Lifestyle Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/category/lifestyle/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:53:37 +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/category/lifestyle/ 32 32 Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni Launches Series to Support Autism Families https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/miss-sa-qhawekazi-mazaleni-autism-awareness/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/miss-sa-qhawekazi-mazaleni-autism-awareness/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:30:35 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182877

Navigating an Autism diagnosis can feel like a lonely journey, but our reigning Miss SA, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, is using her platform to ensure families don’t have to walk it alone....

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Navigating an Autism diagnosis can feel like a lonely journey, but our reigning Miss SA, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, is using her platform to ensure families don’t have to walk it alone.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April 2026) – April is Autism Acceptance Month. It is a month dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity, understanding the strengths and honouring the challenges faced by those on the spectrum.

Having received numerous messages from families seeking guidance on how to access support for their children, our reigning Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, is using her platform to help others navigate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Far more than just a pageant queen who wears our national crown, Qhawekazi is also a qualified speech therapist, educational activist and a self-published children’s author and a Master’s student in speech pathology, specialising her research in the field of autism.

“What I love most about this month is that the name has been changed from ‘Autism Awareness Month’ to ‘Autism Acceptance Month’, which moves towards genuine acceptance and support for autistic children and adults,” Qhawekazi shares in a recent post.

She recognises that our country still has a very long way to go in terms of ASD information availability, partially because of cultural differences, which result in taboos.

“So many children remain isolated or undiagnosed because their behaviour is viewed as difficult due to misinformation. I want to use this community to make a difference where we can.”

Qhawekazi will now be using her social media platforms to launch a four-part series covering how to get an autism diagnosis, getting support systems like speech or occupational therapy, communication tips and advice on how to navigate the public schooling system for children who are diagnosed with autism.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Qhawekazi Mazaleni (@qhawemazaleni)


She’s also open to answering further questions on the topic, inviting her followers to respond with their questions in the comments section or DMing her.

“I will try to include the answers in each of the videos that I make. If I personally can’t answer it, I will make sure to either do research or try to get in contact with a clinician. Please let me know any specific information you might want to know as well. There is no one-size approach to supporting neurodiverse children, but I really hope this series will help a family navigating their journey.”

Beyond the crown lies a heart dedicated to every child’s voice. Her post has received love and earned respect from her online audience and, more touching, brought hope to those navigating a widely misunderstood journey.

As Qhawekazi puts it, one of the best ways to make information available is to start the conversation. We applaud her for using her platform for such a remarkable source of help and a force for good.


Sources: Qhawekazi Mazaleni
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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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Charity Crowdfund: The Team Supporting the Needy Through Consistent Giving https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/charity-crowdfund-npc/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/charity-crowdfund-npc/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:30:16 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182864

In just under a year, Charity Crowdfund NPC has turned thousands of loaves and lunches into a lifetime of hope, nourishing over 28,000 lives through the simple power of community...

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In just under a year, Charity Crowdfund NPC has turned thousands of loaves and lunches into a lifetime of hope, nourishing over 28,000 lives through the simple power of community action!

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April 2026) – Over 1,500 lunches delivered, over 4,000 cooked and over 14,500 loaves of bread distributed. These numbers reflect only a glimpse of the incredible impact Charity Crowdfund NPC has made in less than a year.

Launched in September 2025, Charity Crowdfund has touched the lives of more than 28,000 people by providing weekly distributions of fresh bread, nourishing meals, clean water, and wholesome school lunches in Johannesburg.

The organisation is inclusive and open to all. It operates sincerely in the spirit of giving, where every rand donated is accounted for, ensuring that generosity touches those who need it most.

Charity Crowdfund is a registered South African non-profit organisation governed by a board of professionals and is dedicated to practical, consistent community support through consistent giving.

Active Projects

Weekly Bread Distribution  

Every week, Charity Crowdfund distributes fresh bread to families in need, with a target of 50,000 loaves before the end of 2026. Distributions are tracked publicly, week by week, on the charity’s website.

Waterwell Project

At R16,500 per well, the charity funds water wells in communities without access to clean water. a lasting, generational impact. Seven wells have been completed, with more underway.

Winter Blanket Project

With South Africa’s winter months approaching, Charity Crowdfund is collecting donations to distribute warm blankets to those in need. Forty-five blankets have already been distributed in the first week of the campaign.

Technology Driven

Charity Crowdfund is not just a charity. It is a technology-first organisation that uses modern infrastructure to make giving as easy and transparent as possible.

Effortless Donations

Donating takes seconds. The platform supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, instant EFT, and card payments: all secured and encrypted. Donors can also schedule recurring weekly or monthly contributions directly from the website, with no friction and no paperwork.

This commitment to a seamless donation experience removes barriers to giving and enables more people from any background to participate consistently in community upliftment.

Technology-Powered Transparency

Every donation is tracked, and every distribution is recorded publicly. The organisation publishes a detailed, week-by-week distribution history on its website, showing exactly what was given, to whom, and when.

Donors can see the direct impact of their contributions in real time. This level of accountability, made possible by purpose-built technology, sets Charity Crowdfund apart.

There is no gap between what is collected and what is distributed. The data is always public, always current, and always verifiable.

In a country where charitable giving is often ad hoc and accountability is limited, Charity Crowdfund represents a different model rooted in professional governance, transparent weekly reporting, and a commitment to sustained, measurable impact, which directly brings hope and comfort to communities every week.

To get in touch or for more information, email info@charity-crowdfund.co.za or visit the Charity Crowdfund website.


Sources: Charity Crowdfund NPC
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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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Quick-Thinking Surfer Saves Struggling Swimmer at Clifton 2nd Beach https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/quick-thinking-surfer-saves-struggling-swimmer/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/quick-thinking-surfer-saves-struggling-swimmer/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:00:24 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182812

A quick-thinking surfer launched her board and paddled straight into the swell to reach a young man whose Sunday swim turned into a life-threatening situation at Clifton 2nd Beach over...

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A quick-thinking surfer launched her board and paddled straight into the swell to reach a young man whose Sunday swim turned into a life-threatening situation at Clifton 2nd Beach over the weekend.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (07 April 2026) – When a young man was spotted struggling and in distress at Clifton 2nd Beach on Sunday morning, a female surfer hurried to help.

According to eyewitnesses, the surfer had launched her surfboard to reach the man’s aid. It appears he had gone for a swim when he encountered difficulties in the water. The NSRI Bakoven duty crew and CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network were activated after an eyewitness reported to the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre.

Upon arrival, the NSRI crew discovered the surfer bringing the man to shore on her surfboard, with local community members assisting him as she reached the beach.

The man, aged 23 and from Angola, was medically stabilised by a doctor who, by a stroke of good luck, happened to be at the beach. He provided medical assistance before being shortly joined by CSO paramedics. Paramedics, law enforcement officers, and Clifton Surf Lifesaving lifeguards helped carry him up the Clifton stairs, where he was transported to the hospital by EMS ambulance in a stable condition.

The man is expected to make a full recovery. The anonymous Good Samaritan surfer is praised for rescuing him from the water, saving his life. A huge shoutout also goes out to the eyewitness who raised the alarm, the doctor who provided assistance, and the quick response by everyone involved.


Sources: NSRI
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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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Fieldshill Water Athletic Club Turned Daily Runs Into a World-Class Achievement https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/fieldshill-athletqcs-club-achievement/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/fieldshill-athletqcs-club-achievement/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:30:25 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182789

The Fieldshill Water Athletic Club brought together runners, walkers, and families to collectively cover over 43,000km, with participants of all ages contributing to a global-distance milestone.   Chatsworth, South Africa...

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The Fieldshill Water Athletic Club brought together runners, walkers, and families to collectively cover over 43,000km, with participants of all ages contributing to a global-distance milestone.

 

Chatsworth, South Africa (07 April 2026) – You don’t need a passport to go around the world. Sometimes, all it takes is a pair of running shoes and a community that shows up.

Fieldshill Water Athletic Club (FWAC) proved with their incredible “Around the World” Club Challenge, turning everyday runs and walks into a global journey. All from the heart of Umhlatuzana in Chatsworth.

Photo Credit: Fieldshill Athletic Club

The goal is to cover 40,000 kilometres ( distance around the earth) in just 12 months. By the end of March 2026, two months ahead of schedule, the team had already clocked an incredible 43,548 kilometres. And the best part? This wasn’t about elite athletes chasing records. It was powered by everyday people, the parents, grandparents, youngsters and friends.

Behind the scenes, the energy never dropped. A buzzing WhatsApp group became the heartbeat of the challenge, filled with encouragement, progress updates, and those well-earned sweaty selfies. Whether it was early mornings or rainy afternoons, there was always someone cheering the next person on. For the club’s leadership, the challenge was inspired by large-scale global initiatives; they wanted to bring that same sense of ambition and excitement to their own community.

Along the way, people built routines, pushed through tough days, and discovered a new level of discipline. Fitness improved, confidence grew, and what started as a challenge turned into a lifestyle. Even more special was how families and friendships strengthened, proving that moving together brings people closer.

Now, as the journey reaches its final stretch, the club is preparing to celebrate every single contribution. Each participant will be recognised for being part of something truly special.

And in the end, Fieldshill Water Athletic Club didn’t just go around the world. They brought their entire community along for the journey.

Photo Credit: Fieldshill Athletic Club

Sources: Supplied 
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 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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Ntandose Nkabinde is Reshaping How SA Understands and Supports Children on the Spectrum https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/ntandose-nkabinde-supports-children-spectrum/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/ntandose-nkabinde-supports-children-spectrum/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:30:55 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182792

Mom and autism advocate, Ntandose Nkabinde, is spearheading a growing, community-driven movement that is bringing autism awareness out of the margins and into everyday conversations across underserved communities.   South...

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Mom and autism advocate, Ntandose Nkabinde, is spearheading a growing, community-driven movement that is bringing autism awareness out of the margins and into everyday conversations across underserved communities.

 

South Africa (07 April 2026) – Navigating autism is a reality that many South African families face, often in silence. It’s a reality that Ntandose Nkabinde knows personally through raising her son and one that has inspired her to reshape how South Africa understands, supports and includes children on the autism spectrum.

iKweKwezi Autism Initiative (iKKAI), named after her son, is an advocacy platform that represents both a deeply personal journey and a broader national mission: to ensure that every autistic child is met with dignity, understanding and opportunity.

“Autism awareness cannot live only in April or in policy documents,” says Nkabinde.

“It must exist in our homes, schools, communities and conversations every single day. This is about changing how society shows up for our children.”

Driving Real Change Where It Matters Most

Through iKweKwezi Autism Initiative, Nkabinde is leading impactful, community-focused programmes that include:

  • Autism awareness campaigns in underserved communities
  • Monthly educational workshops for parents and caregivers
  • Parent empowerment and support programmes
  • School and stakeholder engagement initiatives
  • Inclusive community events, including Autism Walks

These initiatives are not just awareness-driven; they are designed to create practical, lasting support systems while breaking stigma at the grassroots level.

She is a new face of Autism Advocacy in Africa. With a background in media, brand positioning and community engagement, Nkabinde brings a unique and powerful approach to advocacy, blending storytelling, education and strategic partnerships to drive measurable impact.

Her work is positioning iKweKwezi Autism Initiative as both a trusted support network for families and a credible and growing voice in national autism advocacy

As conversations around inclusion gain urgency, Nkabinde is fast becoming a go-to voice for media, brands and institutions seeking meaningful engagement on autism awareness.

World Autism Awareness Day: A National Call to Action

With the country having observed World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, Nkabinde is calling for a shift from passive awareness to active inclusion by bringing autism awareness out of the margins and into everyday conversations across underserved communities.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NtandoseNkabinde 🇿🇦 (@iamntandose)


Sources: Supplied
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 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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Rallying Support for Young Rugby Players Facing Serious Injuries https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/support-young-players-rugby-injuries/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/support-young-players-rugby-injuries/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:21 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182770

The SA Youth Rugby Medical Assistance Fund is calling on the public to support injured players like Sandile and Wian, whose family now faces overwhelming medical costs after a serious...

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The SA Youth Rugby Medical Assistance Fund is calling on the public to support injured players like Sandile and Wian, whose family now faces overwhelming medical costs after a serious head injury.

 

South Africa (07 April 2026) – It all started as a mission to support young rugby players in crisis. Now it is becoming a lifeline for families facing some of their toughest moments. The SA Youth Rugby Medical Assistance Fund is stepping in where help is needed most. By ensuring that injured players are not left to face the aftermath alone.

Right now, that support is focused on a young player named Sandile, who suffered a serious head injury that included a fractured skull and a blood clot on the brain. No one prepares for these injuries and unfortunately, his situation has been made even more difficult by the fact that his medical insurance has declined to cover the costs.

