In the face of heartbreak, ordinary people have done something extraordinary… raising almost R400,000 for Eben Beukes’ recovery through sheer compassion.
South Africa (17 May 2025) – Ten-year-old Eben Beukes was known as “the kid with the brightest smile in the room”, a gentle, kind-hearted boy who loved school. But in December 2024, his world changed overnight. A routine viral illness escalated into the rare PIMS (Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome), triggering a secondary streptococcal infection.
Eben’s little body was overwhelmed. He suffered multiple strokes and significant cerebral damage. The vivacious boy is now critically ill, blinded by the brain injuries, unable to walk or talk, and he needs full-time, round-the-clock care.
Eben’s family has already endured unspeakable heartbreak. Two years ago, his mother tragically passed away after suffering strokes, leaving Hendrik Beukes, a single father, to raise Eben and his 15-year-old sister, Ané. In the wake of Eben’s collapse, Hendrik has become his son’s sole pillar of support. Now, as a single father, he’s dealing with deep grief while caring for Eben and supporting Ané. The burden is immense: Eben has lost his sight and can no longer speak or walk and needs constant care. The loving father stays by Eben’s side but the family faces mounting medical and homecare needs that far exceed their means.
In a beautiful display of community spirit, South Africans have rallied to Eben’s aid.
Since launching a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, ordinary people doing something extraordinary have helped raise over R238,000 (at the time of originally publishing our first article, the campaign had already reached R148,750 and continues to grow). The goal is to reach R500,000 – enough to provide the care, comfort and dignity Eben deserves. Every donation, no matter the size, is helping lift this family in ways words can barely describe.
And that’s not all.
Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels radio team and charity partners have stepped in with even more critical support. To date, over R160,000 has been donated directly through their network. Contributions include R50,000 from Round Table Pretoria, R50,000 from the Caring Daisies, R30,000 from Corestruc, and R30,000 from the Good Morning Angels Fund NPC.
This brings the total donations to R398,000.
These funds are earmarked for Eben’s home-care and rehabilitation needs: specialised beds, medical equipment, nursing care, therapy sessions and other essentials to give Eben a fighting chance at recovery.
As one Good Morning Angels sponsor explained, every rand helps cover 24-hour palliative support, including nursing care, feeding assistance, medical equipment and essentials like diapers for Eben. The aim is to ease Hendrik’s burden so he can focus on caring for his son with dignity and love.
Jacaranda FM presenter Martin Bester, who has led the Good Morning Angels campaign, spoke for many when he said, “No 10-year-old should have to go through what Eben is going through – and no father should have to do it alone.”
These words have galvanised listeners to action. Parents and strangers alike have sent messages of hope: “From one parent to another, we’re with you,” wrote a donor. A teacher who knows the family, Liné Niemand, even shared her own heartbreak and faith, saying Eben “is the kind of sweet, clever, loving boy” who has already made a difference in people’s lives.
Despite the nightmare they are facing, Eben’s story has inspired an outpouring of compassion. Every day, South Africans… neighbours, school friends and community groups are stepping up to say Eben is not alone. Every new rand, every prayer and every encouraging word adds light to this family’s dark time. Eben’s ordeal reminds us of how powerful love and community can be. In just a few short months, strangers have become friends and kindness has become Eben’s lifeline.
Community spirit has truly brought light to a dark time, showing this family that they are not alone – and reminding the rest of us that, in South Africa, hope has many hands and an even bigger heart.
*At the time of publishing our original article, the Crowdfund amounted to R148,750; that number has since increased to R247,620; added to that is the R160,000 donation from Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels.
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