by Simbulele Jezile | Nov 25, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
In just one year, KwaZulu Natal siblings Charity “Shaz” Gumede (31) and her brother Sabelo “Sabz” (30) have faced two life-threatening diagnoses. Shaz survived a near-fatal case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2024, and Sabz was diagnosed with Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma in 2025. With their mother leaving her job to care for both children full-time, the Gumede family medical crowdfunding campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy to help appeal to cover mounting medical costs and keep their household afloat.
Despite the fear and financial strain, the siblings continue to meet each challenge with a disarming mix of courage, humour and hope — determined to turn their darkest year into a story of survival, family, and quiet resilience.
Two Siblings, Two Rare Diagnoses and One Remarkable Bond
Despite experiencing two extremely rare medical crises within months of each other, the Gumede siblings have chosen a path defined not by fear, but by connection. Their home remains a place of warmth, laughter and mutual support — a testament to their deep bond as they navigate uncertainty together.
“We’ve been through a lot, yes,” says Shaz, “but we’re choosing to focus on the fact that we’re still here. We’re still laughing. We’re still us.”
“This year didn’t go according to plan,” adds her brother, “but we’re trying to meet it with as much heart as we can.”
Shaz’s Story: A 1% Chance at Life, and a Return to Herself
When beautician Shaz developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2024, doctors made it clear that survival was unlikely. The rare and catastrophic allergic reaction burned 75% of her skin, attacked her lungs and organs, destroyed her nails and hair, and left her blind.
She spent eight weeks in a coma while her mother, Nombuso, left her job and sat by her bedside every single day, praying, tending to her wounds and refusing to leave her child alone.
“When I woke up, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t see, and I had no memory of what happened,” Shaz shares. “It felt like being born into a nightmare… but being alive at all was a miracle.”
Today, she lives with partial sight — about 5% vision in one eye and roughly 35% in the other. Her skin remains fragile, her nails never grew back, and her respiratory and digestive systems were permanently affected. Despite this, Shaz speaks about her recovery with gratitude and gentleness, not grief.
“I survived,” she says simply. “And that’s something worth celebrating.”
As part of rebuilding her physical wellbeing, she now requires medically essential procedures to restore her nails and teeth, along with lifelong specialised dermatological treatment to support her skin and comfort. These treatments form part of what will help her feel whole again.
Sabz’s Story: A Young Actor Confronts Cancer With Grace
Just as the family was adjusting to Shaz’s new needs, her brother began noticing unusual symptoms. After months of tests and consultations, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive germ-cell cancer.
His first chemotherapy protocol initially brought hope, but soon stopped responding. He has since begun a more intensive treatment plan that brings both physical strain and financial pressure. As an actor, his diagnosis adds another layer of challenge, as the visible effects of the tumour and the side effects of treatment have halted his ability to work.
“There are hard days, of course,” he says. “But I watched my sister face something unimaginable, and she showed me what fighting looks like. So now it’s my turn to fight.”
The ongoing co-payments for his treatment continue to rise, and his future healthcare needs remain open-ended.
A Mother’s Steadfast Love
At the heart of the family is their mother, Nombuso, who has shown quiet strength in every chapter. She left her job the moment her daughter fell ill, and months later found herself travelling again to support her son through cancer treatment. She manages medication schedules, hospital visits and emotional care with unwavering calm.
“She’s our hero,” says Shaz.
“She’s the strongest person we know,” adds Sabz.
Her constant presence has been the family’s anchor, but it has also meant that, for many months, the household has had a limited source of income.
Why the Family Needs Help
The Gumede family is now trying to balance two rare medical conditions, ongoing hospital visits, reconstruction needs, co-payments and everyday living costs without any income. Their medical aid has supported them as far as possible, but shortfalls, specialised treatments and the realities of day-to-day life have created financial pressure beyond what any family could manage alone.
To keep the siblings’ medical journeys on track and maintain stability at home, the family has launched a verified BackaBuddy campaign with a goal of R800,000. So far, 260 donors have contributed more than R52,000, sending not only financial support but messages of kindness and encouragement that the family treasures dearly.
“We’re incredibly grateful,” says Shaz. “Each donation, even R20, feels like someone saying: Keep going.”
“This support reminds us that South Africa still cares,” adds her brother. “And that’s something we’ll never forget.”
“We’re scared sometimes,” says Sabz, “but we’re showing up for each other every day. That’s what keeps us going.”
To Support the Gumede Family
Visit their verified BackaBuddy campaign:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/surving-steven-johnson-sydrome
by Simbulele Jezile | Nov 4, 2025 | Campaign
When the phone rings at SADAG’s Crisis Helpline, counsellors never know who’s on the other end, only that it might be someone’s last attempt to hold on.
