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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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.

 

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A post shared by Charity Crowdfund (@charity.crowdfund)

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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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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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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Every tail deserves a wag, and every pawsome friend deserves a home. This World Stray Animal Day, FOUR PAWS is calling on communities and officials to show up for South Africa’s stray animals.

Cape Town, South Africa (01 April 2026) – In the lead‑up to World Stray Animal Day on 4 April, FOUR PAWS is sounding the alarm on South Africa’s growing stray animal crisis – an issue impacting animal welfare, public health and community safety.

Far Too Many Animals are Without a Home

Stats gathered by the global animal welfare organisation reveal a concerning reality. Just over 4 million dogs and cats in South Africa are homeless, making up roughly 22% of the country’s estimated 18.6 million companion animals (dogs: 13.4 million, cats: 5.2 million). Of this homeless population, approximately 3.4 million are surviving as strays, while 650,000 are in shelters.

This data highlights the scale of the challenge that communities face daily.

For instance, in Langa, Cape Town, a recent census revealed that nearly 90% of dogs and cats are unsterilised- the primary driver of this relentless population growth and the risks that come with it.

“Stray animal management is a One Health issue,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.

“When dogs and cats roam without care, it’s not only the animals that suffer, but communities also face increased risks of bites, disease transmission and unsafe environments. Humane, evidence-based solutions are urgently needed.”

Rabies Remains a Serious Public Health Threat

Surveillance data show human cases are confirmed annually, particularly linked to dog bites; timely PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis) and mass dog vaccination are proven lifesaving interventions.

A retrospective, NICD-led review in Limpopo (2011–2023) recorded 98,743 animal bite cases and 32 human deaths due to rabies, with a 100% fatality rate among confirmed cases, many of whom did not complete PEP courses, highlighting the need for better awareness and access to care.

“We call on the government to embed these principles into national and municipal legislation,” Miles adds.

“South Africa has an opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that animal welfare and human health go hand in hand.”

Reproduction and Abandonment are Major Drivers of Stray Populations

FOUR PAWS advocates for responsible pet ownership, sterilisation, identification/ microchipping and vaccination. These proactive interventions are widely recognised as more effective and humane than euthanasia.

Municipal frameworks such as the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By‑law (2021) include mandatory sterilisation and permitting provisions to curb overpopulation and improve community safety.

FOUR PAWS encourages authorities to scale humane, science-based interventions by enacting legislation.

Call to Action

The government is called to embed humane companion animal population management through national and municipal laws to promote responsible ownership, sterilisation, identification and vaccination.

Communities and pet owners are urged to vaccinate, sterilise, microchip and keep pets safely at home; report bite incidents promptly and seek PEP.

Civil society and experts can collaborate on data-driven interventions and public awareness to protect people, pets, and public spaces.

Join the movement

Explore FOUR PAWS’ resources and advocacy at www.four-paws.org.za and help champion humane, effective solutions for stray animals rooted in One Health and community well‑being.

Sources: FOUR PAWS

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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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South Africans can exhale a little as the new fuel levy reduction offers much-needed relief for our pockets.

South Africa (31 March 2026) – The stress and anxiety surrounding April’s petrol price hike have been felt by nearly everyone across the country. This morning, long queues snaked from filling stations – some of which had already run dry before the week even began, largely due to localised distribution challenges driven by a wave of panic buying.

This anticipated increase stems from escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has materially heightened risks within global energy markets.

Recognising the public’s mounting concern, Minister Enoch Godongwana and Minister Gwede Mantashe issued a joint statement today confirming that consultations have been held between the National Treasury and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to explore measures to provide short-term relief to consumers, while maintaining a stable and sustainable fuel supply system.

The result: The fuel levy will now be temporarily reduced by R3 a litre, effective 1 April.

This will reduce the general fuel levy for petrol from R4.10 per litre to R1.10 per litre and reduce the general fuel levy for diesel from R3.93 per litre to R0.93 per litre for one month. It is estimated that the partial reduction in the fuel levy will cost around R6 billion in foregone tax revenue for the one-month period. The relief measure will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis for the following two months.

In reaching this decision, the Minister of Finance sought to balance the socio-economic impact on the country and welfare impact on South African consumers, specifically regarding food and transport inflation, with the fiscal objectives announced in the February Budget.

While the news comes after many have already filled up and braced themselves for the worst, even with the R3.00 per litre cut to fuel levies, South Africans are still facing record-high fuel price increases.

These are undoubtedly tough and stressful times for everyone in the country, but we can still find some small comfort in the bit of relief we have been given.

Officials further assure that there is sufficient fuel supply in the country to meet current and projected demand. Motorists and businesses are encouraged to purchase fuel responsibly and avoid unnecessary stockpiling.

Sources: Linked Above

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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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Putting their motto to serve as they learn into motion, over 50 Stellenbosch health sciences students traded their textbooks for the front lines, working alongside dedicated nurses to bring vital healthcare to the heart of the Robertson community!

Robertson, South Africa (31 March 2026) – More than 50 students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) at the University of Stellenbosch stepped up to support primary healthcare professional nurses as they delivered vital health services directly to communities in Robertson and the surrounding areas.

The initiative is part of the Langeberg InReach programme – a community outreach and service delivery effort run by the Langeberg Municipality designed to bring essential municipal services directly to residents, particularly those in underserved or rural areas.

The FMHS embodies the motto: “Serve as we Learn”, and serve these students certainly did!

Over three days, undergraduate students from Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Dietetics, and Speech Therapy joined nurses on mobile clinics that travelled into communities, schools, and childcare facilities in Robertson, Bonnievale, and Montagu.

According to the University, the students assisted with health screening, immunisations, prevention activities, eye screening and other services that help strengthen the wellbeing of local residents.

“FMHS InReaches combine hands-on learning with service delivery, particularly in rural areas where healthcare needs are significant. The goal is to give regional health systems an added boost while creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience and insight into community-focused care. The FMHS works closely with the Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness and several key partners to make the initiative possible,” the FMHS shared.

In support of the Department’s “Start well, live well, age well” strategy, which prioritises child health, this InReach also placed a strong emphasis on child wellness and prevention to help ensure long and healthy lives for the youngest members of the community.

By selflessly bridging the gap between theory and practice, these health sciences students not only lightened the load for dedicated local nurses but also left an indelible mark of compassion on the communities they were so proud to serve.

Sources: Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

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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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For two decades, the Santa Shoebox Project has had the joy of spreading smiles and goodness across the country. Now, your school or learning centre could be part of receiving this magic too!

Cape Town, South Africa (26 March 2026) – For 20 beautiful years, the Santa Shoebox Project has been on a mission to sprinkle a little magic and a lot of kindness where it’s needed most!

As the nationwide initiative marks its milestone 20th anniversary, it is officially inviting schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across South Africa to apply to become beneficiaries of their 2026 campaign.

The Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) was founded in 2006, and for two decades has shared joy and restored dignity by delivering more than 1.35 million personalised shoeboxes – filled with sanitary items, stationery, treats and toys – to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children.

The project also uses donor funding to build and refurbish ECDs in rural areas, and install reading corners in urban and rural schools all over South Africa, in addition to training teachers and supporting schools to reach their early childhood development goals.

Filling the gap in a country marked by inequality

Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project, says the project’s work is as important and urgent as ever, considering that six out of 10 children still live below the poverty line in South Africa.

“The G20 Global Inequality Report highlights a stark divide in educational opportunity: while a child from a wealthy family has a 1-in-2 chance of studying beyond secondary school, those odds drop to 1-in-40 for boys in poverty and a startling 1-in-100 for girls. Early intervention is therefore absolutely critical.”

Zelezniak says their work reaches communities across South Africa, but particular attention is paid to under-resourced rural areas because the need is so great.

“We’re seeing a very stark chasm of opportunity in South Africa. What is particularly concerning is that we have 8.8 million children in rural communities where ECD centres often operate in survival mode without basic infrastructure or educational materials. That’s where we step in and help.” 

Recognising that quality early education is the most powerful catalyst to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, the Santa Shoebox Project is now officially inviting schools and ECD centres across the nation to apply to become beneficiaries in 2026.

How to apply to become a Santa Shoebox beneficiary organisation

Applications for 2026 will open on Tuesday, 7th April and close on Thursday, 23rd April.

