Elias Dlamini a plumber from Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal tragically lost his wife, son, home and everything he owned, in the violent floods that affected the coast on the early morning of 12 April 2022.
While Elias was able to rescuetwo of his sons from the debris, the aftermath of a devastating landslide, and they are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries, he was unable to find his 11-year-old son and wife in time.
Uplifting Elias
To help Elias in his time of need, the company he works for, AllPlumb Projects Pty Ltd, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of R200 000, hoping the public would open their hearts to help him get back on his feet.
“This man has done nothing but good, he works hard, is of sober habits, he is a man of very few words but shines through his smile. This is an absolute tragedy that should never happen to such a wonderful person.” says his employer and friend, Justin Allison from AllPlumb Projects Pty Ltd.
With overwhelming support from 77 donors, more than R170 000 were kindly donated to Elias, who is still coming to terms with the life-changing tragedy he has experienced.
He hopes to rebuild his humble home and care for his surviving sons with continued support.
“Please help this good man who has been through hell. Every little bit counts. Any remaining funds will be used for groceries and school fees for his surviving children,” says Justin.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R323 Million.
Rays of Hope, a non-profit organization based in Alexandra, Johannesburg, is hoping to raise R1 million to grow its team of social workers who play a pivotal role in empowering vulnerable residents who live in the township
“When you’re sick, a doctor can assess the problem and give you a diagnosis and prescription, and when you’re struggling emotionally, you can speak to a good friend or even a psychologist,” explains Bertha Muchadeyi, Social Work and Vulnerable Programmes Manager at Rays of Hope.
“But who do you speak to when life happens, and you don’t know who to turn to for help or where to find the practical information you need to get your life back on track?
“That’s where social workers come in – they are specially trained professionals who can think critically about challenges and design and implement solutions that are relevant to each person’s needs so that they can overcome the challenges they face,” she says.
The demand for social workers is enormous in a South African context, where unemployment, gender-based violence, sexuality and teenage pregnancy plague our society. Despite this, many people facing these challenges do not know what social workers can do for them or even how to find one.
While Rays of Hope has expanded its social worker pool to serve the Alexandra community, the need is much greater than the funding available to support it – despite the fact that many of its social workers provide their services for free.
“We also believe that social workers should earn more than the R5,000 that is common within environments like Alexandra, making our goal a dual one: that of employing more social workers to support the community, and of paying them a salary that recognises their skill and importance,” she adds.
By employing more social workers in Alexandra, they can help everyone in the community build a better future, whether that is by counselling families in mental and physical health, connecting indigent families with aid organizations, assisting them in overcoming addictions, or providing job opportunities and skill training.
Rays of Hopes has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to help cover their running costs, which are estimated to be R1 000 000 this year alone.
Securing much-needed funds will allow the organization to expand its resources and assist more individuals in the community.
“So many of Alexandra’s residents are stuck in the same cycles of gender-based violence, unemployment, and poverty that their parents and grandparents were,” Bertha says.
“We know that a dedicated team of social workers can help break these cycles and give people the tools, knowledge and confidence that they need to move beyond the legacies of this township.
“We’re appealing to Johannesburg’s people – most of whom engage with an Alex resident every day of their lives – to help make this a reality. No contribution is too small, and every contribution will help make a positive difference to this community, to their future, and to the future of the city,” John Shuttleworth, interim CEO of Rays of Hope, adds.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R350 Million.
If you have arrived on this page, you may need help finding your donors before setting up your first crowdfunding campaign.
Where can I find my donors?
1. Reach out to family and friends first.
The first people who donate to your campaign are very important.
The public tends to support campaigns if they can see that a number of people have already teamed up behind the cause.
Just as no one wants to be the first person on the dancefloor, a campaign with donors is more inviting, creates a sense of community, shows the campaign is active and is more likely to reach its target.
People who don’t know you personally, also trust campaigns more readily if they can see your loved ones have vouched for your cause, by means of donating or through affectionate comments.
Based on our research, if family or friends are the ones who contribute to a campaign first, we have found that they are likely to raise 220% more funds.
2. Reach out to your wider network
Once you have gotten support from loved ones, it’s time to reach out to more people you know.
Let your extended family, neighbours, co-workers, social groups, church, school or university friends and local community know about your campaign.
With the initial support you would have received, your wider network acts as an amplifier of sorts, spreading your campaign to more people and building on your first donations.
3. Social Media
Campaigns with initial support that are shared on social media, tend to raise 5 times more funds.
When introducing your campaign on social media, it is best to include a friendly photo, a video talking about your fundraiser, and a short description that lets readers know exactly what your need is and how funds could positively impact you or your beneficiary.
