KwaZulu-Natal Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/kwazulu-natal/ Thu, 29 May 2025 08:14:03 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png KwaZulu-Natal Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/kwazulu-natal/ 32 32 Biking Community Rallies to Preserve Beloved Farmer “Bob’s” Legacy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/biking-community-rallies-preserve-farmer-bobs-legacy/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/biking-community-rallies-preserve-farmer-bobs-legacy/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 08:14:03 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152596

Years after the tragic passing of KwaZulu-Natal farmer Bob Gawler in a brutal 2017 attack, his generous spirit lives on through the tireless efforts of an off-road biking community that...

The post Biking Community Rallies to Preserve Beloved Farmer “Bob’s” Legacy appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sources: North Coast Courier
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Biking Community Rallies to Preserve Beloved Farmer “Bob’s” Legacy appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/biking-community-rallies-preserve-farmer-bobs-legacy/feed/ 0
Brave Oyintando Could Really Do with a Hero on His Journey to Healing https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/brave-oyintando-could-really-do-with-a-hero-on-his-journey-to-healing/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/brave-oyintando-could-really-do-with-a-hero-on-his-journey-to-healing/#respond Thu, 22 May 2025 14:00:02 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151902

Oyintando is a brave two-year-old carrying a burden no child ever should. He’s been in and out of hospital as he courageously endures a genetic disorder that requires the selfless...

The post Brave Oyintando Could Really Do with a Hero on His Journey to Healing appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Oyintando is a brave two-year-old carrying a burden no child ever should. He’s been in and out of hospital as he courageously endures a genetic disorder that requires the selfless help of another to light his path forward.

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 May 2025) – One little boy named Oyintando is carrying a heavy and painful burden that he shouldn’t have to and he desperately needs a hero to offer him a glimmer of hope.

In 2023, after terrifying symptoms including vomiting blood, Oyintando’s grandmother rushed him to the hospital, where he was admitted and stayed for a month.

However, with no improvement, he was taken to a different hospital. More tests were done, and doctors pieced together the puzzle of his suffering. Still battling with vomiting blood, Oyintando was eventually diagnosed with CMV (Cytomegalovirus) and began treatment.

After spending six weeks in the hospital, the two-year-old boy was discharged and given a follow-up appointment, where a doctor referred him to another hospital for further investigation.

It was there that Oyintando finally received his full and accurate diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, a terrifying moment for his mother, who had already lost another child showing similar symptoms, as Oyintando DKMS Africa states. This a rare immunodeficiency disorder.

While Oyintando’s condition has vastly improved since then and he gets to play with kids his own age from time to time, he still attends regular hospital appointments, which have become a financial strain for his mother.

“I just want my child to get a donor so that we can live a normal life,” Bonakele tells DKMS.

The resilient toddler remains in need of a blood stem cell transplant, which will greatly help him get back to doing what kids do: play, learn and explore.

DKMS Africa is championing this little boy’s recovery, and others like him, by appealing for more and more people to consider registering as blood stem cell donors. The donation process costs are entirely covered by DKMS Africa.

You can register to be a potential donor via the website here. For more information, email Nockey Mkhize at Nockey.Mkhize@dkms-africa.org or call 0800 121 082.


Sources: DKMS Africa
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Brave Oyintando Could Really Do with a Hero on His Journey to Healing appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/brave-oyintando-could-really-do-with-a-hero-on-his-journey-to-healing/feed/ 0
Somkhanda’s Ongoing Dehorning Efforts Secure Rhino Future https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/somkhandas-ongoing-dehorning-efforts-secure-rhino-future/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/somkhandas-ongoing-dehorning-efforts-secure-rhino-future/#respond Thu, 22 May 2025 11:00:09 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151849

In a crucial step towards safeguarding one of Africa’s most endangered species, the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, together with its partners, recently continued its vital rhino dehorning operation this past...

The post Somkhanda’s Ongoing Dehorning Efforts Secure Rhino Future appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

In a crucial step towards safeguarding one of Africa’s most endangered species, the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, together with its partners, recently continued its vital rhino dehorning operation this past weekend.

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa  (22 May 2025) – Thanks to the tireless dedication of a passionate team of conservationists, rhinos at the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve will soon roam more safely, free from the relentless threat of poachers.

On Saturday, 17 May, members of and representatives from WILDLIFE ACT and The Protected Area Management Company came together to continue the rhino dehorning intervention, which is part of a broader effort to protect Somkhanda’s rhino population.

