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.

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 74-Year-Old Walks 300km and Raises Over R1 Million to Help Students Cover Fees! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Ten-year-old Kitana Inderpal will compete in Bangkok after standout performances at the national level, with support needed to make the journey possible.

Johannesburg, South Africa (02 April 2026) – A bright young learner from Johannesburg is set to take her talents to the global stage, and she’s making South Africa proud while doing it.

Ten-year-old Kitana Inderpal has been selected to represent the country at the AsiaRope International English Olympiad in Bangkok, Thailand, following an impressive run at the national level. Her results speak volumes: she achieved Gold status, placed third in the South African Olympiad national round, and secured second place in the AsiaRope national round.

Now, she’s preparing to compete against learners from across the world, with participants expected from between 10 and 20 countries. It’s a massive opportunity to test her academic skills and to gain international exposure and experience at a young age.

But Kitana’s achievements don’t stop in the classroom. She’s a well-rounded learner who continues to shine in different spaces. Her English work has already been featured in her school’s quarterly newsletter, and she was recognised as one of ten winners in the Yokico competition. On top of that, she also volunteers her time at a local veterinary practice.

This next step in her journey is a big one, but it does come with high costs. The total for the trip is estimated at around R75,000, covering flights, accommodation and competition-related expenses. While her family is fully behind her and committed to supporting her dream, they are reaching out for additional support to help make this opportunity a reality.

Every contribution, no matter the size, can help take Kitana one step closer to representing South Africa on an international stage.

For those who would like to support her or find out more, you can follow 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. 

The post Johannesburg Learner Selected to Represent SA at International English Olympiad appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When good people fall, the best of humanity rises to meet them.

Brackenfell, South Africa (02 April 2026) – Time and again, we’ve seen it happen. A family reaches a moment they simply cannot get through alone, and they’re left with no other option but to ask, and hope, for help.

Somehow, through the kindness of strangers, the generosity of communities, and the miracle of people choosing to show up, they find a way through their darkest hours.

We have seen it here on Good Things Guy more times than we can count. And we believe, with everything we have, that we are about to see it again. This time, it’s for Jacques.

Jacques is the husband of Bianca, dad to their daughter Charnè. When his diagnosis of high-grade bladder cancer and kidney cancer came, it turned their small family’s life upside down.

And then, the road become even steeper. His initial bladder surgery was followed by a serious complication of Klebsiella septicaemia, a bloodstream infection that hit his already-weakened body.

Time is working against the family.

Jacques needs robotic surgery to remove the kidney cancer, a specialised procedure that gives him the best chance of saving the kidney and stopping the disease from spreading. That surgery is scheduled for 8 April 2026, just a week from now. It’s the only window he has.

Once Jacques begins his bladder cancer treatment on 4 May 2026, his immune system will take a severe hit, making further surgery too dangerous. That treatment will run for six weeks, then repeat every three months for years to come. The kidney surgery has to happen first. Before the treatment starts and before the window closes.

That’s how little time they have.

The toll this has taken is immense. With Jacques unable to work, the financial pressure on the family has grown to a point that’s becoming impossible to manage alone. Their medical aid doesn’t cover the full cost of the robotic surgery, and with specialist visits, hospital stays, medication, and ongoing care, the numbers quickly become overwhelming.

Hope is the most tangible thing they have right now.

Bianca has made a humbling, and heartbreaking, cry for a help.

“I serve as a criminologist and the national coordinator for Missing Children South Africa. My work has always been protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis. My husband has stood by my side through it all, often stepping in to keep others safe. For years we’ve helped people through their darkest moments. Now we face one ourselves.” Bianca shares.

An online crowdfunding campaign has been set up to help cover the cost of Jacques’s robotic kidney surgery, his bladder cancer treatment, and the many medical expenses that come with a battle this long and this complex. So far, R22,910 has been raised toward a goal of R200,000.

With Jacques’ surgery scheduled a week from now, the family needs their miracle.

“It is incredibly difficult to ask for help, but as family we will do anything to give Jacques the chance to fight, to heal, and to continue being the person we love so deeply.” shares Bianca. “Every single donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to making this life-saving treatment possible.”

To support Jacques, visit this link.

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. 

The post Bianca’s Urgent Call for Help as Husband Jacques Battles Two Forms of Cancer appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A Cape fur seal spotted with a tight noose around its neck in Hout Bay has been successfully freed after a coordinated rescue effort!

Western Cape, South Africa (27 March 2026) – The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre first raised concern over the weekend when the Cape fur seal was seen with a piece of discarded material cutting into its neck, like a noose.

The photos are difficult to look at, but they show the reality of entanglement. How quickly waste in the ocean can turn into a serious, life-threatening injury…

An initial rescue attempt on Sunday, supported by the NSRI and the Two Oceans Aquarium, was unsuccessful when the seal unfortunately left the harbour before the team could reach him.

Then, on a second sighting, things came together!

“This morning the [Cape fur seal] with the noose around his neck came into the Hout Bay Harbour again. We had everything we needed, the skill, the tools and the dedication. All we needed was a boat to get to him.”

That final piece came down to compassionate people willing to help. The team reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris, and without hesitation, they agreed to take Amos, Abel and Jo out on their boat.

“We reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris Hout Bay to take [us] out in their boat and they said yes!!”

Using a long hook borrowed from fellow marine heroes at Two Oceans Aquarium, the team was able to reach the seal from the vessel.

