In South Africa, many people face significant challenges accessing healthcare due to the high costs of medical aid. Thankfully, there are several resources and support options available to help those in need. Below, we outline ways to receive medical assistance without medical aid, including crowdfunding, NGOs, apps, social media groups, and more.
Crowdfunding for Medical Expenses
Crowdfunding can be a lifeline when facing high medical costs. ThroughBackaBuddy, you can share your story and connect with a community that cares, enabling you to raise funds for crucial medical treatments, ongoing care, and emergency procedures. Whether you’re dealing with a long-term condition, sudden illness, or need help with post-operative expenses, crowdfunding can be a powerful way to seek financial support and reach those willing to help.
Public healthcare facilities in South Africa offer essential medical services, from chronic medication and emergency care to maternity and preventative services.
Here’s a list of key public hospitals in each province to contact if you need affordable medical care:
Gauteng: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – Contact: (011) 933 8000
Western Cape: Groote Schuur Hospital – Contact: (021) 404 9111
KwaZulu-Natal: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital – Contact: (031) 240 1000
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Charities
NGOs and charities can offer crucial support if you’re struggling to access healthcare services:
Doctors Without Borders (MSF): Provides medical care to communities in crisis, regardless of financial constraints. VisitDoctors Without Borders for more information.
Gift of the Givers: Known for stepping in where help is most needed, Gift of the Givers offers assistance with medical care and supplies. Learn more atGift of the Givers.
Free and Low-Cost Medication
If you need chronic medication or support with regular health needs, there are pharmacies and organisations dedicated to helping:
Dis-Chem Clinic Services: Hosts free health screenings and immunisation drives at various times of the year. Learn more atDis-Chem Clinic Services.
Public Clinics: Many government-run clinics offer chronic medication dispensing and health services at no cost to those who qualify.
Apps for Medical Assistance
Accessing affordable healthcare can be as simple as downloading the right app:
Alfajiri Health: Connects you to mental health professionals and wellness services. VisitAlfajiri Health.
Vula Mobile: Designed for healthcare workers to make referrals, especially useful for rural patients needing specialist care. VisitVula Mobile.
Social Media Groups and Support Communities
Online communities can be a great source of practical advice, emotional support, and information on accessing affordable healthcare:
Medical Advice South Africa (Facebook Group): A community where members share experiences and advice about healthcare. Join the group onFacebook.
CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa): Offers information and emotional support for those affected by cancer. Connect with them onFacebook orInstagram.
SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): A dedicated mental health support group with resources and guidance. Follow them onFacebook or visitSADAG.
Influencers Advocating for Healthcare Access
Some influencers actively share healthcare information and promote accessible care:
Dr. Nokukhanya Khanyile (@dr.khanyile on Instagram): A medical doctor providing healthcare advice and mental health insights.
Zola Hashatsi (@zola_hashatsi on Instagram): An advocate for mental health awareness and affordable mental healthcare options.
Media Outlets Highlighting Healthcare Access
A few media outlets are committed to covering healthcare issues and sharing resources:
Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism: Reports on public health challenges and solutions. VisitBhekisisa.
Health-E News: Focuses on stories related to healthcare access and public health. VisitHealth-E.
Telemedicine Services
Telemedicine is a growing way to consult with healthcare professionals at an affordable cost:
Kena Health: Provides low-cost virtual consultations. Your first consultation is free. Learn more atKena Health.
MediClubSA: Offers consultations via WhatsApp or phone calls at an affordable price. VisitMediClubSA.
Mobile Health Clinics
Mobile health clinics serve communities with limited healthcare access, often free of charge:
Phelophepa Health Train: Known as the ‘train of hope,’ this service offers comprehensive healthcare to rural communities. Learn more atPhelophepa Health Train.
PinkDrive: A mobile unit providing free breast cancer screening services. VisitPinkDrive.
University Clinics and Teaching Hospitals
University clinics and teaching hospitals often offer affordable care under the supervision of professionals:
University of Pretoria Teaching Hospital: Provides medical, dental, and psychological services at reduced rates. Visit their website.
Sometimes legal or financial support can ease the burden of medical bills:
Legal Aid South Africa: Offers free legal representation, including healthcare-related cases. VisitLegal Aid SA.
If you’re navigating health challenges, remember there’s help available. From raising funds with BackaBuddy to seeking care from public health facilities, there are many routes to receive the medical assistance you need. Let’s continue to support each other and spread the word about these valuable resources.
Navigating life after a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re seeking emotional support, medical funding, or guidance on nutrition and wellness, there are resources available to help you every step of the way. This guide brings together some of the most helpful tools for cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. From connecting with others who truly understand, to finding practical advice, these resources are here to remind you that hope and support are always within reach.
Crowdfunding for Medical Procedures: Accessing the Care You Need
The cost of cancer treatments can add stress to an already difficult situation. Crowdfunding provides a way to share your story and raise the funds needed for essential medical procedures. By reaching out to your community, you open the door for friends, family, and even strangers to contribute to your care. Each donation helps reduce the financial burden and brings you closer to getting the treatment you need.
At BackaBuddy, we offer a platform to share your story and raise funds for life-saving procedures. You’re not just raising funds—you’re building a network of people who care deeply about your health and well-being.Start your campaign on BackaBuddy.
Finding Your Cancer Buddy: Someone Who Gets It
Connecting with others who’ve faced similar challenges can make a world of difference. In South Africa,Cancer Buddies pairs you with someone who understands what you’re going through and offers emotional support. Sharing your journey with a cancer buddy can provide comfort, encouragement, and a sense of solidarity, reminding you that you are not alone in this fight.
Nutrition and Exercise: Strengthening Your Body Through Wellness
Focusing on nutrition and exercise is a positive way to take control of your health. South Africa’sCANSA offers nutritional guidance specifically for cancer patients, ensuring you’re nourishing your body in ways that support healing. Gentle exercise can also improve your strength and mood, giving you a sense of empowerment during your treatment.
Hospice Care: Comfort and Peace for You and Your Loved Ones
For those needing end-of-life care, hospice offers compassion and comfort. South Africa’sHospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) ensures that you and your family receive the care and support needed during this difficult time. Hospice services focus on providing dignity, peace, and relief from pain, helping families navigate these moments with care and respect.
Free Counseling and Emotional Support: A Space to Heal
The emotional toll of cancer can be just as significant as the physical one. In South Africa, CancerCare and PinkDrive provide free support services. PinkDrive focuses on early detection, education, and support for breast cancer patients, offering free mammograms and educational resources through their mobile clinics. Having someone to listen, provide guidance, or offer practical assistance can be a valuable source of strength during your cancer journey.
Many cancer patients find hope in participating in clinical trials that test new treatments. TheSouth African Clinical Trials Registry offers information about ongoing cancer trials. Globally, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides details about clinical trials for various types of cancer, offering opportunities for patients to access cutting-edge therapies.
Cancer Support Groups: Building a Community of Strength
In addition to one-on-one cancer buddies, local and online cancer support groups can offer community, comfort, and encouragement.Reach for Recovery is a South African-based volunteer organisation providing emotional and practical support to breast cancer patients. Globally, online platforms likeCancer Support Community allow patients and families to join virtual support groups, offering a safe space to share experiences and receive guidance.
Apps for Support and Organization
Technology can help make managing your care easier. The CANSA iSurvivor app, specifically designed for South African cancer patients, offers tailored information and support. Apps likeCareZone can help organise medications, appointments, and important health details, allowing you to focus on your well-being without worrying about the logistics.
Books to Inspire and Guide You
Books can be a source of comfort and wisdom as you navigate the challenges of cancer. Here are a few that may resonate with you:
Social media platforms can provide real-time support and community engagement. Following organisations likeCANSA on Facebook andTwitter keeps you informed about events, resources, and stories of hope. These networks remind you that, even online, you’re part of a larger community that’s rooting for your recovery.
You Are Never Alone
In this journey, remember that your diagnosis does not define you. You are part of a vast network of support, ready to stand by you through every challenge—be it financial, emotional, or practical. Your story is unique and powerful, and each step you take toward healing is a testament to your strength and resilience.
