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.

 

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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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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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Steve has just done something incredible! He’s walked 300 km, from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay, in his ongoing mission to raise over a million rand to help fund the studies of young students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Cape Town, South Africa (07 April 2026) – Retired Steve Murphy first had the idea after his wife Jenny counselled a young Zimbabwean girl who had lost her estranged father, and her mother just six months later. At eighteen, this left her unable to complete her matric, and with it, her future shrank in ways it shouldn’t have had to.

Thankfully, Steve and Jenny were able to help her financially. In doing so, they realised how many more young adults were navigating the same reality in South Africa. Too many capable minds are denied the chance to build careers, support their families and contribute to society, simply because they can’t afford to finish school or get into tertiary education.

“We could help the young lady financially but we also realised there were many others in this predicament and thought we would try ‘something’ like a walk!” Steve tells us.

That’s how it began. He mapped out a 300-kilometre route from bay to bay, a growing BackaBuddy campaign in tow, with an initial goal of one million rand, enough to cover student fees for at least a handful of young South Africans who needed a hand.

Steve started out knowing his efforts wouldn’t solve the national unemployment crisis, but was equally convinced that hope, placed in capable hands, leads somewhere worth going.

“I am not really trying to ‘eat the elephant’ – I think, if we give young people skills we create hope and they are resourceful enough to find their own way. Build a solid base (that is an entity which is credible, authentic and real) and which others are happy to support, and the rest will follow. Empowered people do things that assist others.”

A call for sponsorship went out to his network, and Steve set off step by step. Over two weeks, he crossed the Garden Route to Storms River and back to Plettenberg Bay. He covered 300 km, averaging around 20 kilometres a day. It’s no small feat for anyone, let alone a champ of 74!

The road made space for all kinds of thoughts, but perhaps the greatest realisation was that making a difference can be as straightforward as putting one foot in front of the other for a worthy cause.

“I am a person of faith, so I did wonder if in my latter years I might still be fruitful. I also was encouraged to reach out to others with so little when I had so much. I was profoundly moved by the courtesy, kindness and respect from fellow pedestrians. I wondered if I lived in the same country as our parliamentarians and much of the media. I do not want to diminish the pain of those who have suffered violence and loss, but whilst that was a concern of mine, my lived experience was very different. So my thoughts have turned to registering a PBO and doing this ‘full time’ going forward.”

Along the way, Steve and his network raised R226,792. And then came a pledge that blew his original goal out of the water.

“The support I’ve received has been amazing, outstanding and humbling. I also received a pledge from the Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences of R1 million in educational bursaries for 2026!”

Around ten applicants have already reached out for help. The R1.25 million raised so far will get their studies off the ground, but the goal has grown, and so has Steve’s appetite for it. He’s already planning the next one.

“Now that I’ve reached the end of the journey, I feel on top of the world, grateful for a body that is still resilient, and ready to do more – I’m motivated for next year’s effort!”

Ultimately, choosing to give might just be the most rewarding thing a person can do with their time on earth.

“So much of western lifestyle is about getting, keeping, having. Jesus taught that giving is more blessed. It brings more contentment and satisfaction than getting. This exercise has confirmed for me that truth! So here is to trying to give a little more each day!”

Steve’s campaign is still running. If you’d like to support his cause, follow this link.

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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With rugby celebrations across the country, this milestone celebration brings together schoolboy rugby, tradition, and a deep sense of brotherhood that has defined Pretoria Boys High for generations.

Pretoria, South Africa (07 April 2026) – Pretoria Boys High School, one of the oldest schools in Pretoria, is celebrating 125 years of excellence this year. What better way to mark the milestone than with a rugby festival on the hallowed Brooks Field?

Across the country, rugby festivals have become a staple of the school calendar, bringing together some of the best young talent and fiercest rivalries. From one province to the next, they’re about tradition, connection, and a shared love for the game. And in Pretoria, Boys High’s contribution to that landscape carries a legacy of its own.

As the school celebrates 125 years of excellence, its rugby festival becomes more than just a weekend of fixtures. It’s a gathering of history, pride, and a brotherhood that stretches across generations.

For director of rugby Paul Anthony, the real significance lies beyond the touchline.

“I think it’s like a family. The school’s based on the old boys, it’s like a brotherhood. The guys just stick together and go on forever. It’s a massive bond.”

That sense of belonging is something he knows well. Anthony himself walked these fields as a learner in the mid-1970s before returning years later as a coach.

It’s a cycle that extends beyond him. Having coached some of the very figures who now lead the school, and with his own sons having come through the system, his connection to Pretoria Boys High runs deep.

“My sons were right here,” he says. “They’re now overseas, but they’ll be watching, and by four o’clock they’ll be telling me what we did right and wrong. That’s how invested they are.”

While the festival showcases high-level competition, Anthony is quick to emphasise that schoolboy rugby should be about more than just winning.

“People come for the rugby and the competition, but also to catch up with their mates. There’ll be a tent full tonight, just reminiscing. That’s what it’s about.”

As the school celebrates 125 years, Anthony is clear about the kind of legacy it hopes to leave behind.

“The legacy should be to send well-educated, well-mannered young men into the world,” he says. “Men who love this country and want to make a difference.”

Sources: GTG Interview 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook 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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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.

 

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A post shared by NtandoseNkabinde (@iamntandose)

Sources: Supplied

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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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Reconnecting, reminiscing, and reaching out. The St Anne’s Class of 2006 is celebrating their milestone reunion by opening doors for the next generation of girls through the Mandisa Fund.

Hilton, South Africa (06 April 2026) – School reunions stir a sense of curious excitement, offering the chance to reconnect with old friends and peers from your early years. It is a time for reflecting on past adventures and the dreams planted back then, while sharing the accomplishments and experiences of the present.

As the Class of 2006 prepares to celebrate its 20-year reunion later this year, the alumnae of St Anne’s Diocesan College are marking the milestone with more than just memories.

Raising a Million for Future St Annes Girls

Together, they have decided to pave the way for the next generation by setting an ambitious goal: to raise R1 million for the school’s recently launched Mandisa Fund, a bursary created to support daughters of Facilities Staff and exceptional girls from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the school.

The Fund is named in honour of Mandisa Penny Ntloko-Petersen, the first Black girl to matriculate from St Anne’s in 1985 and represents both progress and purpose. It stands as a powerful symbol of how far the school – and South Africa – has come, while acknowledging the work still to be done to expand access to quality education.

The Class of 2006 has embraced the challenge with energy and creativity. Alumnae are undertaking a variety of fundraising initiatives, including running marathons, open-water swims, hosting community sporting events and other charity gatherings, and asking friends and family to donate in lieu of birthday or celebration gifts!

In addition to these individual efforts, the class is actively seeking corporate sponsors to partner in reaching – and hopefully exceeding – the R1 million target. Since launching their campaign, the class has already raised 5% of their goal, an encouraging start that reflects strong early support.

“We know that R1 million is a bold target,” says the organising committee.

“But we believe in the power of community. If each of us does something – whether it’s running a race, hosting a small event, or making a donation – together we can make a life-changing difference.”

A Call to Join a Cause that Matters

The Class of 2006 is calling on fellow alumnae, South African businesses, families and friends of St Anne’s, to join the movement. Contributions of any size will help unlock opportunities for deserving young women in the local Midlands community.

Supporters can donate directly via the campaign page or get involved by sponsoring an event or partnering as a corporate donor.

As reunion plans gather momentum, the class hopes to celebrate not only 20 years of friendship but also the knowledge that their milestone has created meaningful change for generations to come.

To learn more about the Mandisa Fund or to contribute to the Class of 2006 campaign, please visit the fundraising page or email lize.hartley@insead.edu.

Sources: Supplied

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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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From recycling drives and cleanup campaigns to Spekboom propagation, sustainability is the heartbeat of St Mary’s RC Primary School – an effort that has officially earned them the title of Most Sustainable School in the province!

Retreat, South Africa (02 April 2026) – At St Mary’s RC Primary School, sustainability and fostering a greener environment through education aren’t just goals. They are a top priority embedded in every learner.

It is this very dedication that has earned the school the prestigious title of Most Sustainable School in the Western Cape as part of Nature Connect’s Sustainable Schools Programme in 2025!

The exciting announcement was made at the Sustainable Schools Western Cape Rewards Ceremony, recently held in Cape Town, which marked the final event of the national rewards roadshow.

According to Nature Connect, this award recognises St Mary’s RC Primary School for its long-term commitment to sustainability, strong whole-school participation, and a culture of consistency.

Despite being a low-fee-paying school and facing ongoing challenges in securing support and resources, St Mary’s has remained committed to its sustainability journey.

The perseverance, consistency and determination shown by teachers, learners and the school community alike make this recognition especially well deserved.

Over the years, the school has shown sustained engagement across several focus areas, including Production, Consumption & Waste and Community & Social Responsibility.

One of St Mary’s long-standing strengths has been its active and well-structured Eco-Club, made up of Grade 6 and 7 learners who meet weekly and lead a range of sustainability initiatives.

These include recycling drives, clean-ups, Spekboom propagation, and peer awareness activities that help build learner leadership and shared responsibility across the school.

Supported by partners including PolyCo, the school has also developed a comprehensive recycling system and, last year, received a new recycling centre to help formalise and strengthen its recycling efforts even further.

Long-term engagement

What makes St Mary’s RC Primary School’s achievement especially encouraging is the school’s long-term commitment. The school has been part of the Sustainable Schools Programme since its inception in 2021, and its recognition as the Western Cape’s top school reflects steady progress built over time.

That progress has been shaped by passionate teacher leadership, regular participation, and a clear willingness to keep learning, growing and improving year after year.

Recognising excellence across the province

While St Mary’s RC Primary School received the province’s top recognition, other Western Cape schools were also acknowledged for strong sustainability action in specific focus areas.

These included Pinelands High School for Biodiversity, Parkwood Primary School for Health & Well-being, Silvermine Academy for Energy & Climate Action, St James RC Primary School for Marine & Coast, and Sweet Valley Primary School for Water & Sanitation.

Additional awards recognised progress and learner leadership. Bel Porto School was acknowledged for Best Progress by a New School, Harmony Primary School was named Most Improved, and John Graham Primary School was recognised for its outstanding Eco-Club.

At the heart of the Sustainable Schools Programme is the belief that environmental learning should be practical, relevant and connected to everyday realities – values St Mary’s RC Primary School has reflected strongly through a wide range of learner-led, curriculum-linked and community-connected actions.

Sources: Nature Connect

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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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Bridges Retreat has, through its outdoor educational camp experiences, proven that with the right environment, resilience isn’t just a trait – it’s a skill that can be taught.

Franschhoek, South Africa (02 April 2026) – When given the right tools in a nurturing and developmental environment, our children are empowered to get on the right track – and the data proves it.

This is according to Bridges Retreat, a fully funded outdoor education programme in the Franschhoek Valley that empowers learners who would otherwise lack access to such transformative opportunities. By focusing on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth, the programme sets a foundation for lifelong development.

The numbers of a recent pre- and post-assessment of under-resourced Western Cape schools back this up, showing measurable shifts in resilience, trust, and collaboration over the course of the three-year programme.

Key Findings at a Glance

Looking at key findings at a glance, the data shows improvements in teamwork and a positive shift in friendship and social connection. Post-assessment, 64% of learners said their approach to a team challenge was to make a plan before starting, and 57% named teamwork as the single value they would carry back to school.

“Monitoring and evaluation in this sector is a journey, and we are committed to taking it seriously. We know that resilience, trust and the capacity to work with others are foundational to whether a child succeeds – not just at school, but in life. What this data shows us is that these qualities can be deliberately built, and that the shifts are visible and measurable. That matters enormously, both for the children we serve and for the broader conversation about what education outcomes we choose to track.” Catherine Janse van Rensburg, Fundraising Manager, Bridges Retreat

Educator feedback gathered alongside the assessment data tells a consistent story.

Learners who struggle most in the classroom – withdrawn, disruptive or disengaged – frequently show markedly different behaviour at camp. Teachers across multiple schools describe children stepping into leadership roles, forming cross-cultural friendships, and developing the confidence to participate and contribute, often for the first time.

The programme grounds its approach in established research. Psychologist Ann Masten’s concept of “ordinary magic” (the idea that resilience emerges naturally in stable, supportive environments) and Albert Bandura’s work on self-efficacy both inform how Bridges structures the learner experience across its three-year Grade 5 to 7 journey.

The results come at a time when the education sector is increasingly grappling with how to develop and measure the social and emotional foundations that underpin academic success.

Principals from all participating schools confirmed the programme aligns directly with their school improvement priorities, with several noting its impact on discipline, leadership development and the ability of learners to resist negative community influences, including peer pressure and gangsterism.

“The camp has given our learners the ability to be more confident and to overcome their barriers – and to say no when coerced into the wrong situation,” shared the Principal of Petunia Primary School.

Sources: Bridges Retreat

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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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Tomorrow marks World Autism Awareness Day. Dr Onyinye Nwaneri is highlighting a critical gap: children with autism in rural communities are being diagnosed later, supported less and too often left to navigate an education system not designed for them.

South Africa (01 April 2026) – Children with autism do not struggle because they lack potential; they struggle when the world around them is not ready to understand how they communicate, play, learn or cope with change. In South Africa, that challenge is often felt most sharply in the education system, where support is uneven, specialist services are limited and many teachers are already stretched thin.

In rural communities, the pressure is even greater. Autism is often recognised later than it should be, support systems are harder to access and families often have to carry the burden of uncertainty for far too long. As we mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April and Autism Acceptance Month throughout April, this is the right moment to ask what real acceptance or autism looks like, particularly in regions in our country where resources are scarce and the need is great.

This reflection has to start with understanding that acceptance and support of autism cannot be reduced to an Autism Day slogan. It has to become permanently evident in the classroom where a single teacher is trying to guide many different learners, often with very little backup. It also has to be seen in early learning spaces where developmental differences should first become visible – but where staff may not yet feel equipped to respond. And the required support has to also be available in homes and communities where parents often know something is different about their child, but don’t know where to turn for help.

Research done in Limpopo Province in 2023 provided a picture of what the challenges related to autism in our education system look like on the ground. The study found that teachers supporting autistic children had to overcome a plethora of challenges, from substandard infrastructure and limited teaching materials to a shortage of health practitioners, uneven teacher learner ratios, inadequate staff skills and weak management support. This points to a structural problem rather than a lack of care or commitment from teachers themselves. Essentially, we are asking our educators to carry responsibilities that the wider system has not properly recognised and isn’t itself equipped to support.

That burden is often heavier in rural settings, where specialist assessment and therapy services are inaccessible and where autism is often poorly understood. A 2024 study on caregivers of non-verbal autistic children in rural KwaZulu-Natal, published in the South African Journal of Communication Disorders, revealed a need for greater public awareness, caregiver counselling, autism support groups and more specialised education options.

Another 2024 South African study found a delay of roughly three years between the recognition of first symptoms and a formal autism diagnosis. A delay like that can misshape a child’s whole early experience of learning. On the other hand, when adults understand what they are seeing earlier, children are more likely to be supported in ways that reduce frustration and build communication, confidence and connection.

All these research findings support the imperative for early childhood development to be at the frontline of autism inclusion. ECD practitioners are often among the first adults to notice how a child responds to routine, manages sensory input or expresses needs. Unfortunately, early childhood carers and educators often lack knowledge about teaching and accommodating young autistic children in everyday education settings. That gap has to receive urgent attention, because early childhood spaces are where supportive habits should begin, and where fear or misunderstanding can be replaced with practical, compassionate action.

Importantly, autism support doesn’t have to wait for a perfect system or specialist inputs. We can make useful progress simply by giving the adults already involved in autistic children’s lives better tools, clearer guidance and genuine support. This is where practical resources can make a real difference. Sesame Workshop’s new autism materials, released for Autism Acceptance Month, focus on kindness, connection, participation and communication support. They include videos, printables and education designed to help children and adults create more welcoming shared spaces.

In a rural South African classroom or home, where time and support are limited, simple tools like these can help model inclusion in ways that feel achievable. They help to show that communication can happen in different ways, and friendships can blossom when children are taught to accept differences and make room for one another.

In the end, real autism acceptance means more than just saying every child belongs. It means building schools and communities that are better able to recognise difference early and respond with care. And it means supporting the under-resourced teacher who is trying to hold a classroom together while meeting many needs at once. Awareness is definitely a good starting point, but acceptance is what is needed. And that only happens when understanding translates to support, so that all children are given space to be themselves and the genuine chance to learn, connect and thrive.