Sometimes there’s a voice. Sometimes there’s just silence, a pause, a shaky breath, a quiet cry.
And then, softly:
“I don’t know who else to talk to.”
For 31 years, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has been answering that silence. It’s South Africa’s leading mental health organisation, and the only one running 24-hour suicide helplines, every single day of the year.
Now, during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, SADAG is asking South Africans to help them keep those lines open with their campaign, “Answer The Call for Help.”
Every Call Is a Story
Each day, SADAG counsellors answer over 2,500 calls, and one in four is suicide-related. Behind every number is a person in pain, searching for a reason to stay.
“When someone finally speaks, you can feel the weight in their voice,” says a SADAG Call Centre Manager, Tracy Feinstein. “There’s fear, shame, exhaustion… but also a flicker of relief. That’s when we tell them, ‘You’ve done the right thing by calling. You’re not alone.’”
Those words, simple, human, steady, can be the difference between despair and hope. Sometimes, they are the first words a caller has heard all week that sound like care.
“A Missed Call Can Mean a Missed Life”
What happens if no one answers?
“For many, that call is the moment they finally reach out. If no one picks up, that courage can turn into hopelessness. A missed call can mean a missed life.”
That’s why SADAG is urgently raising R180,000 to cover its helpline operating costs for November — the month the world pauses to talk about suicide in men, but the calls never stop coming in.
“On average, it costs R50 to answer one call,” SADAG Development Manager, Fatima Seedat explains. “But that one call might save a father, a sister, a friend. Behind every answered call is training, empathy, and hours of emotional care.”
Why Men Stay Quiet
About half the calls SADAG receives are from men, and many of them say the same thing: “I don’t want my family to think I’m weak.”
Fatima shares that, “Men in South Africa are raised to fix everything but themselves. They’re told not to cry, not to talk, not to break. So when they do finally reach out, they’re terrified.”
That’s why SADAG focuses on making that first call safe. “We remind them that reaching out isn’t weakness, it’s courage,” she says. “The moment they speak, the silence breaks, and healing begins.”
“You Just Saved My Life”
For SADAG’s counsellors, there are moments that never leave them. “After an hour of listening, someone will sometimes whisper, ‘You just saved my life.’”
“It’s the most humbling thing. Because that’s what this work is, listening. Not fixing, not preaching. Just being there when it matters most.”, says Fatima.
A Country Finding Its Voice
In the early 2000s, mental health was barely discussed in South Africa. Now, thanks to decades of advocacy, the conversation is growing louder.
“Before COVID, we received around 800 calls a day,” Fatima says. “Now it’s more than 2,500. People are talking, which means the stigma is breaking.”
But access to care is still scarce. “We’ve made progress, but we need more hands, more hearts, more funding. That’s why this campaign matters so much.”
“If Every South African Gave R50…”
Every call costs roughly R50 to answer — the price of a cup of coffee. “If every South African gave just R50, we could answer thousands more calls,” Fatima says. “Imagine that — thousands of people finding someone who says, ‘How can I support you?.’”
To make that vision a reality, SADAG has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise R180,000, the amount needed to keep its Suicide Crisis Helplines open throughout the month.
So far, 23 compassionate supporters have already contributed over R12 000, helping SADAG get closer to its goal. Each donation — no matter the size — keeps a counsellor on the line and ensures that when a call for help comes in, it never goes unanswered.
Because that’s what SADAG has been doing for 31 years: reminding South Africans that no one should ever face silence alone.
Join the movement by donating to SADAG on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/answer-the-call-for-hope
by Simbulele Jezile | Oct 17, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Cape Mental Health, one of South Africa’s inspiring non-profit organisations, is once again lifting spirits and raising awareness with the return of its much-loved Cape Town International Kite Festival. Now in its 31st year, the festival will take place on 25 and 26 October 2025 at the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, bringing together families, artists, and mental health advocates under one sky.
This year’s theme, #CourageToFly, celebrates bravery — the courage to ask for help, to speak openly about mental health, and to keep going even when life feels heavy.
A Legacy of Care and Community
Founded in 1913, Cape Mental Health has spent more than a century ensuring that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or income. Through its network of free, community-based services, the organisation provides counselling, education, and support to thousands of children and adults across the Western Cape.
For many, the Cape Town International Kite Festival is more than just a weekend event — it’s a symbol of hope and connection. Since its humble beginnings in Muizenberg in 1994, the festival has grown into Africa’s oldest and largest kiting event, drawing local and international flyers who come to share in the message of inclusion and resilience.
“Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere,” says Professor Dr. Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health.
Colour, Courage and Connection
After years of smaller post-pandemic gatherings, the 2025 festival will once again unfold over two full days — a return that brings excitement to loyal supporters and newcomers alike. Families can look forward to dazzling kite displays, entertainment for all ages, kite-making workshops, food stalls, and an amusement zone for children.
Beyond the main event, Cape Mental Health will continue to host their annual Community Fly in Heideveld, and the EduKite Competition for schools, ensuring children of all abilities have the opportunity to participate.
“People have such warm memories of our past festivals,” says Daniels. “They’ve been asking when the full experience would return — and this year, we’re finally back.”
While the festival fills the sky with colour and creativity, its heart remains grounded in purpose. Every ticket sold and every kite flown helps fund Cape Mental Health’s free mental health programmes.
A Campaign That Changes Lives
In the lead-up to the event, Cape Mental Health has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R50,000 to support its ongoing mental health services. Donations from the public will help provide therapy, counselling, and psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals across the Western Cape — many of whom face daily challenges without access to professional care.
“Every kite that flies is a message of courage,” says Daniels. “And every donation helps us continue the work that keeps people supported, understood, and hopeful.”
South Africa faces a growing mental health crisis, with an estimated 16.5% of the population living with a mental health condition. Stigma, lack of resources, and economic hardship mean that too many still suffer in silence. Cape Mental Health’s mission — through awareness, advocacy, and community programmes — is to change that.
Hope Takes Flight
The Cape Town International Kite Festival has become a space where people can come together to heal, connect, and celebrate resilience. Behind every colourful kite is a story of strength, and behind every donation is a step toward a healthier, more compassionate society.
This October, as kites fill the sky above Cape Town, they’ll carry a message that stretches far beyond the field: that courage can rise from struggle, and that together, we can lift one another higher.
The 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival is proof that hope doesn’t just float — it flies.
To support Cape Mental Health, visit their BackaBuddy campaign here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/cape-mental-health-fundraiser-kite-festival-2025
by Simbulele Jezile | Oct 6, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
At just 15 years old, Shreeya Mahadeo from Malvern, Queensburgh in Durban, is proving that determination, discipline, and heart can take you far beyond the chessboard. Since first picking up a pawn in 2018, she has risen to become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top female players in her age group.
This year alone, Shreeya has reached extraordinary milestones — earning the Woman Regional Master (WRM) title in June, being crowned Junior Female Player of the Year at the inaugural KZN Chess Awards in August and representing provincial teams with distinction. Now, she has her eyes set on an even bigger goal: flying the SA flag at the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 8–17 November 2025.
But to get there, she needs help. Her family has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R80,190 to cover her flights, accommodation, entry fees, and related expenses.
From Ballet Shoes to a WRM Title
“Shreeya is our daughter (pride and joy) — and not just a child, but truly our everything, inspiration, and the most determined person we know,” her parents shared. “We’ve had the privilege of watching her grow from a seven-year-old ballerina to picking up a chess pawn for the first time to becoming a Chess SA Woman Regional Master and one of KZN’s top female players in her age group.”
Her parents describe the journey as a family effort: “Being her parent means being her biggest supporter, her chauffeur to countless weekend tournaments, and her sounding board after both triumphs and tough losses.” Beyond the trophies, they say, Shreeya’s story is about “dedication, grit, resilience, and compassion — especially in how she uses her talent to raise awareness for causes like Parkinson’s South Africa or inspiring young female chess players locally.”
For Shreeya, mindset is as sharp as any tactic on the board. “My hard work, dedication and consistency are the driving force behind my success. Your biggest fear and opponent will always be looking back at you in the mirror.”
That mindset paid off in 2025: winning the WRM title, sweeping nominations at the KZN Chess Awards, and taking home the title of Junior Female Player of the Year. “I was shocked and humbled to receive nominations in all three categories,” she says. “Winning confirmed that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”
A Balanced Life — and a Giving Heart
Away from the board, Shreeya lives a full life. A Grade 10 learner, she loves reading, sketching, painting and drawing, and enjoys anime marathons or reflex-testing PlayStation games with her golden retriever, Ziggy, at her side.
“Chess is my passion, but it isn’t my master,” she says. Her parents echo that: “She views life like a chessboard where balance is the ultimate strategy. A champion needs both a sharp mind and a rich, happy childhood.”
At school, she participates in Marimba, Art and Film Club, Photography Club, Entrepreneur Club, Culture Kudos and Squash. She dedicates her community service hours to projects like Paw Prints Rescue and Rehoming, the ‘Pass the Panties’ campaign, Highway Hospice, and Anchor of Hope.
