At just 18 years old, Beandri Booysen has faced more challenges than most people do in a lifetime. She is one of only 150 children and young adults worldwide diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes children to age four to eight times faster than their peers.
Without treatment, children with Progeria die of heart disease at an average age of 14.5 years. Despite these odds, Beandri continues to inspire thousands with her vibrant personality and courage.
Now, however, she faces her biggest challenge yet: a severe heart condition that requires urgent open-heart surgery.
Pictured above: Beandri Booysen
Beandri, who lives in Doornpoort, Pretoria, is beloved by her 269.2K TikTok followers and whose videos have garnered over 372K likes. She has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis – a condition where her aortic valve is dangerously obstructed, limiting blood flow from her heart. To make matters worse, calcification in her aorta is adding further complications. Without immediate surgery, Beandri’s health is at serious risk.
Through all of this, Beandri remains steadfast and hopeful. “I’ve been living with Progeria since birth, and I am used to it. I’ve learned through the years to deal with the challenges that come over my path, from my shoulders dislocating to surgeries on my hips and eyes. I face everything God brings into my life,” she shares.
Her family, whom she credits with shaping her strength, has been a vital source of support. “My family supported me by raising me as a ‘normal’ child, not one that is different. This made me stronger and the person I am today,” Beandri explains. “I now understand why they did that—to help me face the haters and obstacles in my daily life.”
Pictured above: Beandri with her brothers. (From left is Herman 34, Ruben 26, and Jaco 35)
While the family’s medical aid covers part of the surgery, it is not enough to cover the full cost of the procedure, hospitalisation, or the essential aftercare Beandri will need. Her parents, Pieter and Bea, set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise an estimated additional R150,000 to cover Beandri’s medical needs. To date, 48 generous donors have contributed to the BackaBuddy campaign. In addition, Caring Daisies, a Pretoria-based charity, has been incredible in helping the family, offering vital support and resources during this challenging time.
Beandri’s positivity shines brightly in her TikTok presence, where she continues to inspire and motivate her audience. “I post to motivate people and keep them positive,” she says. “My goal is to raise awareness about other special needs individuals and show that everyone is different and unique in their own way.”
As Beandri prepares for her heart surgery, scheduled for 10 October, with the procedure expected to start at 8am, she remains realistic yet hopeful. She will be admitted to the hospital on the afternoon of 9 October to prepare for the operation.
Pictured above: Beandri and her mother, Bea.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me, because I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Beandri says with her characteristic resilience. “I am very positive, but I can have my down moments too. I’m afraid of any surgery, but I know the Lord is always with me. Every surgery carries risks, but I have an amazing support team—God has placed incredible doctors in my life. All my other doctors have a real passion for their work.”
Despite her challenges, Beandri remains active and full of life. Her zest for life is evident in every video she shares, and her online community continues to rally around her with unwavering support.
Her gratitude toward those supporting her on this journey is clear: “My family, friends, and supporters from all over social media and the world—I appreciate every one of you.”
Her parents also express their deep gratitude: “Beandri’s courage and strength have always amazed us, but now we are calling on the kindness of others to help her during this critical time. We are deeply appreciative of every donation, no matter the size, as it brings us closer to getting her the care she desperately needs.”
Picture above: Beandri and her father, Pieter.
Any funds raised will go toward Beandri’s ongoing medical expenses, covering medical aid shortfalls, aftercare, medications, specialist visits, and everything necessary to ensure her comfort and well-being.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month globally, and for the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has played a pivotal role in helping people speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma. As the flagship event of Cape Mental Health since 1994, the Kite Festival creates a space for artists, ambassadors, mental health care users, volunteers, and the public to share their stories of pain, healing, and recovery. Each conversation chips away at the stigma, fostering an environment of non-judgmental and supportive dialogue around mental health.
Photo by: Sulize Terreblanche
As Glenn Close once said, “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” The Cape Town International Kite Festival is exactly that – a celebration of openness and a call for everyone to engage in meaningful discussions around mental health.
