by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 20, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
As winter approaches in the Western Cape, hikers are facing an unexpected challenge: the earlier onset of darkness. Just this past weekend, a group of hikers from Pretoria found themselves stranded on Table Mountain after dark, highlighting the importance of preparedness during this season.
A Close Call on Table Mountain
On 17 May, the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) team responded to an emergency call from a group of hikers aged between 41 and 57. The group had taken the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top and planned to hike down. Unfortunately, misguidance from a passing hiker led them towards Camps Bay. As daylight faded, they realised they were in trouble and called the WSAR emergency number (021 937 0300).
WSAR volunteers quickly located the hikers, providing them with warm clothing, food, water, and head torches to navigate back down safely. One hiker, who was particularly exhausted, was assisted down by the volunteers, demonstrating the dedication and importance of the WSAR team. By 22:40, the entire group was safely off the mountain.
“Our rescue teams responded to a similar call in Skeleton Gorge on Saturday evening after two visiting Russian hikers were left stranded after dark. Rescuers drove up the back table from Constantia Nek and hiked down to locate the two ladies. They were guided back up the trail to the vehicles and driven down to Constantia Nek. We urge all outdoor enthusiasts to take note of the earlier winter sunset times and plan accordingly. Remember to pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing. Most importantly, don’t wait, please Call Us Sooner – 021 937 0300,” Nel, a member of WSAR told GoodThingsGuy.
The Vital Work of WSAR
WSAR, a coalition of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their recent rescue efforts underscore the importance of their work, especially as winter brings shorter days and colder temperatures.
Tips to Avoid Being Caught Out After Dark
To prevent getting caught in the dark and cold, consider the following tips:
- Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to ensure you have plenty of daylight.
- Check Sunset Times: Be aware of when the sun sets and plan to be off the mountain well before then.
- Plan Your Route: Familiarise yourself with the trail and have a map or GPS device.
- Carry Essentials: Always bring a fully charged phone, extra clothing, food, water, and a head torch.
- Stay Informed: Listen to advice from locals and experienced hikers but verify information with reliable sources.
Emergency Information
If you do find yourself in trouble, remember that rescue services in South Africa are free of charge. Save the WSAR emergency number (021 937 0300) to your phone. This number connects you to the Metro Control Centre, which will coordinate the necessary rescue or assistance.
Supporting WSAR
The lifesaving work done by WSAR is invaluable, and there are ways you can support their efforts. Consider contributing to their fund for life-saving equipment via their crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy and learn more about their mission and initiatives on their website.
Source & Image Credits: GoodThingsGuy
by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 10, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
Alex Azevedo, an 18-year-old grade 12 student at Westerford High School in Newlands, Cape Town, is a ray of resilience and determination in the dynamic world of sports.
Selected for the World Squash Federation Junior Men’s and Women’s Team and Individual Championships in Houston, Texas, USA, from July 7th to 24th, 2024, Alex’s achievement marks the culmination of a goal she set for herself five years ago.
Pictured above: Alex with her dad Hugo, mum Taryn, and twin brother Dylan
“Wow! There was such a mix of emotions. Surprise! Shock! Excitement and a few nerves. I have been working toward this goal for 5 years now, but there was a point at which it seemed to be out of reach. But, I kept training and working because I don’t quit. Making the team has made me realise that anything is possible when you put your mind to it and ignore all the obstacles. It feels a little unreal, but wow, I made it to Worlds!!” says Alex.
Alex’s journey into the game of squash began when she was just 13-years-old. Encouraged by her dad Hugo (49) who is also an avid squash player, Alex took to the game like a moth to flame and has since never looked back. Her twin brother Dylan (18) is also a Junior Provincial squash player.
As a fiercely dedicated individual, Alex demands a lot from herself and works hard to achieve her goals. She enjoys spending time with her friends relaxing when she is not training, just like every other teenager. Her current training schedule does not leave much time for hobbies, and she spends her downtime reading or watching movies. Her dream is to be selected to play for South Africa in the Olympics.
Pictured above: Alex with her good friends Amy Taylor and Lucy Paterson
Witnessing Alex’s journey are her proud parents, Taryn (47) and Hugo, who have seen firsthand the unwavering dedication, discipline, sacrifice, and resilience she has demonstrated. Through the highs and lows, including heart-wrenching losses and injuries, Alex never wavered in her pursuit. Instead, she internalized the lessons, powering through relentlessly.
