A kind petrol attendant named Nelson recently helped grandmother Gail out of quite the pickle after she started having tyre troubles along the highway!

Meadowdale, South Africa (26 May 2025) — In late April, grandmother Gail Erwee found herself in a pickle.

Driving along the highway with her 6-year-old grandson, Gail noticed that something wasn’t right with her car’s wheel. It had started making a noise, and soon, the smell of rubber raised Gail’s alarm bells. But, because of her grandson being in the car, she decided it best not to stop along the highway and push forward to get to a garage to sort out her tyre.

Gail managed to get to a petrol station in Meadowdale. It was a relief that she’d been able to get to some place safer than the highway, but it also begged the question, ‘What to do now?’.

It was at the same petrol station that this question was answered when she encountered the warmth of a petrol attendant named Nelson Ratabane.

Nelson didn’t just have a friendly smile or comfort to offer Gail. Instead, he ended up becoming her knight in green and blue armour.

“Nelson Ratabane, a friendly pump attendant came to my rescue and and assured me that there is no need to wait for help and was prepared to change the flat tyre thus saving us time and money,” Gail tells Good Things Guy.

Thanks to Nelson’s act of kindness, Gail’s tyre troubles were swiftly resolved, and the pickle she was in had become a fond memory.

“I would have had to wait at least half an hour for my husband to come and help me,” Gail reflects. “[Nelson] is an asset to his company and the community.”

People like Nelson remind us that help and hope can find us in the form of strangers. A few minutes of our time, a little stretch of going out of our way, and we might just save someone else’s day.

Sources: Email Submission 

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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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Brandon Gill recently celebrated his 27th birthday in a huge way, running for 27 hours (STRAIGHT) to raise funds for underprivileged children’s running shoes. 145kms, Brandon survived and surpassed his target!

Port Elizabeth, South Africa (18 May 2025) — It’s not everyday that a man decides to casually run for 27 hours straight, but Brandon Gill put himself up to the task for good reason: a lot of children in need would benefit from a birthday run like this.

Brandon dedicated his 27th birthday to community organisation Hope 4 Kids with a plan of action: he was going to tackle as many kilometres as possible to raise funds to purchase the kids running shoes.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, play freely, and explore the world around them, but for many children in underprivileged communities, something as simple as a pair of running shoes is out of reach,” said Brandon. “Without the right footwear, they miss out on the joys of running, sports, and even just having the confidence to be active.”

After a 10km road race he undertook in Colchester (in which multiple children ran barefoot, albeit with glee), Brandon became inspired to put his own running shoes to the best use.

“That day in Colchester inspired me to try and make a difference in some of these children’s lives.”

Last week Friday, Brandon kicked off his 27th birthday celebrations with his own personal marathon. Incredibly, he pushed on, one foot in front of the other, well into Saturday afternoon. We don’t even want to imagine how his body must’ve felt!

As his university, Nelson Mandela University, highlight, their biokineticist alumni surpassed the combined distance of the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons combined; clearing some 145kms!

The birthday run fundraiser was a massive success despite the challenges that are be expected from such an intense feat. From battling the cold to fighting through exhaustion, Brandon saw his initiative through not just by means of his own strength, but the encouragement of others including his girlfriend Jana Relihan who ran with him during the tough times, family members and friends and, heartwarmingly, the Hope 4 Kids children who joined him for the last stretch of the mission!

In fact, the kids crossed the finish line with Brandon; clapping and singing in a powerful moment Brandon expressed as one that meant the world to him.

Thanks to the big birthday run, Brandon raised R29,700 for the children’s running shoes.

Sources: NMU; BackaBuddy 

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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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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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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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History has been made for Peet Crowther and Chris Oldnall, who recently became the first and second solo swimmers to swim from Robben Island all the way to Dassen Island (over 50kms in fierce conditions). But, this wasn’t just a swim for the sake of it…

Western Cape, South Africa (10 April 2025) — When Peet Crowther and Chris Oldnall told their friends that they were planning on swimming the Robben Island to Dassen Island crossing solo, we’re sure they were met with many sceptical eyebrows.

But the challenge was clear in their minds—do the impossible to make opportunities possible for others.

See, Peet and Chris were not just swimming for the sake of it. As the Deputy Headmaster of Pretoria Boys High School, Mr Oldnall knew that using an extreme sport to garner support could make a world of difference for underprivileged learners. With Chris coming on board, the men channeled all their efforts toward the Trilogy Ocean Challenge and raising funds to make bursaries possible for boys in need through the South African hall of Fame Legacy Project (which has already supported 35 scholars).

The first leg of the challenge tasked them to swim the False Bay Crossing (33kms), which was completed last year. The second took them to Robben Island to fight for a place in history; no one has completed this channel to Dassen Island as a solo open water swim before.

That was until the news came in today that Peet made history, followed by Chris shortly thereafter!

Peet reached the end with a time of 18:23:20.37, while Chris followed with 20:26:21.37 on the clock. Putting this into perspective, they battled blisteringly cold waters for hours on end for around 53kms not to mention the sharks and jellyfish they had to keep watch for. 

The risks were high—exhaustion to extreme degrees, dehydration, and, of course, hyperthermia.

As such, the men’s mission has rightfully earned cheers from all over the country and soon, the world.

But this isn’t their last challenge. Leg 3 is pencilled for November, where they’ll attempt another ‘never been done solo before’ through the False Bay Double Crossing.

You can best congratulate them by contributing to the cause, driving it all forward, here. 

Sources: South African Hall of Fame; Pretoria Old Boy’s Association 

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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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Volunteers Marc de Vos and Marilyn Wells developed computer models that help the National Sea Rescue Institute save lives.

Western Cape, South Africa (09 April 2025) — The beating heart of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is its volunteers. These people offer their time, effort, skills and bravery to bring people facing struggles at sea home. Some volunteers go above and beyond for the NSRI, like volunteers Marc de Vos and Marilyn Wells. De Vos and Wells have not only served in leadership positions, but they have also developed computer models that help the team on the shore save lives.

Narrowing Down the Search

Marc de Vos is a former Station Commander and Class 1 Coxswain at Table Bay’s Station 3. But he’s also a marine weather scientist. With these two worlds of experience, Marc used knowledge from his profession alongside an informed opinion of what rescue operations need to create a helpful computer model designed to speed up search times.

Marc’s model, ‘SARMarc’ helps calculate the drift paths of missing people and vessels (the direction in which a person/vessel is heading taking into account currents and wind).

Thanks to the program’s search pattern abilities, the NSRI is able to cut down on search time and allocate resources to rescues far better, ultimately making the process of saving lives that much smoother.

Like Marc, Marilyn also contributed to how the NSRI tracks people and vessels at sea in a big way. Thanks to her background in software development and teaching as well as her role as Deputy Station Commander (Station 26, Kommetjie), Marilyn knew that calculating drift predictions needed to be done more accurately, faster and with flexibility.

Marilyn developed a model dubbed ‘SearchWell’ to predict where a casualty might end up based on its understood starting point. The model can then transfer these prediction coordinates to GPS systems on boats and in aircraft, with the ability to quickly recalculate should new information come into play.

While SARMarc used weather patterns and oceanography-driven information to estimate drift paths, SearchWell streamlines these estimations through formulas that allow for real-time navigation!

SARMarc and SearchWell can work together, as was the case recently when the case of a missing Spanish diver saw the NSRI use both computer models.

“The integration of SARMarc and SearchWell models has revolutionised the efficiency and accuracy of NSRI rescue operations,” Charl Maritz, NSRI’s Operations Manager, praised.

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.

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Zoë Prinsloo is only in her 20s. Yet, she hasn’t wasted any time in doing her part for the planet, founding an NPC that’s removed nearly 38,000 kgs of litter to date.

Cape Town, South Africa (04 April 2025) — It’s never too early to be who you want to be. This sentiment couldn’t be more true in the case of many unique individuals; among them the fictional character Benjamin Button and the very real, very impressive Zoë Prinsloo, who is 23 this year. While Zoë might not be ageing backwards as was the case for our friend Mr Button, she has wasted no time in using her youth to her advantage and protecting the planet fiercely in the process (to the tune of removing nearly 38,000 kgs of litter.

See, Zoë’s been doing this a long time. She’s been a coastal clean-up champ since she was just 10 years old. When she got older, she founded Save a Fishie—an NPC that not only worked extremely hard to keep many beaches in Cape Town Clean, but also larger South Africa, thanks to the team’s Coast to Coast Cleanups stretching from the West Coast all the way to the East. Additionally, her organisation has also secured a World Record for a clean-up (the World Record for the longest beach clean-up ever).

Recently, Save a Fishie took to share just how much they’ve achieved to date—384 clean-ups which have resulted in removing 37,880 kgs of litter (37.8 tons)!

This means that a significant amount of waste has been removed from beaches, rivers, parks and streets across South Africa.

While no achievement is ever a silo (Zoë has an incredible network of supporters and volunteers), none of this would be possible had it not been for her starting Save a Fishie and taking the initiative to take action; inspiring others to do the same.

Join the team for a beach clean-up this Saturday at Milnerton Beach from 9:30 am.

Sources: Save a Fishie; GTG 

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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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For the first time since founding her Little Lamb Project Zhara—who started the initiative of giving plush lamb toys to sick patients as a child fighting cancer—was able to share the gifts at hospitals without being a patient herself:

Cape Town, South Africa (28 March 2025) — Zhara du Toit is behind Zhara’s Little Lamb Project—an initiative that gives comfort to patients facing scary health battles through plush, crocheted and knitted lambs.

In a full-circle moment for Zhara, her family and supporters, the brave girl recently got to distribute gifts and goodies to hospital patients—without being a patient herself.

Zhara began her Little Lamb Project when she was just a child.

Before her first major operation as an 11-year-old cancer fighter, she’d been gifted a little lamb. She never forgot how much comfort the toy gave her during such a scary time; a feeling of safety that she decided others in the midst of their own health battles deserved too.

With help from non-profit 2Cchange and her parents, Zhara’s Little Lamb Project slowly but surely began bringing a little light to the dark days for patients all over South Africa.

It was a heartwarming movement and one that reminded all of us who had learned of her story that you don’t need much to make change—just a little kindness, good intentions, and a mission people can get behind.

However, all the while, Zhara was still fighting cancer herself—a lengthy battle that saw many twists and turns.

Good news came in late 2023 for her and her family as Zhara celebrated the end of her radiation treatment and proudly rang the bell at Groote Schuur. By August the next year, she celebrated six months in remission.

Recently, Zhara, along with other leaders at Lochnerhof Primary School, went to deliver lambs and food parcels to the Tygerberg and Rooikruis hospitals, as well as toiletry goodies for parents.

It was a particularly special visit and a full-circle moment, with Zhara being a visitor and not a patient for once. While the trip was emotional, it was also a reminder of how far Zhara had come since the day she got her first lamb.

Zhara’s Little Lamb Project is still ongoing, and always on the lookout for new lambs to join the flock.

Whether you knit or crochet in your free time or are part of a group that does, you’re encouraged to join the little lambs and make your crafts go the extra mile!

And, if you can’t craft but still wish to help, you can make a donation to have a lamb made on your behalf.

Contact 2cchange@hotspots2c.co.za for more info and join the Facebook community, here.

Sources: Zhara’s Little Lamb Project 

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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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A father and son duo, with help from kind strangers, recently freed a beach from a washed-up, massive fishing net that posed a big threat to the marine life there.

Western Cape, South Africa (17 March 2025) — Sometimes, exciting things wash up on the shore that make our beach walks all the more exciting—fascinating sea shells or a message in a bottle if we’re lucky. Other times, we’re met with far less than thrilling washaways. Many of us might shake our heads and look the other way when this happens. But some of the better ones among us will take the time to clean up and remove what shouldn’t be there in the first place. People like Michael de Nobrega, his son and kind strangers who recently saved a local beach from a massive fishing net hazard.

A passionate marine life photographer from Hartenbos, Michael knows that you can’t just appreciate the beauty of our oceanic wonders. You have to protect them, too.

As such, when he came across a massive fishing net near Bayview Beach along a night walk, he knew something needed to be done.

“It was far too big for me to remove on my own, and leaving it behind really weighed on me – these nets are absolute death traps for marine life,” Michael shared.

So, he and his son Miguel ventured back to the spot, ready to get the fishing net out of the ocean’s hair.

After a search, they spotted the hazard near the jetty at Baydunes.

This net would require some elbow grease to retire. But luckily for Michael and Miguel, they weren’t the only good-hearted folk on the beach.

“With the help of a kind lady fishing nearby and an elderly gentleman, we managed to pull the net out of the ocean,” said Michael.

Once removed, the next task was actually moving the heavy net. With a little creative thinking in tow, Michael and Miguel cut the net into manageable pieces before dragging it 300 metres and up 25 metres of steep stairs.

“After nearly two hours of hard work, we finally got the job done,” Michael beamed.