Sandile’s mother, who is currently unemployed, is raising him on her own following the passing of his father. With hospital bills expected to be significantly high, the financial pressure has quickly become overwhelming. Despite efforts to share his story across various rugby communities, support has been limited so far. This shows just how many families face these battles quietly, without the backing they need.

It’s exactly why the SA Youth Rugby Medical Assistance Fund exists. The organisation was created to ensure that young players, regardless of their background or visibility, have access to support during moments like these. For those behind the initiative, this work is deeply personal, driven by lived experiences of navigating serious rugby injuries without adequate medical cover.

As part of their efforts to raise funds, the organisation has launched a “Fill My Tank” raffle. With fuel prices continuing to climb, the prize of a full tank of petrol or diesel is both practical and timely, while also contributing to a meaningful cause.

Tickets are available at R20 each, or R100 for six entries, with the draw set to take place on 18 April 2026. Every entry goes towards supporting injured school rugby players like Sandile, helping ease the financial burden on their families during incredibly difficult times.

The fund is also supporting another young player, Wian Botha, a 15-year-old from Krugersdorp whose rugby journey has been put on hold after suffering two concussions last year. He has since been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and now requires at least six months of ongoing treatment to recover fully. Like Sandile, Wian’s situation highlights just how quickly things can change for young athletes, and how important it is to have support systems in place.

More than anything, this is about community. Showing up, even in small ways, for those who need it most.

For more information or to get involved, follow the SA Youth Rugby Medical Assistance Fund on their social media platforms via the link here.


Sources: Supplied 
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 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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Local Charities Deliver Love and Treats This Easter https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/charities-deliver-treats/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/charities-deliver-treats/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:30:19 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182775

From heartfelt deliveries for “little warriors” in hospitals to sweet surprises for school kids, our local charities proved this Easter that the smallest gestures often hold the most love!  ...

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From heartfelt deliveries for “little warriors” in hospitals to sweet surprises for school kids, our local charities proved this Easter that the smallest gestures often hold the most love!

 

South Africa (07 April 2026) – Easter is a season of hope and renewal, and this year was truly special – where various charities and kind hearts brought this goodness and joy to those who need it most through the power of caring communities, far and wide!

The Warren and Arlene Lucas Foundation

This Easter, the Warren and Arlene Lucas Foundation visited Elsies River to deliver Easter eggs, sweets, and snacks to two local ECD centres. While it may seem like a simple gesture to some, it brought pure joy to the little ones.

“Those moments of joy, excitement, and connection… they matter. Because community is built like that. Not in grand gestures, but in showing up, in giving what you can, and in doing it together,” the team shared.

Children’s Hospital Trust

At the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, little patients, too, were treated to the sweetest Easter gifts, generously donated and delivered by Mariaan Mackenzie and her wonderful friends.

The little warriors were delighted upon receiving their individual hampers, which brought so much joy into their hospital stay.

Heart in Hands Food Bank

The Hearts in Hands Food Bank team, during their many Easter egg drop-offs, popped in to share a little Easter community love with the Wentworth Victims Unit. A place where compassion quietly meets courage, every single day.

“This incredible team has spent years standing in the gap for those facing some of life’s most difficult moments – offering comfort, counselling, and a safe space to be heard. Many of these selfless individuals volunteer their time and hearts, ensuring that no one in need is ever turned away,” the Food Bank team said.

Hearts in Hands was happy to contribute in a small way to the meaningful work the Unit does by giving a few hundred marshmallow eggs that they will put directly into the hands of children in the community.

Angels’ Care Centre

Through the amazing generosity of the public, the Angels’ Care Centre was able to share the magic of Easter across all of its programmes.

“Our Preschoolers had the best time hunting for treats. Our After-School learners enjoyed a sweet reward after their hard work. Our Saturday Feeding Programme children (all 350 of them) received an extra dose of joy.”

For this charity, seeing the smiles on the children’s faces was everything and reminded them of the power of a caring community.

These are just a few of the many special do-gooders who chose to celebrate this Easter with others in mind. Thank you to all these organisations, communities, and supporters for playing your part in putting a little more love into the world – exactly where it’s needed most!


Sources: Linked Above
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 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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Life in Lesotho’s Historic Kome Caves https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/life-in-lesothos-historic-kome-caves/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/life-in-lesothos-historic-kome-caves/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:41 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182766

The dwellings were occupied in the early 1800s by families fleeing the Lifaqane wars.   Lesotho (07 April 2026) – Ntefane Ntefane lives high in the sandstone cliffs of rural...

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The dwellings were occupied in the early 1800s by families fleeing the Lifaqane wars.

 

Lesotho (07 April 2026) – Ntefane Ntefane lives high in the sandstone cliffs of rural Lesotho.

“I was born in this house in 1983,” he says, seated next to a round, mud-plastered dwelling carved into the hillside. “I have never lived anywhere else.”

While other families have long since moved out and built modern homes, Ntefane remains the last resident of the historic Kome Caves, located in the Berea district, 25km east of Teyateyaneng town.

The caves, now a tourist attraction, are managed by the local Ha Kome villagers in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation.

The caves were occupied in the early 1800s by families fleeing the Lifaqane wars and famine. Also known as the Mfecane, Lifaqane was a period of intense warfare, forced migration, and state formation in Southern Africa roughly from 1815 to 1840.

The Ha Kome caves are managed by the local community in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation.

The last resident

Ntefane lives alone in the cave.

“There were five of us in our household,” he says. “But my parents and my three siblings have all passed away. I am the only one left.”

His father, Lebaka Ntefane, and a generation before him lived in the same cave house. Then interior is divided according to clan lineage, he explains, these being the Bataung, Batlokoa and Basia families, who once shared the caves.

Their descendants have moved out, building modern homes in the nearby village of Ha Kome.

“I don’t have money to build up there,” says Ntefane. “But even so, I am comfortable here.”

His life revolves around livestock – herding animals, rotating grazing areas, fetching water, and tending to his fields.

There is no electricity in the caves. At night, he relies on candles for light and cooks on a Primus stove. “I am used to this life.”

Lesotho Caves
Ntefane Ntefane is the last resident of the Kome Caves.

A refuge from war

According to local tour guide Motlalepula Kome, around 1824, Teleka Kome fled the Lifaqane wars in Matatiele in South Africa’s Eastern Cape with his brothers, Sootho and Makhokolo.

Initially, they settled in open areas, but constant threats, including attacks and cannibalism, forced them to seek better protection.

“They first stayed in a nearby village above the caves called Ha Mateka,” Kome says.

They then moved to Malimong Ha ‘Matjotjo. “While at Malimong Ha ‘Matjotjo, they were close to caves used by cannibals. They then left and came to settle here at Ha Kome, inside these caves.”

“They built these round houses, which we call Libopi, shaped like ovens,” Kome says. “They hid here.”

Local belief is that Teleka Kome, a traditional healer, used medicinal charms to protect the settlement.

Over time, others joined the settlement, including Moteletsane Khutšoane from Thaba Nchu in the Free State, and later Ntefane’s grandfather who is also his namesake from Mokhotlong. He was fleeing the fight between Basotho founder Morena Moshoeshoe I and Batlokoa led by Manthatisi.

The caves also bear older markings of human presence. Faint rock paintings, believed to have been made by San people, remain on the cave walls.

“They were the first people to live here,” says Kome. “They hunted, and when the animals became scarce, they moved on but left these paintings behind.”

A traditional stone mill that was used by the cave dwellers to grind grains into fresh flour.

Community survival

The Ha Kome caves is managed by the local community in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation. A committee oversees operations, including tour guides and security staff.

“The money we collect helps the community,” says Kome. “It is used for development and to assist families during times of funerals.”

Part of the income is also shared among five descendants of the original cave dwellers, including Ntefane. “Sometimes we receive M200 (M1 = R1), sometimes M500, sometimes M800,” he says.

“It depends on how many tourists come that month. I know I will not go hungry because of it … I can buy soap, paraffin, candles and all the things I need at home,” he says.

The community also uses the tourism income to maintain the steep, rocky road to the caves, a job they do entirely by hand, according to Kome.

Workers earn about M100 a day. “Many visitors turn back when they see how bad it is,” says Kome. “Small cars cannot reach the site.”

Kome says another challenge is the lack of electricity, which discourages overnight stays. “People want to charge their phones, to use their devices,” she says. “When they can’t, they leave.”

Despite these challenges, the caves continue to attract visitors. GroundUp’s visit coincided with a visit by a couple from Australia.

But the future of the site depends on whether interest in the caves can be sustained and whether infrastructure improves.

For now, life at Ha Kome exists in a delicate balance between preservation and change.


