It took a village, and then some, to help an elephant seal find his way back to the sea, but what unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary.

Western Cape, South Africa (27 May 2025) – What started as an unbelievable early morning sighting has ended with a heartwarming display of unity, care and kindness. The elephant seal that captured South Africa’s attention by wandering the streets of Gordon’s Bay has officially been returned to the ocean… safe, sound and a little bit famous.

The massive southern elephant seal surprised locals when it made an unexpected appearance almost a kilometre inland from the ocean early on Tuesday morning. As residents blinked in disbelief, the marine visitor cruised down a quiet street, delighting onlookers and stopping traffic, both literally and on social media.

And while the seal appeared calm and unharmed during his curious detour, it was clear the situation posed risks.

That’s when the magic behind the scenes began.

A full-scale, compassionate rescue unfolded with lightning-speed coordination. Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, SAPS, Gordon’s Bay Security and Gordon’s Bay Medical Ambulance Services swiftly arrived to secure the area and redirect traffic, ensuring safety for both the seal and the humans keen to catch a glimpse of him.

From there, a small army of animal welfare heroes stepped in… including the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management and Marine Unit, SANParks, Two Oceans Aquarium, Shark Spotters, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Together, they formed a dream team of professionals, volunteers, and marine experts, all dedicated to doing what was best for their unexpected guest.

The SPCA carefully monitored the seal’s welfare, calling in a wildlife vet to safely sedate him before the enormous (and delicate) task of loading him into a game capture trailer.

By late afternoon, the vet gave the all-clear and the sleepy seal was transported to Koggel Bay, a coastal spot better suited to his species, where his recovery from sedation was closely observed.

“It truly takes a village,” said SPCA’s Belinda Abraham. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up today – for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”

And that’s the real story here. Yes, the sight of an elephant seal lounging on a suburban street is something most of us will never forget… but even more unforgettable was the way so many people came together to help. It was the traffic cops and security teams rerouting cars. It was the neighbours who stood back, respected the animal and offered words of support. It was the marine biologists, vet teams, and rescuers who worked tirelessly for hours to ensure a safe outcome.

This wasn’t just a surreal wildlife encounter. It was a masterclass in kindness. A powerful reminder that when something strange and beautiful enters our lives, even briefly, we have a choice: to look away or to lean in with empathy and care.

For the residents of Gordon’s Bay (and all South Africans who followed the story online), today’s events won’t just be remembered for the size of the seal. They’ll be remembered for the size of the hearts that made sure he got home.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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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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Juffrou Angie is the Brackenfell High School Afrikaans teacher who’s truly cracked the code to get high schoolers excited about learning!

Brackenfell, South Africa (27 April 2025) – Not many teachers are able to get high schoolers excited for class, but Angelique van Biljon just has a lekker knack for it!

The Afrikaans Brackenfell High School teacher has been praised by those who know her as a passionate educator who has developed interesting ways of building excitement for the Afrikaans language. And if you don’t believe us, you might want to check out her impressive educational TikTok account for proof!

Good Things Guy got to connect with Angelique, who shared all about her love for teaching the Afrikaans language and going viral on the popular app.

Angelique, affectionately known as Juffrou Angie, has been teaching for 18 years, and it was all inspired by her two Grade 12 teachers who had a lasting impact on her long after school.

“It was my Grade 12 English teacher who actually motivated me to become a teacher. But it was only at a later stage when teaching that I really knew this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Angelique shares.

For her, teaching is more than just a profession or simply about giving lessons to youngsters; it’s about making her pupils feel safe and welcome in her classroom while instilling values of respect and dignity.

“Because if a child enjoys being somewhere, they also get excited for a lesson,” she says.

And it is this very mindset of keeping learners engaged that has seen her develop interesting ways to connect with them, including her fun TikTok account.

“I had a colleague who asked me for the meaning of an Afrikaans word, and I loved the word. I then decided one morning to make a quick video while asking my Grade 8s if they knew what the word meant, and took a gamble loading it on TikTok.

“The first video was loaded in February 2025. This video was the start of our inserts on TikTok, and the kids really look forward to their 3-minute recording at the end of each lesson.”