The Need for Mental Health Support
Mental health issues are more common than many realize, and as the world faces ongoing economic, social, and personal challenges, mental well-being becomes increasingly important. Cape Mental Health aims to provide interventions that restore hope, build resilience, and empower individuals and communities.
This year’s theme, #HopeOnAString, is a powerful metaphor for resilience. Just as a kite rises higher despite the fragility of the string that holds it, so do individuals rise above life’s challenges. Each pull of the string reminds us of the inner strength and resilience within us all. The festival is more than a celebration of kites; it shines a light on those facing mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support.
Growing Awareness Over 30 Years
Since its inception, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has grown from a small one-day event to a global kite-flying phenomenon. The festival now hosts local, national, and international kiters, pop-up kite displays, community flies, EduKite Competitions, entertainment, kite-making workshops, and much more. The event has become a platform for mental health awareness, encouraging the inclusion of children, youth, and adults with mental disabilities.
With more young people speaking openly about their mental health challenges, the festival has shifted the narrative, empowering attendees to voice their needs and concerns while advocating for the protection of mental well-being.
Photo by: Sulize Terreblanche
Event Highlights
Pop-Up Fly Event: Held at Melkbosstrand Beach on Sunday, 27 October 2024, featuring professional kiters such as Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, and others. Expect a few surprises from international kiters as well!
Community Fly: On 23 October, the annual Community Fly at Heideveld Sports Field on the Cape Flats will welcome children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education & Care Centres, along with Grade R learners and preschools from the Heideveld community.
EduKite Competition: A kite-making and kite-decorating competition for primary schools, including children with special educational needs, offering monetary prizes for the winning teams. The prize-giving will be hosted at Curro Century City on 26 October, supporting mental health awareness.
Help Make a Difference: Support the Cape Mental Health BackaBuddy Campaign
Cape Mental Health has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R250,000 in anticipation of the Cape Town International Kite Festival. So far, the campaign has raised R2,250, and with your help, they can reach their target.
Your donations will enable Cape Mental Health to continue its vital work, expanding mental health services to vulnerable children and adults in disadvantaged communities. Every contribution, whether R100 or R10,000, will make a significant impact in providing mental health support and building resilience in those who need it most.
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to place strain on non-profit organisations, Cape Mental Health remains resilient but depends on public and corporate donations to sustain its community-based mental health programmes.
By donating to the BackaBuddy campaign, you are helping to provide critical mental health interventions, offering hope and support to those in need. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward creating a brighter, healthier future for vulnerable individuals and families. All proceeds will go directly toward Cape Mental Health’s mission of providing free, accessible mental healthcare services.
Celebrities Rally Behind the Cause
Cape Mental Health has gained the support of several notable South African celebrities who are passionate about mental health advocacy:
These celebrities are lending their voices to raise awareness and encourage donations, helping Cape Mental Health reach its fundraising goal and continue the important work of breaking the stigma around mental health.
About the Cape Town International Kite Festival
Since 1994, Cape Mental Health has proudly hosted the Cape Town International Kite Festival, Africa’s oldest kiting event, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health. This year’s festival marks the 30th anniversary of an event that brings together the joy of kiting with the importance of mental wellness.
For more information on the Cape Town International Kite Festival, visit www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnAString and discover how you can participate, support, or donate to this remarkable cause.
On Friday, 6th September, a devastating power surge in Chasedene, Pietermaritzburg, reduced 80% of Theresa and Deon Pienaar’s family home to rubble in minutes. The remaining part of the house was submerged in water as firefighters battled the flames.
Now, their children—Zane Groenewald (31), Natasha Hodge (43), Kirsty Olwagen (35), and Nadine Du Plooy (24)—are rallying together to help their parents rebuild their lives.
