Megan Kilian’s natural charm and “just being herself” during an audition workshop in Johannesburg wowed filmmakers, and now she’s playing a version of herself in a documentary set in a future where the worst predictions from the Paris Agreement have come true!

Mossel Bay, South Africa (28 May 2025) – At just 13 years old, Megan Kilian has landed the incredible opportunity of being selected from a group of 60 children to feature in a European science fiction documentary!

Even though she had no prior acting experience, Megan’s naturally engaging presence and spontaneity during auditions in Johannesburg made her a perfect fit for the role.

The film, titled World of Walls has been directed by Slovakian filmmaker Lucia Kasova and explores life in a near-future ecological crisis – a world where the worst predictions from the Paris Agreement have come true.

Set in a world devastated by environmental collapse, World of Walls follows the coming-of-age journey of 13-year-old children from different backgrounds. The story examines how global inaction on climate change has reshaped childhood and forced young people to confront extreme weather, resource shortages, and migration for survival.

South Africa itself became a bit of a co-star, as the production team chose the country for its real-world parallels to the film’s imagined setting, including power outages and water scarcity, elements which mirror what many scientists predict could become widespread elsewhere if global temperatures continue to rise.

Filming began in Johannesburg, where Megan attended Midstream Ridge Primary School. After her family relocated to Mossel Bay in June 2024, the production was adapted to accommodate the move, with scenes rewritten to follow her story, Curro explains.

“Since it’s a documentary, we don’t have to learn lines,” Megan says.

“We just act naturally and make up our own dialogue as we go. It’s been a lot of fun.”

The film will launch in 2026 across several European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. The trailer has already garnered recognition at FIPADOC in France, a prestigious international documentary film festival.

Sources: Curro

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One African Grey Parrot took the ‘jungle’ in jungle gym literally when it decided to join the children at play.

Mossel Bay, South Africa (14 May 2025) — Animals in Mossel Bay have been snapped in unexpected places recently thanks to Michael de Nobrega. First, a sheep strolling on the beach like a scene straight out of ‘Baawatch’; now a parrot who went to join children at play on a jungle gym. We’re not sure what’s in the air in Mossel Bay this May, but we’re here for all of it.

In the case of the parrot, it seems the bird might have taken the ‘jungle’ in jungle gym literally when it decided to investigate the play-place. To the bird’s disappointment, jungle gyms have very little in common with actual jungles. But, they are a great place for friendships, and in this bird’s case, a rescue.

According to Michael, the sighting happened at The Point on Mother’s Day.

“I came across an African Grey Parrot on the jungle gym, happily interacting with a few children. Not something you see every day, so I snapped a few pics!”

According to the photographer, no owner could be found nearby. And, as much fun as we’re sure the African Grey was having, one foul move on the playground could’ve meant trouble for the bird. As such, Michael and an unnamed Good Samaritan woman joined forces to catch the playground parrot; hoping to reunite the bird with its family.

Parrots are curious animals by nature; but African Greys are prone to anxious tendencies. Separation from their owners can be hugely distressing, so it meant all hands on deck to get the bird home safe and sound.

Thanks to the power of social media, Michael learned that the parrot had gone missing the previous morning and managed to find the owner.

This made for an extra-special Mother’s Day for one Renette Lombard, who was reunited with her feathered baby. Though, we might suggest the bird’s family consider creating a mini jungle gym for at home, perhaps to curb those playful curiosities once and for all.

Sources: Michael de Nobrega 

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You never know what you might find on a beach in South Africa. In Mossel Bay, a sheep was recently caught out on a beach stroll, enjoying the sand between his hooves and taking in the views!

Mossel Bay, South Africa (13 May 2025) — You never know what you might find on a beach in South Africa. From breathtaking sand creations to surfing marathons for incredible causes, there’s always something exciting to see at the sea. Recently, a unique sight caught a coastal town’s attention: a sheep taking a stroll on the beach in Mossel Bay.

In a video shared by Michael de Nobrega (a passionate marine life photographer from Hartenbos who you might recall from a heartwarming story earlier this year in which he and his son freed a beach from a massive fishing net), the internet was treated to the sweet sight.

Guided by a leash, the sheep got to enjoy the sand between his hooves and the fresh ocean air on his wool. In fact, the beach sheep seemed so content we wouldn’t have been surprised if he went into the shallow of the waves for a little cool-down dip!

The sheep is believed to belong to the Badenhorst family and has been spotted on various ‘walkies’ in Mossel Bay.

Watch: Mossel Bay Spotted a Sheep Taking a Stroll on the Beach!

For those who thought sheep were only farm animals, think again! Sheep make incredible companions, especially when it comes to raising baby animals. Wildlife non-profits like The Rhino Orphanage and Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation Development (HERD) rely on sheep nannies to keep orphaned rhinos and elephants company; playing an imperative role in the young animals’ social development.

Spotted any unexpected animals adventuring around your town? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: Michael De Nobrega; GTG 

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You might need some tissues for this one! For years, a dog named Jack dog endured unimaginable cruelty and neglect, living chained and forgotten. But love found its way to him, through kind SPCA inspectors and Mrs June Barter who travelled 435km to meet him and finally give him a happy home!

Cape Town, South Africa (14 February 2025) – Love is invisible and intangible yet profound in its ability to lighten a mood, soften a hardened heart, and even change a life!

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the kind of love that heals, the love that never gives up, the love that forgives, and the love that beautifully mends broken lives.

Doggo, Jack’s life was heartbreakingly cruel—often chained, starving, and forgotten—before an indescribable wave of love washed over him in the form of animal welfare champions who did everything in their power to rewrite his story.

According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Jack’s circumstances had been defined by neglect as he endured years of suffering at the hands of those entrusted to his care.

This poor dog had been forced to live with a chain around his neck that cut so deeply into his flesh that it had to be surgically removed.

“Our Inspectors seized Jack under warrant, and refusing to let cruelty have the final say, laid charges against an entire household. In our animal hospital, our vets rushed to free him from the chain that was choking the life out of him and the ticks that were packed into his ears and even his eyes,” the SPCA team shares.

One is easily baffled by the mere thought of the excruciating pain and the daily reality of neglect this dog had endured. If anything, Jack could have easily lost all hope and the will to hold on to the fragile life he’d been dealt. But he didn’t. Jack never stopped believing in love.

It was love that saved this resilient pup – the love of the SPCA Inspectors who intervened and rescued him, healing his wounds and helping him get a second chance at the love he truly deserves.

And, love also travelled 435km from Mossel Bay to find him!

When Mrs June Barter learned about Jack, she knew she not only had to meet him but take him in and give him the kind of love he deserved and had been quietly yearning for!

She made the long journey to meet him and then again to bring him home

Today, Jack’s story isn’t just a rescue story, it’s a miraculous love story!

Urgh! Now these are the kinds of stories that will really have you believing in this crazy-yet-amazing thing we call love!

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

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A Potchefstroom student, Jaco du Plessis, fearlessly swam out to reach a struggling woman who had been caught in rip currents in Die Poort. He guided her towards the rocky shoreline and courageously saved her life.

Mossel Bay, South Africa (17 January 2025) – A 52-year-old woman visiting Mossel Bay found herself in a terrifying situation when she was swept out to sea by strong currents at Die Poort across the shoreline towards The Point.

Eyewitnesses raced to a nearby restaurant, pleading with staff and patrons to raise the alarm. It wasn’t long before the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Mossel Bay duty crew was activated following multiple calls from bystanders reporting a drowning in progress offshore at Die Poort, Mossel Bay, on Thursday afternoon, 16 January.

NSRI crew and rescue swimmers, various emergency services and the police responded to the scene, where a group of Potchefstroom students overheard the commotion and immediately offered their assistance by springing into action.

Running down to the shoreline, searching for the lady in distress, Jaco du Plessis launched into the water, swimming towards the lady while his friends kept a close eye on their location, following along the shoreline.

Jaco reached the lady as she approached the rocky shoreline near The Point. He guided her to the rocks and assisted her onto them once they reached the shoreline.

“By that stage, NSRI rescue swimmers were arriving on the scene where they joined Jaco’s friends who were on the rocks where the two were coming ashore. Together they assisted the lady and Jaco to get safely up onto the rocks,” explained Andre Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay coxswain.

“Once they were on the rocks together they assisted the lady to get to a safer area where more emergency services were arriving on the scene.”

Fraser confirmed that the casualty female was taken into the care of paramedics. Following medical treatment at the scene, she was transported to the hospital in a serious but stable condition, where she was treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms before being discharged into the care of her friend.

NSRI praises Jaco and his friends for their efforts, which contributed to saving the life of the lady.

Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute

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Mossel Bay is preparing to make an icy splash by attempting a world record-breaking Ice Bucket Challenge to support local kids and communities in need!

Mossel Bay, South Africa (25 October 2024) — 10 years ago, when Instagram was still a relatively new platform and social media was a lot more about community and connection than business and profit, something took over the world that the kids of today have only heard about in stories from the elders—The Ice Bucket Challenge.

It was the summer of 2014 and we were all pouring buckets of ice-cold water over our heads and posting our challenges on social media. No, we hadn’t all lost our minds. The challenge was in solidarity with ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—a neurodegenerative degenerative disease.

Remarkably, the world raised $115 million to support ALS research in what can only be described as one of the most epic challenges for a cause the world has ever seen!

Many of us still remember the Ice Bucket Challenge fondly as a shining example of humanity coming together. Could we revive the challenge for another cause? Mossel Bay believes we can, with a twist.

Mossel Bay is preparing to attempt a world-record breaker of an Ice Bucket Challenge that could see thousands of people participate and make history.

On Wednesday, 30 October, all eyes will be on the Van Riebeeck Stadium, where the record-breaking attempt is set to make a surmountable splash as participants (event entries are anticipated to be at a count of 3,000) all get drenched in icy water, cascade style.

The current record is 721 people.

All this aims to make a difference for the Eden Protocol Foundation—a PBO that uplifts communities and the youth by mobilising support to their network of those in need.

“We mobilise businesses and individuals and provide opportunities where they can actively participate in our restoration protocol, which is to bring lasting and positive change to the communities we are connected to,” shares Eden’s Ann Strauss.

“We do this by building businesses and partnering with them, as well as with individuals, to direct resources in the form of finance, food, agriculture, education, innovation, and infrastructure to bring reform and uplift those who need it most.”

“Together, we are committed to improving the lives of children in need, and this challenge is a key part of that mission,” she adds.

Those looking to join in on the record-breaking attempt can enter here!

Sources: Mayor Dirk Kotzé; The ALS Association

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The Mossel Bay community are banding together to go on a hike like no other as they tackle a trail that’ll play an imperative role in little leukaemia fighter Stehan’s future!

Mossel Bay, South Africa (17 July 2024) — A special hike is being organised for little cancer fighter Stehan Knuppe from Dana Bay with the Mossel Bay community rallying together to help raise funds for the 6-year-old leukaemia warrior.

For the Mayor of the Mossel Bay area, Dirk Kotzé and locals, it’s a simple way for the Mossel Bay community to actively lend their support to the #6kforStehan Challenge as organised by Ronél Steyn and the Cupcakes of Hope team, a challenge that aims to inspire 6,000 people to get up and active for just 6 kilometres for the little boy in a bid to raise essential funds for him.

With Stehan’s hometown being just outside of Mossel Bay, his current health battle has become well known by the Mossel Bay community. As such, they are gearing up to put their hiking shoes to the best use come Saturday where they’ll tackle a roughly 6km long adventure for Stehan’s future.

6kforStehan Hike Details

• When: Saturday 20 July, starting at 7:30 am for 8 am
• Where: Staring at Curro Mossel Bay’s entrance to the St Blaize Trail
• Extra info: Entry is R100, and all proceeds will go to Stehan’s treatment, and a medal will be awarded to the first 100 hikers!
• Grab ‘tickets’ here (all proceeds go to Stehan’s fundraiser)and RSVP at mayoroffice@mosselbay.gov.za

Not in Mossel Bay? You can still get active for Stehan!

Anyone from anywhere can join the #6kforStehan Fundraising Challenge. Simply choose your favourite way to get active for 6 km, donate an amount of your own choice, and be a part of something as special as it is essential! More info here.

Sources: Mayor Dirk Kotzé

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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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Mossel Bay’s rising stars have shot the lights out in Los Angeles, winning several awards at the World Championships of Performing Arts!

Los Angeles, USA (15 July 2024) — South Africa has once again brought our talent to the global stage thanks to Mossel Bay’s rising stars shooting the lights out in Los Angeles!

Rylan Lemmetuis competed in the World Championships of Performing Arts held in LA earlier this month, where the young Mossel Bay local radiated with talent across multiple cultural fronts, from showcasing his acting chops to the rock category.

His victories in this year’s Worlds stocked enough medals and accolades to make anyone think they were from years’ of competitions, with Rylan earning a semifinal medal, a finals medal, gold for the open, gold for rock, silver for acting and bronze for pop—all of which paved the glittering path to his crowning as the divisional champion for the 11-15 year old open!

Not only did Rylan walk away with all these feats, he also won a three-week workshop scholarship from The New York Film Academy, as his school Curro Mossel Bay proudly shared.

Mayor Dirk Kotzé extended his congratulations, highlighting another reason the Mossel Bay local’s achievements were so special:

“We are once again super proud of Mossel Bay’s very own Rylan Lemmetuis who was the only South African vocalist to make it through to the final round of the World Championships of Performing Arts…keep flying the Mossel Bay flag, your school (Curo Mossel Bay) and your family’s flag high!”

But Rylan wasn’t the only Mossel Bay local to wow the world.

Maja Snyman also competed at Worlds and was awarded gold for almost all of her instruments as well as for Vocals and Dramatic Acting; ultimately claiming the Senior Overall Division titles!

Cue the standing ovation for Mossel Bay’s rising stars!

Sources: Curro Mossel Bay; Mayor Dirk Kotzeé

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What began as a quest to snap whatever made her heart smile has become a world of opportunity for Priscilla the ‘Happy Snapper’. Despite never imagining that her work could qualify to be exhibited, Priscilla proved herself wrong and has since been selected to have her happy snaps showcased all around the world!

Mossel Bay, South Africa (03 April 2024)—Mossel Bay photographer and self-described ‘Happy Snapper’ Priscilla Fick discovered that she was not the only one her photos brought joy to.

What began as snaps she’d take on her phone of the things she found beautiful or that ‘made her heart smile’, has excitingly turned into much more for the budding photographer.

Not only has her search for the little doses of happiness all around us proved to be the most wholesome way to keep her creative flair alive; it has also turned into a talent all its own. And, one that could become her ticket to exploring the world, all while bringing it a little more happiness.

After downloading an app for photographers, Gurushots, with various challenges, Priscilla took her shot to share her work and be inspired by others.

“All I can say is ‘wow, there are many photos that inspire me to want to keep searching for the beauty in the world’,” she tells Good Things Guy.

But, this was more than a photographic showcase!

“One of the challenges was an Exhibition Challenge. To be eligible to exhibit in such a challenge, you need to have a minimum number of 4900 votes and then pay a fee to have your work displayed. Unlike many internet-based challenges, one cannot simply share your picture and say, “please vote for my photo”, only other members of the app can vote and and because there are no names attached to any photos the voting is quite objective.” 

Thanks to her ‘happy snaps’ and the bravery of sharing her work, Priscilla’s pictures ended up winning those votes; granting her the opportunity for a digital exhibition in Mexico. And Chicago. And Cyprus. And Johannesburg for not one, but two winning exhibitions.

As it turned out, the Happy Snapper and her photos were becoming quite a photographic force of joy to be reckoned with.

“I never thought my work would ever be good enough to be showcased—but it is!” beams Priscilla. 

The Happy Snapper would love to attend all of the exhibitions (her dream is to become a travel blogger). But for now, the Johannesburg display (running from 26 to 28 April) would be a terrific start.

Priscilla’s story reminds us that sometimes, simply following what makes you happy can lead you to the most unexpected (and marvellous) places. And those who believe in this sentiment passionately are encouraged to help her get there!

Priscilla is currently seeking a little help to secure her plane ticket and cover her travel expenses to Joburg. Her accommodation is sorted, and she shares that any additional funds would go towards an online photography course!

You can help the Happy Snapper out here.

Sources: Priscilla Fick 

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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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