Limpopo Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/limpopo/ Tue, 20 May 2025 05:23:05 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Limpopo Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/limpopo/ 32 32 TikTok, a Dream And Now R1 Million Boost: NOVAR App’s Journey Inspires a Nation https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/tiktok-a-dream-and-now-r1-million-boost-novar-apps-journey-inspires-a-nation/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/tiktok-a-dream-and-now-r1-million-boost-novar-apps-journey-inspires-a-nation/#respond Tue, 20 May 2025 04:58:01 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151451

Marvel and Malunghelo started with a second-hand computer and a vision. After capturing South Africa’s hearts, the NOVAR app built by the Limpopo duo now has R1 million and the...

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Marvel and Malunghelo started with a second-hand computer and a vision. After capturing South Africa’s hearts, the NOVAR app built by the Limpopo duo now has R1 million and the tools to expand… thanks to a movement born from kindness.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (20 May 2025) – Two young innovators in Limpopo are proving that determination and community spirit can change lives.

Marvel Shibambu and Malunghelo Mathonsi grew up in a small, under-resourced village in Limpopo but from that humble beginning they taught themselves to code and built NOVAR, a social-media style learning app offering free lessons, videos and news for high-school students.

Their story captured the nation’s attention after a TikTok by Cool Story Bru went viral, and South Africans rallied behind them, donating over R160,000 in crowdfunding. Now their journey has reached a thrilling new milestone. Liberty Group’s #DriveHope initiative has awarded Marvel and Malunghelo R1 million in funding to scale up NOVAR and realise their vision of free education for all.

NOVAR: An EdTech Innovation from Limpopo

NOVAR was born out of adversity and ambition. With no formal training or proper computer equipment, Marvel and Malunghelo pooled R700 saved from odd jobs to buy a second-hand PC and teach themselves programming. They built NOVAR to improve education for students like themselves, creating an app that is essentially a social-media style feed filled with educational content. Today the platform divides content into hubs… from short video lessons to news and exam guides, all curated and uploaded by the founders. In just a few months, NOVAR has been downloaded tens of thousands of times by eager learners.

The tipping point came when popular content creator Cool Story Bru shared their story. Within days, donations flooded in, crowdfunding quickly surpassed R120,000 and climbed to over R160,000.

@coolstorybru_ These two South African men from a rural village in Limpopo have invented a game-changing app 😍🇿🇦👏 @Shibambu Marvel @Malunghelo 1Drop #southafrica #tiktoksouthafrica🇿🇦 ♬ original sound – Cool Story Bru! 🇿🇦

As Malunghelo reflected on this outpouring of support.

“We were stunned by how strangers believed in us,” says Malunghelo. “It’s not just about the money – it’s about knowing that our country believes in our vision.”

That national faith is now being amplified by corporate South Africa through Liberty’s #DriveHope.

#DriveHope: Liberty’s Grassroots Initiative

So, what is #DriveHope? Something that we (at Good Things Guy) are incredibly proud to be part of. We have been there since the start of 2019 when Liberty’s digital marketing executive Karen Denny came across a heart-rending Facebook post from a woman in need. Inspired by Jeremy Mansfield’s Christmas Wish campaign, Denny and her colleagues began granting small wishes within Liberty for struggling employees and neighbours. When COVID-19 struck, the programme opened to the public, allowing anyone in crisis to be nominated for help.

Five years on, #DriveHope has grown into a nationwide movement of compassion. To date it has contributed over R3.4 million in ‘random acts of care’ across the country. Through this platform, Liberty has funded everything from medical costs to food parcels, helping thousands of families, students and entrepreneurs.

The NOVAR funding is a perfect fit… it combines Liberty’s commitment to financial empowerment with education and youth development.

“A key purpose of Liberty is to uplift communities and support local innovators,” says a Liberty spokesperson, Rindy Janse Van Rensburg. “Marvel and Malunghelo are shining examples of South African grit and creativity. Through #DriveHope we are thrilled to empower their vision for NOVAR. This is more than just a donation, we are offering mentorship and long-term partnership to ensure their success.”

