I met an 83-year-old man in Pennington who’s been fixing potholes for nearly 12 years… using his own money, his maroon bakkie and a whole lot of heart.

South Coast, South Africa (20 April 2025) – Yesterday, I met a local hero in a place I had never been before, Pennington.

Pennington is a small, sun-drenched coastal village along the south coast where time slows down, the waves greet you first and all the dogs seem to know each other by name (or butt sniffs). It’s the kind of place where the milkshake at the corner café still comes with a paper straw (not because of climate change but because that’s how they’ve done it since the 80s) and where everyone seems to genuinely care about everyone else.

There’s heart here. And a whole lot of community.

But even in a place this charming, potholes don’t fix themselves.

Call it serendiptious. Or maybe fortuitous. Or perhaps just meant-to-be. But on the way to the beach, I crossed paths with an 83-year-old man named Tony Hoggins… a legend with a maroon bakkie who’s been quietly fixing the town’s potholes for over a decade.

Let that sink in.

Eleven and a half years.

Of mixing cement. Of patching holes. Of taking matters into his own hands because, as he puts it: “No one else is going to fix it.”

I’d come down to visit my parents, who’ve recently bought a property in Pennington with plans to eventually retire here. Drawn to the peace, the people and the promise of a gentler kind of life. I expected sea air, slow days and perhaps a lazy walk on the beach. What I didn’t expect… was to be reminded just how extraordinary ordinary people can be.

Tony is well-known around here. Everyone has a story. Some have seen him stop mid-errand to patch a hole. Others have helped him mix a bit of cement. Kids wave when they spot his maroon bakkie ambling through town. And more than a few locals have quietly left donations, slipped into his hand at the café, or passed through a car window, because they know he won’t ask… but they also know he won’t stop.

He does this with his own money. Every tool. Every mix. Every patch.

It’s not a funded project. It’s not backed by a municipality. It’s just Tony, his bakkie and a sense of duty to the place he calls home.

He told me it’s never been about recognition. He’s not trying to be a hero. He just saw something broken and decided to be the kind of person who tries to fix it. When I asked him what message he had for the rest of South Africa, he paused, like he didn’t want to preach, and then said something so profound: “If everybody did their little part in front of their own homes, or in their streets, or communities, then South Africa would be a very different place.”

Simple. But powerful.

Because we all know the truth, many parts of South Africa are struggling. Infrastructure is crumbling. Especially in smaller towns. Years of corruption and mismanagement have left roads full of holes and hearts full of frustration. It’s easy to feel hopeless. To believe that no one cares.

To throw your hands in the air and say, “Well, it’s not my job.”

But stories like Tony’s shift that narrative. They remind us that change doesn’t always come from the top. Sometimes, it starts at the bottom of a pothole.

Across the country, we’re seeing sparks of this same spirit. Initiatives like Tidy Towns Pennington, Tidy Towns Shelly to Margate, Better Fourways, and Better Bedfordview are proof that communities aren’t waiting anymore. They’re stepping up. Fixing what’s broken. Rebuilding what was left to decay. One street. One patch. One kind act at a time.

And Tony? He’s just one man with a maroon bakkie and a bag of cement. But in a country where too many are still waiting for someone else to fix things, he reminds us that waiting isn’t the only option.

He didn’t ask for permission. He didn’t wait for funding. He just got to work.

And maybe that’s the lesson here.

That real change doesn’t always roar in with a crowd. Sometimes, it arrives quietly… in the form of an 83-year-old with grit in his hands and love for his town in his heart.

Because if one person can do this much for one small village, just imagine what we could do together.

Start with what’s in front of you.
Fix what you can.
And never underestimate the power of simply showing up.

The road to a better South Africa might be long but thanks to people like Tony, it’s already being paved.

Sources: Interview with Tony Hoggins in Pennington 

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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 KZN South Coast is the ideal destination this summer! With its beautiful Blue Flag beaches, it’s the perfect place for sun, sea, and fun. However, don’t forget that safety comes first! We’ve got nine tips to ensure you have the best beachside summer this festive season.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (28 November 2024) – With the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, the KZN South Coast remains a top destination for seaside holidays, particularly with the festive season approaching.

