Help Marché regain the life she loved 🦄

Hi, I’m Marché, a freelance investigative journalist based in South Africa.  

I’m injured, largely immobile, and haven’t been able to work since August. I’m fighting for a spinal surgery my medical aid refuses to pay for, while also fighting to cover the bills that keep rolling in. I’ve tried for months to patch things together, but there’s nothing left to juggle. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me, but for the sake of my survival, my dignity, and my quality of life, I have to.  

This campaign is about holding on long enough to heal so I can return to the accountability journalism that brings me joy, purpose, and the satisfaction of holding power to account. 

All I want is to keep my head above water. There’s no start‑up venture or nifty new app idea here. I simply want to live with dignity, and with the peace that comes from knowing the basics are covered and the bills aren’t chasing me down.  

I appreciate every cent, every gesture, and every bit of solidari...