kind of person. We are endlessly grateful for your generosity’ the couple explains
Pictured above: (Left) Gift Zingora with his mobile gardening tool kit, (Right) Gift with Grant Zoghby and Bridget Nortje
