Johannesburg, May 2025 | Jacaranda FM‘s Good Morning Angels initiative continues to change lives through the power of community—this time by rallying support for 10-year-old Eben Beukes, who suffered multiple strokes following a severe viral infection, leaving him blind, unable to walk or speak, and in need of full-time care.
In a powerful act of compassion, Good Morning Angels and its partners have rallied to donate R160,000 to Eben and his family, giving them hope as they navigate an unimaginably difficult chapter.
Eben’s life changed forever in December when he fell ill with a viral infection that triggered PIMS (Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome), an aggressive autoimmune condition. This was followed by a secondary streptococcal infection, which caused Eben to suffer several strokes and severe cerebral damage. Tragically, this mirrors the loss of his mother, who died from strokes just two years ago.
Today, Eben lives with his father, Hendrik, and 15-year-old sister Ané, with Hendrik doing all he can to care for his children. While Eben is currently in a rehabilitation facility partially covered by medical aid, the financial burden of his continued care once he returns home is overwhelming.
Thankfully, community members, including school and family friends, reached out to Good Morning Angels, and the response was nothing short of extraordinary:
- Round Table Pretoria donated R50,000 towards Eben’s care.
- The Caring Daisies, long-time supporters of community upliftment, added R50,000.
- Corestruc contributed R30,000 for home care and medical bills.
- The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC also pledged R30,000 to help bring Eben home.
“No 10-year-old should have to go through what Eben is going through – and no father should have to do it alone,” says Martin Bester, host of Jacaranda FM’s popular ‘Breakfast with Martin Bester’. “This is what Good Morning Angels is about – giving families like the Beukes family the support they need when life becomes too much to carry on their own. We’re proud to stand with them.”
The R160,000 donation will go towards equipping Eben’s home for his arrival, providing specialised medical equipment, and easing the financial strain on his family as they prepare to take on the immense challenge of full-time care.
Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels initiative continues to bring hope to South Africans facing hardship, and Eben’s story is a reminder that when communities come together, even the darkest days can be met with light.
Listen to Good Morning Angels every Wednesday morning on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester