As World Stroke Day on 29 October 2024 draws near, South African primary schools are being called to join the FAST Heroes initiative, a global health education programme designed to teach children how to fight stroke and save lives. Supported by the World Stroke Organisation and expanding its reach nationwide, this initiative is transforming young learners into heroes who can act quickly in emergencies.
Targeting children aged 5 to 9 years, FAST Heroes equips them with essential knowledge on how to recognise the key signs of a stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech impairment. Through a five-week adventure filled with engaging and interactive activities, the programme teaches life-saving skills in a fun, memorable way. Animated characters, like superhero grandparents and their grandchildren, Timmy and Tanya, help children understand the urgency of calling 112, South Africa’s emergency number, when a stroke is suspected. The programme is entirely free for schools to implement, and many schools have extended it to include pre-primary and older students as well.
Building on its success in the Western Cape, FAST Heroes has now reached 125 schools and nearly 20,000 children across South Africa, with 10,000 students participating just in the past year. Educators and healthcare professionals have praised the initiative for its community impact. Dr. De Vries Basson of Karl Bremer Hospital sees it as a powerful tool for uniting communities in the fight against strokes and other chronic diseases.
Wendy Freitas, a teacher at Loreto School Queenswood and winner of the International FAST Heroes Amazing Teacher Award 2024, shared her excitement about the programme: “FAST Heroes provides resources that make teaching both effective and enjoyable. It’s a programme that truly resonates with the students, making learning both engaging and impactful.”
Mr. George Scola, Founder and CEO of the Stroke Survivors Foundation, emphasised the long-term benefits: “Thanks to FAST Heroes, in 5, 10, or 15 years, everyone will know what a stroke is, recognise the signs, and understand how to act FAST to prevent further damage to the survivor.”
FAST Heroes invites schools across South Africa to take part in this life-saving campaign. By empowering young children with the tools they need, we can create a future where quick action saves lives, one grandparent at a time. To register your school or class, or to learn more, visit Fast Heroes.
On Friday, 6th September, a devastating power surge in Chasedene, Pietermaritzburg, reduced 80% of Theresa and Deon Pienaar’s family home to rubble in minutes. The remaining part of the house was submerged in water as firefighters battled the flames.
Now, their children—Zane Groenewald (31), Natasha Hodge (43), Kirsty Olwagen (35), and Nadine Du Plooy (24)—are rallying together to help their parents rebuild their lives.
From left to right: Zane, Kirsty, Theresa, Devan Marx (nephew), Natasha, Deon, Nadine
Theresa Pienaar, co-founder of Porky’s People—a Pietermaritzburg-based charity with a big heart and a grassroots mission to provide food, clothing, and other essentials to families in need—recalled the terrifying moments before the fire engulfed their home. She had been preparing snacks for two memorials scheduled for the next day when her foster son (7), who has who has special needs, alerted her to smoke coming down the passage. By that point, the cupboards in the main bedroom were already on fire.
Rushing out the front door to gather her two foster children, Theresa shouted for someone to call the fire department.
The fire, which started in the bedroom, quickly spread throughout the house. In a brave attempt to smother the flames with a blanket, Theresa’s hand was injured and she was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
Zane, who has been the Marketing and PR Manager at BackaBuddy for 7 years, where he has helped run crowdfunding campaigns for a wide range of causes—from medical emergencies to disaster relief and acts of kindness—reflected on the devastation: “My siblings and I received a call from our mother on Friday night, telling us that our family home was in flames. The relentless blaze had already claimed most of the house, reducing our belongings and cherished memories to ash and rubble. Realizing the extent of the damage and what it would take to rebuild, we launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to our incredible community for support to help get our parents back on their feet.”
With the siblings spread across different cities in South Africa, the crowdfunding campaign became a vital way for them to come together and support their parents during this difficult time.
“Zane is in Johannesburg, Natasha is in Cape Town, I’m in Kuruman, and Nadine is in Pietermaritzburg. We couldn’t physically be there to help, but this campaign gave us a way to unite and feel less helpless,” Kirsty shared. “I’ll never forget the pain in my mother’s voice when she realized that everything she and my stepfather had built over a lifetime was gone.”
The campaign has raised R67,825 so far, with support from 43 donors both locally and internationally.
