Mammetja Mogotlane (27), works towards building a sustainable eco-community, playing chess with capitalism.
Born in Johannesburg, Gauteng, they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue their master’s degree at The School of Oriental and African Studies University of London (SOAS) and urgently need help to fund their studies.
Mammetja has already graduated with a Masters of Sciences (MSc) in Politics of Conflict Rights and Justice. Earning an advantage through SOAS university is a teachable opportunity. They are empowered and motivated to work towards life-enabling systems fostering room for African queer people to be change-makers in their communities.
By attending the prestigious SOAS campus, Mammetja hopes to build on their understanding of transformative justice whilst centring their experiences with African women, queer people, and neuro-divergent people. They are honouring their love-informed, childhood dreams.
“Growing in communication means, learning to speak the many languages of your loves. The fluidity of Indigenous practices reminds us to engage the senses available to us, to listen. The Earth is crying, and climatic shocks devastate people in their indigenous homes, especially those un-housed.” – says Mammetja.
“Purposefully ignored communities need systems rooted in radical love, promoting indigenous knowledge production and a reality where African queer kinfolk can be fully self-determining and uninhibited by systemic violence. Community-informed lenses frame sustainable accessibility to health care.
This yearning is a future I espouse and have committed myself to strive towards Encouraged by my love partners, I quit my survival-required job, and leaned into community care, did the background work, had several (re)drafts, and radically sent in my application – to thrive” – says Mammetja.
To cover their tuition fees estimated to cost R465 000, Mammetja has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy that has raised R17 000 through 12 kind contributions.
“Being a historian creates space for intersectional forms of healing, and communally centered holistic health care. Love offers the capacity to pursue my goals” – says Mammetja.
Let’s help support Mammetja Mogotlane in pursuing this well-deserved opportunity.
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 R330 Million.
The Sakhe Family Care Development Centre is a non-profit organisation based in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, that aims to uplift families in the Kouga area through training courses for wives, husbands and children alike.
Their goal is to prevent gender-based violence by educating husbands, providing driving lessons and computer courses for youths, and teaching sewing to women.
‘We are training women! Please help us train more’
As part of their first mandate, Sakhe Family Care Development Centre is looking to equip more women through sewing classes.
By providing advanced classes and training on industrial sewing machines, the organisation hopes to empower women to create school uniforms, overalls and other products for local businesses.
“So many women in South Africa never had, and even now don’t have, the opportunity to study, but they have a passionate desire to be trained.
In the Kouga Area of the Eastern Cape, where the Sakhe Family Care Development Centre NPO is active, we have encountered many women who yearn to receive training in some direction to make them economically active and independent.
Consequently, we have identified a specific area of need: we aim to train as many women as possible in sewing and related skills, enabling them to produce a sellable product that can be marketed.” – says Antoinette Ferreira
Picture above: Everyone working hard during class
The reaction when we started advertising was overwhelming. We have trained 25 women so far, yet the need is tremendous, and we need extra funds to continue training even more.
After first making the training available, our waiting list has grown and grown. As more women see the success of those who have done the course, they also want to do the training. We have many women on our waiting list” – says Antoinette Ferreira from Sakhe Family Care Development Centre.
Picture above: Some small items made by the ladies in the sewing class.
To secure funding for the project, Sakhe Singamadoda Youth Programs has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of over R18 000 that will allow the organization to train five women over the next three months. This amount includes training costs and buying of necessities for the sewing process.
“By helping a woman acquire a new skill, she can have a means of income. This gives her a stepping stone through which she can achieve even more. We have seen that this training gives her a marketable skill that leads to independence.”
Pitcure above: Lena, Caroline, Nosipho and Siphosethu showing off their designed skirts and smaller aprons.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R2500 has been raised with kind contributions from 10 donors.
The funds we raise will tremendously impact the lives of the women trained.
“The opportunities are there, but the women need the skills. You can make a difference, and therefore we ask that you please help!” – says Antoinette Ferreira from Sakhe Family Care Development Centre.
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 R330 Million.
Nickey Seger (48), a fitness specialist and wellbeing coach from Strubensvalley, Johannesburg, is honouring a decade-long promise she made to a student close to her heart.
