In 2016, Nika Du Toit (36), Acting Deputy Principal at Hope School in Westcliff, Johannesburg, met Katlego Legotlo (22), a charming student with a beaming smile, who had been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at only 6 months old.
Despite his challenges, Katlego was a dedicated student who achieved 3 distinctions in his matric year, which was during the first year of Covid. Nika says that Katlego’s gentle spirit and positive attitude had a profound impact on her life, and that his laughter lingered on when he eventually left the school.
“Katlego is a wonderful young man who has inspired me to live a better, more grateful life, since the moment I met him. He always smiles no matter how hard life gets. Who am I then to not smile and be grateful as well.” – says Nika
Nika and Katlego promised to stay in contact, and they bumped into each other at the Linden Market in early March 2023. Nika noticed that Katlego’s faithful manual wheelchair, which he used for years, was worn out and needed to be replaced.
Just before Katlego’s wheelchair broke, Nika launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to surprise him with an electric wheelchair that would transform his life and give him the freedom of movement he deserved.
Thirty donors responded to the BackaBuddy plea, contributing over R54,000 to help purchase Katlego’s new chair. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming, and Nika was grateful to everyone who contributed.
Surprise!
On Thursday, 13 April 2023, Nika had a surprise for Katlego. She came up with a ruse to get him to visit and told him to close his eyes. When he opened them, he saw the Quickie Q50 R, the electric wheelchair that would change his life forever.
Katlego was beaming with excitement, and his reaction, captured in the video above, showing his gratitude and joy is difficult to put into words.
“If there is anyone that deserves this, it’s this precious soul. A person who always smiles regardless of his setbacks, he brings joy to all around him. It warms my heart to help people and make their lives a little easier. I can’t thank the donors enough for their unbelievable generosity,” says Nika.
Katlego’s story is a reminder that a little kindness can go a long way and that we can all make a difference in someone’s life. For those who would like to support Katlego, any additional funds raised will be used to purchase him a specialized car seat.
-
Support Katlego on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/katlego-legotlo-5537648823212427869
-
Alternatively, donate Via Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Katlego_Legotlo
Create your own Crowdfunding Campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has raised over R400 Million in support of various worthy causes from donors from around the world.
If you’re a charity or an individual in need of funds for medical needs, tuition fees or simply want to pay it forward, launch a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.
Connect with Porky’s
Porky’s People NPC, is a non-profit organisation and Charity Marketing Consultancy based in South Africa. We share inspiring South African stories, charitable causes and information worth spreading. 🌍 💜Our passion is people and non-profits.
WhatsApp Us – Subscribe to our Newsletter – Find us on social media @porkyspeople.
Expert Marketing & Media Consultant Services for Non-Profit Organisations
We provide Marketing, Media and Social Media support to non-profit organisations both locally and abroad. Our Services.
Shop on Gift Horse
Gift Horse is an online e-commerce store based in South Africa that provides impactful, high-quality children’s gifts and experiences, that benefit worthy non-profit organisations and inspire generosity and kindness.
