by Simbulele Jezile | Jun 6, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Picture: The 2023 Comrades Marathon down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Shelley Kjonstad/African News Agency (ANA)
As thousands prepare to lace up for the Comrades Marathon, a remarkable group of runners are stepping up — not just for the challenge, but for change.
Every stride on race day will cover more than distance. It will raise awareness. It will honour lives. And in many cases, it will fund vital work led by some of South Africa’s most impactful nonprofits.
At BackaBuddy, we’re proud to be the platform of choice for individuals and charities running with purpose — transforming this iconic race into a celebration of generosity, resilience, and collective action.
Running for Children, Education, and Hope
Rainbows and Smiles
Rainbows and Smiles offers emotional, social, and financial support to families facing the unimaginable: childhood cancer. Their Comrades runners race in memory of brave little warriors and in honour of those still fighting — ensuring no child faces cancer alone.
Every year, they are joined by a powerful group of supporters who turn their sweat into support. Together, they run with heart, and for hope.
Support their champions here: Rainbows and Smiles Foundation | BackaBuddy
CHOC Cows
With their unmistakable horns, high energy, and unmatched spirit, the CHOC Cows are a beloved feature of the Comrades route. But beyond the fun is a serious mission — to “keep more than hope alive” for children affected by cancer.
By fundraising through BackaBuddy, CHOC Cows and their many champions help provide accommodation, counselling, awareness, and comfort to families across South Africa.
Support the herd here: The CHOC Cows | BackaBuddy
University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria’s Comrades runners take each step in support of access to education, groundbreaking research, and impactful community upliftment. Their fundraising contributes to student bursaries, academic development, and outreach programmes that transform lives.
This year, they’re joined by individuals such as:
- Prof Andries de Lange – A UP staff member whose campaign, From the Academic Field to the Finish Line, channels his Comrades run into fundraising for educational equity and empowerment.
- Dr Bianca Frost– A dedicated educator whose campaign, From the Classroom to the Comrades, supports young learners by showing them that discipline, dreams, and determination can cross any finish line.
Support The University of Pretoria Team here: University of Pretoria | BackaBuddy
Why Run for a Cause?
Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, the environment, mental health, education, or emergency relief — there’s a cause on BackaBuddy that speaks to every heart.
Running for a cause is an incredible achievement on its own. But using it as a platform to uplift others? That’s legacy.
And the good news? It’s simple to get started. We’re here to help you launch, share, and grow your campaign — from start to finish line.
Ready to Join the Movement?
by Simbulele Jezile | May 29, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
In a world where childhood cancer turns families’ lives upside down, a spirited herd from all over the world are lacing up, diving in, and moo-ving mountains — one race, one challenge, one campaign at a time. They are The Cows — and they’re not just fundraising, they’re doing it with heart, humour, and a whole lot of cowbell.
Since 2008, this animated crew has rallied behind CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, helping ensure that children and teens fighting cancer get the care and comfort they deserve. With every event they take on, The Cows live by their motto: Love Living Life — and use every opportunity to give back.
Why CHOC Matters
CHOC is there when it counts most — making sure no child or teen faces cancer alone. While doctors handle the treatment, CHOC wraps families in care and support.
They offer:
- A safe place to stay near hospitals
- Nutritious meals to keep little fighters strong
- Help with transport for long journeys
- Emotional support for parents and kids
- Bright, kid-friendly hospital spaces
- Training for early diagnosis
CHOC keeps families together, spirits lifted, and hope alive — with help from champions like The Cows.
The Cows: Turning Athletic Spirit into Action
What began as a small group has grown into a nationwide movement. The Cows show up at races, swims, rides, and endurance events, dressed head-to-hoof in cow gear, armed with infectious enthusiasm and a fierce will to make a difference. They’ve made it their mission to turn every sporting challenge into a fundraising opportunity for CHOC.
At this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile in February 2025, 54 Cow champions dived into action and raised an incredible R228,000 through BackaBuddy. Each campaign, big or small, became a ripple of hope. Swimmers dedicated their efforts to children they’d never met, but whose battles had touched their hearts.
“We don’t do this for glory,” shared one long-time Cow. “We do it because we’ve seen what CHOC does for families. If our running shoes and swim caps can help even one child stay with their family through treatment, it’s worth every blister.”
View The Cows’ Midmar Campaigns:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/organization/the-cows
Charging Toward Comrades 2025: One Step, One Smile, One Story at a Time
The Cows are now gearing up for the ultimate challenge: the Comrades Marathon 2025 on 9 June. With their tails wagging and cowbells ringing, they’ll hit the road dressed in signature black-and-white suits — but their eyes are fixed on something far beyond the finish line.
Every kilometre run is a message to the children of CHOC: we see you, we support you, and we believe in your future.
But they can’t do it alone.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re an athlete, a supporter on the sidelines, or someone who simply believes in doing good, there’s a place for you in this story. You can:
- Make a donation to support The Cows and CHOC
- Cheer on a Cow champion
- Start your own fundraising campaign for CHOC through BackaBuddy
Start your own campaign here:
Become a Cow! – Raise Funds for CHOC on BackaBuddy!
Your support helps fund life-saving treatment, warm meals, and a sense of normalcy for kids who desperately need it.
To support The Cows and their fundraising efforts for CHOC:
View their BackaBuddy profile: The Cows on BackaBuddy
Learn More About CHOC Here: https://choc.org.za
by Simbulele Jezile | May 23, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Buhle Dlamini (38) from Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, is a devoted mother of four-year-old twins and a hardworking domestic worker who has spent years caring for others. But after being diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer in February, she now faces her own fight—for her life and her children’s future.
A Mother’s Love, a Daily Fight
For Buhle, the struggle is not just physical—it’s deeply emotional. She now lives with constant discomfort, abnormal bleeding, and pain that sometimes makes it hard to walk. But she continues to work and care for her children, keeping much of her suffering to herself.
“I cry at night when no one can hear me,” she says softly. “I can handle the pain, but I can’t bear the thought of not seeing my children grow up. What will happen to them if I’m not here?”
Her twins, Ayabonga and Asbongi, are her whole world. Their laughter, their school songs, and even their sibling squabbles bring her pride.
“When they tell me about their friends or sing songs from school, I feel so proud,” she says. “Even when they’re naughty, I smile—it means they’re strong and happy.”
Despite her diagnosis, Buhle still gets up every morning to work. “I don’t have a choice,” she explains. “We’re a poor family. I need to keep going—for them.”
The Friend Who Stepped In
For the past five years, Buhle has worked for Trek Scale and in the home of Sherees Dalton, who has come to know Buhle not just as an employee, but as family.
“She’s become a sister—the sister I never had,” says Sherees. “We share our lives. We trust each other. When she told me what she was going through, I knew I couldn’t just stand by.”
With Buhle’s father also battling blood cancer, and little family support around her, the emotional and financial weight has been immense. “She carries so much on her own,” says Sherees. “And if Buhle isn’t here, her twins will be orphaned. That’s the reality.”
Wanting to do more than offer words, Sherees turned to action. She launched a BackaBuddy campaign—Miracles for Buhle—to raise R60,000 for the urgent medical treatment, surgery, and transport costs Buhle needs to start her recovery.
“She’s one of the most hardworking, honest people I’ve ever met,” Sherees says. “She works multiple jobs without complaint. But this isn’t something she can do alone—she needs a community to carry her now.”
A Life-Saving Campaign
Before any treatment can begin, Buhle needs a cone biopsy to determine how far the cancer has spread. From there, she may need a hysterectomy and further specialized care. But until the funds are raised, her journey is on hold.
So far, just over R3,000 has been raised from 16 generous donors. And while in need of further support, the messages and small acts of kindness are already making a difference.
“To the people who have donated—even R20—you’ve made me feel like I’m not alone,” says Buhle. “I can’t find the words to thank you.”
Her wish is simple: “I just want to live long enough to raise my children. That’s all I want. That’s what I’m fighting for.”
To support Buhle, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
by Simbulele Jezile | May 5, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
At just five years old, Caleb Alexander from Oudtshoorn has already walked a difficult road — from surgeries to correct club feet to recovering from facial burns as a toddler. Now, as he prepares to start Grade 1, his family faces a new challenge: helping Caleb overcome hearing loss that quietly shaped his early years in ways they didn’t fully understand until recently.
Despite everything, Caleb’s world is filled with colour and imagination. Known for his cheeky grin and endless creativity, he spends his days sketching vivid pictures, building elaborate LEGO creations, and acting out stories as a brave firefighter. But behind the laughter lies a deeper need: the ability to hear and connect with the world around him.
The Boy Who Sees the World in Colour
Even without many words, Caleb’s vibrant personality shines. He’s the artist of the family, drawn to colouring books and gifted with a unique sense of colour and creativity.
“He’s our little artist,” says Nina-Rose Clarke, Caleb’s aunt and the creator of his BackaBuddy campaign. “He colours beautifully, builds for hours, and has a way of expressing joy that goes beyond words.”
Pictured above: Caleb Alexander (5)
When the family noticed delays in Caleb’s speech and social development, they arranged hearing tests for all three siblings due to a known family history. The results confirmed their fears: Caleb had been living with hearing loss since birth.
