Chief Marketing Officer – Where Mission Meets Metrics
Position Objective:
Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg – Remote, but able to meet/engage with clients (South Africa-based) Sector: Crowdfunding | Social Impact | Performance Marketing Type: Full-time Salary: R50 000 – R70 000 (dependent on experience)
BackaBuddy is South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform for personal and charitable causes. Every day, we help people raise funds for what matters most — and just as importantly, we help donors see the difference they’ve made.
We believe in the power of stories backed by results. That impact isn’t just something you support — it’s something you can see, measure, and grow. That’s where you come in.
We’re looking for a Chief Marketing Officer who’s driven by purpose but obsessed with performance. Someone who can turn heart-warming outcomes into funded impact — and build the systems that prove that impact at scale.
Your Mission: Build a Growth Engine Fuelled by Proof of Impact
As Chief Marketing Officer, your core responsibility is to broaden BackaBuddy’s brand as the most trusted, successful, and transparent crowdfunding platform in South Africa and beyond.
You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team that transforms campaign milestones into powerful content — ensuring every donor receives clear, timely, and emotive proof of the change they helped create. And by doing that, you’ll convert once-off donors into recurring contributors to social good.
What You’ll Be Driving
Donor engagement systems that ensure every donor receives WhatsApp/email updates showing the real-world impact of their contribution
A content strategy built on campaign success — stories that move people, build trust, and drive repeat giving
Brand visibility and recognition, ensuring BackaBuddy becomes the platform of choice for both fundraising and giving
A data-driven marketing funnel that delivers measurable ROI through traffic, conversions, and brand engagement
You’ll Thrive in This Role If You:
Are a performance-driven marketing leader with a track record of building systems that scale
Know how to translate impact into engagement — turning stories into conversions
Live and breathe metrics like donor retention, user acquisition, CTRs, and engagement rates
Are comfortable building cross-functional teams and collaborating with operations, product, and support to deliver a seamless donor experience
Understand that impact is the outcome — but performance is the path to get there
Have 10+ years in marketing or related experience, with at least 5 years in team leadership
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
% of donors receiving meaningful campaign updates
Growth in recurring donors and donor lifetime value
Increases in platform traffic and successful fundraising campaigns
Growth in brand visibility and media mentions across South Africa
What We Offer:
A fast-moving, purpose-driven team
The opportunity to lead marketing for one of SA’s most impactful platforms
Creative freedom backed by performance accountability
A culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous growth
To apply:
Send your CV / LinkedIn profile, a brief cover letter, portfolio with your best work, and your best GPT conversation (prompt + output — the one that made you pause) to [email protected]
NB: Thank you for taking the time to submit your application. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted further.
Jayden Samuels (14), a talented ballet dancer from Rosettenville, Johannesburg, is set to shine on a global stage at the Youth American Grand Prix in Tampa, Florida, from 21–29 April 2025. His extraordinary journey has captured hearts, and now, after years of dedication and sacrifice, he has qualified for the finals of this prestigious competition. With the support of his community and his devoted choreographer, Mario Gaglione, efforts are underway to help him cover the costs of this life-changing opportunity.
His love for ballet began at the age of six, sparked by performances he saw on television. Growing up in Rosettenville, he faced challenges that many young artists know too well—long journeys to training sessions in Braamfontein and Parkhurst, and the constant worry of affording ballet gear and tuition. But for Jayden, every hurdle was simply another step in his dance, pushing him to work even harder.
When he met his choreographer, Mario Gaglione in 2020, it was a partnership that felt meant to be.
“I first met Jayden in 2020, when he was about eight. He was training at the Joburg Ballet School, and I had just joined the Joburg Ballet company. I immediately recognized a talented artist in the making,” recalls Mario. From that moment, a strong mentorship was formed.
Jayden’s journey has been shaped by incredible mentors. While Mario Gaglione has guided his choreography, Thabang Mabaso and Yana Auger have also played the most vital role in his training, refining his technique and pushing him to excel.
Now, stepping onto an international stage is more than just a dream—it is a chance to be seen by directors of top dance schools and companies in cities like London, Paris, and New York, as well as those shaping ballet in South Africa.
Mario has worked with many incredible dancers throughout his career, but Jayden’s talent at such a young age is something truly exceptional.
“I have worked with plenty of fantastic artists who have danced in great companies and have also had the chance to take part in prestigious competitions, but never someone of this very young age. These competitions are a great way to expose talents to directors of schools and companies that can offer a high level of dance training,” shares Mario.
Preparing for the Youth American Grand Prix comes with financial challenges, and that is where the community has stepped in.
To help cover the costs of flights, accommodation, and visa fees, Mario launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddyin March 2025. The goal is to raise R90,000, and already, 39 donors have contributed over R34,000, proving that Jayden’s journey has touched many hearts.
More than just a fundraiser, this campaign is a celebration of talent, determination, and the power of collective support.
“There are never enough thanks given to each person, but we are humbled at the amount of support received from close friends and people of all ages, all rooting for Jayden with great optimism. We wish for all donors to feel as if they are taking part in this journey, witnessing Jayden’s dancing, living in the moment, and shining on stage as only he can,” Mario shares with gratitude.
For young dancers across South Africa, Jayden’s story is one of hope. It shows that with hard work, talent, and a community that believes in you, dreams can become reality. His performance at the YAGP will not only shape his own future but will inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles in their way.
To support Jayden Samuels visit their BackaBuddy campaign link here:
Tanya de Bruin, 34 from Alberton, Johannesburg—an attorney by day, devoted mother of two, and a relentless cancer warrior 24/7—is bravely fighting triple-negative breast cancer that has progressed to metastatic disease. With each treatment session costing R130,000—and her medical aid covering only half—Tanya now faces the challenge of raising R65,000 every three weeks.
Photo above: Johann and Tanya de Bruin with their children Ruben and Divan
In 2023, Tanya’s life took a dramatic turn. While expecting her second child, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer—a rare
and aggressive condition. Just one week later, her hero and father received a similar diagnosis. Yet, despite these trials, Tanya’s determination shines through.
“Strength isn’t just physical—it’s the strength to face adversity head-on, to fight for the ones you love, and to keep going even when the odds seem insurmountable,” she affirms.
Starting chemotherapy during pregnancy was incredibly challenging, but the love of her supportive husband and her son kept her spirit high. The arrival of her son Divan in August 2023, even though he was born a bit early at 35 weeks, became a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. Tanya proudly declares, “I’m not just an attorney by day; I’m a cancer warrior 24/7,” celebrating every step of her journey.
Photo above: Tanya de Bruin 28 weeks pregnant
As her treatment journey continued, Tanya underwent an emergency mastectomy in October 2023, followed by radiation therapy in December 2023. With each session, she demonstrated the resilient spirit that defines her. However, in May 2024, more heart-wrenching news arrived—her cancer had progressed to metastatic breast cancer.
“I continue to fight for my future, for my children, and for all those who have supported me along the way,” she states, acknowledging the emotional and financial strain of her new treatment regimen.
A Community United in Support
Throughout her journey, Tanya’s community has embraced her with warmth and positivity. From caring neighbors in Alberton to generous strangers worldwide, the emotional and financial support has been overwhelming.
“My hope has been lifted by the incredible outpouring of love from family, friends, and even strangers,” she shares. From school cupcake sales to unwavering backing from her employer, every gesture fuels her fight.
To help with the financial strain, she launched her second BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign in February 2025—a testament to the power of collective strength. Already, 123 donors have joined her fight, raising over R124,000.
Photo above: Tanya de Bruin
At this stage, the only chemo available to Tanya is Enhertu—a unique blend of chemotherapy and a biologic drug that directly targets cancer cells. The problem now is that each session costs R130,000, and her medical aid only covers 50%. This means she needs to pay R65,000 every three weeks.
“Every donation, no matter how small, makes a real difference,” Tanya emphasizes, inviting everyone to join her fight and help secure the life-saving chemotherapy she needs.
“Even in the darkest times, I find strength in my family, my community, and my faith,” she says. Every day, she cherishes time with her two young sons, Ruben (soon to be three) and Divan, whose courage inspires her to keep fighting for the future they share.
For the past six years, Nonkululeko “Nonny” Mda, 47, a domestic helper and the founder of Ikhaya Lethu (Our Home), has been a lifeline for hungry children and struggling families in Promiseland informal settlement, Palmridge, Gauteng.
Since 2018, she has used her own modest earnings to provide warm, nourishing meals—especially on weekends when school feeding programs aren’t available. Now, she is reaching out for support to keep this essential initiative alive and continue making a difference in her community.
A Community in Need, A Heart That Gives
Nonny primarily helps school children, but some adults also come for meals. Many children rely on school feeding programs for their only meal of the day, but when school is closed, they sometimes go to bed without a meal. That’s where Nonny steps in, bridging the gap to ensure they don’t go without food.
She knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle. Having grown up with a single parent, she remembers moments of uncertainty—praying over their last meal, not knowing where the next meal would come from. That memory fuels her determination to ensure that no child in her community experiences the same she once did.
“I live here, and every day I see families struggling to survive, children going hungry, and parents unable to find work,” Nonny shares. “It is heartbreaking to watch people suffer, so I made it my mission to help in any way I can.”
Through Ikhaya Lethu, Nonny cooks and distributes meals to between 40 and 100 people at a time, often using her own modest earnings as a helper to supplement donations. The need is immense, and though she does everything she can, resources are always stretched thin.
