Every year on May 30th, the global community comes together to mark World Multiple Sclerosis Day, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and amplify the voices of those living with MS.
World MS Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a worldwide movement of solidarity, a call for better access to care, and a celebration of resilience.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is a chronic illness of the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin), causing inflammation and disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS affects over 2.8 million people globally, with varying symptoms depending on the area and severity of nerve damage.
Where to Find Help and Support in South Africa
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a caregiver, or looking to support someone living with MS, help is available:
Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA)
www.multiplesclerosis.co.za Regional branches in Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN, and Eastern Cape – 0860 45 67 87 Offers education, support groups, access to resources, and advocacy for MS patients.
South African MS Facebook Groups and Forums
Search for private support groups like:
MS Warriors South Africa
Living with MS in SA
Neurology Departments at Major Public Hospitals
Access diagnosis, treatment plans, and referrals for further care:
Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town)
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Johannesburg)
Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria)
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital (Durban)
How You Can Help This World MS Day
Raise Awareness
Share stories, facts, or the official hashtag #WorldMSDay on social media.
Donate or Fundraise
Support MSSA or individuals raising funds for mobility aids, treatment, or daily living needs on platforms likeBackaBuddy.
Wear Orange on May 30
Orange is the global colour of MS awareness. Wear it proudly and spark conversations.
Living with MS can be an uphill journey, but no one has to walk it alone. By increasing awareness, strengthening support networks, and advocating for better care, we can help people with MS live fuller, more empowered lives.
In 2018, South Africans—and supporters from around the globe—rallied behind the Trevor Noah Foundation’s very first major crowdfunding campaign for #GivingTuesdaySA. This wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a movement, igniting hope and affirming the belief that education is the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter, more inclusive South Africa.
That same year, comedian Trevor Noah launched the Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF) with a bold vision: to see every generation of South Africans empowered through quality education to rise above their circumstances and build on the progress of those before them. At the heart of this vision was a deep commitment to the youth—especially those facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
TNF’s pilot programme began at New Nation School in Vrededorp, a spirited and resilient government school that continues to thrive against the odds. Many of its learners come from vulnerable backgrounds, including poverty, abandonment, and even statelessness. Yet, they show up, work hard, and dream big.
Thanks to generous donor support, the Foundation was able to invest in vital areas like digital literacy, infrastructure upgrades, and teacher development. These contributions gave learners access to the tools and training they need to thrive in a fast-changing world. By creating a nurturing learning environment with skilled, compassionate educators, TNF laid the foundation for lasting change.
To amplify the campaign’s success, Trevor Noah personally pledged to match every donation—rand for rand—up to R2 million. This heartfelt gesture didn’t just double the impact; it inspired thousands to step up and be part of something meaningful. While special incentives like signed books and VIP experiences added to the excitement, it was the shared belief in the life-changing power of education that truly united supporters.
Together, donors raised R153 000 during the 2018 #GivingTuesdaySA campaign—a significant and meaningful contribution that set the stage for years of impact. More than just a number, it represented thousands of acts of kindness, moments of generosity, and a shared commitment to a better tomorrow.
The success of this campaign marked the beginning of a powerful journey. Donors became co-creators of a legacy that continues to grow—supporting TNF’s mission to achieve a 100% transition rate for matric students into further education. Because of that first spark, countless learners now walk a path paved with possibility.
Years later, the ripples of that first campaign are still being felt. It proved that when we come together and invest in education, we plant seeds of opportunity, resilience, and hope—for today, and for generations to come.
Donate to a campaign that inspires you and join a community of donors make a difference
In 2020, cricketer JP Duminy launched the Be Someone’s Tomorrow campaign in support of the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), calling on the public to help patients fighting life-threatening blood disorders access the stem cell transplants they urgently needed. What followed was an extraordinary outpouring of compassion. Through the BackaBuddy platform, generous donors came together to raise R2 800 towards the R300 000 goal — a heartfelt reminder that even the smallest contributions can spark immense hope and change lives.
For donors, this campaign went beyond a festive season appeal — it became a personal mission to offer second chances to those who had run out of options. Every contribution, whether large or small, helped ease the burden on patients and their families. Many South Africans, especially those without medical aid, simply cannot afford the high costs associated with finding a matching donor. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the SABMR’s Patient Assistance Programme was able to cover expenses such as donor recruitment, tissue typing, and transplant-related medical bills.
What moved so many to support the campaign was its deeply human focus. Donors weren’t just giving to a cause — they were giving to real people: an 11-year-old girl, a mother, a grandfather. Behind every rand donated was a heartfelt belief that no one should be denied the chance to live because of financial barriers. The idea of families spending Christmas in hospital instead of around a table with loved ones resonated deeply with many supporters, particularly during the emotional highs and lows of the holiday season.
The campaign also sparked much-needed awareness around the lack of ethnic representation on the bone marrow registry. Many donors were alarmed to learn how poorly represented people of colour are on the SABMR database — with coloured, black, and Indian donors collectively making up less than 30% of the registry. This imbalance means that patients of colour face much slimmer odds of finding a match. For many supporters, this knowledge became a turning point, prompting them to not only donate but also sign up as potential donors themselves.
Donors were instrumental in shifting this reality. Their support didn’t just help individuals in crisis — it sent a wider message about equity, representation, and the power of community. By funding critical searches and treatments, they helped ensure that patients from all walks of life were given a fighting chance, regardless of their financial means or background.
The Be Someone’s Tomorrow campaign was a reminder of what’s possible when compassion leads the way. It proved that when donors rally together with purpose, lives are saved, hope is restored, and families are reunited. Today, the impact of their kindness continues to echo through every successful transplant and every patient who got to go home — because someone, somewhere, chose to care.
For those who were part of the journey in 2020, the results speak for themselves: your generosity changed lives.
Freedom Day marks a turning point in South Africa’s history, the day our nation chose unity over division, hope over fear, and democracy over oppression. It’s a day to honour the brave individuals who fought for justice, equality, and the right for every South African to live freely.
But true freedom isn’t just something we remember once a year. It’s something we build, protect, and pass on through our everyday actions.
This Freedom Day, we’re reminded that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the past is by giving back in the present.
And what better way to do that than by starting a fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy?
Whether you’re passionate about helping a family in crisis, supporting a local school, raising funds for someone’s medical treatment, or driving change in your community, your voice, your story, and your heart can make a real difference.
By creating a campaign on BackaBuddy, you can:
Help someone in need
Celebrate a cause close to your heart
Mobilise your community for good
Inspire others to step up and give back
Freedom is not just about the right to vote, it’s about the power to uplift. It’s about turning empathy into action, and hope into something tangible.
This Freedom Day, don’t just remember the past. Shape the future.
April 11th marks World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day, a moment to unite in solidarity, educate the public, and highlight the voices of individuals and families navigating life with this complex neurological condition.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand, and can eventually impact speech, mobility, and daily function. But more than its visible symptoms, Parkinson’s often brings invisible battles with mental health, fatigue, and emotional well-being.
In South Africa, thousands of individuals live with Parkinson’s Disease, and yet, awareness remains limited. Many people go undiagnosed or face delays in receiving proper care due to lack of information, financial constraints, and limited access to neurological specialists, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Living with Parkinson’s in South Africa requires navigating unique challenges. Access to neurologists, medication, and therapy can be limited outside major cities. Many caregivers also lack support and information.
But there is hope!
Local support networks, online forums, and awareness campaigns are empowering individuals to speak up, seek help, and break the silence around the condition. Initiatives that promote exercise, mental health support, and community care are helping people with Parkinson’s live full, meaningful lives.
How You Can Help
Whether you know someone affected by Parkinson’s or simply want to be part of the solution, here’s how you can make a difference:
Learn and Share: Use your voice and social media to spread awareness this Parkinson’s Day.
Support Local Organisations: Donate or volunteer with Parkinson’s ZA or similar groups.
Be Kind and Patient: Offer compassion to those living with Parkinson’s, it goes a long way.
Start a Campaign on BackaBuddy
This Parkinson’s Awareness Day, consider launching a crowdfunding campaign onBackaBuddy to support someone living with Parkinson’s or raise funds for vital services like therapy, transport to treatment, or medication.
Whether you’re a caregiver, friend, family member, or advocate, creating a campaign is simple, and every donation can help someone live with more dignity, comfort, and hope.
Facebook Groups: Search for “Parkinson’s Support South Africa” to join active online communities.
Therapeutic Services: Consider physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which can greatly improve quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease may be a lifelong diagnosis, but with early intervention, support, and awareness, people can thrive and find strength in community. Let’s commit to building a more inclusive South Africa, one where no person living with Parkinson’s walks alone.
