Lebohang Ntsane, a talented 24-year-old from Lesotho who captured the hearts of many as a child actor in the 2013 film The Forgotten Kingdom, will be moving to Makhanda, Grahamstown, this year to pursue his postgraduate studies in Theatre.
Lebohang has been accepted into the highly sought-after Honours program at Rhodes University in South Africa, a prestigious institution known for its excellent theatre and performance faculties.
Picture above: A still from the 2013 Lesotho-based feature film The Forgotten Kingdom.
He is deeply passionate about acting and hopes to use his craft to put his home country of Lesotho on the map.
Tragically, Lebohang lost both of his parents at a young age and has had to work his way up from a humble background through his acting career.
In 2014, he won the Best Child Actor award at the African Movie Academy Awards for his role in The Forgotten Kingdom.
Picture above: Lebohang in a scene from The Forgotten Kingdom. He won the award for Best Child Actor at the 2014 African Movie Academy Awards in recognition of his role in the film.
Since then, he has continued to build his acting experience through short films and commercials and has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and English at the National University of Lesotho.
As a result of his hard work, Lebohang has been given the chance to further his education and pursue his dreams through acceptance into Rhodes University.
Picture above: Lebohang is now 24 years old and looking to further his postgraduate studies and professional acting career.
To help realise his dream, Lebohang has launched a campaign on crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy appealing to the public to provide him with the financial means to cover tuition and living expenses for this incredible opportunity.
Since the launch of his campaign, Lebohang has raised over R42 000 from donors worldwide contributing to his goal of R150 000.
“This fundraising campaign has assisted me immensely. It has done for me in a few weeks what I would not have done in a year. I am so grateful to everyone who has lent a helping hand. This really means a lot to me.”- says Lebohang
Picture above: In his thank you message to his fundraising campaign supporters, Lebohang writes: “This donation is a blessing and your love and generosity are greatly valued. I promise to do my best in studying hard to make you proud.”
Lebohang is a hardworking and talented young man who deserves the chance to succeed and create a bright future for himself.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R380 Million.
We had an incredible year in 2022 in terms of raising funds for various worthy causes.
According to our annual statistics released by the organization, we raised a staggering R79 million (about $5.4 million) in 2022 alone, and have raised a total of R378 million (about $25.5 million) since our inception.
One of the standout campaigns on our platform in 2022 was the Hope for Kyleigh campaign, which aimed to raise funds for a young girl from Gauteng to receive life-saving heart surgery in the US.
Kyleigh Kista, from Benoni, was born with a complex congenital heart defect that required a specialized procedure at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, both locally and abroad, the campaign was able to raise an astounding R4 million, both online and offline.
In March, Kyleigh underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure in which her arteries were widened with a balloon, a stent was placed, and the dual supply was repaired. The procedure was a complete success and Kyleigh recovered quickly.
Another campaign that received an overwhelming amount of support on our platform was one to fund a diabetic alert dog for two-year-old, Jenna-Mae van der Vyver, from Krugersdorp.
Diabetic alert dogs are trained to recognize when their owner’s blood sugar levels are getting too high or too low, and can alert them or their caregivers in time for them to take appropriate action.
These dogs can be expensive, with costs ranging from R30,000 to R60,000. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of strangers, the campaign exceeded its target, ensuring that the young girl could bring her forever-companion home.
Internet celebrity Vernon Koekemoer, also known as “SA’s Chuck Norris,” was the beneficiary of another successful campaign on our platform. Koekemoer became an instant celebrity in 2008 after a photograph of him taken at an H20 party went viral, but he has since faced a number of health complications due to three failed hip operations.
South Africans were quick to respond to the campaign, donating more than R100,000 to cover the costs of Koekemoer’s medical treatment and comprehensive care.
In total, we raised over R13 million in 2022 compared to 2021, with over 13,500 campaigns being created on the platform. This represents a 17% increase in campaigns year-on-year. Most of these campaigns were related to funding medical procedures and sporting events.
Our CEO Patrick Schofield attributed the success of the platform to the fact that people became more compassionate and aware of the struggles of others due to the pandemic, and were more willing to give in various ways.
Surveys of our donors showed that many people were interested in donating not just their money, but also their time and skills to support causes that they were passionate about.
The stories of Kyleigh, Jenna-Mae, and Vernon Koekemoer are just a few examples of the many heartwarming campaigns that were made possible through the generosity and kindness of our donors.
It’s truly inspiring to see how people could come together to make a positive impact in the world and help those in need.
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R370 Million.
“As a platform, BackaBuddy allows us to come together as communities to support people and causes that we believe in, regardless of our differences. For every cause, accident or catastrophe that we face, we bear witness to the many who step up when asked to by their peers. This is the immense power that crowdfunding facilitates and which goes far beyond just the funds that are raised” says BackaBuddy, CEO, Patrick Schofield
Winston Fani (35), an unemployed blind gentleman, lives in Mfuleni, Cape Town, with his wonderful wife, Busi (43), who is also considered legally blind, and their faithful guide dog, Gladys.
Picture above: Winston, Busi and their guide dog Gladys.
Winston was born with glaucoma, a progressive eye disease and from the age of 12, has lived life in total darkness.
Like so many South Africans, Winston, who worked as a call centre agent at a logistics company in Cape Town, was retrenched during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and has struggled to find a job for the last 3 years.
“Due to the scarcity of jobs for the visually impaired, and that Winston only has a matric certificate, he has been unable to secure a job despite his determination, and humble dream to support his family” – says Tania Robbertze (54), a friend of the couple who puppy-raised their guide dog.
A vision for the future
For the longest time, Winston, who has a passion for history and education, and a love for people, has dreamed of furthering his education and becoming the first blind tour guide in South Africa.
“I want to be the first blind tour guide in South Africa. I want to make history. I want to show it’s not impossible to do what you want to do, despite the obstacles. I want to meet new people and learn from people from different countries who come to visit our country. I’m on the verge of learning new things.” – says Winston
Picture above: Winston Fani
To help Winston realise his dream and gain independence, Tania, who has built an everlasting friendship with Winston and his wife, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to the public to support Winston in receiving his tour guide certificate.
Thankfully, the appeal reached Enver Duminy, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism, who kindly agreed to cover Winston’s tuition fees for the tour guide course, which will allow Winston to expand his career options.
Still in need of funds to cover Winston’s first aid course, a laptop which will help him work through the course material, data and transport costs, Tania is keeping the fundraising campaign open, for anyone willing to help Winston get back on his feet.
Picture above: Winston and Busi Fani
Since the launch of the campaign over R 5 800 has been raised towards Winston’s fundraising target of R20 000 with the support of 15 generous donors.
“Winston is a personable, chatty, gentleman, who connects very well with every person he meets. A job in the tourism industry will be a perfect fit for him. By supporting our BackaBuddy campaign, you will give a wonderful man a chance to reimagine his life and restore his sense of dignity by being able to work independently again.” – says Tania
Tania says there’s a lesson we can all learn from Winston.
“Seeing the world from the perspective of a blind man changes how we appreciate and see the world around us. Winston can’t wait to break barriers around visual impairment, and share his unique perspective on the world” – says Tania
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R370 Million.
Due to life-threatening blood diseases, such as leukaemia, many families will not have the privilege of having their loved ones home these holidays as patients undergo chemotherapy in hospital while awaiting a stem cell transplant.
One such patient is a three-year-old, Kethan Govender from KwaZulu-Natal.
Pictured above: Kethan Govender
Kethan’s recent leukaemia diagnosis came as a shock to his parents, but Kersan (father) and Sheena (mother) remain hopeful and have turned their focus towards raising awareness and funds, through the SA Bone Marrow Registry’s (SABMR) Give a Little, Save a Lifecampaign on BackaBuddy – not only for Kethan, but for many other children and patients like him.
Kersan says the family’s only wish is for their little boy to be healthy again.
“Kethan is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will continue with treatment for the next few months, after which he will need a stem cell transplant. Even though he is still young, Kethan has inspired us through his display of strength and resilience, which gives us hope.
“We’d like to appeal to the public to sign up as donors and support the SABMR’s Give a Little, Save a Life fundraising campaign, not only for Kethan, but for other children and patients too that rely on donors to give them a second chance at life. There really is no greater gift to give than the gift of life.”
Pictured above: Kethan Govender
Head of Sustainability and National Operations for the SABMR, Kamiel Singh, while they’re eternally grateful for those who have signed up as donors, a bigger donor pool is needed to help Kethan, especially from those of Indian descent.
