by Tessa Van Rensberg | Oct 14, 2026 | Press Release
Cape Town, South Africa — A young footballer from Bonteheuwel who previously received community support to compete at a Johannesburg tournament has reached another fundraising milestone, with 27 donors contributing more than R22,000 towards his next opportunity on the football field.
Reece’s latest BackaBuddy campaign has raised R23,000 of its R20,000 target with a month still remaining.
The campaign was launched after Reece was offered another opportunity to travel and compete in a tournament where football scouts are expected to be present.
For those who supported him before, it is also a chance to see what happened after their first contribution.
A Second Opportunity After the Community Helped Him Once Before
Reece’s first fundraising campaign was created after the young Bonteheuwel footballer earned an opportunity to travel to Johannesburg for a tournament.
At the time, the campaign described the trip as an opportunity for Reece to compete in front of football scouts while continuing to work towards his ambition of playing professionally. The earlier fundraiser recorded R16,425 in online donations and R6,000 in offline support.
According to the current campaign, that support helped make the trip possible.
Now, Reece has another opportunity to travel and compete, and the financial barrier that could have prevented him from taking part has once again been met by supporters.
Within 20 days, 22 donors contributed R22,344, pushing the new campaign beyond its original goal.
From Bonteheuwel to Another Shot at Being Seen
Reece is described by campaign organiser Andie Steele-Smith as a committed young footballer who has continued developing his game since his previous fundraising campaign.
The latest opportunity could again place him in an environment where scouts are watching, although the campaign does not name the tournament or guarantee that participation will lead to professional selection.
What it does provide is an opportunity for Reece to compete, gain exposure and continue pursuing the path he has been working towards.
For a young player whose access to these opportunities is limited by the cost of travel and participation, reaching the fundraising target means finances are less likely to be the reason he misses out.
Supporters Return for the Next Chapter
The latest donations include contributions from South Africa and abroad, with messages encouraging Reece to keep pursuing his football ambitions.
The campaign has now moved beyond its R20,000 goal, but with a month remaining, supporters can continue following Reece’s progress as he prepares for the tournament.
His story also shows what longer-term community support can look like.
The first campaign was not the end of the story. It helped Reece take one opportunity. A year later, when another opportunity came, people were willing to back him again.
For Reece, the next step is now about what he can do with the chance he has been given.
To support Raise Funding for Reece, visit the campaign page.
by Simbulele Jezile | Sep 2, 2026 | Press Release
Cape Town, South Africa — Gugulethu photographer and videographer Luvuyo Wogqoyi, whose work has captured South African artists, brands and township creative culture, is raising R100,000 for dialysis and medical support after Stage 5 kidney failure and related heart complications forced him to stop working.
According to Wogqoyi, doctors have told him that his heart is currently too weak for him to qualify for a kidney transplant, leaving ongoing dialysis central to his care. He says he now faces losing access to hospital-based chronic dialysis and needs to secure medical aid, treatment and transport to continue receiving the care he needs.
At the centre of his appeal is his six-year-old daughter.
“I am asking for a chance to live for the sake of my six-year-old daughter who needs her father,” Wogqoyi says.
His Save a Life BackaBuddy campaign has raised over R63 000 toward its R100 000 goal, with 239 donors responding to his appeal.
The Man Behind the Camera
Support this campaign: View Save a Life and share this story with your community.
Before illness interrupted his career, Wogqoyi built his life around telling other people’s stories through images.
His professional portfolio describes him as a Cape Town photographer, videographer and video editor with years of experience in visual storytelling, including work connected to brands such as Capitec and Sportscene.
His photographs have also appeared in national media coverage of Cape Town’s music scene, including images of gqom artist Mr Thela.
But Wogqoyi’s connection to photography stretches further back.
More than a decade ago, he was named among the photographers involved with Ikasi Instawalk, a collective that used photography and visual art to showcase township creativity and bring exhibitions directly into local communities.
For years, his work meant faces, movement, laughter and people standing in front of his lens.
Now, he says, illness has taken that away.
“I miss seeing all those smiles, laughter and poses from my clients,” he shares. “Unfortunately, I had to stop working when I became sick.”
When Kidney Failure Made Dialysis Essential
Stage 5 kidney failure means the kidneys have lost most of their ability to remove waste and excess fluid from the body, making dialysis or transplantation necessary for many patients.
For Wogqoyi, the situation has become more complicated because he says his kidney disease has also affected his heart.
According to his campaign, doctors have told him that the weakness of his heart means he is no longer considered eligible for a kidney transplant.
That has placed enormous importance on continued dialysis.
South Africa has long faced severe pressure on public-sector chronic dialysis services. Research into the country’s kidney replacement system has found that access is heavily rationed because the number of people requiring long-term dialysis exceeds available resources.
In the Western Cape public health system, transplant eligibility has historically played an important role in deciding which patients can be accepted into chronic dialysis programmes.
For Wogqoyi, that wider healthcare reality has become intensely personal.
He says he now needs to find a way to fund medical aid and the transport required to access dialysis privately or through available medical cover.
Without his photography income, those costs have become impossible to carry alone.
‘If Not for Me, Please Do It for My Daughter’
Wogqoyi’s campaign does not focus on what he has lost as much as what he still hopes to hold onto.
His daughter is six.
He wants to be present for the school years, birthdays and ordinary moments still ahead of her.
He also hopes that improving his health could eventually allow him to return to the work that gave him purpose.
“I believe I can still make a difference in the world with my photography skills,” he says.
It is that combination — a father wanting more time with his child and a creative professional wanting the chance to work again — that has resonated with donors.
Within 48 hours, 138 people helped raise more than R36,000.
The contributions are creating a financial bridge towards dialysis, medical aid and transport at a time when Wogqoyi cannot generate the income he once did behind the camera.
“Any amount will make a difference,” he says. “The little you can give will help me live longer to see my lovely daughter grow up.”
His appeal becomes even more direct in its final line:
“If not for me, please do it for my daughter.”
From Documenting Lives to Asking Others to Help Save His
There is a painful reversal in Wogqoyi’s story.
For years, he was the person behind the camera, documenting other people’s milestones, careers and creative work.
His photographs became part of the record of Cape Town’s cultural scene.
Today, he is the one whose story needs to be seen.
His R100,000 campaign will help him meet the costs associated with remaining on dialysis, maintaining medical cover and travelling to receive treatment while he is unable to work.
More than a third of that target has already been raised.
But the need continues.
For Wogqoyi, the fundraiser is not about returning immediately to the shoots and clients he misses.
First, it is about staying well enough to be there for his daughter.
Then, he hopes, the camera can come out again.
Support this campaign: Support Save a Life on BackaBuddy.
How Dialysis Support Can Help
Community support can help Luvuyo access ongoing dialysis, medical aid and transport while he works towards a healthier future for his daughter.
by Simbulele Jezile | Feb 12, 2026 | Press Release
Mitchells Plain, Cape Town — Xiniah Lewin, a 10-year-old competitive hip-hop dancer from Mitchells Plain, is preparing to represent South Africa at an international dance competition in New York next March. This is a milestone shaped by perseverance, family support, and a journey through early challenges that once limited her ability to thrive at school.
Despite earlier challenges with her eyesight, dance became the space where Xiniah felt focused, capable, and in control. Shortly after her 10th birthday in January, Xiniah earned her place on the international stage.
To help make the opportunity possible, Xiniah’s mother, single parent Chantal Lewin, has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for travel, accommodation, and competition-related costs.
“This opportunity means the world to her,” Chantal says. “It’s not just about a competition, it’s about recognising her effort and giving her the chance to stand confidently in who she is.”
Finding her Rhythm
During her early school years, Xiniah experienced persistent learning challenges that were not immediately understood. While her twin sister progressed with ease, Xiniah struggled in ways that gradually affected her confidence.
“It was heartbreaking to watch,” her mother recalls. “She was trying just as hard, but without the support she needed, she began to believe she wasn’t good enough.”