Dehorning has proven to be an effective deterrent, especially on smaller reserves like Somkhanda, where the entire population can be safely dehorned every one to two years, WILDLANDS assures.

The initiative was launched last year at the community-owned sanctuary to address the escalating poaching crisis.

The Communications Manager from WILDLANDS, Noluthando Mbata, was also on the ground to witness this effort, which served as a personal reminder of the lengths wildlife conservationists go to protect one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.

“Standing beside these iconic species as they were carefully dehorned was incredibly moving. It reminded me that every precaution we take today gives them a better chance to roam free tomorrow,” Noluthando commented.

This rhino experience, which greatly helps transform the landscape of conservation, would not be possible without strong partnerships and the support of conservation allies.

The weekend was also made possible through the ongoing support from Highbury Preparatory School’s annual Maputaland Challenge, which raises funds for their adopted black and white rhino at Somkhanda, Tai and Baleka.

“Together, we continue working towards a thriving and resilient world where endangered species like rhinos are given the chance to survive and thrive,” WILDLANDS said.


Sources: WILDLANDS
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Somkhanda’s Ongoing Dehorning Efforts Secure Rhino Future appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/somkhandas-ongoing-dehorning-efforts-secure-rhino-future/feed/ 0
Onazo Daniso on Balancing Life as a Nurse and Becoming The Doctor of Her Dreams https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/onazo-daniso-doctor-dreams/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/onazo-daniso-doctor-dreams/#respond Mon, 19 May 2025 10:31:12 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151508

Go to high school, matriculate, get into university, study medicine and become a doctor. While this may have been the dream Onazo Daniso had growing up in rural Lusikisiki, her...

The post Onazo Daniso on Balancing Life as a Nurse and Becoming The Doctor of Her Dreams appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The journey to becoming Dr Daniso

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sources: University of KwaZulu-Natal
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Onazo Daniso on Balancing Life as a Nurse and Becoming The Doctor of Her Dreams appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/onazo-daniso-doctor-dreams/feed/ 0
Mom Receives Miracle Funds Just Moments Before Needing Surgery https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mom-receives-miracle-funds-surgery/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mom-receives-miracle-funds-surgery/#comments Thu, 15 May 2025 08:00:27 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151196

Nontobeko Majola experienced what she describes as a miracle just when she needed it most. Last Friday, while in the hospital awaiting surgery, she was informed she needed to pay...

The post Mom Receives Miracle Funds Just Moments Before Needing Surgery appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Nontobeko Majola experienced what she describes as a miracle just when she needed it most. Last Friday, while in the hospital awaiting surgery, she was informed she needed to pay an unexpected co-payment of R9,450 upfront, but the unexpected happened just moments later.

 

Richards Bay, South Africa (15 May 2025) – Oftentimes our greatest blessings come unexpectedly, but in the very moment we need.

Last Friday, Nontobeko Majola was in the hospital, scheduled for surgery in theatre, when her surgeon informed her that there was a problem.

In a touching Facebook post, Nontobeko revealed that she was told that she was required to pay a co-payment of R9,450 upfront for her procedure. Tears instantly filled her eyes as she tried to explain to the doctor that, as much as she had the funds, she was saving that money for her daughter’s school fees deposit for her high school next year and couldn’t bring herself to use that money.

After failing to find a solution among themselves, Nontobeko’s doctor said he would see what he could do before walking out of the room.

It wasn’t long before Nontobeko received a notification on her phone from her medical aid, informing her that an amount of R5,006.20 was paid into her bank account by her medical aid.

Nontobeko was left stunned. Not only was she dumbfounded as to what the money she received was for, but it was also paid into a bank account she barely used anymore.

“I called Discovery to find out what the money was for, and they told me that it’s an amount that was due to me. At that moment, I just cried because I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been with Discovery for years, and I’ve never received any money. This was a first for me,” Nontobeko wrote in the translated post.

She added that her doctor later returned to confirm that she would be going into theatre and that she wouldn’t need to pay anything.

“At that moment, I covered myself with the covers and wept, wondering what was happening.

“God works in mysterious ways, and I will never ever stop believing in God,” Nontobeko shared.

While the exact reason for the payout wasn’t immediately clear, it is possible for a medical aid scheme to owe you money, particularly in certain circumstances related to claims and savings.

Nontobeko included screenshots of the miraculous transaction that left her with a whirlwind of emotions. Her post was met with love and adoration from social media users, expressing how happy they were for her miracle funds.

This is easily one of those stories that leave one perplexed and in awe of how things can just work out for the best in a moment of desperation. We’re so happy it all worked out for dear Nontobeko.


