by Tessa Van Rensberg | May 15, 2026 | Impact Updates
Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, Malcolm Katz, a well-known and much-loved member of the Plettenberg Bay community, is facing the daily realities of living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). What began as a personal appeal through the Malcolm Katz ALS support campaign quickly became something much bigger, as people from across his community and beyond stepped forward to stand with him.
In just over a month, a BackaBuddy campaign created in his honour raised R226 883, surpassing its R200 000 goal through the generosity of 128 donors.
A Life Built on Connection
If you’ve spent time in Plettenberg Bay, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Malcolm.
For years, he was the friendly face behind the local Mugg & Bean. People remember more than just the coffee, they remember how he made them feel. Welcomed. Seen. Part of something.
That same spirit carried into every part of his life. Time with his wife Marcia, their children Danny and Limor, long walks, music, games with friends. Malcolm has always been someone who brought people together.
Living with ALS
Two years ago, Malcolm was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive condition that slowly affects movement and muscle control.
At first, the changes were subtle. Today, everyday tasks are becoming harder. He still manages short distances with a walker, but his mobility is increasingly limited.
His family began preparing for what lies ahead.
They knew that soon, Malcolm would need specialised support to remain comfortable at home, including an electric wheelchair and an adjustable care bed. Equipment that would allow him to move, rest, and continue engaging with the people and spaces he loves.
The cost of that care is significant. So they asked for help.
Malcolm’s Community Shows Up
What followed has been deeply moving.
Donations came in not just from close friends and family, but from people whose lives Malcolm had touched over the years, some in small, quiet ways that were never forgotten.
Alongside the donations came messages that tell their own story:
“To my special friend, please accept a small token of my appreciation for our friendship.”
“Malcolm and Marcia. Our families go way back. This is in honour of all the love and warmth your late mom Z”L Golda and dad Z”L Selwyn gave to my family. May Hashem watch over you all. We send love. Always.”
“I knew Malcolm as we shared a fence in Fairmount a long time ago. He was always a warm, friendly neighbour. Our family wishes him well.”
These aren’t just messages. They are reminders of a life lived with kindness, generosity, and genuine human connection. Within weeks, the campaign reached its goal and kept going.
More Than Financial Support
The funds raised will go toward essential equipment and care. But the impact goes far beyond that.
It has given Malcolm’s family breathing room during an incredibly difficult time. It has allowed them to focus on care, on time together, on being present.
And for Malcolm, it’s something even more personal, knowing that the people he has shown up for over the years are now showing up for him.
A Shared Effort
Every donation tells a story.
A customer who remembers a conversation.
A friend from years ago.
A neighbour who wanted to help in some small way.
Together, those stories have created something meaningful.
Malcolm spent years bringing people together without ever expecting anything in return. Now, that same community is standing beside him.
Continuing the Journey
Although the initial goal has been reached, Malcolm’s journey with ALS is ongoing. His needs will continue to evolve over time, and support will remain an important part of that journey.
For those who would like to contribute or follow along, the campaign remains open.
👉 Visit the campaign page to support Malcolm
Sharing his story can also help reach someone who may want to stand alongside him and his family.
Launch your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy
Stories like Malcolm’s remind us how powerful community support can be, whether it’s for medical care, education, emergencies, or helping someone through a difficult season. BackaBuddy has helped raise over R630 million for causes across South Africa.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | May 5, 2026 | Impact Updates
In Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, the De Jagers’ baby crowdfunding campaign began as a simple, urgent plea: to give one family the chance to welcome their child to the world safely. What followed was something few could have predicted. In just over a month, R73 436 was raised by 199 donors, beating their original R60 000 goal and helping the De Jager family move forward with a planned, safe birth for their second baby girl.
It Was a Pregnancy Filled with Fear
For Gerrit De Jager and his wife, this pregnancy came with known risks. During their first child’s birth, complications escalated quickly. What started as a natural delivery became life-threatening, forcing an emergency C-section to save both mother and baby.
Doctors were clear afterwards, future pregnancies would require a planned C-section. So, when they found out they were expecting again, they followed every step. They shared medical records, asked for guidance, and tried to prepare as best they could.
But their experience within the public healthcare system left them feeling uncertain. Appointments were delayed. Decisions changed. Despite clear medical history, Gerrit’s wife was not consistently treated as a high-risk patient. And with each passing day, the fear became harder to ignore.
“We Are Asking for Safety”
The family made the difficult decision to seek private care, not for comfort, but for certainty. They needed a planned C-section, proper monitoring, and the reassurance that both mother and baby would be safe. So they shared their story through the De Jager baby crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.
Support Showed up, and That Changed the Outcome
What happened next was steady and powerful. Donations came in from all directions. Some gave small amounts. Others shared the campaign so it could reach further. Every action mattered. The campaign didn’t just reach its goal; it surpassed it. For the De Jager family, the moment was overwhelming:
“How do we say thank you? From our family to yours, thank you so much. We reached and surpassed the goal. May God bless you…wow!! Much love”
A Campaign That Means More Than Words
The funds raised will go toward ensuring a safe delivery in a private hospital, something that once felt out of reach. The impact of a community coming together for the De Jagers goes beyond just financial support. It brought relief. It brought certainty. It gave a family the chance to focus on welcoming their baby, instead of fearing what could go wrong.
The De Jagers Story That Reflects Something Much Bigger
The De Jager baby campaign is one of many examples of how crowdfunding in South Africa is helping families navigate moments where timing and access matter most. When systems pose challenges, people find other ways to show up. And sometimes, those small acts, a donation, a share, a message, come together to change the outcome entirely.
Start your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy
If you’re facing a moment where you need support, you don’t have to navigate it alone. BackaBuddy has helped thousands of South Africans raise funds for medical needs, emergencies, and family support.
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Mar 24, 2026 | Press Release
Krugersdorp, Gauteng — Xonja Racheal Van Tonder (2), a toddler from Krugersdorp West born with Down syndrome, is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with two serious heart defects that are placing dangerous strain on her body.
Diagnosed within her first months of life, Xonja suffers from Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), conditions that now require urgent open-heart surgery. Her family must raise R400,000 to cover the cost of the life-saving procedure and related medical care.
A Little Girl Full of Joy
At just two years and five months old, Xonja is described as a bright, loving child who brings joy to everyone around her.
“She is one of the friendliest little girls — always smiling and full of life,” her parents shared. “She loves Tinkerbell, music, and trying to say new words. She even loves water so much, she would probably find it in the Sahara Desert.”
Despite her condition, her spirit remains strong.
“She loves making people smile and always wants the last say,” they added.
A Heart Working Too Hard
Doctors diagnosed Xonja with PDA and VSD during her early check-ups, and her condition has worsened over time.
These defects are forcing her small heart to work far harder than it should, affecting her oxygen levels and overall development.
Her parents describe the daily reality:
“Her oxygen levels drop dangerously low, especially while she sleeps. Sometimes her lips, hands and feet turn blue. She gets sick very easily and struggles to get proper rest.”
The condition has also limited her ability to live like other children her age.
“She often cannot be around other children, and she misses out on school activities and making friends because of how fragile her health is,” they explained.
The Surgery She Urgently Needs
After numerous hospital visits and delays within the public healthcare system, specialists have confirmed that Xonja requires urgent open-heart surgery.
Doctors at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, Rahima Moosa Hospital, and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital have all assessed her condition. After extensive testing, it was determined that the holes in her heart are too large to close on their own and must be surgically repaired.
Because of increasing pressure on her lungs and dangerously low oxygen levels, the situation has become critical.
“This surgery is not optional — it is life-saving,” her parents said.
A Journey Marked by Delays
Xonja’s surgery was initially scheduled for October 2025, then postponed to January 2026.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances — including illness and the passing of a leading specialist — the procedure was delayed again, with no new date provided.