TikTok, a Dream And Now R1 Million Boost: NOVAR App's Journey Inspires a Nation
Photo Credit: Liberty #DriveHope

But Liberty’s support for NOVAR has indeed gone far beyond money. Rindy explains that the people within the #DriveHope group really go above and beyond.

“Amelia Beattie had the vision, heart and determination to believe in Novar and the team behind it. She is set to guiding, guarding, and journeying with Novar to ensure it reaches the vision that Marvel and Malunghelo have for Novar and education in South African communities, utilising all available resources. In partnership with IBM and the Department of Education, among many other partners who stepped forward, Novar has a powerful team in South Africa, backing them every step of the way.”

The company has opened its doors wide for the young developers. Among the extra gifts and resources provided are:

  • Office space at Liberty’s Braamfontein campus: Marvel and Malunghelo now have a desk and meeting room in Johannesburg’s innovation hub, giving them reliable internet and a professional work environment.
  • Business mentoring and resources: The pair have been connected with Liberty mentors and SME coaches to develop a sustainable business plan, refine their app’s features, and navigate issues like data costs and partnerships.
  • Brand-new Windows laptops: Each co-founder received a powerful new laptop. (Their original computer, the R700 one, served them well, but these fresh devices will help them code faster and add new features to the app.)
  • A Checkers voucher to celebrate: To mark the occasion, Liberty gifted the friends a big grocery voucher so they could enjoy a meal and rest amid their hectic schedules.
  • Phones for Marvel’s sisters: Seeing that Marvel’s two younger sisters love learning too, the #DriveHope team surprised the family by buying them smartphones so they can use NOVAR themselves.
  • Birthday book set for Malunghelo’s daughter: When the team learned that Malunghelo’s little girl is a voracious reader, they arranged a set of educational storybooks as a birthday gift, nurturing her curiosity.

These personal touches reflect #DriveHope’s ethos: helping not just an idea but the people behind it and those they care about.

When Marvel thinks back on the past weeks, his eyes fill with gratitude. “We are overwhelmed,” he says, “to see how people from all over South Africa, and Liberty too, have embraced our dream. We started NOVAR to help learners, and now our country is helping us. Education should never be a privilege; it should be a right.”

His co-founder smiles in agreement: “With this support, we can focus on improving the app full-time. We have so many ideas, more lessons, live tutoring, better downloads. This is just the beginning.”

Even the #DriveHope team members are touched.

As Rindy recalls: “Meeting Marvel and Malunghelo was deeply inspiring. They didn’t ask for handouts, they asked for help in spreading knowledge. We felt proud to provide more than funding. I still remember handing Marvel his new laptop and feeling the weight of what it meant. We made sure his sisters got phones so they wouldn’t miss any content, and we packed a set of books for Malunghelo’s daughter. It reminded us that giving hope is personal, and every small act can change a life.”

Marvel and Malunghelo’s story is proof of what can happen when a community (from TikTok followers to corporate initiatives) rallies behind young innovators. After all the challenges they have overcome, these two friends now carry the hopes of thousands of learners.

As Malunghelo puts it: “We were just two boys with a dream in a village, and look at how our country has come together to back us.”

Their journey is a powerful reminder that good news and kindness are contagious. It shows that, in South Africa, talent and hard work can be lifted by collective belief. With Liberty and #DriveHope by their side, the future of NOVAR looks brighter than ever.

As Rindy concludes, “I am so privileged to #DriveHope, I can’t tell you how much it inspires me. I really hope this motivates other South Africans to do good to those around them. We need to be the change the world needs to see in the world.” 

This emotional chapter celebrates community, collaboration and the endless potential of South Africa’s youth. And it leaves all of us more hopeful than ever.

TikTok, a Dream And Now R1 Million Boost: NOVAR App's Journey Inspires a Nation
Photo Credit: Liberty #DriveHope

Sources: Information compiled from Good Things Guy interviews and reports on the NOVAR app and Liberty’s #DriveHope programme, supplemented by direct quotes from the NOVAR founders and programme representatives.
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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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Ndlovu Youth Choir’s Playful “Refugee” Song Reminds Us Why South Africa is Home https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/ndlovu-youth-choir-playful-refugee-song/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/ndlovu-youth-choir-playful-refugee-song/#respond Fri, 16 May 2025 08:00:02 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151284

Forget the headlines about people leaving – the incredible Ndlovu Youth Choir has dropped a viral video of themselves singing a song cheekily titled “Refugee”, and it’s got South Africa...

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Forget the headlines about people leaving – the incredible Ndlovu Youth Choir has dropped a viral video of themselves singing a song cheekily titled “Refugee”, and it’s got South Africa smiling!

 

Limpopo, South Africa (16 May 2025) – So, if you’re up to date with the latest news, you’ll likely have read or heard about the 49 Afrikaners who left South Africa to be refugees in America this week.

This story isn’t about that. It’s about a few of the many amazing reasons to appreciate our country, the music, its people and the beauty of our diversity. Oh, and our sense of humour, too!

In an entertaining and now trending video, the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s Artistic Director Ralf Schmitt, alongside two singers, is seen having a time as they happily sing a song, hilariously titled Refugee.

The song’s fun and witty lyrics, sung by Ralf, tease at him being a refugee while declaring that he will not be leaving South Africa. In his own words, he sings:

“Mina, angiyindawo (Me, I’m not going anywhere)

“I’m a refugee from around here, from around here

“Ngimgumbaleki, ngingowa la, ngingowa la (I’m a refugee, I’m from here, I’m from here).”

His backup singers join him with much enthusiasm as their harmonious voices blend together beautifully, expressing their love for South Africa and having absolutely no intentions of leaving.

The video has garnered over 360K views and over a thousand comments from entertained South Africans expressing their love for the Ndlovu Youth Choir and our nation’s ability to find the brighter side to just about anything.

Sure, South Africa may have its fair share of socio-economic and political issues (which country doesn’t?). But, there is just so much colour and vibrancy that weaves itself through all the “bad”. We were even made the top 3 global list, you can read all about that here.

Ultimately, our country is a beautiful place and despite all the chaos happening all around us, we’re grateful for heartwarming reminders, such as Ndlovu Youth Choir’s playful song that being here truly is a vibe worth appreciating!


Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir
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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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Child with Cerebral Palsy Touches Our Hearts with Her Profound Outlook on Life https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/child-cerebral-palsy-profound-outlook-on-life/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/child-cerebral-palsy-profound-outlook-on-life/#respond Thu, 08 May 2025 08:00:16 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150494

Life is busy, and oftentimes, life feels hard. But, it certainly isn’t all bad. A little girl with cerebral palsy and an unexpected gift has beautifully reminded us that we...

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Life is busy, and oftentimes, life feels hard. But, it certainly isn’t all bad. A little girl with cerebral palsy and an unexpected gift has beautifully reminded us that we all have something to be grateful for.

 

Burgersfort, South Africa (08 May 2025) – There are those random yet powerful moments that stop us in our tracks when we least expect it during our busy, stressful or plain mundane routines, subtly forcing us to cherish the gift of life and its blessings.

This could look like anything from seeing a motivational quote in a coffee shop, reading a Good Things Guy story or meeting a child who considers themselves truly blessed despite being born with uncontrollable physical limitations.

Born with cerebral palsy in Burgersfort, Limpopo, where children with disabilities are often invisible, a young girl’s positive spirit and unique abilities touched the hearts of the Boikanyo charity volunteers when they visited the area to distribute specialised wheelchairs known as buggies.

Unlike any other child with the congenital disorder that they had met before, this girl, who although couldn’t control the movements of her limbs, spoke and read English fluently.

“When we told her that she was the first child with her type of cerebral palsy we had met who could speak so fluently, she smiled and said, ‘I am really blessed’,” Boikanyo: The Dion Herson Foundation said.

The child’s simple words, which hold a profound outlook on her little life, despite facing significant daily challenges and a lack of mobility, are an emotional reminder of how precious the gift of life and all its blessings really are.

We aren’t defined by what we can’t do or what we don’t have, and this differently-abled girl’s strength and gratitude for life have been such a heartwarming reminder of that.


Sources: Boikanyo: The Dion Herson Foundation 
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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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“Impossibility is for Fools”: Kwena’s Powerful Voice for Disability Rights Takes the Pageant Stage https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/kwena-powerful-voice-disability-rights-pageant-stage/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/kwena-powerful-voice-disability-rights-pageant-stage/#respond Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:31:51 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=148450

Honest SAPS member, Kwena Nkgoeng, is stepping away from her desk and onto a national stage as a contestant in the prestigious Miss South Africa Disability Pageant to champion disability...

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Honest SAPS member, Kwena Nkgoeng, is stepping away from her desk and onto a national stage as a contestant in the prestigious Miss South Africa Disability Pageant to champion disability rights and inclusion.

 

Polokwane, South Africa (11 April 2025) – Pushing the limits and trying new things is what drives Kwena Vinolia Nkgoeng to not only be a member of society but also be a powerful voice for disability rights and inclusion.

Currently working as a member of the SAPS at Limpopo Provincial Office, where she serves in the Finance Expenditure and Salary Division and assists with administrative duties, Kwena is stepping into the spotlight as a contestant in the prestigious Miss South Africa Disability Pageant.

For Kwena, the pageant represents more than a personal ambition; it is a mission to break down stereotypes and celebrate the strength and beauty in diversity.

“I entered this pageant to advocate for disability rights, promote inclusion, and inspire others. Beauty is not confined by physical ability. People with disabilities deserve a place on every stage, be it in society, service or pageantry,” she says.

Kwena is guided by her personal motto “Impossibility is found in the dictionary of fools” to promote inclusion and empower others and credits her strength to her loving parents and a close-knit group of friends, whose support fuels her determination.

“My message to the world is simple: never limit yourself. Always try new things, even when the odds are against you,” she adds.

Her courage and passion have already garnered recognition, with her superior, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, praising Kwena:

“Administration Clerk Kwena is the embodiment of courage, resilience, and service. She reminds us that the power to lead, inspire, and transform lies not in physical ability, but in the strength of one’s spirit. She carries the SAPS flag with pride, and now, she wears the crown of inspiration for many.”

Kwena embodies the hopes and dreams of countless individuals as she prepares to grace the Miss South Africa Disability stage, and we wish her all the best in her powerful endeavour!


Sources: South African Police Service
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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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Here Is the Limpopo-To-Cape Town Cycling Trio That’s Got SA Talking for All The Right Reasons! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/cycling-trio-got-sa-talking/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/cycling-trio-got-sa-talking/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:00:43 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=148360

Three dynamic young men in their 20s: Gauta Mahlakoane, Karabo Mokoo, and Maxwell Ndou have Mzansi buzzing! This trio has undertaken an extraordinary cycling journey from Limpopo to Cape Town...

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Three dynamic young men in their 20s: Gauta Mahlakoane, Karabo Mokoo, and Maxwell Ndou have Mzansi buzzing! This trio has undertaken an extraordinary cycling journey from Limpopo to Cape Town to proactively raise awareness on critical social issues, inspire the youth and demonstrate their passion for cycling!

 

Three Sisters, South Africa (10 April 2025) – In a world where it is so easy for youngsters to be caught up in the wrong things, three incredible young men in their 20s Gauta Mahlakoane, Karabo Mokoo, and Maxwell Ndou are shining examples of the potential that South African youth have to do revolutionary and amazing things!

They’ve chosen to demonstrate this in one of the most mind-blowing ways! By cycling on their bicycles from Burgersfort in Limpopo to Cape Town, they not only boldly demonstrate their passion for cycling but also raise awareness on crucial issues in our country.

Good Things Guy connected with the trio’s representative, Modisane Mokgosi, who has been with the young men during their journey.

“We’re on the road and these boys just don’t want to stop. Their main reason for embarking on this trip is to campaign against social issues such as gender-based violence and substance abuse amongst the youth while also inspiring young people to do something positive with their lives in order to achieve something.

“Another big goal is that they want to be professional cyclists so this is their way of proving that they are strong enough to achieve this and hopefully represent South Africa one day,” explains Modisane.

The journey has been met with its fair share of challenges, with the young men even almost giving up once they had reached Bloemfontein due to wavering morale; however, the overwhelming support from invested and inspired South Africans has kept them going!

The trio, also known as the “Gauta BMX” cyclists, also repair bicycles in the community back at home, and upon their return to Limpopo, they hope to introduce more young people to the joys of cycling.

