Assault Victim Gets New Home Thanks to Kind Bryanston Woman’s Fundraising

A viral video of a woman, beaten down in the streets of Johannesburg by an ANC supporter on 5 February 2018 sparked outrage on social media… and led to a Bryanston woman setting off on a mission to find her and restore some faith in humanity.

Olivia Mokete (55) from Orange Farm, was on her way to petition the council for water and electricity in her region and found herself in the middle of a violent protest outside Luthuli House, when her lift stopped at the traffic light.

Without reason, the angry protestors approached the vehicle swinging sharp objects. While some of the individuals managed to escape the situation without harm, Olivia was dragged off the bakkie and beaten to the ground by a man, now identified as Thabiso Setona.

Dianne Bayley (55) from Bryanston, Johannesburg, was outraged and saddened by the disturbing footage and made it her mission to find Olivia and restore some faith in humanity.

“I saw the video footage on Twitter and was appalled that the huge man could beat a woman – and a very small woman at that – in the street while other men and policemen looked on,” says Dianne.

When Dianne came across a photo of Olivia standing in front of her humble 2m x 2m tin shack, she was inspired to set up a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to build Olivia a Wendy house to keep her warmer in the winter.

“When I saw the picture of her standing outside her tin shack in Orange Farm, my heart broke. Not only had Olivia experienced a terrible order and was in pain, she went home to a shack that doesn’t even have a bed in it. She had several pieces of corrugated iron cobbled together to form a shelter. No actual door; no window; no floor. I couldn’t stand up in it!” says Dianne

The crowdfunding campaign went live on 12 February 2018 and surpassed the fundraising target of R10 000, raising R 10 829.60 with the help of 16 kind strangers, friends and family.

With the funds raised, Dianne approached a local small business owner to build the 3m x 4m Wendy house; and Build A Cupboard generously offered a customised cupboard, kitchen counter and seat with storage that will arrive this week.

With the remaining funds, Dianne purchased toiletries and non-perishable goods for Olivia and her husband.

The couple was “amazed and thrilled” with their new home, and the happiness spread. Dianne says she hasn’t felt this happy in a long time. “Giving truly is the real gift!” she says.

“The kindness Olivia experienced after her ordeal showcases our ability as South Africans to positively impact those around us. We can all make a difference,” says BackaBuddy’s Zane Groenewald.