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.
At BackaBuddy, we believe in the profound impact of collective generosity to transform lives and uplift communities. As South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, we are honored to support countless individuals and causes, providing a reliable foundation for heroes to stand on.
With over R550 million raised from more than 55,000 global donors for over 44,000 causes, we’ve seen the incredible difference we can make together. Our community’s impact has crossed borders, touching lives not only in South Africa but across the world.
Dedicated Support
At BackaBuddy, our acronym GECKO represents our core values: Generosity, Empathy, Compassion, Kindness, and Openness. Our whole team embodies these values, providing hands-on support and treating every person and cause with genuine care.
We are deeply committed to the campaign creators, charities, and organizations we assist. Our team is skilled and experienced, offering strategy and guidance across multiple platforms to ensure the best results for everyone.
Building Trust Through Integrity
Trust is at the heart of BackaBuddy. We treasure the faith our community places in us with each contribution. We are equally committed to supporting our campaign creators who set up campaigns to raise funds for various causes and charities. To honor this trust, we uphold a meticulous vetting process for every campaign, ensuring that donations are used effectively and ethically. Our goal is to ensure that each act of giving translates into tangible, positive impact.
Listening, Learning, and Growing Together
Your feedback is invaluable to us. It helps us navigate challenges and improve our platform. Recently, we launched our new website designed to enhance your crowdfunding experience with an updated look and many new features.
We faced a few glitches with the new site that caused frustration for our campaign creators, charities, and donors. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this transition. Thanks to your invaluable feedback, we have resolved these issues. Today, our platform is more robust and reliable, better equipped to support your crowdfunding efforts with advanced technology and attentive service. Your continued support means the world to us, and we are committed to making your experience even greater and more impactful.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We are proud of our review track record, reflecting our dedication to serving our community with integrity and care. In 2023, we received 312 reviews with an average rating of 90. In 2024, we’ve already garnered 212 reviews with an even higher average rating of 91. These numbers showcase our commitment to continuous improvement.
If you have any questions, need assistance, or wish to share your story, our team is here to help. You can contact us anytime with concerns, compliments, or support needs. Reach out to us through our Contact Page or directly via email at [email protected].
Thank you for being a part of the BackaBuddy family. Let’s continue making a difference, one campaign at a time.
Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine SA (HCW4PSA) has teamed up with Gift of the Givers (GoTG) to present a comedy night in support of their Ubuntu Bucket Drive campaign today on Mandela Day.
This comedy show, starring Riaad Moosa and Zayn Sibda (Prof Zee), will take place today, July 18 from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Venue on Par in Wynberg, officially launching the campaign.
Dr. Samah El Boraei, HCW4PSA Western Cape Events Head, shared that the Ubuntu Bucket Drive aims to provide monthly care packages to local hospitals in South Africa. These packages are meant for malnourished patients who are discharged from the hospital and often have very few supplies at home after a long hospital stay.
“We are inspired by the sumud (steadfastness) of the Palestinian people during this genocide and recall our own ubuntu spirit under the brutal apartheid regime. We also remember Madiba this Mandela Day, who taught us that tackling poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice and as South Africans we will never truly be free while there is so much poverty and inequality in our communities.” El Boraei told IOL
The Ubuntu Buckets will contain nutritious non-perishable foods and toiletries, enough to support a family of four for a month. Nazreena Hassim, another Western Cape Events Head, mentioned that the goal is for this initiative to become an ongoing long-term project with GoTG. Hassim added that distribution is set to start in August, beginning with regional hospitals in the Western Cape.
GoTG will oversee the packaging and delivery of the Ubuntu Buckets to the specified hospitals.
In February, these organisations collaborated on a campaign in remembrance of over 13,000 Palestinian children killed in Gaza at that time by the Israel Defense Forces. This campaign raised over R1.7 million and allowed the purchase of 13,000 pairs of school shoes, which were distributed to children in need throughout South Africa.
Tickets for the comedy night can be purchased for R260 on Quicket (Mandela Day Comedy Evening). Contributions to the Ubuntu Bucket Drive can be made through their BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign where they have already raised over R9300 with the help of 7 incredible donors.
While the Ubuntu buckets are valued at R550, donations of any amount are welcome through BackaBuddy.
On May 9th, 2024, the lives of the Lubbe family from Gonubie, East London, changed forever with the arrival of their beautiful baby girl Lorelai Mathilda (meaning warrior). They eagerly anticipated meeting their healthy baby girl, but little did they know that her first breath would soon be supported by the hum of medical machines. As new parents, they couldn’t yet grasp the challenging road that lay ahead with their warrior daughter.
Lorelai has Pulmonary Atresia, a rare heart defect that affects 1 in 10,000 babies. This condition occurs when the pulmonary valve doesn’t develop, preventing blood from flowing from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. Additionally, Lorelai has a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), meaning there’s a hole in the wall between her heart’s lower chambers. The prognosis for babies with Pulmonary Atresia is daunting, with an 80% mortality rate by their first birthday. The diagnosis was never picked up in utero, so when Lorelai was born via emergency C-section, it was only then that the doctors and her parents, mum Dominique Lubbe (21) and dad Morne Lubbe (27) found out.
“We were absolutely shattered, it was so unexpected. It felt like everything was going wrong. The day before we were so excited to meet our first baby after a long pregnancy. Then I had an emergency c-section from a failed induction and then the doctors came in and told us they had bad news. We went cold all over. I couldn’t breathe. The days that followed were so difficult, not going home with your baby, questioning if it is your fault and the doctors saying there is nothing I could have done as a mom to prevent this, that it is just a bad draw of cards. It just gets harder and harder visiting and seeing our baby in hospital, her not knowing the beautiful room we’ve made for her at home. Her bull terrier sister is waiting at home. Our family wanted to meet her. We’d do anything to have her home with us.” says an emotional Dominique
Pictured above: Lorelai with her mum, Dominique Lubbe
Lorelai’s congenital heart defect is terminal if not addressed, as her underdeveloped pulmonary arteries prevent normal breathing and result in very low oxygen levels in her blood. Lorelai and Dominique were airlifted from East London to Sunninghill Hospital in Rivonia Sandton, Johannesburg, where the Maboneng Heart and Lung Institute specialises in complex open-heart surgeries for babies. The institute also has the advanced CT Echo scan resources necessary for detailed diagnosis.
Lorelai requires a complex open-heart surgery for a full heart repair, and she will need multiple surgeries throughout her life to replace the conduits (artificial arteries) as she grows. Her family urgently travelled to Johannesburg, carrying many prayers in their hearts, for the expertise at Sunninghill Hospital. Despite their efforts to prepare for a healthy baby, Lorelai’s parents now face overwhelming medical expenses as Sunninghill Hospital is out of their medical aid network, making the additional costs and co-payments beyond their means.
“Lorelai is currently fighting an infection from her central line (IV). They have to give her medication though that line to keep her patent ductus open artificially. But the medication has severe side effects including bone pain, and the other lasix medication causes hearing loss so she faces many challenges everyday. But the sooner she can get her operation the sooner they can get her off the lasix and prostin medication. She is just fighting an infection again.” explains Dominique
Lorelai being the warrior that she is has already fought so hard to be here every day. She deserves the chance to live a full and healthy life. Currently, she rests in her little glass box at Sunninghill hospital, awaiting her surgery.
Pictured above: Little Lorelai at the Sunninghill Hospital
“Lorelai is defying all odds everyday. They said she would never pick up weight and yet she has, on a daily basis she fights to be with us. Her middle name Mathilda means mighty in battle. She is in a mighty battle with her imperfection and we can’t fight the fight for her but we are doing everything we can to fight with her everyday by being at the hospital everyday, sitting with her from morning until night. Reading to her, talking to her, praying for her. She is a miracle child.” Dominique tells us
To alleviate the financial burden which bears down on them the family has started a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign where they have already raised over R24 000 of their R1 000 000 goal with the help of 39 amazing donors. The family humbly asks and prays for any donations that can contribute to Lorelai’s life-saving surgery.
“We don’t know what we would do without the help of BackaBuddy. They provided us with a platform for Lorelai’s funding and we are really thankful. We have medical aid but we face extreme out of pocket fees because this hospital is not a network hospital. With this extra help we can afford to pay the doctors, staff, and for tests which are saving Lorelai’s life. Not just that, it also helps us to be with her everyday. Every cent helps in the huge ocean of money required to keep her stable so that she can come home after her operation.” says Morne.
Pictured above: Lorelai with her dad, Morne Lubbe
“We are so grateful that our donors have added a new stitch to Lorelai’s heart. Every cent gets her the help she needs. As parents and as a family it breaks our heart that we can’t provide her with the finances to afford her operation, so we as parents and as a family are eternally grateful for her heart warrior donors that are helping us with finances that we as parents can’t do on our own. We thank our donors that are angels in disguise and heart warriors fighting with Lorelai . We see every donation and any bit of assistance is a gift from our mighty God above.” Morne tells us
For updates about Lorelai’s journey, please visit the family’s Instagram page @the_lubbes.
Mandela Day, celebrated annually on July 18th, inspires individuals worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service in honour of legendary Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service. At BackaBuddy, we believe in the power of collective action, where each person’s unique contribution can create meaningful change. Here’s how you can get involved and support causes through our platform on Mandela Day.
Raising Funds to Support Your Community
One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is by setting up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. As South Africa’s largest crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy allows you to raise funds to assist individuals or communities in need. Here are inspiring ideas for your Mandela Day campaign:
Food Vouchers: Provide digital food vouchers to families facing food insecurity.
Supporting Workers: Aid restaurant staff in supporting their families during challenging times.
Care Kits: Create essential care packages for patients in local hospitals.