From left to right: Zane, Kirsty, Theresa, Devan Marx (nephew), Natasha, Deon, Nadine
Theresa Pienaar, co-founder of Porky’s People—a Pietermaritzburg-based charity with a big heart and a grassroots mission to provide food, clothing, and other essentials to families in need—recalled the terrifying moments before the fire engulfed their home. She had been preparing snacks for two memorials scheduled for the next day when her foster son (7), who has who has special needs, alerted her to smoke coming down the passage. By that point, the cupboards in the main bedroom were already on fire.
Rushing out the front door to gather her two foster children, Theresa shouted for someone to call the fire department.
The fire, which started in the bedroom, quickly spread throughout the house. In a brave attempt to smother the flames with a blanket, Theresa’s hand was injured and she was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
Zane, who has been the Marketing and PR Manager at BackaBuddy for 7 years, where he has helped run crowdfunding campaigns for a wide range of causes—from medical emergencies to disaster relief and acts of kindness—reflected on the devastation: “My siblings and I received a call from our mother on Friday night, telling us that our family home was in flames. The relentless blaze had already claimed most of the house, reducing our belongings and cherished memories to ash and rubble. Realizing the extent of the damage and what it would take to rebuild, we launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to our incredible community for support to help get our parents back on their feet.”
With the siblings spread across different cities in South Africa, the crowdfunding campaign became a vital way for them to come together and support their parents during this difficult time.
“Zane is in Johannesburg, Natasha is in Cape Town, I’m in Kuruman, and Nadine is in Pietermaritzburg. We couldn’t physically be there to help, but this campaign gave us a way to unite and feel less helpless,” Kirsty shared. “I’ll never forget the pain in my mother’s voice when she realized that everything she and my stepfather had built over a lifetime was gone.”
The campaign has raised R67,825 so far, with support from 43 donors both locally and internationally.
“We’ve received donations ranging from R50 to R20,000, from friends, family, the generous Pietermaritzburg community, and even strangers. Every contribution and message of support has meant the world to our family,” Kirsty said.
In addition to the financial support, the family has also received donations of clothes, household items, and other essentials.
“Throughout our lives, our mom has always been there for others, helping in both big and small ways without ever expecting anything in return,” said Natasha Hodge, one of Theresa’s daughters. “It’s truly heartwarming to see the community stepping in to help her and my stepdad in their time of need.”
Currently, the family is in the process of clearing out their home, assessing the damage, and seeing what can be salvaged.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Zane shared:
“In the hours of unimaginable loss and anguish, the love and kindness from our family, friends, neighbors, and even perfect strangers have chipped away at our hurt, reminding us that we are not alone,” said Zane Groenewald. “We can dust ourselves off, let go, rebuild, and start again.”
“This ordeal has put us face to face with our greatest fears, but we have also laughed through tears and learned in losing everything, that ‘things’ didn’t make this house a home after all. Our memories in our home, and those to come, are fireproof and are always ours to keep.”
To support the Pienaar family’s rebuilding efforts, donations can be made via BackaBuddy:
“Thank you to everyone who has helped us through this incredibly difficult time. To those who shared our story, checked in on us, sent messages, and offered prayers: we are deeply grateful. You’ve reminded us that we have so much to be thankful for,” said Nadine, the youngest daughter of Theresa and Deon.
With the strength of their community behind them, the Pienaar family remains hopeful as they begin the journey of rebuilding their home.
In a groundbreaking initiative to amplify LGBTQI+ voices, the captivating podcast ‘Straight to the Point’ features the dynamic trio of Emogan Moore (35), Maxine Wild (30), and Chenal LeCap (23).
Broadcasting every Monday at 6:30 PM on the GoBinge YouTube channel, the show offers a 30 to 40-minute weekly dive into the vibrant and often underrepresented world of LGBTQI+ culture. With over 11,000 followers on YouTube, the podcast is rapidly gaining a dedicated audience.
Pictured above: (Left to Right): Chenal LeCap Middle: Maxine Wild Right: Emogan Moore
A Bold Beginning
Launched on April 1, 2024, ‘Straight to the Point’ ventures into uncharted territories of discussion, ranging from topics safe sex practices, therapy, relationships, and coming out, to lighter fare such as social media trends, fashion, and gossip. This broad spectrum allows the podcast to touch on various aspects of daily life and culture from a uniquely queer perspective, making it a vital resource for both the community and its allies.