4. Reach out to your local radio station, newspaper or influencers
If your campaign has started raising funds, you have shared it on social media, then it is a great idea to reach out to your local media houses, to see if they would like to write about your story or share it on the airways.
Think about the media publications you are familiar with, visit the contact us section on their website, and send a message to introduce yourself and your cause.
Do you have any questions?
The BackaBuddy team is here to help guide you throughout your crowdfunding journey.
Eliza Mussa (30) an au pair originally from Lunzu, a township outside of Blantyre in Malawi, got a distressing call from her loved ones that her home was destroyed by the deadly tropical cyclone ‘Ana’ in late January.
The storm which lasted a week and left behind a path of destruction, nearly claimed the lives of Hanna, Eliza’s sister, and her 4 children who were staying at the home, as their home was destroyed by a similar storm in 2016.
As the home is now inhabitable, Hanna and her children sought refuge at a primary school, before being housed by warm-hearted samaritans.
For the past 8 years, Eliza has lived in Lakeside, South Africa, diligently saving extra monies to build her safe haven in her hometown, where she planned to retire to in her old age, along with her two children Fatima (10) and Nazim (3).
Eliza is heartbroken that her years of hard work have been erased, but she is thankful for the safety of her family and maintains the sunny disposition she is known and loved for.
“When Eliza came to work in tears one morning and showed me the pictures of her house, which had been destroyed in the storm, it struck me how unfair life can be. She told me about how she had worked so hard to repay the money that she had borrowed to build it in the first place. Then overnight a storm destroyed her house, and she doesn’t have insurance to pay for the costs to rebuild it”, says Jessie.
“Eliza comes to work every day with a smile. Even after her house was destroyed, she was there, playing with my daughter Leah and making her giggle. She is a lovely person; we trust her immensely”, says Jessie, her employer.
Rebuilding brick by brick
To help rebuild Eliza’s home, Jessie has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a fundraising target of R50 000, to cover the materials and labour needed to restore the humble home to its former glory.
Since the campaign launched, over R21 000 has been raised on BackaBuddy to support the family through this difficult time, with contributions from 21 donors, both locally and abroad.
“It is so nice how people have helped me with this crowdfunding campaign. A huge thank you for the campaign and for everyone who has donated, I really appreciate it. I could never have raised this money myself. I hope we can raise our target of R50 000 so that I can rebuild my house and one day go back and live there with my kids.” says Eliza.
Photo credit: Jessie with her daughter Leah and Eliza
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R313 Million.
Following one of the worst floods in South Africa’s history, this past Monday, 11th April 22’ in KwaZulu Natal, over 443 residents have sadly lost their lives, 63 people are still missing and 13 000 properties and infrastructures have been irreparably damaged.
Generously South Africans have been answering the call and stepping in to help the KZN residents rebuild their lives and prepare for the cold to come.
In these trying times, every helping hand can make a difference!
Donate to a charity or cause in need
If you are looking for a specific organisation to support, here are a few that will be supporting people and animals that have been affected by these devastating times.
In response to the devastating impact caused by the heavy rain, non-profit organisation, the Gift of the Givers Foundation has stepped in to assist with hot meals, blankets, bottled water, warm clothes, sanitary pads and diapers for those in low lying areas who have lost their material possessions.
Since the launch of the campaign over R140 000 has been raised.
With flooding affecting much of the Durban area, hundreds have been displaced and require immediate aid. The Penny Appeal South Africa is currently on the ground assessing the needs and providing food aid, clothing, and blankets. Their Help for R100 project asks for a minimum donation of R100 to assist with their relief efforts.
Since the launch of the campaign over R19 000 has been raised.
If you too would like to lend your hand, you can support their BackaBuddy campaign, here.
Organisations where you can donate in-kind
Here are some locations where you can donate food, warm clothes and blankets, and other necessities in your province.
Johannesburg:
#ImStaying
Those in Johannesburg can drop off non-perishable goods, sanitary care items and pet food at the following:
158 Rose Avenue, Ext 3, Lenasia.
Contact: 0112116002 Ask for Yaseen Hoosen
AA Wholesalers
27 Bluegum Street, Anchorville, Lenasia.
Contact: 0118571235 Ask for Ahmed Amod.
Yobuningi
Heuwelsig Estate, Centurion
0715425484 Ask for Shameem Baksh.
Midway Mews Shopping Centre Cnr 7th &, Harry Galaun Dr, Midrand, 0001
Main Service Rd, Lakeside, Cape Town, South Africa
Strand fire station
21 853 82985 Athlone Str Strand, Western Cape
Goodwood Fire Station:
Physical Address:Corner Hugo Street and Frans Conradie Drive, Goodwood, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone:+27 (0)21 590 1722
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R320 Million.
