South Africans are being encouraged to bake cupcakes this weekend as part of National Cupcake Day 2026, an annual initiative raising funds to support children with cancer and their families.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 September, the campaign will see thousands of volunteers, known as Cupcake Angels, baking and selling cupcakes at more than 80 shopping centres across South Africa. Schools, workplaces and communities will also participate.
The campaign is organised by Cupcakes of Hope, a non-profit organisation founded by Sandy Cipriano in 2012. The organisation provides financial, emotional and practical support to families affected by childhood cancer.
Last year, more than 2,400 Cupcake Angels helped raise over R2 million. Cupcakes of Hope also supported more than 140 children every month, approved almost 2,000 requests for financial assistance and delivered 3,766 Hospital Care Bags to children in all 21 paediatric oncology wards across South Africa.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes instantly for the whole family,” said Cipriano.
“Parents suddenly find themselves travelling long distances for treatment, taking time away from work and facing expenses they never expected. We can’t take away a child’s diagnosis, but we can help ease some of the practical, emotional and financial pressures.”
One child supported by Cupcakes of Hope was Mdhluli Nxobile Able from Bushbuckridge. Diagnosed with cancer at 13, Able regularly travelled with her family from Mpumalanga to Gauteng for treatment, with each trip costing around R1,800.
Cupcakes of Hope assisted the family with transport, accommodation and meals for more than a year. Able later went on to study medicine and is now a qualified medical doctor.
“My experience with cancer had a profound influence on my decision to study medicine,” said Able. “I hope my story inspires other young cancer patients and their families to keep believing that there is life and possibility beyond cancer.”
South Africans can become Cupcake Angels by registering online and pledging to bake 24 cupcakes. Those who do not bake can still support the campaign by purchasing cupcakes from participating stalls.
To register as a Cupcake Angel or find out more about National Cupcake Day 2026, visit www.cupcakesofhope.org.
