Joanita Smit (46), a counsellor from Boksburg, Gauteng, is on a mission to dismantle the stigma around sexual abuse, advocating for mental health, with her counselling practice under the Sm;tten Love Foundation.
Joanita’s story
At the age of 16, while attending a friend’s birthday party in Fleurdal, Bloemfontein Joanita was gang raped by a group of 4 teenage boys from a neighbouring school, when she went to change out of her swimsuit once the get-together had ended.
“For many years I could only remember snippets of that evening. I remember the door opening as soon as I took my bikini top off. I remember feeling embarrassed, thinking that the boys entered the room by mistake.”
“The realisation of what was about to happen became apparent when one of the boys put his hand over my mouth and told me to ‘keep quiet’. I can still smell the scent of his ‘Brut’ deodorant even today.”
“The ordeal lasted minutes but felt like hours. I tried to remove myself mentally from the situation, as I was physically overpowered. The boys took turns violating me without my consent, and left as if nothing had happened when the ‘fun’ was over”
Gathering her emotions and her composure, Joanita got dressed, washed her face, and pretended that nothing happened. She helped her friend clean up the bottles and balloons from the party, and then finally left to go home.
Afraid to ask for help, out of fear she wouldn’t be believed, and the judgement she would face, Joanita didn’t tell her parents or anyone about her sexual assault.
Unable and unwilling to tend to her psychological wounds, Joanita buried her trauma and suffered devastating consequences when her pain resurfaced later in life.
Struggling with mental health
The remnants of that fateful evening Joanita says, affected her self-image, and her trust in people and weighed heavily on her mental health.
“Since the age of 18, my journey with mental health started. I struggled with depression but in those years, it was a topic that was not spoken about. At the age of 24, I tried to take my own life by overdosing on depression medication. Luckily, I was found in time and lived to share my story with the world.”
“It took me a long time to realise that the things you do, say or feel are a result of extreme trauma. It took years for me to forgive myself as if I deserved what happened to me because of what I was wearing.”
Working with a psychiatrist at the age of 32, was a positive turning point for Joanita, who is successfully being treated for Bi-Polar Disorder 2, Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia, PTSD, OCD and High EQ today.
“Through therapy and medication, I got my life back and discovered how uneducated people are about mental health. I made a promise to myself to be an advocate for all the people suffering and all the victims by breaking this stigma.”
A new course
When Joanita closed the doors of her primary school after 15 years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, she decided to take a short counselling course to offer pro-bono mental health assistance to sexual abuse survivors online.
“I believe that the trauma I experienced planted the seed for my passion to help others, it’s the source of the compassion and empathy I have for the struggles of others. It’s the reason I advocate for those who have been abused and why after so many years I can tell my story.”
Realising the need for therapists in South Africa, Joanita has decided to broaden her studies and become an advanced therapist, to provide therapy for:
Gender-based violence
Mental Health Disorders
Phobias
Eating Disorders
Substance abuse
Bereavement
Youth issues
Needing to cover the R16 000 shortfall needed to begin her studies, Joanita has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support, so she may use her talents to help others.
Joanita would like to urge readers who have been sexually assaulted to seek help, and to break their silence, so others will know that they are not alone and that their perpetrators will not have the opportunity to hurt others.
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.
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 R344 Million.
For over 30 years, non-governmental organisation, The Gift of the Givers has served humanity unconditionally; assisting all of creation, irrespective of race, religion, colour class, political affiliation or geographic location.
“Our mission is simple: we react immediately to restore dignity to the most vulnerable affected by disasters.” – says Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers.
Partnering with crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, on the anniversary of their 30th celebration of serving humanity, The Gift of the Givers, is calling upon mankind to make a difference, restore dignity and provide hope to those who need it most.
“It fills the BackaBuddy team with immense pride to be associated with The Gift of The Givers – a homegrown, world-class organisation that will remain a beacon of hope for generations to come” – says Catherine Du Plooy, Chief Operations Officer at BackaBuddy.
If you would like to support The Gift of the Givers, and the incredible work they do to uplift South Africans, and citizens from across the globe, consider making a donation in their honour.
“Best Among People Are Those Who Benefit Mankind.” – says Dr. Sooliman
Support the Gift of The Givers 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 R344 Million.
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.
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.
