Once struggling to find a job after school, Minenhle Simelane turned to his grandmother’s mat-making machine to craft something truly special: mats made from discarded waste!

Durban, South Africa (29 May 2025) – To transform discarded plastic waste into unique, handmade products, promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. This is the powerful motivation behind Minenhle Simelane’s colourful and stunning mats made from plastic and other waste.

Originally from rural eShowe and currently residing in Durban, Minenhle matriculated from Embizweni High School in 2018.

After facing challenges with unemployment, he chose to create mats from waste materials as a way to make ends meet and creatively contribute to environmental conservation.

Drawing inspiration from his grandmother, he used the Imbongolo (mat-making machine) to make these mats from waste collected from the roadside, rivers or dumpsites.

Over time, he found purpose in transforming discarded plastic waste into beautiful, handmade products, which in turn help him make money and address the alarming rate of plastic consumption.

With the increasing demand for mats this year, Minenhle has taken on four workers under his wing and is working towards developing his business. In his own words, “trash has created jobs and brought smiles to their faces”.

In support of Minenhle’s journey of using artistic expression to save the environment, Woza Moya stocks his mats for the public to view and purchase at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT).

Moving forward, he hopes to grow his business and generate more job opportunities, fuelled by the growing demand for his eco-friendly products.

It is so inspiring to see young people not only make the most of their circumstances but also contribute to preserving the planet we all share in such creative ways. We wish you all the success, Minenhle!

Sources: Woza Moya | Minenhle Simelane

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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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Ten teens are coming together, using sport to powerfully rewrite the narrative that is often told about the youth of Lamontville. With fire and determination, they’re ready to make waves at the highly anticipated Oceans 8 Charity Swim.

Durban, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Sport is paving the way for a promising future for 10 passionate young swimmers in the heart of Durban’s Lamontville township as they prepare to realise their shared dream of competing in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim in June.

The six boys and four girls from LSA have been training, hoping for the opportunity to compete in this open-water swim that will not only test their sporting limits but also enhance their mental and physical well-being.

Thanks to funding from the Balwin Foundation, the 10 competitors from Lamontville Swimming Academy (LSA) will get to dive into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the high-profile, open water swim taking place at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club.

The swimming event presents a unique opportunity for each child, with the competition building confidence in young swimmers, as well as exposing them to further sponsorship and upliftment opportunities.

From Township Pool to Ocean Challenge

Life in Lamontville is characterised by various challenges such as crime, drug abuse, and unemployment. However, LSA offers a beacon of hope for the township community by teaching swimming skills and nurturing young talent.

An anonymous donation in 2024 enabled four LSA swimmers to participate in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim for the first time as part of the Youth Development Swimmers Programme. The story of these swimmers captured the hearts of many and led to generous gear donations from Arena South Africa, as well as greater visibility for the Academy’s mission.

“As a coach, it’s been inspiring to work with such a dedicated group in our swimming club. These young swimmers are showing real character, training hard, and aiming high. Some have already competed and done incredibly well. We all share the same vision, to grow in the sport, compete on big stages, and represent our community with pride,” commented Coach Lungisani Zulu.

“We’ve already produced many lifeguards serving across Durban’s beaches, but my dream is to one day see the first swimmer from our community stand on the Olympic podium. With support from Oceans 8, Arena, Balwin Foundation NPC and our local leaders, we’re building something powerful.”

With the 2025 event fast approaching, Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Nicci Carvalho, said she was excited to host swimmers from the LSA again this year and is incredibly grateful for the support toward their Youth Development Swimmers Programme.

“Together, we’re opening up opportunities and creating real change – in and out of the water.”

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.

The post 10 Lamontville Swimmers to Compete in this Year’s Ocean’s 8 Charity Swim! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Years after the tragic passing of KwaZulu-Natal farmer Bob Gawler in a brutal 2017 attack, his generous spirit lives on through the tireless efforts of an off-road biking community that has gone to great lengths to preserve his legacy and the land he shared with them.

Ballito, South Africa (29 May 2025) – You know a man must have led a truly impactful life when, years after his passing, a community tirelessly rallies to preserve his home and transform it into a lasting legacy that will impact many generations to come.

The life of a slain farmer and family man, Bob Gawler, has been beautifully honoured by the community to which he so warmly opened his home.

