In an adorable video that has amassed over 23 million views, a happy toddler made it his mission to greet everyone on a train in Cape Town. Of all the passengers there, social anxiety certainly wasn’t one of them!

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — Despite the colder weather, hearts were warmed in a big way in Cape Town thanks to a charismatic toddler on a mission to make public transport his own personal meet and greet. There might’ve been many passengers onboard that day, but social anxiety certainly wasn’t one of them!

In the video, the toddler marches through seating areas to wave and greet those already seated with a joyful “hello guys” and a warm wave.

The act, as simple and pure as it was, moved millions of people. In fact, the video has amassed over 23 million views; earning 4.2 million likes.

Watch: Toddler Greets Everyone on the Train

@othembelepumane“Hello guys” Every chance he gets he greets

♬ original sound – Othembele

But, it wasn’t just the adorableness of it all that touched people. It was also the concept of what it means to greet another human, and how the art of greeting is slowly waning; making moments like Mr Hello Guys’ all the more special.

Some viewers shared that he ‘changed the atmosphere’ that day, while others humorously shared that “social anxiety is scared of him’ and that ‘he made someone’s day’.

Even PRASA commented on the video sharing “best train mood ever”, while Lipton Ice Tea said “he’s got better social skills than me”.

His mom, Othembele, shared that this is a common activity for her toddler who simply loves going out of his way to connect with people.

“He even asks how are they doing, I’d be standing next to him like his bodyguard,” she laughs.

We’re not sure if there’s a future CEO, Ted Talker or President in our midst!

Sources: TikTok

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 Watch: Adorable Toddler Greeting Everyone on the Train Goes Viral appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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 

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 Petrol Attendant Helps Grandmother in a Pickle!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Crumbs, laughter and togetherness. A tea party thrown just for township grannies (and the grandpas who managed to sneak through) reminds us that sometimes the most important joys are the humble ones.

Johannesburg, South Africa (26 May 2025) — A tea party for township grannies recently celebrated the pillars of so many households in South Africa. Leaving behind a trail of happy crumbs, the tea party rightly gave the gogos their flowers of appreciation.

Organised by Charity Begins with Me (CBWM), the humble occasion was in no shortage of song, laughter or treats. Thanks to CBWM’s community, a variety of delicious treats were organised for the guests of honour, leaving behind more than enough for them to take home.

“They showed up, some in taxi’s, some in wheelchairs, and some on crutches,” shared CBWM’s Stephan Ferreira. “It wasn’t very fancy…It was chaotic. It was stressful. But it was perfect. Just for one afternoon, we tried to forget about the hard times and the suffering and we appreciated each other.”

With pots on the fire to supply hot water for the (many) cups of coffee, biscuits, cupcakes and muffins galore, the day brought smiles to many weathered faces. 150 grannies (and a few grandpas who managed to sneak into the party) were present.

Efforts like this are a reminder for all of us that sometimes the most important joys aren’t the flashy ones. They’re the simple ones in which one person says to another (or over a hundred in the case of this tea party) ‘I see you. I see your efforts. I see you carrying more than you show’.

Sources: Charity Begins With Me 

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 A Tea Party Was Thrown Just for Township Grannies appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Basil the partial pug has waited the whole year for his forever, retirement home. In fact, he was the SPCA Springs longest resident! Now, he doesn’t need to dream about his new home any longer.

Gauteng, South Africa (15 May 2025) — An elder Partial Pug named Basil had a lengthy wait before finding his retirement home. A little man with an adorable face, Basil is said to have patiently waited from the beginning of the year before it was finally time for him to pack his suitcase.

A plight shared by senior dogs across the world, adoptions for the grandogs in our midst can be tricky. Many people don’t want to fall in love with a pooch that won’t be with them for a long time, while others worry that older dogs require more effort.

While adopting a senior pet certainly doesn’t come without strings, it also comes with a ton of pros. Older dogs can be far more chilled, may have already been socialised throughout their lives and might just offer that wise sage energy your home needs. Not to mention, the love they have to give is huge; and the love you’ll give them will quite literally ensure that the rest of their life is filled with happy days.

Thanks to Mr and Mrs Veal, Basil finally made the big trip from the SPCA Springs care and into that of his new owners, AKA, his very own retirement home.

Recently adopted a senior dog of your own? Here are some top tips on how to best care for them!

Meanwhile, in more news where animals got a happy ending, a playful African Grey parrot who took the ‘jungle’ in jungle gym literally when it decided to join the children at play was successfully reunite with its mom! Full story, here. 

Sources: SPCA Springs; GTG 

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 Basil the Elder Partial Pug Finds His Forever Retirement Home appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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 

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 The Parrot Who Took the ‘Jungle’ in Jungle Gym a Little Too Literally  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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 

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 Watch: Mossel Bay Spotted a Sheep Taking a Stroll on the Beach! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Thanks to a new school kitchen made possible by Breadline Africa, over 2000 learners will have warm and nutritious meals daily.

Diepsloot, South Africa (08 May 2025) — A Primary School in Diepsloot, Gauteng, now has a new, kitted-out means to ensure that their learners will receive nutritious meals every day thanks to a new school kitchen made possible by Breadline Africa!

Breadline Africa are longtime champions of Early Childhood Development support. As such, the organisation has an in-depth understanding of the challenges that little learners in under-resourced areas face.

Amid the many areas of focus the non-profit has (which range from ECD practitioner training to providing play materials for learners and giving them adventure days), nutrition is high up on the list.

Because nutrition is essential for learning, growing and developing effectively and considering that many learners in impoverished areas will only receive their most nutritious meal at school, the new school kitchen is set to make a world of difference in many lives.

Previously, there was a kitchen space for the school that had become far too cramped and under-equipped for the amount of learners relying on it.

Handed over to Diepsloot Primary School No. 4 this April, Breadline Africa explains that the new kitchen is fully equipped, prefabricated, and already happily serving over 2,000 learners’ meals daily thanks to the small team of hard-working cooks.

“This collaboration demonstrates how businesses and NGOs can work together to bridge gaps and support one another.” reflected Principal Johannes Makhafola of Breadline’s corporate partner who helped make the project possible. 

Meanwhile in more news from Breadline Africa; last month the team on the ground in KwaZulu-Natal aimed efforts at tackling a deeply concerning issue: the continued reliance on unsafe and undignified pit toilets in schools and ECD centres. Read more, here.

Sources: Breadline 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 Diepsloot Welcomes a New School Kitchen That’ll Feed Over 2000 Learners appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The JabuLadies programme began as a response to the job crisis the pandemic ignited. It taught women in rural areas valuable and beautiful skills, and continues its mission today! By adopting a HERD elephant this year, you can support the programme and the strong mamas who depend on it.

South Africa (08 May 2025) — On Sunday, we’ll celebrate all the incredible women who have raised us (as we should, always). In light of the upcoming Mother’s Day celebrations, the Hoedspruit Rehabilitation and Development team (HERD) have shared a fabulous gift idea that’ll bring joy to a mother figure in your life—all whilst uplifting moms, elephants and even moms who are elephants.

For the Month of May, elephant adoptions (these are virtual) through the non-profit will see your support uplift both the ellies and the JabuLadies—a powerful programme with ample room to flourish.

The JabuLadies initiative was started by HERD’s founder Adine Roode as a way to help navigate the job crisis ignited during the pandemic years.

Simple yet effective, embroidery training and upskilling were offered to women in rural areas in and around Hoedspruit as a means to give these women a chance to learn beautiful skills, work from home and ultimately, support their families.

“In many of our rural communities, women face the daily challenge of raising children without steady work or income. With limited access to job opportunities and [expectations] to stay home, they are excluded from the workforce, but not from hope,” says HERD.

So, if you’re still deciding on a gift for a mother figure in your world, consider a virtual adoption that’ll support more than just an Ellie.

You can peruse all of HERD’s elephants here. And, those who manage to adopt by Friday will receive a personalised certificate of adoption just in time for Mother’s Day.

Sources: HERD

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 The JabuLadies and Their Elephant Friends Have a Gift Idea for You This Mother’s Day appeared first on Good Things Guy.

