Acid Attack Survivor Mmapeu Neo Hlanga Receives Over R100K in Donations for Surgery

What began as an unimaginable act of cruelty has transformed into a powerful display of unity and compassion.

Mmapeu Neo Hlanga, a 27-year-old woman from Zebediela, Limpopo, was left with devastating facial and bodily injuries after a horrific acid attack in October 2024. The brutal assault left her permanently scarred—physically and emotionally—forcing her into isolation and uncertainty.

But her story didn’t end in silence.

💬 “I never thought people would care this much about me…”

In the months following the attack, Neo’s story spread through social media and local news, sparking outrage and sorrow across South Africa. As calls for justice grew louder, a different wave began to rise—one of hope.

Ordinary citizens from across the country—friends, neighbors, and total strangers—came together to launch a donation campaign in support of her recovery. Within just a few months, they had raised over R100,000, aimed at helping her undergo reconstructive plastic surgery and trauma therapy.

“I felt like I had been forgotten… but then the world showed me otherwise,” Neo said tearfully in a short video posted by a family friend.

👏 A Community That Refused to Stay Silent

The fundraiser, coordinated through BackaBuddy and local churches, exceeded expectations. It also brought attention to the larger issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and acid attacks in South Africa.

Human rights organizations have since called for harsher penalties for perpetrators and greater medical support for survivors like Neo.

🚑 What’s Next for Neo?

Neo will soon begin her first round of consultations with a plastic surgeon in Pretoria. Doctors are optimistic about what’s possible, but it will be a long road of multiple surgeries and emotional healing.

Still, her spirit remains strong.

“They tried to break me, but this support is helping rebuild not just my face, but my life.”

💡 Final Words

Neo’s journey is far from over—but the compassion shown by South Africans proves that even in the darkest moments, humanity can shine through.

If you’d like to donate or follow her recovery journey, visit the official fundraising page