The turning point came when Xiniah’s eyesight difficulties were identified and corrected.
“Once she got her lenses, it was like everything changed overnight,” Chantal says. “Her confidence came back, and she finally started to see herself the way I always saw her.”
With that clarity, dance became more than an activity — it became a place of safety and self-expression. Xiniah began dancing at First Step Dance School last year, where her natural rhythm and work ethic quickly stood out.
“When she dances, the world stops feeling overwhelming,” her mother explains. “On that floor, she isn’t defined by struggle. She’s focused, strong, and completely in control.”
Strength Built Through Support
Raised by her mother during a period when her father was absent due to substance dependency, and who is now in recovery by the grace of God, Xiniah learned resilience early on — a quality that now defines her presence on stage.
“She dances with purpose,” Chantal says. “Not for attention, but because it’s how she claims her space in the world.”
That determination was recognised when Xiniah was selected to represent South Africa in New York, a moment her mother describes as deeply emotional.
“I felt an overwhelming sense of pride,” she says. “It was like all the difficult moments finally made sense. I realised those years weren’t wasted, they were preparing her for this.”
The Financial Reality Behind the Dream
While the opportunity is significant, the financial demands remain substantial. The BackaBuddy campaign has set a target of R120 000 to cover Xiniah’s primary costs. To date, over R7 000 has been raised with support from four donors.
In reality, the total cost of the journey is closer to R195 000, as Chantal must also fund her own travel to ensure her daughter’s safety.
“As a single mom, the financial weight is heavy,” she says. “I’ll cut every comfort if it means being there for her. My only priority is standing by her side.”
She adds that her greatest fear is not Xiniah’s performance, but the possibility that finances could limit the opportunity.
“She has already done the hard work,” Chantal says. “I don’t want money to be the thing that stops her now.”
Why Community Support Matters
For the Lewin family, the campaign represents a belief that potential should not be limited by circumstance.
“I reached out because I refuse to let her story end in doubt,” Chantal says. “This isn’t just a trip — it’s about showing her that she belongs and that people believe in her.”
“Every person who supports her is reminding her that the world can be kind,” Chantal adds. “And that she is capable of more than she ever imagined.”
To support Xihian, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-xiniah-shine-in-new-york
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Feb 5, 2026 | Press Release
Cape Town, South Africa — Donnel, a 19-year-old from Cape Town, has lived with hydrocephalus since birth, a condition that has left him unable to walk and dependent on full-time care. As he enters adulthood, the physical and practical demands of managing his condition have increased significantly.
In response, his family has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for essential mobility equipment, daily medical and hygiene supplies, and safe transport — support that is now critical to maintaining his health, dignity, and quality of life.
A Family Focused on Care
Donnel’s life has been shaped by ongoing medical intervention and constant care. He has undergone six major surgeries and survived a stroke, resulting in lasting physical limitations. He requires assistance with all daily activities, along with ongoing management of chronic health conditions, including severe skin allergies and the risk of seizures.
Since the age of four, Donnel has been cared for solely by his mother, following the death of his father from cancer. For the past 15 years, she has managed every aspect of his wellbeing, becoming his full-time caregiver.
Her responsibilities are continuous and demanding. She provides 24-hour supervision, manages medical routines and hygiene needs, and performs all physical lifting and transfers, as Donnel cannot walk independently. As he has grown into a young adult, these tasks have become increasingly strenuous.
Despite these pressures, Donnel’s outlook remains a source of strength within the household. His family describes him as disciplined, calm, and quietly resilient. During health setbacks, including seizures, it is often his composure that sustains his mother.
“Donnel doesn’t complain,” his family explains. “Even in difficult moments, his attitude gives his mother the strength to continue.”
One of the ways Donnel expresses determination is through music. Despite poor eyesight and limited use of one hand, he finds joy and purpose in singing. Music offers an emotional outlet and a sense of identity beyond his physical limitations.
Turning to Community Support
As Donnel has transitioned into adulthood, his care needs have reached a critical point. His physical size has made hospital visits, daily transfers, and transport increasingly difficult to manage alone. The strain of lifting and moving him has resulted in his mother developing severe, chronic back pain.
At the same time, the cost of essential daily supplies — including adult nappies and medicated creams required for his skin condition — has continued to rise. For a single caregiver, these combined pressures have become unsustainable.
Faced with these realities, the family made the decision to seek community support by launching a verified BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
Since launching three days ago, the response has been encouraging. More than R14,000 has been raised, reaching 70% of the R20,000 goal, through contributions from 15 individual donors. While this support has provided momentum, the family still needs assistance to reach the full amount required.
“This campaign is about ensuring Donnel has the care and dignity he deserves,” says campaign organiser Rory Little. “It’s also about acknowledging that this journey can’t be carried alone anymore.”
The public response has offered encouragement after years of managing Donnel’s care privately, highlighting the impact of collective support.
“Having the right equipment would be life-changing,” the family explains. “It would reduce the risk of injury, protect his mother’s health, and allow Donnel to live with greater comfort and stability.”
To support Donnel, visit the BackaBuddy campaign here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/helping-donnel-access-the-care-he-deserves
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Feb 2, 2026 | Press Release
Chánterie van Rensburg, a 12-year-old Grade 7 learner and Head Girl from Cape Town, is undergoing intensive medical treatment after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. This sudden turn of events has dramatically altered her young life. As she focuses on treatment and recovery, a close family friend has turned to crowdfunding, and a growing community is rallying behind her to help support the journey ahead.
What was meant to be a normal December family holiday took an unexpected turn when Chánterie experienced sudden numbness in her legs. She was admitted to hospital on 6 January 2026, where an MRI scan revealed a growth on her spine. Doctors performed a four-hour operation shortly after her admission.
Further tests brought devastating news. Chánterie was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer that mainly affects children and adolescents. A PET scan later confirmed that the cancer had spread, and she had to begin intensive chemotherapy without delay.
A young leader with unwavering resolve
Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Chánterie’s response has been marked by resilience and determination. Known at school for her leadership, academic commitment, and involvement in sport and cultural activities, she has approached her treatment with the same strength she shows in her role as Head Girl.
After her oncologist explained the diagnosis and treatment plan, Chánterie responded with quiet resolve.
“We are fighting this bug,” she said.
Her faith and outlook have been a source of strength for her family during the most difficult moments. Recalling a conversation during the early days of her diagnosis, her mother shared: “During a very early morning conversation, filled with tears, she said, ‘Mommy, Jesus wants to use me. He chose me.’ Her faith and acceptance showed strength far beyond her years.”
Following spinal surgery, Chánterie has had to relearn basic movements, including sitting, standing, and walking. Each day involves careful rehabilitation, patience, and persistence as she works toward regaining her independence while continuing cancer treatment.
Time, treatment, and the need for support
For her parents, Divan and Clarissa van Rensburg, the uncertainty surrounding her recovery has been one of the hardest aspects of the journey. “Watching your child want so badly to return to her normal life, while knowing her immune system is compromised, is incredibly hard,” they said.
Returning to school remains Chánterie’s greatest motivation. She hopes to reconnect with her classmates, resume learning, and once again be part of the school community that gives her purpose and joy.
A community responds with generosity
To help cover the growing costs associated with medical care, treatment, and recovery, a close friend of the Van Rensburg family launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy titled Let’s FIGHT this ‘gogga’ for Chánterie. The campaign has allowed the family to focus on her care while drawing support from a wide network of donors.
In just 12 days, the BackaBuddy campaign raised R447 000, reaching 56% of its R800,000 goal, with 461 individual donors contributing. Support has come from Chánterie’s school, neighbouring schools, and individuals across South Africa, Switzerland, US, Scotland, UK, Saudi and Australia who have shared messages of encouragement, prayer, and solidarity.
“The prayers, love, and support have carried us through these weeks in ways we cannot fully describe,” her parents shared. “We are deeply grateful.”
To support Chánterie van Rensburg, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lets-fight-this-gogga-for-chnterie
