by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jun 18, 2026 | Impact Updates
When a medical crowdfunding campaign is launched, nobody expects it to be because a healthy, happy five-year-old suddenly needs urgent specialist care. But that’s exactly what happened to Roland’s family.
In January this year, what began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a medical emergency when Roland suffered a fall that resulted in a fractured skull. Within hours, his parents found themselves rushing him to hospital, facing a frightening diagnosis, specialist referrals, and mounting medical costs they had no way of preparing for.
Four months later, Roland’s story has become something else entirely. It’s become a story about kindness.
Through their BackaBuddy campaign, more than R251 000 was raised by 409 donors, exceeding the campaign’s R200 000 goal and helping Roland receive the treatment, monitoring, and follow-up care he needed during a critical stage of his recovery.
When Everything Changes in an Instant
For parents, few moments are more terrifying than seeing your child seriously injured.
After Roland’s fall, doctors discovered a fractured skull and immediately referred him for specialist care. He required consultations with a neurosurgeon, pediatrician, and ENT specialist to ensure there were no lasting complications.
At the same time, his family faced another difficult reality. Without medical aid, the costs of scans, hospital admissions, specialist appointments, and ongoing care quickly began adding up.
Like many South African families confronted with an unexpected medical emergency, they suddenly found themselves balancing concern for their child’s wellbeing with the financial burden of accessing the care he needed.
Hundreds of People Chose to Help
When Roland’s family shared their story on BackaBuddy, community stepped in to help from the get go. Donations began arriving from people across South Africa, many of whom had never met the family.
Some gave large amounts. Others gave what they could. Many left messages of encouragement that reminded Roland’s parents they weren’t facing this journey alone.
One donor wrote:
“Mag ABBA VADER jou styf vas hou, jy sal herstel liefie kind. Jy is ‘n pragtige seuntjie. Mamma en Pappa wees sterk.”
Another supporter shared:
“After recovering from brain surgery myself, I understand. Get well soon Brave Boy. You’ve got this!”
Together, hundreds of individual acts of generosity became something much bigger. They became a lifeline.
The Real Impact of the Donations
The campaign ultimately raised 126% of its target, giving Roland’s family the financial breathing room they needed during an incredibly stressful time.
According to a recent update shared by his mother, the funds helped cover:
- Specialist consultations
- Follow-up scans
- Hearing assessments
- Preventative vaccinations
- Ongoing recovery-related expenses
The family has since been able to join a medical aid, but a waiting period still applies to treatment related to Roland’s injury, making the support received through the campaign especially meaningful. For many families, crowdfunding is about more than covering bills.
It’s about creating space to focus on healing instead of constantly worrying about how treatment will be paid for.
A Recovery Worth Celebrating
The most encouraging news is that Roland is doing incredibly well.
Despite the seriousness of his injury, he has shown no signs of hearing loss, balance issues, neurological complications, or other long-term concerns that can sometimes accompany this type of fracture. His doctors continue to monitor his recovery closely, but the progress so far has been remarkable. His family describes each positive result as another reason to be grateful. And every scan, appointment, and milestone has been made a little easier because of the support they received.
Why Medical Crowdfunding Matters
Unexpected medical emergencies can happen to anyone. When they do, families often need support quickly.
Medical crowdfunding gives people a way to respond immediately, turning concern into practical action. A donation helps cover costs. A share helps a story travel further. A message of encouragement reminds a family they are not alone.
That’s why so many South Africans turn to crowdfunding during times of crisis. Not because they want to ask for help, but because communities genuinely want to help when they understand the need.
Roland’s campaign is a powerful example of what can happen when that support comes together. If you would like to start a medical campaign on BackaBuddy, but not sure where to start, we’ve put together a guide with all the information you need here.
More Than R251 000 Raised
The numbers tell part of the story.
More than R251 000 raised. More than 400 donors.
A campaign that exceeded its goal.
But the real impact can’t be measured in rands alone. It’s found in a little boy’s recovery. In parents who could focus on their child instead of medical bills. In strangers who chose kindness when they had every reason to keep scrolling.
Roland’s story is a reminder that while accidents can happen in an instant, so can compassion. And sometimes, hundreds of small acts of generosity can help carry a family through one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jun 17, 2026 | Educational Tips, Fundraising Tips, Tips
Studying in South Africa is expensive. Even when you qualify academically, registration fees, historic debt, textbooks, laptops, transport, accommodation, and visas can stand between you and your dreams. Bursaries, NSFAS, and scholarships make a huge difference, but they don’t cover everyone. And even when they do, they don’t always cover everything.
That’s why more and more South African students are turning to online crowdfunding to close the gap, fund their studies, and stay on track to graduate. Platforms like BackaBuddy have helped thousands of students and education projects raise funds directly from friends, family, alumni, and even kind strangers who believe in the power of education.
If you’re facing financial stress as a student, here’s how you can fund your education through crowdfunding.
Setting Up Your Educational Crowdfunding Campaign on BackaBuddy
There’s no single formula for a successful educational crowdfunding campaign, but some approaches consistently help campaigns gain traction. A great example is the campaign launched by Andrea de Wet to help her daughters, Hannah and Alex, complete their university studies.
Over the course of a year, the campaign with a target of R285 000 raised more than R190 000 from 58 donors, helping both students reach graduation.
Here’s how they did it:
Tell a Clear, Honest Story
People support people, not just fees. Andrea’s campaign wasn’t simply about tuition. It told the story of a family navigating financial hardship after eight months of unemployment, while two hardworking students balanced multiple jobs alongside their studies.
Supporters could immediately understand who needed help, why the funding mattered, and what was at stake if the funds weren’t raised.
💡Get the Guide: In this guide we give some great pointers on how to frame a powerful campaign story. Check it out here.
Explained the Need
Instead of asking for support without context, Andrea clearly explained what the funds would cover and why the shortfall existed.
She also highlighted the efforts Hannah and Alex were already making to support themselves through coaching, pet sitting, consulting, and other part-time work. This helped donors see that the family was doing everything possible and simply needed help bridging the final gap.
Use Social Media to Build Momentum
Crowdfunding doesn’t happen in isolation. Throughout the campaign, Andrea regularly shared updates and personal reflections on her campaign as well as on social media, helping friends, family, and wider networks follow the journey and share it with others.
Those updates kept the campaign visible and gave supporters a reason to stay engaged.
Keep Supporters Updated
One of the most effective things the family did was continue communicating long after the campaign launched. When they entered the final stretch and needed corporate sponsorships to close the remaining funding gap, they posted an update explaining exactly where things stood and what was still needed.
Later, they shared the outcome everyone had been hoping for: “Yesterday, Hannah and Alex both graduated.” That update transformed donors from contributors into part of the success story.
Show the Impact of Support
People want to know that their contribution made a difference. In this case, supporters could see a direct outcome. Alex graduated with her BA in Film Art (3D Animation & Screenwriting), while Hannah completed her postgraduate qualification in Visual Communication and graduated as the top postgraduate student.
The campaign didn’t just help cover fees. It helped two young women complete their studies and step into the next chapter of their careers.
Make It Easy for Others to Help
Not everyone can donate, but almost everyone can share.
The campaign consistently encouraged supporters to spread the story within their own networks, helping the appeal reach beyond immediate friends and family. On BackaBuddy, every share creates another opportunity for someone new to discover a campaign and contribute towards its goal.
As Hannah and Alex’s journey shows, educational crowdfunding is often most successful when communities come together around a story, sharing it, supporting it, and celebrating the outcome together.
Real Examples of Educational Crowdfunding in Action
The best way to understand what makes an educational crowdfunding campaign successful is to look at real examples. While every journey is different, these campaigns show how communities can come together to unlock opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
1. Investing in a Future Doctor
When third-year medical student Mpho Mashego faced outstanding university fees, she turned to BackaBuddy to share her story.
Growing up in rural Bushbuckridge, Mpho’s dream was always to return home as a doctor and serve communities where healthcare resources are limited. She openly shared the sacrifices she had already made, including leaving a stable career as a medical scientist to pursue medicine full-time.
Her campaign raised R93 100 from just 15 donors, proving that educational crowdfunding doesn’t always require hundreds of supporters. Sometimes, a small group of people who believe deeply in your vision can make all the difference.
Lesson: Don’t underestimate the power of your close network. A clear purpose and authentic story often inspire meaningful support.
Check out her campaign here.
2. Funding Opportunity Beyond the Classroom
Educational crowdfunding isn’t only about tuition fees.
When Raul Muzokura secured a 50% scholarship to study Optometry in India, the remaining costs still placed significant pressure on his family. Family friend Lindy Borchers stepped in to launch a campaign on his behalf, helping raise the additional funds needed to make the opportunity possible.
The campaign exceeded its goal, raising R51 100 from 26 donors.
This is a great example of how BackaBuddy’s Champion model can be used for educational causes. Sometimes the person benefiting from the campaign isn’t the one doing the fundraising. Friends, family members, mentors, or community supporters can step forward to help carry the story and rally support.
Lesson: If someone believes in your potential, they can become one of your greatest advocates.
Check out Rual’s campaign here.
3. Creating Educational Impact for an Entire Community
Some educational campaigns extend far beyond helping a single student.
Fifteen-year-old Mia Braun launched Stroke For Hope after learning that dozens of children drown in the Western Cape every year. Instead of fundraising for herself, she set out to raise money for Glide Along Aquatics, helping children from Atlantis access swimming lessons and water safety education.
Her campaign raised R127 946 from 88 donors, exceeding its target and helping fund opportunities that could ultimately save lives. This is another powerful example of champion fundraising in action. Mia chose a cause she cared deeply about, set a goal, and mobilised her community around it.
Lesson: Educational crowdfunding can support schools, programmes, community initiatives, and skills development projects, not just individual students.
Check out her campaign here.
What These Campaigns Have in Common
Whether it’s a future doctor clearing fees, a student pursuing international study opportunities, or a young champion raising funds for community education, the common thread is simple: people support stories they believe in.
The most successful educational crowdfunding campaigns aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest networks. They’re the ones that clearly communicate the opportunity, explain the impact, and make it easy for others to get involved.
You Don’t Have to Walk This Alone
If you’re a student in South Africa facing funding challenges, whether it’s registration fees, historic debt, books, laptops, bursaries, or study material, you don’t have to carry it alone. Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy can give you the opportunity to:
- Share your story
- Invite community support
- Turn belief into action
Thousands of students have already done it. You can start your own verified crowdfunding campaign in just a few simple steps. Because education shouldn’t stop at affordability, and your dream deserves a chance.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jun 17, 2026 | Impact Updates, Uncategorised
From Cape Town, Western Cape, Caroline Blundell has been helping others find their rhythm for many years. As a musician, guitar teacher, performer, and beloved barn dance caller, she has spent her life creating joy for others. Through lessons, performances, and countless moments of encouragement, she has helped people find confidence, connection, and community through music.
Earlier this year, Caroline’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with colon cancer and required urgent surgery. The operation offered hope, but it also came with a difficult reality: weeks of recovery and no income during that time.
Today, thanks to the generosity of more than 100 supporters, Caroline has been given something invaluable: the opportunity to focus on healing.
Through a medical crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, supporters came together to raise more than R133 000 from 103 donors, exceeding the campaign’s original R100 000 goal and helping give Caroline the financial breathing room she needed to focus on recovery.
When Life Changes Unexpectedly
The campaign was launched by Caroline’s niece, Sarah Catto, who knew just how many lives her aunt had touched over the years. Caroline has always been the person showing up for others. Whether teaching someone their first guitar chord, leading a room full of dancers, or offering encouragement when it was needed most, she has built a life around generosity, humour, and connection. When news of her diagnosis spread, people responded in the same spirit she had shown them for years.
The support was immediate and heartfelt.
A Community Shows Up for One of Its Own
The response was immediate. Friends, former students, fellow musicians, family members, and supporters from across the country rallied behind Caroline’s campaign. Together, they raised 134% of the target amount. But the numbers only tell part of the story. What stands out most is the affection woven through the messages left by donors. One supporter wrote:
“Dearest Caroline, we are so sorry to hear of this health challenge you now face, and send you all our love and healing wishes for a remarkable recovery. Most of all may you recover and rest with ease and enjoy the love all around you.”
Another donor reflected on the impact Caroline has had on so many people over the years:
“The great number of people on this list is a measure of all that you have given and shared. This is a small thank you for all those special moments that you brought into our lives.”
Those words capture something powerful about this campaign. It wasn’t simply about raising money. It was about a community expressing gratitude for someone who has spent years enriching the lives of others.
The Impact Behind the Donations
For individuals facing serious illness, financial support can provide something that’s often difficult to quantify. Peace of mind. Knowing that essential expenses can be covered allows patients to focus their energy where it’s needed most, on treatment, recovery, and healing. The funds raised through Caroline’s campaign will help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Living costs during recovery
- Day-to-day financial commitments while unable to work
- Ongoing recovery needs
Most importantly, the support has given Caroline the opportunity to step back from work temporarily and prioritise her health without carrying the full weight of financial uncertainty.
Why Medical Crowdfunding Matters
Medical challenges often arrive without warning. Even when treatment options are available, the financial consequences can place enormous strain on individuals and families. A medical crowdfunding campaign gives communities a practical way to respond.
Supporters can contribute financially, share a campaign with their networks, or simply leave messages of encouragement that remind someone they’re not facing their journey alone. Through BackaBuddy, thousands of South Africans have been able to access support during some of life’s most difficult moments, whether they’re facing cancer treatment, major surgery, rehabilitation, or unexpected medical emergencies.
Caroline’s campaign is another example of what becomes possible when communities come together around someone they care about.
More Than a Fundraising Goal
The campaign may have exceeded its target, but the real success lies elsewhere. It’s found in the knowledge that Caroline can focus on getting better. It’s found in the hundreds of acts of kindness that transformed concern into action. And it’s found in the reminder that the relationships we build throughout our lives often come back to support us when we need them most.
For now, Caroline’s focus is on healing. And thanks to the generosity of more than 100 supporters, she has the space to do exactly that. With time, recovery, and a community standing behind her, there is every reason to believe she’ll soon be back doing what she loves most: making music and sharing it with others.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jun 17, 2026 | Impact Updates
From Johannesburg, Gauteng, Johan van Zyl’s family launched a crowdfunding campaign earlier this year, when they found themselves facing an impossible situation they couldn’t carry alone.
After already enduring surgery, chemotherapy, and multiple treatments following his colon cancer diagnosis in 2023, Johan had received devastating news: the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. His oncologist recommended a specialised treatment called Lonsurf, offering a real chance to extend, and potentially save, his life. But there was one major obstacle.
The treatment came with a price tag his family simply couldn’t afford.
Today, thanks to the generosity of supporters who refused to let Johan face that battle alone, there is hope where there was once uncertainty. In just a matter of days, supporters helped raise more than R149 000, helping Johan access the treatment he urgently needed and giving his family something priceless: more time together.
A Family That Never Expected to Ask for Help
One of the reasons Johan’s story resonated so deeply with supporters is that it wasn’t just about cancer. It was about a family who had spent years doing everything they could to keep going.
Over the course of Johan’s treatment journey, his wife carried the financial burden of surgeries, chemotherapy, medical expenses, and ongoing care. By the time Lonsurf was recommended, the family had already exhausted most of their options. The possibility of selling her car, the very vehicle she relied on to get to work and transport Johan to treatment, had become a reality they were seriously considering.
For many donors, that reality struck a chord. This wasn’t a family looking for an easy way out. It was a family fighting for every possible chance.
The Power of People Showing Up
As donations began arriving through BackaBuddy, something remarkable happened. People who knew Johan and his family, alongside complete strangers moved by their story, chose to become part of their journey.
Each donation carried the same message: You are not alone.
The support quickly gained momentum, helping the campaign reach its initial fundraising goal and allowing Johan to begin the treatment that could help extend his life. For the family, the relief was overwhelming. In an update shared after reaching their target, Danielle Muller a family friend and the champion behind their campaign wrote:
“We are incredibly grateful to share that we have reached our target for Johan’s treatment. Thank you to every single person who has donated, prayed, shared, and supported us along this journey. You have truly been a blessing to our family.”
She added a simple but powerful reminder:
“Miracles are still possible.”
More Than a Fundraising Goal
The campaign’s success wasn’t simply measured by the amount raised. The real impact was what those funds made possible.
- Access to treatment.
- Reduced financial pressure.
- The ability for Johan’s family to focus on his care instead of constantly worrying about how they would pay for it.
For families facing serious illness, that kind of support can be life-changing. Crowdfunding doesn’t remove the diagnosis. But it can remove barriers to treatment and create space for families to focus on what matters most.
The Journey Continues
While reaching the campaign goal marked an important milestone, Johan’s journey is not over. In a recent update, Danielle shared that Johan still requires four additional treatments as he continues his fight against advanced colon cancer. The family once again turned to the community that had already carried them so far.
“To everyone who has stood beside this family during such a difficult time, thank you. Your compassion has carried them further than words can explain.”
It’s a reminder that cancer journeys are rarely linear. There are victories worth celebrating, difficult days to navigate, and ongoing challenges that require resilience, faith, and support.
Why Medical Crowdfunding Matters
Medical costs can place an enormous strain on families, even when medical aid is involved. Specialised treatments, uncovered expenses, travel costs, and ongoing care often create financial gaps that many families are simply not prepared for. That’s where crowdfunding can make a meaningful difference.
Through BackaBuddy, families are able to share their story, connect with supporters, and raise funds that help bridge the gap between medical need and financial reality. Just as importantly, they gain access to something many people underestimate: a community of encouragement.
For Johan and his family, that community showed up when they needed it most.
💡Medical Crowdfunding 101: If you’d like to find out more about medical crowdfunding on BackaBuddy, click here.
A Story of Hope
Johan’s story is still being written.
There are still treatments ahead, appointments to attend, and challenges to overcome. But thanks to the generosity of people who chose to help, there is now more hope, more support, and more opportunity to keep fighting. The campaign may have started as a plea for help. It became a reminder of what happens when people come together around a cause that matters.
Johan’s BackaBuddy campaign is a reminder that the greatest gift a community can give isn’t just financial support. It’s the chance for someone to keep believing in tomorrow.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jun 17, 2026 | Impact Updates, Uncategorised
On 2 January 2026, In Cape Town, Western Cape, a fire tore through the business park where Dutchie Surf Designs was based, leaving more than a workspace behind in ashes. For Josh Louw, the founder of Dutchie Surf, it meant losing the tools, materials, and setup behind a surfboard manufacturing business built on years of skill, patience, and love for the ocean. The damage was devastating and Josh would need to be rebuilt from the ground up.
But in the days and weeks that followed, something amazing happened. Josh’s surf community showed up for him. Through a “Dutchie Surf Rebuild” crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, supporters helped raise R109 272, surpassing the original R100 000 goal and giving Josh the support needed to begin rebuilding Dutchie Surf Designs.
More Than a Surfboard Business
Dutchie Surf Designs is a place where craftsmanship, surf culture, and community meet. Each board is shaped with the rider in mind, built for the waves they chase and the way they move through the water. For surfers, a board is never just equipment. It carries memories of early mornings, favourite breaks, difficult paddle-outs, and the feeling of finally catching the right wave.
That is what made the loss so heavy. The fire destroyed tools and materials, but it also disrupted a craft and a community that many people felt personally connected to.
The First Step After the Fire
After the fire, Josh was embraced by the people around him. Members of the surf community helped with a temporary workspace so he could begin finding his feet again. But getting back to work required more than a place to stand. He needed to replace tools, cover staff wages, and keep up with overheads while beginning the long process of rebuilding his own factory.
The BackaBuddy campaign was launched as a practical way for people to help. And they did.
The Impact of the Support
Over five months, supporters contributed enough to push the campaign beyond its target. The funds raised helped create breathing room at a time when everything felt uncertain. They helped Josh move from the shock of the loss into the first stage of recovery. For a small business, that kind of support matters deeply.
It meant he could pay his staff.
It meant he could replace the tools needed to work again.
It meant staying afloat long enough to rebuild instead of having to walk away.
This is the real impact of crowdfunding after a disaster. It does not undo what happened, but it gives someone a way to start again.
A Community Built Around the Ocean
What stands out most in this campaign is the messages left by donors. They are familiar, warm, and full of surf-community language. They sound like people speaking to someone they know, respect, and want to see back on his feet. One supporter wrote:
“You got this Dutchie!”
Another shared:
“Keep going Josh, still have my faithful Dutchie and will surely need another.”
And one message summed up the spirit of the campaign simply:
“Come bru, let’s rebuild, groms need boards.”
These were not just donations. They were reminders that Dutchie Surf Designs had become part of people’s lives.
Why Crowdfunding Works for Small Business Recovery
When a small business suffers a sudden loss, the impact is rarely limited to one person. Staff are affected. Customers are affected. A wider community feels the gap.
Crowdfunding gives people a direct way to respond when they want to help but may not know how. Through BackaBuddy, supporters could donate securely, share the campaign with others, and help build momentum around the rebuild. For Dutchie Surf, the campaign turned encouragement into practical support. It gave customers, friends, fellow surfers, and supporters a way to say: We want you back.
Rebuilding With the Community Behind Him
More than R109 000 was raised through the BackaBuddy campaign, helping Josh begin replacing essential tools, supporting staff, and rebuilding Dutchie Surf Designs after a devastating loss. The campaign’s success reflects something many small businesses discover during difficult times: people are often willing to help when they’re given a meaningful way to do so.
For Dutchie Surf, that support came from fellow surfers, customers, friends, and supporters who wanted to see the business continue shaping boards and serving the community it has built over the years.