The tragic passing of the KwaZulu-Natal farmer made headlines back in 2017 after he and his wife were brutally attacked in their De Mist sugar farm home in Ballito. Gawler’s passing not only shook those closest to him but left a void in the off-road biking community that he welcomed to his property for years.

According to the North Coast Courier, in a heartwarming tribute, the Glendale Off-Road Club was officially launched on Saturday at Gawler’s home, now known as “Bob’s”, formalising years of informal riding on local trails and ensuring his impactful legacy continues to benefit many more bikers.

Since the beloved farmer’s death, club members have continuously rallied to preserve his legacy and protect the land which he had shared with them.

When the property was listed for sale, riders united to support its preservation, despite the challenging circumstances and high costs involved. Together with support from business partners, they dug deep to contribute donations to secure and transform the premier off-road location, which remained so dear to them.

“Bob’s” will now officially continue to welcome endurance chasers from all over to enjoy the prime off-road biking location, in memory of a good man who not only embraced them but so graciously shared what he had with them.

Sources: North Coast Courier

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The Grace Factory is embarking on its most ambitious endeavour yet, and it is all to support vulnerable mothers and their newborns.

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 May 2025) – Mandela Day is around the corner – a day dedicated to extending compassion and goodwill. It is a time that truly pulls on hearts and inspires communities to make a difference wherever possible, all in honour of our beloved hero, uTata.

At the heart of this movement, down at The Grace Factory, where volunteers pour their hearts into supporting moms and babies, this year’s Mandela Day sets up the stage for their biggest packing day yet!

On 19 July 2025, The Grace Factory is aiming to pack an ambitious 1,500 maternity packs in one day across three cities (Johannesburg, Durban and Vanderbijlpark) for vulnerable mothers and their tiny tots!

“This large-scale event aims to bring together individuals, organisations, and communities to celebrate the spirit of giving and service.

“This is one of our most significant efforts to date, and to make it a success, we need broad support from our communities,” says Sarah Cressey.

The Grace Factory team is known for bringing warm waves of kindness to public hospital maternity wards and anywhere else there is a need.

To make this big goal a reality, the organisation is actively collecting and accepting donations of newborn-sized clothing, beanies, socks, and receiving blankets, as well as wet wipes, sanitary pads and financial donations.

“Your donation, of any amount, will go directly toward funding the contents of these maternity packs.

“If many individuals contribute, we can reach our goal and touch 1,500 lives in a single day,” Sarah adds.

Packing day venues will be announced closer to the date. To get involved and show a little compassion to some mamas and their babas, pop an email to info@thegracefactory.co.za or ellouise@thegracefactory.co.za.

Sources: The Grace Factory

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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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Nobody wants to fail. Failure is soul-crushing and awfully disappointing. But Inamandla Gumede picked herself up time after time, four times, in fact, and has proven that failure isn’t the end but can be a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Durban, South Africa (27 May 2025) – Life’s highs, lows; achievements and growing pains come in waves. And as much as many of us may favour the wins over the losses, there is so much to admire about a person who can pick themselves up from a dark place of defeat and momentary failure, to go on to push forward and come out better than before.

Sharing her personal testimony of overcoming failure was recent Master’s graduate, Inamandla Saphiwokuhle Gumede.

In a raw and real Facebook post, Inamandla opened up about the devastation of not finding her name and details in the newspaper when matric results were results were released back in January 2014.

“I felt ashamed, embarrassed and disappointed. Mostly, I was in disbelief! I never considered myself to be below average, as far as I’m concerned, I was a smart girl,” Inamandla shared.

Her takeaway from that emotionally gutting experience was that when you fall, you have two options: to either stay down or get up.

“I chose to get up!

“Now what I wasn’t prepared for was how long it would take me to get up,” she admitted.

Inamandla went on to upgrade her matric not once, not twice, not even three times, but four times, all in an effort to achieve her desired results; a challenging yet worthwhile journey to getting back on track with her studies and reclaiming her future.

“When I finally got my breakthrough in 2019, I worked HARD!!!

“Today, a journey that began with constant failure is a journey that has ended with a master’s graduate!! Me! Inamandla Saphiwokuhle Gumede, I HAVE A MASTER’S DEGREE,” exclaimed a proud Inamandla.

Her story speaks of the reality of delays and detoured paths to achieving some of the dreams we long to desperately achieve, but it also speaks to how, with the right amount of perseverance, those dreams are not just attainable but can even be exceeded!

Sources: Inamandla Saphiwokuhle Gumede

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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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When Buhle Dlamini, a mother of toddler twins and a hardworking domestic worker, opened up to her employer, Sherees Dalton, about her aggressive cervical cancer diagnosis, Sherees took on the role of a cherished sister, rallying for Buhle’s urgent medical treatment.

Pinetown, South Africa (26 May 2025) – Sometimes, the help of a loving friend can help us conquer the seemingly insurmountable challenges we face during some of the most trying seasons of our lives.

Buhle Dlamini, a devoted mother of four-year-old twins and a hardworking domestic worker in Pinetown, had opened up to her employer-turned-sister, Sherees Dalton, about the physically painful, financially burdensome and overall life-altering reality of being diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer in February.

In her hour of need, Sherees has been more than just a considerate employer, but Buhle’s source of strength and support.

“She’s become a sister. The sister I never had,” says Sherees.

“We share our lives. We trust each other. When she told me what she was going through, I knew I couldn’t just stand by.”

With Buhle’s father also battling blood cancer, and with little family support around her, the emotional and financial weight has been immense.

“She carries so much on her own,” says Sherees.

“And if Buhle isn’t here, her twins will be orphaned. That’s the reality.”

Before Buhle can receive any treatment, she needs a cone biopsy to determine how far the cancer has spread. From there, she may need a hysterectomy and further specialised care. But until the funds are raised, her journey remains on hold.

Wanting to do more than offer words, Sherees turned to action by launching a BackaBuddy campaign, Miracles for Buhle, to raise R60,000 for the urgent medical treatment, surgery, and transport costs Buhle needs to start her recovery.

“She’s one of the most hardworking, honest people I’ve ever met,” Sherees says.

“She works multiple jobs without complaint. But this isn’t something she can do alone—she needs a community to carry her now.”

The crowdfunding campaign has already been well-received, with just over R3,300 raised from 16 generous donors. And while in need of further support, the messages and small acts of kindness are already making a difference.

“To the people who have donated—even R20—you’ve made me feel like I’m not alone,” says Buhle.

“I can’t find the words to thank you.”

Buhle’s wish is simple:

“I just want to live long enough to raise my children. That’s all I want. That’s what I’m fighting for.”

To help fulfil Buhle’s wish, visit the Miracles for Buhle page.

Sources: BackaBuddy

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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.

The post Mother of Twins Battling Cancer Finds Heartfelt Support from Employer appeared first on Good Things Guy.

It’s true what they say about how a mother’s love knows no bounds. A new mom herself, Nondu has been a dedicated donor to IThemba Lethu’s milk bank, consistently pumping and donating every two weeks for months, for babies in need.

Durban, South Africa (21 May 2025) – A breast milk donation may seem like something small to someone who hasn’t walked a day in the life of a new mom struggling to nourish their newborn. But in reality, this donation holds immense significance, bringing not just relief to a mom but also the provision of vital sustenance for her little one.

For newborns, especially those who are underweight or premature, breast milk is invaluable. Packed with antibodies and immune factors, it helps them develop their immune systems and reduces the risk of serious complications, as stated by the South African Breastmilk Reserve.

It is this essential benefit that makes breast milk donors like Nondu an absolute lifeline for infants unable to receive this vital food from their own mothers.

Celebrated for her selflessness, Nondu has been a dedicated breast milk donor for the IThemba Lethu Durban milk bank. For eight months, she has been pumping and donating breastmilk to the organisation every two weeks!

Nondu considers herself privileged to be able to breastfeed her baby, knowing that there are women who desperately desire to breastfeed their own babies but are unable to for various reasons.

“I find it an honour to be able to donate breastmilk because it gives me an opportunity to give something small but valuable to another baby,” shares Nondu.

“So, in some small way, this is a chance for me to love and nurture another baby who does not have the privilege of being breastfed by their own mother.”

At Good Things Guy, we honour and celebrate all kinds of everyday heroes, and for how Nondu continuously, and quite literally, pours from herself to nourish many helpless and innocent lives, we celebrate her too. Her actions reflect the pure goodness of her heart, and we applaud her for embodying the power of a mother’s gift to the smallest among us.

Sources: IThemba Lethu Durban

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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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Go to high school, matriculate, get into university, study medicine and become a doctor. While this may have been the dream Onazo Daniso had growing up in rural Lusikisiki, her journey was anything but straightforward. Instead, she took a detour into nursing, fought tirelessly to overcome financial hardship, and balanced work with medical studies to finally graduate with top honours and become Dr Onazo Daniso.

Durban, South Africa (19 May 2025) – It is so inspiring to see a young person relentlessly go after their dreams, no matter how consuming or challenging the road to securing them may be.

For as long as she can remember, Onazo Daniso longed for nothing but to become a doctor, and for years, she balanced life as a medical student by day and a part-time nurse by night to answer her true calling.

On Wednesday, 14 May, that determination to secure the title of ‘doctor’ and heal lives was materialised as she crossed the graduation stage at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), earning her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree cum laude!

According to UKZN, her impressive results of an academic average of at least 75% across all her modules, a feat worth praising, especially for someone who spent years juggling work, study, student leadership, financial hardship, and the emotional weight of front-line pandemic duty.

“I have always wanted to be a doctor. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job, I think I would have been miserable doing something else,” she said shortly after her graduation.

Onazo’s love for medicine began after witnessing the healthcare struggles in Lusikisiki, the rural town where she grew up.

The journey to becoming Dr Daniso

The idea of becoming a doctor was further planted in her mind while in Grade 11 and living with her uncle in King Williams Town. In 2013, while in Matric, Onazo applied to study medicine at the University of the Free State but was only accepted to study nursing.

She pursued a nursing degree in 2014, and even though financial struggles threatened to derail her success, Onazo secured funding for her final two years.

By 2018, she had completed her nursing degree and had to serve one year of paid community service. Even though making money brought her a sense of accomplishment, Onazo couldn’t help but feel that she was not exactly where she was meant to be.

“I always told my colleagues I was going back to study medicine. I needed to understand more and to be part of the decision-making,” she told UKZN.

However, her bursary conditions required her to work for the sponsoring company for three years after her community service. This obstacle saw Onazo saving aggressively. By year-end, she had scraped together the R116,000 needed to repay the bursar and some money needed to register at UKZN.

Onazo began her medical degree at UKZN in 2019. In the first month of study, she commuted between Bloemfontein and Durban, attending classes on her off days, as she still had to fulfil her contractual obligations for community service until the end of that month.

In March, she moved to Durban and started a crowdfunding campaign, raising R11,000 while returning to part-time nursing due to uncertain funding.

During COVID-19 in 2020, she worked high-risk night shifts at a private hospital, witnessing many patient deaths, which left her feeling powerless. This trauma led her to take a break from nursing for her mental health, but it was also that very chaos of the pandemic that strengthened her resolve to pursue medicine.

“It made me more certain that I needed to become a doctor.”

Onazo returned to her studies and, in the years that followed, continued to work and study under intense pressure.

Today, a recent graduate and an intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Durban, the 29-year-old has achieved what once seemed impossible and is a doctor with a truly inspirational story behind her hard-earned medical degree.

Sources: University of KwaZulu-Natal

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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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Witnessing loved ones navigate serious health battles can profoundly shift one’s perspective. For Nadia Habig, it was this empathetic realisation that compelled her to use her passion for running to support the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust.

Durban, South Africa (16 May 2025) – Not everyone is fortunate enough to have someone supporting them during difficult times, especially when facing a serious disease. That is why Nadia Habig will be lacing up her running shoes in support of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust this year.

We hear about people enduring unimaginable pain from illnesses almost every day, but it was after coming to terms with the heartbreaking realities of those closest to her fighting through each day that Nadia came to understand how important it is to be there for those going through their toughest battles.

“2024 marked my first Comrades, and that year was filled with personal highs and lows.

“While I was celebrating, many of my friends and family were facing serious health challenges, including cancer, bone disease, and potential kidney disease,” Nadia recalls.

It was during that time that Nadia realised how crucial it is to have a champion by your side.

And now, almost a year later, she is looking to be that champion for patients during their hour of need.

“After attending a run where a HACT spokesperson shared the incredible work they do, I realised that HACT is the real hero.

“They offer unwavering support to people during some of their darkest days. I want to do my part to support HACT in any way I can and be a champion for their cause,” Nadia shared.

By using her love for running as a beacon of solidarity, Nadia is truly embodying the spirit of being the friend and supporter so many need. With dedicated training well underway, she has already impressively reached her R10,000 goal for the cause!

“Thank you to everyone who has donated and contributed to this amazing cause and my crazy Comrades’ journey,” she thanked.

Sources: Nadia Habig | Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust

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South Africa has just been ranked one of the best places in the world for British expats… and that’s not only good for them, it’s great for us too.

Global (15 May 2025) – Yes, our headlines are often filled with chaos. Loadshedding, politics, potholes and people leaving. But every now and then, something happens that reminds us just how special South Africa really is… and that maybe, just maybe, we don’t always see it because we’re living in it.

This is one of those times. And honestly, we are here for it.

South Africa has just been named one of the top three countries for British expats to move to in 2025, and that’s not only a proud moment… it’s a powerful one. It’s a reminder that despite everything, the world still sees the beauty and magic in our country.

The list, released by British relocation experts U.K.ABROAD, highlights what we already know in our bones: this place is pure gold. From the sunshine and scenery to the lower cost of living (for someone coming with Pounds) and our incredible quality of life, South Africa is drawing people in.

The World Sees What We Sometimes Forget

With more than 5.5 million British citizens currently living outside of the UK, South Africa has quietly become one of their favourite spots to start over. And that’s not small news. That’s massive. The list puts us in the same league as places like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. But unlike those countries, South Africa isn’t just another expat destination; it’s got a soul.

According to the study, some of the reasons why include the fact that English is widely spoken, our warm weather and the ability to live here visa-free for up to 90 days are major drawcards. Add to that the sunshine (over 2,500 hours a year!), the affordability and our laid-back lifestyle… and suddenly it makes sense why thousands of Brits are choosing to move here every year.

And with around 200,000 Brits already living in South Africa, this isn’t a new trend, it’s one that’s growing.

Why This is Good News for South Africa

When expats choose to live, work, and even retire here, they’re not just sipping wine in Franschhoek or surfing in Jeffreys Bay. They’re investing. They’re creating jobs. They’re contributing to our local economy. They’re enrolling their kids in our schools, shopping in our stores, hiring local teams and sharing their love for SA with the rest of the world.

And when more people see South Africa as a great place to live? Tourism rises. International confidence increases. Local communities benefit. The more we’re seen for our potential. And the more we grow.

It’s also a much-needed reminder (to us South Africans) that what we have is worth celebrating.

We often look at other countries and think the grass is greener. But people are literally moving here for the exact reasons we sometimes overlook: the lifestyle, the views, the energy, the diversity, the people.

From Penguins to Pinotage… It’s All Right Here

A retiree from Manchester now spends mornings walking along the cliffs of Hermanus, watching whales breach in the bay. A couple from London has opened a guesthouse in Stellenbosch, serving local Pinotage to guests as the sun sets in shades of blush and gold. A young family from Birmingham is raising their children in Durban North, where schooldays include learning Zulu and afternoons are spent barefoot in the garden.

This isn’t a dream. It’s already happening.

From the penguins of Boulders Beach to the cliffs of the Drakensberg and even the electric buzz of Johannesburg, South Africa offers a kind of magic that simply can’t be found anywhere else. And the world is finally starting to notice.

The financial perks are just as attractive. According to William Russell, the cost of living here is roughly 65% lower than in the UK, giving British expats the chance to stretch their pensions further, build a better life, and in doing so, contribute positively to our communities too.

We’re More Than Our Headlines

Yes, South Africa has challenges. We all know it. But we also know how to make the most of every single day. We know how to dance in the rain and braai during loadshedding. We know how to show up for one another and how to find joy in the chaos.

And now the rest of the world is starting to see that too.

“I wake up every morning to blue skies and Table Mountain, it still feels like a dream,” said one British expat now living in Cape Town.

We’re glad you feel that way. We do too.

So, if you needed a sign today that South Africa still holds immense potential, this is it. When people from around the globe choose to pack up their lives and start fresh here, it says a lot about what we have and what we offer.

It’s not just about expats choosing South Africa… it’s about the world choosing us. Again.

And that is a very good thing.

Sources: U.K.ABROAD 

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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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