Their incredible grit, heartfelt mission, and the sheer audacity of their journey have captured the hearts of the nation, turning their cross-country ride into a viral sensation.

Still on the move, Gauta, Karabo, and Maxwell are currently at the Three Sisters landmark along the N1 in the Karoo and hope to reach the Mother City by Sunday.

Many celebrities, including DJ Karri, several businesses and organisations such as Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels Fund, have joined the movement to support the Gauta BMX cyclists through donations and equipment to help see them through their audacious goal.

Our youth is capable of remarkable things, and these trailblazers are a testament to that. Keep going, guys, you’re doing amazing and making Mzansi proud with every pedal!

To follow their journey or offer support, follow the Gauta BMX cyclists on TikTok.


Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Modisane Mokgosi
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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CHOC’s Compassion Keeps Hope Alive for Teen Battling Cancer Far From Home https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/choc-compassion-keeps-hope-alive/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/choc-compassion-keeps-hope-alive/#respond Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:45 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=148188

Despite facing a daunting diagnosis of metastatic dysgerminoma at just 14, Zandile’s journey has been met with a wave of support and care from CHOC, which has ensured she never...

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Despite facing a daunting diagnosis of metastatic dysgerminoma at just 14, Zandile’s journey has been met with a wave of support and care from CHOC, which has ensured she never misses an appointment and has the nutrition she needs when she returns home.

 

Polokwane, South Africa (09 April 2025) – Being thrown into a whirlwind of hospital visits, admissions, medical tests and treatments far away from home is a turn that 14-year-old Zandile* never expected her young life to take.

Diagnosed with metastatic dysgerminoma and undergoing treatment at Pietersburg Hospital, the young teen relies on hospital transport to reach the nearest healthcare facility. From there, she still needs to travel approximately 40 kilometres to get home.

It’s been a hard and daunting journey to healing. Thankfully, the intervention of the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC) has brought much ease through a transport fund that ensures Zandile never misses an appointment, providing the necessary support for her to continue her treatment since her diagnosis in July 2024.

Recognising that good nutrition is crucial for cancer patients, CHOC also provides Zandile, many other youngsters in her position, with food parcels. These help ensure that she continues receiving proper nutrition after being discharged from the hospital, to enjoy back at home where she lives with her uncle, his wife, her grandmother, and two young cousins.
​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“For this young girl, the food parcels bring comfort and security—she particularly loves instant noodles and is always excited to collect her package, knowing she will have something to eat at home,” CHOC shares.
​​​​​​​​​​​​
“​​​​​​​​​​​​Adjusting to the hospital environment and expressing her emotions was challenging for her as a teenager, especially since it was her first hospital admission.”

However, this young warrior has received psychosocial support provided by a CHOC social worker who has helped Zandile cope with the emotional challenges and pain associated with her treatment.

CHOC’s holistic approach—ensuring access to treatment, nutrition, and emotional well-being—has played a vital role in Zandile’s journey, allowing her to focus on healing and recovery.

​​​​​​​​If you know of a child or family diagnosed with childhood cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder and who needs help, please refer them to CHOC’s pathways here.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​*Names changes for privacy reasons.


Sources: Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC)
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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Blue the Leopard Tortoise Thankfully No Longer Lives Up to His Name  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/blue-the-leopard-tortoise/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/blue-the-leopard-tortoise/#respond Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:00:37 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=147855

Not too long ago, it was crystal clear why Blue the Leopard Tortoise shared his name with the colour. Following his rescue, Blue’s undergone a lot of work to remove...

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Not too long ago, it was crystal clear why Blue the Leopard Tortoise shared his name with the colour. Following his rescue, Blue’s undergone a lot of work to remove his painted hue and is on his way to being a healthy tortoise once more. We’re all rooting for you Blue!

 

Limpopo, South Africa (06 April 2025) — In good news for everyone who read our previous story on Blue the Leopard Tortoise, Blue has undergone no small transformation to rid himself of his former blue hue and is all the better for it.

In case you missed it, Blue the leopard tortoise was rescued by the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation recently. He is said to have escaped the yard of a traditional healer before being brought through to the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation’s rehabilitation facility by Loraine Botha and Martin van der Breggan.