GroundUp provides independent news about events and people in South Africa. If you would like to support the work they are doing, you can donate here, visit the website here or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.


Sources: GroundUp 
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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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How a Simple Friday Run Turned Into a Movement of Community https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/friday-run-community-movement/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/friday-run-community-movement/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:30:08 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182706

What started as one runner’s personal routine has grown into a Friday morning gathering where everyone, from beginners to seasoned runners feel at home.   Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April...

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What started as one runner’s personal routine has grown into a Friday morning gathering where everyone, from beginners to seasoned runners feel at home.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 April 2026) – What began as a quiet Friday morning routine has grown into something far more meaningful. For Natasha Donnelly, the journey of the PPT Social Run didn’t start with a grand plan. In fact, it started during a very personal season of her life.

“At the time, I was more into cycling, but it got too cold, so I started running by myself. One of the girls said, ‘Don’t run alone, come join us.’”

That first run was an unforgettable experience for Natasha. And not because of pace or performance, but because of how it felt.

“I remember thinking I felt out of place because I’m not really a runner. But as we started running and talking, there were no expectations. It was just about connecting, engaging and I immediately felt it.”

From that moment, she kept coming back and what was a simple idea developed into something much bigger.

“I said, why don’t we make this bigger? Not in a complicated way. Just let people know we’re running, and we’ll have coffee afterwards.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natasha Donnelly (@saffatash)

Partnering with a local coffee spot, the group asked for nothing more than an earlier opening time, and from 15 runners it went to a weekly gathering of nearly 200. But for Natasha, the numbers are not what define PPT.

“It’s difficult to explain, but it’s more than a club,” she says. “It’s a community initiative. It’s a feeling. People come here because they’re looking for something they don’t find elsewhere, that sense of belonging.”

Every Friday before sunrise, people of all ages and fitness levels arrive. It could be runners, walkers, beginners, seasoned athletes, even children before school and grandparents joining in. That sense of inclusivity has also created space for deeply meaningful moments.

One example is Jay-Dee, who joined the run in her wheelchair without any announcement or special arrangement.

“She just arrived one day, and that’s what made it so powerful,” Natasha says. “We never wanted to make it a ‘thing’. She felt comfortable enough to just show up.”

From there, the community stepped in by helping where needed, even arranging a ramp to make the route more accessible.

The same spirit carried into fundraising efforts, where the group raised close to R200,000 to support both Jay-Dee and another member, Bill, with equipment.

And while expansion is exciting, PPT’s mission remains simple.

“As long as it’s about the people, and there’s good coffee,” she smiles, “then we’re happy.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PPT Social Run (@ppt_socialrun)


Sources: GTG Interview 
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 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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Woof! Cape Town’s Favourite Dog Walk Is Back for a Good Cause https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/sea-point-charity-dog-walk/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/sea-point-charity-dog-walk/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182709

Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s annual Paws on the Promenade is back!   Cape Town, South Africa (07 April 2026) – On Sunday, 12 April, Capetonians and their four-legged friends are invited...

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Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s annual Paws on the Promenade is back!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (07 April 2026) – On Sunday, 12 April, Capetonians and their four-legged friends are invited to lace and leash up to support Mdzananda Animal Clinic in its eighth annual Paws on the Promenade 5 km walk!

The route runs from the Mouille Point Lighthouse towards the Sea Point pools and back, but there’s no pressure to complete the full distance. Walk as far as you like, take your time, or just come along for the morning. No dog? You’re still welcome, and if you’d like, you can even walk one of the clinic’s shelter dogs (find out more via the link below).

Entry is R50 for adults and dogs, and R25 for kids under 12. Tickets are available online or on the day from 8:30 am, with the walk starting at 9:00 am.

On the day, there’ll be coffee, food stalls, and a few extras along the promenade, but the focus is on showing up and contributing toward Khayelitsha’s animals in need.

Khayelitsha has around a million people and roughly 300,000 pets. Most of those pet owners cannot afford private vet care. Mdzananda Animal Clinic is what they have. The clinic is the only low-cost veterinary service serving the community, doing everything from sterilisations and vaccinations to emergency surgery, mostly for people who have very little to spare.

Grab your lead, lace up your sneakers, and let’s make sure every pet in Khayelitsha has a reason to wag their tail. Oh, and make sure to wear something orange!

Find out more here.


Sources: Linked above.
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 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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