Exciting news for two remote farming communities near Phalaborwa!

Limpopo, South Africa (07 April 2026) – The African Conservation Trust (ACT) has helped install a cold room and solar power system at Gingirikani and Rixaka cooperatives in Phalakubeni village. This is a game-changer for local food growers to keep veggies fresh, reduce waste, and open doors to bigger markets.

Before the new cold room, farmers had to sell their vegetables on the very same day they picked them, because in the scorching summer heat, produce spoiled within hours. Now, they can harvest over several days and keep everything fresh until they have enough to make a big trip to market.

“We took our harvest to the market three times a week, and now we store it until we get enough produce. We don’t have waste or rotten stuff, and it’s improved our daily life.” says Vincent Mabunda, Coordinator at Gingirikani Cooperative.

At Gingirikani cooperative, a large insulated cold room was fitted inside a 6-metre shipping container, powered by a 6kW solar system. At Rixaka cooperative, a solar-powered borehole pump and drip irrigation system were installed. Together, the two cooperatives now farm five hectares of land with a full crop plan, growing seasonal veggies in large quantities.

The cooperatives are located near the Kruger National Park, quite far from big city markets. To bridge this gap, a refrigerated vehicle is being provided to transport crops, allowing farmers from both cooperatives to fill any weekly vegetable order and sell their fresh produce all the way to Johannesburg!

Making this happen took a team effort from several organisations, including ACT, Kruger to Canyons Non-Profit Company (K2C), and The African Stove Company (TASC), with financial support from K2C and TASC, enabling the installations.

Growing food in this region is not an easy task; farmers overcome many obstacles.

“Farmers face multiple food production challenges. Outward migration sees skilled workers leave for urban areas; many residents experience sustained unemployment, causing personal food insecurity; and small-scale farmers contend with drought, land degradation, and inadequate infrastructure.” says Carl Grossmann, Chairman of ACT.

On top of these hurdles, elephants from the nearby Kruger sometimes raid the gardens! Elephants Alive has stepped in with creative solutions like beehives to deter the ellies, along with chilli-based repellants, solar flashing lights, and metal strip fences. Watch towers have also been built at Gingirikani, which double as storerooms and honey harvesting stations.

More than 40 community volunteers work in the gardens and receive a stipend through the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Research shows that each SEF participant supports about six more people in their immediate family, meaning the ripple effect is major.

“Our families are thriving because more than 40 people volunteer in the gardens and receive a SEF stipend.” says Vincent.

Produce from the gardens is used in three impactful ways. The farmers eat it themselves, sell it to boost their income, or donate the surplus to vulnerable community members.

Sources: Project Africa.

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Hope has taken the wheel for Sandy and her faithful H1 minibus.

South Africa (26 March 2026) – Being a single mom since the age of 30, Sandy has spent her adult life working to stay two steps ahead of the curveballs. Even while navigating her own challenges, she has been the helper others turn to, the person who shows up when it matters.

“I can’t drive past a person running in the road to somewhere, or see a person in the pouring rain, cursing those with cars, I have to stop and pick them up. My desire to help surpasses any other thought.” she says. “If a friend is in need, I am there. If my family call for help, I am there. I offer solutions, I am the solution, I just help. I will be by your side and I have no clue what drives that side of me, except that its in my blood.”

Her passion and her lifeline for supporting her family are guiding her. For years, her loyal minibus has carried her and her guests through the Kruger, the Panorama Route, Pilanesberg, Soweto and the surrounding Gauteng areas.

It all began when she started taking international volunteers who worked at her brother’s vervet monkey rehabilitation centre around the Kruger. After discovering her passion for sharing the beauty of our natural world with others, she qualified as an FGASA nature guide and launched her tour business.

“I love the child-like, raw innocence of international or first-time visitors to the Kruger, watching their emotional joy when they see their favourite wild animal in real life for the first time. If I could be in the park all day every day, showing guests not only the beauty of the park but teaching them about the animals and nature, I would,” she shares.

Being able to earn a living doing something she genuinely enjoys means everything, especially as a single mom. But late last year, the minibus she relies on for all her tours gave in after ongoing issues.

“In December it decided it was the end of the road. I had it towed from Polokwane…I will need to refurb the engine or buy a new one – or send my loyal H1 to a metal graveyard.”

Without a working vehicle, earning enough to fix or replace it becomes incredibly difficult. Being a provider, Sandy has had to find ways to keep going.

“Whilst I made good profit in November and December after a very busy season and was seeing the light at the end of the creditors tunnel, I have had to hire a mini-van three times in the last three months… Any profit I had has gone to rentals.”

Losing something so closely tied to your livelihood isn’t easy, and asking for help isn’t either, but she has since launched a Thundafund campaign to help close the gap. It’s a last resort, but her wheels have now been out of action for months.

“I have swallowed humble pie more times than I can count and setting up this Thundafund account has been one of those instances.” she says. “But you need to whatever you can to make things happen even if sometimes you need to go cap in hand.”

So far, the campaign has raised R27,919 from 16 backers – many of whom have experienced Sandy’s tours.

‘No one deserves this more!’ wrote one donor in support. ‘You are amazing at storytelling & we need you to continue doing what you are amazing at doing!’ shared another. ‘You always give so much of yourself, unconditionally, – it’s time it comes back to you.’ 

The support has been a ray of light for Sandy, but with the cost for repairs set at R220,000 and only 16 days left on the campaign, there’s still a way to go. Hope has taken the wheel as she holds onto something South Africans understand deeply. That kindness, or Ubuntu, has a way of carrying us through.

“Sometimes the little guy needs a little help. If we each, in our own small way, can help one person, whether it be a small act of kindness or help over a boulder in the path, then we should. Not because we expect anything in return, but because it makes us a better person and gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that we made another person’s life a little better.”

If you’d like to support Sandy and help get her back on the road, you can find her campaign here.

“Getting the wheels turning again would help me get back to being the Proudly South African tour guide who brags about all the positives our wonderful country has to offer.” says Sandy.

Sources: GTG Interview.

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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This story proves two things. One, that Ubuntu can get you through just about anything. Two, never to leave the spare wheel behind when visiting the bush!

Kruger National Park (23 March 2026) – A day on safari took a left turn when a lioness decided to make an Amarok bakkie her chew toy in the Kruger National Park.

Mfundo Nyambi is a wildlife guide and field ranger operating within the park, known for his guided safaris.

“I was on a morning safari with Nombekana Safaris and Wildlife Photography today, our very first sighting was a pride of Lions. It was an incredible sighting at first then it turned out to be a worst nightmare for one of the guys in the Grey bakkie when one of the lioness decided to bite a tyre of the bakkie.” shared Mfundo in a video that has amassed over 73,000 views on Facebook. 

Ubuntu follows South Africans everywhere – even in the bush. When Mfundo and other passers-by noticed the driver in distress, they stopped at a safer area where they could help swap out the tire.

Thankfully, qualified rangers are trained to assist stranded motorists in these situations, and so Mfundo was at the right place, at the right time.

“Bakkie operator had to move to a safer area away from lions so we can change the tyre, While helping a herd of elephants surprised us far distanced away. Incredible day it was and excuse me to the bakkie operator for the tyre” he shared.

That’s the Kruger experience nobody puts in the brochure, and exactly the kind of humans you want around when it does. Legends, the lot of them!

Sources: Linked above. 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Against rugged terrain and extreme heat, two vulnerable rhino calves, who had joined together for protection, were airlifted in a rapid rescue operation, saving them from the looming threat of poaching.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (02 March 2026) – When two young male rhino calves were spotted alone in the bush in the Kruger National Park, rangers on patrol went into rescue mode. Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU) members, worried the calves were likely orphaned as a result of poaching, contacted the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary.

According to reports, the two calves, believed to be around 12–14 months old, had joined together for protection and support in the absence of their mothers.

Concerned for their safety, SANParks Kruger staff, veterinarian Dr Lufuno Netshitavhadulu, Chief Pilot David Simelane, Marius Snyder, Craig Williams, the JEMU team, and the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary team joined forces for a carefully coordinated and complex rescue.

“While some of the Care for Wild team prepared at the sanctuary, another team drove to Kruger to assist on the ground. The rugged terrain meant vehicles couldn’t reach one of the recovery points, so the older calf was airlifted to the nearest accessible road, placed on a drip, and transported by trailer back to Care for Wild,” the organisation said.

Upon arrival, the calf underwent immediate assessment by Dr Lufuno before handing over the reins to Petronel and the Care for Wild team, who transported him to the juvenile high-care unit, where he was moved into a recovery area.

The second calf was then airlifted directly to the sanctuary. The heat was extreme and the humidity unforgiving, but the team wasted no time in providing the fluids, water and monitoring both little lives needed.

Every person knew their role. Every decision mattered.

“Our deepest thanks go to every single person involved in this rescue, those who committed, adapted, refused to give up, and stayed with these calves until the very end to ensure this operation was seen through safely and successfully. We are so grateful for these teams.”

Sources: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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When your second chance also comes with ranger status. Two stray Africanis puppies have been adopted to serve on SAWC’s K9 Unit!

Phalaborwa, South Africa (25 February 2026) – This one ticks not one but two ‘good news’ boxes! Not only have two stray puppies found a home with wildlife heroes, they’re going to become K9 working dogs who protect wildlife.

In early February, the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) in collaboration with Helping All Animals in Rural Towns (HAART) paid a visit to the Phalaborwa Rescue Centre and left with two new rangers…

“We were looking for the next generation of conservation heroes. We are thrilled to announce that we’ve adopted two fearless, confident young pups into the SAWC K9 Unit!” SAWC shares.

Based on the edge of the Kruger National Park, the SAWC gives rangers and conservationists the boots-on-the-ground skills they need to protect Africa’s wild spaces. Over 30 years, they’ve trained over 23,000 people from 60 countrie into world-class leaders in everything from anti-poaching to ecosystem management.

Africanis dogs aren’t traditionally trained as working dogs – like their fellow coonhounds in SAWC’s K9 Unit – but they happen to be incredibly intelligent and resilient – both great traits for the job.

“We are constantly innovating. While our coonhounds are legendary, we are excited to see how these local ‘talents’ compare in critical roles…” the SAWC adds.

Freddie and Soul will be trained in detection work, line dog duties and pack dog roles.

“They are already adapting incredibly well to their new home. Right now, it’s all about socialisation, but training begins in earnest next week. We are champing at the bit to see what these two can do!”

From rescue pups to rangers! It’s a joy to see animal welfare and conservation organisations work together to give stray dogs a second chance, and in the same breath, wildlife better protection.

“We are so proud to be collaborating with Southern African Wildlife College with the adoption of little Soul and Freddie who both demonstrate the true Africanis intelligence, survival skills, scent detection, incredible social skills, all round the perfect dogs for home or in this case, we hope with the guidance of their Rangers and great training, they will be able to be Protectors of Wildlife.” comments HAART.

Sources: Linked above.

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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The rain brings good things, too. After floods across parts of the Kruger, seasonal pans that were once dry and cracked have filled up again. With that water has come new life that hasn’t been observed in the park for years.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (23 February 2026) – Among the surprises spotted by SANParks scientists and rangers during a recent resurvey was the tiny but remarkable spotted killifish (Nothobranchius orthonotus).

The species hadn’t been observed in these specific pans for several years, so finding a healthy, active population again was a happy find!

The spotted killifish doesn’t only occur in Kruger. It’s widespread across central Mozambique and extends into southern Malawi, south-eastern Zimbabwe and northern South Africa, including parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the lower Limpopo River system. But in South Africa, it’s found in relatively few isolated pans, which makes sightings in Kruger’s central region quite special.

What makes this fish so interesting isn’t just where it lives but how it survives…

These killifish inhabit seasonal freshwater pools that are not connected to rivers. When the rainy season fills the pans, the fish hatch, grow and begin their short, intense lifecycle. Males are brightly coloured and striking, while females are more silvery.

When the pans dry up, the adult fish die.

Before that happens, they lay eggs that bury into the muddy substrate. Those eggs can survive months of dry conditions, waiting underground until the next rains arrive. Once the pans refill, the eggs hatch and the cycle begins again.

