Last month, Gender-based violence activist Leilani Kuter (47), from Roodepoort, Johannesburg, took on her 3rd annual walk to highlight sexual assault survivors in South Africa.
Leilani’s story
Three years ago, Leilani revisited the NG-church Youth Centre in Pretoria, where she was brutally raped, assaulted, and left for dead in 1992, when she was only 18-years-old.
In confronting her painful past, Leilani found her purpose: to shatter sexual assault stigma, shine a spotlight on survival, and empower abused women to get up, speak out, and get the help they need.
“I am inspired by people who don’t make excuses, who take control of their lives, people who get up and carry on. No matter what has happened to you, don’t let it become your life sentence” – says Leilani
Wearing yellow, the colour the attacker wore on that fateful day, Leilani stepped out of the shadows on the 27th anniversary of her assault, and walked 27km for 27 days, a total distance of 729km, uplifting survivors with every stride. Joined by over 300 individuals, including Bruce Fordyce, Leilani was encouraged to not give up.
On the 28th anniversary of her assault, Leilani returned with a nostalgic walk, walking 28km for 16 days, revisiting significant milestones and places in her life.
On the 16th of September 2021, the 29th anniversary of her sexual assault, Leilani took on a new challenge: walking for 29 hours, from Ventersdorp to Little Falls, Gauteng, to raise R290 000 on BackaBuddy, to provide women, particularly those in disadvantaged areas with access to free self-defence classes.
The self-defence classes which cost R300 per person, will take place during the 16 days of Activism in November, with Gary Lewis & Carien Davel from Never Tap Out.
“I am passionate about self-defence because if I had some of these skills in 1992, I might have been able to protect myself. These courses won’t make you a hero, but they could save your life and give you a fighting chance!” – says Leilani
On her walk, Leilani was joined by her friend Jaxy Olivier, two Guardian Angels from 1st For Women, and Gerhard Botes who will be driving closely behind to ensure their safety.
With her awareness walks, Leilani has raised over R500 000 through her non-profit organization, Yellow For Survivors NPC, to support rape crisis centres in South Africa, such as SA Women Fight Back, Tears Foundation, Purple Foundation, Bobbi Bear Foundation and many others.
In addition to her awareness walks, Leilani has also completed more than 2500km’s in dedication walks to honor women affected by gender-based violence, such as Sibongile Zenzile, Olivia Jasriel and Reeva Steenkamp.
“For me, walking has been very healing. When you look back and see how far you’ve come, you are reminded that the past is behind you and that you need to keep moving forward. When I started my walks, I had no expectations and no idea that this would change my life. Now everyone knows me as the lady with the yellow shirt. ” – says Leilani
To support Leilani’s 29 hour walk, make a donation on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/29hrwgbv
Alternatively, make a donation via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/29hrWalkforGBV
All donors are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by Yellow for Survivors NPC.
More more information visit Yellow for survivors: https://www.yellowforsurvivors.co.za
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 44000+ 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 R500 Million.
Romario Valentine (9), a pint-size planet warrior and artist from Umhlanga, Durban, has dedicated the last 4 years of his young life to protecting our planet.
Fully focused on his passions, namely bird and marine conservation, climate change, and deforestation, Romario has remarkably completed 180 beach clean-ups to date, planted over 455 trees across 22 continents, and last year he raised over R31 000 on BackaBuddy to support the Umgeni River Bird Park in lieu of birthday gifts.
Despite only being in grade 4, Romario has become a rising star in the conservation space.
He recently made history by becoming the youngest Ambassador for Ocean Sole, a Kenyan company that recycles flip flops that wash ashore by transforming them into vibrant colourful marine and wildlife sculptures with the help of local artists.
On the 17th of June 2021, He was selected by the UNCCD “United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification” to highlight climate change and land degradation to represent them at their Desertification and Drought Day.
He has also been featured by The United Nations, 50/50, Extreme E’s Virtual Series Launch, National Geographic Kids, Global Citizen, and appeared as one of 35 activists in “What a Wonderful World” a book by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Lydia Hill, to be released in the United Kingdom, August 2021.
Romario celebrated his 10th birthday on 26th July 2021, staying true to his selfless nature, he once again decided to forgo birthday gifts to instead raise R20 000 on Backabuddy, to support two charities close to his heart, Birds of Eden and Zeitz Foundation.
As Romario blew out the candles on his birthday cake this year, he only had one wish, which was “to restore habitats for biodiversity and to leave a legacy for other children and generations to come”
Since the launch of his crowdfunding campaign, Romario raised over R 24 000 exceeding his fundraising target, with contributions from 71 donors both locally and abroad.
Funds raised allowed him to sponsor 350 Acacia trees to be planted in the rainy season this October/November in the Segera, Kenya with Zeitz Foundation.
His trees included a variety of baobab, coral, blackbird berry, acacia, mango, mulberry, papaya, and pepper bark which were planted last week by women from the community.
The additional funds were donated to Birds of Eden, Plettenberg Bay in Western Cape to help with the completion of 30 × 30m aviary for abandoned African Grey parrots to have a safe home and live freely.
“Trees are life, they are important for our survival and help slow down global warming. When we take care of nature, we take care of ourselves. I am grateful for all the support from my parents and everyone around the world. I believe it is my mission to protect biodiversity. ” – Romario Valentine
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/romario-valentine-10th-birthday
“As parents, we are honoured to have a humble, visionary son. Romario has been passionate about the environment and wildlife for several years. We will continue to support him the best way we can on his journey. We believe he is a Champion of the Earth. We are grateful to everyone who has supported his campaigns and his environmental journey to date. – says, Romario’s mum, Delsha Moodley
Follow Romario on Twitter: https://twitter.com/artistromario
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 R250 Million.
On the 31st of March 2021, 2-year-old Willow Kleinhans from Richard’s Bay was playing in her mother’s kitchen when she reached for the gas stove, and accidentally poured boiling cooking oil over her head and 25% of her body.
Covered in 1 to 3rd-degree burns, Willow passed out from the stinging pain while being rushed to the nearest hospital 80km away from their home in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Suffering severe trauma, Willow spent a total of 52 days in the hospital, first at Ngwelezane Hospital and she was later transferred to Albert Luthuli Hospital when her wounds got infected.
With the pain and discomfort of her burns, Willow spent most of the time sleeping, she hardly ate and was unable to speak for nearly 18 days.
As soon as her infection subsided, Willow was taken into theatre for a skin graft procedure. The skin was harvested from both her legs, to cover part of her head, face, and her right arm.
While doctors are happy with the progress Willow has made thus far, her road to recovery will be long and difficult.
Currently, Willow has been prescribed medication to help with the severe itching and nerve pains she experiences as a result of her wounds.
In the near future, Willow will also need to begin laser treatment to break down her scar tissue and make her skin softer.
“It has been a long, hard, and emotional road to get to where we are today, especially for Willow, but for us as her family as well. Although things are looking better now, it is still going to be a long, challenging, and uncertain road forward.” – says Willow’s mum, Charmaine.
As Willow doesn’t have medical aid and her family is not in a financial position to give her the help she needs, non-profit organisation, Porky’s People NPC, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to reach out to the public for support.
Funds raised will be used to cover Willow’s immediate medical and living expenses, as well as any treatment Willow will need going forward.
“We have been so fortunate to meet the brave, happy, loving, and playful Willow. We hope that with our campaign, we will be able to give Willow the future every little girl deserves” – says Theresa Pienaar, Co-Founder of Porky’s People NPC.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/help-willows-wounds-heal
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/help_willows_wounds_heal
*Funds raised will be administered by Porky’s People NPC and paid directly to the relevant practitioners and suppliers for their intended purpose.
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 R270 Million.
2021 has been a particularly difficult year for all South Africans.
We have faced the ongoing pandemic together; many of us haven’t seen our loved ones for a long time.