“These experiences have reaffirmed that as young females we are empowered to make a difference in our communities,” she says.
Shreeya also excels at SMART Mental Arithmetic, a Japanese mental maths technique she has studied since 2019. Over the years, she has stacked up a record of victories: Champion of Champions at KZN Regional Championships in 2019, 2021 and 2024, gold in 2022, champion in 2023; at AMSASA Nationals she earned silver (2020 & 2021), champion (2022), bronze (2023) and Champion of Champions again in 2024 and 2025. She even claimed international silver at the AIAMA Championships in 2020.
It’s a reflection of her work ethic that extends far beyond chess.
The Road to Malaysia — and Why Support Matters
Shreeya’s path hasn’t been without heartbreak. Earlier this year, she qualified for both the World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championships in Greece and the African Schools Championships in Kenya but couldn’t attend because of funding.
“We unfortunately missed two international events this year because of funding,” her dad explains. “She doesn’t just play; she commits. These achievements aren’t luck. Every cent raised tells her that her dreams are possible and that the community is behind her.”
Now, the family is determined to ensure she doesn’t miss her chance again. “Representing South Africa means standing on the world stage and saying that our players — especially young women — are a force to be reckoned with,” Shreeya says. “I want to raise the flag high for my family, school and community — and make them proud.”
Her mother, Sash, will accompany her to Malaysia as guardian and support system. “A chess tournament is like a marathon, not a sprint,” Shreeya explains. “My mum is my backbone and cheering squad — she keeps me fed, hydrated and rested.” Her coach will continue guiding her preparation, while her father, Sebastian, will cheer from home as her “strength and voice of reason.”
To reach Kuala Lumpur, the family needs R80,190 for flights, accommodation, Chess SA fees, player registration, uniforms and sundries. Shreeya’s father says she has mapped her dreams in her journal and checks them daily: “Even if a tournament doesn’t end with a medal, the lessons always count.”
Or, in Shreeya’s own words, quoting her favourite anime hero Izuku Midoriya: “I can’t afford to fall behind. I’ll be going for it with everything I have.”
To support Shreeya Mahadeo, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/commonwealth-chess-shreeyas-journey-to-malaysia
by Simbulele Jezile | Sep 19, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
Pretoria, South Africa (19 September 2025) – When 19-year-old Arthur Mathebula from Pretoria West, Gauteng, launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 15 September to attend his Matric Dance, he asked for just R2,500 to cover his ticket, outfit, and a few expenses. What followed became a story of generosity that captured the hearts of thousands of South Africans.
Now, Arthur has shared his first update — and the impact goes far beyond the dance floor.
From R0 to R19,000 in Days
Arthur’s campaign began quietly, with few donations at first. But everything changed when x-user Paballo Maseko came across his appeal and decided to share it with her followers. Her post encouraged South Africans to step in, and within hours, Arthur’s modest goal was met and exceeded.
Donations poured in, ranging from R20 and R50 to larger contributions of R500 and R1,000. By 19 September, 162 donors had given more than R19,000, ensuring Arthur could attend his Matric Dance, while giving him so much more.
Supporters left heartfelt words alongside their donations, including:
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“I don’t have much but I hope this helps. All the best boyza.
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“Enjoy the dance. Try to save some money for future endeavours. Remember, the world is full of kind people.”
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“For iMcFlurry after matric dance.”
Arthur’s First Update
In his first campaign update, Arthur expressed his deep gratitude:
“I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support I’ve received through BackaBuddy. When I started this campaign, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but thanks to the kindness of so many generous people, I was able to raise over R10,000. This has given me the boost I needed to pay my school fees and continue my studies at Hoërskool Pretoria-Wes.”
Beyond his school fees, Arthur says the support also made it possible for him to attend his Matric Dance alongside his classmates.
“Being able to celebrate this moment with my classmates is something I never imagined would happen, and it’s all thanks to you.”
More Than Just a Dance
For Arthur, the campaign has brought more than financial relief — it has given him renewed hope for the future.
“Before this, I often felt stuck and unsure if I would ever make it, but your generosity has reminded me that I am not alone,” he shared. “Each donation, no matter the size, has changed my life in ways words can hardly express. I will carry this kindness with me and hopefully pay it forward one day.”
His story is a reminder of how powerful we are when we stand together. A single share inspired hundreds of people to rally behind Arthur and united they made a tangible difference in his life.
If you’d like to further support Arthur, his BackaBuddy campaign is still open to donation:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/matric-dance-support~2
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