Dr Katye Altieri, Associate Professor of Oceanography, is the recipient of the 2025 Oppenheimer Memorial Trust New Frontiers Research Award. Dr Altieri thinks that the key to tackling air pollution could be hidden in the sea and has some fascinating thoughts on the matter!

Cape Town, South Africa (29 May 2025) — Dr Katye Altieri, Associate Professor of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, is the winner of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s New Frontiers Research Award for 2025. The professor believes that the answer to one of the Earth’s most pressing problems, air pollution, could actually be hidden in the sea!

In the Prof’s words:

The Answer to the Impact of Air Pollution Lies in…the Deep Blue Sea

Imagine for a moment standing on a sun-soaked beach, the surf crashing against the shore, and inhaling the salty, moist sea air. It’s invigorating.

But is it really? Hundreds of years ago, perhaps, but what about now? How do the ocean and the air interact in the presence of human-created air pollution, specifically nitrogen, and how does this relationship impact climate change?

The simple truth is, we don’t know – and I want to find out.

Our oceans are as important to life on Earth as the air we breathe. An enormous carbon sink, they help to remove the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, which is of course a good thing.

As a matter of fact, nitrogen helps the oceans to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. The problem is, too much of it can spur the production and release of nitrous oxide (N₂O), another greenhouse gas that is 300 times as potent as CO₂. That is clearly not a good thing.

As with everything in nature, things work when there’s a balance; invariably, however, we humans throw out that equilibrium through our activities. That’s why we’re struggling so much with the issue of climate change, so much of which has to do with the pollution of our atmosphere.

We have doubled the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere through activities such as fossil fuel combustion and agriculture. That nitrogen, even from far inland, is swept out to sea and settles in the ocean.

But we don’t know exactly how much pollution-derived nitrogen reaches the open ocean. We don’t know exactly what happens when it settles in the ocean.

And we face a conundrum: does it increase the ocean’s ability to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, or emit more deleterious greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?

The main reason why we don’t know is because climate change science – a large and diverse field of study – is siloed in terms of scientific disciplines and policy frameworks, and the connection between air pollution and the ocean thus isn’t properly assessed. Atmospheric scientists and oceanographers do their own research and even speak their own scientific languages, and governments and their responses mostly don’t consider this aspect.

I intend to help change that, however, by forging new ways of scientific thinking about both our atmosphere and our oceans, helping us to build knowledge in ways we haven’t before. As the recipient of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s 2025 New Frontiers Research Award, my mission is to come up with the evidence that supports (or doesn’t support) various air quality, climate and scientific arguments.

The New Frontiers award affords me the opportunity to lead a world-class research team, including the very best scientists; three exceptional South African women.

Supporting them will be postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Together, we will establish a shared language and methodological approach to the complex interactions between air pollution, nitrogen cycling and oceanic greenhouse gas fluxes.

This is how we will do it:

• We will undertake an ambitious observational campaign to measure how much anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen deposition reaches the coastal and open ocean off the west coast of South Africa. This approach allows for investigation of a nitrogen deposition gradient, and how much of it is created by us
• On the question of the impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on surface ocean biogeochemistry, we will conduct on-ship incubation experiments using atmospheric deposition collected on land and at sea
• To investigate whether atmospheric deposition results in drawdown of CO₂ and/or release of N₂O from the surface ocean, we will conduct a set of model experiments. First an atmospheric chemistry model will generate fields of nitrogen deposition using current emissions as well as simulated increased anthropogenic emissions, then those deposition fields will be used as inputs to the ocean biogeochemistry model, and the ocean’s response will be quantified

In many ways, South Africa – Cape Town in particular – is the ideal place to do this research. As one of the world’s largest coal-burning countries, the country contributes significantly to atmospheric nitrogen emissions.

Uniquely, we have three diverse ocean systems, allowing for comparative study and measurement, within striking distance:

• The upwelling of nutrient-rich, cold waters from the deep ocean in the Benguela current up the west coast of Africa, teeming with phytoplankton that supports abundant marine life
• The ocean desert of the South Atlantic Ocean, which is comparatively nutrient-poor and has limited marine life
• The time machine that is the Southern Ocean, which boasts as close to the pre-industrial atmosphere as we can get anywhere on Earth – equivalent to the atmosphere up to 200 years ago. (And we have access to the polar research vessel, the R/V S.A. Agulhas II, which allows for research operations in these oceans)

The New Frontiers Research Award offers several benefits: its long-term nature (it is a five-year award) will allow for the building of impactful partnerships; it will promote integrated science, allowing for fieldwork that can be built into models that quantify the big picture for us; and, importantly, it will help scientific observationalists and modellers to connect and network.

Reducing nitrogen emissions may make the oceans’ CO₂ sink smaller, yet we cannot justify stopping nitrogen clean-ups. It’s possible that atmospheric pollution could have little impact on the oceans – or it could be massive. We just don’t know. So this needs to be understood and quantified; only then can we formulate appropriate environmental policy.

The integration between the atmosphere and the ocean is, from a scientific perspective, inherently global. So what we learn from the oceans around South Africa, a country that already punches above its weight in the climate space, will have bearing on our entire planet. This is a very exciting prospect.

Imagine once more that beach, the glare off the sand and the mewing gulls, and the scent of the sea air. It’s at an intersection that could provide us with some of the most fundamental learning ever of how our planet works – and, for better or worse, how we influence it.

Sources: Email Submission 

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A Linden Librarian’s exciting vision make public libraries greener and more beneficial to communities has earned her international recognition.

Linden, South Africa (28 May 2025) — A Linden Librarian’s super idea to help libraries benefit communities more in the greenest way has caught and held international attention. Ms Tebello Sengora thinks that underused library spaces are gardens waiting to be created, something that could well benefit library patrons as well as encourage new members from the broader community.

Recently, Ms Sengora received an Honourable Mention at the 2025 Next Festival held in Denmark for her idea dubbed ‘The Green Shelf Network’.

An international event, the Next Library Festival takes a look at libraries in the future; inviting visionaries within library spaces across the world to share their thoughts as to how the libraries of tomorrow could and should look for the betterment of learning.

The Linden Librarian’s Green Shelf Network caught the attention of the festival. Per Joburg Libraries, the idea is to transform libraries into “modular gardens that connect communities with nature, literacy and sustainability.” How iconic is that?

Importantly, residents of Johannesburg would be hugely involved in the gardens from design to maintenance and crop-sharing in an effort to hold firm community buy-in and pride.

“This interactive experience not only beautifies library spaces and feeds communities, but also fosters a connection between nature, culture, health and even technology,” Joburg Libraries praised.

Ms Sengora was selected for the Honourable Mention as part of the 2025 Changemaker Award category which was introduced this year. The Changemaker Award honours thinkers whose focus orbits innovation.

She was one of just six out of 23 countries awarded with an honourable mention, including an Ireland representative’s idea to ‘take the library to the streets’.

Sources: Joburg Libraries 

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South African surfing star Jordy Smith has successfully claimed his second win of the season, climbing the leaderboard to claim the top spot ahead of his competition!

Australia (27 May 2025) — Legendary South African surfer and Durbanite Jordy Smith has claimed his second win of the World Surf League (WSL) season thanks to a smashing score at the 2025 Western Australia Margaret River Pro!

Against competitor Griffin Colapinto from the United States, Smith claimed a score of 12.00, placing the South African surfer in the first spot and 4.84 points ahead of Brazilian talent Italo Ferreira in the Championship Tour standings. It was pace and patience that stood in the surfer’s favour most during the final heat, as well as a dedication to making every wave count.

The 37-year-old surfer dedicated the win to both his family and iconic surf filmmaker Jack McCory who recently passed away.

“Jack McCoy is someone who has inspired me throughout my whole life. All his movies, his videos, his family, this is for you guys.”

There are still five events left in the Tour schedule, with hopes high that Smith will keep his winning momentum! The next round will take place in sunny California for the Lexus Trestles Pro from 9 June.

Last month, in Punta Roca, El Salvador, Smith made fans enormously proud when he secured his 7th Championship Tour Victory in a riveting and emotionally charged moment for his supporters everywhere. This was the surfer’s first victory of this kind in 8 years and marked a proud moment for the veteran.

 

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A post shared by 𝑱𝑶𝑹𝑫𝒀 𝑺𝑴𝑰𝑻𝑯 (@jordysmith88)

Sources: Supplied

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South African teacher Nadine Smith has been awarded internationally for her efforts in STEM education. One of four global recipients, the educator was the sole African awardee.

Global (27 May 2025) — South African teacher Nadine Smith is a Coding and Robotics educator who recently made the local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field enormously proud when she was honoured with a prestigious award. Nadine was awarded the 025 EDGE in Tech Athena Award for Early Career Leadership!

Awarded by the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) at the University of California, Nadine was honoured as part of a unique ceremony at UC Berkeley.

The South African teacher was the only recipient from Africa and one of just four global recipients of the award.

Nadine’s accolade celebrates individuals who are leading the charge in creating technology ecosystems that are more diverse, equitable and impactful.

“I believe every child deserves to see themselves in STEAM,” Nadine says. STEAM encompasses STEM fields but with the addition of art.

“Through coding and robotics, I strive to ignite confidence, curiosity, and creativity in learners, especially those who don’t yet realise they belong in tech. This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces where all young minds can dream, build and lead,” she says.

Beyond leading initiatives, Nadine also trains fellow teachers in integrating emerging technologies.

“It is incredibly important to recognise the people doing the difficult work of expanding access to essential tech fields,” explains Jill Finlayson, the Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub (which oversees the awards).

“Those who champion on-ramps into STEM, fair workplaces and welcoming cultures are critical to the development of innovative technologies and help ensure that new solutions will work well for everyone.”

Sources: Supplied 

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Naor Lombard claimed the honour of being the highest point scorer in the Open Men’s division at the 2025 South African Lifesaving Championships all while defending his title as the Ironman.

Gqeberha, South Africa (25 May 2025) — At just 20-years-old, Naor Lombard has realised a lifelong goal after he earned his place as the highest point scorer in the Open Men’s division at the 2025 South African Lifesaving Championships.

This was a season-best performance for the Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club and National Team athlete, and one that’s come after dedicated training that included a full racing season in Australia.

“Being the highest point scorer has always been a goal of mine,” shared Naor. “I’m stoked with the result—but even more so with how much I’ve improved over the season.”

A standout moment saw Naor defend his title in the premier Ironman event. The Ironman event is notorious for the challenge it presents both physically and mentally.

However, as Naor explains, the real difficulty lies not in the racing but in the training.

Not one to refrain from giving others their flowers, Naor spotlighted the efforts of his Clifton teammates.

“Clifton is like family. The senior boys had this energy that felt electric—we pushed harder for each other, especially in the team events. I was racing even harder for the team than I was individually.”

Other athletes he celebrated included Amica de Jager who recently made an incredible comeback.

“Amica is such a dedicated athlete and a positive person—it’s always special to share a podium with someone like that, especially when we’re representing the same club and sponsor.”

Looking ahead, Naor will continue to navigate life as a student-athlete; undertaking an elite training schedule, part-time work and his studies.

The champ is also gearing up for biggies like the Coolangatta Gold, which also happens to be his favourite event.

His advice to others is wise beyond his years:

“The biggest lessons come from your losses. Review your races. Figure out what went wrong. And always stay clear of distractions. Fun doesn’t have to come at the cost of your goals.”

Sources: Christina Mallion 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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South Africa has struck gold once again at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show following last year’s winning comeback!

London, United Kingdom (20 May 2025) — It’s another gold for South Africa at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London thanks to acclaimed horticulturist and floral legend, Leon Kluge, right-hand Tristan Woudberg and their larger team.

Following last year’s magnificent and winning comeback that ended a lengthy hiatus SA took from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, hopes were high that the 2025 South African floral display would continue our golden streak, hopes that bloomed in full.

This brings South Africa’s tally of wins at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (over a four decade period) to an incredible 39 medals; an inspired total considering that this is considered the world’s pinnacle flower show.

While last year’s display offered a slice of the mountains and the Cape Floral Kingdom’s wonders amid them, this year’s design was inspired by the ocean.

The design explored the influence that two oceans South Africa knows well, the Indian and the Atlantic, have on the flora in our country to gorgeous effect; offering both fynbos and cliff-dwelling plant arrangements to celebrate South Africa as “the flower basket of Africa” as Leon put it beautifully.

As such, the design required an incredible shipment of locally grown flowers and fynbos travel across the pond for the show. As Leon shares, there were approximately 25,000 stems that had to be cut by the team in order to get them into the water!

 

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A post shared by Leon Kluge (@leonkluge)

Revealing the gold win to South Africa, Leon explained that the team were nervous pre-show and that the win came as a wonderful relief.

 

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A post shared by Leon Kluge (@leonkluge)

South Africa couldn’t be prouder of our natural heritage and those who nurture and celebrate it as much as this team does.

Sources: Leon Kluge; GTG 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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South Africa’s own “Katniss Everdeen” archer Neve Quail has a shot at competing in the European Youth Cup!

Durban, South Africa (19 May 2025) — A fun evening at Scouts attempting to achieve an Archery badge changed Neve Quail’s life forever. Today, 17-year-old Neve is a skilled archer ranked first in her age group and as the second-highest female recurve archer in South Africa. With multiple records, National colours and podium moments under her belt, Neve’s well on her way to becoming an Olympian. Not to mention, she also has a shot at a huge opportunity ahead of her that would serve her greatly in getting there, the European Youth Cup.

This is an inspiring achievement for any young athlete. However, it’s also an extra special one for the Type 1 Diabetes community.

Neve and her family learned that she had Type 1 Diabetes at just 6 years old. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is not chalked down to one’s lifestyle. Instead, it is a chronic auto-immune condition often diagnosed early on in life. The pancreas stops insulin production, which means that one essentially has to fill in for the organ (read: a life of maintenance and insulin injections).

Neve is one of those impressive people who, as her mom Heidi shares, has not let her condition stand in her way (even though we’re sure it very well could).

Despite all her training and talent, it’s also her mental fortitude that has led Neve to her big opportunity at the European Youth Cup, an opportunity she’s hoping South Africa will help her see through.

Along with her Team SA counterparts, Neve’s competition at the European Youth Cup could offer a massive boost in how she ranks worldwide, ultimately influencing her participation in events like the World Games and the Youth Olympics.

The South African National Archery Association’s budgetary constraints have meant that the archers need to pay their way.

As Heidi Quail explains, the family are not in a position to pay for Neve’s opportunity. As such, they are holding thumbs that if a lot of people come together to give what they can, Neve could get to make South Africa proud and show the world what her arrows are made of.

You can support Neve’s crowdfund, here. 

Sources: Email Submission 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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After a three-year hiatus from competitive lifesaving, 25 year old Amica de Jager has made a sensational return to the sport, claiming a prestigious title at the 2025 National Lifesaving Championships!

South Africa (14 May 2025) — Competitive lifesaving recently welcomed the triumphant return of Amica de Jager following a three-year hiatus from the sport.

Amica, a renowned open water swimmer, delivered a remarkable all-round performance across both Pool and Surf events, securing gold medals in the Run Swim Run, Surf Swim, Board Rescue, and Tube Rescue. She also placed second in the Iron event and delivered strong top-eight finishes in both Board and Surfski disciplines and claimed the prestigious Victrix Ludorum title at the 2025 National Lifesaving Championships! 

For Amica, her comeback meant the world to her.

“I was very nervous coming back after such a long break, but I couldn’t have asked for a better Nationals. I loved every second of it,” the champ shares.

The six-day competition showcased her versatility and endurance, including a standout performance in the pool where she achieved personal bests, OPEX (Operation Excellence) times, and helped her club, Clifton Lifesaving, dominate the relay events, winning three out of four.

Known for her ability to straddle two elite sporting codes, the Velocity Trade Ambassador continues to chase excellence in both open water swimming and lifesaving.

“Lifesaving and swimming go hand in hand,” Amica says. “One is individual, the other is team-based — and together they make me a stronger, more complete athlete.”

However, Amica’s campaign was not without its challenges, both physical and emotional, but through strategic recovery techniques including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, consistent rest, and the valuable experience gained from the Western Cape’s Rescue Sport Series, she found her stride.

“The biggest hurdle was believing I could return to form. But the series gave me the confidence and preparation I needed.”

Looking ahead, Amica has her sights set on international waters. She will compete at the Blu Smooth Kromme Descent, before representing South Africa at the 22nd World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. 

Later this year, she plans to race on the World Aquatics Open Water World Cup circuit, and hopes to be re-selected for the South African Lifesaving team set to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand.

A role model for young athletes, Amica shares the following advice:

“I want young athletes, especially girls, to know that anything is possible. Don’t let others define your limits. Compete hard, love your competition, and make friends along the way — that’s what makes sport truly special.”

Sources: Supplied—Christina Mallion

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Surfski superstar Kira Bester dominated Atlantic, Indian and Mediterranean waters with three wins in just 7 days!

Global (08 May 2025) — South African surfski superstar Kira Bester has opened the 2025 season like a champion.

Claiming three wins across three oceans in just seven days; the reigning 2024 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Champion showcased a flair of dominance few could match.

The campaign began on home soil with a powerful performance at the South African Surfski Championships in which Kira outpaced the field on the 21k course from Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek.

“That win meant a lot,” reflected Kira. “It’s a “It’s a tough course that demands physical and tactical strength. I had to work smart, and draw on the strength of the paddlers around me. To take the title was a huge sense of relief and pride.”

Only a few days later, it was time for her next victory. Teaming up with powerhouse Melanie van Niekerk, the two tackled the Freedom Paddle—South Africa’s premier doubles ocean race around Robben Island.

“Mel was phenomenal in the back,” Bester said. “Her power and experience were unmatched, and I learned so much from her. I just focused on steering clean lines and keeping us efficient —it was a real team effort.”

The final leg of her whirlwind week was in Villajoyosa, Spain, where she secured the overall women’s title at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup!

“This event has been on my bucket list for a while, so to win it was massive. The competition was world-class, and to come out on top on an international stage gives me huge confidence going forward,” she said.

While her results speak volumes, the campaign came with its challenges.

“Mentally, staying sharp through back-to-back races took a lot,” Bester admitted. “There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I leaned on my team and kept focused on one race at a time.”

Key to her success, Bester credits her training environment, singling out Pete Cole of the Orka squad for surfski preparation, and Mitch for gym-based strength and conditioning.

“The balance they bring to my routine — on the water and in the gym — has been a winning formula. I’m lucky to have them both in my corner.”

For younger paddlers watching her success, Bester encourages perseverance and confidence, sharing:

“Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable — that’s where the growth happens. When I started, I was one of the few girls on the water and often felt out of place. But that became my motivation. Find your passion, show up every day, and celebrate the small wins.”

Looking ahead, Bester’s sights are now set on the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, to be held in Durban, South Africa.

“It’s a huge opportunity to race against the world’s best on home soil,” she says.

“Durban’s ocean is unpredictable and exciting — I’m preparing hard and giving it everything I’ll be proud no matter the result, but yes, I’m absolutely racing to win.”

Sources:Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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In fantastic news from the chess world, South Africa’s own Caleb Levitan has become an International Master (IM) of chess at only 14 years old!

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 May 2025) — South Africa’s latest International Master (IM) of chess has officially been announced as fourteen-year-old Caleb Levitan.

It’s a monumental achievement for any chess player, let alone one who is still in high school. In fact, there are only a handful of International Masters of chess in South Africa. As such, Caleb has accomplished what most spend lifetimes striving toward!

Per Chess South Africa, Caleb is “the youngest ever to do so by achieving 3 IM norms and crossing the elite FIDE Elo rating of 2400.”

The young firecracker was also recently recognised as South Africa’s Top Active Chess Player by Rating.

“Caleb’s achievement is really meaningful,” says Emil Sutovsky, FIDE CEO. “It speaks volumes about his potential—which was noticeable already a few years back. Caleb participated in several camps and training sessions—as well as many championships organised by FIDE, and we are looking forward to providing more opportunities, including educational programs, aimed at the world’s most talented young players. South Africa is on its way to have a new Grandmaster after a long hiatus—and FIDE is happy and proud about that.”

All About Becoming an IM of Chess

The International Master title is awarded by FIDE, the global chess federation. It is awarded to chess players who demonstrate sustained excellence at a high level and are just one step below the Grandmaster title, AKA the black belt of the chess world.

To earn an IM title, a player needs to have achieved three ‘IM norms’; tournament performances that meet strict international standards and reach a FIDE rating of 2400 or higher at any point. This way, FIDE can ensure that the title reflects not only peak achievement but also consistent competitive strength.

More About Caleb Levitan

Caleb’s chess development, though seemingly rapid, is actually the result of years of disciplined play in both local and international arenas. His first big break came about in 2018 when he was just 8 years old. Then, he and his twin brother Judah shared first place at the African Youth Chess Championship in Kenya! Judah is currently a Candidate Master, who is currently ranked among the top 10 chess players in South Africa. Together, the twins are making South Africa proud with each move!

Caleb continued to ascend throughout different competitions, and in 2024 became the youngest South African to represent the rainbow nation at the Chess Olympiad that year.

Of his International Master title, Caleb shares:

“There have been a lot of sacrifices to get to this level, and I’m relieved that all the hard work paid off…I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my family, friends, and my amazing coaches. Hopefully there’s more to come—my dream is to become a Grandmaster.”

Sources: Email Submission 

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