One person’s ‘small donation’ is another’s fighting chance. For 7-year-old Joshua Louwrens, this truth has turned his battle with cancer into a story of hope, resilience, and overwhelming community support. Thanks to the generosity of Joshua’s Angels, his network of donors and well-wishers, this brave little boy has surpassed his crowdfunding goal in record time, giving him the upper hand in his fight against cancer.
Joshua’s story began with what seemed like a minor issue, a small bump on his neck. A routine visit to the doctor led to a prescription for antibiotics, with the initial belief that the bump was caused by a swollen lymph node due to an infection in his gums. When the first round of treatment failed, another round of antibiotics followed. Though the infection cleared, the bump remained.
Concerned, Joshua’s family took him for a third medical consultation. This time, doctors decided to admit him to the hospital to investigate further. Surgery was performed to remove the bump, but due to its location, doctors were unable to remove it entirely. It was then sent for testing.
On 28 January, Joshua’s family received the devastating news: their beloved boy had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). “Nothing could have prepared us for this news, and it felt like our entire world was shattered in an instant,” his family shared.
The days that followed were filled with uncertainty and urgency. Joshua underwent a series of scans to determine if the cancer had spread, followed by multiple trips into surgery. Doctors installed a central line to aid in his treatment, and then came another challenge, his hometown of Newcastle did not have the necessary pediatric oncology facilities to treat him.
With little time to spare, Joshua and his family made the 350-kilometer journey to Pretoria, where he underwent further testing, including a bone aspiration and a spinal tap, to assess whether the cancer had reached his bone marrow or spinal cord. On 1 February, Joshua received his first round of chemotherapy, marking the start of his six-month battle against the aggressive disease.
Cancer treatment is a relentless battle, physically, emotionally, and financially. Beyond the medical bills, consultations, and procedures, the logistics of traveling between Newcastle and Pretoria added another layer of stress for Joshua’s family. They quickly realized that their medical aid would not cover all necessary treatments and expenses.
Determined to give Joshua the best possible chance, his family turned to their community for help. The response was nothing short of extraordinary.
In just a few days, an army of supporters, now known as Joshua’s Angels, rallied behind him. They donated, shared his story, and spread the word. Small acts of kindness multiplied, and together, they raised an astounding R189,738, far surpassing the initial goal of R150,000 on BackaBuddy!
Joshua’s battle is far from over, but thanks to the unwavering support of his Angels, he now faces it with renewed strength and financial security. Beyond the funds, Joshua has received an even greater gift, the knowledge that he is not alone. At just seven years old, he has learned one of life’s most beautiful lessons: that kindness exists in abundance and that together, we are stronger.
As Joshua continues his journey to healing, his family and his Angels remain by his side, proving that when communities come together, mountains can indeed be moved.
For over a decade, Nick Hamman (33), a beloved 5FM radio presenter, has connected with audiences across South Africa. Now, he’s using his platform to champion an amazing cause – helping Thulasizwe School for Autism in Soweto build a kitchen and food technology classroom to empower students with autism.
“I’ve always believed in using my platform to make a difference. When I heard about the amazing work Thulasizwe School for Autism does to support children with unique needs, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Education and inclusivity are issues close to my heart.” – Nick Hamman
Pictured above: 5 FM’s Nick Hamman
The Thulasizwe School for Autism, in association with Friends of Daniel, is the first autism-specific school in Soweto. Founded in 2016, the school provides education and essential support for 100 students aged 4 to 18. Despite their dedication, the school faces significant challenges, including the lack of a proper kitchen and classroom facilities for vocational training. Currently, meals are prepared in a makeshift kitchen, and students eager to learn culinary skills have had to travel to external facilities, an arrangement that is no longer sustainable.
To further develop the students’ talents and promote their independence, the school urgently requires two vital facilities:
A Fully Equipped Kitchen: To provide nutritious meals for students and sustain the school’s feeding program year-round.
A Food Technology Classroom: To teach essential life skills, instill independence, and provide students with hands-on training in food preparation.
Pictured above: The kitchen that the students are currently utilizing
Beyond serving the school, these facilities will double as a bakery, benefiting the local community by creating job opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and generating much-needed revenue for the school’s sustainability.
This initiative is proudly supported by Friends of Daniel, an organization inspired by Daniel Sayed (15), a talented young boy on the autism spectrum. Daniel’s unique perspective and artistic skills have been a profound source of inspiration. Recognizing his gifts and the challenges faced by autistic individuals, Daniel’s family envisioned creating something meaningful to celebrate neurodiversity and offer support to others on a similar journey.
Pictured above: Nick and Daniel Sayed
Through Daniel’s creativity and the family’s passion, Friends of Daniel seeks to inspire understanding, celebrate abilities, and provide a network of support for autistic individuals and their families. Since January 2022, Friends of Daniel has worked hand in hand with Thulasizwe School for Autism, fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
To help the Thulasizwe School build these new facilities, a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been created where they have already raised over R116 000 with the help of 50 incredible donors.
“This campaign is about giving children with autism the chance to thrive in environments where they feel safe, understood, and empowered. I’ve seen how a little support can create incredible opportunities for those who face challenges. This is about trying to level the playing field and making sure every child has a shot at success.” – Nick
SuperSportBet Doubles Your Impact
To maximize the impact of this initiative, SuperSportBet has pledged to match all donations, rand for rand, up to R500,000. Every contribution will go twice as far in helping these students gain independence and real-world skills.
If the campaign’s fundraising goal is not fully met, donations will still be put to good use – funding school improvements such as the renovation of play areas, the purchase of essential learning materials, and the development of a sensory room to better support students’ needs.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create massive change. By supporting this campaign, you’re not just donating money—you’re investing in brighter futures for these children and their communities. Let’s show the power of collective kindness and make a difference together!” – Nick
Christopher “Rasta” Maseko, a 42-year-old safari guide from Mpatseni, a small village in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, tragically lost his left eye in an accident caused by a drunk driver in November 2024.
For years, Christopher has shared his deep love for Kruger National Park with visitors, captivating them with his knowledge of wildlife and his infectious humor. His journey from barber and spaza shop owner to respected safari guide is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, his life changed forever in November 2024 after a devastating car accident that cost him his left eye.
Christopher’s path to becoming a guide was anything but smooth. After matriculating in 2001, his dreams of further education were halted due to financial constraints. Undeterred, Christopher took on various roles—running a small shop, cutting hair, and later working at a plant nursery.
It was at the nursery that his love for nature blossomed. “I learned so much about indigenous and exotic plants, and guests visiting the Kruger admired my garden designs,” he shares. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue guiding.”
In 2009, after many setbacks, Christopher earned his nature guide qualification. His passion for wildlife and knack for storytelling made him a sought-after guide, freelancing for multiple companies and leaving lasting memories for guests from around the globe.
Photo above: Christopher before the accident
A Life-Altering Accident
On a quiet Sunday morning, while driving to work, a drunk driver veered into his lane, causing a head-on collision. The impact of the crash resulted in a windshield wiper piercing his left eye.
Looking back, Christopher reflects, “Losing my eye has been incredibly challenging. I can no longer drive the larger vehicles, which impacts my work. But I am so grateful to still be here. That’s what matters most.”
Photo above: Christopher after the accident
Rallying Around Christopher
Seeing the difficulties Christopher now faces, his close friend and colleague, Dianne Wichman, started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise R30,000 for his prosthetic eye and to help with his recovery.
“Christopher, along with all the guides who work with us, is considered part of our family and we will continue doing everything we can to make sure he is able to recover with as little financial stress as possible. BackaBuddy is an amazing platform to reach people who are in a position to help. No matter how big or small, the donations have made a huge difference and it is heartwarming to know that there are so many people who are prepared to help Christopher” ~ Dianne
Photo above: Christopher with guest’s children
The outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of heartwarming, with 19 donors already contributing over R25,000. The response has truly shown how much Christopher is loved and appreciated.
“For me, the kindness of others has been a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is so much good in the world,” says Christopher, deeply moved by the generosity.
Despite the hurdles, Christopher remains optimistic. “I’ve faced many challenges in life, and this is just another one to overcome,” he says with determination. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength of community.
On 27 January, he had his final check-up, and was given the all-clear. This means that on 29 January his prosthetic eye will be fitted—an important step toward his recovery and a symbol of his unyielding spirit.
Emergencies can happen when we least expect them, and knowing who to call can be lifesaving. Whether it’s a medical crisis, safety concern, or emotional distress, having the right numbers at hand can make all the difference.
Here’s a comprehensive list of South African emergency hotlines, apps, community groups, and organisations, updated with the latest information.
National Emergency Numbers
National Emergency Line (Ambulance, Fire, Police): 112 (from any mobile)
mySOS (Emergency App):mysos.co.za – GPS-linked support for medical, security, and roadside emergencies
Community Policing Forums (CPFs): Check your local CPF group on Facebook for area-specific safety updates
When You Need Crowdfunding Support
In addition to emergency services, sometimes a crisis requires financial assistance for medical bills, disaster relief, or emotional support resources.BackaBuddy offers a trusted crowdfunding platform where you can create a campaign to raise funds quickly and safely from your community. Whether you’re seeking help or want to contribute to someone in need, crowdfunding can make a meaningful difference.
Luke Jones, a 25-year-old aspiring animator from Johannesburg, has spent the past four years living in Cape Town, studying Computer Game Design at Vega University. Diagnosed with autism at the tender age of two, Luke’s journey has been one of resilience, determination, and more recently, a desire to make the world a more inclusive place for neurodiverse individuals. Given his challenge to find suitable employment, Luke is channeling his passion for animation into an ambitious project that aims to bridge the gap between neurodiverse and neurotypical worlds.
Image above: Luke Jones working on his first planned short film, Tim’s First Day at Work
Growing up, Luke faced challenges that many neurodiverse individuals can relate to. “I had trouble regulating my emotions back then, so there were lots of emotional outbursts,” he recalls. His early years were shaped by the unwavering support of his family, including his parents Gavin (60) and Bonita (60), brother Simon (27), and a team of dedicated therapists and facilitators who have helped Luke navigate the complexities of the schoolyard, regulate his emotions, and overcome developmental delays through intensive therapy.