“We’ve received donations ranging from R50 to R20,000, from friends, family, the generous Pietermaritzburg community, and even strangers. Every contribution and message of support has meant the world to our family,” Kirsty said.
In addition to the financial support, the family has also received donations of clothes, household items, and other essentials.
“Throughout our lives, our mom has always been there for others, helping in both big and small ways without ever expecting anything in return,” said Natasha Hodge, one of Theresa’s daughters. “It’s truly heartwarming to see the community stepping in to help her and my stepdad in their time of need.”
Currently, the family is in the process of clearing out their home, assessing the damage, and seeing what can be salvaged.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Zane shared:
“In the hours of unimaginable loss and anguish, the love and kindness from our family, friends, neighbors, and even perfect strangers have chipped away at our hurt, reminding us that we are not alone,” said Zane Groenewald. “We can dust ourselves off, let go, rebuild, and start again.”
“This ordeal has put us face to face with our greatest fears, but we have also laughed through tears and learned in losing everything, that ‘things’ didn’t make this house a home after all. Our memories in our home, and those to come, are fireproof and are always ours to keep.”
To support the Pienaar family’s rebuilding efforts, donations can be made via BackaBuddy:
“Thank you to everyone who has helped us through this incredibly difficult time. To those who shared our story, checked in on us, sent messages, and offered prayers: we are deeply grateful. You’ve reminded us that we have so much to be thankful for,” said Nadine, the youngest daughter of Theresa and Deon.
With the strength of their community behind them, the Pienaar family remains hopeful as they begin the journey of rebuilding their home.
Tessa Gough, a 26-year-old product owner of the start-up Savvy Sites and a dedicated runner from Cape Town, will lace up her shoes and embark on a gruelling 250km journey through the Kalahari Desert as part of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) on 14 September 2024. This challenge is not just a test of physical endurance; it’s a mission to raise awareness about period poverty in South Africa.
Pictured above: Tessa Gough
“I discovered the KAEM through Erica Terblanche’s book, ‘Run for Life.’ Erica, a renowned ultra-distance runner in South Africa, inspired me to pursue the extreme challenge of desert running. The self-supported race, where participants carry all their essentials for seven days in the desert, symbolises the resilience and self-sufficiency women demonstrate daily. My goal is to inspire young girls in South Africa to chase their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem, and to remind them of their ability to support themselves and their ambitions. Partnering with Mama Flo, an organisation helping provide women with access to free period products, period education and agency to empower themselves, highlights the message that young women can achieve anything they aspire to.“says Tessa
As of 2024, the reality for many girls in South Africa remains dire. An astonishing 7 million girls still lack access to or cannot afford basic sanitary products. In 2023, approximately 30% of young girls missed school during their menstrual cycle due to the inability to afford these essential items, resulting in around 90 days of lost education each year, solely because of menstruation.
It is astonishing that in 2024, access to free sanitary pads for every woman is still not a reality. This stark situation inspired Tessa to partner with Mama Flo, an incredible Cape Town-based organisation that works tirelessly to provide every girl who menstruates with access to period freedom, free period education, and essential menstrual products. Founded in 2020, Mama Flo has quickly become a symbol of hope, offering both short and long-term solutions to period poverty.
Pictured above: Laurie Shone, Isabella Bisogno, and Melissa Zackon, the wonderful team behind Mama Flo
Mama Flo’s approach is a multifaceted organisation which is built around three pillars, which offers:
Workshops: These are more than just educational sessions; they are platforms for empowerment, mentorship, and community building. By engaging with young women in schools and communities, these workshops foster a sense of urgency and self-worth.
Pad Handouts: Immediate relief is provided through small and large-scale handouts of sanitary pads, giving girls the confidence and ability to attend school and participate fully in their lives.
Ambassadors and Interns: Through training and mentorship, Mama Flo cultivates leaders within communities. Their ambassadors, who are on the ground, play a vital role in promoting empowerment and uplifting those around them. This is an important element of the work Mama Flo does as it ensures no matter what, communities are getting a hand up and not simply a hand out.
