Launch of Non-Profit Organization Addressing Food Insecurity Amongst Tertiary Students in South Africa

Johannesburg, 10 November 2021 - Non-profit company, Feed a Student on Rainy Days launches its first initiative to address student hunger in South Africa’s universities. Rainy Days SA seeks to raise awareness about the crisis of food insecurity affecting vulnerable students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Rainy Days SA, an initiative of Feed a Student on Rainy Days, is determined to make a difference in the lives of students affected by food insecurity. Food insecurity can be described as the state of having unreliable access to sufficient food.

The charity organization is run by sisters, Lolo Ntshiqa and Asanda Ntshiqa, whose humble beginnings are similar to the realities faced by many Black South African students. “Our parents fought against all odds to ensure we received quality education from institutions they could only dream of attending,” said Asanda, “Who knows what kind of life we would have had, had it not been for the sacrifices they made?”

Government programs, like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides financial aid to underprivileged students, has opened doors for more young people from underprivileged backgrounds to attend institutions of higher learning. However, many of these students continue to face challenges, such as food insecurity, throughout the course of completing their diplomas or degrees.

According to Lolo Ntshiqa, the impact of student hunger can influence students’ academic success. “When a student is hungry, all they can think about is where their next meal will come from. In class, they may be absent-minded or suffer from brain fog due to the low energy they are running on. Not having access to a basic human need, such as food, can also lead to poor mental health, causing students to skip classes or drop out of university.”

Rainy Days SA is on a mission to raise awareness around the issue of food insecurity, particularly on how it affects students. The organization calls upon students, alumni, public institutions, and businesses to join the movement and assist in finding practical solutions for providing low-cost, nutritious, and affordable food packages to vulnerable students.

You can support the charity by visiting their website, www.rainydayssa.org and making a financial contribution, from as little as R10, which will go toward raising funds for student food packages. If you have a social media account, you can support the cause by following the organization’s social media pages and joining the conversations. On Instagram and Twitter (rainydays_sa) and Facebook and LinkedIn (Rainy Days SA). 

To partner with Feed a Student on Rainy Days, or for any further inquiries, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Rainy Days SA

Rainy Days SA is dedicated to feeding South Africa’s tertiary students who are faced with food insecurity, and protecting their dignity. We hope to receive the support of the youth, corporate organizations, and local government to raise awareness on the food insecurity crisis, and provide low-cost grocery package solutions.

Meet the sisters behind Rainy Days SA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=othehXiRE8Q

Media Contact
Lolo Ntshiqa
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.rainydayssa.org

7 August 2019 saw a team of 7 SovTechians departing for the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. Greeted by room of 25 smiling face and the Reach for a Dream (RFAD) representative, Natalie, we spent our afternoon interacting with patients - aged eleven to eighteen - in the RFAD Dream Room. Situated on the ninth floor of the Paediatric Ward, this Dream Room offers a safe haven for the boys and girls diagnosed with various renal and endocrinal conditions. What can be a cold, clinical environment, has been transformed into a warm, colourful section of the hospital, filled with so much joy.After handing out their packed lunches, we played with Virtual Reality headsets; allowing them the experience traveling under water, going on safari and riding various roller-coasters and fast cars.

The accompanying developers show groups of children the basics of coding and how lines of code correlate to the visual elements of everyday digital interactions. We sat with those who weren’t as mobile and chatted about their hobbies, favourite subjects at school and what they wanted to do when they’re older.As a team who spends much of our days in the office, communicating to team members and clients across the country and world through digital and tech platforms, it was an incredible experience spending quality time with such happy and resilient individuals. Not once was there a complaint; but rather constant laughter, squeaks and squeals of delight and happy chattering filled the afternoon.