“We also need more funds to help cover donor recruitment, which is costly. For example, each tissue typing kit costs R1 500 per donor – a cost which we absorb. There are many other costs which we incur as to not burden donors or patients. It is for this reason that we ask South Africans to get behind our Give a Little, Save a Life fundraising campaign so we can recruit as many donors as possible in order to give every patient in need, the second chance they deserve.”
In addition to donor recruitment, the SABMR also financially assists patients who are not able to cover other costs associated with the transplant through its Patient Assistance Programme. Non-profit organisations are still recovering from the financial effects of the pandemic and while the SABMR has managed to continue the lifesaving work it does, it relies heavily on donations from corporates and the public.
Since the campaign’s launch, R1000 has been raised towards Kethan’s fundraising target of R250 000.
Zolani backs Kethan
Singer, and songwriter, Zolani Mahola, also known as, “The One who Sings”, will be backing the campaign this festive season through a series of awareness posts on social media to donors to invite donations to Kethan’s cause.
Pictured above: Zolani Mahola
Mahola says as a long-time SABMR ambassador, the cause remains close to her heart.
“It is heart-wrenching to think what a family must go through when their loved one is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Nothing prepares you for the shock and devastation and in many cases, it is young children who are affected. Help me spread the word this festive season to bring hope and life to everyone in need of a stem cell transplant.”
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R370 Million.
Pictured above: Les-Leeco Koopman dreams of becoming a social worker. (Image Credit: Llewellyn Duim)
Les-Leeco Koopman, an 18-year-old young man who lives on Delheim farm in the Cape Winelands, has attended the Pebbles Project After-School Club for 11 years.
The Pebbles Project is a non-profit organisation that partners with local farms in the Western Cape to establish and manage Early Childhood Development Centres and After-School Clubs on farms to enable children from farming communities to access quality education programmes, health, nutrition, and social work services.
Currently in matric, Les-Leeco has his heart set on furthering his studies and giving back to the organisation which has been instrumental in his growth, by becoming a social worker.
The goal is to have Les-Leeco work alongside the Social Work team at Pebbles Project as an Auxiliary Social Worker (Social Work Assistant) once he’s completed his 12-month course at Hugenote Kollege, a private Christian post-school training institution.
Pictured above: Les-Leeco teaching rope-skipping to the other learners at the Pebbles Project After-School Club. (Image credit: Anna Lusty)
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
With his acceptance letter in hand to attend Hugenote Kollege in 2023, the only obstacle in the way of Les-Leeco’s dream of impacting the children on his farm, as well as children from neighbouring farming communities, is much-needed funding.
“I really want to become a Social Worker, because I see the children on my farm who are struggling to deal with their problems and they don’t have people to talk to. I want to help them to stay motivated. I love Pebbles, I’ve seen how they have helped people on my farm to follow their dreams.” – says Les-Leeco
With the goal of having Les-Leeco work along the Social Work team at Pebbles Project as an Auxiliary Social Worker (Social Work Assistant), the organisation has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping the public will support ‘hard working’ Les-Leeco.
As Hugenote Kollege is a private institution, which does not offer bursaries and isn’t eligible for NSFAS (Government) funding, Les-Leeco will need to raise a total of R65 000, to cover his deposit, tuition fees, accommodation, and spending money, to begin his schooling.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R8000 has been raised towards Les-Leeco’s campaign’s with kind contributions from 11 donors.
Pebbles Project Social Worker, Mineke Toerien, speaks highly of Les-Leeco and is excited about the possibility of having him join the Social Work team. Mineke says that:
“Les-Leeco is a wonderful child. There is just something about him. I can say with certainty that he will make an exceptional Auxiliary Social Worker, he would be a great asset to the Social Work team. I know that he will have an immense impact on his community and on other farming communities. He will inspire so many. Please support this wonderful child’s dream so that he can help uplift communities and inspire other children on his farm to follow in his footsteps.”
Pictured above: Les-Leeco at one of the Pebbles Project Ambassador Training Sessions. (Image Credit: Chris du Toit)
All donors who contribute towards Les-Leeco’s tuition fees are eligible to receive a Section 18A Tax Certificate, issued by the Pebbles Project.
“Les-Leeco has put in a lot of work to get good grades in order to get accepted at Hugenote Kollege. He’s really given his all to take the first step towards getting accepted to study. We kindly ask to please help him take the next step in pursuing his dream.” – says Liesl Ahlers, Pebbles Project Ambassador Mentor.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R370 Million.