In 2005, while working at Scuba City in Ferndale, Nickey met Goodwill Khuzwayo (41), a charming man who through a near-fatal taxi accident became disabled 4 years earlier.
“Goodwill was travelling to Zimbabwe to visit family when the taxi’s tyres burst. The taxi rolled and Goodwill fell out the vehicle, and was caught under the taxi. He had suffered head and spinal injuries,” Nickey told News24
9 years ago: Goodwill, with his wife, Edna and little Nellie.
Inspired by his resilience, Nickey wrote to Radio 94.7, hoping that her colleague would be chosen during their annual 947 Xmas Wish. After 3 years of reaching out to the radio station, Nickey’s persistence finally paid off!
The radio station kindly agreed to grant Goodwill’s wish, sending his bright and bubbly daughter, Nellie, who was in grade 2 at the time, to MacLaren College, an upstanding private school in Cosmo City.
While Nellie thrived in her new environment and loved her new school, unfortunately, Goodwill was unable to cover her school fees for the remainder of her education and had no choice but to send her back to the government school she had previously attended.
Making a promise
Concerned that Nellie wouldn’t get the quality education she deserved, Nickey stepped in to lend a helping hand, promising the young student that she would do her best to cover the cost of her schooling until she matriculated.
“It was important to me to help Nellie with her schooling because education is the key to unlocking the world. It helps us in all aspects of our lives. To me, education is the gateway to success. Success can be achieved when people have knowledge, skills, and attitude. All these things can be gained only with the help of education.” -says Nickey.
Keeping a promise
For the last 9 years, through personal challenges and the many ups and downs of her business, Nickey kept true to her promise.
Nellie is now 18-years old, and has grown into a soft, kind, focused, and determined young lady who aspires to become a nurse to serve her community.
“I want to become a nurse so I can fix my daddy, so that he can walk again. I want to be the one to nurse him back to good health. And I’m so eternally grateful to every donor that has contributed to my schooling,” Nellie told News24
Dressed for success: Nickey and Nellie share a special bond
Due to the unforeseen and devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected Nickey’s business, like so many others in South Africa, Nickey, for the first time is unable to cover Nellie’s school fees on her own – but she isn’t planning on giving up!
To raise the R75,600 ($5000) needed to cover Nellie’s final year of school, Nickey has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, and is pledging to complete 14 consecutive half marathons, a total distance of 295,4km, to get Nellie to the ‘finish line’ of her schooling career.
The challenge, which is Nickey’s labour of love, will begin on the 1st of February and end on Valentine’s Day, the 14th February 2022, symbolically, in front of Nellie’s school, Ruimsig Montessori.
Blown away by generous supporters
With overwhelming support from 116 local and international donors, over R135 000 ($8800) has been raised towards Nellie’s education in anticipation for Nickey’s challenge.
On Thursday, 27th of January 2022, Nickey shared an emotional message of thanks to everyone who has made this dream come true.
“I am reaching out to all South Africans to help Nellie finish her schooling while demonstrating to the country that “the power of a promise matters” no matter your circumstances, one can always rise above it and make a plan and maintain one’s integrity. With my challenge I hope to cover Nellie’s school fees and give a new spin of what love can look like during the month of love.” – says Nickey
When Nickey called Goodwill to tell him the news, he burst into tears
“I had no words. I just covered my eyes with my hands, and I burst out crying. I am so humbled. I still get emotional when I think about it. My child will be able to finish her matric year and go study to be a nurse next year. This is any parents’ dream, and I am overwhelmed with the many good, kind-hearted people living among us,”
“My daughter is still in shock, but it’s definitely a happy shock. As long as she’s been alive, she’s been telling us she wants to become a nurse, and now she’s one step closer to fulfilling her dream. We are so happy. We will forever be thankful to the many hands that donated,” Goodwill told News24
As this campaign is now fully funded, additional funds will be used to cover Nellie’s University fees.
WATCH: Nickey shares special moments from her “Power of a Promise” challenge
Update
Nellie finished writing her Cambridge Matric exams the beginning of June 2022 and is now awaiting her results which will hopefully be out during the 1st week in August 2022.
