A 74-year-old hiker trapped in the remote and not-to-be-reckoned-with Elands River Mouth was rescued against every odd that made for one of the most trying and rewarding rescues.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (28 May 2025) — Against every odd, a 74-year-old senior hiker made it out of a remote gorge in the Eastern Cape thanks to a team who took a risk to save a life.

Last month, the senior hiker had taken a fall upstream of the Elands River Mouth, Grootkrans. She had fallen and injured herself hours before she could get in touch with help. However, this would be no ordinary rescue.

When NSRI Station Commander Lodewyk Van Rensburg got the call, he immediately knew it would be tough. Getting to the Elands River Mouth is its own mission, given the limited access by road. Once you do manage to get there, you’re met with a gorge boasting steep and sharp cliffs, not to mention a surf even the most ambitious water warriors avoid. Winds are also tough, and on a bad day, fog sets stubbornly, as was the case on the day of the rescue. Not to mention, nighttime was nearing.

All of these factors betted against the hiker’s survival, and all were present the day she needed help. However, the NSRI Oyster Bay team braved it all to pull off the unthinkable, bringing her home.

According to Lodewyk, winds were blowing at 30 knots while the sea climbed to 4 metres. No helicopter support was avaliable to the rescuers, so all they could rely on was their rescue craft and their courage.

“Luckily, we caught water going in,” Lodewyk shares of how the rescuers manager to get into the gorge via crossing a sandbank.

In the gorge, the team located the fallen hiker and had to swim her toward the rescue vessel using a backboard. This, because no paramedics could accompany the rescue team given the tough terrain that was decided not to be conducive for carrying gear.

Just when things were looking up, a new issue arose that made exiting its own challenge, the boat had gotten stuck on the sandbank, prohibiting a swift goodbye to the gorge.

“We stood there for 15 minutes. I asked the crew how they felt, and they said, ‘It’s now’, recalls Lodewyk. The team timed their run between wave swells to catch the right wave and get out. “The second wave broke underneath the boat. We only just made it.”

Hope was finally tangible again as the vessel made its way 12 nautical miles to shore.

At around 9pm, the rescue of a lifetime came to its end. With landing lights set up by Ian Gray of the NSRI’s Regional Operations Support Committee, light quite literally shone at the end of the tunnel.

The hiker was suspected to have spinal injuries and hints of hypothermia. However, her chances of survival were hugely influenced by the work of the brave people who risked their own safety that day.

“To be quite honest, I think the risk that we took was very high,” Lodewyk said of heading out into the gorge. “But when the doctor told us that if we hadn’t taken her out that night, she may not have made it — it kind of changed the whole perspective.”

This rescue is considered one of the most demanding rescue operations in recent times for NSRI Station 36 Oyster Bay. But, it should also be considered one of their proudest!

Sources: NSRI 

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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 Getting Out of the Gorge: Senior Hiker Rescued Against Every Odd  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In 2022, Brittany McCormick pushed herself to learn to walk after her wheelchair broke (she has Cerebral Palsy). She aimed to tackle 100kms, and ended up walking 200kms to raise funds for children with disabilities. Years on, and Brittany’s journey has positively blossomed:

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — In 2022, Brittany McCormick caught South Africa’s attention when she decided to walk 100kms after her wheelchair broke. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age, her wheelchair was how she moved through the world. When it broke, Brittany realised just how reliant she was on it, and how much of a game-changer raising funds for wheelchairs would be for those who desperately need them but simply don’t have the means to buy wheels of their own.

Inspired by her own struggle without her wheelchair, Brittany did an incredible thing. She set a goal to walk 100kms to raise funds for children with disabilities, and ended up walking 200kms.

Since then, Brittany has seen her journey blossom and some of her brightest dreams have come true.

In her words!

From Survival to Significance: My Journey as a Motivational Speaker

Some of you may know me from a previous feature on Good Things Guy, and for those who don’t—hello! I’m Brittany McCormick, and I believe with all my heart that a life filled with purpose is one worth fighting for. So much has changed since my last incredible moment in the spotlight, and I feel deeply honoured to share what’s unfolded in my life since becoming a motivational speaker. But before we get into the extraordinary experiences of recent years, allow me to take you back a little.

