Help Mandisa Magwa: A heartfelt campaign for a permanent home

A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to help 76-year-old Mandisa Magwa, a long-time resident of the streets of Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, find a permanent home. 

Known simply as Cynthia to many locals, she has become a familiar figure outside Checkers in Muizenberg, where she sits quietly, surrounded by her bags, burning incense, and praying.

Originally from the Eastern Cape, Ms Magwa moved to Cape Town in search of work, but after leaving an abusive partner, she became homeless.

“She is intelligent, intentional, kind, deeply faithful and trusting of God,” said Jeanelle Huskisson, who started the BackaBuddy campaign.

“She radiated joy and laughter, even in the midst of her circumstances. Over time, I started viewing her as a third grandmother.”

Ms Huskisson first met Ms Magwa in October 2024 and began supporting her through small donations and collaborative yoga sessions, where she would close each class with a prayer.

Although this support helped cover daily needs, it wasn’t enough to change her situation. That’s when she launched the online campaign to raise funds for a permanent solution.

“Ms Magwa has lived on the street for nine years. She can no longer work and lives very mindfully on her small government grant,” said Ms Huskisson.

“She keeps her belongings tidy and sticks to a daily routine. Her faith gives her strength.”

According to Ms Huskisson, the goal is to secure a small bungalow where Ms Magwa can live safely and independently.

“We have enough to purchase a structure, but we’re still working with officials to find a safe piece of land,” she said. “The process has been slow and unpredictable.”

Ms Magwa is currently in the hospital after being struck by a taxi and breaking her femur.

“She is unable to collect her grant, and campaign funds are now also being used to purchase toiletries, clean underwear and other necessities while she recovers,” said Ms Huskisson.

“The best way for the community to support her during this time is to contribute to the campaign fund,” she added.

“There’s uncertainty about where she will go once she is discharged. We want to ensure she doesn’t return to the street.”

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, councillor Francine Higham, said: “The City of Cape Town recognises the importance of assisting persons who are willing to move off the streets through sustainable interventions.”

The City’s five-tiered approach includes access to shelters and Safe Spaces, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) placements, rehabilitation support, and help with obtaining identity documents and social grants.

In a separate statement to the Echo, the City said housing is offered in various forms, including state-subsidised units and senior citizen complexes. However, resources are limited, and opportunities are rolled out in phases.

The City encourages those in need of assistance to ensure their details are up to date on the Housing Needs Register.

Ms Huskisson said the campaign continues to receive support, but more is needed to secure a lasting solution.

“It should not have required a broken leg for Ms Magwa to receive the care she’s always needed and deserved. She has brought so much joy into my life. I hope others feel inspired to be more open toward people in need.”

The campaign remains open for contributions. More information is available on the BackaBuddy website.