Emergency Surgery Project Delivers Life-Changing Care at Groote Schuur Hospital

 has made remarkable strides in delivering emergency orthopaedic surgeries to trauma patients who would otherwise face long delays.

 project set out to deliver 70 additional emergency theatre lists over 12 months. With R1.8 million in funding from LottoStar to the 

, the project is on track to support 60 lists.

From June to September, 16 emergency theatre lists were completed, resulting in 53 patients receiving surgery—exceeding the estimated average of three patients per list. A total of 56 procedures were performed, including multi-stage operations for 12 patients. The most common surgeries involved ankle and upper-limb fracture fixations, reflecting the high incidence of trauma-related injuries.

Despite scheduling and staffing constraints during the winter months, the surgical team is actively trailing additional weekend lists and doubling up weekly sessions to close the gap and accelerate delivery.

The patients treated during this period came from a wide range of communities across Cape Town highlighting the importance of ensuring equal access to emergency care for all.

“The Emergency Surgery lists have made a massive difference to our waiting times for orthopaedic trauma cases. We manage to process an additional 3+ patients every week thanks to the additional weekly list.” — 

Maritz Laubscher, Associate Professor, Trauma Limb Reconstruction

This initiative has not only helped more patients get the surgeries they need, but it’s also reduced waiting times and allowed the hospital to treat more trauma cases each week transforming lives through timely care.

We are proud to partner with Groote Schuur Hospital and look forward to seeing the full impact of this project unfold in the months ahead.

Groote Schuur

At Vumuthando Primary School near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, a remarkable transformation has taken place — one that goes far beyond construction. This change is about respect, safety, and giving every child a secure environment in which to learn and thrive.

For years, learners and teachers faced hazardous pit toilets — outdated facilities that posed serious health risks and often forced children to avoid using them, losing valuable learning time.

’s Toilet Campaign is so vital. Across South Africa, this initiative is replacing unsafe toilets with modern, sustainable sanitation facilities designed to protect wellbeing, support inclusivity, and foster equality. For Vumuthando Primary, this campaign — supported by The Star Foundation, LottoStar, and East Coast Radio through the Fortune Frenzy has been life changing.

Together, generous listeners helped raise an incredible R859,500 — enough to replace the school’s toilets with clean, safe, and sustainable facilities for 259 learners and 15 staff members. Each unit features waterless and low-flush systems, designed for ease of use and environmental sustainability. Regular inspections and septic tank servicing are included for up to five years, ensuring lasting benefits for the school community.

Today, the new toilets are in use, giving learners the comfort and confidence to focus on their education without fear or discomfort. The facilities also promote gender equality and inclusivity, offering safe access for all learners — girls and children with disabilities alike.

Breadline Africa’s Toilet Campaign is about more than construction it’s about restoring dignity, protecting health, and creating environments where children can thrive. Across South Africa, the organisation continues its mission to ensure more schools receive the same care, giving every child a safe and dignified space to learn.

The official handover at Vumuthando Primary took place on 21 October, marking a brighter chapter for the school and demonstrating the impact of collective action.

Building Dignity

Dané’s Year So Far: Big Adventures and New Milestones 💖

“Courage, curiosity, and laughter — Dané, one of our youngest Jumping Kids beneficiaries, has already filled this year with exciting firsts and proud moments.”

“Her biggest step so far? Moving from her cot into her very own big-girl bed!”

And the milestones just kept coming, from dancing, running, climbing, and even kicking a ball with her prosthetic leg. She also completed her very first competition, proudly receiving a certificate to celebrate the achievement.

At home, Dané is surrounded by love, laughter, and plenty of fun. She’s learning to count, speak in full sentences, and play with her dolls, while her best friend Jacky the dog is never far from her side. Mealtimes are full of favourites like “slap chips” sprinkled with Aromat, playful veggie-eating games with Grandma, and even helping out in the kitchen (with the occasional broken plate!).

“People often tell her she’s brave and that her prosthetic leg is pretty cool too.”

Through it all, Jumping Kids has been by her side, supporting her every step of the way, from practical help that keeps her moving to the encouragement that cheers her on. Dané’s courage shows up in the sweetest ways. She’s even managed to get over her fear of visits with Oom Johan at Jumping Kids, something that once seemed scary but now feels like just another fun step along the way.

“It's been a year full of laughter, learning, and big adventures, with so many exciting moments, we’re loving every step of her journey so far!”

Dané’s Year So Far

 — three powerful weeks of big prizes, with entrants playing for a purpose. With R1 Million in cash up for grabs every weekday, this wasn’t just about winning — it was about making a life-changing difference.

In partnership with The Star Foundation, all proceeds from Big September are going directly towards surgical equipment and consumables for 

at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital — the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, and a lifeline for thousands of children in need of life-saving operations.

Every month, a small team of just five paediatric surgeons performs over 200 operations — from delicate neonatal procedures to urgent life-saving interventions. These surgeries simply cannot happen without specialised equipment and consumables which, in many cases, are not available at public hospitals.

This is where Big September stepped in. Thanks to your support, the funds raised will contribute to

, touching the lives of hundreds of young children who now have hope for a brighter, healthier future.