It’s an adaptation perfectly suited to unpredictable rainfall patterns. The fish grow rapidly, mature within weeks, breed, and ensure the next generation is safely tucked away before the water disappears again.

In South Africa, the species is currently assessed as Least Concern. However, seasonal wetlands need protection. Localised impacts like road building and broad insecticide spraying have affected some populations in the past. Because these fish rely on small, isolated pans, damage to those habitats can have an outsized effect.

The floods in the Kruger brought a massive scale of destruction, but it also brought new signs of life. That’s the magic of a good downpour.

Sources: Linked above.

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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There is still loss. Rhinos still need to be fiercely protected. But in a glimmer of hope, the numbers are moving in the right direction.

South Africa (11 February 2026) – Rhino poaching in South Africa declined by 16% in 2025 compared to 2024. The positive news is thanks to ongoing anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts across the country.

“From January to December 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa, with 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms. This was a decrease of 68 in comparison to 420 rhinos poached in 2024,” said Minister Aucamp.

Conservation isn’t a straight line. Some areas are seeing improvements, others remain under pressure. But taken nationally, the data shows that sustained, collaborative effort is beginning to make a measurable difference.

Mpumalanga has unfortunately recorded the highest losses, with 178 rhinos poached in 2025, most of them in the Kruger National Park. Kruger alone lost 175 rhinos last year, a sharp increase from 88 in 2024.

But in KwaZulu-Natal, there’s been a shift in the other direction.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park saw poaching numbers drop from 198 in 2024 to just 63 in 2025. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife attributes this to closer collaboration between conservation authorities and private rhino owners through the Integrated Wildlife Zones programme, alongside the support from partners like WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT and the Peace Parks Foundation.

Strategic dehorning, advanced camera technologies and sensor systems, improved early-warning capability, and strengthened internal integrity processes have all played a role in stabilising pressure on rhino populations in the province.

Conservation isn’t just about boots on the ground. It’s also about courtrooms and financial investigations.

Through the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT), authorities have strengthened collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, the Environmental Management Inspectorate (the ‘Green Scorpions’), and other specialised units.

That coordination recently led to the conviction of ZM Muiambo (also known as Thomas Chauke), who was found guilty on 19 charges related to illegal rhino hunting and associated crimes. He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in April 2025.

Cases are increasingly being centralised so courts can see the full scope of syndicate operations and not just isolated incidents. Rhino poaching isn’t random. It’s organised crime. And tackling it as such is critical.

A 16% decline doesn’t mean the crisis is over. 352 rhinos is still far too many. But it does mean that coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts across government, private reserves, NGOs, law enforcement and communities can make a big difference.

South Africa was also recognised internationally for its enforcement efforts last year, receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award for work combatting transboundary environmental crimes.

“South Africa continues to strengthen its international collaboration to curbing rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking. These efforts led to the country receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award late last year, which celebrates excellence in enforcement by government officials, institutions and teams combatting transboundary environmental crimes,” said Minister Aucamp.

“Working together with the South African anti-poaching and anti-trafficking organisations, we remain committed to a balanced, intelligence-driven, and partnership-based approach to rhino protection, recognising that sustained success requires constant adaptation, integrity, and cooperation across all sectors,” he added.

Sources: Linked above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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A peaceful moment shared with over 100 gentle giants is the best magic the bush can give.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (02 February 2026) – The Safari Expert recently shared the most amazing elephant sighting with his followers online. Whilst on a solo drive south of Satara Rest Camp in the Kruger, he crossed paths with elephants. Many of them.

“It was an early summer’s morning in the Kruger National Park when I came across a mega herd of African elephants south of Satara Rest Camp. There must have been over a hundred of them – bulls, cows and lots of calves – and they all approached me like a massive grey wall. Eventually they ‘swallowed’ my car, before disappearing into the distance… Pure Kruger magic!” he shared.

Encounters like this one are rare and worth treasuring.

In the wild, elephants live in close family groups led by matriarchs. They’re intelligent and work as a village – they care for their young communally, mourn their dead, and comfort distressed herd members. They have even been seen helping injured animals or guiding lost calves back to safety.