Blue and his name were one and the same thanks to the colour of his painted shell. Not a makeover Blue undertook by choice; Carina Crayton of Wild Heart explains that a traditional healer had painted him as a form of identification.

However, tortoise shells are not decorations. They are actually a part of the animal’s skeletal structure, with porosity, which allows the tortoise to absorb the moisture and sunlight needed for certain vitamins to keep the tortoise healthy.

While removing the paint was a priority for the team, it also isn’t as easy as giving Blue a long bath.

The team had to use a specialised, non-toxic, organic product to lift the paint. The task is tedious and stressful on Blue, meaning the paint couldn’t all be removed in one go. This meant ‘marathon paint removal sessions’ for Blue, coupled with electrolytes and soothing disinfectants to help his cells heal.

The very good news is that most of the paint is gone, and Blue is back to looking like his natural self!

Look: Blue’s Before and After

In a recent update, the Wild Heart Wildlife team said that he is doing much better, eating well, and getting stronger.

We’re all rooting for you, Blue!


Sources: Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation; GTG
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Blue Leopard Tortoise Rescued; On the Slow But Steady Road to Recovery  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/blue-leopard-tortoise-rescued-on-the-slow-but-steady-road-to-recovery/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/blue-leopard-tortoise-rescued-on-the-slow-but-steady-road-to-recovery/#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:00:05 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=147475

A Leopard Tortoise painted and named Blue has been rescued by the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation! Here, he will undergo big efforts to remove the paint problems impacting his health....

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A Leopard Tortoise painted and named Blue has been rescued by the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation! Here, he will undergo big efforts to remove the paint problems impacting his health.

 

Limpopo, South Africa (31 March 2025) — A Leopard Tortoise named and painted Blue has been rescued and is on the slow, but steady road to recovery, thanks to the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation team.

Leopard Tortoises can find themselves in numerous situations that pull them from their natural homes, like ending up in the illegal wildlife and pet trades, or in the yards of traditional healers, as was the case for Blue.

The Leopard Tortoise is one of the largest tortoises on the African continent. This, coupled with a generous lifespan, positions the animal to be seen as a symbol of strength and endurance. This symbolism is particularly true for Blue, who, as the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation’s co-founder Carina Crayton shares, is a survivor.

“Blue, a Leopard Tortoise, was rescued when he got out of the yard of the Sangoma (traditional healer) who painted him,” Carina explains, adding that the paint was likely for a form of identification.

However, paint is not something to brush off when it comes to shelled creatures.

“Tortoise’s shells are not just armour; they are an integral part of their skeletal structure, with their ribs and spine fused to the shell,” Carina says.

“Their shells are porous, and this porosity allows tortoises to absorb moisture through their shells, which is particularly important for young tortoises and those living in arid environments,” Carina explains. “Because of this permeability, painting a tortoise’s shell can be harmful, as the paint can block the absorption of moisture and sunlight, which is needed for vitamin D synthesis and Calcium [absorption]”.

Thanks to Blue’s rescuer, Loraine Botha and Martin van der Breggen, who transported Blue to the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, the Leopard Tortoise has a fighting chance at a new and better life.

The team stabilised him and started working on the paint removal, which Carina says will be both time-consuming and stressful for Blue. However, it’s all necessary to get him healthy again.

“We have a specialised, non-toxic, organic product which we are using to help lift the paint,” Carina says.

Screenshot

For those looking to support rescues like Blue’s, Carina is hosting a birthday fundraiser in honour of her foundation’s mission to serve wildlife, which you can find here. 


Sources: Carina Crayton; Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation
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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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Charities Come Together to Provide Vital Support and Mobility Aid for Children in Limpopo https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/charities-come-together-to-provide-vital-support-and-mobility-aid-for-children-in-limpopo/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/charities-come-together-to-provide-vital-support-and-mobility-aid-for-children-in-limpopo/#respond Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:13:01 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=146779

The selfless dedication of Boikanyo, The Dion House Foundation, The Paige Project, and the Rotary Clubs of Rosebank and Baobab have brought a heart-touching change to families living with the...