“We are very proud of her determination and resilience. Alex started playing squash seriously at a later age than most of her peers and it has been tough for her to achieve her goals. She was single-minded, through losses, injuries and all the lows. We are very excited for her and know that she will make the most of this experience!” says proud mum Taryn.
Alex’s influence extends beyond the squash court. As a role model to her cousin Leila King (13) and aspiring young female squash players, she embodies the spirit of tenacity necessary to thrive in this demanding sport. Squash, characterized by its intensity and near-combative nature, has played a pivotal role in Alex’s personal development, instilling in her valuable traits such as grit, determination, stress management, strategy, respect, sportsmanship, and grace in both victory and defeat.
Pictured above: Alex and her cousin Leila King engaged in a game of squash
“It is a privilege to be seen as a role model. I think when you are fighting hard for your goals you don’t always realise the impact you can have on the next generation of players. I certainly felt inspired by role models like Alexandra Fuller and Siyoli Waters who are South African players from my province that have played on the PSA tour. I will always keep this in mind and try my hardest every time I am on court, training or competing”. Alex tells us.
For Alex, this championship not only marks the pinnacle of her junior squash career but also serves as a springboard for future opportunities. With aspirations to study at international colleges or universities such as Trinity, Dartmouth, Birmingham, and many more where she plans to study an undergraduate degree in Business Science, this milestone brings her one step closer to her ultimate dream: representing her country in the Olympics, with squash poised to make its debut in the prestigious event in 2028.
“Alex would love to have a career in squash but it is a tough sport to make a living from in South Africa. For now Alex is focussed on Worlds this year, then university and the Olympics in 2028.” says Alex’s dad Hugo.
Pictured above: Alex training for her games
However, to turn her dream into reality, Alex faces a financial hurdle. With tournament fees, flights, accommodation, kit, and other related costs looming, the family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R20 000 of their R110 000 goal with the help of 13 amazing donors, to alleviate the financial strain that Alex faces.
“Being a sportsperson in South Africa is a challenge as there is little to no funding available from the government or the sports bodies to help with the costs of competing locally or internationally. Funding the expenses for a tournament like Worlds, from South Africa with our weak exchange rate is very difficult. We are grateful for the opportunity that Alex has been given and we are extremely thankful to people who are willing to support her in her incredible journey.” Taryn and Hugo tell us.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 9, 2024 | Featured, Team
In the midst of global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, there arises a need for collective action. It’s about individuals and organizations uniting their efforts to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. One such movement making waves in this realm is Catalyst 2030.
Catalyst 2030 is not just a movement; it’s a commitment, a call to action for people and the planet. Launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2020, this global initiative brings together a diverse array of actors—social entrepreneurs, innovators, communities, governments, businesses, funders, and more—united by a common goal: achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Founded in 2019 by a group of social entrepreneurs, Catalyst 2030 counts among its ecosystem partners prominent organizations such as Ashoka, Echoing Green, the Schwab Foundation of the World Economic Forum, and the Skoll Foundation. This diverse coalition is backed by the One Family Foundation, which continues to support the movement as its fiscal sponsor. Panorama Global facilitated and managed funding from 2021 to 2023.
At the heart of Catalyst 2030 is the belief in inclusive, locally-led collaborations. This movement transcends borders and cultures, forging connections and partnerships worldwide. By harnessing the collective power of individuals and organizations, Catalyst 2030 seeks to implement bold new strategies and sustainable solutions for a brighter future.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Catalyst 2030 is hosting an interactive workshop titled “Is Crowdfunding a Funding Solution for You?” This session aims to explore crowdfunding as a viable funding mechanism for sustainable development initiatives. Featuring insights from the founders of two leading funding platforms in Africa—BackaBuddy NPC and MChanga—along with a champion who successfully crowdfunded a cause in Malawi, this workshop promises to offer real-world shared learnings.
The workshop will be facilitated by Patrick Schofield, Co-Founder of BackaBuddy NPC, Kyai Mullei, Co-Founder of MChanga, Henly Kuwenda, Founder of the Kingfisher Sekanawo Initiative, and Sardiqah Bowers, Charities Campaign Manager at BackaBuddy NPC.
If you’re passionate about driving positive change and interested in exploring crowdfunding as a funding solution, don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Catalyst 2030. Register for the workshop here and be part of a global movement committed to building a better world.
To learn more about Catalyst 2030 and stay updated on future events and initiatives, visit the Catalyst 2030 website and follow them on Facebook.