Although it may be tempting to dive into the blue waters this summer, it is important to stay safe by following these nine safety tips to prevent a fun beach day from turning into a sombre one.

1. Swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty

The KZN South Coast has 58 golden beaches, but it’s important to note that lifeguards are only on duty at selected beaches with times varying from beach to beach, KZN South Coast Tourism shares.

Check whether there is a lifeguard on duty before entering the water and listen to lifeguards’ advice. If you have any concerns, talk to the lifeguards about the safety of the beach you are visiting, as they can instruct on possible rip tides and currents.

2. Swim between the designated flags

All beaches monitored by lifeguards will have designated yellow and red flags to indicate where you should swim. Only swim between these flags, as this is the safest area for swimming, and wave your arm if you’re in the water and need help.

3. Don’t drink and swim, folks

Swimming while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous as you’re more inclined to take risks you normally wouldn’t. You could also pass out or injure yourself and drown.

4. Buddy up

It’s best to swim with a buddy so that you always have someone who can help if you need it or if you cannot wave down the lifeguards yourself.

5. Keep an eye on the little ones

It’s important to remember that drowning is silent. Parents and caregivers must always supervise their children when they are near or in the ocean. Children should be watched at all times, and adults are advised to avoid looking at their cell phones or checking social media, as this can lead to distractions.

6. Call for help if you witness a bather in distress

If you see someone having difficulty in the ocean, call a lifeguard or dial the nearest NSRI station or 112 from your phone. The NSRI launched its Pink Rescue Buoy initiative in 2017, and these lifesaving devices were strategically placed in rivers, dams, and beaches.

Throw a lifebuoy or other flotation device to the distressed bather until emergency help arrives. If you attempt a bystander rescue, do so only if you can swim AND have a flotation device with you. Tell someone on the beach to call 112 before you go in.

7. Beware of inflatable toys

Lightweight inflatables such as boats or lilos should not be used at the beach or on dams where currents and wind can blow them – and you – offshore.

They are extremely dangerous and should only be used at a swimming pool with adult supervision.

8. Beware of rip currents

Given the right circumstances of waves and beach profile, rip currents can move at speeds of up to 2 metres per second – faster than any of us can swim.

The best way to avoid rip currents is to swim only where lifeguards are on duty. If you are caught in a rip current, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Stay calm and force yourself to relax.

You are not going to win a fight with the ocean. Swim slowly and conservatively out of the current or relax and let it carry you out past the breakers until it slacks.

9. Beware of spring tides

At every full moon and every new moon, spring tides occur, causing the two daily high tides to be higher than normal and two daily low tides to be lower than normal.

Spring tides may cause stronger than normal rip currents, and risks may be increased at the tide change when the high tide peak recedes towards low tide. Be especially cautious around the coastline when there are spring tides, but bear in mind that rip currents constantly form at different locations around the coast and are always a risk factor.

“We want to ensure all visitors remain safe when visiting the KZN South Coast, and urge them to follow these vital beach safety tips supplied by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), adds the CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya.

Sources: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise

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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 Stay Safe This Festive Season: Top 9 Beach Safety Tips When Visiting the Coast appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The rural KZN South Coast is a hidden gem that boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and thrilling outdoor adventures. From hiking the mountains to immersing yourself in Zulu traditions, there’s something for everyone to explore this holiday season.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (11 November 2024) – Known for its pristine blue flag beaches, the KZN South Coast is a prime location for a summer holiday. But – that’s not all the area has to offer.

If you haven’t planned your year-end holiday or little getaway to wind down from a busy year, you may want to check out these amazing spots nestled in the rural south coast, promising a wholesome mix of cultural tradition and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re looking to bask in the beauty of nature, learn more about the Zulu Kingdom or enjoy a kasi vibe with some locals – there’s something for everyone!

Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre (Mthwalume)

This notable arts and heritage facility is a great place to learn about the long history and traditions of the Zulu nation.

Here, visitors can experience this unique history through artwork, dance, seminars and musical performances. Zulu stick fighting, crafting with reeds and beads, and the spiritual stone-throwing ritual – isivivane – are some of the activities to try, with great insights into the health, history, and tradition of this great nation.