If you had to ask any rhino, they’d tell you that all mud baths are pretty significant. But for one young white rhino, rolling around in muddy delights came with a whole new meaning of freedom.

South Africa (30 April 2025) — It’s no secret that a mud bath is pretty high-up on a rhino’s ‘favourite things to do’ list. However, for one young white rhino named Hercules, a recent dip in the mud was even more significant.

Unlike other rhinos at the Care for Wild Sanctuary (a large safe space for orphaned rhinos on their way to rewilding), little Hercules hadn’t had the luxury of batting his eyelids to persuade a carer into letting him enjoy his muddy delights. He was too busy getting better on most days, and on others, fighting for his survival.

See, Hercules had been in the ICU for many months. Rescued in October, Hercules had already gone through a lot in his little life; including having been attacked by a hyena.

This attack left him with severe injuries and wounds that became infected. On top of this, there were crush damages which called for a plethora of tests and all kinds of antibiotics.

Hercules fought hard and still managed to reach important milestones despite being part of the furniture at the ICU. At the beginning of this year, he hit his milestone weight, and just a handful of days ago on 25 April, he made the big move to the rehabilitation facility.

“Moving from the ICU means he’ll now be closer to the other rhinos, with more space to increase his exercise and new sights, smells and sounds to provide fantastic mental stimulation for this inquisitive young calf,” the Care for Wild team shared.

But if you had to ask Hercules what his favourite milestone has been, he’d probably tell you it was getting to relish in a mud bath once more!

Watch: A Big Deal of a Mud Bath for a Little White Rhino

“The care team did their best—smearing mud on the parts of his body that weren’t injured in order to [lift] his spirits, but it just didn’t compare to the pure joy of the real thing,” the team beamed.

One rhino’s mud bath, another’s sense of freedom, hope and healing.

Hercules will continue to receive all the care he needs (veterinary, physiotherapy and hands-on feeding). However, now he’ll finally feel a little more part of the crash with bestie Philip the Sheep close at his side.

You can find out more about supporting Hercules (and even virtually adopting him!) here. 

Sources: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary 

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 Watch: A Big Deal of a Mud Bath for a Little White Rhino  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In just a day, a new forest came to be thanks to Greenpop’s 2025 Reforest Fest and the many proud planters who made the little forest possible.

Platbos Forest Reserve, South Africa (25 April 2025) — After the final songs played and the last of festival-goers packed up their tents and headed home from the Platbos Forest Reserve, a forest of 5,000 freshly planted trees proudly remains.

A four-day celebration of community and change through community, the 14th Reforest Fest stood firmly in its reputation as an occasion where hope for the future is infectious.

Here, seasoned eco-warriors and rookie green thumbs from all walks of life unite every year with shovels and shared philosophies. With music to keep the momentum going and workshops to weave high spirits, festival-attendees relished in the magic at the continent’s southernmost forest.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GREENPOP | restoration | education | eco-events (@greenpopsa)

“We came together with 1000 active citizens, crew and volunteers this weekend to get active for the environment, planting 5000 trees in one day,” the Greenpop team shared. 

“Meaningful connections were forged, and our perspectives broadened, leaving us with memories which will echo far beyond the festival grounds.” 

What is Reforest Fest?

Since 2011, Greenpop’s Reforest Fest has grown and grown to become a leading tree-planting festival in Africa. Greenpop is an Environmental conservation organisation that began with a humble goal of planting 1,000 trees in a single month back in the 2010s. This seed of a goal has positively flourished to the point where the team have planted well over 250 000 trees to-date. 

With entertainment and moments for connection aplenty at the fedtivld (this year, the Ubuntu Stage came alive with culture and wisdom), the Reforest festival is more than just an opportunity to plant new trees—it’s a portal to understanding the essence that is  joy in helpful harmony with nature.

To some, it might just be 5000 new trees. But as Greenpop’s team put it beautifully, “[It’s] 5,000 more reasons to believe in the power of collective action.”

Sources: Greenpop; GTG 

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 5000 New Trees Planted in a Single Day Thanks to Reforest Fest appeared first on Good Things Guy.