Elizabeth Jordaan, an 11-year-old girl from Robertson, Cape Town, is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and determination. Despite the odds stacked against her since birth, Elizabeth remains an energetic and positive child who is eager to learn and experience life to the fullest.
When Elizabeth was just 6 months old, she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (SMARD), a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and causes respiratory distress. As a result, Elizabeth has been dependent on a home ventilator to help her breathe, which her mother, Sanet Jordaan, watches over like a hawk.
Living on a farm in Robertson, an hour away from the nearest hospital, Sanet is plagued by the fear of what could happen if the home ventilator stops working or gives problems. The fear is compounded by the ongoing load shedding and power outages in South Africa, which can leave Elizabeth vulnerable and in danger.
Pictured above: Elizabeth Jordaan
But despite the challenges, Elizabeth is a bright, talkative, and loving child who is eager to learn and experience life to the fullest. She is an inspiration to everyone who meets her, a reminder that there is always hope, no matter what life throws our way.
To help Elizabeth and her family cope with the ongoing struggles of her condition, as well as loadshedding, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy. The campaign aims to raise funds for a backup ventilator, which will provide Elizabeth with the peace of mind and security that she deserves.
The campaign has received an outpouring of support from the public, with contributions from 20 donors totalling R72,302 so far. Despite this, the family is still far from their target of R200 000, and they are appealing to the public for support.
Pictured above: Elizabeth Jordaan
Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and determination. It is a reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, there is still hope, and that every small act of kindness can make a big difference. By supporting Elizabeth and her family, we can help ensure that she has the tools she needs to live life to the fullest and breathe easily.
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.
In the early hours of February 6, 2023, Turkey and Syria were rocked by a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor. The devastating quakes resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread damage.
As search and rescue efforts are hampered by harsh weather conditions, the Gift of the Givers has taken action to help the affected communities.
The organisation has evacuated children from their Bayt Kareem Child Care Centre in Gaziantep, Turkey, and prepared its medical teams in Darkoush, Syria to treat incoming casualties. The death toll continues to rise, with over 4300 fatalities reported so far.
The Gift of the Givers has been contacted by the Turkish Ambassador to South Africa and the Consul General in Cape Town, as well as the SA Ambassador to Turkey, Dipou Letsatsi-Duba, to provide assistance.
Image: Gift of the Givers (Facebook)
In response, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to purchase essential aid, including medical supplies, equipment, food, and more. They are also expanding their volunteer medical and search and rescue teams, ready to assist in any way they can.
To support the affected communities and the Gift of the Givers’ efforts, you can donate to the initiative on BackaBuddy:
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.
Cape Town Burns Night is back, and it promises to be a spectacular event that will bring together individuals from various backgrounds to celebrate Scottish culture with an African twist.
This year’s celebration marks the return of the largest Burns Night event in Africa after being postponed due to the pandemic. The event, which will take place on February 4, 2023, at the Mercedes Benz AMG in Century City, is organised by the Africa Scotland Business Network and is held in honour of the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796).
The Africa Scotland Business Network, based in Cape Town, is an international business network connecting companies across Africa to Scotland and back. Since its inception, the network has grown globally and now has a direct members footprint in 15 countries. The organisation is committed to promoting business, cultural, and social connections between Africa and Scotland, and Cape Town Burns Night is one of the ways in which it does this.
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s sold out event is the new venue, the Mercedes Benz AMG in Century City, which is sure to provide a breathtaking backdrop for the festivities. The event also boasts a lineup of top speakers, including the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Solomon Lechesa Tsenoli, and global speaker and presenter, Richard Mulholland. There will also be a special appearance by international commercial lawyer, Stephanie McDonald and CEO of Ascensos, John Devlin.
The Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders will provide an unforgettable show-stopping display, setting the stage for an evening of cultural entertainment, poetry, and Highland dancing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a delectable three-course meal, complete with an experiential dessert.
‘Burns Night’ has a strong charitable ethos and raises substantial amounts for NPOs in South Africa and Scottish NPOs working in South Africa. This year, one of the beneficiaries of the event is BackaBuddy, South Africa’s largest donations-based crowdfunding platform for worthy charitable causes.
Africa Scotland Business Network hopes to use the occasion to spread goodwill and build connections between individuals from different parts of the world.
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 R350 Million.
Ryan “Choppy” Pike, a 29-year-old model from Hout Bay, Cape Town, is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Through the launch of crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, Ryan hopes to benefit the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha, an animal advocacy organisation that he has recently connected with.
Pictured above: Ryan with his pup, Mila.
The challenge
On 16 February 2023, Choppy, who is an animal lover at heart, will be pushing his limits to the extreme by running the Tankwa Crossing, a 207 km Ultra Marathon from Calvinia to Ceres, to raise funds for the Mdzananda Animal Clinic.
The race, which takes place during one of the hottest months of the year with temperatures reaching a scorching 50 degrees Celsius, is a gruelling single stage race with a cut off time of 50 hours. Choppy will have to face the harsh conditions, pushing his body to the limit, all for the love and care of animals in need.
“I grew up with many different cats and dogs around in the house and they’ve always been a huge part of my life. I feel like animals are capable of turning a house into a home, they’re furry best friends who are always excited to see you,” says Choppy. “That’s why I can’t stand the thought of animals suffering and not receiving the care they need. That’s why I am doing this, for them. For the animals that can’t speak for themselves, I want to be their voice.” – says Ryan
Pictured above: Ryan with his pup, Mila
The campaign, which has already raised over R45,000 towards his fundraising target of R100,000, will benefit the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, which is currently running over the carrying capacity of their facilities.