⁠KwaXolo Caves Adventures (near Southbroom)

This adventure heritage tour takes visitors into a series of caves adorned with San artwork dating back centuries. Visitors are safely harnessed before the hike which uses a via Ferrata system with a guided tour of the caves and impressive views of the gorge and waterfall.

⁠KwaNzimakwe Multi Trails (near Port Edward)

Visitors to the KwaNzimakwe Multi Trails can take advantage of the 4×4 trails, mountain biking trails, or hiking trails to Xhuluweshe Mountain. The trails have a diversity of landscapes, from coastal forests to rivers.

The cultural experience includes a guided tour from the Welcome Centre with visits to local homes and a sangoma in this beautiful countryside setting where traditional meals are sampled.

⁠Gamalakhe Township Experience

This is an immersive township adventure that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes at authentic ‘Kasified’ experience. Located less than 10km from Margate and Shelly Beach, Gamalakhe has a rich history which is told by Mama Smangele Memela, a resident who was forcibly removed from her home in Port Shepstone in 1968 and moved to Tin Town, where she still resides.

The tour includes visits to taverns, car spinning shows, outdoor cinema, quad biking, paintball, and authentic cuisine. Nature lovers will enjoy the guided hike from Gamalakhe across the Vungu River and along the Mjika River where sightings of local birdlife and scenery are captivating.

⁠Weza Hiking Trail (near Harding)

Those wanting a day hike in the hinterland should try the 8km Weza Hiking Trail. This starts in the iKhwezi rural area, approximately 10km from the farming town of Harding. A trained local guide takes visitors from the junction of the Mawane and Weza rivers across two amaKhosi areas, finishing at a real hidden gem, the Mkhoba Waterfall.

A shorter hike to the Waterfall is also possible. For those who want to extend their stay, there is comfortable accommodation at Ntozakhe homestay. Guests learn more about the mixture of Zulu and Xhosa cultures while enjoying traditional meals and braais either at the homestay or a picnic spot overlooking the Weza River.

⁠Mission Tourism Route

Those with an interest in religious history must try the Mission Tourism Route which touches on the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations within the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks dating back to the 1880s.

The route includes a stop at Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula; Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni; Assisi Mission at Oshabeni; and Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths. The missions’ long history of serving the local communities still exists today, with a school and orphanage benefitting from the work done by these selfless individuals.

⁠NPS Adventures (KwaQwabe)

This is a great space for adrenaline-fuelled fun in the beautiful KZN South Coast. Visitors to the region, which falls under Majesty Chief Gumede, can participate in quad biking, paintball, splendid hiking, camping in the great outdoors, and eating authentic Zulu meals.

⁠Umzumbe River Trail

Hikers are in for a treat! Those who want an extended trail can try the 71km Umzumbe River Trails, a guided hiking or biking trail through the hinterland. This nature-based adventure includes authentic Zulu experiences in homestays along the way. The hike starts at the Phungashe Dam and ends at the Indian Ocean.

⁠Nyandezulu Experience

If you’re looking to soak the greenery and beauty of nature, this scenic guided tour takes hikers on a 30-minute hike to the beautiful 80m-high waterfall, with the opportunity to hike up the Ntantana Mountain with a 360-degree view from the top of rolling hills and ocean.

There’s a hike to the top of Mdlungwana Holy Mountain where you can learn more about the legend of the seven-headed snake that resides in the waters under the mountain, causing storms and floods when disturbed.

⁠Ubumbano Farmstead (Amandawe)

Ubumbano Farmstead started as a family-owned co-operative in 2017, growing into a mixed farming venture growing choice-grade produce. Visitors enjoy a guided farm tour of this beautiful land sampling the home-grown macadamia nuts, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, mielies and green beans. There’s also a Curio Shop and Farm Stall selling freshly-made produce before enjoying a picnic in the shaded area.

The CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya shared that he wants visitors to embrace summer on the KZN South Coast.

“We are continuing to develop and support our rural tourism sites and activities to increase accessibility for tourists who are looking for authentic local experiences.

“This also supports our upcoming rural tourism operators and increases the geographical footprint of our tourism economy. This is why now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast!”

To find out more about these and other tourist sites and activities, visit the KZN South Coast website or follow South Coast Tourism on Facebook.

Sources: South Coast Tourism

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.

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