Tinyiko Gwambe is using her childhood experience creating a better future for children. She’s studying to be a social worker, inspiring everyone in the process!
Limpopo, South Africa – Tinyiko Gwambe (22) originally from Tshilamba, a small town in Limpopo was born with no arms.
Last year, Tinyiko created a campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for a vehicle that will allow her to attend lectures and apply for jobs as a social worker. Even though the crowdfund didn’t reach its goal, Tinyiko has received her new wheels!
“I know most people do not understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities who have limited mobility, But it is good to know that there are people out there who think differently and try to understand circumstances of people with disabilities.
These people are the ones who made my dreams come true. I would like to thank each and every donor who contributed to my cause. I promise to put the car to good use!
Special thanks to my sister, Willemina, fellow BackaBuddy campaign creator, Gugu Molefe who donated R8000 of her funds to my cause and the BackaBuddy Team for their constant support throughout my crowdfunding journey!” – says Tinyiko
Initially, the car she wanted was what her BackaBuddy goal was set at, but necessity took over and using the funds already raised, she was able to purchase a vehicle that fit all her needs. The fund is staying open to help Tinyiko pay for petrol and car insurance, so if you would like to help her further her dreams, you can do so via the crowdfunding here.
The life-changing donation came from Gugu Molefe who sent in R8000.00 towards the campaign. Gugu Molefe (23) from Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga was born with a condition called Osteogenesis imperfecta. It is an incurable disease which affects 1 in 15 000 people and prevents bones from developing and can lead to bones breaking easily.
Gugu was inspired by Tinyiko and wanted to help her reach her dream of completing her Social Work education.
Gugu is unable to make use of a conventional wheelchair due to her compromised bones. Without the funds to purchase an electronic wheelchair and unable to afford a caregiver with her social grant, her dreams of perusing a career in radio broadcasting was put on hold.
Hoping to regain her independence, Gugu joined a support group for people living with disabilities. On the platform, Gugu met Tinyiko Gwambe (22) a social worker in training from Limpopo who was born with no arms whose kindheartedness inspired her.
“When I met Tinyiko she was fundraising for a specialized vehicle on BackaBuddy which would enable her to drive. Needing an electronic wheelchair myself, I reached out to her and she gracefully helped me set up my own crowdfunding campaign on the site”
With Tinyko’s support, Gugu’s campaign went live on the 12 August 2018 and raised R 14 590.11 with contributions from 28 donors towards the fundraising goal of R40 000.
Letlhogonolo Shuping and a few of his friends from Ditsiro Tsaka Trading and Projects heard of Gugu’s crowdfund a week after her campaign went live. They gifted Gugu a new electronic wheelchair meaning her fund could be used for other things.
In the spirit of Ubuntu, Gugu decided to pay it forward and donate R8000 of the funds she raised through her campaign, with the permission of her donors, to support Tinyiko campaign for a specialised vehicle.
“Tinyiko has become such a role model to me, she is the reason I don’t want to give up and continue chasing my dreams. If it wasn’t for her hard work and undying support, I wouldn’t have my new wheelchair. I wanted to surprise her with this donation, because she is such a selfless, kindhearted person who deserves to experience true freedom. I really hope the public will continue to support Tinyiko’s BackaBuddy campaign so she can finish her social working degree and live her life to the fullest”
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