A Premature Beginning

I was born at 25 weeks—so tiny, so fragile, and with a future that felt uncertain. Doctors weren’t sure if I would survive, and even if I did, they weren’t confident I’d be able to live independently. At one year old, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. But despite that diagnosis, my parents made a life-altering decision: they would raise me to be as independent and strong as possible.

That decision shaped my life. It meant tough love, big challenges, and endless determination. But most importantly, it meant that my condition would not define my dreams.

And I cannot talk about this journey without speaking about my parents—the pillars of my life. My mom and dad have been my greatest encouragers, my unwavering support system, and my guiding lights. They’ve fought battles beside me, carried me through my lowest moments, and stood with me in every victory. They are my confidants, my teachers, and the foundation of the woman I am today. I am beyond blessed to have them in my life, along with the love and support of my sister and brothers who have also walked this journey with me every step of the way.

Schooling, Struggles and Finding My Voice

I spent many years in a special needs school, where I received support—but I also faced real challenges. Emotionally, I struggled. Academically, I wasn’t thriving. My parents eventually made the decision to homeschool me, hoping a more tailored environment would work better. But even that came with its own trials.

Still, I had a dream. I wanted to be a motivational speaker. I wanted to use my voice to inspire others, to tell people that they can do hard things, of beating the odds—just like I had been doing my whole life.

Eventually, I enrolled in a public speaking course. That course didn’t just teach me how to speak—it taught me how to believe in myself. I learned how to share my story with power, clarity, and confidence. I discovered my message. And most of all, I discovered my purpose.

The 200km Breakthrough

Then came a test of resilience unlike any other. My wheelchair broke, and suddenly, a crucial tool I relied on every day was gone. But rather than retreat in defeat, I leaned into the moment. I launched a campaign—not only to raise funds for a new wheelchair, but to give back to the community that had always supported me.

I set a goal to walk 100 kilometers. It was ambitious. It was bold. And it was bigger than just me. Step by step, day by day, I pushed myself through pain and perseverance. And six months later, I had walked 200 kilometers.

The campaign caught the attention of people across the country. I was featured in the press and on various media platforms. What started as a crisis turned into a national message of hope, showing what’s possible when faith meets effort.

Doors Begin to Open

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at events, churches, and organisations across South Africa. I’ve spoken for the Growth Credo team, Ladies of All Nations South Africa, Life Streams International Church, Rock Mining Components, and the Insure Group. I’ve also shared my message through interviews on platforms like The Red Corner Show, Tina Talks, and Creative Space.

Radio stations like Radio Pulpit and CCFM have featured my story. I was blessed to be the August 2024 cover woman for Joy Magazine and was also featured in Karoo Sisters online magazine. Podcasts like The Different Way of Seeing and The Qotivated Podcast welcomed me to speak about my journey and my faith.

It hasn’t stopped there. I’ve had the honor of being invited by organizations such as the Subrena Love Foundation, Joy Magazine’s partners, and even networks of women in business. And all of this—every single opportunity—has grown from the seeds of a dream I refused to let go of.

The Heart Behind the Hustle

Let me be clear: chasing your dreams is not easy. There are days when it feels impossible. There are days when people don’t believe in you, or you don’t believe in yourself. But I’m here to tell you it’s worth it.

It’s worth every tear, every late night, every unanswered message, every “no,” and every moment of doubt. Because when you keep showing up, and when you trust God to open doors that no person can close, your life begins to reflect His glory.

I’m still growing, learning, and reaching for more. But one thing I know for sure is that I’m committed to being a motivation both on and off the stage—whether I’m speaking to a crowd of hundreds or encouraging someone one-on-one. Every interaction matters. Every life matters.

What’s Next?

My journey is far from over. I still have so much I want to do, so many people I want to reach. I hope to continue sharing my story, not just as a testimony of survival, but as a testament to the power of hope, purpose, and faith.

I want people to know that life’s hardest challenges can become the foundation for your greatest victories.

To anyone reading this who feels stuck, uncertain, or discouraged—I see you. I’ve been there. But if I’ve learned anything on this journey, it’s this: You are stronger than you know. And your story isn’t over yet.
Keep walking.

Sources: Brittany McCormick

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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 From Survival to Significance: Brittany McCormick’s Inspiring Journey  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After a little African Penguin and the unborn baby she’d been carrying were hit by a car in Simon’s Town, alarm bells raised for drivers to be more cautious. Thankfully, the penguin has successfully recovered.