Having worked closely on the Reach for a Dream internal platform, it was an amazingly rewarding experience to see just how much their efforts contribute to making positive changes in the lives of children less fortunate.After some time, the children who attend the local hospital school where escorted back to their classrooms by their teachers, but not before they happily huddled together with us for one final group photo. Thank you Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and Reach for a Dream for allowing us to come and spend such a wonderfully fun and learning-filled afternoon with your children

Contact details: Lloyd ChikambaTel: +27 10 865 0161 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SovTechTel: +27 10 865 0161 www.sov.tech

Daily, many battles are fought out of sight. These battles are fought by unknown heroes who offer their time and effort to help preserve the life and dignity of others. So often they are reliant on donations which never seem to be sufficient.

These battles are an ongoing effort to alleviate poverty, saving the planet and all live that depends on it.

Like some other organisations, WebScripto recognise the role these NGO’s play in our society. As a mean of recognizing these organisations and its people’s sacrifices, WebScripto is offering a pro bono website of up to 5 pages every quarter of the year to qualifying organisations who may benefit from having a website that may assist them in reaching out to the public and to accept online donations. We have provided pro bono websites to a number of institutions as part of our Social Responsibility Program.

Interested registered NGO’s or registered charities are requested to contact WebScripto at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applicants need to indicate their registration number, their registered business address and the charity goals of their organisations. WebScripto will, based on the submissions and the above criteria decide on an organisation to furnish with a website.

WebScripto will advise on the most cost effective domain registration and website hosting plan as this will not form part of the pro bono website

Ubuko Mpotulo (10), from East London, was diagnosed with Meningococcal Septicaemia, at the age of 3 years old, Ubuko underwent a Bi-Lateral Amputation and finger amputation, when the lining of his blood vessels became damaged and obstructed his narrow arteries and eventually cut off his blood supply.

Despite coming from a disadvantaged background, Ubuko has been awarded a Bursary to attend Selborne Primary, after the Educators and Governing body saw his resilience and perseverance shine through his Disability.

Ubuko’s disposition has also captured the hearts of his medical team.

“I finally met Ubuko and those of you who have had the privilege to meet him will understand that he only has to look at you once and you are done, the mischievous smile and determination in his eyes caught my heartstrings.” – says prosthetics specialist, Marissa Nel, who has personally committed, jointly with Ossur, to cover Ubuko’s medical costs that are amount to about R148 000 a year.

Until Ubuko turns 18, his prosthetic sockets will need to be refitted and changed at least 14 to 16 times until he stops growing. Unfortunately this will still be long-term struggle for him.

According to Nel, because Ubuko is growing, his socket will likely need to be changed in the next 6 to 8 months, when he will require alignment adjustments, and replacement of some of his prosthetic parts.

Ubuko has also inspired a group of 7 Round Tablers from East London, who have decided to take on the 70.3 Ironman challenge on the 27 January 2019 to contribute towards Ubuko’s ongoing medical costs, through a campaign launched on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy.

“Ubuko’s character and perseverance to improve himself are unmatched. He isn’t simply adapting to his prosthetics, he has relished the opportunity to seize his moment and make it count. Not only has he taken each step in his progress with enthusiasm, he has flourished.” Says Round Tabler, Ryan Baisley (37).

For the past 6 months, the team met 3 to 4 times a week, starting at 4 am, to do triathlon specific training to prepare for the one of the toughest endurance events. The event, organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), consists of a 3.86 km swim, 180.25 km bicycle ride and 42.20 km marathon without breaks.

"Out of the 7 athletes competing, 4 are novices to the Triathlon world and many of us started off as being really unfit. On the days when our legs were in pain from 60km cycle sessions into blistering hot headwind, we would remind ourselves how Ubuko feels everyday and the discomfort he has lived with his whole life.” – says Baisley.

To wish the team luck, Ubuko will meet the whole team, many for the first time, at the Ironman Expo, where he will also have an opportunity to view the latest triathlon gear and equipment and experience the exhibition before the event takes place.

