Business Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/business/ Thu, 29 May 2025 11:55:00 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Business Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/business/ 32 32 Minenhle is Saving the Environment Through Colourful Plastic Mats! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/minenhle-colourful-plastic-mats/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/minenhle-colourful-plastic-mats/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 13:30:41 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152655

Once struggling to find a job after school, Minenhle Simelane turned to his grandmother’s mat-making machine to craft something truly special: mats made from discarded waste!   Durban, South Africa...

The post Minenhle is Saving the Environment Through Colourful Plastic Mats! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Once struggling to find a job after school, Minenhle Simelane turned to his grandmother’s mat-making machine to craft something truly special: mats made from discarded waste!

 

Durban, South Africa (29 May 2025) – To transform discarded plastic waste into unique, handmade products, promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. This is the powerful motivation behind Minenhle Simelane’s colourful and stunning mats made from plastic and other waste.

Originally from rural eShowe and currently residing in Durban, Minenhle matriculated from Embizweni High School in 2018.

After facing challenges with unemployment, he chose to create mats from waste materials as a way to make ends meet and creatively contribute to environmental conservation.

Drawing inspiration from his grandmother, he used the Imbongolo (mat-making machine) to make these mats from waste collected from the roadside, rivers or dumpsites.

Over time, he found purpose in transforming discarded plastic waste into beautiful, handmade products, which in turn help him make money and address the alarming rate of plastic consumption.

With the increasing demand for mats this year, Minenhle has taken on four workers under his wing and is working towards developing his business. In his own words, “trash has created jobs and brought smiles to their faces”.

In support of Minenhle’s journey of using artistic expression to save the environment, Woza Moya stocks his mats for the public to view and purchase at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT).

Moving forward, he hopes to grow his business and generate more job opportunities, fuelled by the growing demand for his eco-friendly products.

It is so inspiring to see young people not only make the most of their circumstances but also contribute to preserving the planet we all share in such creative ways. We wish you all the success, Minenhle!


Sources: Woza Moya | Minenhle Simelane
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 Minenhle is Saving the Environment Through Colourful Plastic Mats! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/minenhle-colourful-plastic-mats/feed/ 0
Tretchikoff and Dumas: A Double Victory for South African Art on the World Stage https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/tretchikoff-and-dumas-a-double-victory-for-south-african-art-on-the-world-stage/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/tretchikoff-and-dumas-a-double-victory-for-south-african-art-on-the-world-stage/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 04:11:55 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152409

What do a green silk gown and a moody 1997 portrait have in common? They both just made history, putting South African art where it belongs… right at the top....

The post Tretchikoff and Dumas: A Double Victory for South African Art on the World Stage appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

What do a green silk gown and a moody 1997 portrait have in common? They both just made history, putting South African art where it belongs… right at the top.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 May 2025) – It’s been a record-breaking season for South African art… and not just once, but twice.

Last night, a portrait painted in 1955 became the centre of attention (and applause) at a packed Strauss & Co auction in Johannesburg, where Vladimir Tretchikoff’s Lady from the Orient sold for a staggering R31.9 million. The sale set a new world record for the Russia-born South African painter ans also sparked pure celebration within the local art community.

Tretchikoff and Dumas: A Double Victory for South African Art on the World Stage
Photo Credit: Strauss & Co | Supplied

With 89 rapid-fire bids, the drama unfolded between an anonymous telephone bidder and an in-room contender, the kind of back-and-forth you’d expect in a blockbuster film.

Auctioneer Alastair Meredith could feel the energy climbing as he called out, “We’ve breached the $1 million mark,” later adding, “The next bid is R25.2 million, which is something I have never said.” And just a few bids later, the hammer came down – history made.

Lady from the Orient, featuring Valerie Howe – a Cape Town grocer’s daughter swathed in a green silk gown – is a standout example of Tretchikoff’s signature Technicolor style. It’s bold, it’s glamorous, and it’s pure 1950s drama. The piece is part of a powerful legacy of works created after Tretchikoff moved to South Africa in 1946 and it clearly still captivates today.

But wait… there’s more.

In what can only be described as an incredible double win for South African talent, another artist from our shores recently also made history, this time on the international stage. Marlene Dumas, the iconic painter who studied Fine Arts in Cape Town, smashed the record for the highest auction sale for a living female artist this week in New York. Her 1997 painting Miss January sold for an astounding $13.6 million (that’s nearly R250 million!) toppling the previous record held by British artist Jenny Saville. What makes this moment even more special is the decades-long journey Dumas has walked. From showcasing her work in the ‘70s with little attention to becoming one of the most celebrated artists in the world, Marlene has built a career rooted in both technical mastery and emotional power.

Tretchikoff and Dumas: A Double Victory for South African Art on the World Stage
Photo Credit: Marlene Dumas

Together, these two moments are reminders that South African art is not just alive and well… it’s thriving. It’s reaching global stages. It’s shifting the conversation. And that’s something truly worth celebrating.

What a moment for South African creativity. What a win for the world.


Sources: Strauss & Co | Marlene Dumas 
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 Tretchikoff and Dumas: A Double Victory for South African Art on the World Stage appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/tretchikoff-and-dumas-a-double-victory-for-south-african-art-on-the-world-stage/feed/ 0
Saffron is Blooming in the Karoo… And So Is Hope! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/saffron-is-blooming-in-the-karoo-and-so-is-hope/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/saffron-is-blooming-in-the-karoo-and-so-is-hope/#comments Sat, 24 May 2025 06:06:49 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151587

What started as a bold idea in a dusty field is now an industry shaking up South Africa’s agricultural landscape. Saffron is now being grown in South Africa!!!   Western...

The post Saffron is Blooming in the Karoo… And So Is Hope! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

What started as a bold idea in a dusty field is now an industry shaking up South Africa’s agricultural landscape. Saffron is now being grown in South Africa!!!

 

Western Cape, South Africa (24 May 2025) – Every now and then, a story comes along that makes you stop, smile, and think, yes, this is the kind of innovation we need more of! That happened this week when Oranjezicht City Farm and Market shared a brilliant post about a man named Bennie Engelbrecht and his incredible local initiative… and suddenly, saffron is on everyone’s lips.

Yes, saffron. That delicate golden-red spice that feels more like treasure than seasoning.

The world’s most expensive spice is now being grown (successfully) right here in South Africa. In the dry, sun-scorched soil between Williston and Calvinia, on land that most had written off for anything other than sheep farming, a revolution is quietly blooming.

Saffron is Blooming in the Karoo... And So Is Hope!
Photo Credit: Saffricon South Africa

And it all started with a dream.

Back in 2013, Bennie Engelbrecht founded Saffricon, driven by an idea that might’ve sounded impossible at the time: what if South Africa could become a player in the global saffron market?

Bennie did his homework. He spent years researching why saffron, which thrives in Mediterranean climates, hadn’t taken off here yet. What he uncovered was surprising: not only could it grow here, it could flourish. Especially in areas devastated by drought.

The Karoo, particularly the Hantam region, became the heart of this project. A place that, in the Khoi language, literally means “where the red bulbs grow.” Fitting, right?

Historically, the local economy was built around sheep. But with an eight-year drought strangling farms and leaving communities desperate, it was clear: something had to change. Saffron, it turned out, could be that change.

“This country really needs something that can turn people’s lives around,” says Bennie. “Saffron can be planted on a small piece of land and could potentially change your life.”

You only need a quarter of a hectare to start. And the potential return is as much as R250,000 per kilogram at retail. Yes, you read that right. A single kilo of this so-called “red gold” could put food on the table, fund a child’s education, or help a struggling family get back on their feet.

But it’s not just about the cash crop… it’s about the community.

Saffricon has launched an empowering Outgrower Programme, a three-year initiative designed to bring emerging and rural farmers into the saffron economy. The model includes:

  • Free saffron corms (bulbs)
  • Hands-on training and mentorship
  • Guaranteed buyback of both threads and corms
  • Fast-growing plants — flowers appear just 40 days after planting
  • Job creation through labour-intensive harvesting

Add to that the fact that saffron only needs 250–300mm of water a year, compared to 500–800mm for crops like maize or wheat, and you’ve got a water-wise solution tailor-made for South Africa’s climate. And the beauty of saffron doesn’t stop at its value. Every part of the plant has a purpose. The vibrant threads are used in cooking, the petals are used in cosmetics and medicine, and the corms multiply underground, becoming the farmer’s lasting asset.

It’s a crop made for resilience. Frost-resistant. Hail-resistant. And because the valuable part is underground, it’s less vulnerable to theft, a serious challenge for many South African farmers.

Corné Liebenberg of Laeveld Agrochem, a project partner, says it best: “Saffron grows in areas where other crops fail. This is a real opportunity – not only for big farms but also for smallholders looking for something new, something with real potential.”

The global demand for saffron already outstrips supply. South Africa has the climate, the skills, and, thanks to people like Bennie, the vision. All we need now is awareness and support. Thankfully, posts like those of the Oranjezicht City Farm and Market are doing just that!

The internet loved this story as much as we did… and the comments say it all.

“Such an awe-inspiring story & a blessing for South Africa. When people work together & share knowledge they can create great things.”

“Congratulations Bennie Engelbrecht!! Phenomenal good and uplifting news. Wow, we need you multiplied infinitely. Brilliant initiative and thank you for perseverance and appetite for new innovative crops. Feel good story!!”

“This is definitely good news and a wonderful initiative that can create employment opportunities in rural areas. Great job.”

This weekend, Bennie and the Saffricon team are showcasing their beautiful, locally-grown saffron at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town. And if you’re in the area, go. Ask questions. See the product. Support something extraordinary that’s growing in our own backyard.

This isn’t just about spice. It’s about resilience. It’s about innovation. And most importantly, it’s about South Africans finding new ways to thrive, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Because sometimes, the most powerful things grow from the hardest ground…  and sometimes, they bloom purple.

Saffron is Blooming in the Karoo... And So Is Hope!
Photo Credit: Saffricon South Africa

Sources: Saffricon South Africa | Oranjezicht City Farm and Market 
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 Saffron is Blooming in the Karoo… And So Is Hope! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/saffron-is-blooming-in-the-karoo-and-so-is-hope/feed/ 1
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...

The post TikTok, a Dream And Now R1 Million Boost: NOVAR App’s Journey Inspires a Nation appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

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.
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 TikTok, a Dream And Now R1 Million Boost: NOVAR App’s Journey Inspires a Nation appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/tiktok-a-dream-and-now-r1-million-boost-novar-apps-journey-inspires-a-nation/feed/ 0
This Week’s Friday Five Is Serving Heart, Heat and Hilarious Robots https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/this-weeks-friday-five-is-serving-heart-heat-and-hilarious-robots/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/this-weeks-friday-five-is-serving-heart-heat-and-hilarious-robots/#respond Fri, 16 May 2025 05:16:33 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151314

I’ve cried (twice), laughed loudly on a plane, eaten the best steak of my life and got a nostalgic music punch straight to the heart… welcome to this week’s Friday...

The post This Week’s Friday Five Is Serving Heart, Heat and Hilarious Robots appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

I’ve cried (twice), laughed loudly on a plane, eaten the best steak of my life and got a nostalgic music punch straight to the heart… welcome to this week’s Friday Five.

 

South Africa (16 May 2025) – Welcome to The Friday Five, my absolute favourite weekly ritual here at Good Things Guy. Think of it as a little virtual catch-up between us, where I get to share the best things I’ve watched, read, listened to, eaten and experienced… so that you don’t have to scroll aimlessly trying to find something decent.

Every week, I sift through the noise, the Netflix trailers, the playlist drops and the pop-up event invites to bring you five (okay, sometimes more) handpicked recommendations that are good for the soul. And sometimes, just really, really fun.

It’s a space where I get to give you my honest thoughts. You see, I get invited to movie premieres before they even hit your screens. I get early access to new series and I sometimes get to eat food before it’s even officially on a menu (a perk I take very seriously).

So, every Friday, I round up my absolute favourites… the stuff I think you’ll love too.

🎬 Movies you NEED to watch!

🍝 Nonnas

This movie. This movie! Vince Vaughn leads a heartfelt, hilarious and honestly goosebump-inducing cast as the founder of a restaurant run entirely by real-life Italian grandmothers. The film is inspired by Jody “Joe” Scaravella’s true story, a man who took grief, love and garlic and turned it into something deeply nourishing for the soul.

It’s everything you want in a romantic comedy and more… touching without being cheesy, funny without trying too hard and completely grounded in something real.

Also, Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro and Talia Shire? That’s a power table I’d love to sit at.

Two hours well spent. Just don’t watch it hungry. You’ve been warned.

Now available on Netflix.

🏞 The Salt Path

A completely different emotional ride but equally worth it. This one had me wrecked. But somehow left hopeful. Based on the memoir by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is about losing everything and finding something deeper.

Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs absolutely shine as a couple forced to face homelessness and a terminal illness in one devastating week. And then decide to walk the 1,000km South West Coast Path to reclaim their lives.

It’s authentic. It’s inspiring. And it’s gritty in all the right ways. This isn’t some polished, filtered love story. This is raw, hopeful and real. And when you walk out of that cinema, you’ll find yourself holding your people a little closer.

Now available in cinema.

📺 Series to get stuck into

🏩 The Four Seasons

Don’t let the name fool you! This isn’t about weather. It’s about relationships… and how they shift with time.

Three suburban couples vacation together each season but when one of the couples implodes (and the ex-husband returns with a MUCH younger girlfriend), the group dynamics start to unravel.

This series is sharp. It’s clever. And it’s honestly one of the best ensemble casts I’ve seen in a long time. Tina Fey is her usual magic. Steve Carell as the vulnerable, quietly hurting Nick is… well, award-worthy. And the supporting cast (Colman Domingo, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Will Forte) all bring depth, comedy and heart in spades.

It’s that perfect mix of LOL and “oh damn, that hit hard”.

Also, it’s just been picked up for a second season (which should come out next year)!

But season one is now available on Netflix.

🦾 Murderbot

Alexander Skarsgård as a rogue security robot with a secret? Yes please.

Murderbot is based on a cult-favourite sci-fi book series, and if you’re even slightly into tech, space, robots or sarcastic commentary on human stupidity… this one’s for you.

The first two episodes are out now, and they’re an absolute banger. It’s sleek. It’s smart. And it’s weirdly emotional in all the ways you don’t expect. I’m already obsessed.

Skarsgård’s inner monologue is genius. And there’s something oddly comforting about watching a robot just try to avoid feelings and humans at all costs. Relatable content, really.

Now available on AppleTV+.

🎧 Music that’s been on repeat

🎶 Avril Lavigne “Young & Dumb” (feat. Simple Plan)

Hello, 2002 called. And I’m answering with eyeliner, emo nostalgia and full volume. This is our anthem. A pure, unapologetic throwback with lyrics like “These are the best nights, living our best lives” that’ll hit every millennial right in the feels.

It’s fun. It’s messy. And it makes you want to grab your mates and scream-sing out of a car window.

🎶 Joe Jonas “Heart By Heart”

This one caught me off guard. It’s emotional. Vulnerable. And just honest. No gimmicks. No drama. Just a man reflecting on love, loss and the beauty of letting go with grace. If you’ve ever loved someone deeply, this song is going to land somewhere tender.

🎶 Ben Abraham “Satellite”

Okay, this is not new. But it’s been living rent-free in my head this week. Ben Abraham’s “Satellite” is hauntingly beautiful. One of those songs that sneaks up on you. And the lyrics will get you. They will help you find your way.

“Lift your eyes and watch the sky / I’ll be your satellite.”

Sometimes that’s all we need… someone steady when everything feels a little too much.

Also, I’ve now curated all these gems into a playlist on Apple Music! So if you’re looking for good vibes and soulful sounds to accompany your day, give it a spin. (Apologies to my Spotify peeps, but I’m team Apple.) Trust me, you’ll want these tracks on repeat all weekend.

🍽 A place you have to experience!

Ranked 87th in the world. Not the continent. The world!!!! Stellenbosch’s fire-cooking marvel, VUUR, is officially one of the best steak restaurants on the planet (and one of only two South African eateries on the list). And it only opened 15 months ago.

Chef Shaun Scrooby is playing with fire in all the best ways… think dry-aged cuts grilled over native wood, smoke-kissed desserts and sides that literally arrive sizzling.

It’s not just a meal. It’s a show. A ritual. An ode to what it means to cook with heart.

“Fire cooking isn’t just a trend,” Shaun says. “It’s a return to something visceral and real.”

And he’s not wrong.

This Week’s Friday Five Is Serving Heart, Heat and Hilarious Robots
Photo Credit: Vuur
This Week’s Friday Five Is Serving Heart, Heat and Hilarious Robots
Photo Credit: Vuur

❤ One more thing

To the cynics, the “realists” and everyone convinced that a glass can only be half something… this one’s for you.

I read comments. Not because I’m a glutton for punishment but because I actually enjoy connecting with people. I like the engagement. I love the conversations. Even the spicy ones.

But every now and then, I get a little kak thrown my way. Not always because of what I’ve said but often because people can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves. Most days, I scroll on by. I carry on sharing the good stuff, the hope and the light… because I know what it means to people. I know what it means to me.

But today, I want to pause for a moment.

Because someone out there might need to hear this.

This week, I published a factual story: South Africa has just been ranked one of the best places in the world for British expats to move to. It’s not fluff. It’s not PR spin. It’s real. It happened. Next to Canada and Australia, we are a destination of choice for people from other countries.

That’s some lekker news (for them… and for our tourism… and for our economy). Go South Africa!!! ❤🇿🇦

Almost immediately, someone replied: “Talk about rose-coloured glasses…”

Ja, I get it. I know about those other headlines babe.

I’m not oblivious to the loadshedding, the potholes, the politics, the poverty, the crime, the corruption, the people leaving and the general heaviness we carry on a day-to-day basis.

I live here too. I’m not wearing rose-tinted anything. I’m just choosing to see the whole picture.

And that includes the good.

Because here’s what I’ve learnt after more than a decade of reporting on good news… of digging through the noise to find the light:

1. Two things can be true at the same time.

South Africa has its fair share of challenges. But we also have brilliance, kindness, resilience and joy. Both can exist at the same time. One doesn’t cancel out the other.

2. There is more to our story.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, “There’s a danger in a single story.” And she’s right. If we only ever focus on what’s broken, we forget what’s beautiful. We lose sight of what’s working. We stop believing we can fix what’s not.

3. When the news feels the heaviest, we’re least open to the good.

And that’s when we need it most. Hope doesn’t come knocking with bells and whistles. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s buried. But it’s there. I promise you, it’s there.

4. Good news doesn’t disappear when bad things happen.

It’s not on pause. It doesn’t take a break while the world burns. It keeps unfolding in kindness shared, in lives saved and in small acts of bravery and everyday magic. And some people… the really brave ones, choose to rise even higher when things get hard.

5. There is power in choosing light.

Not ignorance. Not delusion. Choice. To look for the helpers. To notice the good. To hold space for joy, even when the world feels chaotic. That’s not weakness… that’s courage.
One of my FAVOURITE quotes comes from Fred Rogers. I repeat this man’s words on a daily basis. On most Fridays on 702. In every Keynote. And every opportunity I get. It has become my mantra… because it is true.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

I believe that deeply. Because they are always there.

But over time, I’ve added my own little revision.

“And if you can’t find a helper… then it is your responsibility to become one.”

Profound hey?

No… it’s just the truth.

So I won’t stop.

I won’t stop writing about the helpers… the good people doing great things. I won’t stop looking for the light. And I won’t stop dealing in hope.

Because I believe in this country.

I believe in its people.

And I believe that even the smallest good thing can make a big difference.

And maybe, just maybe, if we all started seeing it that way… then that glass wouldn’t be half anything.

For more good news, keep reading Good Things Guy.

Okay. Love you. Bye.

This Week’s Friday Five Is Serving Heart, Heat and Hilarious Robots
Photo Credit: Good Things Guy

Sources: 
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.

Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five | Friday Five

The post This Week’s Friday Five Is Serving Heart, Heat and Hilarious Robots appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/this-weeks-friday-five-is-serving-heart-heat-and-hilarious-robots/feed/ 0
From Potholes to Production Sets: Senekal is Building a New Future! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/from-potholes-to-production-sets-senekal-is-building-a-new-future/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/from-potholes-to-production-sets-senekal-is-building-a-new-future/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 06:25:42 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151201

A few years ago, Senekal was known for unrest. Today, it’s becoming known for unity, purpose… and soon, a whole film industry!   Free State, South Africa (15 May 2025)...

The post From Potholes to Production Sets: Senekal is Building a New Future! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

A few years ago, Senekal was known for unrest. Today, it’s becoming known for unity, purpose… and soon, a whole film industry!

 

Free State, South Africa (15 May 2025) – Senekal in the Free State has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once known for headlines about violence, this rural town is now defined by unity and renewal. Residents have taken it upon themselves to restore crumbling streets, parks and public spaces. And now, their successes are even drawing national attention!

Filmmaker Frans Cronje (brother of late cricketer Hansie Cronje) has announced plans to make Senekal a rural filming hub, betting on the town’s revived spirit and economy. In short, Senekal’s story has flipped from tragedy to something truly inspiring.

Just a few years ago, Senekal was the scene of a dark confrontation. On the 6th of October 2020, the trial of Brendin Horner’s accused killers was held at the local magistrate’s court. Frustrated protesters stormed the courthouse, breaking windows and overturning a police van. They set the vehicle alight, and reports described exchanged gunfire and stun grenades amid the chaos. News coverage at the time graphically captured burning tyres, shattered glass and frightened citizens. The events drew swift condemnation from leaders across South Africa. Police Minister Bheki Cele vowed to arrest the “lawless” attackers, and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola denounced the scenes as an “anarchic”, “inexcusable assault on the rule of law”. Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela and civil rights groups likewise condemned the violence. These tense days of outrage and grief put Senekal on the map but only as a cautionary tale of fear and division.

In Pics - Thousands gather in prayer for Brendin Horner and against farm murders in South Africa! 11
Photo Cred: Isolde Laesecke

Instead of letting the turmoil define them, Senekal’s citizens rallied to rebuild their town. Within weeks a cross-community initiative took shape. A local pastor and civic leaders launched the Senekal/Matwabeng Community Forum to heal divisions and take action. The forum began organising volunteer work teams, farmers and township residents alike, to clean, fix and beautify Senekal together.

As we reported back then, “That ordeal feels like a lifetime ago, and Senekal is rallying together to restore the cracks in their community”.

Some of the key achievements of these volunteers included:

  • Pothole repairs: In the first year they filled over 5,500 potholes in the town’s streets.
  • Public spaces refreshed: Teams repainted playgrounds, fixed damaged road signs, trimmed overgrown gardens and felled unsafe trees.
  • Community clean-ups: They organised joint “clown town” clean-up days, where farmers and township residents cleared trash and rubble. In one event the teams hauled away more than 20 tonnes of debris from the township suburbs.
  • Facility upgrades: The ageing municipal swimming pool and other communal facilities were repaired and renovated by volunteers.
Senekal Community is Rally Together and Restoring Hearts by Restoring Their Town!
Photo Cred: SMCF Facebook Page
Senekal Community is Rally Together and Restoring Hearts by Restoring Their Town!
Photo Cred: SMCF Facebook Page
Photo Cred: SMCF Facebook Page

Frans Cronje, who grew up in the Free State but built a film career in Cape Town, was drawn to Senekal by the town’s comeback.

He says he wanted to make his next film in a rural area, not just to shoot on location but to “build something lasting that could rejuvenate the local economy”.

“Cape Town is a well-known destination for shooting films, but I felt the urge to take my next movie to the rural areas,” he explained.

In 2020 he moved to Senekal and joined the volunteer teams, helping to restore streets and parks with local youth and elders.

Now Cronje is putting action to his vision. He plans to convert an old grain mill into a film studio. Dubbed New Road Studio. His first production is a big-budget gladiator epic set in ancient Rome, chosen both for its appeal and its positive message. This project marks the first step in his broader vision to turn the town into a production hub for Christian-themed films.

Cronje himself emphasises the potential economic lift: building a film industry in Senekal “could have a significant impact on the economy of not just the town but the region,” he says.

In short, the once-sleepy farming town may soon host cameras, sets and crews, bringing new jobs for carpenters, caterers, designers and others.

The excitement is already palpable. Local businesses report more inquiries, and young people say they are considering careers in film and technology for the first time. Cronje’s project has even drawn support from national film bodies looking to diversify South Africa’s production locales. Everywhere you look, the mood in Senekal is upbeat. What began as a handful of volunteers has grown into a movement backed by both faith leaders and civil society.

The town that made headlines for violence is now poised to make headlines for creativity. Residents are already planning local film festivals, training programs and events to showcase Senekal’s revival. In short, the community is writing a joyful new chapter… one defined by resilience, unity and opportunity.

Senekal’s remarkable transformation shows how ordinary people can turn crisis into possibility. The achievements so far are impressive and the road ahead looks brighter than ever.


Sources: Good Things Guy | Business Tech 
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 From Potholes to Production Sets: Senekal is Building a New Future! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/from-potholes-to-production-sets-senekal-is-building-a-new-future/feed/ 0
Profmed’s Season 2 of Savvy with Samke Has Been A Hit With Professionals https://www.goodthingsguy.com/advertorial/profmed-savvy-season-2-success/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/advertorial/profmed-savvy-season-2-success/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:30 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150667

Savvy with Samke season two has been filled with deeply motivational conversations, inspiring not only Profmed clients but general viewers, too! The team is excited about the release of the...

The post Profmed’s Season 2 of Savvy with Samke Has Been A Hit With Professionals appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Savvy with Samke season two has been filled with deeply motivational conversations, inspiring not only Profmed clients but general viewers, too! The team is excited about the release of the season finale today.

 

South Africa (15 May 2025) – Powerful and inspiring conversations were the focus in Season 2 of Profmed’s “Savvy with Samke”; season finale viewers will get to learn valuable lessons about the dos and don’ts of social media. The final episode of Savvy with Samke, released today, focuses on how to build a standout digital identity while avoiding common pitfalls.

Social media lawyer Emma Sadleir and marketing expert Asha Singh share the opportunities and risks of online footprints and how to make smart social media decisions. In an age where almost everything revolves around social media, having the best tools in your personal kit will help you reach new heights.

Much like Emma and Asha’s insights into personal social media skills, season 2 has been an incredible addition to Profmed’s portfolio of support for viewers and professionals alike. With all eight episodes now out, it is evident that the conversations have hit home for South African professionals.

The team celebrated over 80,000 views just on the season trailer, and the rest of the episodes keep growing daily. This season explored subjects that matter most to professionals, including:

  • The hidden pressure behind professional success and how to protect your wellbeing.
  • Real stories of surviving illness, loss, and financial strain, and the tools that helped.
  • Reclaiming your sense of self while raising a family and managing career goals.
  • From classism to gender discrimination and unpacking what still holds professionals back.
  • Should you stay or go? The emotional and practical realities of the emigration decision.
  • How to own your online reputation wisely.

Samke Mhlongo, an award-winning wealth coach and best-selling author, and co-host Charmaine ‘Miss Chaz’ Dube, a dynamic conversationalist and seasoned tech professional, kept guests and audiences engaged throughout the season and have reaffirmed the importance of having these conversations in the first place.

In the professional world, it can often feel like discussing some of the struggles faced in the working environment is taboo, but not anymore! Mental wellness, typical life challenges, and so much more affect us beyond home life, so it is vital to talk about how to balance it all out.

If you missed any of the episodes, you can catch up on all of them on the Profmed YouTube channel.


Sources: Profmed
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 Profmed’s Season 2 of Savvy with Samke Has Been A Hit With Professionals appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/advertorial/profmed-savvy-season-2-success/feed/ 0
From Limpopo to the Nation’s Heart: The Viral Education App Built on R700 And Hope! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/novar-app-from-limpopo-to-the-nations-heart-the-viral-education-app-built-on-r700-and-hope/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/novar-app-from-limpopo-to-the-nations-heart-the-viral-education-app-built-on-r700-and-hope/#comments Mon, 12 May 2025 13:49:24 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150887

Two young men from a tiny Limpopo village just reminded South Africa what’s possible when passion, purpose and a second-hand computer collide. We sat down with the founders of NOVAR....

The post From Limpopo to the Nation’s Heart: The Viral Education App Built on R700 And Hope! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

Two young men from a tiny Limpopo village just reminded South Africa what’s possible when passion, purpose and a second-hand computer collide. We sat down with the founders of NOVAR.

 

Limpopo, South Africa (12 May 2025) – In early May, a heartwarming story from Limpopo captured the nation’s attention. An educational app called NOVAR, developed by two self-taught friends, went viral after a TikTok video by the popular account Cool Story Bru showcased their journey. What happened next was nothing short of inspiring. South Africans rallied together, donating over R160,000 to help the young developers grow their dream.

We sat down with the founders of NOVAR to unpack what their app is all about and what’s happened since their overnight fame.

@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! 🇿🇦

Marvel Shibambu and Malunghelo Mathonsi grew up as best friends in Gumbani, a small, under-resourced village in Limpopo. With no formal training in coding and no proper equipment, they shared a bold vision: to improve education for students like themselves.

“We didn’t even have a computer at first,” Marvel recalls. “We saved up just R700 to buy a second-hand PC and started learning to code from YouTube videos.”

Against all odds, the duo taught themselves programming from scratch and built an app they named NOVAR, aimed at providing free learning resources to high schoolers across South Africa. In just a few months, NOVAR has been downloaded tens of thousands of times by eager learners, proving that their hard work is paying off.

The turning point came when Cool Story Bru, a Cape Town-based content creator known for highlighting uplifting South African stories, shared Marvel and Malunghelo’s journey. The response was instantaneous.

“I actually cannot believe this is happening – we have raised 80,000 rand in 24 hours for the NOVAR app gents!” exclaimed the content creator in a follow-up update.

Donations poured in from across the country as people were moved by the friends’ determination. Within days, the founders’ crowdfunding campaign surpassed R120,000… and it’s now well over R160,000. These funds, they say, will be used to make the app completely free for all learners and to improve the platform’s offerings.

“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 encouragement fuels us to work even harder.”

The friends have even begun speaking with potential partners who could help take NOVAR to the next level. Buoyed by the nation’s enthusiasm, they are more motivated than ever to keep improving South African education one download at a time.

@shibambumarvel1Best time to be a learner I guess. let’s get as many people in to the NOVAR app. amazing announcements coming up this week♬ Clouds – Aitan A.I.

What exactly is the NOVAR App? Despite the viral buzz, NOVAR itself remains humble in its current form. Essentially a social media-style feed filled with educational content that Marvel and Malunghelo curate and upload themselves.

“Think of it like an educational community platform,” Marvel explains. “We have different sections for learners to explore.”

The duo say that the app’s interface is divided into several hubs and features. From “short lessons” to news and events.

“Right now, we upload most of the content ourselves,” Marvel says. “We pull together useful videos or create our own mini-lessons to share. It’s all about making learning fun and accessible.”

Some features are still basic, but the founders have big plans to enrich the content as their user base grows.

South Africa is incredibly fortunate to have a wide range of free educational tools available to learners. From national platforms to grassroots innovations, there’s a growing ecosystem of support. NOVAR joins this inspiring list. Not to compete but to contribute.

Speaking with the NOVAR founders, one thing is abundantly clear: their passion for education is infectious. These self-taught developers have faced down many challenges… from unreliable internet to an ageing second-hand computer, yet they never gave up.

“There were nights we felt stuck or frustrated,” Marvel admits. “But then we’d remember why we started this. We want to help even one kid get a better education. That kept us going.”

Now, with thousands of users and an entire country cheering them on, the duo is looking ahead. They plan to expand NOVAR’s content library, bring on qualified educators and mentors and refine the app’s technology.

“This is just the beginning,” Malunghelo smiles. “We have so many ideas… from adding more subjects and exam prep tools to maybe one day offering live tutoring. The support we’ve received makes us believe all of it is possible.”

For Marvel and Malunghelo, it all comes down to a simple belief.

“Education should never be a privilege; it should be a right,” Marvel says.

Their journey shows what’s possible when innovation meets determination. The app might not transform the education system overnight but it has already brought hope and excitement to students and supporters alike.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from NOVAR’s rise is the reminder that good news can bring people together. At a time when South Africa’s challenges often make headlines, this story of two young men from rural Limpopo, armed with nothing but a dream and a donated computer, has inspired a nation to rally behind them. It’s a story of community, possibility and the power of believing in something good. South Africans have opened their hearts (and wallets) to back Marvel and Malunghelo’s vision. And in turn, these founders are paying it forward by empowering the next generation of learners.

That’s the kind of positive cycle we can all celebrate.

@shibambumarvel1NOVAR: A Revolution Born in the Heart of Limpopo NOVAR is more than just an app—it is a dream, a purpose, and a promise born in the humble village of Gumbani in Malamulele, Limpopo. It was co-founded by Shibambu Mikhongelo Marvel and Malunghelo Mathonsi, two extraordinary young men shaped by their environment but driven by a vision far greater than their circumstances. Growing up in a rural village, Mikhongelo Marvel knew hardship intimately. His school had cracked chalkboards, no science labs, and no stable access to internet or technology. But his spirit was unshakable. He rose above, becoming not only a top learner at his school, but one of the brightest minds in his district and province. Yet, even as he excelled, he watched his classmates fall behind—not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked opportunity. Haunted by the inequality he witnessed, Marvel made himself a quiet promise: no child should ever be left behind simply because of where they were born. NOVAR is the fulfillment of that promise. It’s his way of rewriting not just his own past, but the story of thousands of learners across South Africa. By his side stands Malunghelo Mathonsi, a self-taught software developer with a heart as big as his dreams. From the same dusty village paths, Malunghelo taught himself to code using borrowed devices and public Wi-Fi spots. His love for technology was fueled by one thing: the desire to solve problems that matter. Together, these two visionaries became co-founders of NOVAR. NOVAR is an innovative, online learning platform built to give every learner—no matter their background—access to world-class education. With zero funding, no presence yet on iOS due to limited resources, and against all odds, NOVAR has already crossed 35,000+ downloads on the Google Play Store. The app is being used by over 5,000 active learners daily, many of whom rely on it as their lifeline to learning. But beyond numbers, NOVAR is a movement. A symbol of what can happen when resilience meets purpose. When rural dreams refuse to be silenced. When two village boys dare to believe that they can build a global education giant—from nothing but hope, grit, and faith. Marvel sees NOVAR as more than a business. To him, it’s redemption. It’s healing. It’s a love letter to every forgotten learner, every dusty classroom, and every teacher who tried their best with too little. It’s about giving today’s learners the future he once wished for himself. The journey is just beginning. NOVAR is not just changing education—it’s changing lives.♬ Ordinary – Alex Warren


Sources: Interview with Marvel Shibambu and Malunghelo Mathonsi 
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 From Limpopo to the Nation’s Heart: The Viral Education App Built on R700 And Hope! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/novar-app-from-limpopo-to-the-nations-heart-the-viral-education-app-built-on-r700-and-hope/feed/ 1
From Schoolgirl to Safety Pioneer, Bohlale Mphahlele is Building a Safer SA https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/from-schoolgirl-to-safety-pioneer-bohlale-mphahlele-is-building-a-safer-sa/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/from-schoolgirl-to-safety-pioneer-bohlale-mphahlele-is-building-a-safer-sa/#respond Mon, 12 May 2025 06:05:49 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=150808

At just 16 years old, Bohlale Mphahlele didn’t just dream of a safer South Africa, she built a device that could make it happen.   Limpopo South Africa (12 May...

The post From Schoolgirl to Safety Pioneer, Bohlale Mphahlele is Building a Safer SA appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

At just 16 years old, Bohlale Mphahlele didn’t just dream of a safer South Africa, she built a device that could make it happen.

 

Limpopo South Africa (12 May 2025) – Sometimes, it takes just one spark to ignite a brighter future… and in this case, that spark came from a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Limpopo with a big heart and an even bigger idea.

Bohlale Mphahlele’s incredible story from 2020 is going viral again and for good reason. She didn’t just watch the headlines scroll by. She didn’t accept the status quo. At the height of South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis, while most teens were navigating high school and homework, Bohlale created a device that could save lives.

And five years later, she’s still pushing the limits of what’s possible – turning a brilliant idea into a full-on mission to make South Africa safer.

In 2020, Bohlale was a Grade 11 learner when she saw just how devastating the stats around GBV and human trafficking were. But instead of being paralysed by the scale of the problem, she asked herself: What can I do to help?

And then she did it.

She designed a wearable safety device called the “Alerting Earpiece” – a discreet gadget worn like an ordinary earring that hides extraordinary power. If the wearer finds themselves in danger, they can press a hidden button that instantly sends an alert to pre-set contacts. The device snaps a photo of the perpetrator, pinpoints the victim’s location, and shares it. All in real time.

All from an earring. Let that sink in.

She explained that her goal was to create something small and fast enough to help someone in crisis without them needing to shout or run. It was about giving women and children a fighting chance.

At just 16, Bohlale showed us that courage isn’t about age, it’s about action.

The device quickly captured attention. She presented it at a national science expo and scooped a bronze medal. It made waves on radio stations and news channels, and the then-MEC for Education called her innovation a proud moment for Limpopo. Even global organisations noticed and for good reason.

It wasn’t just that she had built something clever. It was that she cared enough to try. And she wasn’t done yet.

So… What’s She Been Up To Since Then?

Since graduating high school, Bohlale has been steadily turning her idea into a real product. She founded her own company, Mphahlele Alerts (Pty) Ltd, to focus on refining and eventually launching the Alerting Earpiece. At the same time, she’s been studying towards a degree in Information Technology, determined to sharpen her skills and grow her impact. She also joined an innovation programme that supports young women developing solutions for their communities.

She’s walking the walk. Building. Learning. Leading.

Oh… and she’s mentoring other young girls in tech too. Because Bohlale’s story isn’t just about the device. It’s about the ripple effect. The reminder that one good idea, from one passionate person, can move us all forward.

Bohlale Mphahlele is the kind of story we all need more of. A reminder that young people have powerful voices. That tech can be a force for good. That safety, innovation, and hope can come in the shape of something as small as an earring. As her story resurfaces in 2025, it’s not just about celebrating the past, it’s about recognising the future she’s still creating. A new generation is watching, learning and realising what’s possible when you take action.

Quiet heroes like Bohlale remind us that change doesn’t always come from big platforms or powerful people. Sometimes, it starts with a curious mind, a kind heart and the courage to do something about it.


Sources: SABC News | Bohlale Mphahlele 
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 From Schoolgirl to Safety Pioneer, Bohlale Mphahlele is Building a Safer SA appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/from-schoolgirl-to-safety-pioneer-bohlale-mphahlele-is-building-a-safer-sa/feed/ 0
SA Gives a Thumbs Up Commitment to Stop Texting and Driving https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/drivenowtextlater-texting-campaign/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/drivenowtextlater-texting-campaign/#comments Fri, 09 May 2025 14:00:32 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=149335

South Africans are taking the #DriveNowTextLater pledge to reduce their accident risk on the road and maybe win big in the process!   South Africa (09 May 2025) – A...

The post SA Gives a Thumbs Up Commitment to Stop Texting and Driving appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>

South Africans are taking the #DriveNowTextLater pledge to reduce their accident risk on the road and maybe win big in the process!

 

South Africa (09 May 2025) – A thumbs up has so many meanings; it can indicate that you are good or need help in hitching a ride somewhere, but most recently, it has become a pledge to be a safer road user. South Africans are giving a thumbs-up by pledging to stop texting while driving through the Discovery Insure campaign #DriveNowTextLater, in partnership with bp South Africa.

By getting involved, pledgers are not only helping create a nation of safe drivers but are also reducing their accident risk by up to 23%.

Did you know: 5 seconds on your phone at 60km/hr is equivalent to driving the length of a rugby field blind or that 20 seconds of cellphone use increases accident risk by over 60%?

Discovery Insure has done all the research and found that there has been a big increase in accidents because of phone use versus speeding. Thanks to 20 billion kilometres of driving data and more than 500,000 trips logged daily, the team at Discovery Insure knows how to tackle this problem. This is their way of encouraging the public to be better, safer drivers.

“The dangers of texting while driving can’t be overstated. It’s time to make texting while driving socially unacceptable – just like drinking and driving,” says CEO of Discovery Insure, Robert Attwell.

“Our new campaign is about sharing information and helping people develop healthier driving habits,”

The hope is to inspire a cultural shift where texting and driving isn’t acceptable anymore, where being a safe driver is something to aspire to.

So, how exactly can you make the pledge? Visit a bp service station near you and fill up for R600 or more to get your sticker card. Simply place the #DriveNowTextLater sticker on your thumb and take a photo showing your pledge, then encourage your community to do the same by sharing your photo to your social media profiles.

“If one small pledge can prevent one accident, then this campaign will have made a meaningful difference.” -Nokwanda Khumalo, bpSA GM for Mobility & Convenience

How South African drivers can take part:

  • Spend R600 or more at any participating bp service station to qualify before the campaign ends on 13 July 2025.
  • This will get you your thumb sticker.
  • Snap and share a photo of the sticker on your thumb to social media using #DriveNowTextLater to stand to WIN your share of R1 million in cash.

If photos are not your thing – you can also make a digital pledge. Visit the Discovery Insure webpage to find out how and to learn more about the competition.


Sources: Discovery Insure
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 SA Gives a Thumbs Up Commitment to Stop Texting and Driving appeared first on Good Things Guy.

]]>
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/drivenowtextlater-texting-campaign/feed/ 1