“One day, I was walking down the street after buying cooking ingredients, and I asked some children to help me carry my bags,” Nonny recalls. “When I admitted I didn’t have extra change to give them, they replied with gentle smiles, ‘Mama, there’s no need to pay us—we know you’re going to cook for us.’ At that moment, I felt the true spirit of our work. I truly believe this programme has made them kinder and happier, teaching them the values of kindness and generosity.”
Caption: Founder of Ikhaya Lethu (Our Home), Nonkuleko Nonny Mda
Bridging the Hunger Gap, One Meal at a Time
Hunger in Promiseland is a daily reality. Many children rely on school meals as their only source of nourishment, but when school is out, so is their access to food. That’s where Nonny and some community members step in, ensuring that no child goes hungry over weekends.
“To continue serving our community, we need between R6,000 and R10,000 per month,” she explains. “This will help us buy food and essentials to provide hot, nutritious meals for those in need.”
Despite her best efforts, there have been times when the food simply runs out. “Rather than turn anyone away, I serve what I can from my own home,” she says. “And when supplies are low, a kind lady who sells food for a living steps in to help. Even though she is struggling herself, she always finds a way to contribute.”
With no funding for essentials like pots, plates, or cutlery, those who come for a meal—sometimes up to 100 people—bring their own plastic containers. Every effort is made to stretch what little is available, ensuring that no one is turned away.
Nonny has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to support Ikhaya Lethu, and the response has been heartwarming. Since its launch in March 2025, the campaign has already received R1,200 from nine generous donors, bringing it closer to its R20,000 goal.
For Nonny, this campaign is not just about food—it’s about dignity, hope, and a future where children can focus on their education rather than their empty stomachs. “I dream of a future where these children no longer worry about food, but can focus solely on their education and simply being kids,” she says.
Every donation to the campaign is a step toward that future. With enough support, Nonny can continue to provide warm, nutritious meals to those who need them most.
“I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to support our mission—whether through once-off or recurring donations to our BackaBuddy campaign, and for sharing and believing in our cause.” she says.
Little Zeeya Moodley, 16 months from Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape has faced a battle that no child should ever have to endure. Born on September 18, 2023, Zeeya’s life was forever altered when a severe case of bacterial meningitis swiftly escalated into a rare and aggressive form of Meningococcal disease. The infection brought devastating complications, resulting in the loss of his fingers and feet and affecting his brain, vision, and heart.
Photo Caption: Zeeya in hospital
A Battle Beyond His Years
Admitted to the intensive care unit in October 2024, Zeeya has experienced multiple infections, organ failures, and three resuscitations. His young body endured challenging procedures and treatments that tested his limits. Along his journey, he encountered fierce battles with gangrene, infections of the heart and lungs, and a kidney infection that required dialysis. Today, his vital organs have stabilized, offering a glimpse of promise amid the daunting struggles he has faced.
Zeeya is cared for by his devoted parents, Shaakiera (30) and Shiraaz (33), along with an 8‑year‑old sister and a 4‑year‑old brother. Their lives were turned upside down as they watched their playful child become confined to a hospital bed.
“It has been incredibly difficult for our family to see Zeeya, once such a playful and happy child, now bedridden. His condition has taken a toll, with the loss of his feet and fingers, but we remain grateful for his strength and resilience in fighting through this,” says his mom, Shaakiera.
Photo Caption: Zeeya before the disease
Adding to the family’s heartache, Zeeya’s siblings have not seen him for the past four months. They often ask where their brother is.
“The adjustment to his new needs will be challenging for all of us, as we learn how to stimulate his brain and keep his muscles moving,” she shares.
Amid these trials, the community has rallied behind Zeeya and his family. In February 2025, his mother launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the mounting medical expenses. So far, 54 generous donors and offline donations have contributed R23,900 toward a target of R250,000. Every contribution goes directly toward easing medical bills, securing specialized rehabilitation, and funding long‑term home care that includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Looking Ahead to a New Chapter
With Zeeya’s organs now stable, preparations are underway for his return home. Medical teams have supplied essential equipment like CPAP machines, and Shaakiera is undergoing training to provide the specialized care required after discharge. Although the road ahead remains long—with continuous therapy and the need for a full‑time home caregiver—the family holds onto optimism. They look forward to the day when Zeeya’s laughter once again fills their home.
Photo Caption: Zeeya before the disease
Each small step forward is celebrated. The family invites those who have encountered similar hardships to share advice and support. As they poignantly state,
“We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received from BackaBuddy and the broader community during this challenging time. If anyone has gone through a similar experience, we would welcome hearing from you. Any assistance—whether it’s a hospital bed, a blood pressure monitor, or even basic supplies like nappies—would be deeply appreciated.”
The funds raised through his crowdfunding campaign will secure the medical care, therapies, and home support necessary for him to build a future filled with more smiles, laughter, and cherished moments.
To support Zeeya visit their BackaBuddy campaign link here:
