by Tessa Van Rensberg | Feb 5, 2026 | Press Release
For Tyrone Flanagan, cycling has never just been about speed or competition.
At 26 years old, the Boksburg-based cyclist describes himself as disciplined and quietly determined, someone who finds clarity and purpose on the road. Cycling, he says, is where he processes life, pushes his limits, and learns what consistency and commitment can achieve over time.
In December 2025, that personal space of growth became something much bigger.
It became Smiles for Miles, a 1600-kilometre, 10-day cycling journey from Boksburg to St Helena Bay, powered by faith, purpose, and a desire to give back.
When Purpose Meets the Road
Smiles for Miles didn’t come from months of planning or careful deliberation. For Tyrone, it was a moment of clarity.
“There wasn’t a long build-up,” he explains. “It was one of those moments where you just know you have to do something.”
He felt a strong pull to use something he loved, cycling, to create impact beyond himself. The journey would test his physical limits, yes, but more importantly, it would be a way to turn effort into meaning.
Half of the funds raised would go to Mercy Haven Ubuntu House, a safe haven for women and children affected by gender-based violence. The remaining funds would help cover essential costs of the ride and support Tyrone’s upcoming racing season.
Ten Days. Endless Lessons.
From 22 to 31 December, Tyrone rode day after day through towns, farmlands, and vast Karoo landscapes, covering distances that would challenge even seasoned endurance athletes.
The ride was intense, rewarding, and very real.
“The biggest challenges weren’t always physical,” Tyrone says. “A lot of it was the logistics behind the scenes, recovery, planning, timing, and making sure I could show up the next day ready to ride again.”
Day 9 stands out most vividly: 199 kilometres between Calvinia and Clanwilliam, battling relentless wind and unforgiving hills.
“That day demanded everything,” he recalls.
Yet it was often the quieter moments that left the deepest mark, passing through small Karoo towns, experiencing the openness and simplicity of community life, waking early to see game along the road, and pushing through his longest-ever distance of 240 kilometres between Bothaville and Boshof.
And then there was Day 10.
Arriving in St Helena Bay, the final destination, after ten days on the road.
“That moment stays with you,” Tyrone says simply.
Why Mercy Haven Ubuntu House Matters
Tyrone didn’t choose Mercy Haven Ubuntu House by chance.
Their work, supporting women and children affected by gender-based violence, aligns deeply with his faith and values. To him, it’s about restoring dignity, safety, and hope where it has been stripped away.
There is also a deeply personal connection. Tyrone’s mother works as a counsellor at Mercy Haven Ubuntu House, and through her, he has seen firsthand the impact the organisation has on lives marked by trauma.
“Knowing the physical effort had a purpose beyond personal achievement made the hard days easier,” he shares. “It reminded me that endurance isn’t just about pushing through pain, it’s about standing for something bigger than yourself.”
A Journey Rooted in Social Justice
As the story of Smiles for Miles is shared around World Day of Social Justice, its message feels especially relevant.
For Tyrone, social justice is about dignity.
“It’s about ensuring that people are seen, protected, and valued,” he says.
Smiles for Miles connected awareness to action, using physical endurance to shine a light on real issues and to support organisations doing meaningful, often unseen work on the ground.
Quiet Change, Lasting Impact
The journey has changed Tyrone, not in loud or dramatic ways, but in steady, lasting ones.
It reinforced humility, patience, and gratitude. It showed him what’s possible through consistency as a cyclist, and what growth can look like when you keep going even when you’re tired, uncomfortable, and unsure.
And this isn’t the end.
“This feels like the start of something ongoing,” he says. Tyrone hopes to invite others into future challenges, combining cycling, awareness, and giving back, through rides, mentorship, fundraising, and community engagement.
Still Riding Together
To date, 44 donors have supported Smiles for Miles, helping turn kilometres into care and effort into hope for the women and children of Mercy Haven Ubuntu House.
Smiles for Miles is more than a ride.
It’s a reminder that when purpose meets action, even the longest road can lead to meaningful change, and that sometimes, the most powerful journeys are the ones we ride together.
Support Smiles for Miles on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/back-my-ride-fuel-my-dream
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Feb 5, 2026 | Press Release
Cape Town, South Africa — Donnel, a 19-year-old from Cape Town, has lived with hydrocephalus since birth, a condition that has left him unable to walk and dependent on full-time care. As he enters adulthood, the physical and practical demands of managing his condition have increased significantly.
In response, his family has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for essential mobility equipment, daily medical and hygiene supplies, and safe transport — support that is now critical to maintaining his health, dignity, and quality of life.
A Family Focused on Care
Donnel’s life has been shaped by ongoing medical intervention and constant care. He has undergone six major surgeries and survived a stroke, resulting in lasting physical limitations. He requires assistance with all daily activities, along with ongoing management of chronic health conditions, including severe skin allergies and the risk of seizures.
Since the age of four, Donnel has been cared for solely by his mother, following the death of his father from cancer. For the past 15 years, she has managed every aspect of his wellbeing, becoming his full-time caregiver.
Her responsibilities are continuous and demanding. She provides 24-hour supervision, manages medical routines and hygiene needs, and performs all physical lifting and transfers, as Donnel cannot walk independently. As he has grown into a young adult, these tasks have become increasingly strenuous.
Despite these pressures, Donnel’s outlook remains a source of strength within the household. His family describes him as disciplined, calm, and quietly resilient. During health setbacks, including seizures, it is often his composure that sustains his mother.
“Donnel doesn’t complain,” his family explains. “Even in difficult moments, his attitude gives his mother the strength to continue.”
One of the ways Donnel expresses determination is through music. Despite poor eyesight and limited use of one hand, he finds joy and purpose in singing. Music offers an emotional outlet and a sense of identity beyond his physical limitations.
Turning to Community Support
As Donnel has transitioned into adulthood, his care needs have reached a critical point. His physical size has made hospital visits, daily transfers, and transport increasingly difficult to manage alone. The strain of lifting and moving him has resulted in his mother developing severe, chronic back pain.
At the same time, the cost of essential daily supplies — including adult nappies and medicated creams required for his skin condition — has continued to rise. For a single caregiver, these combined pressures have become unsustainable.
Faced with these realities, the family made the decision to seek community support by launching a verified BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
Since launching three days ago, the response has been encouraging. More than R14,000 has been raised, reaching 70% of the R20,000 goal, through contributions from 15 individual donors. While this support has provided momentum, the family still needs assistance to reach the full amount required.
“This campaign is about ensuring Donnel has the care and dignity he deserves,” says campaign organiser Rory Little. “It’s also about acknowledging that this journey can’t be carried alone anymore.”
The public response has offered encouragement after years of managing Donnel’s care privately, highlighting the impact of collective support.
“Having the right equipment would be life-changing,” the family explains. “It would reduce the risk of injury, protect his mother’s health, and allow Donnel to live with greater comfort and stability.”
To support Donnel, visit the BackaBuddy campaign here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/helping-donnel-access-the-care-he-deserves
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Feb 2, 2026 | Press Release
First-year Bachelor of Social Science student, Atenkosi, has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign titled Help Atenkosi Stay at UCT – Every Rand Counts! to cover outstanding registration and residence fees that currently jeopardise her second year of study.
Despite working hard throughout her matric year to earn her place at UCT, Atenkosi now faces the risk of being unable to register due to debt on her student account. Without access to her end-of-year transcript, her academic progress could be paused, a situation familiar to many students from low-income households across South Africa.
Raised between Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape, Atenkosi says her childhood was shaped by change and responsibility at an early age.
“My childhood was a mixture of love and learning to adapt,” she says. “I learned to appreciate the little things and to never take education or support for granted.”
That mindset followed her into her final year of school, where long study hours and constant pressure eventually paid off. Receiving her UCT acceptance letter remains one of her most vivid memories.
“It felt like a deep exhale after months of holding my breath,” she says. “It wasn’t just my win, it belonged to my family too.”
A Family Focused on Education
Education has always been a priority in Atenkosi’s household, even when finances were stretched. Her mother has consistently placed her children’s schooling first, making difficult financial choices along the way.
Recently, Atenkosi learned that her mother has considered selling personal belongings to help cover university costs. “That moment stayed with me,” she says. “It made me realise how much this opportunity means to my family.”
Being the first in her family to attend university carries added weight. Atenkosi says that awareness shapes how seriously she approaches her studies and why continuing them matters so deeply.
When the Community Steps In
With limited options left, Atenkosi decided to take her story beyond her immediate circle. She shared her campaign across social media, reached out to companies and UCT alumni, and even went door to door in her community.
“I didn’t want to face this alone,” she says. “I just want the chance to continue my studies and see where this journey leads.”
What followed surprised her. Donations began coming in from people she had never met, some as meaningful as R20. “Seeing those amounts come through reminded me of Ubuntu,” she says. “Even small contributions made me feel supported.”
To date, more than 400 people have contributed to her campaign, showing how collective effort can add up when many give what they can.
“Every message, every donation, every share has helped more than people realise,” she says. “It reminds me that I’m not doing this on my own.”
To support Atenkosi Melisa Mzilikazi and help her continue her studies at UCT, visit her BackaBuddy campaign:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-atenkosi-stay-at-uct-every-rand-counts
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Feb 2, 2026 | Press Release
Chánterie van Rensburg, a 12-year-old Grade 7 learner and Head Girl from Cape Town, is undergoing intensive medical treatment after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. This sudden turn of events has dramatically altered her young life. As she focuses on treatment and recovery, a close family friend has turned to crowdfunding, and a growing community is rallying behind her to help support the journey ahead.
What was meant to be a normal December family holiday took an unexpected turn when Chánterie experienced sudden numbness in her legs. She was admitted to hospital on 6 January 2026, where an MRI scan revealed a growth on her spine. Doctors performed a four-hour operation shortly after her admission.
Further tests brought devastating news. Chánterie was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer that mainly affects children and adolescents. A PET scan later confirmed that the cancer had spread, and she had to begin intensive chemotherapy without delay.
A young leader with unwavering resolve
Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Chánterie’s response has been marked by resilience and determination. Known at school for her leadership, academic commitment, and involvement in sport and cultural activities, she has approached her treatment with the same strength she shows in her role as Head Girl.
After her oncologist explained the diagnosis and treatment plan, Chánterie responded with quiet resolve.
“We are fighting this bug,” she said.
Her faith and outlook have been a source of strength for her family during the most difficult moments. Recalling a conversation during the early days of her diagnosis, her mother shared: “During a very early morning conversation, filled with tears, she said, ‘Mommy, Jesus wants to use me. He chose me.’ Her faith and acceptance showed strength far beyond her years.”
Following spinal surgery, Chánterie has had to relearn basic movements, including sitting, standing, and walking. Each day involves careful rehabilitation, patience, and persistence as she works toward regaining her independence while continuing cancer treatment.
Time, treatment, and the need for support
For her parents, Divan and Clarissa van Rensburg, the uncertainty surrounding her recovery has been one of the hardest aspects of the journey. “Watching your child want so badly to return to her normal life, while knowing her immune system is compromised, is incredibly hard,” they said.
Returning to school remains Chánterie’s greatest motivation. She hopes to reconnect with her classmates, resume learning, and once again be part of the school community that gives her purpose and joy.
A community responds with generosity
To help cover the growing costs associated with medical care, treatment, and recovery, a close friend of the Van Rensburg family launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy titled Let’s FIGHT this ‘gogga’ for Chánterie. The campaign has allowed the family to focus on her care while drawing support from a wide network of donors.
In just 12 days, the BackaBuddy campaign raised R447 000, reaching 56% of its R800,000 goal, with 461 individual donors contributing. Support has come from Chánterie’s school, neighbouring schools, and individuals across South Africa, Switzerland, US, Scotland, UK, Saudi and Australia who have shared messages of encouragement, prayer, and solidarity.
“The prayers, love, and support have carried us through these weeks in ways we cannot fully describe,” her parents shared. “We are deeply grateful.”
To support Chánterie van Rensburg, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lets-fight-this-gogga-for-chnterie
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jan 28, 2026 | Tips for using BackaBuddy
If your campaign needs funds to be paid to an international bank account, the process is slightly different from a local payout. While it does take a bit more time and admin, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
This guide explains how international payouts work for both Blue Tick campaigns and To Owner campaigns, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect along the way.
International Payouts for Blue Tick Campaigns
Blue Tick campaigns work a little differently to To Owner campaigns.
The key thing to remember is this:
Blue Tick campaigns are verified at payout stage, not at campaign creation.
Step 1: Request a payout
When you’re ready to access funds, log into your campaign dashboard and submit a payout request.
Step 2: Enter beneficiary banking details
For Blue Tick campaigns, the beneficiary must be an organisation, not a personal bank account.
Examples of acceptable beneficiaries include:
You’ll need to upload:
You may submit the same invoice more than once, as long as it clearly shows:
Step 3: Submit and notify us
Once you’ve submitted the payout request:
Email [email protected]
Let us know:
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You’ve submitted a payout request
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It’s for a Blue Tick campaign
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You need the funds paid to an international bank account
Step 4: Complete the Global Payout Form
Our team will send you a Global Payout Form
Please fill this form in carefully and in full.
Important notes:
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Next to Amount to be Paid, make sure you enter either all available funds or the exact amount you want paid
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International payouts are manual
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You must submit a new Global Payout Form for every payout request
Once completed, send the form back to us (or to your campaign manager).
Step 5: Processing & timelines
After we receive the form:
International payouts take longer than local payouts
While timelines can vary, we recommend allowing 2–4 weeks for a successful international transfer.
International Payouts for Self-Managed Campaigns
Self-managed campaigns pay funds into a personal bank account, but there are a few important things to note for international payouts.
Before anything else:
Your campaign must receive at least one successful donation before it can be verified.
Step 1: Upload verification documents
When you’re ready, upload the following to your campaign under the verification tab:
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Campaign creator’s ID
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Supporting documents (e.g. invoice, quote, or formal proof showing how donations will be used)
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Proof of banking
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International bank account details
Step 2: Email our team
Email [email protected]
Let us know:
Step 3: Complete the Global Payout Form
We’ll send you the Global Payout Form.
Please:
Important:
You will need to submit a new Global Payout Form for every payout request on your campaign.
Step 4: Verification & payout
Once:
We’ll process your international payout.
As with Blue Tick campaigns, international payouts are manual, so please allow 2–4 weeks for funds to reflect.
A Few Final Things to Remember
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International payouts take longer than local payouts
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Accuracy is important, incomplete or incorrect information can cause delays
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A new Global Payout Form is required for every international payout request
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If you’re ever unsure, our team is here to help
[email protected]
We know this process can feel overwhelming, especially when funds are urgently needed. Thank you for your patience, and for the important work you’re doing through your campaign.