Interested facilities must follow these steps:

• Register or log in: Visit santashoebox.org.za to create an online profile or log in using existing credentials.
• Complete the form: Go to https://santashoebox.org.za/beneficiaries/ and fill out the online application form in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and no changes can be made once submitted.
• Selection process: All applications are assessed against specific criteria. By mid-June, applicants will receive an SMS confirming whether their application was successful.

Selection criteria

Applicants need to fulfil certain selection criteria to improve their chances of being selected as beneficiaries this year.

• Facilities that can apply include schools and ECD centres, where there are official class rosters that can help identify beneficiary children by name, age and clothing size. Remember, Santa Shoeboxes are personalised for every child to ensure the children get clothing and other items they need.
• The project focuses specifically on pre-school, Gr R, Gr 7 and Gr 11 learners, because these are pivotal ages when children need the items in the box to succeed in the next phase of their education.
• Educational facilities in both urban and rural areas may apply, but facilities in rural areas serving vulnerable children who have not received shoeboxes in the past will be prioritised.
• Each educational facility must be a reliable partner – and able to ensure that each child on the list safely receives their specific, personalised box.
• Beneficiaries need to align with the Santa Shoebox Project’s values and goals – and should not be receiving similar support from other organisations.
• The Santa Shoebox is open to South African beneficiaries. Please note that as of 2026, Santa Shoeboxes are no longer distributed in Namibia.

“The shoeboxes provide practical necessities many families cannot afford, ensuring children feel seen and valued,” says Zelezniak.

“We look forward to partnering with facilities that share our commitment to uplifting South Africa’s youth in 2026. We also invite members of the community in every corner of SA to join us and volunteer – it’s the most magical experience and a chance to be part of our beautiful story.”

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. 

The post Calling On Schools and ECDs to Apply to The Santa Shoebox Project in 2026 appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In hospitals across South Africa, there are patients lying in hospital beds whose recovery depends on something many of us can give in just 30 minutes,  blood.

South Africa (29 March 2026) – This Easter, while many South Africans prepare to travel, rest, and spend time with loved ones, there is a different kind of call being made quietly in hospitals across the country, one that cannot be ignored.

It is the call of a mother watching her child fight for survival.

The call of a patient on an operating table.

The call of someone whose life quite literally depends on whether blood is available in that moment.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on the nation to ‘Answer the Call’ on Saturday, 28 March, with an urgent goal of collecting 6,000 units of blood in a single day to sustain hospitals over the Easter period.

Behind every blood donation is a real life waiting to be saved.

For Lezhanne Hartwell, blood donors became the lifeline that helped save her young daughter’s life. Her 18-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma in October 2020 and required a blood transfusion shortly after.

“I would like to thank all blood donors because of your generosity; you have contributed to saving our little girl’s life,” says Hartwell.

Her daughter received a 200ml blood transfusion at Donald Gordon Hospital, and the experience profoundly changed Hartwell’s perspective on blood donation. Despite being afraid of needles, she has since committed to donating blood regularly after realising how vital it can be for families facing medical emergencies.

Each unit of blood donated can save up to three lives, yet public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection sites.

SANBS is therefore encouraging both regular donors and first-time donors to take time this Saturday to help ensure that hospitals have the blood they need throughout the Easter period.

Young donors like Sibongeleni Hlongwane, a 23-year-old from Pietermaritzburg, are already answering that call.

Hlongwane began donating blood at the age of 17 while still in school and continues to donate as a way of giving back to society.

“Donating blood is a meaningful way to help others,” he says.

“I encourage more young people to get involved and participate in community blood drives.”

The donation process takes about 30 minutes, but the impact can last a lifetime. To participate, South Africans are encouraged to visit their nearest SANBS donor centre or mobile clinic on 28 March.

“Easter is a time associated with giving and renewal. By donating blood, South Africans can give a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday, the gift of life,” says Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager: Donor Relations at SANBS. 

To find your nearest donor centre, call 0800 11 90 31 or visit www.sanbs.org.za.

This Easter, while baskets may be filled with chocolate, SANBS reminds South Africans that there is another gift that can mean even more. Your donation can be someone’s lifeline.

Sources: South African National Blood Service 

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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 Someone’s Life Depends on You Answering SANBS’ Call This Easter appeared first on Good Things Guy.