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — In March, a little African penguin was waddling at night when she was hit by a car in Simon’s Town (AKA, Penguin Town).

Luckily, a Simons Town local spotted the penguin’s trouble and quickly got the injured seabird out of the road and away from further harm’s way.

The penguin was taken to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) who care for seabirds in any and all realms of distress. Here, she became known as AP243 as her road to recovery began.

Following medication and X-rays, it was revealed that AP243 had actually been carrying an egg; her baby waiting to be laid.

After over a month of steady recovery work, SANCCOB has announced that not only has AP243 made a remarkable recovery, but she was also released!

Despite the many cheers for AP243 as she waddled away freely, sombre energy was also present as her egg, although laid, did not survive.

“We don’t know if AP243 will ever be able to carry another egg. We don’t know what the long-term effects of this trauma will be. And with the African Penguin population as low as it is, we simply can’t afford to lose a single breeding female,” the SANCCOB team said.

The recovery of AP243 is a reminder that incidents like seabirds being hit by a car simply shouldn’t happen. Conservationists are loudly calling for caution from motorists who find themselves in or near penguin-populated areas like Simons Town, especially as the seabird is classed as Critically Endangered.

“These seabirds cross roads to reach the ocean, and your caution could be the difference between life and death for them,’ SANCCOB said.

The same is true for all animals that have and continue to adapt to urbanisation in areas they either have always called home or those that they’ve been pushed toward due to the human-influenced spoiling of their natural surroundings. Animals like caracals, too, face great threats from cars, and efforts as simple as paying extra attention or slowing down for these animals are worth far more than being a few minutes late for wherever you’re heading.

Sources: Supplied

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The post Penguin Hit By a Car in Simon’s Town Waddles Free Again  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A little boy with dreams of becoming a pilot already knows a lot about bravery (Kgosi has been fighting cancer for most of his life). Wishing to help his life take off for the better, people have raised R50,000 so far to give the four-year-old a chance at treating his cancer.

South Africa (21 May 2025) — Four-year-old Kgosi has spent most of his young life battling cancer.

Diagnosed shortly before his second birthday, Kgosi has spent more time in public healthcare facilities than most will in a lifetime.

Things were looking hopeful for the little boy, until earlier this year.

“Just has his family was hoping to turn a corner, the cancer came back,” shares Cupcakes of Hope, a non-profit, public benefit organisation supporting families of children with cancer in South Africa.

Kgosi’s leukemia had come back, and the treatment options had winded down to a hard-to-access chemotherapy drug called Erwinase.

The problem with Erwinase is that it is not available to public hospitals, or covered by state healthcare. However, it is said to be Kgosi’s best shot at survival.

Hoping to help, people have banded together with Cupcakes of Hope to raise over R50,000 to support his treatment through the drug (which costs a staggering R150,000 for the full course).

They are calling on the public to help give the four-year-old a fighting chance before the end of June.

In good news, the little fighter has already received his first batch of the meds.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cupcakes of Hope (@cupcakesofhope)

There are many ways to help Kgosi:

• Make a donation of what you can
• Host a fundraiser (unite your fellow bakers and raise funds the Cupcakes of Hope way with a bake sale!)
• Spread the word to your community

You can find his fundraiser here, and get in touch with Cupcakes of Hope for more information via sandy@cupcakesofhope.org or lori@cupcakesofhope.org.

Sources: Sandy Cipriano; Cupcakes of Hope 

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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 Kgosi Has a Chance at Treating His Leukaemia appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A devastating mass poisoning event impacted numerous vultures in the Kruger National Park. But heroes and hope prevailed when many of the birds’ lives were saved. Now, 18 vultures have successfully been released!

Kruger National Park, South Africa (19 May 2025) — Earlier this month, a devastating mass poisoning event impacted vultures in the Kruger National Park.

After suspicious activity was flagged in a remote section of the park early on 6 May, the heartbreaking scene revealed itself with hundreds of vultures affected. Thanks to the joint teamwork of SANParks rangers and Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) officials, along with support teams from Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Briner Veterinary Services and Wildscapes Veterinary Service, 84 vultures were able to be rescued alive.

The poisoning is said to have been the result of an elephant carcass laced with highly toxic agrochemical pesticides, poison laid by poachers to harvest body parts for the illegal wildlife trade. This event is shorthand for the rising threat of poison poaching that is impacting wildlife across Southern Africa.

However, heroes who acted quickly and the hope that guided their efforts have prevailed. In a good news update from the terrible event, the first group of vulture survivors were successfully released back into the wild on 15 May following incredible rehabilitation work.

As the Endangered Wildlife Trust shared along with video confirmation of the release, “these birds are among the survivors of one of the most severe vulture poisoning events ever recorded in South Africa. Their release marks a key milestone in a larger recovery effort still underway.”

The clip of the vultures flying high once more is a powerful visual. It’s a reminder that even when tragedy strikes, it does not dictate the end of the story.

Watch: 18 Vultures Fly High Once Again

Sources: Endangered Wildlife 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.

The post First Survivors Released into the Wild Post-Mass Poisoning Event  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A new baby rhino’s first days were tough. Little Lila lost her mom. The team around her worried. Luckily, she’s in the care of those who know exactly how to care for an orphan.

KwaZulu-natal South Africa (16 May 2025) — Life began bitter-sweetly for a little rhino named Lila. The Zululand Rhino Orphanage’s youngest rhino, Lila, lost her mother shortly after she was born.

As the Zululand Conservation Trust explain, Lila’s mother had left the boma to give birth to her baby in the wild. However, when both mom and baby were brought back to the bomas, the mother rhino unexpectedly passed away from natural causes in what was a heartbreaking moment for all present.

Losing one’s mother as a baby rhino is a huge ordeal. The little ones cannot fend for themselves and become susceptible to both poachers and becoming prey. When sightings of orphans arise, a whole rescue mission has to be accounted for to get the baby to wildlife orphanages.

Despite the tragedy, Lila’s life also begins with a stroke of luck, considering she finds herself in the immediate care of people who know exactly how to care for orphaned wildlife.

The Zululand Rhino Orphanage is an effort by the Zululand Conservation Trust and Environmental Conservation Organisation Helping Rhinos that operates as the only dedicated regional rhino orphanage in KwaZulu-Natal.

The team there provide round-the-clock care to both rhino and hippo orphans in an effort to secure the future of the next generation of these gentle giants in the wild.

Little Lila has been checked by the vets, weighs a good 139kgs and recently she even had her earplugs taken off (put in place to help her settle in faster).

While the journey ahead won’t be easy without her mother, she has a new family in her midst supporting her every step.

You can support her from afar, here. Stay up to date with the teams work and Lila here.

Sources: Zululand Conservation 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.

The post A New Life Named Lila in the Care of Zululand Rhino Orphanage appeared first on Good Things Guy.

While it might not be a gift you can wrap in pretty paper, it’s certainly one that’s tied with love. The Santa Shoebox Project and friends have begun work on the Siphiwe Samangwe Créche!

Loskop, South Africa (09 May 2025) — The Santa Shoebox Project is known for its beautifully wrapped, helpful gifts that uplift the spirits of children across the country during the festive season yearly. However, every once in a while they help make other gifts that can’t be wrapped possible, like the new Siphiwe Samangwe Créche.

In Loskop, work has officially begun on the new créche. It’s premised to help more budding learners (eighty of them, in fact) access education and care at an Early Childhood Development (ECD) level!

This comes by way of the Santa Shoebox Project’s (SSP) Legacy chapter.

According to the team, SSP Legacy is focused on making permanent change possible for children who are beneficiaries of the SSP. They do this through establishing new ECD Centres, transforming those already in existence and enhancing focus areas like practitioner training and installing reading corners.

So far, the SSP have finished five ‘builds’, with the most recent being the Zisizeni Créche.

Zisizeni was completed in 2024 and boasts two classrooms that serve forty children in the uThukela District (KwaZulu-Natal). Additionally, there are important and exciting amenities there, from a kitchen to a playground and a vegetable garden.

As for the Siphiwe Samangwe créche-to-be, the SSP team already shared a video of the project site.

More About the Santa Shoebox Project

The SSP ensure that thousands of children in under-resourced communities and schools get to enjoy the magic of the festive season yearly. With the help of volunteers, pledgers and a schedule that rival’s Santas, they organise and distribute shoeboxes filled with essential and fun goodies for kids in different age-groups.

You can learn more about what they do and how to get involved, here. 

Sources: SSP

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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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This Hospice Week, the unwavering dedication of palliative care providers is in the spotlight!

South Africa (09 May 2025) — Hospice Week takes place this year from 4 to 10 May as an annual global week that acknowledges the vital role that palliative care plays in the world!

