by Simbulele Jezile | Sep 2, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Dr Ephraim Kgoete (33) from Limpopo is raising funds for 43-year-old Petros Malepe, who has lived with a severe keloid on his chin for more than a decade. Thanks to the Khayalami Health Foundation and the kindness of strangers, a life-changing surgery is finally within reach.
A Journey of Pain and Perseverance
For more than 10 years, Petros Malepe from Ga-Manoke, Burgersfort in Limpopo, has carried the physical and emotional weight of a large keloid stretching from his chin. The condition has not only caused discomfort but has also stolen much of his confidence and limited his ability to pursue work or meaningful relationships.
“Petros has been unable to pursue stable work opportunities because of the visible nature of his condition and the stigma surrounding it. This has deeply affected his self-confidence and his ability to form and maintain personal relationships.” shares Dr Kgoete.
Despite years of moving in and out of hospitals without lasting help, Petros’ resilience and faith kept him going. “At times he felt like giving up,” Dr Kgoete explains, “but the kindness of strangers has given him hope where he once had none.”
Now, through the efforts of the Khayalami Health Foundation, Petros’ story has reached thousands of South Africans who are rallying to give him the gift of healing.
“Petros will require surgery to remove the massive keloid, followed by radiotherapy and continued medical treatment to prevent it from growing back. At this stage, it is crucial because the condition is worsening, and without intervention, his quality of life will continue to decline,” says Dr Kgoete.
Meeting Through Social Media
Dr Ephraim Kgoete, a general medical practitioner affectionately known as Dr Macutcut or Dr Ya Batho, first came across Petros’ case on TikTok.
“I first became aware of Mr. Malepe’s case through TikTok, where he had shared his struggles with his condition,” he recalls. “After learning about his story, I reached out to him directly, and from there, Khayalami Health Foundation began assisting him with support and guidance.”
Moved by Petros’ courage and the years he endured without meaningful intervention, Dr Kgoete launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign on 15 July 2025 to cover the cost of surgery, hospitalisation, radiotherapy, and ongoing emotional support.
“I was deeply moved by his story. Supporting him was not just about treating a medical condition — it was about restoring dignity and hope,” he says.
Community Kindness Turns into Action
Since its launch, the campaign has drawn incredible generosity. More than 26 donors have already contributed over R26,000 towards the R70,000 target. The funds will cover surgery to remove the keloid, radiotherapy to reduce the chance of regrowth, medication, and psychological care to help Petros rebuild his life.
“The urgency is very high,” stresses Dr Kgoete. “The keloid is not only disfiguring but also carries risks of infection, bleeding, and increasing disability. If left untreated, his suffering will worsen, and his chances of recovery will diminish significantly.”
For Petros, every donation is a reminder that he is not alone. “Every contribution, no matter how small, is a step toward changing my life, and I am truly thankful,” he says.
Through the Khayalami Health Foundation, Dr Kgoete has dedicated his career to helping those who often fall through the cracks of the public healthcare system.
“Community support bridges the gap where public healthcare falls short,” he explains. “It reminds patients like Petros that they matter, and that their future is worth fighting for.”
For Petros, the campaign is more than just a fundraiser — it is the first real chance at reclaiming his life after years of stigma, neglect, and isolation.
To support Petros, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/surgery-drive-fundraiser-for-mr-petros-malepe
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by Simbulele Jezile | Aug 26, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Matthew James Barrett (25) from Sunninghill, Johannesburg is just 13 flying hours away from completing his Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) — the crucial milestone toward becoming a commercial pilot. A full-time cabin crew member and dedicated student pilot, Matthew has already logged 31 hours, made significant sacrifices, and kept his dream alive through years of disciplined effort. But while determination has carried him this far, the cost of training now threatens to keep his wings on the ground.
A dream rooted in his grandfather’s legacy and his mother’s sacrifices
Matthew’s love for aviation began with his grandfather, who served in the Air Force and later trained at Grand Central Airport — the same Midrand airfield where Matthew now flies.
