Johannesburg, 27 March 2025 | In a remarkable show of generosity and community spirit, Jacaranda FM‘s Good Morning Angels has raised R310,000 to support 7-year-old Johandré Blom, who suffered a devastating crocodile attack at a dam near Brits on 21 March 2025.
Johandré was playing in the shallow water with his friend, just meters from where his father, Corné, and other adults were fishing, when a large crocodile dragged him under. Corné, heroically fought to rescue him, only to realize that his son’s left arm had been torn off. Despite the horror of the incident, Johandré miraculously survived and is now facing an extensive medical recovery.
The Good Morning Angels Fund has pledged R100,000 towards Johandré’s medical expenses, while two anonymous donors, deeply moved by his story on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast with Martin Bester, contributed an additional R25,000 and R50,000, respectively. Corporate support also poured in, with We Buy Cars stepping forward with a R50,000 donation. Deeply moved by Johandré’s story, listeners donated an additional R85,000, bringing the total contributions to an incredible R310,000.
Johandré is currently in the pediatric ICU at a private hospital, where he remains in a medically induced coma. His family, who do not have medical aid, are facing R1 million in hospital and rehabilitation costs. A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to help cover the remaining expenses, and contributions can be made here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/johandre-needs-help-after-crocodile-attack.
“This story is heartbreaking, but it also shows the incredible power of community support,” says Martin Bester, host of Jacaranda FM’s ‘Breakfast With Martin Bester’. “Johandré is a brave little boy, and his family needs all the help they can get to ensure he receives the best medical care. We are so grateful to our listeners and partners for stepping up in such a big way.”
The road to recovery will be long, but with the unwavering support of the Jacaranda FM family and the generosity of South Africans, Johandré’s journey is filled with hope.
Listen to Good Morning Angels every Wednesday morning on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester.