“Growing up in South Africa, I witnessed the challenges young women face, from gender violence to lack of access to menstrual products, which often keeps them from participating in sports and activities. I’m running this ultra-endurance race to inspire others and highlight the importance of providing basic sanitary products. I’ve partnered with Mama Flo for their impactful, community-focused work in raising awareness about period poverty.” adds Tessa
Tessa believes that every girl should have the freedom to move, dance, learn, and reach her full potential without the burden of worrying about sanitary products—a basic human right. By supporting this journey, individuals are not just backing a demanding desert run; they are investing in a future where all girls can thrive and move their bodies freely.
“Period poverty is personal to me. I was fortunate enough to have access to menstrual products, but many young women in our country are denied this basic right, highlighting ongoing systemic inequalities. Mama Flo’s mission to provide free menstruation products is vital, as I believe every girl deserves this fundamental right. Without access, girls are held back from participating in sports, academics, and daily life. To reduce inequality, we must start by ensuring basic access to essential sanitary products, giving girls the best chance to reach their full potential.” Tessa told us
The goal is to raise R70,000 through their BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to provide 500 reusable sanitary pad packs to girls in need. Each pack contains four reusable pads, which can last up to five years. With the incredible support of Mama Flo, this goal can become a reality.
“The funds will be used to purchase packs of reusable sanitary pads (each pack is R170 and can last a girl up to 5 years!). My hope is to purchase 500 packs of these as well as help fund the distribution and educational workshops that Mama Flo facilitates as part of these pad handouts and workshops. The Mama Flo team has said that the education piece is crucial as we don’t just want to facilitate distribution but also aim to ensure empowerment through education about women’s sexual health and give them a platform to use their powerful voices.Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every donor! Every bit counts towards our goal of ending period poverty in South Africa. By supporting my journey and Mama Flo’s mission, you’re helping to break down barriers and empower girls to reach their full potential.” Tessa concludes
On the night of July 28th, life for the Engelbrecht family was forever changed. Baby Ellané, a vibrant 21-month-old toddler, suffered third-degree burns that covered 16% of her tiny body, including her face, neck, and head. What started as a routine evening of preparing tea for her and her twin quickly turned into a nightmare when she accidentally pulled a jug of hot tea over herself.
Her mother, Irene Engelbrecht, recalls the terrifying moment: “I jumped up to find that my daughter had climbed onto the kitchen counter and pulled the hot jug of tea over her head and face. I immediately jumped up to help my husband get her out of the tea, undress her, and rushed to the bathroom to put her under cold water.” she tells The Citizen
Despite the family’s swift response, Ellané’s injuries were severe. Her eyes were swollen, blisters formed, and the pain was excruciating. Without medical aid, Irene and her husband, Christof, rushed their precious daughter to the nearest hospital. The family was faced with the harsh reality of immediate payments for Ellané’s urgent care, a cost they couldn’t afford. But in their darkest hour, an angel—someone who didn’t even know them—stepped in to cover the expenses.
“We are deeply grateful and will repay the rest,” Irene shared.
Ellané spent ten days in the hospital before being transferred to Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria West, where she continues her recovery in the paediatric surgical ward. One of her eyes has opened, but the other remains swollen. The family anxiously awaits more news on potential damage once it opens.
The Engelbrecht family is now faced with the ongoing challenge of covering Ellané’s extensive medical expenses, setting a goal of R100 000 on their BackaBuddy page where they have raised just over R20 000 with the help of 46 amazing donors.
Irene, with grace and humility, has expressed the family’s deep need for further support during this difficult time. The journey to recovery is long, and the financial burden is overwhelming.
Support Ellané’s Campaign here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/angels-for-ellan
Nicela Naudé, affectionately known as Nikki, is a 10-year-old, grade 4 student at Riverside College in Cape Town. She entered the world under the shadow of abandonment. Born from an unwanted pregnancy 2014, her biological mother chose not to see her or even learn whether she had given birth to a boy or girl. Left alone at Groote Schuur Hospital state hospital, Nikki faced a bleak future, compounded by her diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome. This rare condition, affecting just 1 in 100,000 people, caused severe lymphatic and vascular malformations on the left side of her body. Tumours weighing up to 1 kg grew on her chest, and her left arm and hand were deformed. Her life expectancy was heartbreakingly estimated to be only four months.