Since then, her family has been left in limbo.
“We have tried everything — calls, emails, follow-ups — but we have received no clear answers or support,” they shared.
In the meantime, her condition has worsened.
“We had to borrow an oxygen machine because her levels dropped as low as 34%. Even now, we struggle to keep them above safe levels.”
A Race Against Time
Doctors have warned that further delays could have devastating consequences.
“If the surgery is delayed any longer, the holes could become inoperable,” her parents explained. “At that point, the only option may be a transplant — or worse.”
In the most heartbreaking terms, they added:
“She might not have a third birthday.”
The Cost of Saving a Life
The estimated cost of Xonja’s treatment is approximately R400,000, covering open-heart surgery, ICU care, hospitalisation, medication, and post-surgery follow-ups.
Private hospitals have confirmed they can perform the surgery — but require upfront payment before proceeding.
For her family, this is an impossible financial burden.
“We never imagined we would be asking for help like this,” they said. “But when it comes to our daughter’s life, we will do anything.”
How the Public Can Help
The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign and is appealing to the public for support.
Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Xonja one step closer to the life-saving surgery she urgently needs.
“We don’t know how to say thank you to everyone who has supported us,” her parents shared. “Even a like or a share makes a difference and brings her closer to a better life.”
“Seeing her struggle, while she thinks it’s normal, breaks our hearts every day.”
“If you can’t donate, please share her story. She deserves the chance to grow, to play, and to live.”
To support Xonja’s campaign, visit:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-us-repair-our-daughter-heart
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Mar 13, 2026 | Press Release
Pretoria, Gauteng — Liza Groenewald (56), a long-distance runner from Pretoria and a familiar presence in the local running community, is now facing an intensive rehabilitation journey after being diagnosed with cancer in December 2025.
After qualifying for the Comrades Marathon earlier that month, she underwent two surgeries, including brain surgery in early 2026 after the cancer spread to her brain, which left her paralysed on the left side of her body.
A crowdfunding campaign has since been launched to raise R150,000 to support her recovery.
From Comrades Qualification to Medical Crisis
For more than two decades, Liza has been part of Pretoria’s running community. She is known not only for her endurance, but also for the encouragement she offers to others.
Fellow runners describe her as someone who shows up before sunrise, trains consistently, and often sacrifices her own race goals to help others through difficult kilometres.
In November 2025, she qualified to run her 7th Comrades Marathon in 2026, bringing her closer to her long-term dream of earning her green permanent number by completing 10 Comrades marathons.
Soon after celebrating that achievement, she received a diagnosis that would change everything.
Now a Cancer Diagnosis
In December 2025, Liza underwent a hysterectomy where doctors discovered a growth that was diagnosed as cervical cancer.
“She went for a hysterectomy in December 2025, where a growth was found and it was diagnosed as cervical cancer,” her supporters confirmed.
Further urgent treatment followed. In early 2026 she underwent brain surgery after the cancer spread to her brain. While the procedure was necessary, it resulted in paralysis on the left side of her body.
“She is currently hospitalised, still paralysed on one side and receiving her first round of cancer treatment,” supporters explained.
For a runner whose life has been built around movement, the adjustment has been profound. Recovery now depends on cancer treatment, regular scans, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and structured rehabilitation to help her regain strength and mobility.
“After the first round of cancer treatment, she will most likely return to a rehabilitation centre for physical rehabilitation on the left side of her body before her cancer treatment is re-evaluated,” her supporters said.
Her recovery journey may take significant time.
“It will most likely be months and perhaps up to a year before she is fully recovered and able to work again.”
While her medical aid covers hospitalisation and primary cancer treatment, it does not cover several essential costs such as ongoing scans to measure progress, intensive rehabilitation through third-party providers, home care support, assistive devices or income loss during recovery.
The R150,000 fundraising goal aims to help bridge that gap so she can focus fully on healing.