Despite these challenges, Luke’s hard work paid off. He successfully completed his university degree and is now using his experiences to inspire a groundbreaking project: a series of animated short films designed to help neurodiverse individuals navigate everyday situations while fostering greater understanding among neurotypical audiences.
Image above: Luke with his family, brother Simon, mom Bonita, and dad Gavin, at Kruger National Park
The first planned short film in the series, Tim’s First Day at Work, will explore the challenges a neurodiverse employee might face in a typical office environment. By depicting relatable scenarios such as Tim’s first visit to the doctor, his first date, and even his first haircut, the series aims to give the rules of the game to neurodiverse individuals while educating neurotypical viewers about the unique experiences of those on the autistic spectrum.
“Animation is a medium that’s easy to understand in a literal and direct way,” Luke explains. “Sometimes I may miss subtle communication cues in real life, but animated work can make these subtleties very clear, and I know others like me would appreciate it as well.”
The ultimate goal of the series is to promote empathy, understanding, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Luke envisions these resources being used by educators, HR professionals, social workers, and other facilitators to create environments where neurodiverse people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Through this initiative, Luke hopes to spark change. “I would like to see a society that celebrates neurodiversity and creates circumstances in which everyone feels appreciated, supported, and included,” he shares.
To bring his vision to life, Luke has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where he has already raised over R28 000 with the help of 14 incredible donors. The funds will cover essential production costs, including storyboarding, animation, voice work, and distribution, as well as securing professional guidance from professional consultants that specialise in neurodiverse interventions to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the project. These educational guides will provide practical advice and conversation starters for teachers, parents, and employers. Importantly, Luke has made it clear that none of the funds will be used for his personal needs; every cent will go directly toward creating these impactful resources.
Image above: Luke at his university graduation
“Thank you all so much. Your contribution to this project will make a big difference in the lives of neurodivergent people. My hope is that your donations will enable the right people to create resources that promote greater understanding, empathy, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces. These animated videos will help to bridge knowledge gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent and to foster a more supportive, caring society in which everyone, regardless of neuro-classification, may thrive. You are an important part of this journey. Your dedication to assisting others is genuinely changing the world for the better and I salute you.” Luke says.
South Africa – December 2024: BackaBuddy, South Africa’s leading donations-based crowdfunding platform, is spreading joy this festive season with an exciting announcement: 0% platform fees on all crowdfunding campaigns launched between 1–31 December 2024.
Pictured above: Patrick Schofield (BackaBuddy CEO), and Catherine Du Plooy (BackaBuddy CGO)
A Gift to the Community: 0% Platform Fees for December
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping people make a meaningful impact, BackaBuddy is excited to extend this offer to all campaign creators for December—giving them the opportunity to raise more funds for the causes they care about, with only third-party payment gateway fees applying.
“At BackaBuddy, we are constantly inspired by the generosity, kindness, and compassion we see across our platform, especially in the lead-up to the festive season,” says Catherine Du Plooy, Director and Chief Growth Officer at BackaBuddy. “This 0% platform fee initiative is our gift to our community—an opportunity for campaign creators to raise vital funds with fewer fees and for donors to make an even greater impact. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to come together and give back this December.”
The Impact of Giving: #GivingTuesday and Over R550 Million Raised
The announcement comes just after #GivingTuesday on 3 December, marking the official start of the giving season. Whether you’re supporting a local charity, helping a loved one in need, or funding a personal cause, there’s no better time to launch a campaign and make a difference.
“We’ve been inspired by the overwhelming acts of kindness and generosity throughout 2024. Thanks to the compassion of South Africans and our dedicated donors from around the globe, R106,930,000 was raised on BackaBuddy this year alone, with 118,000 donors supporting more than 24,500 campaigns. Since our launch in 2015, and with the incredible support of our community, over R550 million has been raised on BackaBuddy in total—a true testament to the power of community-driven giving.”
“At BackaBuddy, our mission goes beyond simply raising funds; we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to unite for causes that matter. This December, we aim to amplify this spirit of giving, inspiring even more people to join us in making a meaningful impact.”
Innovation and Integrity: What’s Next for BackaBuddy in 2025
In September 2023, BackaBuddy launched a 0% platform fee for charities year-round, with only third-party payment gateway fees applying. This initiative has been a crucial part of BackaBuddy’s ongoing support for charitable organisations, ensuring more funds go directly to the causes that need them.
In 2024, BackaBuddy also relaunched its website, unveiling new features that further enhance the user experience and ensure that campaign creators and donors alike can navigate the platform with ease.
“Our website revamp in March marked an exciting milestone for us as a team and as an organisation, and we are excited to continue improving and innovating, providing a seamless platform for fundraising and community connection,” says Zane Groenewald, Marketing & PR Manager at BackaBuddy. “But this is just the beginning. There is so much more to come in 2025—exciting new features that will further elevate the experience for both campaign creators and donors.”
A Season of Giving
This December, BackaBuddy invites everyone—whether you are a campaign creator or a donor—to join in unwrapping kindness, creating lasting change, and making the season of giving even more meaningful.