Some of us have lost someone close to us or know someone who has.
Many businesses have struggled and many more people have lost their jobs.
But through lockdowns and isolation, we have also witnessed the resilient South African spirit in all its glory, and have seen our people come together, more than ever before to help those in need.
On BackaBuddy, South Africa’s leading donations-based crowdfunding platform, over R55 million has been raised this year with the generous support of over 62 000 donors, who have supported almost 4000 individuals and beloved non-profit organisations.
Take a look at a few BackaBuddy campaigns launched this year that reminded us what it means to be South African, even in these trying times.
Eco-warrior Romario Valentine from Umhlanga, Durban celebrated his 10th birthday by raising over R24 000, to plant 350 trees in Kenya and build an aviary for over 3500 birds in Plettenberg Bay. Inspired by his relentless focus on improving our natural environment, Romario was invited to share his opinions on a panel with the United Nations! In the words of Greta Thunberg, ‘You’re never too little to make a difference.’
View Romario’s campaign here.
Pictured above: Romario planting trees with Beverly Hills General Manager, John Aritho, and Wayne Burgess from Burgess Landscapes.
Almost 500 donors came together to bring Dale Benson, a 39-year-old educator back home from Vietnam, after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was unable to access the treatment he needed while overseas.
With over R200 000 raised, Dale arrived at Cape Town international airport and shared a heartfelt moment with his mum, Inge Bosman, who was overjoyed to see him. Our thoughts are with Dale as he continues his treatment.
View Dale’s campaign here.
Pictured above: Dale with his mum, Inge.
Despite the obstacles in his path, Robert Maposa (43) from Pretoria, who was working as a gardener, went on to pass his LLB degree from UNISA with distinction this year.
To commend Robert for his hard work and determination, almost R90 000 was raised to purchase Robert a car and professional attire to begin his new career.
View Robert’s campaign here.
Pictured above: Robert receiving his degree.
Henry Cock (34), a businessman from Sandton, Johannesburg, set out to smash the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive half marathons run in a row, while at the same time uplifting South Africans struggling with mental health issues during the lockdown.
With his campaign launched on BackaBuddy, Henry has raised over R530 000 to support The South African Depression and Anxiety group. Henry hopes to make history with the end of his challenge on 17 November 2021.
Donate to Henry’s campaign here.
With generous support from donors across South Africa, over R90 000 was raised to give Omphile Selepe (12), from Sandton his very own wheelchair.
Omphile is living with x-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare life-threatening genetic brain disease that has inhibited his ability to walk, speak and function indepently. With his specialized chair, Omphile’s quality of life has improved tremendously, while bravely fighting his condition, never giving up his beaming smile.
View Omphile’s campaign here.
Pictured above: Omphile with his sister, Ntabiseng Selepe.
Listen as BackaBuddy COO, Catherine Du Plooy speaks to SmileFm , (6/10/2021), about how we’ve seen our people come together, more than ever before to help those in need.
Thank you South Africa for reminding us of all the kindness and love we as a society have to offer.
Connect with BackaBuddy to support a loved one or uplift a cause or organisation in your community.
As a tribute to the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our nation, every year on 24th September we celebrate Heritage Day, a day where South Africans come together to honour what makes us unique.
On this day, families all over the country enjoy a classic braai in remembrance of our culinary tradition of gathering around a fire to cook.
Unfortunately not many South Africans can enjoy these festivities.
While we take a day to celebrate our heritage, donate a warm nutritional meal to a charity by helping them raise funds to feed those in need.
Dedicated to assisting struggling families of all races and religions, The Cradle of Hope has launched a passion project to help relieve those in desperate need of making ends meet around their community affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Your donation will help the non-profit organisation continue its wonderful work by raising funds to feed more than 1200 hungry adults and children that seek shelter and meals every day.
Donate to The Cradle of Hope’s campaign here.
Picture above: The Cradle of hope feeding 1200 less fortunate adults and children, every single day.
Aimed at helping feed as many vulnerable families living in the 7 Municipal regions of the Garden Route, the Garden Route Food Pantry has launched an initiative to provide healthy food relief during the scourge of the pandemic.
With a large number of families to feed, the outrage is looking to raise enough funds to purchase a 300 litre boiling pan in which to produce large quantities of soup, stews, and pasta dishes for distribution to those in need.
Donate to the Food Pantry’s campaign here.
Situated in the soul of Cape Town, Naazneen Kaariem has dedicated 10 years of her life selflessly providing nutritional meals from her home to the community of District 6. Without her warm heart and dedication, things would be a lot tougher for the residents of this community.
With your donation, this community kitchen can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
Donate to Naazneen’s soup kitchen here.
Picture above: Naazneen feeding over 2000 in Valhalla Park.
In support of the homeless community of Observatory and Saltriver in Cape Town, Breaking Bread Community Development operates a soup kitchen serving at least one meal per day five times a week.
Donations raised to support this kitchen are used to buy food for daily meals including Breakfast and Lunch, as well as one large meal, served on a Friday where others can join and volunteer.
Donate to Breaking Bread’s campaign here.
Picture above: Director of Breaking Bread Community Development, Sheradia Brown, serving two meals a day to the Homeless from her house in Salt River.
Chad Nathan, from the Western Cape, alongside Ladles of Love, Breadline Africa, and Courage has raised over R690 000 in his initiative to mitigate the situation of less fortunate communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
To date, they have helped over 35 charities across South Africa, and with the additional funds raised, Chad is looking to support feeding schemes in Langa, Mannenberg, Hanover Park, Delft, and many more.
Donate to Chad’s campaign here.
So while we celebrate what makes South Africa great, remember those who could go without a meal today and donate to a greater cause in helping make a difference.
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 R270 Million.
Crystal Meintjies from Johannesburg is a single mom on a mission to get hearing aids for her 11-year-old twin boys, Caleb and Cole, who were born deaf.
After a difficult pregnancy and contracting measles, Crystal gave birth to her charming boys at only 26 weeks. Born premature, the boys weighed only 1.9kgs and 1.6kgs respectively.
Photo above: Crystal, Caleb and Cole with their family.
The twins’ hearing problems weren’t noticed right a way, says Crystal.
“We only discovered Caleb was deaf at 1 year old and Cole at the age of 3, as we always thought he was imitating his twin brother, until our speech therapist said I should take him back to my ENT specialist, we then got referrals to audiologists who assisted” says their mother, Crystal.
Today, Caleb and Cole have grown into charming, happy and healthy boys with a special bond.
Photo Above: Caleb and Cole
Uniquely different, Caleb can be described as a quiet child, who seem reserved at times but once you get to know him, you’d love him. Whereas Cole is a character of note. He loves to tease, joke and play around. Very loving boy and enjoys attention.
“The Brothers truly are each other’s best friends. I look at these two, and as much as they fight, when nobody is looking, they’re as thick as thieves. This is the kind of love I admire. I pray they never lose sight of it” says their mother, Crystal.
Photo above: Caleb and Cole in school uniform.
Caleb and Cole both attend St Vincent School of the Deaf and have been thriving while wearing hearing aids that have improved their lives significantly.
Unfortunately, only one twin is currently using a hearing aid between the two of them, as the one pair is broken and needs to be serviced.
Reaching out for community support to give her son’s the gift of sound and improve their lives, Crystal Meintjies, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R8500 has been raised towards the fundraising target of R50 000 with contributions from 15 generous donors.
Photo above: Caleb and Cole
“Your assistance will be greatly appreciated and would be a dream come true. Please help me to help my son’s dreams and hope of having new hearing aids come true and that they can be serviced and maintained when necessary” pleads their mother, Crystal.
Any additional funds raised will support Caleb in getting a cochlear implant, as he has been nominated as a possible candidate for the costly procedure.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/crystal-meintjies
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/crystal-meintjies
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 R270 Million.