The Community That Runs Together
The campaign, launched by Zelna Black, has already raised R49 000 in just 20 days from 44 donors. Messages accompanying donations reflect the affection and respect the running community has for Liza.
“Sterkte Liza! Dis net nog ‘n bult. Jy kan hom wen,” one supporter wrote — comparing her recovery to another hill she will conquer.
Another donor shared, “We love and back you all the way!!! Stay strong!!!”
Supporters say the response has deeply moved her.
“She is very touched and humbled. People know her well, and from the responses you can see how many people she has helped on the road and whose hearts she has touched.”
For Liza, the support has also brought emotional relief during an overwhelming time.
“She is very grateful and their generosity is helping her focus on her healing process,” her supporters shared. “At one stage she wanted to give up because she was worried about her medical bills piling up. Now this support gives her peace of mind that the bills are being covered and she can focus her energy on recovery.”
To support Liza visit her BackaBuddy campaign here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/stand-with-liza-a-pretoria-running-legend-recover
by Tessa Van Rensberg | Mar 13, 2026 | Impact Updates
Pretoria, Gauteng — When Tinus Greyling lost control of his legs on the night of 10 August 2025, his life changed within hours. By the following morning, he had woken up completely paralysed from the chest down. Today, just months later, he is rebuilding his life — supported by a community that has rallied behind him in extraordinary fashion.
After extensive testing, Tinus was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological condition in which inflammation of the spinal cord causes severe nerve damage. What began as flu a week earlier triggered an autoimmune response that attacked his spinal cord, leaving him paraplegic from the T5 level downward.
He lost abdominal muscle function, bladder and bowel control, and all motor and sensory function in his legs. Even coughing became physically demanding due to the loss of core strength.
From Crisis to Community Support
Following emergency treatment — including high-dose steroids, immunotherapy and plasma exchange — Tinus was transferred to a specialised spinal rehabilitation hospital. There, he spent six weeks relearning essential daily tasks: dressing himself, transferring safely into a wheelchair, and adapting to a new way of living.
Medical specialists later confirmed that the spinal cord damage was severe and likely permanent. With no further conventional treatment options available, Tinus and his family were faced with a future that looked very different from the one they had imagined.
But what followed was something few could have anticipated.
Eight days after launching the BackaBuddy campaign Holding Hope: A Journey After Transverse Myelitis, the community responded with overwhelming generosity. The campaign not only reached its R120,000 goal — it surpassed it, raising R146,973 from 87 donors.
Messages of encouragement poured in alongside donations. “Godspeed Tinus, you got this,” one supporter wrote. Another shared, “Hang in there buddy.” Friends, family and even international donors contributed, turning a moment of medical crisis into a powerful display of collective care.
Investing in Independence and Long-Term Hope
The funds raised will directly support Tinus’s essential and long-term needs, including:
- Stem cell therapy through the South African Stem Cell Institute
- Chronic medication and neuropathic pain management
- Daily catheter supplies not fully covered by medical aid
- Adaptive driving controls to restore independence
- Ongoing rehabilitation and long-term care
Tinus has already undergone a bone marrow harvest and cell preparation as part of his stem cell treatment plan — a step that offers cautious hope for functional improvement.
While medical aid covered the initial emergency response, many ongoing costs fall outside coverage. The funds raised ensure that Tinus and his family can focus on recovery and adaptation without the immediate pressure of financial uncertainty.
Relearning Life, Redefining Strength
Now back home in Pretoria, Tinus continues outpatient rehabilitation. He is mastering advanced wheelchair skills and preparing for adaptive driving modifications that will allow him to drive again and eventually return to work.
Though medical opinions suggest his paraplegia may be permanent, Tinus’s journey has become one of resilience rather than limitation.
The success of the campaign reflects more than financial support — it represents belief. Belief in dignity. Belief in possibility. Belief that no one should face life-altering medical challenges alone.
To read more about Tinus’s journey, visit:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/holding-hope-a-journey-after-transverse-myelitis
