Hot Cares steps in to help a dad on the brink of losing his sight

When sight begins to fade, so much more is lost than vision. For Barend Daniel “Daantjie” van Loggerenberg, a devoted dad and Factory Manager at Telscrew Products, cataracts in both eyes are rapidly dimming the world he shares with his 11-year-old son. Every day brings more strain at work, more uncertainty about the future, and a growing fear that he won’t be able to provide for the child who depends on him.

Despite his integrity, resilience, and quiet humility, the public system can only assist next year — far too late for a condition that is progressing now. Private surgery was estimated at R26,000 per eye, with even the follow-up consultation fee out of reach. For a proud provider who rarely asks for help, this is a heavy burden to carry.

At Hot Cares, we believe urgent, treatable problems shouldn’t cost someone their dignity or their livelihood. Timely cataract surgery is routine and highly successful, restoring vision almost immediately in most cases. For Daantjie, it’s the difference between independence and dependence — between providing for his child and facing a future in the dark.

Thanks to the generosity of the Hot 1027 community, Hot Cares will cover the full cost of Daantjie’s cataract surgery, up to R53,000. This support gives a hardworking father the chance to keep doing what he does best: lead with pride at work and be present for his son — to read homework, to drive safely, to see the smile that makes everything worthwhile.

If stories like Daantjie’s move you, know that your kindness powers our work across Humanitarian & Welfare, Healthcare & Medical, Education, and Animal Welfare. Together, we turn urgent need into renewed hope — one life-changing intervention at a time.