Tom London, a well-known talk show host and activist from Johannesburg, recently found himself facing a life-threatening health crisis that took him from the wards of Helen Joseph Hospital to the screens of social media. His ordeal not only ignited a critical conversation about the state of South Africa’s public healthcare system but also revealed the incredible power of collective support.
Tom’s health crisis began with a simple chest cold, which escalated into a severe case of pneumonia and pleural effusion. He was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of the public healthcare system. Documenting his ordeal from his hospital bed, Tom shared raw and emotional videos on social media, expressing his frustration with the neglect and inadequate care he witnessed. “Doctors here, you are giving doctors in South Africa a bad name. I am so angry with you. This is the Helen Joseph Circus Hospital, where doctors experiment on you,” Tom said in one of his viral videos.
His candid accounts of the harsh realities inside the hospital, including the heartbreaking experience of witnessing a fellow patient pass away without immediate assistance, resonated with thousands of South Africans. Many shared similar stories of their own experiences within the public healthcare system, calling attention to the urgent need for reform.
Amidst the distress, something remarkable unfolded as South Africans from all walks of life united in support of Tom after a concerned South African, Alistair Jameson, took the initiative to launch a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, closely following Tom’s journey, to raise the R300,000 required for his life-saving thoracic surgery. In an extraordinary display of solidarity, the goal was surpassed within days, with donations flowing in from across the country and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of 561 donors, Tom successfully raised R368,000, ensuring his surgery would proceed. BackaBuddy paid the funds directly to Morningside Hospital on the afternoon of Monday, September 16, 2024.
Within hours of sharing his urgent need for medical attention at a private hospital, donations began pouring in. “Thank you for everything today. You saved my life,” Tom expressed in gratitude after securing enough funds to transfer to a facility where he could receive the critical care he so desperately needed.
The surgery, discounted to R275,000, leaves the remaining funds to support Tom’s ongoing care and recovery. BackaBuddy CEO, Patrick Schofield, reflects on the overwhelming support, stating, “We’re just glad that we’ve been able to provide a platform for this immense community of people who’ve supported Tom. It speaks volumes about the love and respect people have for him. Our part was to ensure that support reached the hospital as quickly as possible so he could have the operation and focus on getting better.”.
While Tom’s battle with illness was deeply personal, his story sparked a broader movement, reigniting calls for change within the public healthcare system. His viral videos shone a spotlight on the shortcomings of the system, but they also underscored the strength of community when people unite for a common cause.
As Tom continues his recovery, his story remains a symbol of hope and a call for change. It highlights not only the challenges within the public healthcare system but also the profound compassion and generosity that defines South Africa.
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.
Tessa Gough, a 26-year-old product owner of the start-up Savvy Sites and a dedicated runner from Cape Town, will lace up her shoes and embark on a gruelling 250km journey through the Kalahari Desert as part of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) on 14 September 2024. This challenge is not just a test of physical endurance; it’s a mission to raise awareness about period poverty in South Africa.
Pictured above: Tessa Gough
“I discovered the KAEM through Erica Terblanche’s book, ‘Run for Life.’ Erica, a renowned ultra-distance runner in South Africa, inspired me to pursue the extreme challenge of desert running. The self-supported race, where participants carry all their essentials for seven days in the desert, symbolises the resilience and self-sufficiency women demonstrate daily. My goal is to inspire young girls in South Africa to chase their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem, and to remind them of their ability to support themselves and their ambitions. Partnering with Mama Flo, an organisation helping provide women with access to free period products, period education and agency to empower themselves, highlights the message that young women can achieve anything they aspire to.“says Tessa
As of 2024, the reality for many girls in South Africa remains dire. An astonishing 7 million girls still lack access to or cannot afford basic sanitary products. In 2023, approximately 30% of young girls missed school during their menstrual cycle due to the inability to afford these essential items, resulting in around 90 days of lost education each year, solely because of menstruation.
It is astonishing that in 2024, access to free sanitary pads for every woman is still not a reality. This stark situation inspired Tessa to partner with Mama Flo, an incredible Cape Town-based organisation that works tirelessly to provide every girl who menstruates with access to period freedom, free period education, and essential menstrual products. Founded in 2020, Mama Flo has quickly become a symbol of hope, offering both short and long-term solutions to period poverty.
Pictured above: Laurie Shone, Isabella Bisogno, and Melissa Zackon, the wonderful team behind Mama Flo
Mama Flo’s approach is a multifaceted organisation which is built around three pillars, which offers:
Workshops: These are more than just educational sessions; they are platforms for empowerment, mentorship, and community building. By engaging with young women in schools and communities, these workshops foster a sense of urgency and self-worth.
Pad Handouts: Immediate relief is provided through small and large-scale handouts of sanitary pads, giving girls the confidence and ability to attend school and participate fully in their lives.
Ambassadors and Interns: Through training and mentorship, Mama Flo cultivates leaders within communities. Their ambassadors, who are on the ground, play a vital role in promoting empowerment and uplifting those around them. This is an important element of the work Mama Flo does as it ensures no matter what, communities are getting a hand up and not simply a hand out.
“Growing up in South Africa, I witnessed the challenges young women face, from gender violence to lack of access to menstrual products, which often keeps them from participating in sports and activities. I’m running this ultra-endurance race to inspire others and highlight the importance of providing basic sanitary products. I’ve partnered with Mama Flo for their impactful, community-focused work in raising awareness about period poverty.” adds Tessa
Tessa believes that every girl should have the freedom to move, dance, learn, and reach her full potential without the burden of worrying about sanitary products—a basic human right. By supporting this journey, individuals are not just backing a demanding desert run; they are investing in a future where all girls can thrive and move their bodies freely.
“Period poverty is personal to me. I was fortunate enough to have access to menstrual products, but many young women in our country are denied this basic right, highlighting ongoing systemic inequalities. Mama Flo’s mission to provide free menstruation products is vital, as I believe every girl deserves this fundamental right. Without access, girls are held back from participating in sports, academics, and daily life. To reduce inequality, we must start by ensuring basic access to essential sanitary products, giving girls the best chance to reach their full potential.” Tessa told us
The goal is to raise R70,000 through their BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to provide 500 reusable sanitary pad packs to girls in need. Each pack contains four reusable pads, which can last up to five years. With the incredible support of Mama Flo, this goal can become a reality.
“The funds will be used to purchase packs of reusable sanitary pads (each pack is R170 and can last a girl up to 5 years!). My hope is to purchase 500 packs of these as well as help fund the distribution and educational workshops that Mama Flo facilitates as part of these pad handouts and workshops. The Mama Flo team has said that the education piece is crucial as we don’t just want to facilitate distribution but also aim to ensure empowerment through education about women’s sexual health and give them a platform to use their powerful voices.Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every donor! Every bit counts towards our goal of ending period poverty in South Africa. By supporting my journey and Mama Flo’s mission, you’re helping to break down barriers and empower girls to reach their full potential.” Tessa concludes
Crowdfunding with BackaBuddy empowers you to raise funds for any cause by harnessing the power of community support. Whether it’s medical expenses, memorials, adventures, or more, our platform helps you create impactful campaigns. Donations are purely out of generosity, allowing everyone to be part of the solution and drive positive change.
How It Works
Creating a fundraiser on BackaBuddy is simple and free. Set up your campaign, share it with your network, and start receiving donations. There are no time limits or penalties, and you can continue receiving funds even after reaching your target. We vet every campaign to ensure integrity, and for added security to our donors, funds can be paid directly to vendors. Payouts are processed within 10 business days.
Why BackaBuddy?
BackaBuddy offers a fast, legitimate way to raise funds without upfront fees. It’s an alternative to traditional funding, reaching beyond your immediate network. With no repayment clauses, donations go directly to those in need. Donors love the sense of community and belonging.
Watch the video below for more information:
Contact us if you need further assistance:BackaBuddy
Getting your crowdfunding campaign noticed by the media can boost visibility and bring in more donations. By connecting with various outlets, you can expand your audience and improve your campaign’s chances of success.
Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively share your campaign with the media.
Tips for Sharing Your Campaign with the Media
Tell an Interesting Story: Highlight what makes your campaign unique. Media outlets prefer stories that are impactful and relatable. Keep it brief—no longer than a page.
Create a Press Kit: Include a press release, good-quality photos with captions, and a link to your campaign page to make it easy for journalists.
Choose the Right Media Outlets: Focus on local outlets first—they’re more likely to cover community stories. If your campaign has broader appeal, reach out to national or international media. Tailor your approach to what their audience would be interested in.
Reach Out to Local Media: Once your campaign has 10-20 donations and is gaining momentum, contact local blogs, newspapers, radio, and TV stations. A third-person press release with quotes and visuals works best.
Find Media Contacts: Use resources like The South African Government Media Directory (linked below), check the “Contact Us” section of publications, or reach out to journalists on social media.
Personalize Your Pitch: Customize your email for each media contact, explaining why their audience would be interested in your campaign. Avoid bulk emails.
Use Free Tools: Platforms like MyPR and PressPortal are great for free press release distribution and can help you reach a wider audience.
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can make a difference.
Media Contact List
The government has put together a list of key South African media outlets, categorised for your convenience. Use this list to reach out to the right platforms that can help amplify your campaign:
Your donation has the power to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, and BackaBuddy is committed to ensuring your contribution is processed smoothly. While our process is usually seamless, occasional issues can arise. This guide will help you troubleshoot any problems, ensuring your support reaches its worthy cause.
Common Issues with Donations
Here are some common reasons why a donation might not process as expected:
Cached Information: Your browser might be using outdated data that could affect the donation process.
Billing Address Mismatch: Ensure the billing address you enter matches the address on file with your credit card company.
Incorrect Security Code: A small error in the security code can prevent the transaction from going through.
Expiration Date Mismatch: Verify that the expiration date you entered matches the one on file with your credit card company.
Inactive Card: New cards that haven’t been activated yet might disrupt the donation process.
Credit Card Declined: Your credit card company may decline the charge for security reasons.
Communication Issues: Temporary issues between your credit card company, the payment gateway, or our site could affect the transaction.
Location Mismatch: Donations from a location different from your card’s billing address might trigger a security alert.
VPN Access: Using a VPN from an unfamiliar location can sometimes cause temporary issues.
Troubleshooting Your Donation
If you experience any issues with your donation, try the following steps:
Verify Payment Status: If you receive a bank confirmation but encounter an error on BackaBuddy, wait 24 hours to see if the donation appears on the campaign page. If it doesn’t, please contact our Support Team with proof of payment.
Retry Donation: If no payment notification is received, try making the donation again using a different device or browser. Clearing your cache and cookies may help. Ensure all details, including the address and security code, are correct.
Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact our Support Team with detailed information and screenshots to help resolve the problem quickly.
Pending Charges: If a failed donation shows as “pending” on your statement, it should be removed within 2-3 business days. If it remains, your bank can assist in removing the pending charge.
Processing Times
Credit card and PayPal donations are usually processed immediately.
Instant EFT donations may take up to 2 business days.
EFT payments might require up to 3 business days due to manual approval.
For EFT payments, please email proof of payment to [email protected].
BackaBuddy is dedicated to ensuring your donation reaches its worthy cause. If you encounter any issues, please reach out to our Support Team for assistance.
