Lifestyle Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/lifestyle/ Thu, 29 May 2025 16:13:51 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Lifestyle Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/lifestyle/ 32 32 Where Conservation Meets Connection, Koru Camp Starts a Bold New Chapter https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/koru-camp-launches-new-facility/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/koru-camp-launches-new-facility/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 14:00:34 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151896

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...

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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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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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Watch: Adorable Toddler Greeting Everyone on the Train Goes Viral https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/toddler-greets-everyone-train/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/toddler-greets-everyone-train/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 15:00:40 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152545

In an adorable video that has amassed over 23 million views, a happy toddler made it his mission to greet everyone on a train in Cape Town. Of all the...

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In an adorable video that has amassed over 23 million views, a happy toddler made it his mission to greet everyone on a train in Cape Town. Of all the passengers there, social anxiety certainly wasn’t one of them!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — Despite the colder weather, hearts were warmed in a big way in Cape Town thanks to a charismatic toddler on a mission to make public transport his own personal meet and greet. There might’ve been many passengers onboard that day, but social anxiety certainly wasn’t one of them!

In the video, the toddler marches through seating areas to wave and greet those already seated with a joyful “hello guys” and a warm wave.

The act, as simple and pure as it was, moved millions of people. In fact, the video has amassed over 23 million views; earning 4.2 million likes.

Watch: Toddler Greets Everyone on the Train

@othembelepumane“Hello guys”🤣 Every chance he gets he greets 🤣

♬ original sound – Othembele

But, it wasn’t just the adorableness of it all that touched people. It was also the concept of what it means to greet another human, and how the art of greeting is slowly waning; making moments like Mr Hello Guys’ all the more special.

Some viewers shared that he ‘changed the atmosphere’ that day, while others humorously shared that “social anxiety is scared of him’ and that ‘he made someone’s day’.

Even PRASA commented on the video sharing “best train mood ever”, while Lipton Ice Tea said “he’s got better social skills than me”.

His mom, Othembele, shared that this is a common activity for her toddler who simply loves going out of his way to connect with people.

“He even asks how are they doing, I’d be standing next to him like his bodyguard,” she laughs.

We’re not sure if there’s a future CEO, Ted Talker or President in our midst!


Sources: TikTok
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

 

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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....

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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 
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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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Drama Students Perform Their Hearts Out to Support Rivers Foundation! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/drama-students-perform-support-rivers-foundation/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/drama-students-perform-support-rivers-foundation/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 09:31:06 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152286

Twelve hours of non-stop performance. That’s what it took for a dedicated group of drama students to transform their love for the arts into a powerful charity challenge. Every song,...

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Twelve hours of non-stop performance. That’s what it took for a dedicated group of drama students to transform their love for the arts into a powerful charity challenge. Every song, dance, and dramatic moment was a step towards giving back and making a real difference for underserved communities.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 May 2025) – In an incredibly inspiring display of using their talents for good, a group of 26 dedicated students and their three coaches from a local performing arts studio, Upstage Concepts, took centre stage for a cause close to their hearts on Thursday, 16 May.

Together, they committed to a 12-hour performing arts marathon, which ran from 18.30 pm to 6.30 am. Their epic night of singing, dancing, acting, and improvisation at the studio raised over R75,000 in donations for the Rivers Foundation, showcasing their passion for the arts and their powerful commitment to making a difference.

Family, friends, and members of the wider community rallied behind the initiative, sponsoring the young performers and donating goods that will go directly to those in need through the Rivers Foundation’s outreach programmes.

Expressing her pride in the students was Head Coach Jill Avis, who ran the event alongside two other dedicated coaches.

“These are amazing drama students who love to perform, and they wanted to use their talents and passion to help others. It’s been truly heartwarming to see how committed they were to giving back.”

The Rivers Foundation, known for its work supporting vulnerable communities with food, education, and healthcare, will distribute the donated items in the coming weeks.

This event highlighted the power of the arts to bring people together and demonstrated how young people can be leaders in creating positive change.

The studio hopes to make the charity challenge an annual tradition, proving that when creativity meets compassion, the results can be truly remarkable!


Sources: Supplied
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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Jenic’s Journey: Serendipity, Heroes and Patrysberg Farm  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/jenics-journey-serendipity-heroes-and-patrysberg-farm/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/jenics-journey-serendipity-heroes-and-patrysberg-farm/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 06:30:23 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152041

A non-profit’s after school club ignited a love of learning in Jenic of Patrysberg Farm. After getting her degree (and becoming the first in her family to do so) serendipity...

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A non-profit’s after school club ignited a love of learning in Jenic of Patrysberg Farm. After getting her degree (and becoming the first in her family to do so) serendipity struck when she saw a job advertisement to work at the very same place that nurtured her own passions!

 

Citrusdal, South Africa (26 May 2025) — When 23-year-old Jenic was still growing up on Patrysberg Citrus Farm in Citrusdal, she got to learn about more than just nurturing the land.

In primary school, Jenic joined non-profit the Pebbles Project’s After-School Club where her love of learning grew and grew.

The Pebbles Project is all about uplifting children and families from farming communities in the Western Cape.

It was at the After-School Club that Jenic really got to hone in on certain passions, like the arts and computer literacy. And, it was also here that she met some of her first heroes like the SEP practitioners who made a big impression on her.

This wholesome foundation led Jenic to become the first in her family to earn a degree after she finished studying a Bachelor of the Arts at the University of the Western Cape later on in life.

It was during her studies that her dreams started to sharpen.

“I always enjoyed helping other children at the After-School Club on the farm… While I was studying, it all just clicked, I realised I wanted to work with children and become a teacher.”

After getting her Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a serendipitious moment struck.

She saw a job advertisement that was for an SEP Educator and Trainer at the very same After-School Club that helped her own education journey flourish!

“When I saw the job post, I didn’t hesitate,” Jenic shares. “It felt like the perfect way to give back to the children in my community.”

Today Jenic works hard to mentor the learners on Patrysberg farm and give them the same safe and inspiring environment that once shaped her.

“I feel so thankful. I’ve seen how tough things are for children in my community, how they can feel defeated, and I’ve seen how Pebbles helps them broaden their skills and dream bigger. Pebbles changed my life. Pebbles made me want to learn, to rise above my circumstances, and now I want to help others do the same.”


Sources: Liesl Ahlers 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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Cancer Survivor’s Celebration Unites Strangers in a Heartfelt Feast of Life https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/cancer-survivor-celebration-unites-strangers/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/cancer-survivor-celebration-unites-strangers/#respond Sun, 25 May 2025 06:00:15 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151782

An inspiring cancer survivor, Vanessa Perumal, has touched our hearts after celebrating 5 years of being cancer-free by opening her home and her heart to strangers touched by her journey...

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An inspiring cancer survivor, Vanessa Perumal, has touched our hearts after celebrating 5 years of being cancer-free by opening her home and her heart to strangers touched by her journey or navigating their own challenges.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 May 2025) – It’s been a remarkable five years since cancer survivor, Vanessa Perumal, fought her bravest battle. Though she may have lost her vocal cords, she discovered how deeply communication and connection extend beyond words.

Vanessa chose to celebrate five years of being cancer-free in one of the most unconventional yet profound ways, by opening her home to strangers.

With a spontaneous invitation sent across diverse channels just 36 hours before her celebration on 13 May, Vanessa soon found herself breaking bread, celebrating the gift of life and good health among nearly three dozen people, some of whom she had never even met before.

In a video, Vanessa showcased how her home became the warmest and most inviting space for people, either touched by her journey or going through their own struggles and needing some form of human support.

“Humans deserve and need each other, not just virtually but also meeting in real life, Vanessa shared in her post.

Reflecting on the special night, which touched her soul far deeper than she had imagined it would, Vanessa said the experience revealed five profound lessons to her:

  1. Strangers will show up for you
  2. Community is right next door
  3. Memories matter. Create them in real life
  4. COVID-19 left scars we sometimes forget
  5. Food, laughter, and love are universal healers

“I’m dreaming now of bringing more people together—those who prayed for me, supported me, and even those I’ve yet to meet. Because life is precious, and community is everything,” Vanessa shares.

Vanessa’s unexpectedly beautiful evening offers a heartwarming reminder of how precious life is and how the intangible and invaluable moments it so generously offers are those to cherish the most.

So, why not share a meal with someone special, extend an act of kindness or try something completely out of your comfort zone to make your soul (or someone else’s) smile a little?


Sources: Vanessa Perumal
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

 

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Reclaiming Hillbrow… One Parade at a Time! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/reclaiming-hillbrow-one-parade-at-a-time/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/reclaiming-hillbrow-one-parade-at-a-time/#respond Sun, 25 May 2025 05:56:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=152086

From hijacked buildings to street art dreams, Saturday’s Hillbrow parade flipped the script on what this neighbourhood is known for… with joy, music, and community taking centre stage.   Johannesburg,...

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From hijacked buildings to street art dreams, Saturday’s Hillbrow parade flipped the script on what this neighbourhood is known for… with joy, music, and community taking centre stage.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 May 2025) – Something magical unfolded in the heart of Johannesburg yesterday. On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the streets of Hillbrow transformed into a living, breathing storybook, a playful, soulful celebration of art, community and transformation.

And this year, a new chapter was added: the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) joined the joyous chaos of the “Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala!” parade, bringing a whole new layer of meaning to what it means to reclaim space, dignity and dreams.

The streets of Hillbrow, a tough downtown Johannesburg district more famous for its hijacked buildings, poverty and raging crime, came alive on this sunny Saturday morning as hundreds joined in a joyful street parade mixing music, art and performances.

It felt like a joyful rebellion against the narrative the world often tells about this place… and a vibrant reminder of the beauty that still lives here.

Reclaiming Hillbrow... One Parade at a Time!
Photo Credit: Mark Straw from Hey Hillbrow 2024. | Supplied

“Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala!” is not a new kid on the block. The event has been a yearly happening since 1990, a long-standing tradition of movement, music and imagination in a part of the city that often gets left out of stories worth celebrating. This year’s parade, however, was reimagined and curated with fresh magic by Shade Brixon director Tamzyn Botha, whose vision gave the event new colour and momentum.

“This wasn’t just a parade. It was a time-travelling love letter to Johannesburg, its past, its imagined futures and the vibrant pulse of its right-now.”

The spectacle, inspired by the life and work of public art warrior Lesley Perkes, took over the streets with music, colour and a sense of mischievous hope that was downright contagious. Lesley, who passed away in 2015, dreamt of a Hillbrow that danced with light and imagination. Those who loved her, and even those who never knew her but felt her spirit in the city’s heartbeat, have kept that dream alive, one joyful step at a time.

Together with a host of incredible local organisations – Dlala Nje, Dlamini Foundation, Johannesburg Society for the Blind, Innovation of Excellence, Lefika La Phodiso, Fight with Insight, MES and more – they brought the city to life in full technicolour.

It was bold. It was brave. And it was beautiful.

To all the organisers, supporters, artists, musicians, and dreamers who made it happen, thank you for reminding us that joy can be radical, and play can be powerful.

Hillbrow, you dazzled us. Let’s do it again next year.

Reclaiming Hillbrow... One Parade at a Time!
Photo Credit: Mark Straw from Hey Hillbrow 2024. | Supplied

Sources: Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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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...

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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 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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The Friday Five Is Here: And It’s Full of Movies, Music And Magic Moments https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/the-friday-five-is-here-and-its-full-of-movies-music-and-magic-moments/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/the-friday-five-is-here-and-its-full-of-movies-music-and-magic-moments/#respond Sat, 24 May 2025 04:30:23 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151821

I saw aliens, explosions and emotional breakdowns (all before Monday) and now I’m bringing it all to you in this week’s Friday Five (even though it’s Saturday).   South Africa...

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I saw aliens, explosions and emotional breakdowns (all before Monday) and now I’m bringing it all to you in this week’s Friday Five (even though it’s Saturday).

 

South Africa (23 May 2025) – Fridays have a kind of magic to them, don’t they? That feeling of the week winding down, of exhaling just a little deeper, and if you’re lucky, that first sip of something cold or hot as you toast yourself for surviving another five-day rollercoaster.

But around here, Friday means something extra special… it means The Friday Five.

This is your ultimate guide to the things that are bringing joy, spark and flavour into my world… and maybe they’ll do the same for yours. From the big screen to your living room screen, from fresh new tracks to cosy getaways, and of course, a little reminder that kindness costs nothing but means everything… this is the good stuff.

You see, over the years, I’ve been incredibly lucky. I get invited to movie premieres before the general public sees the trailer. I get sent screeners of series not even on local platforms yet. I’ve walked through the doors of restaurants so new they’re still printing the menu. And because of this wild job I get to call my life, I wanted a place to share it all with you.

That place is The Friday Five… my happy little corner to gush, rave, recommend and ramble about all the lekker things worth your time.

So… let’s dive into what’s making me feel all the good things this week:

🎬  Movies you need to see! Friday Five | Friday Five

🕵🏻‍♂️ Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

I went to watch the new Mission Impossible last week.

But let me be completely honest… I was there for the salt-and-vinegar popcorn. And to hang out with friends. Not for the actual movie.

Mon invited me. And if you know Mon, you know… you don’t say “no” to Mon. She’s a little bit Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. but with Portuguese fire, some Spanish flair and a whole lot of South African spice. We grew up together in the South. That woman would quite literally knife me for missing her call.

And this was serious. She’d lined up a babysitter and made plans (on a Saturday nogal) so when she said “Let’s go,” I just nodded and said “Yes, boss.”

I digress.

I have absolutely no clue how this franchise has managed to drag itself through 8 movies over 3 decades, racking up nearly 20 hours of runtime.

TWENTY HOURS.

Of Tom Cruise doing Tom Cruise.

It’s outrageous. It’s over the top. Implausible. And downright silly.

And yet… I had the best bladdy time.

It’s like adrenaline injected directly into your eyeballs. I found myself literally slapping my thighs and shouting, “Ag no, come on now! There’s no way it gets more hectic…”

But then it does.

And I think it’s exactly what movies are supposed to be. Escapism. A bit of ridiculousness. A visual “feast” that lets you forget about your to-do list for a few hours.

The stunts are insane. The action is relentless.

And South Africa being a main feature was so flipping lekker.

Look, they mashed up Blyde River Canyon, the Drakensberg and what felt like a sprinkle of Wild Coast in one scene, which is hella confusing for us and makes no sense geographically but it was still a beautiful nod to our gorgeous landscape. And no one will really know it’s not the same place. They’ll just think what I was thinking… that scenery was chef’s kiss.

It was a Saturday. The IMAX was packed. People were clapping, laughing and even squealing out loud. At one point, when they mentioned “Cape of Good Hope, our neighbour shouted out “YES MAN”.

I giggled.

And as the credits rolled, I walked out smiling. Full popcorn heart. Full friendship cup. Not knifed. And one hundred percent fully entertained.

Mission Impossible is a silly franchise. But it is so much fun.

Go watch it (preferably in IMAX).

Now in Cinemas.

🌺 Lilo & Stitch (Live Action Remake)

The reviews for the new live-action Lilo & Stitch are streaming in… and ja, some of them are not so lekker.

The Guardian gave it one star. Vulture tore it apart. The AV Club called it “dreadful.” Even Variety said the magic is gone.

But I disagree.

I went to the South African premiere last week, and from the second I arrived, I could tell this wasn’t your usual red carpet night. The venue was filled with the who’s who… and their little ones.

Tiny tots all in tow.

I sat in the theatre and watched the new remake in the eyes (and loudest sounds) of the kids around me. Every moment hit perfectly. Just like it did for me when I was a kid. The kids were giggling. And screaming at the screen.

The oooohhhhss. The aaaahhhhss. And the tears.

By the end, the kids were all clapping.

It made them feel something.

At its core, Lilo & Stitch is about broken people finding each other and choosing to stay. It’s messy and loud and totally imperfect. But it’s about love anyway. It’s about how family isn’t just who you’re born to, it’s who shows up and sticks around.

“Ohana means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”… and that’s the real heart of the story.

And the heart is definitely there.

Lilo & Stitch was never made to impress critics. Especially grown-up ones.

It was made for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place. A little sad. A little lost. A little too much. It’s for the ones who need reminding that love isn’t always tidy. But when it’s real, it’s everything.

And it was made for a new generation to fall in love with the characters all over again.

So take your kids. Or go with that kid who still lives in your heart. Sit in that cinema, let your guard down and remember what it feels like to believe that no one, not even the strangest little alien, gets left behind…. or forgotten.