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The selfless dedication of Boikanyo, The Dion House Foundation, The Paige Project, and the Rotary Clubs of Rosebank and Baobab have brought a heart-touching change to families living with the daily challenges of severe childhood disability.

 

Limpopo, South Africa (24 March 2025) – Having lived through most days in a place of desperation and hardship, a visit from thoughtful strangers who wanted nothing but to bring light and relief to their days moving forward has changed the lives of many families in Sekhukhune, Limpopo.

Boikanyo The Dion House Foundation together with The Paige Project, Rotary Club of Rosebank and Rotary E-club of Baobab spent a life-changing weekend in the heart of rural Limpopo at Mecklenburg Hospital, to engage with the local community and recycle pre-owned buggies to get them ready for children with mobility impairments.

The charities joined local therapists from seven hospitals to renovate and fit 51 buggies on site. They also had 20 buggies left with all their spares for children who hadn’t yet heard about their community outreach and would likely require a buggy.

“The areas we went to were rural and remote, the children were, for the most part, severe,” explains Boikanyo.

“New mobility equipment is just too expensive to purchase in the quantities that it is needed and children have waited years for a buggy.”

The charity volunteers got to meet courageous and beautiful people who have been left to care for children in need of crucial care. Of these caregivers were two sisters who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their mute and disabled sister, as well as a wonderful mother who has taught her daughter to read in English, even though her child cannot sit unaided.

“One of the biggest spin-offs of our outreaches, besides the obvious buggy, is how mothers, caregivers, gogos and fathers network with one another. Fears and uncertainty are managed by someone in the group who has been through that etc. They learn they are not alone, a shoulder to lean on is a WhatsApp away.”

To help lighten the daily burden these caregivers and families face, each child will now have their own buggy.

Children in need of follow-up medical checks were also identified, and pap porridge was also distributed in the areas in need to fill many little bellies.

“We did so much good! We made such an impact, again. Thank you to everyone who sponsored this outreach, the sheer numbers of the children we are reaching are making them more and more expensive,” Boikanyo thanked.

In a region where access to essential resources is scarce, and the needs are great, these thoughtful charity members brought not only practical aid but also the invaluable message that these families are not alone.


Sources: Boikanyo The Dion House Foundation
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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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Rescued Rhino “Nana” Defies Awful Fate to Thrive in the Wild, Welcomes 5th Calf! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/rescued-rhino-nana-defies-awful-fate-to-thrive-in-the-wild-welcomes-5th-calf/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/rescued-rhino-nana-defies-awful-fate-to-thrive-in-the-wild-welcomes-5th-calf/#respond Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:00:55 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=146574

Orphaned as a young calf and facing a grim future, Nana was rescued before being shipped overseas. Since then, she has not only found a haven in the wilderness but...

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Orphaned as a young calf and facing a grim future, Nana was rescued before being shipped overseas. Since then, she has not only found a haven in the wilderness but has thrived, becoming a mother to five calves!

 

Limpopo, South Africa (18 March 2025) – Nana is a very special rhino who was orphaned and destined for an awful fate on the other side of the world. But thanks to the love and intervention of a wildlife hero, her future was transformed.

Not only is she living free in the wilderness under the watchful eye of The Rhino Orphanage, but she has also grown to become a mommy, having recently given birth to her fifth calf!

“Not many followers know a very special rhino called Nana. This girl came into our lives before the orphanage was born. Saved by our founder, Arrie, Nana who was orphaned in 2010 as a 2-year-old, was standing in a holding boma, destined for a life in prison,” The Rhino Orphanage shares.

Nana was meant to be sold and shipped to China, but Arrie stepped in, giving her a second chance at a wholesome life in the wild.

Nana also had a close call with an attempted poaching incident later in life, suffering a shot through the belly and losing her best friend Mike, but miraculously pulled through.

Now, the wildlife orphanage is delighted to have a new addition to the reserve. This amazing survivor has now given birth to calf number five, a sweet little baby boy!

“We couldn’t be happier at the sight of this little busybody.”

Congratulations to this resilient mommy and the dedicated wildlife warriors who have continuously looked out for her!


Sources: The Rhino Orphanage
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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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