“My passion for aviation was sparked by my grandpa,” he says. “He was in the Air Force and later did his PPL at Grand Central. As a kid, I remember going to the library with him, looking at books about planes, and listening to his stories. The moment I truly knew I wanted to fly was when I would spend time with him. Now, being based at the same airfield he flew from is incredibly special to me. I can’t wait to take him up for a flight once I’m done.”
From the outset, Matthew knew this journey would demand more than talent. He has worked full-time while studying, squeezing in flight hours between shifts and cutting expenses to the bone. He sold his car to reduce costs, lives on the bare minimum, and even uses gym reward points to help cover electricity at home. At 25, while many peers spend weekends unwinding, he trades leisure for the cockpit — one lesson at a time.
Behind him stands his mother, Joanne, who raised Matthew and his sister Tiffany as a single parent.
“From the moment Matthew was a little boy, he was a force of nature,” she says. “He was always kind, determined, and never gave up on what he wanted. I’ve seen him excel in sports, in CrossFit, and now in flying — he was born to fly. This dream is a family one. We’ve all made sacrifices to get him here, and I know he wants this not just for himself, but to give back to his family one day.”
A dream grounded by cost — and lifted again by community generosity
Flying is not only demanding; it’s expensive. Every hour in the training aircraft costs R3,500 plus a landing fee, and Matthew must still cover his remaining hours, exams, and final skills test. Beyond that, the cost of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence looms at close to R850,000 — a daunting number for a young man already stretched to his limits.
For many young people, the biggest barrier isn’t passion or ability; it’s funding.
“I applied for bursaries, reached out to companies, and tried every option,” Matthew says. “When nothing worked, I realised I couldn’t continue this journey alone. The support I’ve received so far has been truly inspiring and given me the hope and strength to carry on.”
Twelve days after launching his crowdfunding campaign, 31 donors have contributed more than R49,000 toward his R500,000 target.
Every contribution “literally translates into minutes in the air,” he says — covering outstanding flight hours, exam and licence fees, ground briefings, aircraft hire for the skills test, and transport to and from training.
For Matthew, crossing this finish line is about more than a licence. It honours his family’s sacrifices, carries his grandfather’s story forward, and opens the door to mentoring new pilots who don’t know where to begin.
And he has a message for every child who looks up at a passing plane and dreams of one day flying it: “There is no feeling more surreal than defying gravity and seeing the world from a different perspective. Feed that passion and never stop working and learning. You will have to make sacrifices, but in the end, it will all be worth it.”
With 13 hours to go, Matthew’s future in aviation now sits with the public to lift him higher — whether that’s a few minutes in the air or a full hour that gets him closer to the flight deck.
To support Matthew, visit his BackaBuddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-a-pilot-get-his-wings
Follow his journey here: Instagram
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by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 25, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
A few days before her 7th birthday, Carley Rose Meyer from Benoni, Gauteng, went from being a happy, energetic little girl with what her mom thought was a common virus, to being rushed to ICU with dangerously high blood sugar levels.
On 2 July 2025, Carley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Overnight, her world—and her family’s—changed.
Where there were once carefree days, there are now insulin injections, sugar checks, strict routines, and the weight of medical decisions far beyond a child’s years. But Carley faces each day with a resilience that has touched the hearts of many.
“Even when I wake her at midnight for insulin, she tells me, ‘Mommy, I’m okay,’” says her mom, Elisabeth Meyer. “She’s the bravest person I know.”
A Bond Like No Other
At home, Carley shares a deep and intuitive bond with her older brother Riley (9), who is autistic. While the world can feel overwhelming for Riley, Carley is his constant—his comfort.
“They have a love that doesn’t need words,” says Elisabeth. “When Carley was in hospital, Riley cried every day. She’s his person.”
As a single mom, Elisabeth is the steady force navigating both children’s unique needs. “It’s a lot,” she admits. “But they’re my everything.”
A Small Machine, A Big Difference
In her search for ways to ease their daily challenges, Elisabeth discovered the Aquazone Ozone H₂O Machine—a natural therapy believed to help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support neurological balance. She launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping to raise R25,000.
To her surprise, the goal was reached in just two days.
“I thought the website was broken,” Elisabeth recalls. “Then my phone rang. My mom and sister were crying. We had done it. For the first time that week, I could breathe.”
More than R31,200 has now been raised by just seven donors—including one anonymous champion who gave the campaign its final push.
“To that person: you changed our lives,” says Elisabeth.
Finding Strength in Small Moments
Thanks to the generous support, Carley now uses the Aquazone therapy daily. While not a cure, the treatment offers a glimmer of relief—and hope. The family also believes it may help regulate Riley’s sensory and emotional responses.
“I just want them both to feel like kids again,” says Elisabeth. “To have more days filled with joy than pain.”
When asked why she wanted the machine, Carley simply said:
“Because it will help me feel better.”
For her mother, that was all she needed to hear.
On her seventh birthday, Carley was allowed one special treat—her first sweet bite since her diagnosis. “She savoured every bite of her cupcake,” says Elisabeth. “It was just a cupcake—but to us, it was everything.”
Riley sat beside her the whole time, smiling quietly.
Continuing the Journey
Although the original goal has been reached, the campaign remains open to help cover therapy for Riley, special dietary needs, and ongoing medical expenses for both children.
“With more support,” says Elisabeth, “we can give them what they need to thrive.”
This story has reminded many that compassion often comes from strangers—and that hope can arrive in the smallest of gestures.
In Carley’s words:
“Thank you for helping us. I want to be strong and happy again. I love my brother, and I want him to be okay too.”
And from Riley:
“Thank you for loving my sister. I love her too.”
Help Carley and Riley Continue to Thrive
Your kindness can make all the difference. Visit their BackaBuddy campaign to contribute or share their story:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/carleys-courage-a-story-of-hope-healing
by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 8, 2025 | Campaign, Join The Team
BackaBuddy is South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, empowering individuals and charities to raise funds for causes that matter. We’re looking for a detail-oriented and compassionate Finance Processing Clerk to join our growing team. This role sits at the heart of our finance operations and donor-facing services, supporting both beneficiaries and donors with accuracy, care, and efficiency.
- Position: Finance Processing Clerk
- Reports to: Finance Manager
- Location: Remote working but preference for Cape Town
- Work hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
- Salary: R12 000 per month
- Employment type: 6 months contract
- Start date: ASAP
Key Responsibilities
- Process day-to-day financial transactions including donations, refunds, beneficiary banking details, and payouts.
- Accurately verify, classify, record, and post transactions across relevant systems.
- Reconcile campaign and charity accounts, ensuring all payouts are properly recorded and discrepancies are resolved.
- Investigate and allocate unassigned donations from bank statements and payment gateway reports.
- Respond to internal and external donor/beneficiary queries via our ticketing system within 24 hours.
- Provide daily follow-up on open queries and work toward timely resolution.
- Attend to all donation and payout-related queries in line with BackaBuddy’s customer service policy.
- Prepare and generate financial reports when requested.
- Support the Finance Manager with ad hoc financial tasks and compliance checks.
- Ensure all donation-related activities meet internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
- Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes, identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions.
Requirements
- 2–3 years’ experience in a finance support, accounting, or similar role.
- Proficient in banking procedures, reconciliations, and payment systems.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and Google Workspace (Sheets, Drive).
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Meticulous attention to detail with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and thrive in a remote team environment.
- Proven numerical accuracy and sound judgment when resolving financial discrepancies.
- Knowledge of donations and fundraising platforms is advantageous.
- Must have a personal laptop and reliable internet connection.
Ideal Candidate
- A compassionate communicator who thrives in customer-facing roles and finds joy in helping others succeed.
- A detail-driven individual who balances empathy with rigorous compliance and accuracy.
- A natural problem-solver who proactively identifies risks and inefficiencies and proposes actionable solutions.
- A tech-savvy team player comfortable with digital tools, systems, and remote collaboration.
- An adaptable, high-performing individual eager to contribute to a purpose-driven, fast-paced organisation.
What We Value
- Performance: Deliver high-quality work with speed and accuracy.
- Accountability: Own your responsibilities and follow through with professionalism.
- Effectiveness: Solve problems, streamline processes, and communicate clearly.
- Culture: Embody BackaBuddy’s mission and values in every interaction — internally and externally.
How to Apply
Please email your CV and a short cover letter explaining your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit to [email protected]. While we’d love to respond to every application, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven’t heard from us within 2 weeks, please know that we truly appreciate your interest and the time you took to apply.
by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 1, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Photo credit: Flashlight Pictures
At just 14 years old, talented Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads in Nyanga, Cape Town, was rewriting what’s possible for a young girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart. As one of South Africa’s brightest young talents in chess, she’s earned national recognition and international invitations. Now, all she needed was a helping hand to keep her momentum going.
Earlier this year, Imkhitha was crowned South African U14 Girls Chess Champion after finishing undefeated at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also swept the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section, winning every game with a perfect score of six out of six. Her CHESSA rating now stood at 1811, making her the top-ranked U14 girl and 6th overall among female players in South Africa.
Despite these remarkable achievements, the road had not been easy.
Photo credit: Flashlight Pictures
In 2025 alone, Imkhitha qualified to represent South Africa at the African Individual Chess Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad. But each time, she had to stay behind — not because she wasn’t good enough, but because there simply wasn’t enough money or time to raise what was needed.
Her coach and mentor, Thando Hlakula, says those missed opportunities had been some of the toughest parts of her journey. “She worked so hard to qualify, but without funding, we couldn’t make it happen. Watching her miss out on experiences she earned was heartbreaking.”
But now, there was a second chance.
Imkhitha was invited to represent South Africa at the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania this October, and the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria this December. These two tournaments are not just another opportunity — they are pivotal moments in her development, stepping stones on her path to becoming a Woman International Master, and eventually a grandmaster.
To get to Albania, Imkhitha needed to raise over R94,000 on her BackaBuddy campaign. The total includes return flights, visas, entry fees, accommodation, and daily expenses for herself and her coach, who will also serve as her guardian abroad.
Imkhitha’s campaign has reached limits that were unimaginable, raising over R136000, far beyond their target of R100000 from 154 incredible donors, “It’s been so moving to see people stepping up for her. Every bit of support, no matter the size, shows her that her hard work is seen and valued.”
Photo credit: Flashlight Pictures
Imkhitha’s story began in 2020 when she was introduced to chess through a school programme at Isigcawu Primary. It didn’t take long for her teachers and coaches to realise she had something special — but talent didn’t bring her easy wins.
“She lost every single game in her first tournament,” Thando remembered. “But what stood out wasn’t the loss — it was how she responded. She didn’t cry. She didn’t complain. She asked when the next tournament was.”
“She kept showing up, kept learning, and kept improving.”
Since then, she’s become known not just for her sharp mind, but for her humility, focus, and work ethic. Some days, she trains for up to eight hours. “She has a hunger to learn that I’ve rarely seen,” says Thando. “She doesn’t want to just be the best — she wants to keep getting better.”
Her breakthrough came this year, when she returned to the SA Junior Closed Championships with one goal in mind: to win. “Last year, she came second and was crushed by it,” he shares. “She learned from that. This year, she came back stronger, beat the defending champion, and walked away undefeated. It was a proud moment — one we’ll never forget.”
But Imkhitha’s motivation is about more than titles. She sees herself as someone who can shift perceptions — not just of what chess is, but of who belongs in the game.
“Representing South Africa is something she takes very seriously,” says Thando. “Her story challenges what people think is possible for young girls in townships like Crossroads. She’s showing that brilliance, discipline, and greatness can come from anywhere — all they need is a chance.”
Traveling internationally won’t be easy for a 14-year-old, which is why Thando will accompany her to both Albania and Algeria.
“She needs someone she trusts by her side,” he explains. “Not just for logistics, but for emotional support. Someone to help her stay grounded, strategise between rounds, and remind her why she belongs on that stage.”
For now, Imkhitha was focused on raising the funds to get there.
“Any contribution, big or small, ensured that a young girl from a disadvantaged background wasn’t held back by lack of funds,” Thando said. “She’s had done the work. She’s earned the opportunity. We just needed the support to help her take that next step.”
To support Imkhitha Joya, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/get-imkhitha-to-the-world-chess-championships
