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.
Social Media Manager at BackaBuddy, Bernelie Barwise (32), is a Cape Town-based performer, musician, and fire artist whose talents shine as brightly as the flames she wields. This Saturday, 6 December, she will be lighting up Franschhoek Square with an unforgettable fusion of music and fire artistry.
With an impressive performance portfolio, Bernelie has dazzled audiences across the globe, including in Abu Dhabi, the UK, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and throughout South Africa, with notable appearances in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Her captivating performances seamlessly blend live music and visual artistry, incorporating keyboard, guitar, looping beats, synths, and powerful vocals, all enhanced by breathtaking fire shows.
Pictured above: Bernelie Barwise at a fire show in Afrikanos in 2021
“I first started singing from a young age and did the Eisteddfod where I won categories in both singing classical contemporary music and poetry. From there I learned to play the piano by ear as I was too stubborn to learn theory,” says Bernelie
Recently, Bernelie delivered a fiery stage performance at the Ostrich Ranch, sharing the spotlight with renowned South African band MiCasa, and showcased her live electronic music in an exclusive rooftop show atop the Media24 building. Her artistry and unique style have been spotlighted by Texx and the City, particularly for her music that promotes themes of body positivity and self-love.
Pictured above: Bernelie with South African artist MiCasa at the Ostrich Ranch in Cape Town
Bernelie has released two albums, with plans to re-release them in early 2025. Her most recent album, Zenith, is currently available exclusively on Bandcamp, and her visually stunning music video, filmed in Abu Dhabi, exemplifies her creative vision.
“I recorded my first album when I was 16 and then at 24, my first official album ‘Mystic’ was launched on all major digital platforms and one of the singles from the album ‘Little Mess’ got played on 5FM. I then went on to play at many well known venues in Cape Town like the Mojo Market, Grand West, Mercury, The Mining Indaba at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel and Hirsh’s Women in Business Awards in Century City. Shortly after, my guitarist and I had a video that went viral on Facebook and we got a contract to go play in Abu Dhabi for 5 months. After returning from the UAE, I released another album, ‘Zenith’ produced by Marius de Beer (32) during Covid. Covid definitely threw a spanner in the works as many projects got put on hold,” Bernelie tell us
This Saturday, 6 December, Bernelie will bring her extraordinary mix of music and fire artistry to Franschhoek Square, promising audiences an unforgettable fusion of sound and spectacle.
Pictured above: Bernelie performing at Media24 for the launch of new Nokia products
“Living and performing in different countries is an absolute privilege. It was also hard work and sometimes came with its challenges as I fell very sick in Zanzibar after getting Malaria,” Bernelie explains
Offstage, Bernelie serves as an ambassador for Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, a safe haven for rescued big cats. She passionately supports their BackaBuddy campaign, which raises funds to provide food and veterinary care for these majestic animals. So far, the campaign has raised R2,000 of its R200,000 goal, with every contribution bringing them closer to ensuring the well-being of these incredible creatures.
Pictured above: Bernelie at Panthera Africa
“I support the amazing Big Cat Sanctuary, Panthera Africa, because I am a huge animal lover and very much into nature conservation. My motivation to support comes from my love for rescuing animals and my cat, Mitsu, was rescued after being found in a bin in Manenberg and very close to death. This sparked my interest in saving other animals in need and I have always been a big cat lover!” Bernelie says
Whether she’s performing with fire, creating music, or championing meaningful causes, Bernelie’s work embodies her dedication to creativity, connection, and making a difference.
After the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday emerges as a powerful reminder of the season’s true spirit—generosity.
On December 3, 2024, millions of people around the world will unite to celebrate this global movement of giving.
GivingTuesdaySA Video:
This powerful global phenomenon leverages social media and collaboration to inspire individuals and non-profits to engage with their communities, fostering meaningful social change. Sne Vilakazi, the Lead for GivingTuesday South Africa, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging everyday heroes who contribute to making their communities better.
