BackaBuddy is South Africa’s leading online donations-based platform. They are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and compassionate Verification Officer to join them in their friendly team.
Position Objective:
Position: Verification Officer Reports to: COO Location: Cape Town CBD (flexible remote working) Work hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Salary: Market-related Employment type: 4 months contract with the option to go permanent Start date: ASAP
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
Provide high-quality email and phone support to customers and other stakeholders to ensure fundraiser authenticity and safe delivery of funds for beneficiaries.
Proactively vet fundraisers and interpret fundraiser content in accordance with the BackaBuddy Terms of Service, in addition to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and assisting with evaluating policy.
Manage banking details collection from the beneficiaries and ensure that the Finance team have the correct information to payout funds owed according to strict timelines.
Manage ad-hoc payment requests/donor refund requests received from beneficiaries.
Respond to and investigate reports a fundraiser queries.
Work with the customer service, marketing and finance teams, and others to ensure fundraisers on BackaBuddy are legitimate and donations are delivered to the correct parties.
Field questions and vet fundraisers for the Communities team, collaboratively work with all teams on a regular basis and in emergencies and become an expert in quickly resolving complicated issues through email, phone, and messaging software (Zoho Desk ticketing programme).
Identify trends, handle escalations, and ensure safe delivery of funds for beneficiaries.
Develop a deep understanding of trust-related issues and a willingness to experiment with bold, novel solutions.
Consistently improve and enhance our internal processes and systems.
Interpret data, analyze results, and create risk models, and bring that perspective to the team.
Provide invaluable feedback to our Dev Team to build Trust & Safety into the BackaBuddy platform.
Requirements:
Exemplify BackaBuddy’s core values (performance, accountability, effectiveness) and embody company and team culture
Are a consistent high-performer in metrics
Are an effective problem solver: spots issues or efficiency gains and brings solutions forward
Exude strong leadership skills
Able to think critically and be a fast learner
Display natural ability to “think big” and take initiative
Understand and help guide the vision of the company and team
See every interaction as a chance to build rapport and strengthen the public perception of BackaBuddy
Are comfortable engaging with industry leaders
Adaptable in a fast-paced work environment
Must have own laptop and stable internet connection
To apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:[email protected]. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
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 risen over R380 Million.
Lebohang Ntsane, a talented 24-year-old from Lesotho who captured the hearts of many as a child actor in the 2013 film The Forgotten Kingdom, will be moving to Makhanda, Grahamstown, this year to pursue his postgraduate studies in Theatre.
Lebohang has been accepted into the highly sought-after Honours program at Rhodes University in South Africa, a prestigious institution known for its excellent theatre and performance faculties.
Picture above: A still from the 2013 Lesotho-based feature film The Forgotten Kingdom.
He is deeply passionate about acting and hopes to use his craft to put his home country of Lesotho on the map.
Tragically, Lebohang lost both of his parents at a young age and has had to work his way up from a humble background through his acting career.
In 2014, he won the Best Child Actor award at the African Movie Academy Awards for his role in The Forgotten Kingdom.
Picture above: Lebohang in a scene from The Forgotten Kingdom. He won the award for Best Child Actor at the 2014 African Movie Academy Awards in recognition of his role in the film.
Since then, he has continued to build his acting experience through short films and commercials and has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and English at the National University of Lesotho.
As a result of his hard work, Lebohang has been given the chance to further his education and pursue his dreams through acceptance into Rhodes University.
Picture above: Lebohang is now 24 years old and looking to further his postgraduate studies and professional acting career.
To help realise his dream, Lebohang has launched a campaign on crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy appealing to the public to provide him with the financial means to cover tuition and living expenses for this incredible opportunity.
Since the launch of his campaign, Lebohang has raised over R42 000 from donors worldwide contributing to his goal of R150 000.
“This fundraising campaign has assisted me immensely. It has done for me in a few weeks what I would not have done in a year. I am so grateful to everyone who has lent a helping hand. This really means a lot to me.”- says Lebohang
Picture above: In his thank you message to his fundraising campaign supporters, Lebohang writes: “This donation is a blessing and your love and generosity are greatly valued. I promise to do my best in studying hard to make you proud.”
Lebohang is a hardworking and talented young man who deserves the chance to succeed and create a bright future for himself.
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 R380 Million.
We had an incredible year in 2022 in terms of raising funds for various worthy causes.
According to our annual statistics released by the organization, we raised a staggering R79 million (about $5.4 million) in 2022 alone, and have raised a total of R378 million (about $25.5 million) since our inception.
One of the standout campaigns on our platform in 2022 was the Hope for Kyleigh campaign, which aimed to raise funds for a young girl from Gauteng to receive life-saving heart surgery in the US.
Kyleigh Kista, from Benoni, was born with a complex congenital heart defect that required a specialized procedure at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, both locally and abroad, the campaign was able to raise an astounding R4 million, both online and offline.
In March, Kyleigh underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure in which her arteries were widened with a balloon, a stent was placed, and the dual supply was repaired. The procedure was a complete success and Kyleigh recovered quickly.
Another campaign that received an overwhelming amount of support on our platform was one to fund a diabetic alert dog for two-year-old, Jenna-Mae van der Vyver, from Krugersdorp.
Diabetic alert dogs are trained to recognize when their owner’s blood sugar levels are getting too high or too low, and can alert them or their caregivers in time for them to take appropriate action.
These dogs can be expensive, with costs ranging from R30,000 to R60,000. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of strangers, the campaign exceeded its target, ensuring that the young girl could bring her forever-companion home.
Internet celebrity Vernon Koekemoer, also known as “SA’s Chuck Norris,” was the beneficiary of another successful campaign on our platform. Koekemoer became an instant celebrity in 2008 after a photograph of him taken at an H20 party went viral, but he has since faced a number of health complications due to three failed hip operations.
South Africans were quick to respond to the campaign, donating more than R100,000 to cover the costs of Koekemoer’s medical treatment and comprehensive care.
In total, we raised over R13 million in 2022 compared to 2021, with over 13,500 campaigns being created on the platform. This represents a 17% increase in campaigns year-on-year. Most of these campaigns were related to funding medical procedures and sporting events.
Our CEO Patrick Schofield attributed the success of the platform to the fact that people became more compassionate and aware of the struggles of others due to the pandemic, and were more willing to give in various ways.
Surveys of our donors showed that many people were interested in donating not just their money, but also their time and skills to support causes that they were passionate about.
The stories of Kyleigh, Jenna-Mae, and Vernon Koekemoer are just a few examples of the many heartwarming campaigns that were made possible through the generosity and kindness of our donors.
It’s truly inspiring to see how people could come together to make a positive impact in the world and help those in need.
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 risen over R370 Million.
On 29 November 2022, following the widely recognised shopping events Black Friday & Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season when many individuals are inspired to give back to a worthy cause.
Harnessing the power of social media & collaboration, #GivingTuesdaySA encourages individuals and non-profits alike to reach out to their communities, with the aim of creating meaningful social change and spreading goodwill.
Join BackaBuddy in celebrating #GivingTuesdaySA
Here are a few charities in need of support:
Help Save RX Radio
A beloved and award-winning children’s radio station, RX Radio, hosted at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital which is presented by and for children with life-threatening illnesses, may soon close without public support.
With your donation, RX Radio can continue the wonderful work they do and keep the radio station on the air. All donors are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by RX Radio.
VulPro is a world-renowned and well-recognized vulture conservation organization which currently houses the largest captive population of non-releasable Cape vultures in the world and is the only vulture conservation organization of its kind in Africa.
To thank their wonderful employees for the tireless work they’ve contributed this year, VulPro has launched a Christmas campaign on BackaBuddy to help repair their staff accommodation bathroom.
The Transkei Animal Welfare Initiative, a small NPO in the former Transkei area providing primary animal health care to companion animals in one of the most rural areas in South Africa, is bringing festive cheer to Port St. Johns this Christmas by sending a veteran to assist the community in preventing unwanted breeding and puppy de-worming.
As part of their efforts to control the animal population on the streets, they’ve launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise the necessary funds to help them on their mission.
Support the Transkei Animal Welfare Initiative on BackaBuddy, here.
Animal Antics Pet Rescue
Founded in 2018, Animal Antics has helped house over 150 dogs and numerous cats as well as operate an animal feeding program in Mandela Valley. This Christmas, the organisation is on a mission to help the communities around them feed their Animals.
Any donation, no matter how small, will help manage the influx of calls for help and animals that will be needing help over this festive season.
The St Helena Sandveld Hospice needs to raise an additional R10 000 in December to help fund a replacement vehicle for their dedicated nurses to visit their patients in their homes. The hospice visits approximately 65 patients a month, none of whom are obliged to pay for this care.
Support the St Helena Sandveld Hospice on BackaBuddy, here.
Here’s how you can also get involved:
Donate to a cause you’re passionate about by visiting BackaBuddy.co.za.
Crowdfunding campaigns are 350% more likely to be successful if shared on social media, visit BackaBuddy on Facebook and help create awareness for a campaign that inspires you! Don’t forget to hashtag #GivingTuesdaySA.
Individuals are also encouraged to create a crowdfunding campaign to support their favourite charity on #GivingTuesdaySA. Set your fundraising target, share your personal story and introduce your cause to your networks!
Whether you dedicate #GivingTuesday to helping a neighbour or stranger out, volunteer your time or donate funds to a good cause, every act of generosity counts!
Follow Giving Tuesday on social media: @GivingTuesdaySA
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 risen over R360 Million.
On the 20th of November 2022, 47 cyclists from Johannesburg, will be taking part in the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg. Pedalling for a purpose, the group aims to support the South African Bone Marrow Registry in raising funds for their Patient Assistance Programme.
To date, the SABMR has helped save the lives of around 600 patients with life-threatening blood disorders by matching them with healthy, unrelated bone marrow donors from South Africa and the rest of the world.
Currently, there are 40 million and counting registered donors worldwide and counting. Ethnicity plays a vital role in finding a donor as you’re most likely to find a donor within your own ethnic grouping. South Africa is a prime and unique example of mixed inherited diversity, making it even more difficult to find a suitable match for a patient in need.
A patient has a 1 in 100 000 chance of finding a suitable donor match. These odds are even further reduced for patients of colour to 1 in 400 000 as there is a lack of donors of colour not only on our local registry but globally. Hence, encouraging everyone who is eligible to sign up and donate to give patients a second chance at life.
“Bone marrow-related diseases is not a mystery, it is a solvable challenge. There are however many patients in need of stem cell transplants to offer them the best chance of survival. The solution: we must get everyone in the world on a registry to give them the best chance. Starting in South Africa.” – says Dr Charlotte Ingram
As a non-profit public benefit organisation, the SABMR relies heavily on financial donations to cover the costs of donor recruitment which costs around R1500 per swab test kit.
Each kit needs to be sent to an international laboratory for tissue typing before the results are placed on the SABMR’s database, to which donor registries around the world have access.
As part of the SABMR’s fundraising efforts, 47 cyclists from South Africa have signed up to provide financial support assistance to families unable to cover the costs of finding a donor.
Cycling a distance of 97km, the champions have raised over R58 000 collectively towards a target of R150 000 by crowdfunding on BackaBuddy, to cover the costs of 50 swab test kits, used to recruit new donors and expand the SABMR database.
Meet a few of the cyclists at the 94.7 Ride Joburg
Cycling to support the SABMR for the second time, Reece Duthie from Johannesburg, is taking on the 94.7 in hopes to highlight the importance of donor recruitment. He hopes to raise R1000, with more donors coming on board to congratulate him for his achievement.
“Being able to raise funds for the SABMR is a blessing to me – I am fit and healthy enough to be able to push my body. The role that the SABMR plays in the lives of cancer patients is one that signifies hope and courage. With the awareness and funds that I’ve helped in raising, I hope that the SABMR continues their mission of touching the lives of people who need it the most.” – says Reece
Last year,Geoffrey Brink cycled the 94.7 for the first time and raised over R7000 to help expand SABMR’s registry. This year, he hopes to raise an additional R5000 to support the SABMR and their life-saving mission.
“I got roped into riding this event last year and I discovered a biker gang that I never knew existed. Some say it takes courage to stick to the plan, but courage I do not have. Instead I ride this race, a journey if you will, for a cause that has courage and a plan to deliver greatness and joy to many other South Africans, that I cannot. Come 20 November 2022, I will be joining this biker gang, called the “Fat Tyre Gang” on our journey around the 011 for a great cause and in search of a great time” –Geoffrey Brink
To support one of the SABMR’s 47 cyclists on Backabuddy, make a donation here:
*All funds raised will be managed by the SABMR. Donors will also be eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by the organisation.
Become a Bone Marrow donor
According to SABMR, Head of Sustainability and National Operations Kamiel Singh, there are currently 79 000 donors registered on the SABMR’s database to cater to over 59.3 million South Africans.
“Every year, hundreds of South Africans with blood diseases such as leukemia reach the point where their only chance of survival is a bone marrow transplant. For about 30% of patients, a matched donor can be found in their own family; for the other 70%, their only hope is to find a matched unrelated donor identified by the SABMR.” – says Head of Sustainability and National Operations, Kamiel Singh.
You can Register to become a Bone Marrow donor, by clicking here:
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 R360 Million.