She also attended her Matric dance on Friday 24 June and she looked absolutely gorgeous. Her dress was sponsored by Alicia Van der Merwe from Ali Cia Couture and the Photoshoot sponsored by Louise Olivier from Wanitta’s Photography. It was certainly a beautiful highlight in Nellie’s Matric year.
Nellie has applied to Netcare as well to start her studies next year as a student nurse, we are just awaiting her results.
Empowering young women
As South Africa’s first female Navy Diver, 4 time Iron Man finisher, and someone who has represented South Africa in the long-distance World Triathlon Championship in Germany in 2010, Nickey hopes to teach young women a life lesson:
“Throughout my life, I have been exposed to and pushed back against gender norms and stereotypes. From a young age, I made it my mission, to prove that women can do anything they put their mind to, I hope that this will inspire others to do the same”
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 raised over R290 Million.
Reece Trumpelmann (17), a teenager from Bapsfontein, Gauteng, with the courage of a lion, was diagnosed with Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, an extremely rare cancer condition in 2016.
After bumping his jaw while playing on a jumping castle, Reece was taken to hospital, and after a number of tests and X-rays at Steve Biko Hospital, Reece’s parents Marsha Trumpelmann (43) and Bjorn Trumpelmann (46) were informed that their son had an autosomal dominant inherited disorder which is virtually unknown in South Africa.
Reece’s mom, Marsha describes her son’s harrowing medical journey.
“Gorlin Syndrome, also known as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, is an inherited condition that affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of developing various cancerous and non-cancerous tumours.
It is caused by the loss of functions due to mutations in the tumour suppressor gene Patch1 which encodes the Sonic Hedghog Pathway.
You get different levels of this syndrome but unfortunately, Reece has been hit hard with most of the criteria. Currently, some of his symptoms are Multiple odontogenic tumours in his jaw which are attacking him constantly.
Our son has had over 40 removed and lost 16 teeth, he has had multiple bone grafts as well as multiple basal cell carcinomas, Extensive Calcification of the flax celebri, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Bifid rib, Major sinus issues, Deviated Septum, Endocrine system problems, Heart problems (fibroma), GERD stage 4, Palmer and Planter pits, Hydrochephylys, Glaucoma, and Sleep apnea.
Picture above: Marcsha and Reece
His current specialists are Pediatric oncologist, Geneticist, Maxilofacial surgeon, Neuro Surgeon, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Ophthalmologist, Specialised Dentistry, ENT, and Plastic Surgeon.” says Marsha
Reece is currently being treated at Arwyp, Linmead, Wilgers, Glynwood, Midstream and so many other different hospitals by specialists to help give him the best care and comfort.
“We have finally after a long road found a magnificent team that truly has Reece in their best interests. I am so grateful. Reece needs so many things, tests and procedures done at the moment, and because of the finances, I just cannot do it. Our medical aid runs out in February already; as you can imagine, the bills are huge. Some things are not covered at all.”
Managing Reece’s chronic illness has placed tremendous financial strain on the family, who are faced with constant mounting medical bills.
To help cover Reece’s co-payments on his top-tier medical aid, the family have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with the support of a non-profit organisation, Arms of Mercy, to ensure Reece gets the treatment he needs.
Currently, Reece’s fundraising target stands at R200 000.
“I will never ever give up fighting for this warrior. He has been to hell and back. He has had more operations than I can remember since he was diagnosed.” – says Marsha
Picture above: Reece with his parents, Marsha and Bjorn, and his sisters Abigail (23) and Savannah (21).
Since last November, Reece has had an unsuccessful major jaw and sinuses reconstruction surgery. He has had over 50 tumours removed and recently came out of ICU and high care after having another major surgery
“Our son, Reece is truly a fighter and such a beautiful soul. All I want for Reece is happiness and comfort. I want to try to alleviate his pain and discomfort. I am just a mom fighting for my boy. Thank you for reading this and if you feel it in your heart please share his story. We truly need help in any way or form. God bless you all.” – says Marsha Trumpelmann.
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 R330 Million.
Maluuk Explores Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Adrienne Short from South Africa,hopes to visit 20 secondary schools in the Hwange province, Zimbabwe, to provide 788 girls with a long-term sustainable solution to sanitaryware.
It is estimated that over 2.3 billion people do not have access to essential sanitation services, and only 27% of the population have access to a home-based handwashing facility with soap and water. The lack of these basic facilities at home makes managing periods at home a major challenge for women and adolescent girls.
Based on research, Maluuk Explores Foundation has found that 45% of girls end up making use of old cloth and rags, 29% use cotton wool, 18% use pads and 3% reported even using newspapers and leaves.
There are currently very few or no sanitary products available to schoolgirls in disadvantaged countries, be it disposables or reusables because the materials are too expensive or difficult to acquire.
Girls shouldn’t miss school. Period.
Becoming a woman should be a celebration. Instead, in many parts of Africa, menstruation remains shrouded in shame and ignorance, impacting the health, education and dignity of women and girls.
Without a sustainable sanitary solution, girls potentially miss 528 days of education throughout their schooling career due to the lack of facilities at school, lack of awareness around menstruation, embarrassment, menstrual pain, and the inability to afford hygienic sanitary materials.
If girls are missing their education because of menstruation, this reduces their future career prospects. These factors have a negative bearing on their educational performance.
“I am hoping that you will see my vision and join forces with Maluuk Explores Foundation to implement our project objectives of closing the gender inequalities, assisting to end period poverty, empowering the women and youth in these areas and investing in the future female leaders”, says founder, Adrienne Short.
The goal is to provide a sustainable eco-friendly solution that would see the girls through their secondary school career by offering them a re-usable product that requires only hand washing, and should with proper care and maintenance last 3-5years.
To secure funding for Project Phumelela, Maluuk Explores Foundation has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of over R200 000 to help provide long-term, sustainable solutions to a critical problem that affects the health and livelihood of many young girls.
“We Believe Lack of education about menstruation is one of the many barriers to achieving adequate menstrual hygiene worldwide. Creating awareness and openness is one of the most effective ways to help teach girls how to properly manage their menstrual hygiene.”
Since the launch of the campaign, over R9000 has been raised with kind contributions from 14 donors.
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 R330 Million.
Shireen Hermans, a 29-year-old mother from Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, has an eye disease called keratoconus, a condition which causes extremely blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Life is exceptionally challenging for Shireen, who has less than 8% sight in only one eye and is considered legally blind.
Behind her beautiful smile, gentle nature, courageous and resilient spirit, Shireen feels isolated and depressed due to her condition, which has interrupted her life and made simple tasks very difficult.
Shireen yearns for the simple pleasures in life – like seeing her daughters’ faces and helping them with their homework.
“For Shireen, sight loss means she can’t walk her young daughters to school or safely catch a bus with them. She simply can’t see the pavement or read the signs at the bus stop. It’s not safe for her to venture out alone. Living with keratoconus is like life in permanent lockdown.” – says Amanda Seccombe, Founder of The Eyes2Eyes Foundation.
Giving Shireen her sight back
At this stage, Shireen’s corneas (her eye’s outermost lens) are irregular, with steep troughs and cones.
As glasses and ordinary contact lenses will not restore Shireen’s sight, the only way for her to achieve functional vision and avoid total blindness is to receive costly custom-fit scleral lenses.
In November 2021, Shireen was referred to The Eyes2Eyes Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing individuals the gift of sight, as corneal disease is vastly underfunded and under-resourced in public hospitals in South Africa.
Hoping to receive support from the public, the Eyes2Eyes Foundation, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising goal of R25 000, which will allow Shireen to receive specialised lenses that will be designed and manufactured for her in New Zealand.
Funds raised will also cover the cost of Shireen’s fitting process which will be done in Cape Town, her monthly optometrists appointments and training on how to use the life-saving lenses.
“Restoring my vision will mean I can recognize the faces of my family and friends – not just their voices. I will be able to read to my girls. I wouldn’t have to rely on my daughter to read me prices at the stores and guide me with things all the time. Having my sight restored means I can get back to work and help with our financial problems at home. I will get my confidence and independence back and stop living a blurred depressed life, where I have to pretend everything is good” – says Shireen
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 R330 Million.