Funds raised will contribute towards a new inverter to protect the organisation’s digital x-ray machine from potential damage due to load shedding and power cuts South Africa is currently facing.
Pictured above: Mdzananda Animal Clinic outreach
“I’m sure every South African can relate to the frustrations of having to deal with load shedding, which is bad enough. However, fear of losing a pivotal piece of equipment used to help the animals in your care tends to elevate the stress levels by a couple of notches. Hence the push to raise funds and buy the clinic some insurance in the form of a new inverter,” says Choppy.
Choppy has been blown away by the tremendous amount of support he’s received since the launch of his campaign.
Pictured above: A dog is dipped to combat external parasites such as ticks and fleas while a young boy from the community watches. Mdzananda Animal Clinic outreach
“Thank you so much to all those who have shown support through messages, follows or opening their wallets for the cause. It’s crazy how motivating it is for me to see a community starting to build and people so ready to help where help is needed. Together we can make a real difference in the lives of these animals.” – says Ryan
Choppy’s selfless efforts in running this gruelling race in the scorching heat to raise funds for the animals in need, is truly admirable. He is truly going above and beyond to make a difference, and his passion and dedication is truly inspiring.
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.
When faced with a challenging medical diagnosis families often aren’t prepared for the financial burden placed on them at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
For this reason, many South Africans are turning to crowdfunding to raise the funds for a loved one in need of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the purchase of medication and medical equipment.
Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising online by setting up a project to receive many small donations from a number of individuals through the use of social media and the press.
Through emotive storytelling, images and video content, campaign creators are able to present their cause to the public to help reach their specified fundraising target.
As long as you have an earnest medical need that can be validated by a doctor or health practitioner, you can raise funds on BackaBuddy.
What can you raise funds for?
Over 49800 individuals have successfully crowdfunded on BackaBuddy to cover the cost of their Cancer Treatment, Cystic Fibrosis treatment, Bone Marrow Transplants, Kidney Dialysis, Heart surgery, Liver transplant, Cochlear implants and Wheelchairs.
Friends seeking to support a family in distress often launch crowdfunding campaigns to assist with expenses such as living costs, transportation, and other necessities during a catastrophic medical diagnosis.
Getting started
Get started with your crowdfunding campaign by sending us your story, funding needs and references by completing this form.
If you aren’t sure how to go about your campaign, please contact us and our team will guide you and walk alongside you.
Once your campaign is set up, you will have a shareable link that you can share on your social media, the press and most importantly, with family and friends, who can help you spread the word and donate to your cause.
Medical campaigns that captured our hearts
Since 2015 BackaBuddy has raised over R550 Million to support worthy causes in South Africa.
Take a look at a few of the medical campaigns on BackaBuddy that touched the hearts of donors both locally and abroad.
A Bone Marrow Transplant for Aaron
Aaron Lipschitz (7) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is the first child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare genetic condition that affects the immune system.
The only way for Aaron to overcome his recurrent infections and survive this condition was to have a bone marrow transplant, which successfully took place in August 2018.
When 9-year-old Amogelang Kgobe Matloga from Limpopo was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in August 2024, his mother, Annah, turned to BackaBuddy with hope and faith.
After bravely facing treatment, Amogelang’s cancer relapsed in May 2025, leaving his family devastated but determined to fight for his life. Annah has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a life-saving bone marrow transplant, giving her son the chance to dream, play, and live fully again.
At just 19 years old, Anastacia from Meyerton was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, beginning a long and painful fight against the disease.
After reaching remission twice, most recently at the end of 2024, doctors warned her that a third relapse would likely be fatal. With a donor already secured, Anastacia now urgently needs a bone marrow transplant at a private hospital in Pretoria. While DKMS has generously offered to cover half the costs, she still needs support to raise the remaining funds for the life-saving procedure.
When beloved Cape Town teacher and single mother, Ms Mrasi, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, the moms of her class rallied together to support her.
Known for her warmth, humour, and the motherly care she shows her students, Ms Mrasi now faces the toughest fight of her life while continuing to support her son with special needs, who is currently writing matric. To ease the burden of treatment costs and daily expenses, her community is raising funds by running the 21km Gun Run and walking 5kms in her honour — a powerful show of love and solidarity.
When long-time motocross enthusiast and devoted husband, Kelby Parker, was rushed into ICU for an emergency life-saving operation after undetected sepsis spread through his body, his family’s world was turned upside down.
Now recovering with a colostomy bag after major bowel surgery, Kelby remains in intensive care at Wilgeheuwel Hospital, where mounting medical bills far exceed what their insurance could cover in just one day. His wife of 29 years and their daughter, recently engaged, are appealing for support so Kelby can heal, recover, and fulfil his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle.
When 6-year-old Carley was suddenly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and rushed to ICU, her family’s life changed overnight, as she bravely adapted to daily insulin injections, sugar checks, and food restrictions — all while keeping her sparkle.
Alongside Carley’s journey, her older brother lives with autism, and together they face unique daily challenges. Their parents are now raising funds for an Aquazone Ozone H₂O Machine, a supportive therapy that could ease Carley’s diabetic struggles and help her brother with sensory and neurological balance, giving both children more strength, comfort, and moments to simply be kids.
