by Tessa Van Rensberg | Dec 15, 2025 | Featured Campaigns
When 13-year-old Zeeva, from Cape Town, steps into the kitchen, something magical happens. The world quiets, the noise fades, and her mind settles into a calm, joyful rhythm only baking seems to unlock. Mixing, measuring, scooping, and shaping, this is her happy place, the one where she feels most centered, creative, and fully herself.
And at the centre of it all is a dream she’s been nurturing since she was just eight years old:
to build her very own cookie business, The Final Bite, and share her “best cookies you’ll ever taste” far beyond her home kitchen.
Today, that dream is taking its biggest step yet.
A Sweet Soul With a Big Vision
To her mom, Melvina, Zeeva is more than just a talented young baker. She’s gentle, kind, determined, and quietly resilient, the kind of girl who cleans the kitchen after a baking fail and says,
“It’s okay, Mommy, I’ll try again.”
“She has this soft nature,” Melvina says, “but once she sets her mind on something, she gives it her whole heart. She’s my little bestie, my shadow, and honestly, my teacher in so many ways.”
And the dream she holds isn’t just about cookies. It’s about confidence. Creativity. Purpose.
It’s about watching a young girl step into who she was made to be, one batch at a time.
Where It All Began: The Accidental First Bake
Like many great baking origin stories, Zeeva’s includes laughter, a little chaos, and a surprising success.
She remembers baking classic choc-chip cookies with her aunt during a family visit from America. Zeeva confidently read out the ingredients list… not the method… and her aunt added everything exactly as she spoke. Midway through, they burst into laughter, realizing something was very wrong.
But the cookies?
They turned out delicious.
That moment lit something inside her, a spark of joy, creativity, and possibility.
“I loved it,” she says. “It just felt right. Baking makes me feel peaceful and happy.”
From Home Treats to a Budding Cookie Brand
Since then, Zeeva has spent hundreds of hours perfecting her recipes. Her signature crumble-style cookies have become a favourite among friends, teachers, and family. She experiments with flavours, textures, and toppings, always chasing that perfect “final bite”, the one you wish would never end.
She dreams of building a small business, sharing beauty and joy through every batch, and eventually becoming the go-to cookie creator in town.
Her mom has watched the transformation in real time.
“It’s emotional,” Melvina says. “I’ve seen her confidence bloom. She explains her ideas with passion. She packs her cookies with such care. It feels like watching her grow into her God-given gifts.”
Faith is deeply woven into this journey.
“I pray over her hands, her ideas, her confidence,” Melvina adds. “I believe God placed this gift inside her, and my job is to nurture it.”
A Full-Circle Moment: Why BackaBuddy Felt Like Home
Melvina works at BackaBuddy, helping campaign creators find hope and possibility in their hardest moments. She has supported hundreds of people in telling their stories, reaching their communities, and believing in second chances.
Starting a campaign for her own daughter felt like a special full-circle moment.
“I’ve guided so many people through their fundraising journeys,” she says. “When Zeeva was ready to take her dream seriously, I knew BackaBuddy was the perfect place. I’ve seen how kindness gathers, how people show up for something meaningful. I wanted Zeeva to experience that too.”
And so, The Final Bite campaign was born, a chance for the community to help a young entrepreneur take her first real step into business.
What Zeeva Needs To Grow Her Cookie Business
To bring her vision to life, Zeeva needs a few essential tools — the kind that help transform big dreams into beautiful bakes.
In a beautiful turn of events, Zeeva was recently blessed with a stand mixer, generously gifted just when she needed it most. But just as she was preparing to advertise her Christmas cookies, their home oven unexpectedly broke, bringing her plans to a sudden pause.
Right now, the most urgent need is a reliable baking oven — the heart of any cookie business, and the one thing Zeeva needs to keep baking, growing, and sharing her creations.
The funds raised will help cover:
-
Baking oven (essential for consistent, reliable baking)
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Measuring cups & spoons — R150
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Mixing bowls (set of 3) — R250
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Spatulas, whisks, wooden spoons — R200
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High-quality baking trays (2–4) — R500
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Cooling racks (set of 2) — R300
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Silicone baking mats / baking paper — R300
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Starter stock of key ingredients — R2,000
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Packaging (boxes, ribbons, stickers) — R500
The goal remains R12,000, covering the oven and all the essentials Zeeva needs to take The Final Bite from a home hobby to a small, thriving business — just in time for her first festive cookie season.
