Shavonne Bulmer’s “Mzansi Cupcakes” movement is determined to overcome the barriers so many talented writers face, and thanks to a well-supported fundraiser, two aspiring storytellers have a chance to share their voices with the world.
Cape Town, South Africa (15 September 2025) – Mzansi Cupcakes believes in stories that rise, voices that uplift, and books that change lives. It is this very belief that set the motion for an incredible fundraiser to turn the dream of publishing into reality for emerging South African writers.
Our country is overflowing with extraordinary writers, yet too many remain unheard, not from lack of talent, but from barriers and a lack of funding that keep their stories from being brought to life.
That’s where the Mzansi Cupcakes, through its “Rising Voices Fund”, has come in. Recently, the movement launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise R10,000 to help two emerging independent authors publish their first 50 books each, complete with professional book cover designs, distribution contracts, and marketing support.
“Aspiring authors will submit manuscript pitches and short extracts to Mzansi Cupcakes. From these, we’ll carefully select five promising writers. Their work will then be shared with the public, and you (the readers, the community) will vote for the top two. Those chosen voices will receive the full publishing support they deserve. Every R5,000 over R10,000 will help another author in the top 5 to be published,” Mzansi Cupcakes founder Shavonne Bulmer explains the publishing initiative.
The fundraiser, started just 16 days ago, has been met with generous support, raising R12,700 from seven donors.
Mzansi Cupcakes was also featured on the Expresso Morning Show, where Shavonne, who is also an independent author herself, shared all things about the “BookTok” movement, local literature, small businesses, mental health and the healing power of storytelling.
Mzansi Cupcakes will now help two authors publish their debut books, with extra funds aiding a third. This isn’t just books; it’s about opening doors for writers who may otherwise never see their words reach the world.
For more information, visit the BackaBuddy campaign or Shavonne’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Sources: BackaBuddy
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 