“GivingTuesday provides a remarkable opportunity to encourage and celebrate our everyday heroes who do their bit to make their communities a better place. In a time when it seems like hope is getting lost because of the challenges we face as a country, it’s refreshing and inspiring to see ordinary people raising their hands to be counted as people who contribute to making a difference.” – Sne Vilakazi, GivingTuesday South Africa Lead
Launched in 2012, GivingTuesday began as a simple idea: to create a day dedicated to doing good. Over the years, it has evolved into a global phenomenon that motivates millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Asha Curran, CEO, and co-founder of GivingTuesday, underscores the impact of this movement, stating that it inspires people worldwide to drive progress around causes they care about throughout the year.
“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year.” – Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO, and co-founder
Image: Charity
BackaBuddy’s December Gift: 0% Platform Fees – Launch Your Campaign This Giving Season
Last year, we’ve been inspired by the 16 million rands donors made to charities which made a real difference in 2023. To celebrate this generosity, we’re offering 0% platform fees for all new campaigns launched from 1 December to 31 December 2024. With only standard third-party payment gateway fees, every rand raised will have an even greater impact.
As #GivingTuesday on 3 December 2024 kicks off the giving season, we invite you to start a fundraiser for personal, medical, community, or charitable causes and make a meaningful difference this December.
Join BackaBuddy, South Africa’s largest donations-based crowdfunding platform, in celebrating #GivingTuesdaySA. Here’s how you can participate:
Donate to a Cause: Visit www.BackaBuddy.co.za and contribute to a cause that resonates with you.
Amplify on Social Media: Share crowdfunding campaigns on BackaBuddy’s social media pages and raise awareness for a cause you are passionate about. Use the hashtags #GivingTuesdaySA or #GivingTuesdaySouthAfrica to join the conversation.
Non-Profits and Community Organizations are encouraged to register on BackaBuddy to raise funds for various needs. Benefit from BackaBuddy’s 0% platform fee for registered non-profit organizations, ensuring that more funds go directly to the causes you serve.
Create A Crowdfunding Campaign: Individuals are encouraged to create crowdfunding campaigns on #GivingTuesdaySA to support a charity they are passionate about.
GivingTuesday invites those interested in joining the movement to visit the GivingTuesday South Africa website or connect on social media via the Facebook page.
Whether you dedicate #GivingTuesday to helping a neighbour, a charity, volunteering your time, or donating funds to a good cause, every act of generosity counts!
Image: Let’s give back this #GivingTuesday
About GivingTuesday:
GivingTuesday is the global generosity movement dedicated to transforming communities and the world through radical generosity. Born in 2012, it has evolved into a global force inspiring hundreds of millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. GivingTuesday envisions a world where the catalytic power of generosity unlocks dignity, opportunity, and equity worldwide.
In South Africa, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a devastating reality, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime and over 40% of children enduring abuse before they reach adulthood. Despite its prevalence, many cases remain unreported, leaving survivors without justice or support.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed globally from 25 November to 10 December, is a crucial time to raise awareness, provide support, and foster meaningful change.
Here’s how you can better understand, engage, and take actionable steps to address violence against women and children.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harm directed at individuals based on their gender. This includes physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, often rooted in power imbalances and cultural norms that perpetuate inequality.
This year’s theme, UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, highlights the collective responsibility to create safer and more equitable communities.
Understanding Myths About Abuse: Why We Must Avoid Victim-Blaming
Victim-blaming silences survivors and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Common myths to challenge include:
“Why didn’t they leave?” Leaving is often dangerous and complicated by fear, finances, or children.
“They provoked it.” Abuse is the abuser’s choice—no one deserves violence.
“It only happens in certain communities.” GBV transcends class, race, and geography.
Learn more about dismantling these myths atSaferSpaces.
How to Get Help
Hotlines for Support
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, these hotlines offer confidential, 24/7 support:
Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 or dial 120 7867# from a cellphone.
Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
Tears Foundation: SMS “HELP” to 1347355 for nearby support services.
South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111 for emergencies.