A Young Entrepreneur With a Big Heart
When asked what makes her cookies special, Zeeva’s answer is simple and sincere:
“They’re decadent, filled with love, and made to be affordable so everyone can enjoy them.”
Her biggest supporters?
Her friends, who cheer her on, order cookies, and hype her up every step of the way, and of course, her family, who have been her foundation.
Outside the kitchen, she’s a proud soccer lover and a devoted Manchester United fan. But in the kitchen, she is something else entirely, a creator, an artist, an entrepreneur in the making.
Help a Young Dreamer Rise
Right now, The Final Bite is at the very beginning of something special. Zeeva is ready to grow her skills, build her brand, and share her joyful creations with more people, but she can’t do it alone.
By donating, sharing the campaign, or simply cheering her on, you’re helping a 13-year-old girl discover her potential and step boldly into her dreams.
Every spatula, every tray, every ingredient…
Every contribution moves her closer to the dream God placed on her heart.
And who knows? One day, “The Final Bite” may be the cookie Cape Town, or even South Africa, can’t stop talking about.
Support The Final Bite
Help Zeeva take her next big step as a young entrepreneur:
👉 https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-final-bite-back-a-young-cookie-boss
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Dec 3, 2025 | Featured Campaigns
Benoni, South Africa — Two young siblings, 21-month-old Sadie Krause and her six-year-old brother Jesse, have been diagnosed with one of the world’s rarest immune disorders, DOCK8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome. With the only curative treatment available overseas and costing up to $1million per child, the family is urgently appealing for public support to save their lives.
Sadie and Jesse are among fewer than 300 known DOCK8 cases globally, and specialists believe their diagnoses may be among the first formally identified in South Africa.
“When Sadie and Jesse were diagnosed with DOCK8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome, we discovered just how rare this disease truly is, and how little information exists, especially here in South Africa,” says Dominique Nelson-Esch, aunt of Sadie and Jesse.
“With only 250–300 known cases worldwide, DOCK8 is one of the rarest primary immunodeficiencies in the world. As a family, we have spent months searching for answers, consulting countless doctors, and piecing together information that often wasn’t available in one place.”
Understanding DOCK8
DOCK8 Deficiency is caused by biallelic mutations in the DOCK8 gene — Dedicator of Cytokinesis 8 — responsible for helping immune cells move, adapt, and communicate properly. When the gene malfunctions, the immune system becomes severely compromised.
Children with DOCK8 face:
- Persistent skin and lung infections
- Chronic viral illness
- Severe eczema and allergies
- Higher cancer risk
- Extreme vulnerability to everyday germs
For Sadie and Jesse, this means a daily routine of:
- Weekly immunoglobulin infusions
- Ongoing antiviral and antibiotic medication
- Bleach baths for viral skin disease
- Regular hospital visits
- Strict isolation when anyone is ill
- Home-schooling for safety
- Cancelled outings, birthdays and gatherings
Paediatric pulmonologist and clinical immunologist Dr Ashley C. Jeevarathnum, who is overseeing their care, explains:
“Children with DOCK8 do not have a fully functioning immune system. They are highly vulnerable to severe infections, chronic viral skin disease, progressive lung damage, and certain cancers at a young age. Without definitive treatment, the condition is fatal.”
Even with so much happening around them, Jesse remains kind and watchful, and Sadie’s laughter still fills the room.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Parents Lee-Ann and Clayton spent years seeking answers as their children battled severe infections, skin complications, and unexplained illnesses.
When the diagnosis finally came, it brought clarity — but also the devastating reality that South Africa cannot provide the only lifesaving treatment their children need.
To help manage the overwhelming medical and administrative demands, the children’s aunts —
Dominique, sister of Clayton and Claire, sister of Lee-Ann established the Sadie & Jesse DOCK8 Foundation.
“It has taken so many childhood moments,” says Dominique. “And yet Jesse remains a gentle, protective big brother, and Sadie’s giggles still light up the room even on the hardest days. Their spirits remind us what’s at stake — the chance to grow up, to dream, and to live the childhood every child deserves.”
The Only Lifesaving Treatment — Overseas
The only curative treatment for DOCK8 is an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) — one of the most complex medical procedures in the world.
Due to the condition’s severe rarity, South Africa does not have a formalised DOCK8 transplant programme, and the procedure must be performed at international centres with proven DOCK8 expertise. Most successful transplants have taken place in the United States and Europe, with survival rates of 80–85% when completed early.
The cost, however, is staggering:
R20 million to R30 million per child
“When we learned about the astronomical costs per child, it was terrifying,” says Dominique. “No family can shoulder that kind of cost alone. Asking the public for help wasn’t an easy decision, but it felt like the only way forward and to give the kids a real chance at life.”
The family’s medical scheme has been vague about what they will cover. To date, more than R120,000 has already been paid out-of-pocket just to stabilise the children.
“This is not experimental or optional — in the correct hands, HSCT is curative,” Dr Jeevarathnum emphasises. “The diagnosis is real, the medical situation is urgent, and the funds requested are for proven, lifesaving therapy.”
Community Support Grows
In response to the overwhelming financial burden, Dominique and Claire launched a BackaBuddy campaign that has gained remarkable early momentum.
More than 300 donors have already contributed over R300,000, sending messages of love, encouragement, and prayer.
“With grateful hearts — to everyone who has followed Jesse and Sadie’s journey, shared their story, sent words of encouragement, or given so generously, thank you,” says the family. “Your love and support carry this family through the hardest days.”
Why Every Donation Matters
The financial need extends far beyond the transplant itself, with ongoing costs for weekly immunoglobulin, specialist visits, medication, home-schooling, medical supplies, transport, counselling, and many hidden day-to-day expenses.
“It all adds up,” the family explains. “Every contribution brings them one step closer to the lifesaving transplants they urgently need.”
The public is invited to help Sadie and Jesse receive the urgent medical care they need by donating here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/sadie-jesse-krauses-stem-cell-transplants
All funds go directly toward the children’s treatment and long-term care
by Simbulele Jezile | Nov 25, 2025 | Featured Campaigns
In just one year, KwaZulu Natal siblings Charity “Shaz” Gumede (31) and her brother Sabelo “Sabz” (30) have faced two life-threatening diagnoses. Shaz survived a near-fatal case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2024, and Sabz was diagnosed with Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma in 2025. With their mother leaving her job to care for both children full-time, the Gumede family medical crowdfunding campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy to help appeal to cover mounting medical costs and keep their household afloat.
Despite the fear and financial strain, the siblings continue to meet each challenge with a disarming mix of courage, humour and hope — determined to turn their darkest year into a story of survival, family, and quiet resilience.
Two Siblings, Two Rare Diagnoses and One Remarkable Bond
Despite experiencing two extremely rare medical crises within months of each other, the Gumede siblings have chosen a path defined not by fear, but by connection. Their home remains a place of warmth, laughter and mutual support — a testament to their deep bond as they navigate uncertainty together.
“We’ve been through a lot, yes,” says Shaz, “but we’re choosing to focus on the fact that we’re still here. We’re still laughing. We’re still us.”
“This year didn’t go according to plan,” adds her brother, “but we’re trying to meet it with as much heart as we can.”
Shaz’s Story: A 1% Chance at Life, and a Return to Herself
When beautician Shaz developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2024, doctors made it clear that survival was unlikely. The rare and catastrophic allergic reaction burned 75% of her skin, attacked her lungs and organs, destroyed her nails and hair, and left her blind.
She spent eight weeks in a coma while her mother, Nombuso, left her job and sat by her bedside every single day, praying, tending to her wounds and refusing to leave her child alone.
“When I woke up, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t see, and I had no memory of what happened,” Shaz shares. “It felt like being born into a nightmare… but being alive at all was a miracle.”
Today, she lives with partial sight — about 5% vision in one eye and roughly 35% in the other. Her skin remains fragile, her nails never grew back, and her respiratory and digestive systems were permanently affected. Despite this, Shaz speaks about her recovery with gratitude and gentleness, not grief.
“I survived,” she says simply. “And that’s something worth celebrating.”
As part of rebuilding her physical wellbeing, she now requires medically essential procedures to restore her nails and teeth, along with lifelong specialised dermatological treatment to support her skin and comfort. These treatments form part of what will help her feel whole again.
Sabz’s Story: A Young Actor Confronts Cancer With Grace
Just as the family was adjusting to Shaz’s new needs, her brother began noticing unusual symptoms. After months of tests and consultations, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive germ-cell cancer.
His first chemotherapy protocol initially brought hope, but soon stopped responding. He has since begun a more intensive treatment plan that brings both physical strain and financial pressure. As an actor, his diagnosis adds another layer of challenge, as the visible effects of the tumour and the side effects of treatment have halted his ability to work.
“There are hard days, of course,” he says. “But I watched my sister face something unimaginable, and she showed me what fighting looks like. So now it’s my turn to fight.”
The ongoing co-payments for his treatment continue to rise, and his future healthcare needs remain open-ended.
A Mother’s Steadfast Love
At the heart of the family is their mother, Nombuso, who has shown quiet strength in every chapter. She left her job the moment her daughter fell ill, and months later found herself travelling again to support her son through cancer treatment. She manages medication schedules, hospital visits and emotional care with unwavering calm.
“She’s our hero,” says Shaz.
“She’s the strongest person we know,” adds Sabz.
Her constant presence has been the family’s anchor, but it has also meant that, for many months, the household has had a limited source of income.
Why the Family Needs Help
The Gumede family is now trying to balance two rare medical conditions, ongoing hospital visits, reconstruction needs, co-payments and everyday living costs without any income. Their medical aid has supported them as far as possible, but shortfalls, specialised treatments and the realities of day-to-day life have created financial pressure beyond what any family could manage alone.
To keep the siblings’ medical journeys on track and maintain stability at home, the family has launched a verified BackaBuddy campaign with a goal of R800,000. So far, 260 donors have contributed more than R52,000, sending not only financial support but messages of kindness and encouragement that the family treasures dearly.
“We’re incredibly grateful,” says Shaz. “Each donation, even R20, feels like someone saying: Keep going.”
“This support reminds us that South Africa still cares,” adds her brother. “And that’s something we’ll never forget.”
“We’re scared sometimes,” says Sabz, “but we’re showing up for each other every day. That’s what keeps us going.”
To Support the Gumede Family
Visit their verified BackaBuddy campaign:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/surving-steven-johnson-sydrome
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Nov 14, 2025 | Featured Campaigns
Tiny Miracles: Jenna-Lee’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope This World Prematurity Day
Jenna-Lee La Cock (36) from Randpark Ridge, Gauteng, has lived through a journey that reveals the fragility of life – but also the extraordinary strength of a mother’s love. Her path to motherhood began with fertility struggles, continued through a life-threatening pregnancy complication, and today, she stands as the proud mom of two tiny fighters – Selena and Leona NICU Warriors, whose story brings powerful meaning to World Prematurity Day.
A Long and Hopeful Road to Motherhood
For Jenna-Lee and her husband, Uli, the dream of becoming parents began almost as soon as they married.
“Uli and I met a bit later in life, but from the moment I met him, I knew I wanted to have children with him,” she smiles. “We decided to start trying almost straight away.”
But months passed with no positive test. When Jenna-Lee stopped birth control after years of use, her cycle became irregular. A visit to a fertility clinic uncovered the reasons she feared: adenomyosis and anovulation, meaning her ovaries weren’t releasing eggs.
“It was tough hearing that, but we were determined,” she says.
After five rounds of ovulation stimulation, Jenna-Lee finally received the news they had prayed for – a positive pregnancy test.
“As the doctor moved the probe, we saw what looked like two gestational sacs,” she laughs. “The doctor started laughing, and when we realized – we laughed all the way home. Twins! We felt blessed beyond measure.”
The Day Everything Changed
On 18 August 2025, at 28 weeks and 3 days, Jenna-Lee woke up at 3am in excruciating pain – pain that no medication, no heat, and no shower could ease.
“I got dressed for work but couldn’t get past the agony. I woke Uli in tears, and we rushed to the gynecologist as soon as they opened.”
Blood tests revealed dangerously low platelet levels. Hours later, the diagnosis confirmed their worst fears: HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy condition affecting the liver and blood. The only way to save Jenna-Lee and the twins was to deliver immediately.
“I went cold,” she remembers. “I kept thinking, ‘It’s too early – they’re too little.’ I was terrified and heartbroken, but I knew we had no choice.”
Because of the bleeding risk, she couldn’t receive an epidural or spinal block and had to undergo a C-section under general anesthesia.
“I drifted off praying for their safety,” she says softly.
When she woke up in recovery – weak and needing a blood transfusion – she learned that both babies had survived. They were tiny, fragile, and fighting for their lives.
Our Little NICU Warriors
Tiny but fierce, Selena (1.11kg) and Leona (1.1kg) began their journey as NICU warriors.
“Selena needed resuscitation and a ventilator. Leona needed CPAP,” says Jenna-Lee. “Selena later needed PDA surgery and battled pneumonia. Leona survived a life-threatening gut infection. They’re the strongest little humans I know.”
For the first weeks, the beeping of monitors and the hum of ventilators became the soundtrack of their days. Their parents visited daily – sometimes multiple times a day – despite exhaustion, pain, and emotional overload.
Now more than two months later, their journey has taken a new, bittersweet turn.
A Heart in Two Places: The Updated Journey
After more than two months of fighting, the twins’ story reached a painful and beautiful turning point.
On Day 76, baby Selena was discharged, finally strong enough to go home.
“She’s thriving at home,” Jenna-Lee says with a full heart. “Having her home is the biggest blessing.”
Selena at home with mum
But her younger sister is still in the NICU.
On Day 82, Leona continues to struggle with bottle feeding – something she must master before she can be safely discharged.
“We have tried everything – speech therapy, occupational therapy, paediatric advice, NICU nurses’ tricks, and every bottle on the market,” says Jenna-Lee. “We haven’t found the solution yet.”
This emotional split has been devastating.
“It feels like your heart is broken into two pieces, and you cannot have both pieces together yet,” she admits. “Visiting your child, loving her, holding her – and then leaving her behind every evening – it’s a pain I can’t fully describe.”
Keeping their hearts together: a video call from the NICU to home brings comfort and closeness
Meanwhile, the next chapter has begun:
out-patient appointments and therapies, which their medical aid no longer covers because their savings are depleted.
“We want the best care for our girls, but we simply don’t know how we’ll afford what’s still ahead,” she says.
The Weight of Financial Strain
The financial pressure on the family has been immense.
- Their medical aid has disputed parts of Jenna-Lee’s hospital stay.
- Some claims for the twins’ care have been rejected.
- Uli lost his income for August while supporting his family at the hospital daily.
- Jenna-Lee is on maternity leave earning half her salary.
- UIF benefits are uncertain and limited.
- Additional unpaid leave will likely be necessary when both girls are home.
“This experience has brought so much fear and uncertainty, but every moment is worth it for my girls,” she says.
Community Compassion Through Crowdfunding
To help ease the growing financial burden, Jenna-Lee created a BackaBuddy campaign titled “Selena and Leona, Our Little NICU Warriors.”
So far, 15 donors have contributed R27,198 toward their R75,000 goal.
“The kindness we’ve received has lifted us up,” she says. “Prayers, food, messages, donations – every act of love has given us strength to keep going.”
A Message for World Prematurity Day – 17th November
This story unfolds as families around the world honour World Prematurity Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for babies born too soon and the families who walk the NICU journey.
“Premature birth isn’t something you plan for – it’s something you survive,” says Jenna-Lee. “These babies are miracles. Their strength is unmatched. And parents in the NICU hold their fear, love, and hope all at once.”
Her message to other NICU parents is gentle and full of encouragement:
“It’s okay to have bad days. Don’t hide your struggles. But when you walk into that NICU, try to leave the fear at the door. Focus on love- that’s what your babies need most.”
Motherhood, she says, has changed her life forever.
“Being a mom to my beautiful girls makes me want to hand them the world. My purpose now is to guide them, protect them, and cheer them on as they grow into the strong women I already see in them.”
From a long fertility struggle to the emergency delivery of her twins at 28 weeks, from NICU alarms to first cuddles, from fear to fierce love – Jenna-Lee’s journey is a story of hope and unshakeable strength.
As one daughter settles at home and the other fights to join her, the family continues to rely on the kindness of those who believe in their story.
This World Prematurity Day, their journey reminds us that even the smallest babies can inspire the biggest courage.
To support Jenna-Lee, Uli, and their two little NICU warriors, visit their BackaBuddy campaign link here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/selena-and-leona-nicu-warriors
Please share their story – because sometimes, a single share can bring a tiny miracle closer to home.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Nov 7, 2025 | Featured Campaigns
Rian Steyn (58) from Mossel Bay, Western Cape, has always been known for his golden touch — a hairstylist whose artistry could make anyone feel beautiful inside and out. But in 2021, Rian’s life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer — a journey that would not only test his health and spirit but also ignite a powerful message of love, resilience, and Prostate Cancer Awareness this Movember.
What started as minor discomforts – hip pain and frequent trips to the bathroom – turned out to be symptoms of something far more serious. After receiving initial reassurance from a urologist that the cancer was “under control,” the couple was blindsided just two months later when tests revealed that Rian’s cancer had advanced to stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, an incurable form of the disease.
“You hear about the five stages of grief,” says Dewald. “But until you live through it, you don’t realize how hard it hits. You grieve the life you had – but then you keep going.”
“It Is What It Is” – A Battle of Body and Spirit
The road since that day has been paved with painful procedures, conflicting medical advice, and endless emotional tolls. A ureteral stent, which doctors later determined was unnecessary, caused Rian unbearable pain for nearly two years. In 2024, he underwent an orchidectomy to help manage his symptoms – a surgery that saved his life but deeply impacted his confidence and sense of self.
“It broke him,” Dewald admits. “Just like a woman feels after a mastectomy, Rian felt less of himself. People even addressed him as ‘Mrs.’ – not realizing the pain behind it.”
Despite these challenges, Rian continues to fight – not just against cancer, but against the stigma that keeps so many men from seeking help. With courage and honesty, he and Dewald have decided to share their journey publicly, to encourage other men to speak up, get checked, and value their health before it’s too late.
Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Health
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men, yet many avoid getting tested out of fear, pride, or stigma. For Dewald, this silence is deadly.
“Being male comes with pressure – to be strong, to never show weakness,” he explains. “Men need to let go of that ego. The few seconds it takes for a prostate exam can save your life.”
Their story is more than one of illness; it’s one of awareness and advocacy. Through their campaign and courage, Rian and Dewald are helping rewrite the narrative around men’s mental and physical health, one conversation at a time.
This Movember, as moustaches sprout in solidarity around the world, Dewald hopes their message reaches other families: “The struggle of living with prostate cancer is far worse than the short discomfort of getting checked.”
Fighting for Dignity – and Hope
Today, Rian has completed six rounds of chemotherapy, and though the treatment has taken a toll, he continues to wake up each day with quiet courage. His greatest wish? To feel “whole” again. Dewald has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, aptly named “Rian’s Fight Against Prostate Cancer”, to raise R55,000 for reconstructive surgery that would help restore Rian’s confidence and dignity.
So far, the campaign has raised R16,020 from 17 donors, but there’s still a way to go. For Dewald, this isn’t about vanity – it’s about giving his husband the will to live again.
“People tell us to just be grateful he’s alive,” Dewald says. “But quality of life matters too. This surgery would help Rian face the world again – and himself – with pride.”
Despite his own recent health scare – a stroke in September 2025 – Dewald remains Rian’s rock. Together, they choose love, laughter, and acceptance over despair. “It is what it is,” their doctor once told them. But through their resilience, Rian and Dewald are showing the world that “what it is” can still be beautiful, hopeful, and full of purpose.
A Message for Movember, #ProstateCancerAwarenessMovember
As Movember encourages men to grow moustaches in solidarity, Rian’s story reminds us that awareness is more than a symbol – it’s a call to action. It’s about the courage to speak, to get tested, to support one another, and to live with gratitude and grace.
“Life is precious,” says Dewald. “Don’t take a single moment for granted. You only have one life – take care of it.”
To support Rian, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rians-fight-against-prostate-cancer
Your contribution – or even just sharing their story – can help restore dignity, raise awareness, and save lives.
Launch your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy
Inspired by Rian’s story this Prostate Cancer Awareness Movember? You too can create a life-changing impact for yourself or someone you love. Whether it’s for medical care, education, community upliftment, or a dream worth fighting for, BackaBuddy helps South Africans unite for good causes.
Join thousands who’ve raised over R630 million for needs that matter most.
👉 Launch your campaign today
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Oct 28, 2025 | Featured Campaigns
Andrew Russell (61) from Cape Town, Western Cape
For as long as he can remember, sport has been more than just a game for Andrew Russell – it’s been a language of hope, connection, and opportunity. Today, as the director and co-founder of sport4kids, Andrew has dedicated nearly two decades to ensuring that children from underserved communities can experience that same joy and belonging that the power of sport brought into his own life.
Through sport4kids, a non-profit organisation he started in 2006 with David and Jenny MacGregor, Andrew is helping rewrite the stories of children who might otherwise have been left on the sidelines. Their mission is simple yet profound: to give every child a chance to play – regardless of their financial background.
From the Field to the Heart
Andrew’s love for sport began in his early school days.
“I played everything I could – cricket, rugby, you name it,” he recalls fondly.
After studying, he spent eight years teaching and coaching at a high school before venturing into sports tourism. In 2000, he founded Cape Africa Tours, bringing sports teams from around the world to South Africa.
It was during these tours that Andrew began noticing a heartbreaking reality.
“Many of the local kids had incredible talent but no access – no kit, no coaching, and often, no transport,” he says.
Visiting teams would sometimes leave behind their equipment, and Andrew would distribute it to local schools. But the need was far greater than a few extra cricket bats or soccer balls. That realisation sparked the birth of sport4kids.
Since its founding, the organisation has helped hundreds of children participate in sports by providing them with equipment, uniforms, and access to coaching.
“We’ve seen shy, uncertain kids transform into confident young athletes,” Andrew explains. “Sport teaches teamwork, resilience, and belief – lessons that last long after the final whistle.”
A Vehicle of Hope
One of the organisation’s proudest moments came in 2016 when Westminster Under School in London raised funds for a 14-seater Toyota Quantum – a vehicle that became the beating heart of the programme.
“That van has transported countless children to practices, matches, and tournaments they otherwise would have missed,” says Andrew. “Without it, hundreds of fixtures would simply not have happened.”
But sustaining this vital service has become increasingly difficult. Rising fuel costs, maintenance fees, and the need for more sports gear have stretched their resources thin.
“Right now, we’re in urgent need of support to keep the vehicle running and ensure no child misses their shot at playing,” he adds.
In June 2025, Andrew launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aptly titled ‘The Power of Sport’, to raise R250,000 for kits, equipment, and vehicle maintenance. So far, 10 donors have contributed R5,783.50, but the journey ahead remains long.
Yet Andrew remains hopeful.
“Every small donation truly helps,” he says. “A cricket bat or soccer ball might seem small, but for a child who’s never owned one, it means the world.”
Sport as a Lifeline for Mental Health
Beyond the physical benefits, Andrew believes sport has the power to nurture mental well-being and community belonging – something especially vital for South African youth.
“Sport gives kids a purpose, a sense of identity,” he explains. “It keeps them off the streets, away from dangerous paths, and helps them believe they belong to something bigger than themselves.”
He recalls one story that has stayed with him over the years: a young boy named Nathan, who received a scholarship to attend Plumstead High School through sport4kids.
“Nathan was sport-crazy and full of potential,” says Andrew proudly. “Today, he’s involved in coaching and giving back to other young athletes – proof of how the ripple effect of opportunity can change lives.”
For Andrew, these moments make every challenge worth it. “When a parent comes up to you after a match, with tears in their eyes, thanking you for believing in their child – that’s when you realise this work matters,” he says.
The Future: Building Champions On and Off the Field
Looking ahead, Andrew envisions a thriving network of empowered children and communities who see sport not as a luxury, but as a right.
“In ten years, I hope sport4kids will be bigger, stronger, and reaching even more schools across South Africa,” he says. “I don’t ever want to see another talented child sit out simply because they couldn’t afford to play.”
He also expresses deep gratitude to those who have already supported the cause.
“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who’s donated and cheered us on thus far,” he says. “You’re not just funding sport – you’re giving kids hope, structure, and a reason to dream.”
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world.” For Andrew Russell and his team, those words aren’t just a quote – they’re a calling.
Keeping the Power of Sport Alive
For many children in Cape Town, sport4kids isn’t just about games – it’s about belonging, confidence, and healing. The organisation’s impact extends far beyond the playing field, fostering community, inclusion, and positive mental health.
Through his BackaBuddy campaign, Andrew hopes that more South Africans will recognise how even the smallest act of generosity can spark enormous change. “It doesn’t take a lot to make a difference,” he says. “Every bit counts – and together, we can keep the power of sport alive.”
To support Andrew and sport4kids, visit their BackaBuddy campaign link here:
👉 https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-power-of-sport
Share their story and help bring the joy of sport – and hope – to more children across South Africa.
