The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust’s (CRET) alumni are giving back and paying it forward with an initiative of their own, supporting deserving students just like they were once supported.
Now in established careers as a result of the bursary and development support they received from CRET, the alumni have established their own CRET Alumni Fund.
They have contributed and leveraged funding to support three students in university already. Now they have launched a crowdfunding initiative through BackaBuddy to boost the Alumni Fund and to support more students in need.
Their goal is to raise a total of R1 million to help The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust’s (CRET) support at least 6 first year students in 2022.
From right to left: From The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust’s (CRET) alumni Donaé Loggenberg, Moosa Amanjee and Sharlotte Mkansi are among 8 individuals hoping to pay it forward.
During a bursary support masterclass held in April this year, it was noted that university retention and pass rates in South Africa are low.
WATCH: Cyril Madiba introduces the CRET BackaBuddy campaign
Research indicates that 33% of students enrolled in a four-year degree will drop out and less than a third of students manage to complete their tertiary education in the minimum allocated time. The loss of and dropout from learning will continue if active citizenship is not part of the solution to mitigate the challenges faced at all levels of learning.
“It is clear that a bursary for tuition alone is not enough, Chantelle Oosthuizen, CRET Executive Director said.” That is the gap the CRET alumni through the BackaBuddy campaign are hoping to close. They are working on paying it forward by assisting current beneficiaries with more than just tuition funding but ensuring that other developmental areas of their personal lives and academic careers are nurtured so that they successfully complete their studies or training”, she said.
CRET implements a holistic bursary support programme that offers students academic and skills development support, career guidance, psycho-social support, soft skills training, and ongoing mentorship to ensure real throughput success.
“This holistic support mitigates the high drop-out rate and guarantees well-rounded graduates who possess key skills to contribute to the economy and society,” Cyril Madiba, Chairperson of CRET’s Alumni Advisory Board said.” “And as this initiative shows,” he added, “CRET also encourages the ethos of ‘giving back’, developing committed civic-minded students.”
Donations can also be made to one of the eight alumni who are working tirelessly to change the life of one deserving student, with their own fundraisers.
Just four months ago, the Jithoo family from KwaZulu-Natal, heard the devastating news that no parent ever wants to hear: their 8-month-old baby girl, Mahi, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a very rare form of cancer.
Mahi has spent most of her short life in hospital, where she has been receiving several rounds of chemotherapy to prepare her for a bone marrow stem cell transplant, which she desperately needs to save her life.
However, sadly, a donor match is yet to be found.
For Mahi and many children like her, they have to rely on the selflessness of a stranger to donate stem cells, as only 30% of patients are lucky enough to find a match within their immediate family.
The remaining 70% often have to look internationally if a local donor is not found. The odds of finding a donor match is 1 in 100 000 but is drastically reduced to 1 in 400 000 for patients of colour. Sadly, this is a problem that registries face globally.
Pictured above: Your donation could save Mahi’s life.
It is for this reason the Jithoo family has decided to join hands with the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) in an effort to help recruit more donors, particularly donors of colour; raise much-needed funds to procure additional buccal swab kits (testing kits), and cover the costs of donors’ medical tests in the hopes of giving Mahi, a second chance at life.
According to the SABMR, The cost of a bone marrow stem cell transplant from an international donor is more than double the cost of a local donor.
As these costs are covered by SABMR, the non-profit organisation has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, in hopes to save baby Mahi’s life.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R16 000has been raised towards the fundraising target of R1 000 000, with kind contributions from donors both locally and internationally.
Pictured above: Mahi Jithoo
According to the SABMR, The cost of a bone marrow stem cell transplant from an international donor is more than double the cost of a local donor.
As these costs are covered by SABMR, the non-profit organisation has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, in hopes to save baby Mahi’s life.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R16 000has been raised towards the fundraising target of R1 000 000, with kind contributions from donors both locally and internationally.
Support Baby Mahi 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 raised over R270 Million.
Kirsty Olwagen (32) a school bus driver from Pietermaritzburg, was a breech baby, born with a dislocated hip, which has placed tremendous strain on knees her whole life.
Pictured above: Kirsty and her husband, Sefas.
At only 2-years old, doctors at Mediclinic in Kwa-Zulu Natal, realised that Kirsty’s hip had grown past her socket, and without surgery, she might not have been able to walk for the rest of her life.
To help Kirsty re-align her hip with her socket, her legs needed to be stretched out into the splits, and she had to hang upside down, with the help of a T-shape mechanism, for 2-years, while she ate, slept and played.
Thankfully, the procedure worked, and Kirsty proved everyone wrong who thought she wouldn’t be able to walk.
Pictured above: Kirsty Olwagen at age 6.
Later in Life
Fast forward a couple years, and Kirsty’s problem with her hips manifested in a new way.
Developing large breasts at the age of only 13-years old, Kirsty felt tremendous pressure on her back, and eventually had to undergo a series of 5 knee operations.
Pictured above: Kirsty Olwagen at age 18
Like many women who deal with the burden of a heavier chest, Kirsty has struggled with weight gain her whole life, which has placed increased pressure on her knees.
She has since developed a more severe condition: Sacroiliitis in her left hip, which causes inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, as well as tension of the lumbar spine and pelvic joints.
To avoid Kirsty having to undergo a comprehensive back operation or hip replacement surgery, which could put her life at risk, doctors have recommended that she has Breast reduction surgery urgently, as her breasts weigh over 6kgs.
“I want nothing more than to enjoy life with my family, without being in constant pain and discomfort. My boobs and I have had a good run, but the party’s over and it’s time to go.” – jokes Kirsty.
Help Kirsty get a weight off her chest
As Kirsty’s medical aid has declined to cover the cost of her breast reduction surgery, estimated to cost over R94 000, arguing that it is a cosmetic procedure.
To help ease her financial burden, non-profit organisation, Porky’s People NPC, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to reach out to the public for support. Thus far, over R8300 has been raised with generous support.
Funds raised, which will be administered by BackaBuddy NPC and Porky’s People NPC, will be used to cover the cost of Kirsty’s medication, time in theatre, the surgeon and anaesthetist fee, as well as an overnight hospital stay.
“Everyone who knows Kirsty knows she is a big girl, with an even bigger heart. Having this operation will help her regain her confidence and finally live pain-free.” – says Kirsty’s sister, Natasha.
With public support, Kirsty could undergo her breast surgery in Pretoria before the end of year.
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.
What lies ahead for Willow
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.
Help Willow’s Wounds Heal
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.
Support Willow’s recovery, by making a donation here:
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.
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.
Here’s a list of charities you can support
Find a need and fill it – The Cradle of Hope
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.
Picture above: The Cradle of hope feeding 1200 less fortunate adults and children, every single day.
Good4You Foods Kitchen- Eden Community Hope Outreach NPC
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.
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.
Picture above: Naazneen feeding over 2000 in Valhalla Park.
Breaking Bread Community Development
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.
Picture above: Director of Breaking Bread Community Development, Sheradia Brown, serving two meals a day to the Homeless from her house in Salt River.
Raising Hope by Chad Nathan
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.
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.
Create a crowdfunding campaign
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.
Together always, thick as thieves
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.
A plea for assistance
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.
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.
