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.
Miane Swart (9) from Witbank, Mpumalanga, faces a relentless battle against PCDH19 epilepsy, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Since she was a baby, Miane has endured countless seizures, leaving her with the cognitive abilities of a much younger child. Now, her family seeks the community’s support to fund a crucial surgery that could dramatically improve her quality of life.
In 2015, what seemed like a typical day for Joleen Swart and Rickey Greyling turned into a nightmare that would forever alter their lives. Their baby girl, Miane Swart, only seven and a half months old, suddenly stopped breathing around 10 PM on June 28. Her tiny body turned purple, and her parents frantically tried to revive her as they awaited the ambulance. Rushed to Cosmos Hospital, Miane was resuscitated and initially diagnosed with a minor chest congestion. However, their relief was short-lived.
On the drive home, Miane’s breathing ceased once again. By the next morning, the young child experienced her first seizure, marking the beginning of a gruelling journey for the family. Over the next three years, countless tests and hospital visits eventually led to a diagnosis of PCDH19 epilepsy, a rare and severe form of the condition that defies conventional treatments.
Caption: 9-year-old Miane Swart
Now approaching her 10th birthday, Miane’s struggle with epilepsy has been relentless. The disorder has severely impacted her development, leaving her with the cognitive abilities of a three-and-a-half-year-old. Each seizure she endures deprives her brain of oxygen, causing further damage. Despite numerous medical interventions and medications, her seizures remain uncontrolled, placing her at constant risk.
Miane’s ongoing battle with frequent seizures has taken a significant toll on her brain, and her parents are desperate to find a solution. Her condition requires continuous monitoring and immediate intervention during seizures to prevent serious harm or even death. The potential breakthrough they’ve been hoping for lies in the implantation of a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), a device that functions like a pacemaker for the brain, helping to regulate its electrical activity and reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Caption: 9-year-old Miane Swart
Unfortunately, the cost of this life-saving procedure is a staggering R370,000, and their medical aid will only cover a small portion, leaving a shortfall of R300,000.
The family has launched a campaign on BackaBuddy to raise the necessary funds for Miane’s surgery.
In an interview with WITBANK NEWS, Joleen spoke about the emotional and physical toll this journey has taken on their family. “There are days when we feel overwhelmed and want to give up, but we have to stay strong for our children. Rickey is our rock, holding us together through the toughest times. Our faith keeps us going, believing that we were chosen for this path and that we’ll see it through.”
To date, the campaign has raised R209 000 from 69 generous donors, but they still have a long way to go to reach their goal. Miane’s mother has also had to switch to a different medical aid to cover the cost of her medications, which still amounts to over R3,000 per month out of pocket.
The courage and resilience of Miane and her family is an inspiring story of hope in the face of adversity. As they prepare for the upcoming surgery, they remain hopeful that the VNS will be the key to a brighter future for their beloved daughter.
To support Miane for her VNS surgery , visit her BackaBuddy campaign:
Caption: Help give 9-year-old Miane Swart a better life
Update from the Family:
“Thank you for your incredible support for Miane. Your generosity has brought us closer to booking her VNS implantation operation. Thanks to 69 compassionate donors like you, we’ve raised R209,330 so far.
Miane’s journey has been tough, but your kindness brings hope and healing. Recently, despite battling flu and irritability, her foot wounds are healing, and she’s getting better sleep with new medication.
We still need more funds to cover the operation costs. Your continued support can make all the difference. If you could share Miane’s story with others, it could inspire further generosity.”
