Brandon Amronski, 62, is many things: a talented artist and photographer, a self-taught chef, a skilled potter, a gentle musician, a creative spirit, and above all — a loving dad. For the last few years, he’s poured everything he has into one dream: building a home of his own in Kommetjie, Cape Town.
With no contractor and no big budget, Brandon has been building his house — quite literally — with his own two hands. Brick by brick, alongside two faithful workers, he’s created a structure filled with hope, resilience, and heart. The project has taken over five years to materialise, as he first had to battle years of red tape just to gain approval to start construction. One year ago, he finally laid the first brick.
Brandon’s daughter, Luna, now 16, is the heart behind the BackaBuddy campaign trying to help him finish it. “I’m reaching out with a full heart and a shared dream — to help my beloved dad, Brandon, to finally finish the home he’s been building with his own two hands,” she says.
Brandon’s journey hasn’t been easy. At just 19, he fought in the war in Angola — an experience that left deep emotional scars compounded by his work as a press photographer from 1989-1998/9. More recently, he’s battled depression and PTSD while trying to recover from the devastating financial impact of COVID-19, which cost him much of his work and stability. Since then, he hasn’t been able to regain stable employment. The house became his anchor — a personal mission to create something lasting.
“This house means everything to him,” Luna shares. “It represents a place of safety, dignity, and a space where I can visit and sleep over — something we haven’t been able to do in years.”
Brandon currently lives in a small, one-bedroom cottage with no space for guests or family. His older daughter, who now lives in the Netherlands, has helped support him financially, but the budget has run out — and the house remains just shy of completion.
As Brandon’s 62nd birthday approaches on 25 July 2025, Luna hopes to give him the one thing he’s longed for: a finished home.
Instead of traditional birthday presents, Luna has set up a BackaBuddy campaign, inviting friends, family, and strangers alike to contribute toward specific costs still needed to complete the home:
R2,200 – Garage Door
R2,000 – Bathroom Tiling
R2,500 – One Week of Labour Support
R18,000 – Electrical Finishing
R20,000 – Geyser Installation
“Every bit helps,” Luna says. “This is more than a house — it’s a chance for him to feel proud again, to have his space, and maybe even find the motivation to re-enter the world.”
With R10,478 already raised toward their R59,000 goal, the dream is within reach.
To support Brandon’s dream and help him move into his home at last, visit the campaign here:
Carel’s latest challenge wasn’t just about physical fitness — it was about healing and giving thanks for the “second chance” he felt he’d received. In 2024, a devastating firestorm in Jamestown left him with a broken back and pelvis, forcing him to face the terrifying possibility of permanent immobility. For months, he had to learn how to walk again. Even walking 100 meters with crutches felt like a small victory.
During this time, the support from their community carried them through.
Marié recalls, “We were blown away… My children came home every day with a Woolies bag full of food. People took time to come visit, to speak with Carel. It reminded us how important it is not to live in your own bubble,” she said.
But slowly, day by day, strength returned.
“That’s when I realized — I think I’m getting stronger and better now… it felt so good just to be able to move again and have that freedom again,” Carel shared. With his mobility restored, he set his sights on something few have ever completed — the Extreme Triathlon.
Only around 15 people have ever achieved it. It involves three grueling events: running the Comrades Marathon, cycling the 2130km Freedom Challenge, and rowing the 240km Berg River Canoe Marathon — back-to-back. Carel had attempted it before in 2023, but this time was different.
“I realized that I have the ability and the mobility… I’ll be doing it out of gratefulness and just, you know, being in that position where you would be deprived of things — just to realise again how grateful you should be for the blessings you have,” Carel shared.
Carel, running the Comrades Marathon
The Meeting That Changed Everything
While Carel was taking on the Extreme Triathlon, Marié and Carel started thinking about how they could give back, inspired by his renewed ability to move and live fully. It was during the Freedom Challenge — that the Bothas reached out to find someone who needed help. Through a neighbour in Jamestown, they were introduced to Lizzie and her son, Requelmy, an 18-year-old who had been paralyzed since birth and had lived for years without a proper wheelchair.
Carel and family, after completing The Freedom Challenge
Moved by his story, Carel decided to dedicate the remainder of Carel’s epic journey to raising funds for a custom wheelchair for him.
Carel, having recently regained his own mobility, felt an immediate and deep connection to Requelmy’s struggle.
“It brought tears to his eyes… it was so sad for him that an 18-year-old guy is stuck in the situation where he has to wait years for a wheelchair,” Marié said. “He knows how it feels to not be able to move freely the way you want to… it was a perfect match.”
Powered by Gratitude, Fueled by Community
The couple launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 24 June 2025 with the goal of raising R18,000 to buy Requelmy a custom wheelchair. In the weeks that followed, 35 donors — a mix of family, friends, and generous strangers — helped them exceed their goal, raising R22,250.
The journey to that victory was not easy.
“My arms really started paining… I thought, I’m not gonna make it. I won’t be able to use my arms any further… it was a tough, dark time,” Carel remembers from the Berg River Canoe Marathon. “I had a little prayer when things were really hard… and moments after that, it seemed like things just became easier.”
Carel, after finishing the Berg River Canoe Marathon
Paying It Forward
Requelmy’s wheelchair has now been ordered — a life-changing gift, made possible by Carel’s endurance and the generosity of the community. But the Bothas aren’t stopping there. With an extra R3,000 still available, they’ve reopened the campaign to find their next mobility buddy who needs a wheelchair.
“We know it’s not us. We’re overwhelmed with the feedback… it’s just amazing what happened. It’s quite awesome,” Marié said.
They’ve already reconnected with their community to identify their next mobility buddy. Their hope? That this ripple of kindness continues — one wheelchair at a time.
“To everybody that donated — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You enabled this change for the Mobility Buddy. It’s just phenomenal.”
Carel’s story reminds us that even the most difficult moments can be turned into purpose. Through sheer grit, heartfelt gratitude, and the power of community, he turned his own trial into someone else’s triumph — and he’s just getting started.
Please consider sharing this story — because every share, every donation, and every kind word helps move someone closer to freedom, independence, and hope.
Crowdfunding with BackaBuddy empowers you to raise funds for any cause by harnessing the power of community support. Whether it’s medical expenses, memorials, adventures, or more, our platform helps you create impactful campaigns. Donations are purely out of generosity, allowing everyone to be part of the solution and drive positive change.
How It Works
Creating a fundraiser on BackaBuddy is simple and free. Set up your campaign, share it with your network, and start receiving donations. There are no time limits or penalties, and you can continue receiving funds even after reaching your target. We vet every campaign to ensure integrity, and for added security to our donors, funds can be paid directly to vendors. Payouts are processed within 10 business days.
Why BackaBuddy?
BackaBuddy offers a fast, legitimate way to raise funds without upfront fees. It’s an alternative to traditional funding, reaching beyond your immediate network. With no repayment clauses, donations go directly to those in need. Donors love the sense of community and belonging.
Watch the video below for more information:
Contact us if you need further assistance:BackaBuddy
Getting your crowdfunding campaign noticed by the media can boost visibility and bring in more donations. By connecting with various outlets, you can expand your audience and improve your campaign’s chances of success.
Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively share your campaign with the media.
Tips for Sharing Your Campaign with the Media
Tell an Interesting Story: Highlight what makes your campaign unique. Media outlets prefer stories that are impactful and relatable. Keep it brief—no longer than a page.
Create a Press Kit: Include a press release, good-quality photos with captions, and a link to your campaign page to make it easy for journalists.
Choose the Right Media Outlets: Focus on local outlets first—they’re more likely to cover community stories. If your campaign has broader appeal, reach out to national or international media. Tailor your approach to what their audience would be interested in.