If you know someone who might benefit from this support, please share this resource with them. Your willingness to connect can make a meaningful difference in their journey.
When faced with a challenging medical diagnosis families often aren’t prepared for the financial burden placed on them at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
For this reason, many South Africans are turning to crowdfunding to raise the funds for a loved one in need of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the purchase of medication and medical equipment.
Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising online by setting up a project to receive many small donations from a number of individuals through the use of social media and the press.
Through emotive storytelling, images and video content, campaign creators are able to present their cause to the public to help reach their specified fundraising target.
As long as you have an earnest medical need that can be validated by a doctor or health practitioner, you can raise funds on BackaBuddy.
What can you raise funds for?
Over 49800 individuals have successfully crowdfunded on BackaBuddy to cover the cost of their Cancer Treatment, Cystic Fibrosis treatment, Bone Marrow Transplants, Kidney Dialysis, Heart surgery, Liver transplant, Cochlear implants and Wheelchairs.
Friends seeking to support a family in distress often launch crowdfunding campaigns to assist with expenses such as living costs, transportation, and other necessities during a catastrophic medical diagnosis.
Getting started
Get started with your crowdfunding campaign by sending us your story, funding needs and references by completing this form.
If you aren’t sure how to go about your campaign, please contact us and our team will guide you and walk alongside you.
Once your campaign is set up, you will have a shareable link that you can share on your social media, the press and most importantly, with family and friends, who can help you spread the word and donate to your cause.
Medical campaigns that captured our hearts
Since 2015 BackaBuddy has raised over R550 Million to support worthy causes in South Africa.
Take a look at a few of the medical campaigns on BackaBuddy that touched the hearts of donors both locally and abroad.
A Bone Marrow Transplant for Aaron
Aaron Lipschitz (7) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is the first child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare genetic condition that affects the immune system.
The only way for Aaron to overcome his recurrent infections and survive this condition was to have a bone marrow transplant, which successfully took place in August 2018.
When 9-year-old Amogelang Kgobe Matloga from Limpopo was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in August 2024, his mother, Annah, turned to BackaBuddy with hope and faith.
After bravely facing treatment, Amogelang’s cancer relapsed in May 2025, leaving his family devastated but determined to fight for his life. Annah has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a life-saving bone marrow transplant, giving her son the chance to dream, play, and live fully again.
At just 19 years old, Anastacia from Meyerton was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, beginning a long and painful fight against the disease.
After reaching remission twice, most recently at the end of 2024, doctors warned her that a third relapse would likely be fatal. With a donor already secured, Anastacia now urgently needs a bone marrow transplant at a private hospital in Pretoria. While DKMS has generously offered to cover half the costs, she still needs support to raise the remaining funds for the life-saving procedure.
When beloved Cape Town teacher and single mother, Ms Mrasi, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, the moms of her class rallied together to support her.
Known for her warmth, humour, and the motherly care she shows her students, Ms Mrasi now faces the toughest fight of her life while continuing to support her son with special needs, who is currently writing matric. To ease the burden of treatment costs and daily expenses, her community is raising funds by running the 21km Gun Run and walking 5kms in her honour — a powerful show of love and solidarity.
When long-time motocross enthusiast and devoted husband, Kelby Parker, was rushed into ICU for an emergency life-saving operation after undetected sepsis spread through his body, his family’s world was turned upside down.
Now recovering with a colostomy bag after major bowel surgery, Kelby remains in intensive care at Wilgeheuwel Hospital, where mounting medical bills far exceed what their insurance could cover in just one day. His wife of 29 years and their daughter, recently engaged, are appealing for support so Kelby can heal, recover, and fulfil his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle.
When 6-year-old Carley was suddenly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and rushed to ICU, her family’s life changed overnight, as she bravely adapted to daily insulin injections, sugar checks, and food restrictions — all while keeping her sparkle.
Alongside Carley’s journey, her older brother lives with autism, and together they face unique daily challenges. Their parents are now raising funds for an Aquazone Ozone H₂O Machine, a supportive therapy that could ease Carley’s diabetic struggles and help her brother with sensory and neurological balance, giving both children more strength, comfort, and moments to simply be kids.
