Bid to raise funds to help homeless woman

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

- ERIN CARELSE

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

“She radiated joy and laughter, even in the midst of her circumstances. Over time, I started viewing her as a third grandmother,” said Jeanelle Huskisson, who started the BackaBuddy campaign to help Magwa.

Huskisson first met Magwa in October last year and started supporting her through small donations and collaborative yoga sessions, where Magwa would close each class with a prayer.