Sources: Nontobeko Minenhle Majola
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Mom Receives Miracle Funds Just Moments Before Needing Surgery appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mom-receives-miracle-funds-surgery/feed/ 1
Back on a Bike After Breaking His Neck… Roger’s Unbelievable Journey https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/back-on-a-bike-after-breaking-his-neck-rogers-unbelievable-journey/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/back-on-a-bike-after-breaking-his-neck-rogers-unbelievable-journey/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 05:20:44 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151200

At 78, Roger Rennie thought his biggest cycling days were behind him… until a race in Johannesburg nearly changed everything.   KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (15 May 2025) – At 78,...

The post Back on a Bike After Breaking His Neck… Roger’s Unbelievable Journey appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

At 78, Roger Rennie thought his biggest cycling days were behind him… until a race in Johannesburg nearly changed everything.

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (15 May 2025) – At 78, most people would be slowing down. Not Roger Rennie. The Ballito-based cyclist had spent over four decades racing through life on two wheels… fit, active and passionate about the sport he loved.

But a recent accident during a national time trial in Johannesburg changed everything in an instant. He fractured two vertebrae. He was rushed to surgery. And doctors warned he may never walk again.

Today, not only is Roger walking, he’s back on a bike. And he’s got one clear message for anyone who rides: always wear a helmet.

“Cycling has been a long-held passion of mine,” Roger shared. “Having raced and ridden for so long, when I’m asked for advice, I always say, whatever your riding goals, you should buy the best helmet you can afford because you are trusting it with your life every time you get on a bike.”

It’s a belief that may well have saved his life.

Roger had travelled from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng to compete in the race. But during the time trial, something went wrong. He crashed. Hard. Netcare 911 advanced life support paramedic Kyle Shiel, along with Nick Berry, Vhuthu Raphalalani and SARZA Search and Rescue’s Wayne Kruger, were first on the scene.

“When we first assessed Roger, he was lying on the ground with severe neck pain,” Kyle recalls. “He’d broken his neck years ago, so we knew we had to be cautious. We used a vacuum mattress – gold standard for spinal injuries – and followed every spinal motion protection protocol.”

But there was more. Roger kept repeating the same questions: a sign of possible concussion. And the damage to his helmet gave a clear picture of how violent the fall had been.

“If he hadn’t been wearing a helmet, he would certainly have suffered major head injuries, in addition to the suspected neck or spinal injury we were dealing with,” Kyle added.

Back home in Ballito, Roger’s family received the dreaded call. His daughter Shannon remembers the helplessness.

“We were praying that he would receive the correct medical attention,” she said. “Then we got a call from my dad… he told us he had broken his neck badly and was being rushed to surgery.”

That surgery, performed by Dr Tommy Mbuyane, would last eight hours and involve stabilising the C1 and C2 vertebrae, just below the skull. A haematoma had been pressing on Roger’s spinal cord and the stakes were sky-high.

“Mr Rennie presented with complex fractures and dislocation of the first two vertebral bones, C1 and C2,” Dr Mbuyane explained. “The fact that he could feel and move all his limbs when he arrived was a gift. He was fortunate. And much of that was down to the helmet and excellent work by the first responders.”

Roger was kept in an induced coma overnight and woke up in ICU under the care of trauma surgeon Dr Naadiyah Laher and intensive care specialist Dr Sooraj Motilall. Miraculously, he could move. Within days, he was walking.

“Kyle and the Netcare 911 team will forever hold a very dear space in our hearts for caring for my dad and helping to save his life,” Shannon shared. “We are also so thankful to Dr Laher, Dr Motilall, Dr Mbuyane and the entire team at Netcare Alberton Hospital for their expertise and care.”

When Roger was discharged a week later, Kyle and Wayne from SARZA were there at the airport to see him off.

Why This 78-Year-Old Cyclist Says His Helmet Is His Lifesaver!
Photo Credit: Roger Rennie | Supplied

A few weeks later, he celebrated his 78th birthday. Thankfully, he was not in a hospital bed but at home with his family, continuing his recovery on an indoor smart bike.

“Even though my road cycling days are behind me, I want to take this opportunity to share my experience and encourage anyone who rides to wear a good quality, well-fitting helmet when cycling any distance, whether long or short. It could save your life, as it saved mine,” Roger said.

He’s not wrong.

Helmets are more than accessories, they’re life-saving gear. And thanks to a well-worn one and the swift, skilled hands of emergency and hospital staff, Roger Rennie is not just surviving. He’s thriving.


Cycling safety tips:

  1. Always wear a helmet and protective gear.

  2. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and fastens properly under the chin.

  3. Replace your helmet after any impact – even if there’s no visible damage.

  4. Use the buddy system – don’t ride alone.

  5. Carry emergency medical info or register on the Netcare app.

First aid for spinal injuries:

  • Do not move someone unless they are in immediate danger.

  • Signs of possible spinal injury: unnatural angles, pain in neck/back, or visible spinal deformities.

  • Call emergency services immediately: Netcare 911 – 082 911 or via the app.

  • Keep the person still and calm until help arrives.

Why This 78-Year-Old Cyclist Says His Helmet Is His Lifesaver!
Photo Credit: Roger Rennie | Supplied

Sources: Netcare | Roger Rennie 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Back on a Bike After Breaking His Neck… Roger’s Unbelievable Journey appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/back-on-a-bike-after-breaking-his-neck-rogers-unbelievable-journey/feed/ 0
South Africa Just Made a Global Top 3 List… And We’re Here for It! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/travel/south-africa-just-made-a-global-top-3-list-and-were-here-for-it/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/travel/south-africa-just-made-a-global-top-3-list-and-were-here-for-it/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 03:54:18 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151199

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.  ...

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

]]>

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 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 South Africa Just Made a Global Top 3 List… And We’re Here for It! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/travel/south-africa-just-made-a-global-top-3-list-and-were-here-for-it/feed/ 0
“It’s a Win Win”: Programme Teaches Preschoolers Business Skills Using Recycled Treasures https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/programme-teaches-preschoolers-business-skills/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/programme-teaches-preschoolers-business-skills/#respond Tue, 13 May 2025 08:00:30 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150960

In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, preschoolers are becoming tiny entrepreneurs and eco-warriors thanks to an innovative programme led by former principal Scilla Edmonds.   Durban, South Africa (13 May 2025)...

The post “It’s a Win Win”: Programme Teaches Preschoolers Business Skills Using Recycled Treasures appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, preschoolers are becoming tiny entrepreneurs and eco-warriors thanks to an innovative programme led by former principal Scilla Edmonds.

 

Durban, South Africa (13 May 2025) – With decades of experience in pre-school education, former principal Scilla Edmonds has found creative and innovative ways to enrich young minds.

One of the ways she has and continues to do this is through the inspiring collaboration with Teach A Man To Fish, a leader in hands-on entrepreneurial education for youth, and in partnership with The Saville Foundation.

In 2012, Scilla opened an opportunity for her young learners at Birches Pre-Primary School in Pinetown to be part of the School Enterprise Challenge, an educational programme teaching business and life skills.

Now, she leads the Early Years Enterprise (EYE) with the organisation to help preschool teachers raise learners’ environmental awareness and put in place basic entrepreneurial skills.

The EYE, which Scilla facilitates, runs on four Saturdays over three months. There preschool teachers are trained to cleverly include basic business skills and environmental awareness right into their curriculum.

“It’s a win-win,” said Scilla,

“The children begin to understand that there is a value attached to what they would otherwise have thrown away; they develop creativity and business skills; the parents become involved in their offspring’s education and also become more aware of environmental issues.  As a bonus, it is a wonderful source of fundraising through products being sold at school events and markets!”

Two participants currently on the course own ECD centres partnered with The Domino Foundation.

Happiness Zulu and Zikhona Diya have been part of the NPO’s ECD team and are now running their own schools. They are enhancing their skills through EYE and have already completed courses in small business development.

“This is valuable entrepreneurial training which I can teach to the children in my preschool. They can learn to make money, save it and use it wisely,” Happiness shared.

“We are also learning about how to teach the children communication, fine motor and counting skills…all very important even when you are a very young business person,” Zikhona added.

The initiative has been met with such enthusiasm that further training sessions are already planned for later this year, promising to empower even more educators and their little ones to turn trash into treasure and bright ideas into reality!


Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 “It’s a Win Win”: Programme Teaches Preschoolers Business Skills Using Recycled Treasures appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/programme-teaches-preschoolers-business-skills/feed/ 0
Durban High School Rugby Players Gear Up To Scrum in Support of Township School Revamp https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/durban-high-school-support-township-school-revamp/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/durban-high-school-support-township-school-revamp/#respond Mon, 12 May 2025 11:00:02 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150851

Durban Preparatory High School rugby teams will be hitting the field this rugby season not just for victory, but with the shared purpose to play for something far greater than...

The post Durban High School Rugby Players Gear Up To Scrum in Support of Township School Revamp appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Durban Preparatory High School rugby teams will be hitting the field this rugby season not just for victory, but with the shared purpose to play for something far greater than themselves – to support a primary school that serves thousands, even with limited resources.

 

Durban, South Africa (12 May 2025) – For the past three years, Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS) has been using sport as a vehicle to forge relationships and make a real difference in the lives of others.

Through participation in the Sport For Lives’ sporting campaigns, DPHS’s partnership with Eqinisweni Primary School, which started as a shared love for the sport, has grown into something far deeper.

In 2025, DPHS is once again demonstrating its commitment to community upliftment as U11 A, B, and C rugby teams, along with the 1st to 5th rugby teams, will be playing not only for school pride but to raise R86,000 for the renovation of the school kitchen of Eqinisweni Primary School.

This practical, impactful project will provide much-needed upgrades like a new stove, cabinets, ceiling, and flooring, directly benefiting over a thousand learners and staff at the under-resourced school in Inanda, Durban.

This initiative builds on DPHS’ history of impact at Eqinisweni after contributing to a new library in 2023 and supporting chess and netball programmes in 2024.

DPHS’s ongoing involvement in supporting the school, which serves over a thousand learners and operates as a no-fee institution, is a powerful reminder that sport is not just about competition; it’s about compassion, connection, and community.

“We are so proud to journey with DPHS once again and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make this year. Thank you, DPHS, for leading by example and showing us all what it truly means to Play with Purpose,” Sport for Lives said.

As the boys take to the field this season, they’ll be playing for something greater than themselves. The general public is invited to support this initiative and activate generosity by making a once-off donation on the crowdfunding campaign here.


Sources: Sport for Lives 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Durban High School Rugby Players Gear Up To Scrum in Support of Township School Revamp appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/durban-high-school-support-township-school-revamp/feed/ 0
Robin Hood Foundation Celebrates 20 Years Of Connecting Kindness to Community! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/robin-hood-foundation-celebrates-20-years-of-connecting-kindness-to-community/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/robin-hood-foundation-celebrates-20-years-of-connecting-kindness-to-community/#respond Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150700

Picture long lines of school children queuing for sandwiches made with love or the tears of a vulnerable first-time mother receiving a baby bag filled with all the essentials for...

The post Robin Hood Foundation Celebrates 20 Years Of Connecting Kindness to Community! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Picture long lines of school children queuing for sandwiches made with love or the tears of a vulnerable first-time mother receiving a baby bag filled with all the essentials for care for her little one. These are just a few examples of how the Robin Hood Foundation has, for 20 years, been a beacon of hope for communities in need.

 

Durban, South Africa (12 May 2025) – For 20 years, the Robin Hood Foundation has blessed child-headed homes, fed school children, supported babies, grandmothers, grandfathers and furry friends too.

The charity celebrated 20 cherished years of touching lives and making a difference just about anywhere they have discovered a need.

The anniversary was commemorated with a small but meaningful celebration at one of their most beloved and volunteer-supported projects, the “Sarmie Army”, which distributes sandwiches to learners at various local schools.

The organisation also used the milestone to thank its supporters who have been a significant part of its journey in strengthening and supporting communities in need.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person, family, company, school, corporate partner, and volunteer who has stood beside us on this journey,” Robin Hood Foundation said.

“Whether you gave time, goods, funding, talent or simply shared our message — your contribution has mattered. You’ve helped us feed the hungry, clothe the cold, uplift communities, support families, care for animals, and spread joy and hope to thousands.”

The birthday was particularly bittersweet for the Robin Hood Foundation’s chairperson, Cindy Norcott, who announced plans to hand over the reins to fellow volunteer and dedicated photographer, Tilanie Grote.

“It has been the most fulfilling, blessed and beautiful journey that has left me humbled on countless occasions. I have seen the best in humanity, and I have witnessed miracles. I have worked alongside some of the most compassionate people I know, and many of our projects have literally changed lives.

“I feel that it is the end of the season, and I look forward to following other passions, leaving with a very full and happy heart,” Cindy said.

We wish the Foundation 20 more (and more) years of success in bridging the gap between generosity and those in need.


Sources: The Robin Hood Foundation South Africa
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
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 Robin Hood Foundation Celebrates 20 Years Of Connecting Kindness to Community! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/robin-hood-foundation-celebrates-20-years-of-connecting-kindness-to-community/feed/ 0