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:
Alwyn Uys, a 33-year-old wheelchair athlete from Stellenbosch, is not just a testament to overcoming adversity but also an inspiration to many. Once an avid rugby player for Maties University and the Sharks Academy, Alwyn’s life took a dramatic turn on December 13, 2014. A momentary lapse while driving led to a severe car accident, leaving him paraplegic and having to rely on a wheelchair.
Pictured above: Alwyn spending time with his dog, Dex
Reflecting on the incident, Alwyn shares, “It was a huge change and impact on my life. Everything I used to love to do was now inaccessible to me. I had to change my thinking and how I do life, or I wouldn’t have made it out alive.”
Despite the challenges, Alwyn’s spirit remained unbroken. He redirected his passion for sports into becoming a formidable para-triathlete, engaging in triathlons, Ironman events, and other extreme endurance challenges. His remarkable achievements include being the first paraplegic in the world to successfully swim the Robben Island crossing. He is also the first South African paraplegic to complete a full-distance Ironman, earning him titles as a SA para-triathlete and para-cycling gold medalist.
Pictured above: Alwyn completing his first Full distance Ironman
Alwyn’s pursuit of freedom and adventure led him to discover the life-changing potential of an off-road wheelchair during a visit to the USA. “I first experienced this in the USA where they are more freely available to loan at beaches and parks. And it was a game-changer! The freedom I experienced was incredible. Now I was able to do the things I love again! I could move around freely. Go to the beach, go walk with my dogs, like I gained a piece of my life back,” Alwyn explains.
Pictured above: Alwyn testing an off-road wheelchair (Action track) in America for the first time
Motivated to continue his active lifestyle, Alwyn launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for his own off-road wheelchair. The total cost for the chair and a trailer for transportation is around R300,000, with manufacturing in Pretoria and about R5,000 needed to courier it to Cape Town. To date, his campaign has successfully raised over R165 000 with the generous support of 82 donors.
Alwyn Uys Ministries, his own registered NPC and PBO, issues 18A certificates for tax purposes, ensuring donors can also benefit from their contributions. When asked about the impact of this support, Alwyn states,“Despite the setbacks and hardships I’ve had to face and endure, life is still good, and God is still good to me! I realized through this all the importance of doing what you love in this life and the value of appreciation of what you have and the small things in life. Like being able to walk on the beach with your dogs.”
Pictured above: Alwyn training for Ironman
The acquisition of the off-road wheelchair represents more than just enhanced mobility for Alwyn; it symbolizes a reclaiming of his independence and a return to the joys of his pre-accident life. “It’s regaining a piece back of the life I used to live and being able to enjoy the things I once used to do freely,” he passionately adds.
As the homeless advocacy organization Souper Troopers marks its 10th anniversary on June 7, 2024, founder Kerry Hoffman, her dedicated team, and many of the individuals they have supported are preparing for a special 10km walk through the heart of Cape Town. This walk, starting and ending at The Humanity Hub—their operational base in Woodstock—will trace their steps through significant areas of Woodstock and the Cape Town CBD, where Souper Troopers has made a notable impact over the past decade.
This event isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a stride toward sustainability. With over 14,000 individuals living on the streets of Cape Town, the need for such transformative efforts remains high. “This 10km walk celebrates our journey and the transformations we’ve witnessed, but it also serves a critical fundraising purpose,” explains Hoffman. A crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy to support this anniversary event has already raised nearly R50,000 from 29 donors, pushing toward a target of R200,000.
The funds raised are vital for continuing the comprehensive support services offered at The Humanity Hub, where individuals receive not just the essentials—like food, clothing, and toiletries—but also access to counseling, skills training, medical referrals, and much more. “Every rand donated is a step towards ensuring that more people can receive the help they need to turn their lives around,” says Hoffman.
Odette Oliver, who spent many years on the streets of Cape Town, shares her life-changing experience with Souper Troopers. “Souper Troopers helped me to see my self-worth and supported my journey to sobriety and independence. I am so proud that I can pay my bills and be a responsible mother to my child. What sets Souper Troopers apart is that we treat everyone with love, respect, and understanding, which gives each of us the confidence to tackle any challenges that come our way,” says Odette.
Pictured above: Odette Oliver
The inspiration for Souper Troopers came from Hoffman’s personal life changes and her desire to redirect her compassion from personal relationships to communal care, starting with simple acts of kindness like distributing soup and sandwiches. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” a quote from Nelson Mandela, echoes as a mantra for the organization, reminding them of the impact even the smallest gestures can have.
Pictured above: Souper Troopers
As they look back on a decade of service, Souper Troopers not only celebrates their achievements but also calls on the community for continued support. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, whether by participating in the walk and seeking sponsorships or by donating directly to their BackaBuddy campaign. Each donation will be matched by an anonymous benefactor, effectively doubling the potential impact.
To support Souper Troopers’ commemorative walk, visit their campaign page at:
