After battling a life-threatening bacterial illness, which saw him spend nearly 200 days in the hospital, Greg Bertish’s journey of recovery was fuelled by optimism and a deep connection to the ocean. This resilience, born from his own fight for survival, transformed into a powerful mission to help many young lives.

Cape Town, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Author, adventurer and founder of The Little Optimist Trust, Greg Bertish, is one of those individuals who, after hearing their story, makes you stop and ponder at how unattainable the human spirit truly is.

Back in 2007, Greg spent nearly 200 days in the hospital battling a life-threatening bacterial illness, which, after being misdiagnosed and operated on several times, he thankfully overcame.

Through optimism and his love for the ocean, the multiple heart surgery survivor found a way to survive and reclaim his life in a profound way that has touched countless lives throughout the years.

In 2016, he undertook an extraordinary challenge to sail in a tiny children’s dinghy over 200km in the open ocean, 1km for every day he spent in the hospital.

His mission was to prove that small people can do huge things, a message that has resonated with countless patients, children and supporters. He raised over R300,000 for the new ICU at the Red Cross Children’s Memorial Hospital. That effort later resulted in raising over R1 million to renovate and paint the unit.

The Little Optimist Trust, led by Greg, now renovates and paints under-resourced health and education facilities all over South Africa.

Beyond structural revamps, the organisation brings hope to children in hospitals, shelters, and disadvantaged communities by using sailing therapy, storytelling and educational support to instil resilience, confidence and the ability to dream beyond their circumstances.

During a recent conversation on the Our Voice, Our Future podcast by Breadline Africa, Greg spoke about how the ocean was his lifeline, as a young boy who was often bullied, a Springbok paddleboarder and as a survivor of a life-threatening illness.

“Everything good in my life has come from a link to the ocean or the water,” he said.

Helping little people do huge things

Today, he uses what helped him heal to heal others – sailing as a therapeutic tool to children in under-resourced communities, instilling resilience, confidence and the ability to dream beyond their circumstances.

Greg has found that sailing transcends all socio-economic factors for children of different backgrounds. Whether they are facing a serious illness, poverty at home or bullying at school, when they’re in the dinghy, they gain new skills, self-confidence, independence and pride through accomplishment.

His advice to youngsters going through rough patches, difficult circumstances, or just trying to find their feet is rooted in believing in themselves.

“There is no one person, there is no one place. There is nothing that says you are not as good as someone else. Don’t worry about why you are not as good as other people. You will find something that you are better at than all of them.

“And if you believe and you don’t give up on your dreams however silly they might seem, follow what you love doing and realise how special you are, one day you’ll do something that you love, its going to benefit you and your life is going to be so much better and more enriched.”

Sources: Breadline Africa | The Little Optimist Trust

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Zarah’s spirit has remained remarkably resilient as she bravely faces cancer, fuelled by the support of her family and the compassionate care of the Children’s Hospital Trust.

Cape Town, South Africa (30 April 2025) – Four years. That is how long 18-year-old Zarah has been battling cancer, with immense strength.

She was first diagnosed in 2021, and after five months of treatment and being in and out of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, she and her family were delighted to receive the news that she was cancer-free; at last, life could go on.

However, after an all-too-brief 10-month reprieve, though, the cancer returned. For the past two years, she has been receiving weekly treatments.

“It’s had its ups and downs,” she says, reflecting on her journey thus far.

“I thought I was going to die at one point because it got so crazy. But I had lots of support through everything, so I managed to get through.”

Facing the immense emotional and financial strain of childhood cancer, Zarah’s family found a lifeline in the Trust’s Oncology subproject, which has helped ease the financial burden for her family as she focuses on her recovery. They have received food vouchers, clothing, and transport assistance to help them feel a little less alone during this challenging time.

This week, she will be going for an important test to find out whether her treatment has eradicated all of the cancerous cells.

“I hope it’s all going to go away. I hope this is the last. Then I can focus on my career choices, my schooling, and university because that’s a priority. My health is, too, but I hope this is the end,” Zarah shares.

As she approaches her critical test, we wish this young warrior all the best this week and commend the Children’s Hospital Trust for ensuring she walks this path with all the care and support she so deeply deserves.

Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust

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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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For dedicated nurses like Maxine Boysen, a recent internship at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital has unlocked new knowledge and expertise on how to better care for children suffering from burn wounds.

Cape Town, South Africa (26 March 2025) – In efforts to strengthen burn unit care services and ensure children’s suffering is minimised as much as possible across the Western Cape, the Children’s Hospital Trust recently rolled out a programme to develop the skills of local nurses and healthcare workers to provide effective treatment.

The programme, which is currently ongoing, is helping staff of the Worcester Hospital in Western Cape; this plays a crucial role in the Trust’s ongoing burns expansion project.

Benefitting from the programme, Maxine Boysen is a qualified nurse from Worcester Hospital who recently completed a two-week internship in the Burn Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

For Maxine, the internship has been a great learning experience, which has opened her eyes to the demands of timely burn care treatment and how different medical professionals work together and interchangeably to ensure children receive the best care in order to heal.

“We also worked in the burn wards where we saw how they scrub burns as well as in the trauma unit where we patients with burns come in and how they’re classified and if the patient needs to be admitted or attended in the out-patient facility.

“We’ve learned a lot and these are all things that we can take back to our local facilities and implement what we’ve been taught,” Maxine said.

This programme plays a part in providing accredited training to nurses at different hospitals, making sure little ones and youngsters receive treatment and decreasing the cost and time to access medical care near home.

Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust

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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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What’s greater than providing brave warriors with a radio platform to voice their challenges and share their influence? – Supporting this unique and incredible cause! That’s exactly what presenter Jesse Solomons will be doing as he takes on the Cape Town Cycle tour in his specialised wheelchair!

Cape Town, South Africa (27 February 2025) – Moved to do his part in giving back to a platform that has largely contributed to his professional and personal growth, talented presenter Jesse Solomons is going full throttle to raise funds for RX Radio!

The radio station, run by and for children based at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, is getting ready to make an appearance once again at the 2025 Cycle Tour. This time, Jesse is stepping up to the plate and tackling the cycling challenge head-on.

Having joined RX Radio at the age of 12, Jesse, now 20, has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in all things broadcast media and community news, with hopes to one day grow into a world-renowned reporter.

The unique award-winning radio station has empowered countless South African children with voice and agency so they can exercise influence within the community and the issues facing them.

“Our station is continuing to work towards becoming more sustainable and I have pledged to support the station in any way I can,” Jesse explains.

At the upcoming cycling event, this young man will be pushed in a buggy by an experienced cyclist, Tristan Bergh, who has been working closely with the Warrior on Wheels Foundation.

With a fundraising goal of R10,000 set, any contributions to this campaign would be appreciated to help give more children facing severe health challenges a voice and enable them to make a powerful mark in their communities and beyond.

To support Jesse and Tristan, visit their GivenGain page to make a donation.

Sources: GivenGain | RX Radio

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Yusrah is a bright and eager child whose constant illnesses continuously hold her back, forcing her to miss out on school and play. Thankfully, the Children’s Hospital Trust, through its Weekend Waiting List Initiative, has brought a long-awaited end to her suffering.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 February 2025) – Four-year-old Yusrah has been waiting for a crucial surgery for two years. That’s half her lifetime in this world.

As a result, this little girl has been experiencing prolonged pain and suffering from enlarged tonsils and adenoids, disrupted sleep and recurring infections.

However, because her surgery wasn’t classed as an emergency, she was placed on a waiting list, leaving her with no option but to do just that – wait. This left Yusrah with continual infections which had a huge impact on her health.

Her mother, Manteza shared that her little girl also cannot hear well, adding to the family’s distress in managing Yusrah’s health challenges.

But thanks to the Children’s Hospital Trust at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and the generous donors who have funded the Weekend Waiting List Initiative, this family’s situation is about to improve.

In addition to the procedure to remove her tonsils and adenoids, the toddler is also going to have a procedure to make a tiny hole in the eardrum and fit grommets to make sure that her ears can drain.

“She’s a bit shy, but school has helped her to gain her confidence. She’s smart,” said Manteza.

“She’s a really smart kid. She does well in class but this thing of falling sick all the time is affecting her. She misses many days at school.”

Those struggles are about to come to an end, though, because now, two years after her initial diagnosis, Yusrah will finally have her surgery and will go on to learn, play and explore – as she’s always been destined to!

Sources: The Children’s Hospital Trust

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South Africa’s summer heat is a serious threat to children’s health, and experts are urging parents and caregivers to be extra vigilant.

Cape Town, South Africa (13 February 2025) – If there is one thing for certain, it is that summer in South Africa will be the heat!

With February marking the hottest month, ChildSafe South Africa, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, is raising awareness about the dangers of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

The average temperature across the planet has been increasing steadily, making it more important than ever to remember that children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related issues.

Dr Shirani Naidoo, an emergency specialist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH), shares insights on why children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent heatstroke.

Why Are Children More Susceptible to Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion?

Children are more likely to suffer from heatstroke or heat exhaustion because their bodies produce more heat during physical activity than adults, and their cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are less developed. Their higher body surface area to weight ratio increases their vulnerability to heatstroke, especially in hot and humid conditions. Children also tend to become so absorbed in play that they don’t notice when they’re overheating or need to rest.

For this reason, parents and caregivers need to remind children to drink water and take breaks in shaded, cool areas—or do so on their behalf—since kids are often too focused on having fun to pay attention to these needs.

The Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion

• High body temperature (40°C)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (indicating reduced sweating)
• Rapid pulse or breathing
• Fatigue or muscle cramps
• Dizziness or confusion
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unconsciousness in extreme cases

How to Prevent Heatstroke

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines on how we can prevent heatstroke or heat exhaustion in children and infants:

• Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any amount of time, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, seeking shade or staying indoors instead. Shade can reduce how hot you feel by more than 10°C.
• Do not cover an infant stroller or pram with dry fabric – this makes the temperature inside the carriage even hotter. Instead, use a wet, thin cloth which is kept damp to lower the temperature. Combine with a portable fan for an even greater cooling effect.
• Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their skin, and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s rays.
• Keep children hydrated with plenty of cool water and allow infants to breastfeed on demand.
• Any associated diarrhoea and or vomiting will cause a quicker and more severe deterioration and will need a higher fluid intake to stay safe.

ChildSafe South Africa Executive Director Zaitoon Rabaney says supervision is key.

“Keeping a close eye on children and staying vigilant for signs of heatstroke are crucial steps in ensuring children’s safety. Early detection and swift action can make all the difference in preventing severe outcomes.

“By collectively staying informed and prepared, we can safeguard our children from heat-related illnesses and ensure they stay safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year.”

Immediate Actions for Heat Exhaustion

If a child begins to show signs of heat exhaustion (a precursor to heatstroke), prompt action can prevent escalation. Parents should move them to a cool place, encourage them to drink water, and cool their bodies with damp cloths, a fan or by removing unnecessary clothing and shoes.

If symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate the onset of heatstroke. In such cases, seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services or heading to the closest health facility.

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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For two incredibly difficult years, a single mother in Cape Town lived in constant fear, barely sleeping, terrified that her son Melokuhle’s rare breathing condition would worsen overnight. Her prayers have finally been answered, as Melokuhle’s surgery has been scheduled, giving them both hope that he’ll get to live a healthier and happier life.

Cape Town, South Africa (11 February 2025) – A single mother in Cape Town has spent two harrowing years caring for her son, Melokuhle, who battles a rare condition that severely compromises his breathing. Often gripped by fear, she struggles to sleep, terrified he’ll have breathing difficulties during the night. She’s had to miss work every day he gets too sick as she waits for her boy to receive the surgery he desperately needs to get better.

Thanks to the incredible support from the Children’s Hospital Trust and its donors, four-year-old Melokhule will finally receive the surgery he and his mother have been waiting for to improve his health.

Two years ago, mom, Nonthuthuzelo noticed her son would snore heavily and foam at the mouth when sleeping. They visited their local clinic, where doctors prescribed medication to clear Melokuhle’s sinuses, but the problem persisted.

“At night, I have to hold him to help with his breathing,” she recalls.

According to the Children’s Hospital Trust, Nonthuthuzelo took Melokuhle back to the clinic where they were referred to a specialist at Langa Clinic, who then referred them to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH).

Specialists at the RCWMCH determined that Melokuhle’s tonsils and adenoids were enlarged and obstructing his breathing. They would need to be removed but, because his surgery was not deemed an emergency, he was placed on a waiting list.

Helpless, Nonthuthuzelo struggled for two years. Even though Melokuhle’s condition was not life-threatening, it had a huge impact on both his and his mom’s well-being.

The problems with his tonsils and adenoids have caused continual infections and Nonthuthuzelo has been constantly worried about receiving calls from her son’s school informing her of Melokuhle having a fever and needing to be fetched from school.

She’s missed countless days of work caring for him, facing mounting financial pressure and the fear of losing her job.

Eventually, the strain almost became too much to bear and Nonthuthuzelo even considered sending him to KwaZulu-Natal to live with her mother. But then, the call came that Melokuhle’s surgery had been scheduled!

Finally getting to breathe a sigh of relief, Nonthuthuzelo is incredibly grateful for the hope that the Children’s Hospital Trust has offered her and Melokuhle.

With Melokuhle scheduled to undergo the surgery soon, his mom is overcome with emotion as she reflects on the hard journey they’ve endured but is also filled with hope that he will finally have a chance to get better, attend school and live a full life.

Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust

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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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The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital was filled with the sounds of stories thanks to librarians, authors and the Nal’ibali team on World Read Aloud Day!

Cape Town, South Africa (07 February 2025) — Celebrated earlier this week, World Read Aloud Day brought the sounds of stories to communities all over the country, including a very special morning for the young patients of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s hospital.

Local drivers of the project, Nal’ibali, along with Cape Town librarians, City officials and authors took time to read to patients at the hospital in what made for a rewarding experience both for the listeners and the readers.

An international effort focused on fostering a love of reading in young people, World Read Aloud Day is essentially a love letter to literacy, connection and the magic of stories. 

Every year, Nal’ibali sets a national target for the amount of people they wish to reach through the power of words, with this year’s target sitting at 3.5 million children across the country. 

World Read Aloud Day has been going strong since 2010 after it was founded by LIT World, and every year reminds people that one moment immersed in a story can be the portal to a life-long love of reading; a love that aids in many developmental spheres from imaginative capacities to interpretation skills. Additionally, the act of reading aloud is very much a catalyst for invaluable quality time between parents or guardians and children.

“We often speak of the massive benefit of reading aloud to young children to help expand their language skills and grow their curiosity, but I am convinced the benefit goes both ways, and that reading to children is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

“It is the best way to spend quality time together and bond over an activity that gives them an undeniable head start in life. I urge all parents to spend some time every day reading to their young children, and to make use of our City’s incredible libraries to help feed the reading passion,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.   

Adds Dr Anita Parbhoo, CEO of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital:

“I encourage all people to embrace the power of reading to help us shape healthier and more prepared children for the future.Reading aloud to your children not only enables them to strengthen their language skills, but exposes them to new words and ways of expressing themselves.

“These moments also nurture a precious bond between the child and the parent. This is crucial for their overall development and can set the tone for their academic success when they start school and beyond.”

Sources: Supplied 

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Despite the trauma of her daughter suffering severe burns from a pot of boiling water, mom Shahida never lost hope that her precious two-year-old girl, Lee-Chaan, would heal.

Cape Town, South Africa (06 January 2025) – A mom was left shattered and beside herself after seeing her daughter in severe pain after having boiling water accidentally spill over her.

Two-year-old Lee-Chaan’s accident was a nightmare that no parent should have to experience, but her mother, Shahida, never lost hope.

It was a dark and cold Tuesday night in August with no power when the family decided to make a fire and boil water outside. Lee-Chaan was sitting next to her mother on a plastic chair when Shahida left to get more water.

“When I got back, Lee-Chaan tried to get up and her chair tipped over,” shares Shahida.

“As she fell, Lee-Chaan grabbed the grill with one hand and stuck the other hand into the pot of boiling water, knocking it over. The boiling water went all over her body.”

A shaken Shahida did the one thing she could think of within that panicked moment – grab and put her little girl into cold water. Doctors later confirmed that this saved the little girl’s life.