Pictured above: (Left to Right): Top left: Carl Martin, Top Middle: Louis Du Toit Top Right: Nazeem Southgate. Bottom Left: Chenal LeCap, Bottom Middle Maxine Wild, Bottom Right Emogan Moore.
Louis Du Toit, the Director of the podcast and lead content creator at GoBinge, recalls the origins: “We all met on another exciting project, and after a great spark, The Drag Cartel reached out to GoBinge. The idea to do a podcast from a queer perspective really ignited a fire in all of us. It was crucial to create a conversation from this unique viewpoint, particularly one that isn’t widely represented in South African media.”
Inspirational Hosts with Compelling Stories
Maxine Wild, a former Miss Gay Western Cape and a respected leader in the Cape Town drag scene, emphasizes the podcast’s role in giving a voice to the marginalized. “It’s about creating a space where voices that are often silenced can speak loudly and proudly,” she explains.
Her experiences as a proud transgender woman and a pageant queen enrich the podcast’s narratives, bringing authenticity and depth to the discussions. At 30 years old, Maxine continues to inspire as she mentors younger artists.
Pictured above: Maxine Wild
Emogan Moore, 35, known for her humor and insightful perspectives, comments on the podcast’s format: “Our discussions are a mix of structured and spontaneous, allowing us to respond to the community’s pulse while fostering educational and engaging dialogues.” Emogan’s journey alongside Maxine in the drag and pageant scene brings a wealth of experience and guidance to the podcast.
Pictured above: Emogan Moore
Chenal LeCap, the youngest at 23, hails from Leonsdale, Elsie’s River, Cape Town. Known for her full-of-life attitude and colorful personality, Chenal has dominated the ballroom scene in Cape Town and has been a pioneering force in all three sectors of drag pageantry and ballroom.
Pictured above: Chenal LeCap
Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
The podcast’s reach extends beyond mere entertainment. Nazeem Southgate, Founder and Managing Director of The Drag Cartel, describes it as a “riveting series that delves into relationships, scandals, and hot topics.” The hosts leverage their personal experiences and public interactions to spark insightful discussions, providing a platform that educates and inspires.
Du Toit highlights the community importance: “There isn’t a lot of content, especially from this community in Cape Town, that talks from this perspective. Our podcast isn’t just for the queer community; it is from the queer community, introducing this perspective to the world and fostering inclusivity.”
A Plea for Support
The trio has initiated a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to sustain and grow the podcast. With over R780 raised towards their R100,000 goal, the funds are crucial for covering production expenses and ensuring the continuation of this impactful dialogue. “GoBinge has been funding the podcast entirely, but we need the support to continue and expand,” Du Toit explains. “We believe this platform and conversation are vital not just for the queer community but for all.”
The hosts share a collective vision of expanding their reach and continuing to serve as a beacon for the LGBTQI+ community. “We see the podcast not only as a platform for discussion but as a pivotal space for cultural exchange and understanding that resonates globally,” Maxine articulates.
Emogan adds, “Hosting this podcast has been life-changing. Knowing that our discussions can inspire and impact lives is incredibly humbling.”
As ‘Straight to the Point’ continues to challenge societal norms and celebrate queer culture, it stands as a testament to the power of community and communication. By tuning in and supporting their BackaBuddy campaign, listeners can ensure that these vital conversations continue to enlighten, educate, and inspire.
Personal Impact and Community Interaction
The podcast has had a profound personal impact on its hosts and listeners. Emogan shares a touching story: “A listener reached out, sharing how an episode on mental health inspired them to seek help. Knowing our podcast could have such a profound impact is incredibly motivating.”
Chenal recalls, “A listener told us our episode on self-acceptance helped them come out to their family. This kind of impact is why we do what we do.”