To access the new resources, visit sesame.org/autism and learn more about supporting every child’s journey toward friendship and inclusion.

Sources: Sesame Workshop

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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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Dr Retha Smit has just collected her PhD in psychiatry from Stellenbosch University, and she’ll tell you straight that age had nothing to do with it!

Stellenbosch, South Africa (01 April 2026) – Stellenbosch University (SU) has shared an inspiring story that proves you’re never too old to learn. Last week, Dr. Retha Smit, at 67-years-young, donned the cap and gown as she received her PhD in psychiatry.

“Age was never a factor for me. Instead, I remain deeply grateful for the health and strength that allowed me to complete the journey I began in 2012,” she says as per SU.

Smit has worked in psychiatric research at Stellenbosch for nearly three decades, starting out in 1996 as a study coordinator for clinical trials in psychiatry, after gaining her diploma in general nursing and obstetrics. Psychiatry was a field she had no formal training in at the time but she learned on the job, and rose to become principal study coordinator of a busy psychiatric clinical trials unit, while keeping her bigger goal in sight the whole time.

Her love of learning came from her parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for knowledge from an early age. It’s a belief she carried with her through the years of raising four children alone, working full-time, and at times holding down a second job to make ends meet.

“During those years, there was little opportunity for me to pursue further studies. However, I always carried the intention of continuing my education when the time was right.”

That time came in 2012, when her youngest child went to university and she seized the moment. Years later at 60, she completed her honours degree in psychology cum laude through UNISA. Then came a master’s in research psychology at Stellenbosch.

Her PhD, awarded at the university’s March 2026 graduation ceremony, marks another inspiring milestone!

As per SU, Smit’s PhD research focused on relapse in schizophrenia. Specifically, the factors beyond medication non-adherence that cause patients to deteriorate. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population around the world yet ranks among the top ten causes of disability worldwide. Her research shows that sustainable improvement requires addressing biological, psychosocial, and structural factors together. In 2024, following training in Denmark, she conducted South Africa’s first virtual reality-based study on schizophrenia, using AVATAR therapy, a therapeutic approach that addresses persistent auditory hallucinations, or hearing voices that aren’t there.

Outside of her academic world, Smit keeps her creative muscles exercised by playing acoustic guitar, making music with friends, and has taught herself crochet and lace-making.

Looking ahead, her plans academically are to publishing her findings, co-supervise master’s students, and contribute to ongoing clinical trials.

Her advice to anyone thinking about going back to study is to keep focused on the goal. If your physical and mental health allow for it, then why not?

“It is never too late to reach your goal. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy good physical and mental health, the most important step is to set your mind on a goal. Consider the challenges you may face in achieving that goal and plan actively to overcome them.” she says.

“This achievement shows that with perseverance, a positive mindset, and self-belief, you can achieve what you set out to accomplish.”

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. 

The post Lifelong Learner Dr Retha Smit Graduates With PhD at 67 appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The programme equips young professionals with the hands-on experience they need to lead a better, greener South Africa!

Newlands, South Africa (01 April 2026) – The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in South Africa has been running its Environmental Leaders Graduate Internship Programme for 15 years now. It’s become a bridge for Honours and Master’s graduates as they move into the working world.

The twelve-month-long paid internship programme, which runs every two years, gives recent graduates the experience and professional networking they need to actually build long-term careers in the environmental sector.

The programme responds to real skill shortages in South Africa. While we usually think of conservation in a traditional sense, the programme also places interns in high-demand, emerging fields like green engineering, sustainable architecture, and economics.

By focusing on these gaps, WWF helps build SA’s next generation of green fighters who bring their skills into wide-ranging fields, ensuring we have the right people, in all the right places, protecting the environment.

Over the years, interns have been hosted at leading organisations like SANParks, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Wildlands Conservation Trust.

The latest cohort includes graduates from universities all across the country currently completing their internships this month. The celebration was marked with a valedictory in the Newlands.

As the class of 2026 gear up for the next phase of their professional lives, they leave the programme equipped to protect and lead a better environmental future for South Africa! 

Sources: WWF South Africa.

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. 

The post Green Careers Ahead as WWF’s Environmental Interns Ready to Soar appeared first on Good Things Guy.