BackaBuddy’s Bernelie Barwise: A Life of Music, Fire, and Making a Difference

BackaBuddy’s Bernelie Barwise: A Life of Music, Fire, and Making a Difference

Social Media Manager at BackaBuddy, Bernelie Barwise (32), is a Cape Town-based performer, musician, and fire artist whose talents shine as brightly as the flames she wields. This Saturday, 6 December, she will be lighting up Franschhoek Square with an unforgettable fusion of music and fire artistry.

With an impressive performance portfolio, Bernelie has dazzled audiences across the globe, including in Abu Dhabi, the UK, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and throughout South Africa, with notable appearances in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Her captivating performances seamlessly blend live music and visual artistry, incorporating keyboard, guitar, looping beats, synths, and powerful vocals, all enhanced by breathtaking fire shows.

 

Pictured above: Bernelie Barwise at a fire show in Afrikanos in 2021

“I first started singing from a young age and did the Eisteddfod where I won categories in both singing classical contemporary music and poetry. From there I learned to play the piano by ear as I was too stubborn to learn theory,” says Bernelie

Recently, Bernelie delivered a fiery stage performance at the Ostrich Ranch, sharing the spotlight with renowned South African band MiCasa, and showcased her live electronic music in an exclusive rooftop show atop the Media24 building. Her artistry and unique style have been spotlighted by Texx and the City, particularly for her music that promotes themes of body positivity and self-love.

 

Pictured above: Bernelie with South African artist MiCasa at the Ostrich Ranch in Cape Town

Bernelie has released two albums, with plans to re-release them in early 2025. Her most recent album, Zenith, is currently available exclusively on Bandcamp, and her visually stunning music video, filmed in Abu Dhabi, exemplifies her creative vision.

 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8hjXgEc0Q20?feature=shared 

 

“I recorded my first album when I was 16 and then at 24, my first official album ‘Mystic’ was launched on all major digital platforms and one of the singles from the album ‘Little Mess’ got played on 5FM. I then went on to play at many well known venues in Cape Town like the Mojo Market, Grand West, Mercury, The Mining Indaba at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel and Hirsh’s Women in Business Awards in Century City. Shortly after, my guitarist and I had a video that went viral on Facebook and we got a contract to go play in Abu Dhabi for 5 months. After returning from the UAE, I released another album, ‘Zenith’ produced by Marius de Beer (32) during Covid. Covid definitely threw a spanner in the works as many projects got put on hold,” Bernelie tell us 

This Saturday, 6 December, Bernelie will bring her extraordinary mix of music and fire artistry to Franschhoek Square, promising audiences an unforgettable fusion of sound and spectacle.

 

Pictured above: Bernelie performing at Media24 for the launch of new Nokia products

“Living and performing in different countries is an absolute privilege. It was also hard work and sometimes came with its challenges as I fell very sick in Zanzibar after getting Malaria,” Bernelie explains

Offstage, Bernelie serves as an ambassador for Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, a safe haven for rescued big cats. She passionately supports their BackaBuddy campaign, which raises funds to provide food and veterinary care for these majestic animals. So far, the campaign has raised R2,000 of its R200,000 goal, with every contribution bringing them closer to ensuring the well-being of these incredible creatures.

Pictured above: Bernelie at Panthera Africa

“I support the amazing Big Cat Sanctuary, Panthera Africa, because I am a huge animal lover and very much into nature conservation. My motivation to support comes from my love for rescuing animals and my cat, Mitsu, was rescued after being found in a bin in Manenberg and very close to death. This sparked my interest in saving other animals in need and I have always been a big cat lover!” Bernelie says

Whether she’s performing with fire, creating music, or championing meaningful causes, Bernelie’s work embodies her dedication to creativity, connection, and making a difference.

 

Listen to her music on Apple Music:

 

Support the campaign here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/support-our-rescued-big-cats-veterinary-care

Turning Birthdays into Blessings: Nicole Arrison’s Mission to Help Families in Need

Turning Birthdays into Blessings: Nicole Arrison’s Mission to Help Families in Need

In 2020, amid the profound impact of the pandemic on families, Nicole Arrison, our very own Systems & Quality Assurance Analyst here at BackaBuddy from Kensington, Cape Town, found a unique way to celebrate her December 21st birthday – by giving back. Inspired by the pressing need she saw around her, Nicole set a goal to provide 21 grocery boxes to families in need. What began as a simple idea soon grew into something much larger, thanks to overwhelming support from friends, family, and even strangers around the world.

 

Pictured above: Box21For21 creator, Nicole Arrison

 

Reflecting on the first year of Box21For21, Nicole says, “I was overwhelmed with the support from all over the world – receiving donations from America, Malaysia, and Sweden. On the day of my birthday, driving around to deliver the boxes, I held back a lot of happy tears just witnessing the joy and relief on people’s faces.”