“Having the actual confirmation was difficult,” Nina-Rose says. “But we’re a family that believes in action, not despair.”
With limited audiology services in Oudtshoorn, even travelling to specialists has become a financial strain. And at such a pivotal age — where language blossoms, friendships form, and learning begins — time is of the essence.
A Family Bound by Love and Belief
Caleb, the middle of three brothers, is often described as the glue that holds the family together. He’s cheeky and full of mischief — always pulling funny faces or pretending to be a dog just to make someone laugh. He’s also remarkably independent, happily making his own bed, tidying up after himself, and always ready to help with the younger children in the family.
“His hearing loss doesn’t define him,” Nina-Rose says. “His kindness does.”
Pictured above: Caleb Alexander with his father Dean Alexander
In their close-knit, often noisy home, the family has learned to adapt. They take Caleb on quiet walks during gatherings to give him a break from overwhelming sounds and have developed new ways of communicating — using gestures, making eye contact, and repeating instructions patiently.
Sharing a birthday with Caleb, Nina-Rose has a special bond with him. She launched the campaign out of love and hope — hope that, with hearing aids, speech therapy, and the right support, Caleb will step into the classroom with confidence and into the future he deserves.
“These hearing aids will not just help him hear — they’ll help him learn, connect, and grow into the incredible person he already is.”
Hearing the World, One Gift at a Time
The family’s goal is to raise R30,000 to cover quality hearing aids, ongoing speech therapy, and regular trips to audiologists outside their hometown. In just 11 days, more than 36 donors have already contributed over R17,000 — a heartening reminder that even small actions can create real change.
“We are immensely thankful to each person who has donated, whether anonymously or by name,” says Nina-Rose. “And to those who took the time to share his story — you’ve reminded us that kindness still exists, even from strangers. That’s a powerful lesson for Caleb and his brothers: that the world is full of people who care.”
With every donation, the family feels a little more hopeful. “Whether it’s R10 or a social media share, it matters. It reminds us that Caleb’s story, though filled with challenges, can also be one of light.”
Pictured above: Caleb Alexander with his parents Dean and Denoliza Alexander
by Simbulele Jezile | Apr 23, 2025 | Campaign, Impact
Aadam Forgan (43), from the Deep South of Cape Town, is preparing to run the Outeniqua Half Marathon on 26 April 2025—while bravely facing stage 4 colorectal cancer. Diagnosed in 2023, just months after his sister was also diagnosed with cancer, Aadam has undergone major surgery and grueling chemotherapy sessions. Now holding onto hope for a life-saving liver transplant, he’s channelled his passion for running into something bigger—raising over R31 500 for CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa) through his BackaBuddy campaign, to support children on their own cancer journeys.
A Journey Through Adversity
Growing up as the eldest of three in Cape Town’s Deep South, Aadam learned resilience from his athletic father. After losing a kidney at age 14, he turned to surfing and running, discovering the peace and strength both sports offered. Two decades later, he built his own construction company, mentoring young tradespeople and embracing the challenges of the industry.
Photo above: Aadam Surfing
When his sister was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the end of 2022, doctors urged the entire family to get screened. Aadam’s colonoscopy revealed stage 4 cancer with eighteen liver metastases—yet he had experienced no symptoms. Today, he faces chemotherapy sessions that can last six to eight hours.
“When I go in for chemo, there’s a separate ward for kids,” he reflects. “Through the curtain, sometimes you’ll hear laughter. Other times, tears. I’ll unplug my IV stand, walk with my six drips to the window overlooking the freeway, and let my own tears fall quietly—so I don’t disturb the others. Those children and their families are never far from my mind.”
Running for Hope
Despite the physical toll of treatment and surgery, Aadam has trained steadily since his operation last November. Running, he says, is more than exercise—it’s proof of survival.
“When I run, I feel very optimistic and hopeful, because I know how much I’ve overcome to even have the opportunity to run. I wanted to share this hope with others and help kids facing the same challenge my sister and I are confronting. It didn’t matter if I raised R100 or R10 000; dropping a pebble of hope can start a much bigger wave.”
His BackaBuddy campaign, launched just 13 days ago, has already surpassed its R20 000 target, with over R31 500 raised by 47 generous donors. Every rand supports CHOC’s work—from hospital visits to family counseling—ensuring that children with cancer and their loved ones receive vital care and comfort.
Photo above: Aadam with his son
With each kilometer he conquers on 26 April, Aadam will carry the spirit of the children he met in the chemo ward. His campaign isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a powerful reminder of community strength and shared hope.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has donated to this campaign, and also thank you for the support and kind words. This means the world to me.”
Aadam’s campaign on BackaBuddy is still open for donations here:
