Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, South Africa, a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy, will be celebrating its 25 years since the constitution was signed December 1996.
As part of the commemoration, an enormous retrospective exhibition, ‘Death and Resurrection’, is underway to showcase the prolific artworks that the Keiskamma Art Project have produced over two decades which explore the fabric of Xhosa narrative, South African and African society, unravelling and re-stitching histories into symbolically charged tapestries that read like storybooks.
Pictured above: Artists working on the Keiskamma Altarpiece outside the studio in Hamburg, Eastern Cape.
Through cutting and stitching, simultaneously, socio-political inquiries, responses and experiences of plagues and pandemics, humanity and hope are brought to the fore in engaging needlework and textile which are recognised for their place in art history on the African continent and in the international art community.
This exhibition will also be a way of celebrating those who have shared skills and built extraordinary relationships with the community of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape. Exchanges of talent and trust have been at the heart of a generous interchange between the artists and a global community.
Pictured above: Artists laying out the sequence of the panels for the Keiskamma Tapestry.
“This retrospective exhibition foregrounds the traditional oral histories and acts as a loudhailer through which to amplify the stories and experiences by, and for the people who are otherwise not heard. Through simultaneous narration and documentation we hope to foster a safe environment to promote healing and sharing to bring people and diverse communities together.” – says Azu Nwagbogu, world renowned curator and art collector, Founder and Director of African Artist’s Foundation, ex Interim Director/Head Curator of the Zietz Museum of Contemporary Art, Founder and Director of LagosPhoto Festival, creator of Art Base Africa
Pictured above: Azu Nwagbogu world-renowned curator and art collector @azubogu
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
To realise the dream of bringing this exhibition, which promises to be one of the best exhibitions South Africa has ever seen, to Constitution Hill in 2022, the Keiskamma Art Project, is reaching out to the public for support through a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.
“For 20 years, we have seen first-hand the magic that is possible through community. The Keiskamma Art Project is a testament to this. It is for this reason that we look to crowd-funding to make this vision a magnificent reality of world-class standards to be shared and marvelled by all.” – says Pippa Hetherington, curator Death and Resurrection.
Pictured above: A rendering of the exhibition space showcasing the Keiskamma Guernica, made in 2010, mixed media including appliqué, embroidery, felt, wire, blankets, metal, beads.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R246 047.18 has already been raised towards the fundraising target of R1 234 000, which is needed by 30th November 2021 to secure the date of the exhibition and start production.
The project has so far secured generous donations from Constitution Hill, Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC), Kathy Robins, Wendy Ackerman and a number of anonymous donations.
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“We truly believe that this is an opportunity to challenge the perception of contemporary African art and showcase a collective on African soil and then for it to travel. Apart from the national and international impact of providing insight to social, health and art intersections, the visibility of the Keiskamma Art Project is vital for the knock-on effect of the sustainability of the artmaking and the livelihoods of the artists.” – says Michaela Howse, project manager Keiskamma Art Project
Donate to support The Keiskamma Project on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/death-and-resurrection
Alternatively, donate Snapscan here:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Death_and_Resurrection
View the artworks and digital catalogue here:
https://keiskammaartproject.org/#exhibition
Social media links:
https://www.instagram.com/death_and_resurrection_/
https://www.facebook.com/keiskammadeathresurrection
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.
Local master distiller and brewery owner, Peter Dickens (53), from Overstrand, Western Cape, was hospitalized on 24 July 2021, and remains in high ICU care in critical condition, after contracting COVID-19.
Pictured above: Peter Dickens
After the Provincial Hospital in Hermanus had done everything they could to help Peter with the equipment they had, Peter was transferred to Mediclinic as he was in need of emergency intervention, and he did not qualify for higher care treatment in another Provincial Hospital.
As Peter is unable to breathe without the help of a ventilator, and his progress has been slow and unpredictable, Mediclinic predicts Peter’s recovery will be prolonged.
Pictured above: Karen holds Peter’s hand in ICU
Mounting medical bills
Without medical aid, the cost of Peter’s hospitalization as a private patient has reached a staggering R700 000 to date, which has placed tremendous financial stress on the family, who are doing everything they can to keep him in hospital to get the help he desperately needs.
Currently, it costs approximately R25 000 a day to keep Peter at the private facility, a moving target which only escalates as various procedures and interventions are required. Being a private patient, the family also needs to cover the medical costs a week in advance.
Pictured above: Peter with his wife Karen of 28 years
Upon hearing about Peter’s deteriorating health, Karen’s customer, now friend, Diane Forster, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support during this difficult time.
With the support of 80 donations both big and small, over R200 000 has been raised since the launch of the campaign that hopes to raise over R700 000 to get the beloved business owner the best treatment.
“Life doesn’t have a price, hope does. That hope is captured in every contribution that is made. Many of us will never meet Peter, but each one who has contributed will know that in these very difficult times they made a difference. Our BackaBuddy campaign is simply about making a difference to Peter and his family, but right now, the reality is that Karen doesn’t need another casserole, she needs cash. ” – says Diane
The Dickens family has been overwhelmed by support
“To our wonderful donors, thank you for raising us on your shoulders and the immense power of your support for my ‘Miracle Man’ who has the biggest heart in the world. Thank you for the out-pour of love and care, it means the world to us knowing we are not alone. Your donations humble me, and gives me strength knowing we can keep on fighting. My gratitude extends to thankless, tiresome efforts by the Doctors, Sisters and all the Hospital staff for all the have done for my Peter” – says Karen
Donate to support Peter’s medical treatment on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/peter-dickens
Alternatively, make a donation via Snapscan here:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Peter-dickens
More info:
Peter is the owner of The Spirit of Hermanus operating as Old Tin Hat Brewery, Folk & Goode Brewing Company and Fiddler’s spirit range
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.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy by FundingHub, to help small business owner, Suveer Pakkoo (38), from Howick, Pietermaritzburg, recover from the devastating looting and unrest that destroyed his company Badges and Signs.
To help Suveer get back to business, he will need to replace 6 machines (estimated at R20 000) and almost R15 000 in raw materials that were stolen during the looting. Some suppliers who are affiliated with the business have kindly lent a few machines to Suveer so they can continue their operations and deliver on the jobs they were busy with prior to the unrest.
Without insurance Suveer has suffered a tremendous loss, but thanks to kind support from his community, he is almost back on his feet.
With generous support from 11 donors, almost R29 000 has been raised towards Suveer’s fundraising target of R45 000 on BackaBuddy.
“I’m 38 years of age & have two kids, so I am not at a stage to quit, I have built my business from the start & am going to see this through. I appreciate that there is still hope out there.” – says Suveer.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
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 R260 Million.
Every year millions of children die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, according to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Tracker.
In South Africa, this reality manifests itself as children in over 3 000 schools are using dangerous pit latrines (toilets) in their learning environment.
As a solution to this dire problem, The HomeComing Foundation, based in Pretoria, has launched groundbreaking initiative, #TheBucketStopsWithMe, to assist in the eradication of pit/bucket toilets in schools and replace them with dignified and safe sanitation infrastructure, including taps and toilets for schools in need.
Picture Above: The Foundation’s mission is to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the adequate tools for future success.
“We understand that quality education is accompanied by a clean environment, sufficient equipment, and a safe space for students to thrive. #TheBucketStopsWithMe initiative is the first project from our foundation, and we are proud to embark on this transformative journey that will address key problem areas in learning environments,” says the Managing Director of HomeComing Foundation, Kopano Bookholane.
With the first phase of this initiative, HomeComing Foundation aims to raise enough funds to transform the sanitation challenges in up to 4 schools. So far, #TheBucketStopsWithMe has managed to raise over R62 000 via the BackaBuddy crowdfunding platform.
“The funds raised are allocated towards the implementation of a non-polluting, cost-effective toilet system, plus the safe and hygienic infrastructure to house it,” explains Kopano.
To amplify its fundraising efforts, the #TheBucketStopsWithMe initiative has joined forces with media personalities, Hulisani Ravele and Dr. Musa Mthombeni, as its key spokespersons.
“We have both had the privilege of being educated in learning environments that were safe and clean. Our parents never had to carry the fear of receiving a phone call from the school saying that we had fallen down a pit toilet or contracted an illness as a result of unhygienic conditions. For this fear to still be a reality for so many parents and learners speaks to the crisis our education system finds itself in. We’re excited to lend not only our voices but also our hands to HomeComing Foundation,” said Ravele and Mthombeni.
The Homecoming Foundation #TheBucketStopsWithMe Initiative is live and both individuals and corporates are encouraged to pledge their donations as we aim to eradicate pit toilets and the buckets system, thus creating safe and hygienic learning spaces for students to thrive.
Donate to support #TheBucketStopsWithMe initiative:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/homecomingnpc-campaign
Donate via Snapscan
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/HomecomingFoundationNPC
The Homecoming Foundation (HCF), is on a mission to make sure that the next generation is equipped with the best possible chance of achieving success. We understand that quality education is accompanied by a clean environment, sufficient equipment, and a safe space for students to thrive.
For more information on #TheBucketStopsWithMe please follow the foundation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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.