They’re also generally non-aggressive unless threatened. An elephant would much rather walk away than fight, and most charges happen only when they feel their babies or herd are in danger.

They grieve and remember. They’re incredibly smart. They have best friends. Women run the show. What’s not more to love about gentle giants?

Sources: Linked above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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In response to the recent Kruger floods, SANParks has established a disaster relief fund and is calling on support to help in rebuilding.

Kruger National Park (23 January 2026) – While damage assessment is still being done, SANParks has estimated that the cost to repair extensive damage caused by the recent Kruger floods is sitting at around half a billion rand.

The past two weeks have brought flooding across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, affecting the country’s most iconic national park. Bridges and roads have been washed away, and more than 15 camps have been flooded.

Thanks to SANParks’ rescue operations and community efforts, no injuries were sustained and no deaths reported over the flooding period.

“The most important highlight is that no lives were lost,” shares Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, WIllie Aucamp.

In response to extensive damage the floods have caused, SANParks has established a disaster relief fund to support the recovery of the park.

“Given the scale of the destruction, the Minister highlighted the critical need for external assistance, noting that the recovery required exceeds the park’s immediate internal capacity,” shares the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. “To this end, SANParks announced the official banking details of the Kruger Recovery Fund, through which donations can be made by the public, partners, and stakeholders to support rehabilitation and restoration efforts. This fund will be audited by three independent and reputable audit firms.”

SANParks Honorary Rangers are also patrons of the relief efforts, rallying support via a donation portal created on their website.

“SANParks Honorary Rangers respond to the overwhelming call from SANParks’ online community, members, friends and SANParks stakeholders to establish a dedicated disaster fund to support Kruger National Park during and following the current floods,” SHR shares, “100% of all donations received will be spent by SHR on flood related response and recovery work in Kruger National Park.”

Donations can be made by following the instructions linked here. A GivenGain fundraiser has also been set up for overseas donors.

“Let’s work together, let’s donate, and let’s rebuild the Kruger as soon as possible,” says Aucamp.

Sources: Linked above.

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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A charity all the way in the UK is raising funds to rebuild K9 kennels following floods in the Kruger.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (20 January 2026) – Last week, flooding in Mpumalanga and Limpopo led to the worst recorded floods in decades, in areas of the Kruger National Park and beyond.

While the floods have subsided and operations have resumed in the park, several gates, roads and camps are still closed (more on that here). Infrastructure damage caused by the floods must now be addressed throughout areas of the park, and recovery efforts are going to be extensive.

Helpers have stepped in. SANParks’ Honorary Rangers have set up a disaster relief fund to aid in overall flood-related response and recovery work.

It’s going to take a village, but South Africa’s most iconic national park will recover.

People are stepping in from all corners of the globe to make it happen.

Blankets for Baby Rhinos, a UK-based charity, is addressing the direct needs of the Kruger’s anti-poaching K9 unit. While all dogs are safe and were successfully airlifted out of the park, some have been temporarily displaced following damage to their kennels, which in turn affects their important work on the ground.

“While the Honorary Rangers have set up a general relief fund, our focus remains firmly on anti-poaching efforts. Sadly, several K9 kennels — including the newly built kennels at Mahalangeni — have been flooded. These facilities are vital in protecting the park, and any downtime gives poachers an opportunity to exploit vulnerable areas.” shares the charity. 

Through its Project Watchdog Disaster Fund, Blankets for Baby Rhinos aims to aid in the reparations and restoration of these kennels and equipment.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference…Thank you for standing with us and helping protect Kruger when it needs it most,” the charity shares.

Blankets for Baby Rhinos has supported African wildlife and endangered species for more than nine years. The volunteer-run charity raises funds to assist rhino orphanages and other wildlife rehabilitation centres in Southern Africa. It also aids in anti-poaching operations via ranger support and K9 support, funds snare removal operations, and emergency relocation of animals that find themselves outside of the national parks and in danger.

The charity raises funds through social media campaigns, local markets, fairs and raffles. Many of their supporters are crafters who help by supplying orphanages and rangers with knitted and crocheted blankets and clothing.

If you’d like to contribute towards Blankets for Baby Rhinos’ cause, find out more here.

Sources: Linked above. 

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