Pictured above: 10-year-old Nicela Naudé
But Nikki’s story was destined for a miraculous turn. Jacques (51) and Madelaine Naudé (52) , two dedicated officers in the South African Police Service in Elsies River and Bothasig respectively, learned about Nikki through a mutual friend, 60-year-old Karin Noonan. Without hesitation, they began the adoption process, driven by a profound desire to provide her with a loving home. They didn’t have much, but they promised to share whatever they had with Nikki. They envisioned a life filled with siblings, pets, princess parties, and endless love.
Pictured above: Nicela with mum, Madelaine Naudé, and dad, Jacques Naudé
‘It was heartbreaking to see a fragile little girl lay there with big eyes and knowing she has nothing in life. A mother who didn’t want her and a life threatening disease. She was beautiful and we loved her instantly. When we heard that no-one was prepared to adopt her because of her short life expectancy we decided that we can give her a chance in life with a loving family for as long as she has to live. We had nothing to lose but so much to gain by loving this precious child that God had gifted us’ says mum Madelaine
On March 16, 2024, Nicela celebrated her tenth birthday. She is now a beautiful, spontaneous, and happy little girl who adores dogs and make-up. Despite undergoing eight complex debulking surgeries, which aim to improve her quality of life, her condition remains incurable. The surgeries have become increasingly dangerous as the affected tissue has infiltrated her muscles and nerves. Future surgeries risk leaving her without the use of her hand.
‘Nicela is a vibrant, beautiful little girl who is raised with buckets full of love and confidence. She is top of her class at school and loves her school concerts where she has been leading lady for the past 2 years. She is loving and kind and shows empathy for others. She always wants to help people, even from a very young age. She also intends on opening an animal shelter when she is older’ dad Jacques tells us
Pictured above: Nicela Naudé
However, hope has emerged. Nicela has been referred to vascular surgeon, Dr Laura Redman, at the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, who will take over her treatment from Professor Frank Graewe. A promising procedure called sclerotherapy will be attempted. This procedure involves injecting 90% alcohol into the affected areas to shrink the tumours, which have now started forming bones. She has also been prescribed a chemotherapy drug, Sirolimus, to aid in the treatment. Her arm and hand are heavy, causing her lower arm to bend and appear shorter than her right arm. Nicela will need to undergo this procedure for the next six months, costing R71,000 per month, with medication adding another R4,000 per month. Unfortunately, their medical aid does not recognize her condition, covering only a fraction of the expenses.
‘Nicela is flourishing under the care of Dr Laura Redman. She is currently undergoing sclerotherapy once a month under anaesthesia as it is a very painful procedure with 90% alcohol injections into the tumours to help shrink and hopefully slow the growing process. It is all still very traumatising with all the blood tests, x-rays, several debulking surgeries and now the sclerotherapy. A total of 21 surgeries.’ explains Madelaine
Despite the financial strain, Jacques and Madelaine are determined to give Nikki the best life possible. They have taken out a second bond on their home to cover the costs, with their medical aid only covering R12,000 out of R140,000 in medical expenses. Yet, the results are encouraging. Nicela has already undergone two procedures and shown significant improvement. She feels beautiful and is excited about the possibility of looking “normal” one day. She has even vowed not to cry anymore when blood is drawn, understanding it is part of her journey to getting better.
Pictured above: Nicela with her brother Rick Naudé
‘Nicela’s sclerotherapy is a very costly procedure and her medical aid only covers a fraction of the cost. We have tried to get gap cover but unfortunately they do not cover pre-existing conditions. A procedure is R71 000 at a time. Nicela is also prescribed chemo medication to help keep the tumours at bay at a monthly cost of R3900 which the medical aid does not cover because it does not fall under their prescribed medical benefits. The donation that we receive will go towards all of Nicela’s medical expenses’ says Jacques
Now, they need your help. This courageous family should not have to halt treatment due to financial constraints. To help alleviate the financial strain that they are facing the family has started a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign where they have already raised over R100 000 with the help of 190 incredible donors.
‘To the donors, you are absolutely amazing. Showing that there is indeed still kindness and empathy in this world. Nicela knows about your donations and always says “that’s so nice of them, please say thank you for me.” You are improving the quality of life for a little girl you have no relation to and that takes a special kind of person. We are endlessly grateful for your generosity’ the couple explains
Nomfundo Matlala, a compassionate 39-year-old marketing and strategy professional from Cape Town, South Africa, is on a heartfelt mission of healing and empathy after her second myomectomy. Inspired by her own journey battling fibroids and the stark lack of resources available to women facing similar struggles, Nomfundo helped launch Supporting Stellar Women, a charitable initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged women in the workplace.
Nomfundo’s own journey with fibroids began in early 2016 when she first experienced discomfort in her uterus. Reluctance to seek medical attention due to work commitments led to escalating pain until she explored alternative options in 2018. It wasn’t until 2023, with the support of her partner and friends, that she found Dr. Catherine Elliott, whose compassionate approach to treatment proved pivotal in her recovery.
“In early 2016, I first felt the discomfort in my uterus, but I hesitated to seek medical attention due to work commitments. I was focused on maintaining high performance at work. By 2018, the pain became unbearable, leading me to consult a non-invasive specialist. Unfortunately, the recommended treatment was more invasive than anticipated, prompting me to seek alternatives. In 2023, I noticed the re-growth of my fibroids during the winter months, causing discomfort once again. With the support of my partner and her sister, I found Dr. Catherine Elliott, who provided compassionate care, considering both my physical and mental health throughout my recovery.” Nomfundo shared, reflecting on her journey.
Image caption: Nomfundo Matlala
Empowering Others Through Supporting Stellar Women:
With her profound understanding of the physical and emotional toll of such conditions, Nomfundo became determined to make a difference. She has helped launch an initiative, Supporting Stellar Women, which not only provides financial assistance for medical procedures but also prioritizes the emotional well-being of the women it supports. Partnering with a medical profession, Dr. Elliott’s clinic will ensure these women receive personalized care and support throughout their journey to recovery.
“Dr. Catherine Elliott and her clinic prioritized my emotional well-being, collaborated with me on treatment plans, and ensured I was well-informed every step of the way. Their compassionate approach was pivotal in my successful recovery”, Nomfundo shared.
Among the beneficiaries of Supporting Stellar Women is Ms. Soko, a courageous woman who prefers to remain anonymous. For eight years, Ms. Soko has dedicated herself to her work in a bustling Cape Town dining establishment, managing her section in the hectic kitchen. However, behind her unwavering dedication lies a silent struggle.
Ms. Soko’s relentless work hours, combined with the stress and physical strain of her job, exacerbated an existing fibroid condition, leading to the growth of a massive 40cm tumor. Despite her dedication, the tumor has taken its toll on her health, leaving her organs compressed and her energy depleted.
When sharing how she met Ms Soko, Nomfundo shares: “Her ex-boss is now a close friend of mine who was a great support structure during my operation. She was constantly listening and understanding to learn about the condition. This gave her enough reason to connect Ms Soko and myself to see if she was open to sharing with a woman that looked like her, and understood her journey.”
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Moved by Ms. Soko’s story, Nomfundo wasted no time in extending a helping hand.
Through Supporting Stellar Women, Nomfundo initiated a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for Ms. Soko’s urgent surgery and post-operative care. Since its launch in February 2024, the campaign has received an overwhelming response, with over 10 generous donors contributing to over R67,000 towards the fundraising target of R233,250.
Image caption: Nomfundo Matlala
The funds generated through the BackaBuddy campaign for Ms. Soko’s case will cover all medical costs, including preoperative diagnostics, surgery, and post-operative care.
“We have partnered with Dr. Elliott’s office and the Be Bold Trust to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds. All medical costs are covered, including diagnostics, prescriptions, and aftercare.”
Continued support for women like Ms. Soko includes a six-month medical fund for check-ups and medication.
“We express our gratitude by continuing to campaign for Ms. Soko’s journey and inspiring more women to prioritize wellness. Giving up is not an option, and we believe this campaign will encourage diligence in self-care.”
All donors are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by Supporting Stellar Women, a project initiated by The Be Bold Trust IT000516/2014 PB0/930058757 NP0183869 Trustees: C I Maisel, M. Magiet, C. Grove.
To support Ms. Soko and women like her, visit the Supporting Stellar Women BackaBuddy campaign link here:
Beyond individual cases like Ms. Soko’s, Supporting Stellar Women aims to support female business owners and raise awareness about conditions like fibroids. Proactive collaboration with patients and employers underscores their commitment to long-term wellness. The initiative also provides guidance and support for women hesitant to seek help for similar health challenges, advocating for proactive healthcare and community involvement.
