Faahkir Bestman (19) was always destined for greatness. From the moment he first stepped onto a dance floor, it was clear to all who saw him that he had something special.
Dubbed Hanover Park’s Billy Elliot, the young Capetonian caught the eye of Abeedah Medell of the famed Eoan Group when he was just eight years old.
Believing in his talents, Abeedah gave Faahkir the formative training he needed and encouraged him to dream beyond his reality.
With each step, Faahkir grew stronger and more determined to dance on the big stages of the world.
At just twelve years old, he won the inaugural Christopher Kindo scholarship, allowing him to attend the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg. In Grade 9, Intocast SA selected him for their bursary programme which covered all his expenses through high school.
Before his final matric exams, Faahkir was awarded the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship to attend the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York. But he needs help to ensure that he can sustain himself when he is there and be ready for all eventualities.
The Johannesburg Youth Ballet (JYB) has taken up the cause and is driving and managing a fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy, to ensure that Faahkir has everything he needs for his time at the Joffrey Ballet.
Pictured above: FAAHKIR BESTMAN in the NSA’s DANCE SPECTRUM (Photo Credit : Lauge Sorensen)
Since the launch of the campaign, more than R90 000 has been raised with kind contributions from 81 donors, towards his fundraising target of R150 000, which will comfortably secure Faahkir’s needs for the year.
Funds raised will cover Faahkir’svisa and passport costs, his return flights to New York, his medical insurance, clothing and dance gear, bedding and cooking utensils for his residence, as well as a small amount of pocket money for his stay.
Pictured above: Faahkir Bestman
Faahkir has dedicated his entire life to his craft and has worked hard to achieve success he has. With help from the public, Faahkir will be able to take the next step in his journey, and dance on the world’s stage.
“There are many talented young dancers who want to make a career out of dance, but it is perhaps once or twice in a lifetime that someone with Faahkir’s talent, commitment, passion, and focus to achieve despite adversity crosses your path. I feel honoured and privileged to have worked with Faahkir on his dance journey. I have seen his growth as an artist in all genres of dance. He is eager to learn, takes and applies corrections, and is passionate about everything he does. He is a bright and humble young man, with incredible stage presence, that I know is destined for greatness.” – says Mark Hawkins (Artistic Director of the Johannesburg Youth Ballet)
All additional funds raised by the campaignwill be used to establish “The Bestman Bursary” to assist other young dancers waiting in the wings to dance their dream!
The Youth Ballet is a registered NPC with public benefit status, meaning that all donations will receive a Section 18 A certificate for tax purposes.
Together, we can fly Faahkir to the Joffrey Ballet in New York, where he will have the chance to reach his full potential and achieve his dreams. Let’s make it happen for this talented and soulful young man!
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.
When people come together, amazing things can happen.
Take a look at a few campaigns that have been highlighted on the Backabuddy Impact Village as well as in media publications across South Africa this week.
Featured Campaigns
Read our latest blog posts featured on the BackaBuddy impact village this week.
In memory of her beloved mother who passed away in November, Briony Chisholm is undertaking a unique initiative to cope with grief. To celebrate what would have been her mother’s 80th birthday on February 11, 2024, Briony has committed to “arm-running” 80 km, utilizing discovered arm movements as steps, despite being quadriplegic since a car accident in 1996.
This initiative seeks to raise funds for the UWC Fairy Godmother, supporting students at UWC facing financial challenges. The initiative resonates with her mother’s belief in the transformative power of education. Donations contribute directly to the UWC Fairy Godmother, aiding determined South African students pursuing education under difficult circumstances. Updates on the progress, measured in steps and kilometers, will be shared to engage supporters.
Quintus Serton, a beloved father, is fighting for his life after a brutal attack on December 9th. Currently in Milpark Hospital’s trauma unit, he faces extensive injuries and mounting medical bills exceeding R450,000 due to a lack of medical cover. Despite slow but steady progress, Quintus needs further procedures and therapy for his long road to recovery. Financial support is urgently needed, and every donation will directly contribute to covering his ongoing treatment expenses. A call for generosity and kindness has been made to aid Quintus in his recovery. Your support can make a significant difference in this difficult time.
Surfing legend Ian Armstrong, a former World Big Wave Champ and influential figure in the surfing community, recently lost his shaping room and livelihood in a devastating wildfire in Cape Town. The fire destroyed his tools, shaped boards, and the structure itself. Shaping is not only Ian’s passion but also his family’s main income source. A fundraising initiative has been launched on BackaBuddy to raise approximately R150 000 to help Ian rebuild his shaping room. Contributions from the community will support him in getting back to shaping boards. Ian’s work on his website at https://armstrongsurfboards.co.za/. Your support is greatly appreciated.
After suffering severe injury to his neck while playing in a rugby tournament in September last year, which initially left him paralysed, four months later an avid rugby player, Anzil Williams (16) from Humansdorp, is looking forward to continuing positive results in his recovery, and celebrating all the excitement of being in matric.
Do you need to raise funds for a personal need such as medical, education, or for a cause or charity?If so, you’re in the right place. 30 000+ people just like you have successfully raised funds on BackaBuddy.
300 000+ donors have supported over 30 000+ heroes like you through their medical treatment, and education or have rewarded a gesture of kindness by paying it forward on BackaBuddy.
We thank our generous donors and hardworking campaign creators everyday for making the world a better place. We are the shoulders on which heroes stand.
Siyabonga Lusaseni (11) is a bright and lively Grade 6 student at Pinelands North Primary School in Pinelands, Cape Town, who comes from a loving family in the Khayelitsha community.
In his 5 years at Pinelands North Primary School, Siya has touched many hearts with his positive deposition and excellent work ethic, including his former teacher, Megan Culligan (30).
“I have had the privilege of seeing Siya grow and thrive in this environment. He is a beautiful little boy with a heart of gold. He loves school and learning, and has built many wonderful relationships with his teachers and peers over the years. He is full of energy, love and enjoys sports and being active.” – says Megan
Despite his passion for education, Siya and his family are facing financial difficulties that threaten to hinder his continued studies at PNPS.
Offering her support, Megan has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to the public to help Siya, so that he may continue to flourish.
Megan firmly believes that with a solid education, anything is possible and many doors can be opened for Siya.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R37 000 has been raised towards Siya’s fundraising target of R56 000, which will help cover Siya’s school fees, aftercare, tutoring, and the purchase of a tablet, which is required for grade 6 and onward.
Any donation will go a long way toward securing Siya’s future growth.
With Megan and the PNPS community behind Siya, the hope is that he will begin Grade 6 with confidence and have the opportunity to follow his dreams into the future.
Support Siya’s education by making a donation on BackaBuddy:
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.
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.
“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.