Digital Content Creator and Trans Rights Activist, Zoey Black (33) from Kuils River, Cape Town, has openly shared her life and journey as a trans woman for the world to see in recent years.
Now, after much consideration, the tenacious Capetonian is ready for the next big step in her life, undergoing a breast augmentation, or ‘Top surgery’ as it’s commonly known, to affirm herself.
“It was incredibly hard being raised and socialised as a boy. Since childhood, I knew I was a woman. But I didn’t have the language to articulate or explain why I felt so displaced and why I struggled with my identity and relationships. Only coming into my gender identity in my late 20’s was rough, but it was by far the best decision I made for myself… to live as myself, openly.” – says Zoey
To realise her life-long dream of becoming her authentic self, Zoey has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to appeal to family, friends, LGBTQI allies, as well as the wider public for much-needed support.
“I’m the kind of person to take my time when I make big decisions. I’d been thinking of having top surgery done for about 5 years now. But before I decided to undergo such massive change, I wanted to make sure that it was the right decision for me. And it was. So here we are… Me, asking you to help make that decision a reality.” – says Zoey.
Since the launch of Zoey’s campaign on 4 August 2021, over R5000 has been raised towards her fundraising target of R60 000, which will cover the cost of the surgery, time in theatre, as well as the routine post-surgery check-ups she will need.
To show her appreciation to those who have supported her op and stood by her through the years, Zoey hopes to document her experience in detail, to pave the way for her ‘trans siblings’ who are contemplating affirming themselves through surgery.
She also hopes that through educating others on what it means to be trans, more people will have compassion for the vibrant community. ‘There is always something we can learn from each other’ says Zoey.
Make a donation to support Zoey’s transformation:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/zoey-black
Donate via Snapscan
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Zoey-black
For regular updates on Zoey’s journey, subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
Follow Zoey on Instagram here.
Gender DynamiX (GDX), established in 2005, is the first registered Africa-based public benefit organisation to focus solely on trans and gender diverse communities. What started as a mere vision, slowly grew into a grassroots organisation. GDX has since become an institutionalised non-profit organisation (NPO) that is fundamental to the development of the trans and gender diverse movement(s) in South Africa and across southern Africa.
For more information, visit:
https://www.genderdynamix.org.za
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 R260 Million.
Pictured above: SAWFB volunteers, Lizet Coelho and Charlie Bezuidenhout-Hollingsworth
In response to the tragic murder of 29-year-old, Meghan Cremer, the vibrant show-jumper and bakery manager from Cape Town, who was assaulted and murdered in Cape Town in August 2019, Bronwyn Litkie launched Facebook group SA Women Fight Back.
The group, which was founded on 8 August 2019, the day before Women’s Day, began as a safe place for women to share their stories of abuse, seek help and confide in each other, soon grew to nearly a quarter of a million members, putting gender-based violence in the spotlight.
With the help of remarkable volunteers, the group formalised and established an NPC, to give a voice to the slain, forgotten and silenced women in our society.
“Through the stories that we read we came to realise just how many womxn have remained silent and suffered for sometimes decades at the hands of their abuser. Most women had never shared their stories. Gender-Based Violence has been silenced for too long, and we need to lift this veil and let womxn know that they are not alone and that there is always help for them” says group founder, Bronwyn.
Founder of SAWFB, Bronwyn Litkie.
Turning words into action, SA Women Fight Back, collaborates with sister organisations to offer gender-based violence survivors counselling and healing courses after they have experienced trauma, among other helpful initiatives.
This women’s month, the organisation hopes to expand their care pack drive, through a crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy, to help restore dignity to the brave women who come forward to report a sexual assault.
These packs, which cost approximately R100 to put together, including transportation costs, contain underwear, sanitary pads, a pamphlet on where to find help, and other much-needed items to help survivors on their road to rehabilitation.
“We currently have relationships with 16 police stations across SA but would like this program to reach all stations with high Gender-Based violence statistics. There are over 40 000 gender-based violence cases reported each year and we would like to be able to supply care packs to every victim.” – says Bronwyn.
With generous support from the public, the organisation has thus far been able to accumulate 250 care packs, which will serve as a life-line to those who need them.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/victim-to-survivor
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/victim-to-survivor
*Recurring donations can be made via BackaBuddy and Snapscan, if you wish to support this project on a monthly basis for a specified amount of time.
SA Women Fight Back is a community of united women who network to bring about legislative change and support for all women and children in South Africa.
Through non-violent, collaborative engagement, the organisation lobbies to combat gender-based violence and hold government and other authorities accountable for the safety, empowerment, equality, and justice for all.
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to gender-based violence. We encourage you to contact SAWFB to get help.
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 R260 Million.