Reach Out to Local Media: Once your campaign has 10-20 donations and is gaining momentum, contact local blogs, newspapers, radio, and TV stations. A third-person press release with quotes and visuals works best.
Find Media Contacts: Use resources like The South African Government Media Directory (linked below), check the “Contact Us” section of publications, or reach out to journalists on social media.
Personalize Your Pitch: Customize your email for each media contact, explaining why their audience would be interested in your campaign. Avoid bulk emails.
Use Free Tools: Platforms like MyPR and PressPortal are great for free press release distribution and can help you reach a wider audience.
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can make a difference.
Media Contact List
The government has put together a list of key South African media outlets, categorised for your convenience. Use this list to reach out to the right platforms that can help amplify your campaign:
Liam Coetzee a 18-year-old matric student at Fish Hoek High School in Cape Town, is embarking on a journey from the local rugby fields in South Africa to the international stages in Ireland where he will not only shine bright for his skills but also for his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.
Pictured above: 18-year-old aspiring rugby player Liam Coetzee
“Liam has a good sense of humour and is a great leader. He is very self motivated and determined and once he has set his mind to do something he doesn’t give up. He inspires his peers and is always pushing hard for the next goal.” says Liam’s proud mum Gail.
Born and raised in the heart of South Africa, Liam’s love for rugby ignited when he was just 6-years-old while watching rugby with his dad who is a big fan of the sport. From the moment he first held a rugby ball in primary school, he knew that this sport would be his calling. Over the years, his dedication and determination transformed him into a formidable player, earning him recognition both on and off the field.
At Fish Hoek High School, Liam’s leadership qualities were evident as he was elected head student and appointed captain of the u19 1st team rugby in 2024. His peers and coaches alike admired his unwavering work ethic, persistence, and self-motivation, traits that not only propelled his own performance but also inspired those around him.
Pictured above: Liam with his rugby squad
“Rugby is a true source of happiness where I can develop physically and mentally. It’s an escape from the stress of school and life in general all while being a part of a brotherhood that plays for something bigger than any one player. A career in rugby would be incredible, I’m planning on studying engineering next year but would love to keep playing and maybe go pro.” says Liam
In addition to his achievements in rugby, Liam excelled academically, earning full colours for school academics and the prestigious Springbok Scout award. His ability to balance sporting excellence with academic success speaks volumes about his character and determination to excel in all aspects of life.
Pictured above: Liam with his sister Josie
But Liam’s journey doesn’t stop at the school gates or within the local league. His talent and hard work have caught the attention of scouts beyond South Africa’s borders. Currently, he is attending trials for the Western Province (WP) u19 provincial side, aiming to represent his province at the highest level.
However, the pinnacle of Liam’s rugby journey lies in an opportunity that transcends borders and continents—the Rhino Rugby Touring side. Selected to be a part of this elite squad, Liam will be travelling to Ireland this September to compete alongside international teams, train with top youth players and coaches, and immerse himself in the rich history of rugby.
“This opportunity truly means the world to me, it’s the result of years of passion and belief. Not only from me but from my family, teammates and community. It’s an opportunity to see the sport I love from a whole new perspective.” Liam tells us.
Pictured above: Liam with the Fish Hoek u19 A first team
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not just about playing the game; it’s about experiencing the camaraderie of international competition, learning from the best in the world, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For Liam, it’s a dream come true, a chance to represent his country on foreign soil and showcase his talent on a global stage.
However, realising this dream comes with its challenges. The financial burden of such a trip is significant, especially on short notice. Which is why Liam and his family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already managed to raise over R27 000 of their R50 000 goal with the help of 17 amazing donors.
“I am incredibly grateful for each donation and honestly overwhelmed by the timely support I’ve received. A massive thanks to all for believing in me, your generosity is inspiring and I promise to make the most of it.” says Liam.