International Wheelchair Day, celebrated annually on March 1st, raises awareness about the challenges wheelchair users face, celebrates their achievements, and advocates for more accessible communities. It highlights the importance of inclusion, independence, and equal opportunities for all. In South Africa, various resources and organisations are available to help improve accessibility and support wheelchair users. Here are some places you can turn to for help and how they make a difference in the lives of wheelchair users in South Africa:
1. QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA)
The QuadPara Association of South Africa is one of the most prominent organisations supporting people with physical disabilities in the country. They focus on enhancing the quality of life for wheelchair users through advocacy, empowerment, and the provision of relevant resources.
Services offered by QASA include:
Advocacy and policy change: QASA actively campaigns for better accessibility, inclusivity, and rights for people with disabilities at both the national and provincial levels.
Support programs: They provide support for wheelchair users and their families, offering workshops, guidance on disability-related issues, and social networks.
Rehabilitation and empowerment: QASA helps wheelchair users transition to independent living and offers services such as physical rehabilitation and training in various life skills.
The South African Disability Alliance (SADA) is a national advocacy and service organisation that represents people with various disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. They work towards creating a more inclusive South African society by ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the rights and resources they deserve.
Services offered by SADA include:
Policy advocacy: SADA lobbies for improved disability policies and works with the government to ensure compliance with the Disability Rights Charter.
Awareness campaigns: SADA organizes campaigns and events to raise awareness about the rights and needs of people with disabilities.
Resource connection: They provide information on support systems, health services, and mobility aids for people in need.
Motivation South Africa is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with mobility challenges by providing accessible equipment, including wheelchairs, to those in need. They are part of the Motivation UK network and work to support people living with disabilities by offering mobility aids, health equipment, and rehabilitation services.
Services offered by Motivation South Africa include:
Wheelchair distribution and assessment: Motivation SA provides a wide range of wheelchairs, from basic models to customized, high-tech chairs, tailored to the individual’s needs.
Training: They provide training for caregivers and wheelchair users to maximize the use and care of mobility aids.
Community outreach: They work on projects to distribute mobility equipment and raise awareness about disability rights and needs in underprivileged areas.
4. The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is one of South Africa’s key organisations focused on advocating for and supporting persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. They aim to empower people with disabilities to live independently and access their rights as South African citizens.
Services offered by NCPD include:
Training and development: The NCPD provides training programs to equip people with disabilities with skills for employment and daily living.
Accessibility initiatives: They work to ensure that public spaces and buildings are accessible to all, including those who use wheelchairs.
Disability information center: NCPD runs information centers across the country to help individuals with disabilities access available resources, such as funding, healthcare, and mobility aids.
In South Africa, accessible transport is a significant challenge for many wheelchair users. However, some initiatives are working to make public transportation more inclusive. Paratransit services are available in certain regions, offering tailored transport solutions for those with mobility needs.
Services include:
Metrobus Johannesburg: Metrobus in Johannesburg operates some wheelchair-accessible buses.
Taxis and transport services: Some private companies and local government initiatives offer paratransit services for wheelchair users.
Uber Accessible Rides: Uber has started offering wheelchair-accessible rides in select locations in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
6. Disability Equipment Suppliers
There are various suppliers of mobility aids and wheelchairs in South Africa that cater to the diverse needs of users. Some trusted names include:
City Mobility: They offer a wide range of products for mobility and healthcare, including wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other aids for independent living.
Riback: Specializing in supplying mobility equipment, Riback provides wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices to individuals across South Africa.
The South African government provides disability grants through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). These grants are designed to help individuals with disabilities meet their basic needs.
SASSA provides:
Disability Grants: Aimed at individuals who have been certified by a medical practitioner as being unable to work due to a disability.
Assistance in applying for disability benefits: The SASSA offices offer assistance in completing applications for grants and related services.
To ensure that people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, have access to education and employment opportunities, several programs are dedicated to inclusive education and skills development:
The Disability Unit at Universities: Most South African universities, including the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, have disability units that assist students with mobility challenges by offering support services and adapting facilities.
Disability Employment Programs: The Employment Equity Act requires companies in South Africa to employ people with disabilities. Programs like the Disability Employment Network offer services to help people with disabilities find employment opportunities.
To raise funds for mobility aids or any related needs you can create a campaign on BackaBuddy. International Wheelchair Day highlights the challenges faced by wheelchair users and celebrates their strength and resilience. In South Africa, various organisations and services provide vital support to help wheelchair users live independently.