Join us in shaping the future we want to see—one where collaboration and innovation drive sustainable development and create lasting impact for generations to come. Together, we can be the catalysts for change.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 8, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
At the tender age of 11, Liam Pretorius from Pretoria East in Johannesburg found his vibrant life taking a drastic turn. Once known for his robust health and lively demeanour, Liam, affectionately dubbed “my Boerboel puppy” by his mother Amelia Pretorius, enjoyed an idyllic existence on a farm. There, he tended to his two beloved horses with care, diligently grooming them and maintaining their stables.
“I was always thinking I am so blessed to have such a healthy and happy child,” Amelia told the Pretoria Rekord.
Pictured above: 11-year-old Liam Pretorius (Image Credits: Pretoria Rekord)
However, in 2022, Liam’s world was shaken by the onset of symptoms signalling a grave illness, ultimately diagnosed as autoimmune ulcerative colitis. This condition, characterised by abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and presence of blood and mucus in the stool, marked the beginning of a challenging journey for young Liam.
“This disease is very rare, especially in children and at his age,” said Pretorius.
Adding to the complexity of his condition, Liam was also diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a condition where the bile ducts within and outside the liver undergo inflammation and scarring, leading to obstruction and damage. Facing the dire consequences of liver dysfunction, Liam’s only hope for survival lies in a liver transplant.
“It is very heartbreaking to see my once very active child being bedridden and having to sleep most of the time,” said Pretorius.
Pictured above: Liam and his mum Amelia Pretorius
Once an avid horse rider and cycling enthusiast, Liam was forced to relinquish these passions as his health rapidly deteriorated, succumbing to complications such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, and jaundice.
The toll on Liam’s academic and social life has been profound. With just four days spent in school last February, the majority of his time is now dedicated to medical care at the Donald Gordon Medical Centre’s transplant unit and a clinic in Midrand.
Despite the adversity, Liam persists in his studies, maintaining a commendable academic performance in Grade 7. Yet, his daily existence is marred by relentless pain from rheumatoid arthritis and widespread inflammation.
“It is so difficult to see someone so young being so ill,” said Pretorius.
The Pretorius family’s lifestyle has been upended by Liam’s illness, necessitating significant adjustments. Liam, now a vegetarian, adheres to a strict diet of lactose-free dairy and gluten-free fare to manage his condition.
Pictured above: Liam enjoying his time at the horse stables
Moreover, stringent precautions are in place to protect Liam from airborne illnesses, mandating the use of masks and hand sanitizers due to his compromised immunity.
“We are trying everything just to cope and to get by until a liver becomes available,” said Pretorius.
For Liam and his family, the agonising wait for a suitable liver donor commenced long ago, initially projected to span a decade. However, due to the rapid progression of his illness, this timeline has been drastically shortened to 12 to 18 months.
“His condition has deteriorated faster than expected.” We tried everything to slow the illness down. At present he is on biologicals as a treatment as because of his liver condition, he is unable to even take a pain pill.” said Pretorius.
The financial burden of Liam’s ongoing treatment and eventual transplant looms large, with estimates from the Donald Gordon Transplant Unit indicating a requirement of at least R800,000. In an effort to alleviate this strain, Liam’s mother has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to rally support for her son’s medical journey.
Pictured above: Liam at the hospital for his treatment
“We’ve only raised R3 500 so far,” said Pretorius. She has a full-time job and it has become a challenge to make ends meet.
“I want to do everything I can to ensure my son has the best options available so he lives his best life for as long as possible,” said Pretorius.
Ever since Liam started his biological treatment in February, his immune system has been weakened, preventing him from attending classes at his usual school centre.
“Most of the time, he only has his computer tablet as a companion as he cannot be exposed to germs,” explained Pretorius.
To help her son fight against this battle and alleviate their financial burden, Amelia recently started a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
“I will be so grateful to anyone who would be able to help me help my son use the one option, a liver transplant, for his incurable disease,” said Pretorius.
SOURCE: PRETORIA REKORD
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Apr 30, 2024 | Campaign, Featured
Francois Boshoff, a 21-year-old employee at his family owned business Timber and Spec from Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, faced an unexpected challenge which tested his resilience and altered the course of his life in the blink of an eye. What started out as a peaceful holiday outing at Buffelspoort Dam in the North West for the Boshoff family turned into a nightmare on the morning of 1 April 2024 when an engine fire engulfed their boat due to a faulty fuel pipe which broke, leaking fuel into the hull of the boat and causing the fire to ignite when the boat was started, leaving Francois with severe second-degree burns.
Pictured above: 21-year-old Francois Boshoff driving their family boat before the the accident
“We are long-standing club members at the Buffelspoort Boat Club. We go to the club for almost every holiday when the weather is good, except in winter. The boat had its yearly COF (certificate of fitness) done the week before Easter. The incident happened on Easter Monday. The day before the incident, the “safety officer” had done his inspection of the boat where everything was compliant. We had refurbished the boat, working on it ourselves for over 2 years from 2020. It’s a beautiful 1980’s American Skier which we inherited from my grandpa before he passed so it’s a very sentimental boat. The boat was in full use from December 2022 and we had been using it the entire Easter holiday. This was such a freak accident that literally happened on the last morning of the holiday.” says Francois’ sister Charllene.
Francois, along with his parents David (58) and Colleen-Anne (52), was fortunate to escape, but the physical toll this incident had on Francois was profound. His left arm and left leg bore the brunt of the flames, along with the back of his right leg. The road to recovery seemed daunting, but with the help of the incredible medical team at Netcare Milpark Hospital, Francois began his journey toward healing.
Pictured above: The Boshoff family on their boat at Buffelspoort. From left Francois, David, Colleen-Anne, and Charllene
“My dad doesn’t show much emotion when it comes to this stuff. But he became very solemn, so we know he was concerned. My mom was in some shock and felt anxious. He went into the theatre literally within 2 hours of being at the hospital, so it happened very quickly.” Charllene tells us.
“I felt anxious because he doesn’t like doctors in general and I couldn’t be there to support him as I was already on the way back to the dam to pack up. I was in shock at everything that happened so quickly. But we knew he would be receiving the best possible treatment.” says mum Colleen-Anne.
However, the burden of medical expenses loomed large over their family. Without Francois having any medical aid, his family has to pay for his medical costs out of pocket. From intensive care to multiple surgical procedures, the expenses accumulated rapidly, stretching their resources thin.
Pictured above: Francois with mum Colleen-Anne in the ICU burn unit at Milpark Hospital on Easter Monday
To lighten the family’s financial strain and to help cover the costs of Francois’ medical expenses his sister Charllene (24) started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised more than R68 000 of their R240 000 goal with the help of 41 incredible donors.
“These funds would truly help us to not feel overwhelmed with the finances of the incident. But rather focus on the healing, both emotionally and physically. As mentioned in the BackaBuddy campaign text, Francois is not on medical aid, so we are paying for his treatment out of pocket and this has really become an expensive incident. But we could not be more grateful to the medical team that helped him. They really were extremely professional and took the best possible care of him. Francois would not be back on his feet and getting ready to head off on his American adventure if it weren’t for the outstanding medical team. The funds really would be such a relief for the family. We are all doing what we can and giving every penny we make to these expenses and the donations would really just allow us a breath of fresh air in that we are able to move forward from the incident and not be overwhelmed with the bills constantly hanging over us each month.” says Charllene.
The outpouring of support from their community has been nothing short of remarkable. Friends, family, and even strangers have rallied around them, offering words of encouragement and generous contributions to aid in Francois’ recovery. Their kindness has been a ray of light during this trying time, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Pictured above: The Boshoff family enjoying a day out on their boat
“Genuinely thank you. You have no idea how much this helps me and my family. Life has been tough for everyone lately, but its acts of kindness in moments of unprecedented times like this that really show there is good in the world. God really is good.” Francois tells us.
As Francois continues his recovery journey, each day brings new milestones and triumphs. His resilience and determination serve as a source of inspiration to them all, propelling him forward in his healing process. Despite the ongoing challenges, his spirits remain high, buoyed by the love and support that surround him.
“Things happen. We can’t live in fear or regret. We, as a family, and I’m sure many others out there, have had it rough lately. But you need to move forward and just do what you can.” says Francois.
Update: As of April 4th, Francois has made significant progress in his recovery journey. He has been moved out of intensive care and into a general ward, marking a positive step forward. Tomorrow, he will undergo another surgical procedure to assess his skin graft and further clean his burn wounds. Despite the ongoing challenges, Francois remains in good spirits and hopes to be discharged soon.
Pictured above: Francois’ first night at home after being in the hospital
“Francois was relieved to be out of the ICU. He is not a fan of hospitals, so he knew this was closer to him being able to go home. And then especially with his job in the USA lined up, he was worried he wouldn’t be healed in time. So, moving into the general ward was a step in the right direction.” explains Charllene.
Once again, they extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported them on this journey. The kindness has made a world of difference, and they are forever grateful for the unwavering support.