Crowdfunding can provide financial relief to survivors of abuse. If you want to make a difference, consider starting a campaign onBackaBuddy. Funds raised can support survivors with legal fees, housing, counselling, and more. Visit BackaBuddy to start your campaign today.
Digital Advocacy Tools
The digital age provides powerful tools to support survivors and amplify advocacy efforts.
Apps to Support Survivors
Safe Place: Crisis response and shelter information.
bSafe: Personal safety app with an SOS button and location sharing.
Bright Sky SA: Offers GBV resources and a risk assessment tool.
For survivors of abuse, healing is a personal journey that takes time and support. Here are some practical steps to begin:
Seek Professional Help Therapists and counsellors trained in trauma can provide a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies. Free Services: Explore resources likeLifeLine SA orSadag.
Build a Support System Surround yourself with trusted friends, family, or support groups who can provide encouragement and understanding. Support Groups: Organizations like POWA and TEARS Foundation run survivor support programs.
Focus on Self-Care
Meditation and Mindfulness: Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided exercises to manage anxiety.
Journaling: Writing about your experiences can help process emotions and track progress.
Reconnect with Hobbies Rediscover activities that bring joy, whether it’s art, music, gardening, or sports.
Set Boundaries Learn to prioritize your needs and create boundaries that protect your emotional and physical well-being.
Since 2015, The Feral Carer NPC in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, has been dedicated to the care and protection of community cats, with Farzana Ismail, an early middle-aged woman, the organisation’s founder and director, at the helm. Farzana’s journey into rescue work began nearly a decade ago with an unexpected encounter. In her words:
“In 2015, while invigilating at the Vaal University of Technology, a cat casually entered the examination venue. At the time, I had no knowledge of the established cat colony on campus. That evening, I left in tears, feeling completely helpless after witnessing a vulnerable cat seeking refuge amidst the chaos created by students. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to their well-being.”
Image above: Ichika, a feline who was previously part of the campus colony
Today, Farzana’s unwavering dedication ensures the health and safety of 13 feral cat colonies – nearly 400 cats in total – and the resident cats housed in her sanctuary. Her work extends beyond simply providing food and water. “This question is intensely emotive and subjective,” Farzana explains, “as only those who have witnessed my engagement with the colony cats or any cat, comprehend that my connection extends beyond the mere provision of food and water. I engage in meaningful interactions, form bonds, and ultimately, the cats recognise that for a brief portion of their day, they are of paramount importance to someone who champions their wellbeing.”
The Challenges of Sustaining Care
Despite her dedication, The Feral Carer NPC is facing immense financial pressure. Monthly food costs alone amount to R18,000, while veterinary care for resident and community cats continues to escalate. Many of the resident cats require specialised dietary care due to chronic health conditions, including kidney disease, FIV, urinary tract issues, and mouth diseases.
Among them is Chester, who suffers from kidney disease and requires chronic medication and a specialised kidney diet. Then there’s Ichika, a former campus cat rescued in 2021, who battles severe gingivitis and stomatitis, necessitating ongoing veterinary care. Cats like Pablo, Tommy Boy, and Chiquita also rely on continuous medical attention and high-quality diets.
Image above: Chiquita, a campus colony rescue
“Sustainability is vital for the successful management of 13 community cat colonies and the resident cats,” Farzana stresses. “However, with unsterilised, abandoned cats infiltrating colony grounds, the challenge of maintaining consistent sterilisation becomes more daunting. Emergency interventions are often needed when kittens are born, which adds to the already mounting expenses.”
Farzana’s work doesn’t end with the cats. As a lecturer, she balances her professional responsibilities, personal studies, and teaching schedule while ensuring the wellbeing of the cats. She describes it as a multifaceted balancing act, one that demands careful time management and unwavering commitment.
The Long-Term Vision
Farzana dreams of expanding her efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of her rescue work. Her vision includes launching a mobile sterilisation unit to improve sterilisation rates and acquiring a smallholding property to establish a sanctuary for cats removed from colonies. This would provide a safe space where their needs could be comprehensively met.