Aid for the Homeless: Provide food and clothing to support homeless individuals.
Non-Profit Support: Help cover operational costs for non-profit organizations.
Education Initiatives: Fund teacher salaries or provide educational resources for schools.
Campaign Examples on BackaBuddy
Explore existing campaigns that aim to transform lives and make dreams a reality:
Education Initiatives: Fund scholarships and educational programs for deserving students.
Health and Wellness: Support medical treatments and health awareness campaigns.
Animal Rescue: Help rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.
Volunteering and Community Service
Engage directly with your community through volunteering opportunities:
Plant Trees: Participate in reforestation projects with Greenpop.
Additional Ways to Volunteer Your Time
Explore more ways to make a difference in your community:
Community Support: Assist an elderly neighbor with groceries or errands.
Tutoring: Offer to tutor someone in a subject you excel in.
Recycling: Set up a recycling system at home to promote environmental sustainability.
Tree Planting: Plant trees in your local park or community to enhance green spaces.
Creating a Crowdfunding Campaign on BackaBuddy
Ready to create a fundraising campaign? BackaBuddy offers a straightforward platform to get started:
Identify Your Cause: Choose a cause that resonates with you and others.
Set Up Your Campaign: Create your campaign page on BackaBuddy with a compelling story and clear goals.
Promote Your Campaign: Share your campaign through social media, email, and word of mouth to reach potential donors.
Engage with Donors: Keep your donors updated on your campaign’s progress and express gratitude for their contributions.
Mandela Day offers countless opportunities to contribute meaningfully to your community. Whether you volunteer your time, donate resources, or start a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, your efforts can create lasting impact. For more information and specific opportunities, please visit the links provided.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Carol de Swardt, a 62-year-old mother of five from George, has found renewed hope in her battle against kidney failure. After years of suffering, her eldest son, Cyril, has stepped forward with an extraordinary act of love and sacrifice.
Carol’s struggle began in 2020 when she first started showing symptoms of kidney failure. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to severe swelling, constant fatigue, and relentless dehydration. By 2022, Carol’s health had declined to the point where she required dialysis—a gruelling four-hour procedure three times a week that left her feeling terrible afterwards. “I am constantly nauseous and vomit all the time. My back aches because of my diseased kidneys and I am always tired,” Carol told the George Herald. The illness runs in her family; her mother succumbed to kidney failure, and one of her grandsons has also recently started dialysis.
In May of this year, Carol’s doctor referred her to Dr. Trevor Gerntholtz, a nephrologist from Cape Town, who confirmed that she was a good candidate for a kidney transplant. The news brought a glimmer of hope to Carol’s life. However, the biggest surprise came from her eldest son, Cyril, who had been quietly preparing for this moment for over a year.
Pictured above: Carol and her son Cyril who will also be her donor
“I had such a wonderful surprise when my eldest son, Cyril (46), came to me earlier this year to say that he has been following a healthy lifestyle for a year now because he wanted to be healthy enough to donate a kidney to me. He had stopped smoking and drinking, but kept quiet about it for the entire year,” Carol recalled.
In addition to Cyril, Carol’s youngest son, Ferrier, also underwent tests to see if he could be a potential donor. Miraculously, he too was found to be a match. “This means that if the operation is not successful, I have yet another chance, so I am immensely grateful,” Carol said.
Cyril’s motivation for this selfless act stems from his deep love and appreciation for his mother. “It is my turn to give back. She sacrificed her own needs for our family’s well-being. I am her firstborn and it is the best way to show my love for her. I want to be there for her, to hold her hand, and to help her through this challenging time. I just want them to ‘plug and play’ now—take out my kidney and get it into her. We are ready to go. The longer we wait, the longer she has to suffer,” he expressed.
Pictured above: Carol and her daughter Samantha Shrives
Dr. Gerntholtz explained the high probability of children being a match for their parents due to shared genetic material. However, the process is not without risks. The receiver needs to be on strong anti-rejection medication post-operation, which can cause heart disease. For the donor, any surgery carries risks, but thorough evaluations ensure it is safe to proceed.
Complete recovery for both donor and receiver typically takes about three months. In the meantime, Cyril has started a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, “A selfless act of love: helping a son save his mother’s life” to raise funds for the necessary accommodations and travel expenses. Living in Pietermaritzburg, Cyril and his wife must fly to Cape Town for the operation at Groote Schuur Hospital, a cost they cannot afford on their own.
Carol’s story is a testament to the enduring power of family and love. Despite her immense pain and suffering, the support of her sons and the generosity of others have given her a renewed sense of hope. As she waits for the transplant date, Carol remains grateful for the opportunity to regain her health and spend more precious moments with her family.
Pictured above: (Left to Right): Chenal LeCap Middle: Maxine Wild Right: Emogan Moore
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.
Pictured above: Maxine Wild
Pictured above: Emogan Moore
Pictured above: Chenal LeCap
