Durban resident Kyle van Reenen thought he was raising funds for a coffee machine, but South Africans had other plans.

What began as a simple act of kindness has turned into one of those uniquely South African stories that reminds people why they still believe in the country, reports Northglen News.

Just a week ago, Van Reenen launched a BackaBuddy fundraiser with a modest goal of R5 000.
The idea was to replace the coffee machine belonging to Warrant Officer Karl Sander, a veteran police officer whose personal machine had been stolen from his office.

During testimony before the Madlanga Commission, Sander revealed that his personal coffee machine had been stolen from his office. Adding insult to injury, he was reportedly questioned as a suspect in the theft of his own property. The senior Hawks official was brought to tears when the polygraph test he was said to have failed, was deemed invalid.

Seven days later, the campaign has raised more than R660 000 from more than 2 000 donors, with three weeks still remaining.

As news of the fundraiser spread, the response has seen numbers nobody expected.

Van Reenen says the response has been overwhelming.

“Having spent years working as a paramedic and in various roles across the private security and emergency services sectors, I have experienced the realities of life on the frontline. I have stood shoulder to shoulder with police officers, emergency personnel and first responders, witnessing the emotional and physical toll their work often takes,” he said.

And that’s the reason why Sander’s story struck such a deep chord with him.

“To many people, it sounded like a small story about a missing appliance but I know what that cup of coffee represents. It’s a small comfort during long shifts, a brief moment of calm after dealing with tragedy, violence, accidents and the countless pressures that come with serving the public,” added Van Reenen.

He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the campaign or simply recognised a piece of themselves in Sander’s story.

“The campaign remains active until month-end. Thereafter, Warrant Officer Sander and I will work together to ensure that the funds are utilised for the greater good.

“As a serving member of the South African Police Service, he remains bound by the relevant SAPS policies and regulations, and any decisions regarding the funds will be made accordingly,” he added.

*The article was amended after being published.