On Saturday, 26 September, South Africans are once again invited to become “Cupcake Angels” as National Cupcake Day brings communities together to raise funds and support children with cancer and their families.

The initiative, hosted by Cupcakes of Hope, will take place at more than 80 shopping centres across the country, with schools, workplaces and communities also getting involved. Volunteers can register, bake just 24 cupcakes and help turn their sweet treats into meaningful support.

Since its establishment in 2012, Cupcakes of Hope has provided financial, emotional and practical assistance to thousands of families affected by childhood cancer. Last year alone, the organisation supported more than 140 children every month, approved almost 2,000 requests for financial assistance and delivered thousands of hospital care bags to children across South Africa.

Founder Sandy Cipriano says when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family’s life changes overnight. Families often face long journeys to treatment, time away from work and unexpected expenses – pressures that can make an already difficult journey even harder.

One child who experienced this first-hand is Mdhluli Nxobile Able from Bushbuckridge. Diagnosed with cancer at just 13, Able and her family regularly travelled from Mpumalanga to Gauteng for treatment. With each trip costing around R1,800, the financial burden quickly became overwhelming. 

Cupcakes of Hope helped the family with transport, accommodation and meals, while also connecting Able with childhood cancer survivors who understood what she was going through. Today, Able is a qualified medical doctor, and she credits her experience with cancer as one of the reasons she chose to pursue medicine.

General practitioner, childhood cancer survivor and Cupcakes of Hope patron Dr Natasché Daniels says practical support can make a significant difference to families, allowing parents to focus on what matters most – caring for their child.

Last year, more than 2,400 Cupcake Angels raised over R2 million for children with cancer and their families. This year, Cupcakes of Hope hopes even more South Africans will join the movement.

Cipriano joins Pulane Nel-Sekepe to talk about National Cupcake Day, the impact of the initiative and how South Africans can become Cupcake Angels.

Not a baker? You can still make a difference by supporting a local Cupcake Angel stall and sharing the message with friends and family.

To register or find out more about National Cupcake Day 2026, visit www.cupcakesofhope.org. sm