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.
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.
Pictured above: 5 FM’s Nick Hamman
Pictured above: The kitchen that the students are currently utilizing
Pictured above: Nick and Daniel Sayed
