The Afrikaans language may have quietly marked turning 100 years old, but the learners of Victoria Girls’ High School didn’t hold back celebrations as they danced and brought all the good vibes to the school quad.

Grahamstown, South Africa (13 May 2025) – Did you know that Afrikaans turned 100 years old recently? Well, on 8 May 1925, Afrikaans was recognised as an official language of South Africa, marking 100 years last Thursday!

A daughter language of Dutch, Afrikaans is a widely spoken home language in South Africa, with millions of speakers from diverse ethnic groups and many more who speak it as a second language.

Its centennial anniversary didn’t exactly make headlines in mainstream news, but that’s why you can trust Good Things Guy to unearth the joy and celebratory vibes.

The result? – We found footage of the entire Victoria Girls’ High School squad dancing up a storm as they celebrated a century of Afrikaans with music, dancing, and good vibes during break time!

An entertaining video shows the learners holding nothing back as they danced to an awesome, upbeat Afrikaans tune, effortlessly showcasing the power of music to connect us all and ignite good times.

We’re sure the learners appreciated the break away from their books and assignments to let their hair down.

“The energy was high as we lit up the quad with joyful movement and culture. Cheers to 100 years of Afrikaans! Ons het dit baie geniet, dankie Mnr Jasson,” the school said.

Sources: Victoria Girls’ High School

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Zandile Jilana’s childhood, marked by loss and instability, could have easily defined her future. Yet, despite navigating the grief of losing both parents and the uncertainty of moving between households, Zandile has accomplished what many young people dream of.

Makhanda, South Africa (13 April 2025) – For Zandile Jilana, childhood wasn’t necessarily a pleasant or stable one, not for any fault of her own.

Born in Makhanda but raised in Cape Town, she moved between households after her father’s passing in 2013. She returned to Makhanda in 2014 to live with her mother, who sadly passed on during Zandile’s matric year.

According to Rhodes University, Zandile moved between relatives who eventually could no longer accommodate her. She then moved in with a friend and her family, who took her in permanently.

Growing up presented significant pain and challenges for Zandile, yet she persevered through it all, got through school, and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes – an accomplishment worthy of recognition and celebration given the numerous obstacles she overcame to attain it.

But she didn’t stop there, Zandile furthered her studies, which at the start of 2025 was met with another set of obstacles.

Even when faced with the daunting hurdle of financial struggles threatening to derail her postgraduate aspirations, Zandile’s resilience did not waver. She managed to secure a Rhodes Council Loan through the University’s postgraduate funding office, allowing her to finally register – the university shares.

Her perseverance was further rewarded two days later when she received the Bradlow Foundation Scholarship, ensuring financial stability for her honours studies in Journalism.

Reflecting on her journey, Jilana acknowledges the hardships but remains hopeful about the future:

“I was just about to give up, and then everything started falling into place,” she said.

“I’m grateful to be here and to keep moving forward.”

Her gratitude and forward-looking perspective serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even when hope seems lost, the possibility of a breakthrough always remains.

Sources: Rhodes University

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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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A group of young learners from Good Shepherd School in Makhanda recently got to overcome their fear of water and learn essential water safety skills – first for most of them, thanks to the NSRI and St Andrew’s College team efforts.

Makhanda, South Africa (02 December 2024) – Having fun by the pool or beach is almost always a great idea, except when you aren’t water-safe. To help address this, many primary school learners in Makhanda were recently empowered to improve their swimming skills thanks to an impactful series of Survival Swimming lessons at the DT Hudson Pool complex.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Station 11 Port Alfred, in collaboration with St. Andrew’s College, brought together 45 enthusiastic Grade 5 and 6 learners from Good Shepherd School in Makhanda for an introduction to essential water safety skills.

For many of these learners, these lessons marked their first formal water safety instruction – an essential step given the risks posed by nearby water bodies. And their excitement as they splashed about in the water? Palpable!

“The learners were very excited, but there were a lot of very nervous children too, especially when they realised that no swim aids or goggles were being used,” shared Carol Mewse, NSRI Station 11 crew member and Survival Swimming Coordinator.

According to Carol, one of the key challenges in teaching younger children water survival skills is their initial fear of water.

“It takes a lot of creativity, encouragement, high-fives, and energetic vibes to get children scared of being in the water to enjoy their first lesson,” Carol explained.

The initial sessions can be challenging as nervous learners require more focused attention. However, the young swimmers gradually gained confidence under the guidance of experienced instructors. Through a combination of encouragement, patience, and creative teaching methods, the children learned vital water safety techniques.

A significant barrier to water safety education in the community is the widespread fear of water passed down from parents and guardians.

Ncumisa Mzaza, St Andrew’s College Community Engagement Manager, emphasised a need to educate parents too.

“I was made to be terrified of water from stories that my parents and grandparents told us as kids, and as a result, I could not swim. This is the case with most kids.”

The involvement of 36 dedicated volunteers from St Andrew’s College and Diocesan School for Girls played a crucial role in the success of the initiative.

“The strong community service ethos at St Andrew’s College and Diocesan School for Girls motivates learners to engage in impactful projects.”

This ethos and the NSRI’s high regard among the scholars spurred excitement and a sense of pride.

“The scholars all expressed a desire to make a difference in the community, either through altruistic motives or personal near-drowning experiences,” Mewse added.

These incredibly valuable lessons contribute to broader NSRI goals by empowering children with vital survival skills and promoting water awareness.

Looking forward, the NSRI aims to expand these initiatives through partnerships. By fostering such collaborations, the NSRI hopes to embed water safety education across South Africa, cultivating generations that are not only skilled but also committed to promoting water safety far beyond their school years.

Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Makhanda Learners Dive Into Fun and Water Safety With NSRI! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Music flows through the veins of St Andrew’s College’s vocally talented learner, Tseke Masemola! From his early days in the Chapel Choir to his leadership role as Head Chorister, Tseke has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill.

Grahamstown, South Africa (15 October 2024) – Tseke Masemola, a talented matriculant at St Andrew’s College, has left an indelible mark on the school’s music department.

With his melodious voice and unwavering commitment, Tseke has become a shining example for his peers.

The young man received the headmaster’s special award for being a committed, consistent and reliable member of the school’s music department throughout his time at St Andrew’s College.

In Grade 8, he joined the Chapel Choir, and at the end of his Grade 9, Tseke auditioned for and was selected as a member of the prestigious Chamber Choir.

“Tseke is a vocalist of an advanced level, and he has demonstrated his vocal ability and standard as a soloist on numerous occasions, not only as a member of the Chamber Choir but also with 150 choristers and orchestra members at occasions such as Speech Day,” says According to St Andrew’s College educator Belinda de Villiers.

Beyond his vocal skills, Tseke has also been instrumental in the successes of the choir, including achieving gold at the ATKV Applous Choir competition twice and being announced runner-up at the National Sing In Harmonie Choir competition in 2023.

Throughout his tenure with the Chamber Choir, Tseke has been one of a few senior boys who have remained committed to the Chapel Choir.

He has played a vital role in the marimba band, organising successful performances and leading by example.

“In the Chamber Choir, Tseke has consistently been an outstanding role model and has unfailingly offered moral support to his fellow choristers.

“These attributes were expanded on when he was elected Head of Chamber Choir at the end of his Grade 11 year, and even more so when the choir went through a period without a conductor earlier this year,” De Villiers adds.

Tseke, despite being a talented and dedicated young man, has never undergone any training in running practices or conducting a choir. It was never anticipated for him to assume this role – he did so entirely through his own initiative.

The school acknowledges and congratulates Tseke on his unfailing commitment, exceptional skill, and hard work, which he has demonstrated to the Chamber Choir, the Music School, and the music in Merriman House throughout his high school career.

Sources: St Andrew’s College

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post A Music Maestro in the Making: Matriculant Tseke Masemola Honoured for Exceptional Talent appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A Diocesan School for Girls learner displayed extraordinary bravery when she came to the aid of a donkey in distress during its labour.

Grahamstown, South Africa (20 September 2024) – Children’s genuine love and compassion for animals in their various shapes and sizes often shine through in their interactions.

The same can be said for Beth Sahd, a pupil at The Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), who displayed an extraordinary act of bravery and compassion.

Beth did not hesitate to help a donkey in labour and in great need of support.

Though often characterised as stubborn, donkeys are gentle in nature with a strong sense of loyalty and friendship that is similar to humans.

According to the school, Beth noticed a donkey in distress during labour and stepped in to help the mother deliver her foal.

The delivery was a heartwarming success, as an image of the donkey and her foal was shared online by the school, proving that the young high schooler has the makings of an animal hero.

“What an incredible young lady! Despite the challenges, she handled the situation with remarkable composure,” DSG shared.

 

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A post shared by The Diocesan School for Girls (@thediocesanschoolforgirls)

Sources: The Diocesan School for Girls

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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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