💛 Big September wasn’t just about winning cash — it was about providing world-class medical care and saving little lives.

Saving Little Lives

Little Angels Event

From 14 July to 2 August 2025, LottoStar and East Coast Radio brought listeners the thrill of 

 — 3 weeks of unadulterated adrenaline with R1 million in cash up for grabs every weekday. But beyond all the excitement and unforgettable wins, this campaign had a powerful purpose: helping restore dignity through improved school sanitation.

At the heart of Fortune Frenzy was a mission to support 

's work to replace unsafe pit toilets with clean, safe, and sustainable toilet facilities at schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

Fortune Frenzy wasn’t just about winning big — it was about playing for a purpose. Your participation helped take real steps toward creating school environments where children can feel safe, focus on their studies, and reach their full potential in a healthy and dignified learning environment.

 for Breadline Africa's toilet campaign- enough to completely eradicate pit toilets and provide safer, more hygienic sanitation solutions for all learners at [insert name of school] in KwaZulu-Natal. At The Star Foundation, we’re proud to have helped raise awareness and funding for this vital cause.

You can continue to support the work by following Breadline Africa and learning more about their mission to bring better infrastructure to South African schools.

Visit Breadlineafrica.org to learn how you can continue making an impact

Spread the word – because awareness builds impact!

Thank you for being part of a movement for change that went far beyond prizes. With your help, we’ve made meaningful impact a reality with a significant leap closer to eradicating pit toilets and transforming the school experience into one which is safe, dignified, and empowering for all children.

Restoring Dignity

 has ended – and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Over three weeks, the competition brought thrilling wins to LottoStar players while making a meaningful difference through Good Morning Angels (GMA).

 was raised for GMA – Jacaranda FM’s weekly charity initiative hosted by Martin Bester every Wednesday morning.

The funds raised will go toward uplifting South Africans in need, continuing the mission of bringing light to the lives of those facing hardship.

As part of the funds raised through the Fortune Frenzy competition, 

 was donated toward the purchase of a cutting-edge laser machine for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. This vital piece of equipment will be used to treat young burn patients suffering from severe injuries – offering healing, relief, and a renewed chance at recovery.

The remaining funds will go towards supporting other meaningful causes through GMA continuing to bring help and hope where it’s needed most.

Fortune Frenzy proved that when entertainment meets purpose, lives can truly be changed.

The Star Foundation is proud to be part of initiatives that drive impact and share in the joy of changing lives – one win and one act of kindness, at a time.

Keep tuned to Jacaranda FM, follow The Star Foundation and LottoStar to see how more of the funds raised continue to make a real impact across South Africa.

Winnings with Purpose

Every drop counts. Every donation matters. At The Star Foundation, we’ve seen at firsthand how a simple act of generosity can change lives.

Since June 2023, we’ve partnered with the 

South African National Blood Service (SANBS)

 to host blood donation days at the Conservatory Building in Rosebank — and the response has been overwhelming!

Bi-monthly, our office becomes a beacon of hope, thanks to the incredible support of donors from the Conservatory Building. Through their generosity, we have collected 173 donations so far, saving 519 lives. That’s 519 people — mothers, fathers, children, and friends who have been given a second chance at life because of the selfless acts of our donors.

Did you know that a single donation can save up to three lives? It’s a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can create life-changing impacts. By dedicating just 30 minutes of your day, you could be the reason someone gets to celebrate another birthday, overcome a medical emergency, or win their fight against illness.

"The need for blood is constant, which is why our bi-monthly blood drives are so important. These drives help maintain a steady blood supply ensuring it’s available exactly when and where it’s needed most”.

Together we can continue to save lives, one donor at a time!

Saving Lives, One Drop at a time

“A wheelchair is more than a seat; it’s a gateway to a world of possibilities”.

It all started with a with a simple idea – what if something as small as a bottle top or a bread tag could change someone’s life? Turns out, it can!

For the past two years, The Star Foundation has been a collection point in Rosebank for the 

. Along with collecting in our building, we’ve watched as offices, schools and everyday heroes have dropped off bags of plastic tops, bread tags, coffee lids, and can tabs. And guess what? All those tiny pieces add up to something big – wheelchairs for those on the Sweetheart’s Foundation waiting list who need them most.

The Magic of sorting – but there’s more to this process than just collecting! The tops and tags must be sorted by colour before being sent to the recyclers. This is where Sally’s Workshop plays a vital role.

Sally’s Workshop provides a safe and supportive space for intellectually disabled adults to engage in meaningful work. Sorting tops and tags by colour is not just a step in the recycling process – it gives the individuals at Sally’s Workshop a sense of purpose, skill-building opportunities and the dignity of earning a small income. Every piece they sort helps move another person closer to the gift of mobility.

Why recycling matters – beyond changing lives collecting and recycling these small items supports a greener planet, by keeping plastic and aluminium out of landfills and redirecting them to a cause that benefits both people and the environment, we are making a tangible impact.

Whether you collect a handful of tops or rally your entire office, every effort makes a difference. Drop your collections with the Star Foundation and be a part of something truly special. Together, let’s turn everyday waste into a lifeline for those who need it most!

Sorting of Tops and Tags

Where Heart, Craft & Community Came to Life

At the Conservatory