“We hope the public will continue to support our BackaBuddy campaign. We may not be able to change the entire world, but by trying to change Ubuko’s world, we might make a difference in his life that inspires him to pay it forward to the next person that deserves it.” – says Baisley

The BackaBuddy campaign went live on the 15 of January 2019 and has thus far raised R 13 166.78 with contributions from 24 donors towards the fundraising target of R50 000.

Support Ubuko by donating on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/steps4ubuko or on the www.backabuddy.co.za.

Funds raised will be managed by Round Table and used for Ubuko’s ongoing medical procedures.

Meet the Round Tablers: Jethro Penny (34) - Toby Nzuza (37) - Daryan Rowe (33) - Warren Bigara (28) - Ruan Jordaan (31) - Bazil Frewen (33) - Ryan Baisley (37)

About BackaBuddy:
- BackaBuddy is a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.
- BackaBuddy has raised over R90.4 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
- Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA

For more info, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - 082 602 0735

The Emthonjeni informal settlement in Zandspruit is part of F.A.C.T., a project focused on reaching out to the most vulnerable.

The goal is to improve quality of life without uprooting people’s lives.  As part of its commitment to making a difference through hands-on support and community upliftment, Ozone Information Technology Solutions, leading South African channel partner and distributor, works closely with the organisation and the Emthonjeni community.

“We support Emthonjeni residents in a muffin project that allows us to consistently donate around R2,000 every month,” says Henk Olivier, MD, Ozone Information Technology Solutions.

“These muffins are made and sold within the community at R1.50 per muffin but it costs them R3 per muffin to make. We have stepped in to cover the shortfall.” The project is set to remain a part of Ozone’s focused commitment towards uplifting communities and people and, to date, F.A.C.T. has provided the Emthonjeni community with 59 995 meals. To find out more about Emthonjeni visit http://www.embarkfoundation.co.za/projects/f-a-c-t/.

To find out more about Ozone Information Technology and how it can work with your business to create intelligent technology, visit www.ozone.co.za, call +27 10 591 5588, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On the 27 June 2018, Boitumelo Ngidi (5) from the Mpophomeni Township, in Howick, Kwazulu Natal, was playing with her younger brother Quintin (2), when she accidentally fell backwards into a bath of boiling hot water.

Boitumelo was then pulled out of the water by her mum, Nonhlanhla (29) and immediately rushed to Hilton Life Hospital, the closest emergency hospital approximately 25 minutes away.

Upon arrival, Boitumelo was placed into ICU, after sustaining superficial burns on both her upper limbs and neck as well as ‘full thickness burns’ on her back and buttocks.

“Boitumelo presented with decreased range of motion in the neck, right and left shoulders, oedema in the left hand, poor pain management, inability to sit upright without back support, poor in-bed mobility and poor functional mobility.” – says Occupational Therapist, Nadia De Barros

After 2 weeks, Boitumelo was placed into the Paediatric Ward before being discharged on the 19th of July, as their medical aid could no longer cover the cost of ICU.

“The family has suffered a tremendous ordeal, with Nonhlanhla, carrying a burden of guilt for what has happened to her daughter and the lifelong scars she will have. She has so much love for her daughter and has taken unpaid leave to be at her daughter's side as often as she can. To make matters worse, the family car was involved in a car accident as a result of the stressful situation” – says Boitumelo’s beloved Teacher and Principal at Heritage House Preschool, Karen van Lelyveld

Unable to take public transport due to her fragile state and for risk of infection, the family rely on friends and family to take them to the hospital to change Tumi’s dressing every 2 days, which sometimes isn’t possible.

“Boitumelo has endured so much for such a young child and every time she starts making progress, she gets another infection and skin grafts need to be redone, which sets her back.” - says van Lelyveld

Hoping to raise funds to support Boitumelo’s ongoing medical costs, extensive occupational therapy as well has the psychological therapy her family will need, Boitumelo’s teacher, Karen, set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support to overcome the shortfalls of the family’s basic medical aid plan.

The campaign went live on the 17 August 2018 and has thus far raised R 2 604.35 towards the fundraising target of R100 000 with contributions from 7 donors.

Funds generated by this campaign will be directly managed by BackaBuddy NPC and paid directly to the relevant medical practitioners to ensure transparency with donors.

“With surgical intervention that is to follow, Boitumelo will require continued occupational therapy focusing on upper limb rehabilitation and functional rehabilitation until she is independent in the home and school environment. In order to achieve this, she will need to attend occupational therapy sessions 1-2 times a week, purchase pressure garments which cost about R16 000 each, skin therapy products, and possibly splints.” – says De Barros

“Last friday, Boitumelo came to school for an occupational therapy session and stayed for about 2 hours. She is still having difficulty walking and the exercises were noticeably painful for her.” says van Lelyveld

“It has been heart wrenching to see this bubbly little girl in such anguish, but she continues to put on a brave face for her friends who adore her. We hope the public will support our BackaBuddy campaign, so Tumi can get the treatment she needs and return to school full time” – adds van Lelyveld

Support this cause by Donating on BackaBuddy here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/helping-boitumelo-and-her-family-heal

About Backabuddy
BackaBuddy is a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.

BackaBuddy has raised over R73.5 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA/

For additional information please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tinyiko Gwambe (22) originally from Tshilamba, a small town in Limpopo was born with no arms. From a young age she was determined not be held back by her disability and saw her challenges as an opportunity to push herself further and to live her life to the fullest as God intended.

“I had to learn early on not play the blame game and accept myself for being born this way. I had to realize that with being disabled, my obstacles would oftentimes be greater than those of able-bodied individuals. So I pushed myself to do more, I found gratitude in exceeding people’s expectations of me and through scripture found the confidence to chase my dreams” - says Gwambe

When her mom passed at the age of 15, Tinyiko was removed from her loving aunt, Josephine Makhado who had dedicated her life to raising her and was let down by the constant changing of caregivers sent to look after her and negligent  social workers who sent her to live with her father, who had taken her mother’s other sister as his partner shortly after her mom’s passing.

“The social workers did not have the experience to take care of me. They did not understand my needs. For instance, they would get a caregiver who did not even know how to carry me. The painful truth is, sometimes I would go a day without eating. It was difficult dealing with the loss of my mom and dealing with complicated family dynamics. I felt that no one was looking out for me and I felt really alone” says Gwambe

In the two years Tinyiko spent without her aunt, she found her purpose and decided to become a social worker to help others in her situation and provide the care and stability she craved growing up.

“I noticed how disabled individuals in the rural areas were affected by poor education, leaving them to rely on social grants which barely cover daily expenses or seek unskilled jobs. I also felt that my needs were overlooked growing up and that I got lost in the system and decided that I would be a part of the solution and empower others regardless of their disability” says Gwambe

In 2015, Tinyiko reunited with her aunt in Pretoria and began studying for her Social work degree (BSW) at the University of Pretoria, as a straight A student, she looks forward to tackling her masters degree next year. The only obstacle Tinyiko faces now is mobility: currently she relies on her sister or boyfriend to make it to lectures, when they are unable to assist, she relies on public transport which can be unpredictable and often problematic.

Hoping to raise enough funds for a specialized vehicle imported from the UK, a campaign has been created on donations based crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy to appeal to the public to support her in becoming more independent and to empower her when she is placed into her first job as a social worker.

“Being a social worker often requires a lot of traveling and field work. To do my job more effectively and even make it to lectures for the time being, I will need to rely myself. Once this obstacle is overcome, I will be able to utilize my skill set and serve my community to the best of my ability. I really hope the public will support my BackaBuddy campaign” says Gwambe

The campaign went live on  4 April 2018 and has thus far raised R9 322.30 with contributions from 25 donors towards the target of R350 000. 

