“This is a fantastic example of a community coming together.” After a whopping 72 puppies were discovered in a small area in the Free State, the Cluny Animal Trust knew it was only a matter of time before that number exploded. Understanding that sterilisation is imperative to prevent dogs in poverty, the community have come together in a big way to help with a fantastic vacation raffle.

Rosendal, South Africa (29 May 2025) — Whilst doing outreach earlier this month, the Eastern Free State-based Cluny Animal Trust discovered a boom of puppies in a small town. This set off sirens of concern as a dog over-population crisis looms for the Mautse community in Rosendal.

A total of 72 puppies, most being female. This means that there will be more puppy booms to come if sterilisation action isn’t taken. Should the situation go unchecked, animal poverty is likely to rise given the size of Mautse and its limited capacity to care for the dogs.

The answer? Sterilisation. The solution? Community.

Sterilisations are no freebies, and the Cluny Animal Trust needs to raise a small fortune to help the animal population get under control again. Thankfully, the dog moms have been sterilised.

In fantastic news, Imogen Tarita of the Cluny Animal Trust tells Good Things Guy that the Rosendal community have already banded together to help raise the necessary funds by organising a travel raffle.

Hand-in-hand with the non-profit, people have come together to raise the R36,000 by way of a weekend trip raffle in the artist town of Rosendal.

The raffle boasts a 3 night stay at a local country retreat, dinner, breakfast, a sunset experience at Holkrans and even a picnic from PotLuck! It’s the perfect getaway for two.

With raffle tickets going for only R200, those entering can look forward to not only a unique travel experience in a gorgeous part of the Free State, but also knowing that they have contributed to animal wellbeing nearby.

Those keen to support the community and the Cluny Animal Trust can enter by emailing imogen@clunyanimaltrust.co.za. The draw date is 31 August and there are only 180 tickets available, so get them quick!

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A post shared by Cluny Animal Trust (@cluny_animal_trust)

Sources: Imogen Tarita 

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Koru Camp just doubled its reach, bringing thousands of children and elders face to face with the wildlife on their doorsteps and inspiring the next generation to fall in love with nature and to protect it.

Greater Kruger, South Africa (29 May 2025) – One of my favourite traditions when entering the Kruger National Park is to play the ‘first animal game’. Everyone picks the animal they hope to see first, and the person who spots it wins. I am a champion at this game, winning it almost every time we visit. It is such a simple thing and yet, it makes me one of the very few privileged people who gets to do it. Hundreds of thousands of people who live on the outskirts of the park don’t have the opportunity to experience the joys of spotting the first animal. But at Koru Camp, that’s changing!

Koru Camp was founded by Peter Eastwood in 2022 as a way to connect children and gogos in the Greater Kruger to the wildlife that they live so very close to. Corné Havenga joined Peter as the CEO in 2023, helping drive the idea to invite local NPOs and school groups to stay at the Big Five camp, where they get to immerse themselves in nature, guided by trained rangers and trackers, who teach them all the wonders of the wild world.

They get to stay overnight in comfortable tents, listening to the hyena laugh as the lions roar in the distance. The children are shown how richly their heritage is intertwined with the animals being protected by the high electric fences.

This connection, from a young age, is the hope for conservation in the future as these bright young minds learn just how important it is to protect the animals, to bring an end to poaching and to celebrate the harmony of human life and animal life. They are destined to become the conservationists of our future.

Koru Camp Launches Revamped Educational Facility to Deepen Community Conservation

Koru Camp is unveiling its newly renovated, off-grid facility on the 3rd of June 2025. With over R13 million invested, the upgrades will allow the camp to double its reach, hosting over 2,000 local beneficiaries per year. The improvements include solar-powered infrastructure, new classrooms, improved accommodation, and a medicinal garden.

The camp, the first of its kind in the region, is celebrating this relaunch and hopes to make an even greater impact in the surrounding communities.

The relaunch event will feature local entertainment, art showcases from the children who will benefit from the camp, and a special appearance by explorer Kingsley Holgate. Koru’s mission is simple: to inspire a love for nature because people protect what they understand and cherish.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of Peter Eastwood, who, like so many before him, visited South Africa and fell deeply in love with its people, its wild spaces and the spirit of Ubuntu. Peter, a New Zealand businessman, first took action when he heard the plight of the Rhino in 2007. He was driven to act and started raising funds to support anti-poaching units.

Through his work, he realised that lasting impact comes not only from fighting poachers but through conservation education and connecting people to the animals and environment around them; that change requires a widespread shift in perspectives through education, inclusion, and firsthand experiences in nature. He saw that people protect what they love, and love comes from understanding and experiences.

Peter has committed a great deal to making Koru Camp a meaningful success. His private camp, Sashwa – River of Stars, known for its tranquillity, is a retreat like no other in the Limpopo region. It offers a connection to nature for guests and those looking to take part in green tourism that truly makes a difference. The camp, which boasts a fully plant-based menu (Koru has a vegetarian menu), hosts yoga sessions on its deck, overlooking the beautiful bush. It connects people who want to make meaningful travel choices, knowing the money they spend goes back into the community.

Since launching Sashwa in November 2024, Peter has committed 100% of its profits to the running of Koru Camp, making both camps all the more meaningful, not only through the educational elements, but through employment too. Both camps are rooting themselves deep within the fabric of the community, determined to make a difference that lasts.

You can learn more about Sashwa and their exclusive launch rates here, and as for Koru Camp, you can find out how to support the initiative here. Each has a unique story to tell, but one is not whole without the other.

Sources: GTG Interview

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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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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

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After battling a life-threatening bacterial illness, which saw him spend nearly 200 days in the hospital, Greg Bertish’s journey of recovery was fuelled by optimism and a deep connection to the ocean. This resilience, born from his own fight for survival, transformed into a powerful mission to help many young lives.

Cape Town, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Author, adventurer and founder of The Little Optimist Trust, Greg Bertish, is one of those individuals who, after hearing their story, makes you stop and ponder at how unattainable the human spirit truly is.

Back in 2007, Greg spent nearly 200 days in the hospital battling a life-threatening bacterial illness, which, after being misdiagnosed and operated on several times, he thankfully overcame.

Through optimism and his love for the ocean, the multiple heart surgery survivor found a way to survive and reclaim his life in a profound way that has touched countless lives throughout the years.

In 2016, he undertook an extraordinary challenge to sail in a tiny children’s dinghy over 200km in the open ocean, 1km for every day he spent in the hospital.

His mission was to prove that small people can do huge things, a message that has resonated with countless patients, children and supporters. He raised over R300,000 for the new ICU at the Red Cross Children’s Memorial Hospital. That effort later resulted in raising over R1 million to renovate and paint the unit.

The Little Optimist Trust, led by Greg, now renovates and paints under-resourced health and education facilities all over South Africa.

Beyond structural revamps, the organisation brings hope to children in hospitals, shelters, and disadvantaged communities by using sailing therapy, storytelling and educational support to instil resilience, confidence and the ability to dream beyond their circumstances.

During a recent conversation on the Our Voice, Our Future podcast by Breadline Africa, Greg spoke about how the ocean was his lifeline, as a young boy who was often bullied, a Springbok paddleboarder and as a survivor of a life-threatening illness.

“Everything good in my life has come from a link to the ocean or the water,” he said.

Helping little people do huge things

Today, he uses what helped him heal to heal others – sailing as a therapeutic tool to children in under-resourced communities, instilling resilience, confidence and the ability to dream beyond their circumstances.

Greg has found that sailing transcends all socio-economic factors for children of different backgrounds. Whether they are facing a serious illness, poverty at home or bullying at school, when they’re in the dinghy, they gain new skills, self-confidence, independence and pride through accomplishment.

His advice to youngsters going through rough patches, difficult circumstances, or just trying to find their feet is rooted in believing in themselves.

“There is no one person, there is no one place. There is nothing that says you are not as good as someone else. Don’t worry about why you are not as good as other people. You will find something that you are better at than all of them.

“And if you believe and you don’t give up on your dreams however silly they might seem, follow what you love doing and realise how special you are, one day you’ll do something that you love, its going to benefit you and your life is going to be so much better and more enriched.”

Sources: Breadline Africa | The Little Optimist Trust

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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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Ten teens are coming together, using sport to powerfully rewrite the narrative that is often told about the youth of Lamontville. With fire and determination, they’re ready to make waves at the highly anticipated Oceans 8 Charity Swim.

Durban, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Sport is paving the way for a promising future for 10 passionate young swimmers in the heart of Durban’s Lamontville township as they prepare to realise their shared dream of competing in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim in June.

The six boys and four girls from LSA have been training, hoping for the opportunity to compete in this open-water swim that will not only test their sporting limits but also enhance their mental and physical well-being.

Thanks to funding from the Balwin Foundation, the 10 competitors from Lamontville Swimming Academy (LSA) will get to dive into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the high-profile, open water swim taking place at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club.

The swimming event presents a unique opportunity for each child, with the competition building confidence in young swimmers, as well as exposing them to further sponsorship and upliftment opportunities.

From Township Pool to Ocean Challenge

Life in Lamontville is characterised by various challenges such as crime, drug abuse, and unemployment. However, LSA offers a beacon of hope for the township community by teaching swimming skills and nurturing young talent.

An anonymous donation in 2024 enabled four LSA swimmers to participate in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim for the first time as part of the Youth Development Swimmers Programme. The story of these swimmers captured the hearts of many and led to generous gear donations from Arena South Africa, as well as greater visibility for the Academy’s mission.

“As a coach, it’s been inspiring to work with such a dedicated group in our swimming club. These young swimmers are showing real character, training hard, and aiming high. Some have already competed and done incredibly well. We all share the same vision, to grow in the sport, compete on big stages, and represent our community with pride,” commented Coach Lungisani Zulu.

“We’ve already produced many lifeguards serving across Durban’s beaches, but my dream is to one day see the first swimmer from our community stand on the Olympic podium. With support from Oceans 8, Arena, Balwin Foundation NPC and our local leaders, we’re building something powerful.”

With the 2025 event fast approaching, Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Nicci Carvalho, said she was excited to host swimmers from the LSA again this year and is incredibly grateful for the support toward their Youth Development Swimmers Programme.

“Together, we’re opening up opportunities and creating real change – in and out of the water.”

Sources: Supplied

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Against their will, Grace and Thomas Khumalo’s braai area turned into an Airbnb for owls in what has become a hilarious series of events that has seen the same owl family come back to the braai time and time again.

Gauteng, South Africa (29 May 2025) — The first time the Khumalo’s realised they were unknowingly running an Airbnb for Owls, it was a bit of a drama and an event; Thomas and Grace Khumalo thought it would be a one-time thing.

In May last year, it was revealed that the Khumalo’s built-in braai had been chosen by a breeding pair of Barn Owls as the perfect accommodation to raise their fledglings. None-the-wiser, the human couple were caught completely off guard when they discovered the feathered family (it’s not every day three owls choose your braai to nest, after all).

Enter wildlife rescuer and accidental owl concierge Shawn Hefer.

As the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center recall, Shawn arrived to help both families and “with the air of someone who’s opened one too many owl filled ovens, Shawn calmly approached the braai door. The moment he opened it, one of the three owls launched itself into the room in a flurry of wings and indignation.”

Shawn caught the owl carefully while a shocked Grace watched the scene unfold.

Eventually, the owls were taken to their new (and far more fitting accommodation) at the Owl Rescue Centre.

However, this was not the last the Khumalo’s would see of their owl guests. Fast forward to this year, and guess who came back for another stay in the braai?

“The same feathered squatters, clearly feeling nostalgic (or just opportunistic), returned for round two after discovering the chimney was still blissfully unmeshed. (Hey.. If it ain’t blocked, why stop the flock)?” The South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center shared.

This time, a teen owl (a young fledgling) had made himself at home, and Shawn once again got the Khumalo’s call.

This rescue was an easier effort as Shawn set the fledging on the ground and watched him fly off into the sunset.

But, he’d clearly given the braai a five-star review, as just a few weeks later, another female fledging popped by!

“When the third owl-related WhatsApp lit up on Shawn Hefer’s phone, he didn’t even blink. He just burst out laughing. Of course it was Grace and Thomas. Of course it was another Barn owl in their braai. (At this stage, we’re considering a loyalty card)!” The South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center commented.

Hot on the case again, the owl was carefully moved from her accommodation and into the rehabilitation centre’s clinic to join other fledglings.

The urgency to mesh the area had never been more clear to the Khumalo’s.

As the SA Wildlife Rehabilitation Center share in reference to meshing the chimney,

“Thomas, with a weary smile and the haunted look of a man who’s learned the hard way that owls will be back, promised to sort it out.”

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

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Running for a reason! SPCA legend Sarah Van Heerden and her daughter Alex are dedicating the Ultimate Human Race to pavement specials.

Kloof, South Africa (29 May 2025) — The Kloof and Highway SPCA’s Sarah Van Heerden is a champion of underdogs. While you might think all shelter pets are underdogs, there are still levels to underdogship. Some dogs get adopted quickly, while others wait for months if not years, simply because they’re pavement specials or senior animals.

But Sarah and her daughter, Alex want to change the narrative around these invisible animals while giving them a boost, and they’re using the Ultimate Human Race as a means to spread their message on behalf of the entire SPCA team.

Sarah is no stranger to pushing her body to extremes for the betterment of animals. Last year, she cycled an incredible 1,600kms over a weekn in the Western Cape to raise funds for forgotten animals and managed to fundraise over R120 000 for the SPCA and its services.

How will she fare at the Comrades? Well, this is her 14th time doing it!

Sarah and Alex will run specifically for the pavement specials in an effort to support sterilisations. Sarah hopes to make 60 sterilisations possible, which will cost around R30,000.

“Every Comrades runner matters, just as every animal in our community matters,” Sarah says.

“I am a below average, untalented jogger, I am just another runner, but if my finish counts for anything, let it be a finish making a different to JUST another brown dog.”

You can support Sarah and Alex via their fundraiser, here. 

Sources: Kloof and Highway SPCA 

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With unprecedented challenges in the current economic climate, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital faces a crisis in keeping afloat while meeting the demands of vulnerable wildlife needing urgent medical care.

Johannesburg, South Africa (29 May 2025) – A lot is happening in the world, and it saddens our hearts to learn that the suspension of foreign assistance to South Africa has affected those who need all the support to, in turn, help the voiceless and vulnerable.

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) is facing a serious financial crisis as a result of these unforeseen changes in the economy.

“We’ve been forced to dip into our emergency reserves just to keep our doors open.

“Meanwhile, the number of wild animals needing urgent medical care continues to grow,” JWVH said in a post.

JWVH has been a lifeline for countless wildlife animals that have found themselves in situations requiring emergency intervention.

Having celebrated eight years of existence and impact in March of this year, JWVH has done incredible work saving and rehabilitating pangolins, raising Aardwolves, healing porcupettes, mending snakes, and educating us about mole rats and all the other magnificent creatures!

The one-of-a-kind non-profit treats indigenous animals for free, and therefore relies heavily on donations to keep doing the good work they do.

Amid the current wave of uncertainty, the veterinary hospital’s dedicated team is doing all they can, but without support, many wildlife and their well-being will be in jeopardy.

“If you can support us through a donation, a sponsorship, or by connecting us with someone who might be able to help, please reach out.

“Every contribution, even simply sharing this post, makes a difference,” the JWVH team appealed.

To help this organisation continue to rescue, rehabilitate and give wild animals a second chance, donate to their PayFast, PayPal or Snapcan channels or using the banking details below:

Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account: 62658400264
Branch Code: 255355
​Swift code: FIRNZAJJ

Sources: Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

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After a little African Penguin and the unborn baby she’d been carrying were hit by a car in Simon’s Town, alarm bells raised for drivers to be more cautious. Thankfully, the penguin has successfully recovered.

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — In March, a little African penguin was waddling at night when she was hit by a car in Simon’s Town (AKA, Penguin Town).

Luckily, a Simons Town local spotted the penguin’s trouble and quickly got the injured seabird out of the road and away from further harm’s way.

The penguin was taken to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) who care for seabirds in any and all realms of distress. Here, she became known as AP243 as her road to recovery began.

Following medication and X-rays, it was revealed that AP243 had actually been carrying an egg; her baby waiting to be laid.

After over a month of steady recovery work, SANCCOB has announced that not only has AP243 made a remarkable recovery, but she was also released!

Despite the many cheers for AP243 as she waddled away freely, sombre energy was also present as her egg, although laid, did not survive.

“We don’t know if AP243 will ever be able to carry another egg. We don’t know what the long-term effects of this trauma will be. And with the African Penguin population as low as it is, we simply can’t afford to lose a single breeding female,” the SANCCOB team said.

The recovery of AP243 is a reminder that incidents like seabirds being hit by a car simply shouldn’t happen. Conservationists are loudly calling for caution from motorists who find themselves in or near penguin-populated areas like Simons Town, especially as the seabird is classed as Critically Endangered.

“These seabirds cross roads to reach the ocean, and your caution could be the difference between life and death for them,’ SANCCOB said.

The same is true for all animals that have and continue to adapt to urbanisation in areas they either have always called home or those that they’ve been pushed toward due to the human-influenced spoiling of their natural surroundings. Animals like caracals, too, face great threats from cars, and efforts as simple as paying extra attention or slowing down for these animals are worth far more than being a few minutes late for wherever you’re heading.

Sources: Supplied

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The Grace Factory is embarking on its most ambitious endeavour yet, and it is all to support vulnerable mothers and their newborns.

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 May 2025) – Mandela Day is around the corner – a day dedicated to extending compassion and goodwill. It is a time that truly pulls on hearts and inspires communities to make a difference wherever possible, all in honour of our beloved hero, uTata.

At the heart of this movement, down at The Grace Factory, where volunteers pour their hearts into supporting moms and babies, this year’s Mandela Day sets up the stage for their biggest packing day yet!

On 19 July 2025, The Grace Factory is aiming to pack an ambitious 1,500 maternity packs in one day across three cities (Johannesburg, Durban and Vanderbijlpark) for vulnerable mothers and their tiny tots!

“This large-scale event aims to bring together individuals, organisations, and communities to celebrate the spirit of giving and service.

“This is one of our most significant efforts to date, and to make it a success, we need broad support from our communities,” says Sarah Cressey.

The Grace Factory team is known for bringing warm waves of kindness to public hospital maternity wards and anywhere else there is a need.

To make this big goal a reality, the organisation is actively collecting and accepting donations of newborn-sized clothing, beanies, socks, and receiving blankets, as well as wet wipes, sanitary pads and financial donations.

“Your donation, of any amount, will go directly toward funding the contents of these maternity packs.

“If many individuals contribute, we can reach our goal and touch 1,500 lives in a single day,” Sarah adds.

Packing day venues will be announced closer to the date. To get involved and show a little compassion to some mamas and their babas, pop an email to info@thegracefactory.co.za or ellouise@thegracefactory.co.za.

Sources: The Grace Factory

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