On her platform, Angelique features content that offers lessons on Woord van die dag (Word of the day), Idiom van die dag (Idiom of the day), Storietyd (Storytime), Mamma-dinge (mom advice), Die sie klein bederfies (the little spoils she receives) and Ondersteun besighede (showcasing businesses she supports or products she enjoys).

While she still considers herself new to the whole TikTok movement, Juffrou Angie has already made quite a hit on the internet, with her most viewed videos about lessons on the words Koggelgewrig (a ball-joint) and Kwakslawer (an unconventional doctor or one with a questionable reputation) sitting at an impressive 381K and 118K views respectively.

Ultimately, her goal is to inspire a love for the Afrikaans language, no matter if it’s a home language or an additional language.

Her joy is in seeing her learners grasp concepts and having fun while doing so.

“What I love most about my job is teaching the youngsters who will one day change the world. I love hearing them laugh and getting excited when grasping a topic. I love the excitement when reading a story, and each pupil in class reacts positively to the story. I love being a teacher. I love teaching my pupils.”

We’re huge fans of your work, Juffrou! With such a dedicated and passionate teacher, your learners are undoubtedly set for success.

Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Angelique van Biljon

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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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Locals in Gordon’s Bay were left wide-eyed and smiling as an unexpected guest waddled down their suburban street… a massive elephant seal on a surprise inland holiday.

Western Cape, South Africa (27 May 2025) – It’s not every day a sleepy seaside town wakes up to an elephant seal in the streets! Gordon’s Bay locals were overjoyed and united by a rare encounter early Tuesday morning when a massive southern elephant seal decided to wander through their neighbourhood, sparking awe, laughter and a flurry of online buzz.

Residents of this coastal town near Cape Town rubbed their eyes in disbelief at dawn when they spotted an elephant seal cruising down a residential road, almost a kilometre inland from the ocean. The gigantic marine mammal appeared around 6am and stunned locals quickly began filming the unusual encounter.

It was a bizarre and thrilling sight… after all, elephant seals are not indigenous to South African waters and are mostly found much further south, near Antarctica.

Traffic came to a standstill as the elephant seal took its neighbourhood tour and authorities even closed off Sir Lowry’s Pass Road to keep both residents and the animal safe. The gentle giant didn’t seem to mind the attention, at one point, the curious seal ambled up to a law enforcement vehicle with blue lights flashing and decided to plop its head on the car’s bonnet, as if making friends with local officials. The surreal sight had onlookers grinning and shaking their heads in amazement; it looked like a scene straight out of a movie. In fact, the scene was so incredible that some on social media initially suspected it had to be AI-generated. Of course, wildlife experts and local volunteers quickly assured everyone that this gigantic visitor was absolutely real, and very much enjoying its impromptu Cape Town adventure.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA dispatched inspectors as soon as reports came in about the unexpected visitor. By 8am, animal welfare officers were on-site, gently securing the area and formulating a plan to guide the seal back to safety. The SPCA even took to Facebook to update concerned followers, urging people to keep their distance and let the rescuers do their work.

“We’re working on a safe and stress-free plan to relocate this magnificent marine mammal. Please avoid the area to help us give the seal the space and calm it needs while we carry out the rescue,” the organisation advised in a statement.

Ensuring the animal stayed comfortable was top priority, the team wanted to avoid stressing the big seal while figuring out how to escort their hefty guest back to the ocean. As of Tuesday mid-morning, efforts to relocate the elephant seal were still underway, with officials committed to a happy ending for the marine drifter. They plan to transport or “shepherd” the seal to a suitable beach once it has rested enough, ensuring it can return to its natural habitat without harm.

Meanwhile, the community’s excitement is only growing! News of the roaming seal is spreading like wildfire through Gordon’s Bay, and a crowd of amazed residents (many still in pyjamas and slippers!) have gathered (at a respectful distance) to steal a glance at the extraordinary creature.

“We often see seals here, but not like this… it’s not an everyday occurrence. This was unusual. The seal was huge!” one astonished resident exclaimed, describing the scene that unfolded on her street.