Support Tiny in raising funds for her specialized vehicle by donating here:  https://www.backabuddy.co.za/raising-money-for-a-special-car

For more information or to start your own campaign email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With over 150 000 charity organizations in South Africa, it is clear to see why we are known as a warm-hearted nation. With so many non-profits doing their part to elevate their various causes, it is the perfect time to dig deeper and investigate our unique stance on philanthropy.

A new survey, put together by Non-profit Tech For Good is hoping to provide insight into our budding non-profit sector through the 2018 Global Trends in Giving Survey. A report which will be the first of its kind.

The survey, available in five languages; Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, aims to crowdsource the largest global survey of individual donors ever, partnering with 21 Non-profit organizations to better understand generosity in the charity space.

Representing South Africa in the study, which is already in circulation, is donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, a strong contender in social giving. The organization has raised an astounding R65 Million for charities and individuals alike.

“The goal of the 2018 Global Trends in Giving Survey is to gain a better understanding of how donors worldwide engage with causes and charities that resonate with them. Partnering with BackaBuddy we hope to gage an understanding of the ‘spirit of Ubuntu’ in the emerging market that is South Africa” – says Non-profit Technology Trainer, Heather MacDonald

We would like to encourage South Africans to join the conversation and lend their voice to the report. The results will allow our charities an opportunity to learn from each other and align themselves with latest the market trends to better serve our community.

The survey is 100% anonymous and only takes 5 minutes to complete. Click here: https://givingreport.ngo

Joshua Naicker (22 months old) from Midrand, Johannesburg, was born at only 33 weeks old with challenging circumstances. The circumference of his head measured 45 cm, a length greater than his body, due to tremendous fluid on his brain.

Proud parents, Phillecia (29) and Bradley (36) were elated to welcome their first born into the world after 5 years of marriage and with uncomplicated family medical history, they could not have anticipated the difficult road ahead.Baby Joshua was diagnosed with congenital Hydrocephalus, more commonly known as “water on the brain”. This relentless and incurable disease currently affects 1 in every 500 babies globally.

At only 10 days old Joshua had already undergone his first brain surgery and spent the first two months of his life in Neonatal ICU, where he received a number of plasma blood transfusions to compensate for hemorrhaging large amounts of blood. He has since been fitted with a shunt (a thin piece of plastic tubing with a catheter), which drains the fluid from his brain to his stomach.

As a result of this rare disease Joshua has developed a number of serious conditionsnamely Cerebral Palsy (Hemiplegia), severe Cortical Visual Impairment, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Chiari Malformation, Scoliosis, missing Septum Pellucid, global developmental delay and hypertonia.

“He has had a total of 5 operations in his short existence, 3 of them being brain surgeries, uncountable hours of therapy and doctors appointments. His daily activities are so challenging and he cannot perform any tasks independently such as sitting, standing, crawling, playing, eating or drinking.” – says Bradley.

Despite his challenging circumstances, Joshua is described as a bubbly child, who loves affection.“He has the most beautiful smile, a smile that can capture anyone's heart. He exudes love and happiness. He has the true heart of a warrior.” – says Phillecia 

“He has come such a long way and is getting very close to sitting and crawling each day. He is beating the odds and with the right treatment and therapy has a chance at developing normally.” – adds Bradley

With unexpected mounting medical costs, Joshua’s parents have appealed to the public for support and set up a campaign on donations-based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy hopes to fund raise a total of R400 000 for Joshua to undergo Stem Cell Therapy at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

“Stem cell treatment will help him have a better quality of life and we are hoping it will specifically help with his vision, as he is practically blind. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate and repair the damaged brain cells. Duke University has performed thousands of stem cell infusions specifically for children born with this condition. We are hopeful that the procedure will eliminate at least one of Joshua’s conditions” – says Bradley

Breakdown of medical costs:

• The estimated total cost of the first stem cell treatment will be around R344 700 allowing for exchange rate fluctuations or an approximate 10 per cent increase.
• Banking and processing the stem cells for infusion: R20 460HLA-typing of both siblings to confirm a match: R6 507Transporting the stem cells to America: R26 300
• Infusion of stem cells: R216 100
• Transportation and accommodation in America: R44 000

“From the time Joshua was born we have done our best to manage this extremely difficult and expensive situation on our own, but the financial toll on our family has been overwhelming and we need help. We cannot express our gratitude to everyone who has supported out BackaBuddy campaign. Donors have given our boy a chance at a life where he will encounter far less challenges” – says Phillecia. 