“The TNR process requires sustained enthusiasm and commitment to achieve its effectiveness,” she explains. “While I do my best, financial constraints are a constant challenge. Without sustained community support, I cannot continue these essential efforts.”
A Call for Help
Farzana’s plea is simple but heartfelt – she needs your help to continue providing for the cats under her care. “The escalating costs of food and veterinary care are becoming unmanageable, and I need sustained support to persevere.”
Image above: Chester along with his brother Atlas were rescued from the campus colony
By supporting The Feral Carer NPC’s BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, which has raised R1,400 of its R150,000 goal thanks to the generosity of three incredible donors, you’re doing more than helping cats survive – you’re giving them a chance to thrive and live free from suffering.
To stay updated on Farzana’s journey and the incredible impact she’s making, follow The Feral Carer NPC on Facebook, where she shares daily stories of life with the community cats. Your support is not only appreciated – it’s essential to ensure that the love and care for these cats never wavers.
Mosa Mphore knows firsthand the life-changing impact of organ donation. At just 22 years old, Mosa’s life was interrupted by a devastating diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure. Facing advanced kidney disease, he spent two years on dialysis, fighting daily for his survival. In 2013, everything changed when Mosa received the precious gift of a kidney transplant – a donation that saved his life and set him on a new path. Now, Mosa is on a mission to inspire others to give the same gift by becoming organ donors.
“When I got that call, I knew my life was about to change,” Mosa recalls. “But it also gave me a purpose: to share my story and educate people on how organ donation gives others a second chance at life.”
Today, Mosa is the founder of the Open-Eye Foundation, an organization devoted to educating South Africans about the power of organ donation. Through his foundation, Mosa works tirelessly to break down misconceptions about organ donation and encourage others to register as donors. His mission is simple yet profound: to save lives by increasing organ donor registrations and creating a culture of compassion and generosity.
To amplify his message, Mosa has organized the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour, a 3-day cycling journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Scheduled for November 22 to November 24, this inspiring event invites cyclists to pedal across provinces, raising awareness about organ donation and the countless lives it can save. Mosa sees this tour as a way to symbolize the journey that many patients endure as they wait on transplant lists, hoping for their second chance.
“We want to break down the misconceptions and cultural barriers surrounding organ donation,” Mosa explains. “The simple act of saying ‘yes’ to becoming a donor can transform lives. We’re pedalling for second chances and renewed lives.”
The event not only seeks to inspire South Africans to consider organ donation, but it also aims to raise funds that will support transplant centres and assist patients undergoing challenging treatment. By participating, each rider becomes part of a nationwide movement that advocates for those waiting on life-saving transplants.
Image above: Participants taking part in the cycle tour
Funds from the Pedals and Provinces Cycle Tour will be used to support renal and liver failure patients in public hospitals who often face difficult treatment journeys without adequate resources. From providing transportation for dialysis to offering food hampers, comfort items, and counseling, this support makes an enormous difference for patients and their families. The foundation also plans to launch its Transplant Assist Program (T.A.P.), connecting patients with potential living donors and providing essential guidance through the transplant process.
Event Details:
Date: November 22 – November 24, 2024
Route: From Johannesburg to Cape Town
Purpose: To inspire organ donor registrations and raise funds to support patients awaiting transplants
How You Can Join the Movement
Support the Cycle Tour – Your donations on the Mosa’s BackaBuddy campaign help provide crucial resources for patients facing organ failure.
Register as an Organ Donor – A simple “yes” could give someone else a second chance at life.
Participate in the Ride – Join the journey and ride for a cause that has the power to transform lives.
“When you give your consent to organ donation, you’re giving someone else a second chance at life,” Mosa shares.
Join him and the Open-Eye Foundation this November, and be part of a movement that’s changing lives, one pedal stroke at a time.
For more information or to make a donation, visit the Open-Eye Foundation’s website or follow them on social media for updates.
Image: Charity
Image: Let’s give back this #GivingTuesday
