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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A 74-year-old hiker trapped in the remote and not-to-be-reckoned-with Elands River Mouth was rescued against every odd that made for one of the most trying and rewarding rescues.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (28 May 2025) — Against every odd, a 74-year-old senior hiker made it out of a remote gorge in the Eastern Cape thanks to a team who took a risk to save a life.

Last month, the senior hiker had taken a fall upstream of the Elands River Mouth, Grootkrans. She had fallen and injured herself hours before she could get in touch with help. However, this would be no ordinary rescue.

When NSRI Station Commander Lodewyk Van Rensburg got the call, he immediately knew it would be tough. Getting to the Elands River Mouth is its own mission, given the limited access by road. Once you do manage to get there, you’re met with a gorge boasting steep and sharp cliffs, not to mention a surf even the most ambitious water warriors avoid. Winds are also tough, and on a bad day, fog sets stubbornly, as was the case on the day of the rescue. Not to mention, nighttime was nearing.

All of these factors betted against the hiker’s survival, and all were present the day she needed help. However, the NSRI Oyster Bay team braved it all to pull off the unthinkable, bringing her home.

According to Lodewyk, winds were blowing at 30 knots while the sea climbed to 4 metres. No helicopter support was avaliable to the rescuers, so all they could rely on was their rescue craft and their courage.

“Luckily, we caught water going in,” Lodewyk shares of how the rescuers manager to get into the gorge via crossing a sandbank.

In the gorge, the team located the fallen hiker and had to swim her toward the rescue vessel using a backboard. This, because no paramedics could accompany the rescue team given the tough terrain that was decided not to be conducive for carrying gear.

Just when things were looking up, a new issue arose that made exiting its own challenge, the boat had gotten stuck on the sandbank, prohibiting a swift goodbye to the gorge.

“We stood there for 15 minutes. I asked the crew how they felt, and they said, ‘It’s now’, recalls Lodewyk. The team timed their run between wave swells to catch the right wave and get out. “The second wave broke underneath the boat. We only just made it.”

Hope was finally tangible again as the vessel made its way 12 nautical miles to shore.

At around 9pm, the rescue of a lifetime came to its end. With landing lights set up by Ian Gray of the NSRI’s Regional Operations Support Committee, light quite literally shone at the end of the tunnel.

The hiker was suspected to have spinal injuries and hints of hypothermia. However, her chances of survival were hugely influenced by the work of the brave people who risked their own safety that day.

“To be quite honest, I think the risk that we took was very high,” Lodewyk said of heading out into the gorge. “But when the doctor told us that if we hadn’t taken her out that night, she may not have made it — it kind of changed the whole perspective.”

This rescue is considered one of the most demanding rescue operations in recent times for NSRI Station 36 Oyster Bay. But, it should also be considered one of their proudest!

Sources: NSRI 

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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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In 2022, Brittany McCormick pushed herself to learn to walk after her wheelchair broke (she has Cerebral Palsy). She aimed to tackle 100kms, and ended up walking 200kms to raise funds for children with disabilities. Years on, and Brittany’s journey has positively blossomed:

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — In 2022, Brittany McCormick caught South Africa’s attention when she decided to walk 100kms after her wheelchair broke. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age, her wheelchair was how she moved through the world. When it broke, Brittany realised just how reliant she was on it, and how much of a game-changer raising funds for wheelchairs would be for those who desperately need them but simply don’t have the means to buy wheels of their own.

Inspired by her own struggle without her wheelchair, Brittany did an incredible thing. She set a goal to walk 100kms to raise funds for children with disabilities, and ended up walking 200kms.

Since then, Brittany has seen her journey blossom and some of her brightest dreams have come true.

In her words!

