National Cupcake Day, an annual initiative of Cupcakes of Hope, will take place at more than 80 shopping centres across South Africa. Since 2012, the campaign has brought together volunteer bakers, businesses, schools and communities to raise funds and support children with cancer and their families.
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In 2025, National Cupcake Day raised more than R2 million nationally. The funds raised by Cupcakes of Hope, an organisation dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families, help families with essential needs including medical expenses, transport, accommodation, nutrition and other practical support during a child’s cancer journey.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes instantly for the whole family,” says Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes of Hope. “We cannot take away a child’s diagnosis, but we can help ease some of the practical, emotional and financial pressures so families can focus on what matters most – their child.”
This year marks the 13th year that National Cupcake Day will be hosted in the Lowveld at Ilanga Mall in Mbombela.
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“We are incredibly grateful to Ilanga Mall for supporting us year after year, and to our wonderful Cupcake Angels – our volunteer bakers who bake the cupcakes that make this campaign possible,” says Lowveld representative Jacki van Zyl. “Every cupcake sold helps us raise funds for children and families facing childhood cancer.”
The Lowveld also has an important reason to celebrate this year. With paediatric oncology services and a paediatric oncologist now available at Rob Ferreira Hospital, local children receiving cancer treatment no longer necessarily have to travel to Gauteng for every treatment.
The Lowveld Business Drive is another way local businesses support National Cupcake Day, with cupcakes delivered to participating businesses for their staff, clients and/or suppliers. Support from SPAR Lowveld helps make it possible for the initiative to raise funds without baking costs being deducted.
“I am extremely grateful for the amazing Lowveld businesses that support our Business Drive year after year,” says van Zyl. “It is such a simple way for businesses to treat their staff or clients while making a real difference to children with cancer.”
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Members of the public can support National Cupcake Day by visiting the Cupcake Angels’ stall outside Mugg & Bean at Ilanga Mall from 09:00 to 14:00. Mugg & Bean has been a valued supporter of Cupcakes of Hope since the organisation’s early years and has contributed more than R8 million to the cause over the years.
For more information, visit www.cupcakesofhope.org or send an email to jacki@cupcakesofhope.org.