Maxine emphasizes the community’s strength: “We’ve faced technical challenges, but our audience values the content over perfection. Their support and feedback keep us going.”
Challenges and Triumphs
The journey has not been without challenges. Maxine recounts a significant technical difficulty: “We had severe audio issues in one episode, but the content was so valuable that listeners didn’t mind the quality. That was a breakthrough moment for us.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, the hosts have ambitious goals. Emogan hopes the podcast will evolve into a prominent platform within the LGBTQI+ community, focusing on advocacy and dialogue. Chenal envisions it as a comprehensive community hub offering resources and support, while Maxine aims for global reach and influence, ensuring representation and support for diverse backgrounds.
By supporting ‘Straight to the Point,’ listeners can help sustain this vibrant platform and ensure that these critical conversations continue to flourish.
Pictured above: Neil Matthews, founder of ‘Love Wins’
Neil Matthews, a 46-year-old businessman from Gardens, Cape Town, is pioneering a vital initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa—where the rates of violence against women and children are among the highest globally.
At his day job at YAXXA, a business solutions company, Matthews is leveraging his professional resources and personal passion to spearhead the “Love Wins” campaign through a crowdfunding effort on BackaBuddy.
Alarming Statistics
South Africa faces a severe crisis in gender-based violence, a fact underscored by statistics provided by Women For Change (WFC).
The femicide rate in South Africa is five times higher than the global average, with one woman murdered every 2.5 hours. In the year 2022/23 alone, the SA reported 4,169 women and 1,192 children murdered. Additionally, there were 43,037 rape cases and 53,888 sexual offences reported to the police, with an estimated more than 95% of sexual offences not reported at all. According to WFC, this ranks South Africa fourth in death rates from interpersonal violence among 183 countries—the highest rate outside of a war zone.
Why ‘Love Wins’?
For Matthews, ‘Love Wins’ is more than just a slogan; it is a principle of action. “It means that before you act, think, and lead with love, because love wins”’ he explains. This belief came into sharp focus when Matthews felt compelled to act against what he describes as ‘a battle between good and evil.’
The turning point was his encounter with staggering statistics about GBV during a meeting with Women For Change (WFC) over five years ago. The overwhelming need for action led him to eventually launch his campaign on BackaBuddy, dedicating his efforts to raising funds and awareness for a pivotal battle against gender-based violence.
Choosing the Right Allies
With his campaign, Matthews has chosen to support Women For Change (WFC) and the School of Hard Knocks due to their impactful work within the community. WFC, known for its vast reach and deep engagement with GBV victims, and the School of Hard Knocks, which addresses trauma through sports in schools, both align with his vision of creating meaningful change.
Pictured above: Passionate coaches from The School of Hard Knocks
The funds raised through ‘Love Wins’ on BackaBuddy will enable WFC to employ additional staff and a counselor to assist victims with various needs—ranging from emotional support to emergency needs like food, clothing, and transportation. Similarly, contributions to the School of Hard Knocks will sustain programs that feed children, pay coaches, and expand their transformative work.
Although the campaign is progressing slowly, having raised over R3000 so far, Matthews remains optimistic. ‘It’s just me and it’s going quite slow, but Rome wasn’t built in a day,’ he remarks, underscoring his commitment to see this through despite the challenges. His hope for the future in combating GBV is focused on making ‘small changes every day,’ adhering to the belief that ‘ONE IS GREATER THAN ZERO.'”
Impact and How to Contribute
Matthews invites everyone to join the movement by spreading awareness and donating to the cause. These funds will directly support the services provided by Women For Change and the School of Hard Knocks, creating small yet significant impacts that can lead to larger societal changes over time.
The ‘Love Wins’ campaign not only highlights the urgent need to address GBV in South Africa but also demonstrates the power of individual commitment in initiating widespread social change. As Matthews continues his work, he serves as a reminder that every effort counts and that, ultimately, love can win against the forces of violence and inequality.
To learn more and support this crucial cause, visit the Love Wins campaign page on BackaBuddy:
