by Simbulele Jezile | Jan 28, 2025 | Impact Updates
Christopher “Rasta” Maseko, a 42-year-old safari guide from Mpatseni, a small village in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, tragically lost his left eye in an accident caused by a drunk driver in November 2024.
For years, Christopher has shared his deep love for Kruger National Park with visitors, captivating them with his knowledge of wildlife and his infectious humor. His journey from barber and spaza shop owner to respected safari guide is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, his life changed forever in November 2024 after a devastating car accident that cost him his left eye.
Christopher’s path to becoming a guide was anything but smooth. After matriculating in 2001, his dreams of further education were halted due to financial constraints. Undeterred, Christopher took on various roles—running a small shop, cutting hair, and later working at a plant nursery.
It was at the nursery that his love for nature blossomed. “I learned so much about indigenous and exotic plants, and guests visiting the Kruger admired my garden designs,” he shares. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue guiding.”
In 2009, after many setbacks, Christopher earned his nature guide qualification. His passion for wildlife and knack for storytelling made him a sought-after guide, freelancing for multiple companies and leaving lasting memories for guests from around the globe.
Photo above: Christopher before the accident
A Life-Altering Accident
On a quiet Sunday morning, while driving to work, a drunk driver veered into his lane, causing a head-on collision. The impact of the crash resulted in a windshield wiper piercing his left eye.
Looking back, Christopher reflects, “Losing my eye has been incredibly challenging. I can no longer drive the larger vehicles, which impacts my work. But I am so grateful to still be here. That’s what matters most.”
Photo above: Christopher after the accident
Rallying Around Christopher
Seeing the difficulties Christopher now faces, his close friend and colleague, Dianne Wichman, started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise R30,000 for his prosthetic eye and to help with his recovery.
“Christopher, along with all the guides who work with us, is considered part of our family and we will continue doing everything we can to make sure he is able to recover with as little financial stress as possible. BackaBuddy is an amazing platform to reach people who are in a position to help. No matter how big or small, the donations have made a huge difference and it is heartwarming to know that there are so many people who are prepared to help Christopher” ~ Dianne
Photo above: Christopher with guest’s children
The outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of heartwarming, with 19 donors already contributing over R25,000. The response has truly shown how much Christopher is loved and appreciated.
“For me, the kindness of others has been a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is so much good in the world,” says Christopher, deeply moved by the generosity.
Despite the hurdles, Christopher remains optimistic. “I’ve faced many challenges in life, and this is just another one to overcome,” he says with determination. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength of community.
On 27 January, he had his final check-up, and was given the all-clear. This means that on 29 January his prosthetic eye will be fitted—an important step toward his recovery and a symbol of his unyielding spirit.
by Community | Oct 21, 2024 | Impact Updates
Musa, a young man known for his infectious smile and enthusiastic spirit, is no stranger to life’s difficulties. Bound to a wheelchair due to Polio, Musa is also an orphan who has never had the opportunity to attend school or experience the joy of reading and writing. He faces challenges in finding work, and on top of the daily struggles that come with navigating life on wheels, Musa finds solace and happiness in one thing that many South Africans hold dear, rugby.
As a dedicated member of a wheelchair rugby team in Mandeville, Musa plays under the guidance of his coach, Ilan Guest. Ilan has coached the team for many years and has a personal understanding of Musa’s plight, as his own brother is also wheelchair-bound. According to Susan Schaum, “He is a selfless and generous individual,” she said of Ilan.
Ilan further explains the extraordinary effort Musa puts into getting to practise each week, saying that despite his many challenges, he pushes himself to make the 10km round trip on busy roads to attend. Missing practice is a rare occurrence for Musa, even though his wheelchair was on the brink of collapse. “The frame is cracked. No welding can salvage it. At some stage, it will collapse with him in it, heaven forbid on a busy road and far from help,” Ilan said.
Determined to lighten Musa’s load, Ilan initiated a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to provide him with “the best chair he has ever had.” And the response from South Africans has been nothing short of astounding. In just two days, the campaign was fully funded, raising R30,000, and it didn’t stop there. The campaign had surpassed its goal, reaching an impressive R46,150, thanks to the generosity of 81 donors!
This means that not only will Musa get a new wheelchair, but he will also receive additional support for adult-based learning and essentials like shoes, a backpack, axles, and tyres.
The way South Africans rallied behind Musa’s campaign is a remarkable testament to the spirit of community and generosity that thrives in this country. It’s a victory that can stand proudly alongside any Springbok triumph-a reminder that when we come together, we can truly change lives.
SOURCE: Good Things Guy
by Community | Sep 26, 2024 | Impact Updates
Tom London, a well-known talk show host and activist from Johannesburg, recently found himself facing a life-threatening health crisis that took him from the wards of Helen Joseph Hospital to the screens of social media. His ordeal not only ignited a critical conversation about the state of South Africa’s public healthcare system but also revealed the incredible power of collective support.
Tom’s health crisis began with a simple chest cold, which escalated into a severe case of pneumonia and pleural effusion. He was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of the public healthcare system. Documenting his ordeal from his hospital bed, Tom shared raw and emotional videos on social media, expressing his frustration with the neglect and inadequate care he witnessed. “Doctors here, you are giving doctors in South Africa a bad name. I am so angry with you. This is the Helen Joseph Circus Hospital, where doctors experiment on you,” Tom said in one of his viral videos.
His candid accounts of the harsh realities inside the hospital, including the heartbreaking experience of witnessing a fellow patient pass away without immediate assistance, resonated with thousands of South Africans. Many shared similar stories of their own experiences within the public healthcare system, calling attention to the urgent need for reform.
Amidst the distress, something remarkable unfolded as South Africans from all walks of life united in support of Tom after a concerned South African, Alistair Jameson, took the initiative to launch a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, closely following Tom’s journey, to raise the R300,000 required for his life-saving thoracic surgery. In an extraordinary display of solidarity, the goal was surpassed within days, with donations flowing in from across the country and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of 561 donors, Tom successfully raised R368,000, ensuring his surgery would proceed. BackaBuddy paid the funds directly to Morningside Hospital on the afternoon of Monday, September 16, 2024.
Within hours of sharing his urgent need for medical attention at a private hospital, donations began pouring in. “Thank you for everything today. You saved my life,” Tom expressed in gratitude after securing enough funds to transfer to a facility where he could receive the critical care he so desperately needed.
The surgery, discounted to R275,000, leaves the remaining funds to support Tom’s ongoing care and recovery. BackaBuddy CEO, Patrick Schofield, reflects on the overwhelming support, stating, “We’re just glad that we’ve been able to provide a platform for this immense community of people who’ve supported Tom. It speaks volumes about the love and respect people have for him. Our part was to ensure that support reached the hospital as quickly as possible so he could have the operation and focus on getting better.”.
While Tom’s battle with illness was deeply personal, his story sparked a broader movement, reigniting calls for change within the public healthcare system. His viral videos shone a spotlight on the shortcomings of the system, but they also underscored the strength of community when people unite for a common cause.
As Tom continues his recovery, his story remains a symbol of hope and a call for change. It highlights not only the challenges within the public healthcare system but also the profound compassion and generosity that defines South Africa.
SOURCES: GOOD THINGS GUY & BRIEFLY NEWS SA
by Community | Sep 2, 2024 | Impact Updates
Gift Zingora, a dedicated and passionate gardener, has achieved a monumental milestone. After two years of persistent saving and remarkable community support, Gift now proudly owns a fully-fledged garden service business. This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph for Gift but also a cause for celebration across the Bryanston community.
Gift’s inspiring journey began in November 2022 when he first garnered the attention of the Bryanston residents. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Gift ingeniously converted his bicycle into a mobile gardening toolkit, tirelessly cycling between clients’ gardens. It was during this period that local resident Grant Zoghby noticed Gift’s dedication and struck up a conversation with him about his work. Deeply moved by Gift’s story and aspirations, Grant initiated a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to help Gift realise his dream of expanding his garden service.
Back in 2022, Gift’s daily workload was limited to a single garden due to the constraints of cycling between clients. His vision was to extend his services to two or three gardens a day, which necessitated the acquisition of a bakkie and a team. With the help of Grant and another resident, Bridget Nortje, fundraising efforts through BackaBuddy raised enough money to provide Gift with essential safety gear, a cell phone, and some additional supplies, while the rest of the funds were saved for purchasing a bakkie.
Pictured above: (Left) Gift Zingora with his mobile gardening tool kit, (Right) Gift with Grant Zoghby and Bridget Nortje
Recently, Bridget shared an uplifting update on the I Love Bryanston Facebook group:
“I’m sure many of you will remember the story of Gift, who Grant Zoghby and I met a few years back. He is a wonderful gardener who works 7 days a week and has made his own makeshift “bakkie” with his bicycle to transport his gardening goods to his workplaces and back home.” – Bridget Nortje
“The story grew and the reach was further than we could ever have imagined. Many of you contributed to a BackaBuddy fund and we managed to do repairs to his bike, supply proper lights, shoes, a helmet and safety equipment as well as buy a cellphone for Gift to communicate with clients. Gift’s ultimate goal and dream was to one day own a bakkie of his own to do his gardening work and transport his equipment to and from his home to his employers’ homes. With the money raised, this goal still seemed very out of reach. We explained to Gift that we would need to keep saving and help him get a driver’s licence for him to own this vehicle.” Bridget told Good Things Guy
Thanks to years of perseverance, diligent saving, and the generosity of the Bryanston community, Gift’s dream has finally come to fruition. Today, he proudly owns a bakkie, ready to elevate his business to new heights.
Source and Image Credit: Good Things Guy
by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 18, 2024 | Impact Updates
At BackaBuddy, we believe in the profound impact of collective generosity to transform lives and uplift communities. As South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, we are honored to support countless individuals and causes, providing a reliable foundation for heroes to stand on.
With over R550 million raised from more than 55,000 global donors for over 44,000 causes, we’ve seen the incredible difference we can make together. Our community’s impact has crossed borders, touching lives not only in South Africa but across the world.
Dedicated Support
At BackaBuddy, our acronym GECKO represents our core values: Generosity, Empathy, Compassion, Kindness, and Openness. Our whole team embodies these values, providing hands-on support and treating every person and cause with genuine care.
We are deeply committed to the campaign creators, charities, and organizations we assist. Our team is skilled and experienced, offering strategy and guidance across multiple platforms to ensure the best results for everyone.
Building Trust Through Integrity
Trust is at the heart of BackaBuddy. We treasure the faith our community places in us with each contribution. We are equally committed to supporting our campaign creators who set up campaigns to raise funds for various causes and charities. To honor this trust, we uphold a meticulous vetting process for every campaign, ensuring that donations are used effectively and ethically. Our goal is to ensure that each act of giving translates into tangible, positive impact.
Listening, Learning, and Growing Together
Your feedback is invaluable to us. It helps us navigate challenges and improve our platform. Recently, we launched our new website designed to enhance your crowdfunding experience with an updated look and many new features.
We faced a few glitches with the new site that caused frustration for our campaign creators, charities, and donors. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this transition. Thanks to your invaluable feedback, we have resolved these issues. Today, our platform is more robust and reliable, better equipped to support your crowdfunding efforts with advanced technology and attentive service. Your continued support means the world to us, and we are committed to making your experience even greater and more impactful.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We are proud of our review track record, reflecting our dedication to serving our community with integrity and care. In 2023, we received 312 reviews with an average rating of 90. In 2024, we’ve already garnered 212 reviews with an even higher average rating of 91. These numbers showcase our commitment to continuous improvement.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, need assistance, or wish to share your story, our team is here to help. You can contact us anytime with concerns, compliments, or support needs. Reach out to us through our Contact Page or directly via email at [email protected].
Thank you for being a part of the BackaBuddy family. Let’s continue making a difference, one campaign at a time.
by Community | May 31, 2024 | Impact Updates
Nestled in the heart of the Helderberg, Wandisa stands as a ray of hope for vulnerable children, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding their futures and nurturing them towards brighter tomorrows. This dedicated organisation is transforming lives through its unwavering commitment to child protection and family support.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Children
Wandisa’s team of dedicated social workers intervenes in the lives of children who have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or institutionalised. With the guidance of their directors, Wandisa navigates the complexities of the legal system to secure the best outcomes for these children. Their work goes beyond crisis intervention, extending to meticulously screening and preparing foster and adoptive parents, ensuring every child finds a loving and stable home.
Support for Families in Crisis
In the past year alone, Wandisa provided critical assistance to 120 birth families, offering counselling and support during times of crisis, including pregnancies. This essential support helps families navigate difficult times and make informed decisions about their children’s futures.
Creating Loving Homes
Believing that every child deserves nurturing care until permanent plans can be made, Wandisa facilitated the safe placement of 148 children in local family homes in 2023, actively avoiding institutionalisation. Additionally, 36 children found their forever families through adoption, with 25 joining South African households and 11 overcoming extraordinary challenges to be welcomed into homes abroad.
The Heart of Wandisa: Community and Commitment
Founder and director of Wandisa Child Protection NPC, Debbie Wybrow, highlights the critical need for community support: “Children cannot pay for what they need. Over 80% of the children we serve face significant medical, physical, psycho-social, and educational hurdles. Each child we work with requires extensive and ongoing assessments to chart the best path forward.” Debbie told Bolander Lifestyle
As Child Protection Week is observed from today, Wednesday May 29 to Wednesday June 5, Wandisa’s dedication to vulnerable children is more apparent than ever. Wandisa’s Chief Operations Officer, Michelle Myburgh, along with other dedicated runners, will lace up their takkies for the Knysna Forest Marathon, ready to make every step count.
Running with Purpose: The Knysna Half Marathon
Wandisa has initiated a BackaBuddy campaign, culminating in their participation in the Knysna Half Marathon on 22 June 2024. This event underscores the urgency of their mission. “We’re hitting the pavement with purpose, driven by the belief that every child’s journey deserves to be extraordinary,” says Wandisa. “Join us in our mission to transform lives and secure brighter futures for vulnerable children.”
How You Can Help
The work Wandisa does is vital, and they need your support to continue making a difference. To support Wandisa and help pave the future for vulnerable children, visit their BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign page where they have already raised over R22 000 of their R100 000 goal with the help of 17 amazing donors. Join hands with Wandisa and make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Helderberg.
SOURCE & IMAGE CREDITS: BOLANDER LIFESTYLE