This year, NPO the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) is reflecting on the extraordinary journey from the inception of hospices to the current palliative care landscape that provides vital resources to South Africans.

From a Dame to a Dozen

It all started after a visit in 1979 from Dame Cicely Saunders, pioneer of the Hospice movement in the United Kingdom. HospiceWits was founded that year, followed by St Lukes Hospice in 1980, Highway Hospice and South Coast Hospice in 1982, Helderberg Hospice in 1986 and the formation of the Hospice Association of South Africa (HASA) in 1987.

The timeline climbs from there, with the Association producing the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services, building qualification and training courses, supporting hospices, and dialoguing with the Department of Health to integrate palliative care into healthcare systems.

Changing the Narrative

A rebrand took place in 2007 to the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA) as the word ‘hospice’ was, and still is, often understood to be ‘end-of-life care’.

Another rebrand was launched in 2023 to the current APCC, defining palliative care as ‘the physical, psychological, social and spiritual care provided by an inter-disciplinary team of experts to anyone with a life-threatening illness and their loved ones. Care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed.’

Support Beyond the Patient

During the COVID-19 pandemic for example, members of the APCC played a valuable and unseen role.

“We recognised at the time that COVID-19 infections fitted within the life-threatening diagnosis category,” says Tersia Burger, Interim CEO of the APCC and CEO of the Stepping Stone Hospice in Alberton.

“People were ‘broken’ by COVID-19,” says Burger, who had the virus herself, “and what we found is that many needed rehabilitative support. Their families were also under stress as everyone suddenly faced mortality and there was a long recovery process in front of those that have been infected.

“Patients who had been in hospital were extremely weak and often suffered from depression and ‘covid-brain fog’, their families were not able to see them, and they and their families required physical and emotional care that was often outside of the capacity of those that love them. APCC members stepped into the gaps.”

Another solid example of palliative care in action is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Members provided palliative care to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, offering dignity and comfort during their final stages of life and supporting families affected by the pandemic, addressing their psychosocial needs and helping them cope with the stigma and emotional burden associated with the disease.

In 2003, the Association received its first PEPFAR Grant. The grant was used to formalize existing HASA volunteer operational structures into full time appointments; to expand the geographic footprint of HASA; and to increase the number of HIV/AIDS patients cared for by HASA member hospices.

The Power of People

Members became vital community outreach centres, educating people about HIV/AIDS and promoting awareness to reduce stigma. Once ARTs arrived on the scene, the palliative care sector focused on providing patients with as much relief as possible from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness.

It also focused on compliance and adherence when taking chronic medicine.

“With the huge impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, South Coast Hospice answered the call and established the first rural home-based care programme, in partnership with the KZN Department of Health,” says Di van Dyk, CEO of South Coast Hospice. “This model was adopted by the National Department of Health and called the ICHC (Integrated community Home Care) programme.”

From data recorded by 42 members, in 2023 and 2024, between 18,000 and 22,000 people with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones were assisted by APCC members. They ranged in age from newborn to past 80 years of age, across all racial and cultural demographics and often people who come to the APCC with challenges related to HIV/AIDS, went on to live fulfilled lives.

Achieving Wonders Despite the Odds

Many APCC members are financially stretched to provide the service to uninsured people despite the National Policy Framework and Strategy on Palliative Care (NPFSP) recognising hospices as community-based service providers for palliative care referrals in 2017.

“Financial assistance from the DoH differs between provinces,” says Burger. “Eastern Cape members have received grants, whilst there is no funding for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Free State, Northern Cape and the North-West. In the Western Cape, several members receive funding for integrated health and wellness programmes (prevention and promotion services), four receive funding for transitional care facilities and three receive funding for Palliative Care specifically. In KwaZulu Natal, 14 members receive assistance for palliative care services. In Gauteng, 8 members receive limited funding for 6 beds in their in-patient units. This is very positive, but there is still a way to go towards ensuring that palliative care is accessible for everyone in South Africa.”

APCC members have achieved wonders despite the many challenges that have come their way. Not only do they provide palliative care services, but they also provide training and work-readiness programmes.

“One of our proudest achievements has been obtaining our QCTO accreditation” says Terran Gericke, Manager of White River Hospice. “This was an intensive process that challenged us but ultimately strengthened our resolve. We are pleased to share that we now hold a five-year accreditation, marking a significant step forward in our ability to train caregivers with excellence.  Another meaningful learning curve has been navigating how to provide our students with workplace experience. While we were unable to place them with our home-based patients due to limited resources, our commitment to their growth remains unwavering.”

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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84 vultures have been rescued from a devastating case of poisoning in the Kruger National Park thanks to joint team efforts:

Kruger National Park, South Africa (08 May 2025) — Thanks to an incredible effort, 84 vultures have been rescued from a devastating case of poisoning in the Kruger National Park’s Mahlangeni Section.

The joint teamwork of SANParks rangers and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) officials saw the birds saved within hours after the EWT’s pioneering wildlife poisoning surveillance and detection system.

The alert, triggered at 06:05 am on 6 May flagged suspicious activity in a remote section of the park, and by 08:20, the teams arrived on site.

What they arrived to was a grim and heartbreaking scene—a mass poisoning event that impacted hundreds of vultures. The poisoning was the result of an elephant carcass laced with highly toxic agrochemical pesticides—poison laid by poachers to harvest body parts for the illegal wildlife trade.

As SANParks and the EWT stated in a joint statement, the incident is one of the largest seen in the park. 116 Vultures were found dead at the scene.

But, all was not lost thanks to the SANParks and EWT boots on the ground. They quickly treated birds that were sick but still alive with emergency vulture first aid (atropine, activated charcoal, and fluid therapy) whilst waiting for reinforcements.

Support teams came from the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Briner Veterinary Services and Wildscapes Veterinary Services. SANParks also activated ranger and aerial support that included the Hope for Wildlife helicopter. This was the first time that SANParks’ choppers were used formally in a wildlife poisoning rescue at such a scale.

Ultimately, 84 vultures (White-backed, Cape and Hooded) were rescued alive. 45 were transported by the EWT’s vulture ambulance while 39 more were airlifted to the SANParks K9 facility in Phalaborwa for immediate monitoring. The final group of vulture survivors were transported to Moholoholo later that evening.

The Growing Threat of Poison Poaching

Shares SANParks and the EWT:

“This horrific incident is part of a broader crisis unfolding across southern Africa: the escalating use of poisons in wildlife poaching. Poachers increasingly using agricultural toxins to target high-value species—not just vultures, but also lions, whose body parts are in growing demand for traditional medicine or muthi.

“This incident is a setback to the vulture population in the Greater Kruger Landscape which is trying to recover from similar incidents in the past. SANParks is collaborating with various agencies and institutions to address the current increase in particularly poisoning incidents.

“The latest operation highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing this problem. The recovery and treatment of the live vultures would not have been possible if such partnerships were not in place.We commend every individual who responded to this tragedy. Their courage, skill, and relentless commitment transformed a potential extinction-level event into one of the most successful vulture rescues ever recorded. The operation saw helicopters making multiple trips between the incident site and Phalaborwa throughout the day to assist with the movement of the vultures.”

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.

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Angels are real, and they’re all over South Africa. Thanks to those among us who deserve wings, The Angel Network surpassed its goal to raise R 3 million, which will support a plethora of causes!

South Africa (07 May 2025) — In breaking good news for causes present and future across South Africa, the Angel Network has secured a fortune of over R3 million because angels are real, and this fundraiser is the proof.

In celebrating 10 years of the Angel Network and its Angel Vision, the non-profit organisation challenged itself to a mammoth fundraiser from 4-5 May.

Over 500 donors came to the party to raise an astonishing amount of R 3,037,928, and we can’t think of a better birthday gift for the Angel Network, which has spent the last decade leaving people better than they found them.

Who Are the Angel Network?

An incredible network of leaders, change-makers, active citizens, mothers, aunts, friends and helpers, the organisation founded by Glynne Wolman exists on a simple promise: to help wherever help is needed.

Thanks to the angels, people in destitute situations have received help in mere hours, young learners have been afforded shots at education they might otherwise never have had, future legal eagles have been supported and life-saving surgeries for little ones have been made possible.

With every new story tied to the network and ever-growing network, the organisation has reaffirmed that angels are real, and that they’re not as hard to find as some might suspect.

The funds raised as part of the ‘Angel Vision’ mission are set to support numerous causes—from community gardens to education efforts and means to restore dignity.

You can keep up with The Angel Network, here.

Sources: The Angel Network 

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

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

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