Neighbours chatted with one another in delight and concern, marvelling at how this phenomenal encounter had brought everyone together before breakfast. Despite the early hour, the vibe was electric – parents lifted children onto their shoulders to see the gentle giant, friends called each other excitedly to say “Come quick, there’s an elephant seal outside!”, and many folks captured videos to share with those who couldn’t be there.

Online, South Africans far and wide are sharing in the joy. Social media timelines have lit up with heart emojis, seal puns and incredulous comments about the “seal on the loose”.

The consensus: this unexpected visitor was the dose of wonder and positivity everyone needed. Many praised the SPCA and local authorities for handling the situation with care and compassion, while others joked that the seal was simply on a sightseeing tour of Gordon’s Bay or looking for a comfy spot to sunbathe. The fact that some viewers initially doubted the footage was proof of just how surreal and magical the encounter appeared, a reminder that sometimes reality outshines even our wildest imagination.

Wildlife experts note that while elephant seal sightings in the Cape are rare, they’re not unheard of. In recent years, a few adventurous elephant seals have made similar pit stops along South Africa’s coast – famously, a massive seal nicknamed “Buffel” has periodically hauled out on Cape Town beaches for his moulting season, quickly becoming a local celebrity. These occurrences, though infrequent, are cherished by communities as a chance to see a remarkable animal up close and to learn about the rich marine life that occasionally graces our shores.

For Gordon’s Bay, this week’s seal visit will surely go down in town history as a bright, uplifting story told for years to come.

*Update: The elephant seal has been safely returned to the ocean after his Cape Town suburb stroll.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA | Times Live 

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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 Not AI… Just Awe! Real Elephant Seal Spotted Roaming Gordon’s Bay appeared first on Good Things Guy.

One stolen phone. One determined team. And one grateful visitor who wants the world to know just how good our Metro Police can be.

South Africa (26 May 2025) – What should have been a night of fun at Cape Town Stadium turned into a stressful experience for Thomas Ambühl when his phone was stolen by a pickpocket in the crowd. The feeling of helplessness that follows such an incident is all too familiar. You try your best to report it but deep down, you prepare yourself for disappointment.

We often hear stories that shine a harsh light on crime, chaos or lack of service. Especially when it comes to government officials or law enforcement. But sometimes, a story comes along that reminds us there are incredible people doing their absolute best to help others. This is one of those stories.

On Friday, the 16th of May, Thomas Ambühl was enjoying an evening at the Cape Town Stadium when things took a disappointing turn… his mobile phone was pickpocketed during the event. It’s a frustrating, violating experience that many South Africans can unfortunately relate to. And like most people in that moment, Thomas did what he could, reporting the incident to the stadium’s security team and even flagging down a Metro Police officer nearby. But by then, the chances of finding his stolen phone felt slim.

“I had basically given up hope,” Thomas admitted. “Even after checking with lost and found, I thought it was gone for good.”

But just as he was making peace with the loss while heading back to his car, his son’s phone rang. Twice. First his mother. Then his sister. Both had been contacted and urged Thomas to immediately call his own number.

When he did, someone answered.

But not just someone… it was Officer Appelgate.

She calmly informed him that a suspect had been apprehended with several stolen phones in their possession… and one of them was his.

Without hesitation, Thomas made his way to the Sea Point Police Station, where he was warmly met by a group of Metro Police officers. Within an hour, he had laid a charge of theft, had his phone safely back in hand, and was left completely awestruck by the professionalism, care, and effort from the team.

Thomas made a point of writing a heartfelt thank you note to commend Officer Appelgate, Officer S. Ntuli, Officer J. Strydom, Officer Pieterse, Delft Bravo Shift and Regional Inspector Renge.

“Their swift response and dedication truly exceeded my expectations,” he wrote. “It is reassuring to know that such committed officers are serving our community.”

At Good Things Guy, we know how easy it is to focus on what’s wrong but there’s just as much good happening out there too. And stories like Thomas’s remind us that when people show up with purpose and integrity, the impact ripples far beyond a single stolen phone.

To Officer Appelgate and the whole team who went out of their way to help, we see you. And we’re so incredibly grateful for you.

Sources: Thomas Ambühl 

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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 Western Cape’s Wildlife care is expanding! Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue will soon become a permitted satellite wildlife rehabilitation centre of its own.

Western Cape, South Africa (22 May 2025) — For five years, Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue has rescued and stabilised injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife as the first line of help. Now, in a big and thrilling move, the non-profit is growing to become a permitted satellite wildlife rehabilitation facility!

Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue has helped all kinds of animals including tortoises caught in wildfires, eagles in trouble and little duikers in distress.

Operating under the guidance and authority of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre (the only facility of its kind in the Western Cape and the sole permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Overberg), the expansion to a satellite rehabilitation facility means a massive step for wildlife care in the province.

Previously, without being a permitted rehabilitation facility of its own, the Grace Valley team relied on other registered facilities to undertake ongoing care.

Now, the team’s efficiency and impact are set to expand in leaps and bounds as they become an officially recognised satellite centre, taking them from first response to full recovery.

Says Grace Valley’s founder, Shireen Freeman:

“We are honoured to contribute to this pioneering model of decentralised, expert-led rehabilitation—one that strengthens conservation efforts across the region.”

As such, the growth represents a vital expansion of the province’s limited wildlife rehabilitation capacity.

Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue is currently raising funds to build the necessary infrastructure for their future (specialised enclosures, quarantine areas and safety systems) that you can contribute to here.

They already have a building on their owned property. Now, it’s a matter of kitting everything out so that the animals have the best chance at recovery.

Sources: Shireen Freeman 

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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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You can trust James McCallum to turn heads at a sporting event dressed in a full suit. This time, he’s setting his sights on breaking a world record, for a good cause of course, at the upcoming 21km Cape Town Running Festival.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 May 2025) – You may remember the audacious and dapper gent who powerfully took on the Cape Town Cycle Tour in under three hours in a full business suit earlier this year? Well, he’s back and he has his sights set on an even bigger challenge.

James McCallum, popularly known as “Man in a Suit”, is looking to show up and show out at the upcoming 21km Cape Town Running Festival. What’s more? He is looking to break the world record for the fastest half marathon run in a full business suit.

While James has been hard at work preparing for this ambitious challenge, we managed to get in touch with the triathlete and chat a bit about the excitement leading up to his newest pursuit and the motivation behind it.

“I am following a running programme and hoping to be in great shape by the time the record attempt comes around,” James shares.

“With six weeks to go from next week, the training will pick up quite a bit to get those extra miles in and probably some heat training sessions to deal with not overheating in the suit.”

At the heart of the motivation behind this particular challenge is to demonstrate that any regular person can make a difference to other people’s lives in some way, shape or form and wearing a suit is a symbol of that regular everyday person.

And the difference that James is running for is to support Jumping Kids and the disabled children and athletes it empowers.

“It (the run) is also motivated by the fact that disabled athletes have to overcome huge challenges mentally and physically when competing. So wearing the suit is a minuscule way in which I can show some solidarity by making this event more physically and mentally challenging.

“It is hugely motivating doing this for the incredible organisation that is Jumping Kids and trying to raise funds and awareness for the amazing work which they do,” James explains.

While breaking this world record would admittedly be a great triumph for James, it would mean so much more if it would help shine a spotlight on the charity he is passionately supporting.

“I feel that breaking it would bring a lot more attention to the charity which I’m doing it for, and if I could inspire someone else to start their own campaign to help other charitable organisations or even individuals, that would be absolutely amazing.

“So to summarise, this record means more to me the more it can influence people’s lives in a positive way.”

Keep an eye out for the stylish runner who is proving that determination and a bit of unconventional attire can achieve extraordinary things!

Sources: Nothando Mthembu | James McCallum

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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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One thing South Africans will do is support one another! After seeing firsthand the compassionate and free care that chronically ill young patients receive at St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care, Regan Bagley and Jermaine Carelse were moved to get out of their comfort zone and give back to the worthy charity, which works so hard to give children hope that they can thrive beyond hospital walls.

Cape Town, South Africa (20 May 2025) – Two Capetonian heroes are set to take on one of the province’s toughest mountain bike races in honour of who they call the city’s real heroes: the patients and staff of St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care.

