Stellenbosch security guard buys car after BackaBuddy campaign surpasses goal

• A Stellenbosch University security guard named Wellington got his driver's licence thanks to a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign that far exceeded its target
• Wellington used the funds raised to take the next step towards launching his own Uber business to support his wife and sons
• A video shared on Instagram on 14 October 2026 captured the moment Wellington celebrated with a balloon, cake, and car keys

A Stellenbosch security guard's determination to build a better life for his family captured the hearts of South Africans after a crowdfunding campaign changed everything for him.

Wellington, who works as a security guard at Stellenbosch University, first set out to raise enough money to get his driver's licence through a BackaBuddy campaign. The response from the public was far beyond anything he could have expected. The campaign hit 1180% of its original goal, giving Wellington the means to go further than he had planned.

With his licence secured, Wellington took the next step and bought a car — something he hopes will allow him to start an Uber business and bring in extra income for his family.

Wellington's dream takes shape

In a post shared on Instagram on 14 October 2026, Wellington described the moment as one step closer to the dream. He wrote that there are still a few things that need fixing before he can officially get started, but that the milestone would not have been possible without everyone who donated, shared the campaign, or simply sent a message of support. He wrote:

"This has always been about more than a car. It is about opportunity, independence and creating a better future for the people who matter most."

The video, shared by the Instagram account Cool Story Bru, showed just how far the BackaBuddy campaign had exceeded his target.

View the Instagram video below:

Mzansi shows Wellington love

South Africans flooded the comments with warmth and pride:

@wellington_844 said:

"Thank you. I am very grateful for all the support I've received and will never forget. I truly love our country and its people."

@bridgetteljk shared:

"This made my day."

@iamdjvoodoo cheered:

"Yay! Go Welliiiiiiii!!!!!!!🇿🇦❤"

@ane_dejager added:

"Well done!"

Wellington ended his post with a promise to keep his supporters updated, saying this is only the beginning.

More Briefly News stories on security

• A Wolf Security guard in Margate filmed a family sleeping rough with a young baby near Uvongo SPAR and appealed to South Africans to help them find work or shelter.
• A Stellenbosch student uncovered an open database in Gauteng's e-Panic Button app, exposing users' crime reports, GPS locations and sensitive personal details.
• A young woman began at North-West University as a security officer and has now earned her PhD, and a clip of her daughters in tears has moved South Africans.

Source: Briefly News

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