Since then, the initiative has grown to include stationery relief, providing children with essentials for school. Each year brings challenges, yet Nicole remains undeterred. Although work commitments limited her 2022 efforts, and the funds raised in 2023 fell short of her R21,000 goal, Nicole ensured that every rand was put to good use, contributing to a charity Christmas lunch for the homeless.

 

Pictured above: Groceries included in each box

 

This year, Nicole is starting early, calling on the generosity of supporters to help her provide essential grocery boxes to struggling families. She’s once again launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, raising over R1,000 of her R25,000 goal with the help of six incredible donors. She reflects on the initiative’s broader impact stating: “Sadly, it’s not only the rising cost of living that has hit the communities around me but also the recent storms and harsh winters. Yet, I’m optimistic – South Africa is the home of ‘ubuntu,’ and my hope is that Box21For21 can grow to a point where we have a constant rotation of grocery relief boxes being distributed.”

Each grocery box includes fresh produce, rice, tinned food, hygiene products, and a little bit of festive cheer. For many families, these items make a world of difference. “One mother shared how, after the loss of her son – who was their only source of income – she didn’t know where their next meal would come from. Thanks to the grocery box, that stress was alleviated, and they could enjoy Christmas. Knowing that I could help bring them some festive joy is a feeling I hold very close to my heart.” Nicole says

 

Pictured above: Box21For21 boxes packed and ready to be distributed

 

Nicole’s vision for Box21For21 is bold but grounded in compassion. She believes that with ongoing support, this initiative can help more families in need each year. “Your contribution has an unseen ripple effect, spreading joy and compassion that’s truly incomprehensible. Together, we can make this season brighter for families facing tough times. Thank you for supporting Box21For21 and sharing in my mission to make a difference.”

Support Nicole’s campaign here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/nicole-arrison-5669671756856262401

Join the Movement: Catalyst 2030

Join the Movement: Catalyst 2030

In the midst of global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, there arises a need for collective action. It’s about individuals and organizations uniting their efforts to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. One such movement making waves in this realm is Catalyst 2030.

Catalyst 2030 is not just a movement; it’s a commitment, a call to action for people and the planet. Launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2020, this global initiative brings together a diverse array of actors—social entrepreneurs, innovators, communities, governments, businesses, funders, and more—united by a common goal: achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Founded in 2019 by a group of social entrepreneurs, Catalyst 2030 counts among its ecosystem partners prominent organizations such as Ashoka, Echoing Green, the Schwab Foundation of the World Economic Forum, and the Skoll Foundation. This diverse coalition is backed by the One Family Foundation, which continues to support the movement as its fiscal sponsor. Panorama Global facilitated and managed funding from 2021 to 2023.

At the heart of Catalyst 2030 is the belief in inclusive, locally-led collaborations. This movement transcends borders and cultures, forging connections and partnerships worldwide. By harnessing the collective power of individuals and organizations, Catalyst 2030 seeks to implement bold new strategies and sustainable solutions for a brighter future.

As part of its ongoing efforts, Catalyst 2030 is hosting an interactive workshop titled “Is Crowdfunding a Funding Solution for You?” This session aims to explore crowdfunding as a viable funding mechanism for sustainable development initiatives. Featuring insights from the founders of two leading funding platforms in Africa—BackaBuddy NPC and MChanga—along with a champion who successfully crowdfunded a cause in Malawi, this workshop promises to offer real-world shared learnings.

The workshop will be facilitated by Patrick Schofield, Co-Founder of BackaBuddy NPC, Kyai Mullei, Co-Founder of MChanga, Henly Kuwenda, Founder of the Kingfisher Sekanawo Initiative, and Sardiqah Bowers, Charities Campaign Manager at BackaBuddy NPC.

If you’re passionate about driving positive change and interested in exploring crowdfunding as a funding solution, don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Catalyst 2030. Register for the workshop here and be part of a global movement committed to building a better world.

To learn more about Catalyst 2030 and stay updated on future events and initiatives, visit the Catalyst 2030 website and follow them on Facebook.

Join us in shaping the future we want to see—one where collaboration and innovation drive sustainable development and create lasting impact for generations to come. Together, we can be the catalysts for change.

Staff Spotlight: Our Qokolweni ‘Mlungu’ returns from her vibrant village trip in the Eastern Cape.

Staff Spotlight: Our Qokolweni ‘Mlungu’ returns from her vibrant village trip in the Eastern Cape.

This December, the BackaBuddy team celebrated an extraordinary cultural exchange that captivated many on TikTok. Central to this enchanting story were two of our valued team members: Monique Weich, the enthusiastic Donor Retention Coordinator, and Lakiwe Blekiwe, the spirited Head of Charities.

Lakiwe, originating from the picturesque village of Qokolweni in the Eastern Cape, extended a warm invitation to Monique to participate in a significant local tradition: her nephews’ Mgidi celebration.

This dynamic event, deeply ingrained in Xhosa culture, signifies a young man’s transition into adulthood.

Image: Monique and Lakiwe in their traditional attire

Monique and Lakiwe, friends and colleagues at BackaBuddy, have nurtured a remarkable bond over the past five years. Their friendship, enriched by mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s cultures, has transcended the confines of the workplace, evolving into a deep, personal connection.

Together, they documented and shared their unique cultural experiences on TikTok, using the handle @qokolweni_mlungu. Lakiwe humorously mentioned having “an Mlungu on my stoep” during the holidays, reflecting the warmth and closeness of their relationship. Their posts did more than just showcase their personal journey; they provided insights into South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the power of friendship and collaboration in bridging cultural divides.

Monique’s adventure began with a 23-hour bus journey to Mthatha, which she found surprisingly pleasant despite some delays and the sweltering heat. She experienced a bit of culture shock upon realizing she was the only Mlungu in the area, drawing curious stares and occasional photo requests, which she graciously accepted.

@qokolweni_mlungu

@Lakiwe Blekiwe showing me her home and her roots ♥️ #easterncape #village #southafrica #Qokolweni #mlungu #heritage #culture #fyp #country #southafricatiktok

♬ original sound – Qokolweni_Mlungu

“The little ones at Laki’s home were very surprised to see me. They sometimes stroked my skin and played with my hair, which was really cute,” Monique fondly recalled, emphasizing the children’s innocence and curiosity.

Their TikTok series quickly became a sensation, blending humour with heartfelt moments. It featured everything from the serene landscapes of the Eastern Cape to the lively preparations for the Mgidi celebration, capturing the essence of their journey and the vibrant local culture.

@qokolweni_mlungu

It’s Mgidi Day!! Making new friends and life long memories #easterncape #Qokolweni #village #culture #heritage #khosa #friendship #Love #tradition #fyp #afrikaans #southafrican #rural #ruralgirl #tiktoksouthafrica #sama28 #mgidi #traditionaldress #fashion

♬ Sondela – Mr Vee Sholo

The series was a hit, amassing over 637,000 views, 337 comments, and more than 12,000 likes. The comment section blossomed into a haven of positivity, brimming with messages celebrating love, respect, and positive energy.

Monique’s departure on January 3rd was bittersweet. “Leaving was hard. The time went by so fast, and before I knew it, the adventure was over,” she reflected, emphasizing the profound impact of her experience.

@qokolweni_mlungu

It’s my last day in Qokolweni. I’m leaving with priceless memories #Qokolweni_Mlungu #EasternCape #forevermemories

♬ original sound – Qokolweni_Mlungu

A particularly touching moment in their cultural journey occurred when Lakiwe gave Monique a traditional Xhosa name, ‘Nomathamsanqa’, signifying luck or blessings. This gesture was more than symbolic; it showcased the depth and respect within their friendship.

Image: Monique with Lakiwe’s mom and aunt.

Lakiwe appreciated Monique’s wholehearted embrace of her culture, noting her adaptation to new and sometimes challenging experiences.

“From pit toilets to ‘Vaskom’ baths, fermented porridge mornings, and even accepting unreliable transport as normal. What bonded us even more was her love for Mama’s steamed bread and soup – that, she truly cherished,” Lakiwe commented.

Image: Umgidi Preparations

Their TikTok posts did more than share cultural moments; they portrayed an unbreakable bond that resonated with audiences worldwide, celebrating their authenticity and joy in friendship. This story is a testament to the transformative power of genuine friendship and cultural bridging.

BackaBuddy embraces their journey as a symbol of unity and solidarity. Their path, from colleagues to confidants, reflects our platform’s ethos of fostering meaningful connections.

Follow their inspiring journey on TikTok @qokolweni_mlungu and witness the beauty of genuine friendship crossing cultural boundaries, enriched by mutual love and respect for each other’s heritage.

Monique also highlighted what she will miss the most: [Monique’s Fond Memories].

@qokolweni_mlungu

We shall see each other again ❤️ #easterncape #southafrica #Qokolweni #village #ruralvillage #culture #heritage #Xhosa #friendship #Love #tradition #fyp #rural #ruralgirl #emgidini #tiktoksouthafrica #sama28

♬ Sobonana – Q Twins

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 risen over R490 Million.