Regan Bagley (L) and Jermaine Carelse (R), who have a background in law enforcement and firefighting, respectively, will endure three days of rugged trails and steep climbs on their bikes across the Western Cape as they compete in the Wines2Whales cycling race in October/November.

More than just an adventurous expedition, the pair are taking on the challenge to raise money and awareness for St Joseph’s, a non-profit children’s hospital located in Montana, Cape Town, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025.

St Joseph’s is a 175-bed facility that provides free, transitional care to children from vulnerable communities across the Western Cape. Referred by hospitals and healthcare providers throughout the Cape Metropole, these young patients face chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy, infectious diseases, brain injuries, neurological disorders, and cancer. At St Joseph’s, they receive expert multidisciplinary, rehabilitative, and restorative care—bridging the critical gap between hospital and home.

Bagley says he and Carelse were driven to take on the cycling challenge by the commitment of the St Joseph’s staff, who they describe as “The Avengers”.

“I’ve been all over South Africa doing safety and security, putting my life at risk. But when you look at the individuals who take care of these young patients, and have to wipe off tears and motivate and create an atmosphere of positivity and healing every day. They are the real heroes, and that inspires me. I salute them for that,” says Bagley.

Riding for change

Bagley first heard about St Joseph’s when he was searching for outreach programmes to partner with in Cape Town. After visiting the hospital and meeting the young patients and the staff who cared for them, he knew it was an organisation worth working with.

“We walked through the hospital, meeting the various therapists and support teams, seeing the little smiles and the tears.

“We saw the sanctuary, where children are taken when they pass away, and families spend the last moments with their little ones—it broke our hearts. As a father, it stays with you. You’re meant to protect your child. The dignity and love provided by St Joseph’s staff to these families is admirable.”

Bagley’s involvement with St Joseph’s was motivated by a desire to provide a positive male role model. Some of these children have parents who can’t visit, either due to transport affordability, even for those living in nearby communities, or social circumstances, and some have no father figures at all.

Beyond visiting the facility and engaging with the patients, he wanted them to know that there are men who care about them and want to make a difference in their lives.

Inspired by courage

As road cyclists, Wines2Whales will be outside of Carelse and Bagley’s comfort zones, but the duo is planning on ensuring they are as ready as possible come October. The race is known for its tricky terrain and extreme elevation, with riders expected to notch over 4,500m of elevation across the three days of racing.

They have a strict training plan in place and will take on a series of shorter offroad races in anticipation of the main event.

Carelse explains that when the going gets tough, they will remember who they are riding for and why they are riding to raise money for St Joseph’s.

“It’s not just about getting the time that you desire. It’s about the drive to succeed for St Joseph’s, which is driven by the love I have as a parent. I believe that will help us get over all the obstacles we’re going to face.

“We’re going to be riding for that entire hospital. We’re going to be riding for the staff. We’re going to put all our attention on the fact that if they are able to give 200% every day to help those kids, we can do it,” Carelse says.

Beyond wanting to help the young patients at St Joseph’s, Bagley and Carelse want to inspire all South Africans to make a difference in the lives of others.

“If we all stand together, we can make the burden a little bit lighter for the parents and the awesome staff who are relentlessly pushing on day after day to help children with life-limiting chronic illnesses feel better, live better, smile and play, because every child deserves that. Children are our future,” a passionate Carelse adds.

To support Regan and Jermaine’s ride for St Joseph’s or to donate, visit St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care’s donation page and use the reference Wines2Whales.

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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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.

The post South Africa Just Made a Global Top 3 List… And We’re Here for It! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

For the first time in 46 years, the Western Cape’s most mysterious mammal (the elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew) has been recorded!

Western Cape, South Africa (14 May 2025) — Conservationists from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and Helihack, along with volunteer biologists, were ecstatic when they found a tiny, elusive friend of the forest and mystery of the Western Cape, the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew!

This recent record of the animal (known as the Western Cape’s most mysterious mammal) took place on 4 May and was the first recording in 46 years.

Recorded at the edge of a pristine forest patch on CapeNature’s Boosmanbos Wilderness Area, the moment of rediscovery was a massive deal for the searchers.