Joshua’s campaign has thus far raised R45 498 towards his fundraising goal of R400 000 with contributions from 64 donors.Contribute Joshua’s medical campaign by donating here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/hope-for-joshua

Participate in the Global Giving Survey to empower Charities in South Africa here

BackaBuddy a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.BackaBuddy has raised over R65.6 million various causes and charitable organizations in South Africa.T

Take a look at our Website site https://www.backabuddy.co.za

For additional information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 082 602 0735

An annual Zumbathon event, which aims to showcase a gigantic outdoor Zumba class in Cape Town while some of the proceeds benefit a worthy cause, is set to take place in March this year.

The Zumbathon For A Cause sport and recreation event will see participants engage in a two-hour Zumba session on Saturday 3 March, at Good Hope Seminary School in Vredehoek.Zumbathon For A Cause attracts Zumba enthusiasts from all ages and walks of life to participate in what is considered as the biggest Zumba class in South Africa.Some of the proceeds of this year's event will benefit Hope Cape Town – the Cape Town-based organisation that dedicates its efforts to fight against inform about and help victims of HIV and Aids).

According to Zumbathon For A Cause organiser, Didier Moestus, this year's event is looking to create more awareness around World Aids Day and people affected by or living with the disease in The Western Cape.“Our team conducted research regarding who the best organisation was involved with informing, helping and preventing HIV and Aids education and we were touched by Hope Cape Town and the work that they do. We actually met with some of the children who come from families devastated by this disease and it was an eye opener for us. Hope Cape Town's dedication to save lives is authentic and touching but also, they are doing it with a smile on their face,” he says.

Tickets for this year's event are priced at R100 each for online purchases while tickets purchased on the day will cost R130 each. Children under 15 accompanied with an adult, or with an ID, will enter for R50 each.Group tickets (10 tickets minimum), are available at R75 per person.

The theme colour of this year's Zumbathon For A Cause event is purple and pink, and all Zumba lovers, fitness fans, moms, and personalities who want just an excuse to smile and dance in the morning, are encouraged to join in on the fun on the day.

Says Moestus: “Participants can look forward to two outdoor classes of Zumba, as well as a great opportunity to meet new faces and network in the process. We have a number of great prizes on offer too, so all around the family-centered event will be a fun day out for the entire family.”Moestus adds that Zumbathon for A Cause is targeted at people who relate to wellness and health, as well as everyone who wants to make a contribution to fight for Aids awareness.

Renowned SA Zumba instructor, Lucas Mthenjane, will spear-head the event as the main Zumba instructor on the outdoor stage.“Lucas is like a Zumba guru on this continent, and he has travelled the world to learn new aspects of that discipline throughout the years of his practise and is the only one who gives license to Zumba instructors in South Africa. We are very proud to have him involved with us. He is the engine of this event and we are really impressed with his passion, enthusiasm and creativity for this discipline,” says Moestus.

For more details about Zumbathon For A Cause, you can email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit:www.zumbathonforacause.co.zaFor more details about Hope Cape Town, visit: https://www.hopecapetown.com

Do also check out Zumbathon For A Cause on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zumbathon-For-A-Cause-2035606090059935/

Instagram: @zumbathonforacause

Twitter: @ZumbaForACause

- ENDS -

Please forward requests for further information, hi-res photographs or interview opportunities to:

Clayton Morar (Publicist)
Mobile: + 27 74 194 1766
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.