Now in Cinemas.

📺 Series to keep your eye on Friday Five | Friday Five

🌊 Sirens (Netflix)

A psychological thriller with all the right ingredients: mystery, a lavish seaside estate, complicated family dynamics, and secrets bubbling just under the surface.

It’s about a scrappy sister digging into her sibling’s unsettling relationship with a billionaire boss. But what unfolds is more than a drama. It’s a tense, layered, slow-burn story that sucks you in and doesn’t let go.

It’s CRAZY but totally addictive. And it’ll keep you guessing till the very last episode. Highly recommend for your next binge.

Now on Netflix.

🥶 Nine Perfect Strangers – Season 2

We’re back. But this time, Masha’s “wellness retreat” has moved to the Bavarian Alps. Sounds peaceful? Think again.

This season throws nine new characters into the deep end… some of them family, which means their baggage didn’t even need to be packed, it came along automatically. It’s moody. Tense. Introspective.

The first episode doesn’t explode with drama but trust me, the slow simmer makes it even juicier.

Nicole Kidman is hauntingly good. The cinematography is breathtaking. And the plot is deliciously twisted.

Now on Hulu and Disney+.

🎧 Music you need to hear Friday Five | Friday Five

🎶 Benson Boone – “Momma Song”

A quiet, powerful love letter to his parents that sneaks up on you with all the feels. It’s tender. Raw. And if you’ve ever had a moment of gratitude for your mom or dad, this one will have you in full snot-and-tears mode.

🎶 Reneé Rapp – “Leave Me Alone”

Bold. Brash. Brilliant. Reneé is unapologetically herself and this track is pure rebellious perfection. If you’re in a mood to scream-sing in the car, this is your anthem.

🎶 Skunk Anansie – “Shame”

YES, millennial me is screaming. The 90s rock gods are back with a new album and their first single? Glorious. It’s like picking up a diary from 2002 but with 2025 wisdom. Heavy guitar, raw emotion, iconic vocals. Go listen.

🌍 Places to go Friday Five | Friday Five

Dullstroom – Mpumalanga’s Hidden Gem

Just a couple of hours from Joburg (depending on how many padstals you stop at), Dullstroom feels like you’ve left the noise behind and stepped into a storybook. Think crackling fires, misty mornings, handmade pies, friendly faces and a main road that’s charming in the way that only small towns can be.

It’s the kind of place where your phone signal weakens, but your connection to everything else strengthens.

Here’s what makes Dullstroom worth the trip… especially in winter:

🐦 Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

One of the absolute must-visits. This centre is home to owls, eagles, falcons and other majestic creatures who are either being cared for or rehabilitated after injury. It’s more than just a viewing experience, it’s educational and moving. Watching these powerful birds fly again is an emotional reminder of how recovery is possible… even with broken wings.

🥃 The Whisky Bar at Wild About Whisky

Dullstroom is home to the largest whisky collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, you read that right. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or someone who still says “ew” when you smell it, the tastings are well-curated, informative and weirdly fun. Bonus: they do whisky and chocolate pairings!

🍽 Food, Glorious Food

This little town punches way above its weight when it comes to food. Some local favourites:

Harrie’s Pancakes: You cannot come to Dullstroom and not eat here. It’s a rite of passage. Try the cinnamon sugar classic or go wild with the trout and cream cheese.

The Mayfly: Cosy pub vibes, great atmosphere, and proper winter comfort food.

Art of Food: A small, seasonal menu with big, bold flavours. Perfect for date night.

🎣 Fly Fishing Capital of South Africa

Even if you’re not into fishing, there’s something calming about standing by the water and watching others do it. If you do want to give it a go, there are loads of places offering gear and quick tutorials. You don’t need to be a pro, just bring patience and maybe a flask of something warm.

🪵 Cabin Culture & Cosy Stays

Part of Dullstroom’s charm lies in its cabins, cottages and cosy stays. Many places come with fireplaces, mountain views and deep baths made for wine and long chats. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, or solo explorer, there’s something incredibly therapeutic about waking up to soft mist rolling across the hills.

🛍 Shops That Still Feel Personal

Walk along the main road and you’ll find bookstores, antique shops, delis and little stores selling everything from handmade crafts to local cheeses. Every shopkeeper has a story. Take time to listen.

🌧 And the Weather?

Cold. Often rainy. Sometimes frosty. And completely perfect for woolly jerseys, beanies, boardgames and fireside chats. In a world constantly telling us to go faster, Dullstroom whispers: slow down.

❤ One more thing

People are struggling.

Your neighbour.
That friend you haven’t chatted to lately.
The acquaintance you are connected with on social media.

People are going through the most, fighting massive things (sometimes feeling alone) and just not saying anything.

It’s that first rule of fight club. We’re not supposed to talk about it

Our inbox is a flood of both heartwarming stories and heartbreaking cries for help. And every single one reminds me just how important it is to show up for each other.

I’ve been lucky. This platform has created a beautiful network of helpers. Real-life heroes who are there for each other.

We connect people to support, to stories, to hope.

The truth is donor fatigue is real. Compassion can feel heavy when the need is endless. And it is endless.

But it’s not hopeless.

So this post is just a reminder to please keep being gentle with the world. Be kinder to everyone you meet. Including yourself. Check in on your people. Offer a smile. Share what you can… whether it’s a message, a meal or a moment of your time.

And if you are reading this, and it all feels too heavy, then I want to say that I am sorry. I want to remind you that you are not alone. Have faith that a better tomorrow will come. Hold on. And keep telling yourself that “you’ve got this”.

I am rooting for you.

Okay. Love you. Bye.


Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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52 Medical Volunteers Reduces Surgical Backlog, Giving Children a Chance to Smile! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/op-smile-surgical-backlog-40-children-helped/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/op-smile-surgical-backlog-40-children-helped/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 06:00:08 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=151743

In an incredible effort to support children, 52 volunteers spent the weekend working through surgical backlog, reaching 40 children in need of life-changing sugery.   South Africa (23 May 2025)...

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In an incredible effort to support children, 52 volunteers spent the weekend working through surgical backlog, reaching 40 children in need of life-changing sugery.

 

South Africa (23 May 2025) – This past weekend, Johannesburg witnessed something extraordinary, not a sporting event or political rally, but a marathon of a different kind. From 16 to 18 May, an intensive surgical programme at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) gave around 40 children with cleft lip and palate conditions the chance to smile, speak, and thrive.

The initiative, led by Operation Smile South Africa in collaboration with NMCH and with vital support from Life Healthcare, tackled a serious and growing surgical backlog. For children affected by cleft conditions, time is critical. Without prompt intervention, they face significant health complications, difficulty eating and speaking, and a lifetime of stigma or bullying.

While South Africa’s public healthcare system does provide cleft surgeries, access is uneven, especially in under-resourced provinces. Many families wait months, sometimes years, for a procedure that can dramatically improve a child’s life trajectory.

“At Operation Smile, our mission is to bridge the gap in access to essential healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa. “We also prioritise training and mentoring local professionals so the impact continues long after the weekend is over.”

52 Volunteers. 1 Hospital. 1 Common Goal.

A 52-member strong team of volunteer medical professionals, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, and psychologists joined forces with NMCH’s in-house paediatric specialists.

They started with pre-surgery screenings on Friday, 16 May. Around 60 children attended, with comprehensive medical assessments ensuring only those healthy enough for surgery proceeded. The surgeries then took place on Saturday and Sunday, with about 40 operations completed by the close of the weekend.

Post-surgery, children and their caregivers will stayed at the Operation Smile Patient Village, receiving continued care and monitoring until they are safely discharged on Friday, 23 May.

The programme is about far more than the operating theatre. Cleft lip and palate conditions typically require ongoing support: multiple surgeries, dental treatment, speech therapy, and psychosocial care to help children integrate into school and society.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to family-centred, evidence-based care and the power of collaboration to change lives,” says Dr Nkuli Boikhutso, CEO of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “At NMCH, we are inspired by Tata Madiba’s unwavering love for children and belief in their right to live and thrive.”

Every child in this weekend’s programme dreceive free, high-quality care, made possible through the generosity of programme partners and the selfless dedication of volunteers. It’s a shining example of Ubuntu, a reminder that healing happens not just with scalpels, but with compassion, teamwork, and hope.

This is what true transformation looks like: one smile at a time.


Sources: Operation Smile
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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

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