“A huge thank you to those who helped us. But the most credit goes to my son Miguel, whose determination and understanding of marine conservation made this possible. Today, we were a great team, and even if it’s just a small effort, I truly believe we made a big difference.”

Michael, Miguel, and their friend’s efforts likely saved marine animals’ lives. And from their story, we take away the sentiment that not only can a disheartening sight (like the washed-up fishing net) become an opportunity to do something good, but it’s also an opportunity to see others join the call for a little kindness.

So, the next time you spot some trash, a stranded sea turtle or something else, don’t think of it as something depressing. Think of it as a chance to change a narrative and inspire a few people along the way.

Sources: Michael de Nobrega 

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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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Cape Town’s Nikki Parker is gearing up to run both stretches of the upcoming Two Oceans Marathon for animal welfare!

Cape Town, South Africa (16 March 2025) — Cape Town sports physiotherapist and animal lover Nikki Parker is preparing to take on both stretches of the upcoming Two Oceans Marathon this year, all in the name of animal welfare.

Nikki shares that she has had a “lifelong love and connection with animals”.

“Over the last 14 years I’ve poured that same passion into running, completing numerous Ultra-Marathons, Marathons, and Half-Marathons”, she adds.

However, this year, she’s taking matters to new lengths by running for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in both the Two Oceans Ultra-Marathon and the Half Marathon—back to back.

This means that if everything goes according to plan, Nikki will run a total of 77kms—56kms for the Ultra and 21kms for the halfie, and we can feel the burn already!

“This rare feat has been accomplished by only a small handful of runners, but I’m not doing it solely for the thrill of the challenge. I’m running to make a difference for those who can’t speak for themselves: the countless animals in need of our care and protection,” Nikki says.

“By supporting my campaign, you’ll be helping the SPCA in their tireless work to prevent animal cruelty, rescue abused animals, and provide them with the love and safety they deserve.

“Every step I take will be for them, and with your help, we can turn this challenge into a lifeline for animals.”

Nikki’s GivenGain campaign has already raised just under R11,000, surpassing its initial R10,000 fundraising goal. She has since upped the ante to R15,000 (you can find it here), which is even more incentive to put her legs of steel to the test.

The Half and Ultra-marathons are taking place on 5 and 6 April, and if you’re planning on running for a reason, share your story with us via stories@goodthingsguy.com.

Sources: Email Submission 

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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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Cyclists plan to cover 600km to raise R100,000 for two local school libraries.

Soweto, South Africa (14 March 2025) — Soweto-based entrepreneur Mpumelelo Mtintso and six friends are planning a five-day bicycle journey from Soweto in Johannesburg to Kimberley in the Northern Cape to raise R100,000 for two local school libraries in need of upgrades.

“We love cycling, we love reading, and we love helping our community, so this cycling adventure brings all these things together,” said Mtintso.

Dubbed the “TourDeLibraries”, the 600km journey on asphalt and gravel will start on 17 March. The cyclists hope to arrive in Kimberley on Human Rights Day, 21 March.

“We have been training hard, there are a few days where we will be riding well over 100km, so it’s going to be challenging on the legs,” laughs Mtintso.

Born and raised in Soweto, Mtintso fell in love with bicycles as a child. An older relative lent him his bicycle and taught him how to ride. He says cycling gave him a sense of freedom to move around the township by himself.

In 2015 he started Book iBhoni, a business providing cycling and walking tours of Soweto for tourists. Mtintso describes himself as a social entrepreneur and frames his business as not just a for-profit enterprise but also something that uplifts his community.

His business has become known for collecting books and distributing them to local libraries in need. Books waiting to be sorted and distributed to libraries pile up on shelves at the Book iBhoni head office in Soweto. The business offers discounts on its tours for customers who donate books.

“I was raised by my grandmother who instilled in me a sense of ubuntu, respect, and giving back to your community. We feel like encouraging reading and helping our local libraries become enjoyable places for people to actively contribute to uplifting our township,” said Mtintso.

The Bethany Combined School in Klipspruit and Lodirile Primary School in Dobsonville are two schools the cycling crew wants to help upgrade their libraries.

“People have been supporting us, and we are hoping for more support so that we can make a difference, one library at a time,” said Mtintso.

The cyclists hope their adventure will also help raise awareness among drivers about road safety for cyclists and the need for improved cycling infrastructure to ensure the safety of riders.

“You know how the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. We were all raised by the village of Soweto and now we are giving back to the same village that raised us,” said Mtintso.

Sources: GroundUp

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