“At last, I can take this little shrew off my biological bucket list,” remarked Dr Marienne de Villiers, a CapeNature ecologist. “It’s been a bit like a unicorn for me—a mythical creature that I thought I would never get a chance to see in real life.”

Dr de Villiers adds that it’s comforting to know that a portion of the population in at least some of its natural habitat is well-protected.

According to CapeNature, previous attempts to catch the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani) proved unsuccessful, with catching attempts relying on standard rodent live traps.

A new method of catching meant some hope, but getting the gear to the remote wilderness area without vehicle access proved challenging still.

However, with Helihack on board, things took a turn for the hopeful. The initiative focuses on safeguarding the protected area from invasive alien pines and uses helicopters to reach remote locations. With their help, the shrew searchers were able to be airlifted before hiking down to set 76 pitfall traps across various habitats.

“Each trap was prepared with bedding, shelter, and the occasional earthworm to ensure humane treatment. At first, the traps yielded nothing—but one of the final traps revealed a small mammal with a 6 cm tail, unmistakably the long-lost Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew. Weighing just 13.7 grams, it was measured, photographed, and released unharmed into its forest habitat,” CapeNature explain.

“This remarkable discovery was made possible by a group of enthusiastic, motivated, and skilled partners working together to achieve a range of biodiversity goals—from conducting surveys to managing invasive alien plants—all in an effort to keep the superb Boosmansbos in a healthy state for all to enjoy. A genetic sample of the shrew will now be analysed to clarify its relationship to lower-altitude relatives, while further research is needed to better understand its life history, behavioural ecology, and the status of its only known population. Intensive surveys of other forest patches may yet reveal more about its distribution. But for now, it’s enough to celebrate that the special shrew of Boosmansbos is still alive and well!” the team conclude.

More About the Boosmansbos Long-tailed Forest Shrew

First described in 1979 by scientist Nico Dippenaar, the shrew was recognised as a unique subspecies geographically isolated from its relatives by the Gouritz Valley. Its limited known range, combined with forest habitat loss and climate change, led to it being listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2016.

Sources: Media Release 

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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 Elusive Boosmansbos Long-tailed Forest Shrew Recorded for the First Tim in 46 Years! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When a water safety instructor learned that a primary school was left out of a survival swimming programme, she set the ball in motion to ensure they get access to a pop-up survival swimming day, providing 90 pupils with the experience and skills to navigate the water with newfound confidence.

Western Cape, South Africa (14 May 2025) – Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim and gain water confidence. That is why when the learners of N’duli Primary couldn’t participate in the NSRI’s Water Safety programme, Instructor Eoudia stood up and made a difference.

While hundreds of children benefited from the weekly lessons in local municipal pools, one school, N’duli Primary, unfortunately, could not participate this season as the programme was already at full capacity.

However, Eoudia reached out to the school’s principal, Fezeka Lethunya and together, they arranged a once-off pop-up Survival Swimming Day for 90 students, an initiative that turned into something truly special, NSRI affirms.

“The ‘Pop-Up’ was not only a huge success – it was a fantastic experience for all of us!” said Eoudia.

While transport posed a significant challenge, before the children could even get to the pool, parents covered the costs themselves so that their children could take part.

Many of the kids had also never been in a swimming pool before, highlighting the great need for the programme.

“Another challenge was not only the children’s fear of water but also trusting the instructors who helped them in the pool,” Eoudia said.

However, with time, patience, and an abundance of encouragement, the children began to thrive.

“Some children refused to let go of the pool’s edge at first. Through reassurance from teachers, instructors, and even their peers, they slowly gained confidence. By the end of the lesson, they were floating on their own, with huge smiles on their faces!”

For Eoudia, breaking down barriers so that every child has the chance to develop life-saving skills, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for water safety lies at the heart of what she does.

She thanked the Witzenberg Municipality for the use of the pool and the lifeguards who ensured the day ran safely.

Looking ahead, there’s hope that N’duli Primary will be part of the regular programme next season and that sustainable transport solutions can be found.

Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute

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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.

The post Survival Swimming Lessons Reach 90 Kids Who Had Never Been in a Pool Before appeared first on Good Things Guy.