From viral laughs to real impact, Gugu Statu isn’t just delivering the #NOOZ… she’s changing how South Africans connect with the headlines.
South Africa (14 May 2025) – This week on Good Things with Brent Lindeque, we laughed. A lot. But more than that, we were reminded, again, of the power of joy, satire, and authenticity to bring us together, especially when the world feels a little upside down.
I had the absolute pleasure of chatting to Gugu Statu, the brilliant mind, voice and sass behind the now-iconic #NOOZ segment that’s taken South African social media by storm. What started out as a fun skit inspired by those infamous “Family Meetings” during COVID has evolved into something far bigger. And far more impactful… than anyone could have imagined.
“People were anxious. They were doom-scrolling. We just needed something to laugh about,” Gugu said.
And so, she took the headlines and flipped them on their head, quite literally, serving up the news with a hilarious twist, a side-eye or two and a whole lot of truth dressed in humour. But #NOOZ isn’t her only alter ego. She has also created Bebe, a character who somehow feels like your best friend, your aunty, your life coach and your hype squad rolled into one. Bebe doesn’t just share the news… she feels it. And if you’re battling to get out of bed, Bebe’s the one reminding you that you’ve survived worse and that today is worth showing up for.
With a solid background in television and production, Gugu is no stranger to storytelling. But what makes her work so special is how rooted it is in love… love for her country, her people and the shared experience of navigating the chaos with a bit of grace and a whole lot of giggles.
And here’s something else worth celebrating: each episode of the podcast/vidcast/vodcast is now being streamed over half a million times. That’s massive! And it’s only happening because of you. So thank you. Seriously. Every listen, every share, every kind comment, you’ve helped make this what it is. And a big thank you to Nando’s for lighting a flame in what we do, with their generous sponsorship of the 2025 season. Your support has made it possible for us to keep telling good stories, to keep shining a light, and to keep making South Africans proud.
Watch the vidcast/vodcast below or listen to the podcast on your preferred platform. Your day is about to get a whole lot better.
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