From Survival to Significance: My Journey as a Motivational Speaker

Some of you may know me from a previous feature on Good Things Guy, and for those who don’t—hello! I’m Brittany McCormick, and I believe with all my heart that a life filled with purpose is one worth fighting for. So much has changed since my last incredible moment in the spotlight, and I feel deeply honoured to share what’s unfolded in my life since becoming a motivational speaker. But before we get into the extraordinary experiences of recent years, allow me to take you back a little.

A Premature Beginning

I was born at 25 weeks—so tiny, so fragile, and with a future that felt uncertain. Doctors weren’t sure if I would survive, and even if I did, they weren’t confident I’d be able to live independently. At one year old, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. But despite that diagnosis, my parents made a life-altering decision: they would raise me to be as independent and strong as possible.

That decision shaped my life. It meant tough love, big challenges, and endless determination. But most importantly, it meant that my condition would not define my dreams.

And I cannot talk about this journey without speaking about my parents—the pillars of my life. My mom and dad have been my greatest encouragers, my unwavering support system, and my guiding lights. They’ve fought battles beside me, carried me through my lowest moments, and stood with me in every victory. They are my confidants, my teachers, and the foundation of the woman I am today. I am beyond blessed to have them in my life, along with the love and support of my sister and brothers who have also walked this journey with me every step of the way.

Schooling, Struggles and Finding My Voice

I spent many years in a special needs school, where I received support—but I also faced real challenges. Emotionally, I struggled. Academically, I wasn’t thriving. My parents eventually made the decision to homeschool me, hoping a more tailored environment would work better. But even that came with its own trials.

Still, I had a dream. I wanted to be a motivational speaker. I wanted to use my voice to inspire others, to tell people that they can do hard things, of beating the odds—just like I had been doing my whole life.

Eventually, I enrolled in a public speaking course. That course didn’t just teach me how to speak—it taught me how to believe in myself. I learned how to share my story with power, clarity, and confidence. I discovered my message. And most of all, I discovered my purpose.

The 200km Breakthrough

Then came a test of resilience unlike any other. My wheelchair broke, and suddenly, a crucial tool I relied on every day was gone. But rather than retreat in defeat, I leaned into the moment. I launched a campaign—not only to raise funds for a new wheelchair, but to give back to the community that had always supported me.

I set a goal to walk 100 kilometers. It was ambitious. It was bold. And it was bigger than just me. Step by step, day by day, I pushed myself through pain and perseverance. And six months later, I had walked 200 kilometers.

The campaign caught the attention of people across the country. I was featured in the press and on various media platforms. What started as a crisis turned into a national message of hope, showing what’s possible when faith meets effort.

Doors Begin to Open

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at events, churches, and organisations across South Africa. I’ve spoken for the Growth Credo team, Ladies of All Nations South Africa, Life Streams International Church, Rock Mining Components, and the Insure Group. I’ve also shared my message through interviews on platforms like The Red Corner Show, Tina Talks, and Creative Space.

Radio stations like Radio Pulpit and CCFM have featured my story. I was blessed to be the August 2024 cover woman for Joy Magazine and was also featured in Karoo Sisters online magazine. Podcasts like The Different Way of Seeing and The Qotivated Podcast welcomed me to speak about my journey and my faith.

It hasn’t stopped there. I’ve had the honor of being invited by organizations such as the Subrena Love Foundation, Joy Magazine’s partners, and even networks of women in business. And all of this—every single opportunity—has grown from the seeds of a dream I refused to let go of.

The Heart Behind the Hustle

Let me be clear: chasing your dreams is not easy. There are days when it feels impossible. There are days when people don’t believe in you, or you don’t believe in yourself. But I’m here to tell you it’s worth it.

It’s worth every tear, every late night, every unanswered message, every “no,” and every moment of doubt. Because when you keep showing up, and when you trust God to open doors that no person can close, your life begins to reflect His glory.

I’m still growing, learning, and reaching for more. But one thing I know for sure is that I’m committed to being a motivation both on and off the stage—whether I’m speaking to a crowd of hundreds or encouraging someone one-on-one. Every interaction matters. Every life matters.

What’s Next?

My journey is far from over. I still have so much I want to do, so many people I want to reach. I hope to continue sharing my story, not just as a testimony of survival, but as a testament to the power of hope, purpose, and faith.

I want people to know that life’s hardest challenges can become the foundation for your greatest victories.

To anyone reading this who feels stuck, uncertain, or discouraged—I see you. I’ve been there. But if I’ve learned anything on this journey, it’s this: You are stronger than you know. And your story isn’t over yet.
Keep walking.

Sources: Brittany McCormick

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

The post From Survival to Significance: Brittany McCormick’s Inspiring Journey  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Megan Kilian’s natural charm and “just being herself” during an audition workshop in Johannesburg wowed filmmakers, and now she’s playing a version of herself in a documentary set in a future where the worst predictions from the Paris Agreement have come true!

Mossel Bay, South Africa (28 May 2025) – At just 13 years old, Megan Kilian has landed the incredible opportunity of being selected from a group of 60 children to feature in a European science fiction documentary!

Even though she had no prior acting experience, Megan’s naturally engaging presence and spontaneity during auditions in Johannesburg made her a perfect fit for the role.

The film, titled World of Walls has been directed by Slovakian filmmaker Lucia Kasova and explores life in a near-future ecological crisis – a world where the worst predictions from the Paris Agreement have come true.

Set in a world devastated by environmental collapse, World of Walls follows the coming-of-age journey of 13-year-old children from different backgrounds. The story examines how global inaction on climate change has reshaped childhood and forced young people to confront extreme weather, resource shortages, and migration for survival.

South Africa itself became a bit of a co-star, as the production team chose the country for its real-world parallels to the film’s imagined setting, including power outages and water scarcity, elements which mirror what many scientists predict could become widespread elsewhere if global temperatures continue to rise.

Filming began in Johannesburg, where Megan attended Midstream Ridge Primary School. After her family relocated to Mossel Bay in June 2024, the production was adapted to accommodate the move, with scenes rewritten to follow her story, Curro explains.

“Since it’s a documentary, we don’t have to learn lines,” Megan says.

“We just act naturally and make up our own dialogue as we go. It’s been a lot of fun.”

The film will launch in 2026 across several European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. The trailer has already garnered recognition at FIPADOC in France, a prestigious international documentary film festival.

Sources: Curro

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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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What happens when someone who’s always worked in the background is asked to step into the spotlight? If you’re Darian Smith, you use that light to illuminate the path for others.

South Africa (28 May 2025) – For 25 years, Darian Smith has quietly walked a path few are brave enough to take. A path lined with sacrifice, service and silent victories. He’s never chased awards, applause or accolades. In fact, when he found out he was being honoured with the Humanitarian Award at the Annual Pllum Awards recently, his first instinct was to decline it.

Yes, really.

You see, for Darian, serving others has never been about recognition. His work has always been driven by purpose, not platforms. And yet, standing on that stage, with his son beside him, Darian came to realise something deeply important: sometimes the good needs a microphone too.

“I’ve believed and lived the understanding that our true rewards are not here on earth,” he shared, “but await us in heaven… I genuinely questioned whether I should accept the award at all.”

That reflection, that internal wrestle, became the heart of a message the world needed to hear.

Because for too long, we’ve been told that true humility is invisible. That to do good, we must do it quietly. But as Darian so eloquently pointed out, how can the next generation believe in kindness if they can’t see it?

“Would you rather the newspapers keep feeding the public stories of doom and gloom?” he asked, recalling a painful memory when someone told him he didn’t deserve to be featured two weeks in a row. “Would you prefer that, than seeing stories of hope, upliftment, empowerment, and light?”

That comment stayed with him. And in a world where gangster culture, quick cash and empty fame often steal the spotlight, Darian’s story is a reminder that our children deserve better role models. Real ones. Ones who serve, uplift and quietly change the world without needing the world to notice… but who step forward when the moment calls for it, so that others might be inspired to follow.

“I took my eldest son, Kale, with me that night because I wanted him to see it. To witness first-hand that recognition doesn’t only come with fame, or money, or violence. That integrity, character, and purpose matter.”

This isn’t just a story about an award. It’s a story about what happens when we decide not to shrink. When we honour the builders of our communities, the quiet warriors, the ones who give without asking for anything back. It’s about acknowledging that shining a light on good does not dim its purity. It amplifies its impact.

And that’s exactly what Wendy and Karl Conner have done through the Pllum Awards. By creating a space to recognise the everyday heroes among us… the teachers, the caregivers, the selfless changemakers, they’ve reminded us that honouring humanity is a vital part of expressing it.

Darian didn’t leave with just a trophy. He left with a flame, one that’s been burning for 25 years and now, somehow, burns even brighter.

“I left that evening not with a trophy, but with a flame inside me, burning stronger than ever. A renewed commitment to keep showing up. To keep building. To keep planting seeds of hope in the soil of a broken world.”

Because this moment isn’t just about him, it’s about every person who has ever wondered if doing good is enough.

It’s about reminding ourselves, and especially our children, that real strength lies in compassion. That greatness isn’t measured in what we accumulate but in what we give. That servant leadership, integrity and showing up for others are values worth lifting up and passing down.

Being a good human isn’t outdated. It’s essential.

And Darian Smith’s journey is proof that even the quietest acts of love and service can spark the kind of change our world needs most.

Sources: Darian Smith 

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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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Juffrou Angie is the Brackenfell High School Afrikaans teacher who’s truly cracked the code to get high schoolers excited about learning!

Brackenfell, South Africa (27 April 2025) – Not many teachers are able to get high schoolers excited for class, but Angelique van Biljon just has a lekker knack for it!

The Afrikaans Brackenfell High School teacher has been praised by those who know her as a passionate educator who has developed interesting ways of building excitement for the Afrikaans language. And if you don’t believe us, you might want to check out her impressive educational TikTok account for proof!

Good Things Guy got to connect with Angelique, who shared all about her love for teaching the Afrikaans language and going viral on the popular app.

Angelique, affectionately known as Juffrou Angie, has been teaching for 18 years, and it was all inspired by her two Grade 12 teachers who had a lasting impact on her long after school.

“It was my Grade 12 English teacher who actually motivated me to become a teacher. But it was only at a later stage when teaching that I really knew this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Angelique shares.

For her, teaching is more than just a profession or simply about giving lessons to youngsters; it’s about making her pupils feel safe and welcome in her classroom while instilling values of respect and dignity.

“Because if a child enjoys being somewhere, they also get excited for a lesson,” she says.

And it is this very mindset of keeping learners engaged that has seen her develop interesting ways to connect with them, including her fun TikTok account.

“I had a colleague who asked me for the meaning of an Afrikaans word, and I loved the word. I then decided one morning to make a quick video while asking my Grade 8s if they knew what the word meant, and took a gamble loading it on TikTok.

“The first video was loaded in February 2025. This video was the start of our inserts on TikTok, and the kids really look forward to their 3-minute recording at the end of each lesson.”

On her platform, Angelique features content that offers lessons on Woord van die dag (Word of the day), Idiom van die dag (Idiom of the day), Storietyd (Storytime), Mamma-dinge (mom advice), Die sie klein bederfies (the little spoils she receives) and Ondersteun besighede (showcasing businesses she supports or products she enjoys).

While she still considers herself new to the whole TikTok movement, Juffrou Angie has already made quite a hit on the internet, with her most viewed videos about lessons on the words Koggelgewrig (a ball-joint) and Kwakslawer (an unconventional doctor or one with a questionable reputation) sitting at an impressive 381K and 118K views respectively.

Ultimately, her goal is to inspire a love for the Afrikaans language, no matter if it’s a home language or an additional language.

Her joy is in seeing her learners grasp concepts and having fun while doing so.

“What I love most about my job is teaching the youngsters who will one day change the world. I love hearing them laugh and getting excited when grasping a topic. I love the excitement when reading a story, and each pupil in class reacts positively to the story. I love being a teacher. I love teaching my pupils.”

We’re huge fans of your work, Juffrou! With such a dedicated and passionate teacher, your learners are undoubtedly set for success.

Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Angelique van Biljon

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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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Nobody wants to fail. Failure is soul-crushing and awfully disappointing. But Inamandla Gumede picked herself up time after time, four times, in fact, and has proven that failure isn’t the end but can be a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Durban, South Africa (27 May 2025) – Life’s highs, lows; achievements and growing pains come in waves. And as much as many of us may favour the wins over the losses, there is so much to admire about a person who can pick themselves up from a dark place of defeat and momentary failure, to go on to push forward and come out better than before.

Sharing her personal testimony of overcoming failure was recent Master’s graduate, Inamandla Saphiwokuhle Gumede.

In a raw and real Facebook post, Inamandla opened up about the devastation of not finding her name and details in the newspaper when matric results were results were released back in January 2014.

“I felt ashamed, embarrassed and disappointed. Mostly, I was in disbelief! I never considered myself to be below average, as far as I’m concerned, I was a smart girl,” Inamandla shared.

Her takeaway from that emotionally gutting experience was that when you fall, you have two options: to either stay down or get up.

“I chose to get up!

“Now what I wasn’t prepared for was how long it would take me to get up,” she admitted.

Inamandla went on to upgrade her matric not once, not twice, not even three times, but four times, all in an effort to achieve her desired results; a challenging yet worthwhile journey to getting back on track with her studies and reclaiming her future.

“When I finally got my breakthrough in 2019, I worked HARD!!!

“Today, a journey that began with constant failure is a journey that has ended with a master’s graduate!! Me! Inamandla Saphiwokuhle Gumede, I HAVE A MASTER’S DEGREE,” exclaimed a proud Inamandla.

Her story speaks of the reality of delays and detoured paths to achieving some of the dreams we long to desperately achieve, but it also speaks to how, with the right amount of perseverance, those dreams are not just attainable but can even be exceeded!

Sources: Inamandla Saphiwokuhle Gumede

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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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Talented young ballerinas known as the ‘Baby Swans’ have earned an opportunity to perform with the pros in The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe in Switzerland.

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 May 2025) — A group of little ballerinas affectionately known as the ‘Baby Swans’ from the Mzansi Ballet Vocational School are getting excited for a big opportunity as they prepare to perform in Switzerland alongside the pros.

The Mzansi Ballet Senior Company is set to put on a performance of The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe in Lugano, Switzerland from 30 June to 6 July. This performance will be a highlight in the Rhythm of Two Souths Music and Dance Festival.

The Baby Swans (dancers aged between 8 and 13) have the chance to perform with the senior dancers in what could be an incredible opportunity for their budding dancing careers; both for the exposure and the experience.

To raise the necessary funds for the trip across the pond, the ‘Baby Swans’ squad and their support systems are betting on their dreams by hosting a fundraiser in the form of an evening of music and dance. The evening will be hosted at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, Monte Casino for all Joburgers craving a cultural evening.

Dubbed ’Fusion of Favourites’, the event will feature the world premiere of renowned choreographer Vincent Mantsoe’s ‘Song of Khudugo/Exodus’ alongside performances from the Mzansi Ballet dancers. Food and drinks are included in the ticket!

The proceeds are entirely dedicated to the Baby Swans getting to Switzerland, and those interested in attending can email mzansiballet@gmail.com.

Says proud Baby Swans parent, Charlene Izzet:

“These girls dedicate much of their time and energy to perfecting their craft and performances, and any support at the fundraising event would be incredibly appreciated. It’s a fantastic chance to witness their passion and dedication up close.”

Sources: Email Submission 

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South African teacher Nadine Smith has been awarded internationally for her efforts in STEM education. One of four global recipients, the educator was the sole African awardee.

Global (27 May 2025) — South African teacher Nadine Smith is a Coding and Robotics educator who recently made the local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field enormously proud when she was honoured with a prestigious award. Nadine was awarded the 025 EDGE in Tech Athena Award for Early Career Leadership!

Awarded by the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) at the University of California, Nadine was honoured as part of a unique ceremony at UC Berkeley.

The South African teacher was the only recipient from Africa and one of just four global recipients of the award.

Nadine’s accolade celebrates individuals who are leading the charge in creating technology ecosystems that are more diverse, equitable and impactful.

“I believe every child deserves to see themselves in STEAM,” Nadine says. STEAM encompasses STEM fields but with the addition of art.

“Through coding and robotics, I strive to ignite confidence, curiosity, and creativity in learners, especially those who don’t yet realise they belong in tech. This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces where all young minds can dream, build and lead,” she says.

Beyond leading initiatives, Nadine also trains fellow teachers in integrating emerging technologies.

“It is incredibly important to recognise the people doing the difficult work of expanding access to essential tech fields,” explains Jill Finlayson, the Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub (which oversees the awards).

“Those who champion on-ramps into STEM, fair workplaces and welcoming cultures are critical to the development of innovative technologies and help ensure that new solutions will work well for everyone.”

Sources: Supplied 

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The cosiest fundraiser is just a few sleeps away and has the potential to fund the dreams of so many children fighting life-threatening illnesses.

South Africa (27 May 2025) — Getting cosy for a cause happens in a few sleeps on 30 May; South Africans all over the country will step out into the world not in heels, school shoes or sneakers but in slippers, fluffy, bold and comfort-approved. It’s not exactly a rebellion against conventional shoes (well, maybe in part). Largely, it’s a day that’s dedicated to taking the steps to make a little person’s childhood dream come true.

In most cases, we take our slippers off when we curl up into bed and are ready to dream. But for Slipper Day, we put them on proudly and wear them everywhere in an effort that symbolises dreams becoming reality.

At the heart of the fundraiser is the Reach For A Dream Foundation. Their mission orbits around children fighting life-threatening illnesses and focuses on giving these kids a dose of much-needed magic by giving children a break from their battles and a chance to live out their Dream Days.

The dreams that make up a Dream Day are different for every child. They range from getting to play pretend in their dream career (as a firefighter, chef or whatever they’d love to do when they grow up) to meeting their heroes, or travelling to a place they’ve always wanted to see for the very first time.

In this way, the children (affectionately referred to as Dreamers) get a day to just be kids, spoiled with a slice of life that usually only happens when they’ve drifted off into a fantasy world.

You can help make a myriad of dreams come true simply by participating in the cosiest fundraiser of the year!

Cosy for a Cause:

1. Purchase your slippers ‘ticket’ (AKA, your permission to wear slippers out in society) You can get stickers at Wimpy, Dischem Pharmacies, Baby City, Pick n Pay, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme, Hush Puppies, and The Crazy Store.
2. You can also purchase a virtual sticker here or a fun pair of cosy footgear (they’ve got everything from baby sharks to hot pink flamingos!), here
3. Encourage as many people as you can to do the same.

For Schools

1. Participate in the School Competition (where you can sell stickers and win a prize)
2. Or, the social media challenge in which you create and post a fun slipper video for another prize!
3. There is also the Spirit of Slipper Day Award up for grabs a chance for schools that embody the joy of making dreams come true together with Slipper Day to life.

With only four sleeps to go until the big day, there’s still plenty of time to get your stickers, choose your slippers and spread the word to build the slipper squad.

Sources: Reach for a Dream 

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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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