Shahida immediately rushed Lee-Chaan to the Mitchells Plain Hospital, and they transferred her to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

The Children’s Hospital Trust confirmed that Lee-Chaan was in the ICU for three weeks before being moved to the burns ward, where she was treated for another two months. But, Shahida never left her side, although her heart ached from witnessing the pain of her baby girl, she still hung onto the thread of hope that Lee-Chaan would heal.

During their difficult hospital stay, Shahida and Lee-Chaan received clothing and toiletries from the Children’s Hospital Trust Family Care Programme.

With the child support grant as their sole income source, Shahida and Lee-Chaan face financial challenges, especially concerning transportation costs. A single hospital visit can easily exceed R100, making it difficult to access necessary medical care.

Thankfully, the Family Care programme has been a tremendous help, alleviating some of the financial strain by contributing towards the travel expenses for Lee-Chaan’s occupational therapy sessions, where she is regaining the full use of her hands.

Although it has been a trying time and a long healing journey, little Lee-Chaan is today, smiling from ear to ear and excited to play at any given chance!

Sources: The Children’s Hospital Trust

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In breaking good news, Flip the Cancer swimmers raised in excess of R130,000 for the Children’s Hospital Trust. But, this was not just a successful fundraiser. It was a swim for solidarity. For hope. And, to show others the impossible can be done as swimmer Ray (who started and did the swim whilst undergoing cancer treatment) proved brilliantly:

Cape Town, South Africa (13 November 2024) — Twelve water polo players recently united as the Flip the Cancer squad and embarked on an icy mission of solidarity and hope for great success.

Flip the Cancer swimmer Ray Mc Callum is no stranger to the bitterly cold waters surrounding Robben Island. Just after his 70th, he swam to the island and by his 71st, he one-upped himself by heading there and back to shore. Ray planned to do the same for his 74th birthday. However, as he tells Good Things Guy, in between all his swims he was diagnosed with cancer and endured a heavy year of treatment.

Still determined to do the Robben Island swim and support an important cause—the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Trust— Ray’s water polo teammates decided their friend should not do it alone. It was an opportunity to swim in solidarity with those in the group who were fighting cancer (Ray and Paul Martin) and to splash a little hope into the lives of young people who desperately need it. And so the Flip the Cancer squad was formed!

Their end-goal hoped to see them raise funds for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Trust, which is committed to protecting every child they serve. In a world and Western Cape where child abuse is a heart-breaking reality, the swimmers wanted to help the helpers supporting vulnerable children.

In the beginning of 2023, the Children’s Hospital Trust launched a comprehensive 5-year project dedicated to strengthening care for vulnerable children specifically (those who have experienced neglect, abuse and violence). It’s a project that seeks to expand its impact beyond the hospital walls to local clinics and more hospitals in a bid to give healthcare professionals more resources to identify and support child protection.

This way, children can receive counselling, support and psychological help—all of which are imperative to breaking cycles of abuse.

The Children’s Hospital Trust Project has 3 Objectives:

• Strengthening medical and surgical service co-ordination
• Skills Development and the development of training/learning platforms (this includes training for child protection teams at District Facilities)
• Service integration and facilitating sustainable improvements across the health system

In a massive dose of inspiration when it comes to overcoming the seemingly impossible, Ray shares that he wanted to do the swim whilst still undergoing treatment to show what can be done when one sets one’s mind to it.

On the 26/27 October weekend, the swimmers joined forces to tackle the Robben Island-Blouberg channel. The Flip the Cancer squad was comprised of Ray, John Dickerson, Nigel Cones, Paul Hablutzel, Brad Birnie, Rod Panagos, Kevin Ordman, Andrew Dawson, Oli Daffarn, Mike Solomons, Justin Hughes and Barry Gray.

This is despite the loss of Paul, who sadly passed away just a week before the swim.

Determined to honour him and do their part for the future of children in the Western Cape, the swimmers managed to raise in excess of R130,000, with funds still flowing in.

It’s an incredible story of exercising resilience for those you may never meet and flexing love in motion for those you care for. It’s a story that reminds us that we’re stronger together and one that reminds us that it’s worth giving our all to the battles we face, whether in our provinces or in our bodies. And it’s a story that’s made a massive difference, not just to the children in question, but to the readers who might just believe they have the power to do something extraordinary, too.

Sources: GTG Interview 

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