“We knew that we would be able to get close enough with the long hook that the Two Oceans Aquarium has lent us to do the job.”

Because everything came together so speedily, the team was able to act quickly when the seal returned.

“So all aboard and out they went. It took one stretch forward, under the noose with the hook, the seal jumped off the pipe and the blade cut up and released the rope.”

The seal is now free and back in the salty ocean water, where its wounds can begin to heal up!

“We are so grateful to Anthea and team from Captain Jacks Safaris and the Aquarium helping us. So now the seal will heal in the salty ocean.”

Cases like this are part of a much bigger problem along South Africa’s coastline. Research tracking Cape fur seals over time has recorded hundreds of entanglements, most linked to discarded fishing gear and plastic waste. These materials can tighten, cut, and worsen wounds over time, which often leads to severe injury or death if animals aren’t reached in time.

That’s why what happens before waste reaches the ocean matters just as much as what happens after. Fishing line left behind on rocks, beaches or harbours can easily be pulled back into the sea by wind and waves, where it becomes almost invisible and incredibly dangerous to marine life.

There are already efforts along the coast trying to intercept this waste early. Projects like WESSA’s Stop the Strangle campaign are rolling out dedicated collection bins at popular fishing spots to catch discarded line before it washes into the ocean.

The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre are heroes who need help to keep up their meaningful work in rescuing and rehabilitating seals in need across the Western Cape.

The organisation is currently raising funds to cover the costs of a new rescue vehicle as their trusted old bakkie has reached the end of its lifespan. Beyond that, help covering operational costs like medical supplies and fuel is also needed. Your support will help keep the seals safe. Donate here.

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 Team Comes Together to Save Terribly Injured Seal in Hout Bay appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Imaan Omar has made a space for herself and now encourages more girls to join the tech and STEM space.

South Africa (25 March 2026) – There was a time when Imaan Omar almost didn’t belong. When she first joined her robotics team in Cape Town, she was the only girl in the room. It would have been easy to walk away. To choose something more comfortable. To find a space where she blended in.

But she didn’t. She stayed.

And in doing so, she quietly began rewriting what that space could look like. Not just for herself, but for every girl who would come after her.

Today, at just 16 years old, Imaan is the Team Captain of Astrovo FTC Team 17955 and has been named a FIRST® Tech Challenge Leadership Award Finalist, placing her among a select group of young people in the world recognised for leadership, innovation, and impact.

It’s a title that reflects years of unseen work.

Late nights. Pressure. Self-doubt. The quiet determination to keep going, even when the odds don’t always feel in your favour.

Under her leadership, her team has achieved some of the highest honours in South African robotics, including:

• Winning the Inspire Award at both the Regional and National levels: the most prestigious award in the FIRST Tech Challenge
• Being crowned the 2025 South African Champions
• Earning multiple national and regional awards across engineering, design, and innovation

But Imaan’s story is not just about winning. It’s about impact. While building robots and competing at the highest level, she has also been building people.

“It feels like a dream and is such an honour and a big responsibility. Coming from where I do, opportunities like this don’t come easily. I carry not just my own hopes, but the hopes of my family, my community and other young girls who don’t always get seen. Representing South Africa means showing the world that girls like me belong in STEM spaces too. I am not just chasing my own dreams, I am trying to open doors so other girls can believe they belong there too.”

She has led more than 40 STEM and community outreach initiatives, dedicating over 200 hours to mentoring, teaching, and creating access to robotics in communities like Lavender Hill and Paarl – places where opportunities like these don’t always come easily.

Through this work, she has helped young learners, especially girls, begin to see themselves in spaces they may never have imagined before.

“It reminds me that we are capable of so much more than the limits placed on us. Seeing women rise in STEM gives me courage. Especially because, for a long time it felt like those spaces weren’t made for girls like me. It inspires me to keep pushing, not just for myself but for every girl who is still finding her voice.”

Her voice has grown just as powerfully as her skill.

She has been recognised with the #FIRSTLikeAGirl Award, featured by the global Girls in FIRST initiative, and continues to advocate for inclusion in STEM spaces where girls are still underrepresented. Her journey has already taken her beyond South Africa’s borders.

In 2025, she travelled to Houston, Texas, to compete at the FIRST® Tech Challenge World Championships, standing among some of the best young minds in the world.

That same year, she travelled to China to participate in the 9th Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp, collaborating with young innovators from across the globe and representing South African talent on an international platform.

She has also participated in an International Space Station project and attended ISS Space Camp, further deepening her exposure to global STEM innovation.

And now, she returns to the world stage. This time recognised not just for what she builds, but for how she leads. As a Leadership Award Finalist, Imaan will once again represent South Africa globally.

But behind every opportunity like this is a reality many young South Africans face. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

And while Imaan continues to rise, doors like these often depend on support, on people and organisations willing to see potential and invest in it. You can support her dream here.

“Don’t let where you come from decide where you can go. You don’t have to have everything figured out; you just have to start. There will be challenges, and there will be moments where you feel like giving up, but your dreams matter. Keep going, even when it’s hard, because one day you might become the reason another girl believes she can too.”

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. 

The post She Was the Only Girl on the Team… Now She’s Representing South Africa Globally appeared first on Good Things Guy.

‘My greatest fear is not the illness itself, but the thought of not having enough time with my children – not being there to guide them, support them, and watch them grow into who they are meant to be.’

Fourways, South Africa (25 March 2026) – A mother of four and a woman whose heart, by all accounts, is made of gold, is fighting for her life. The people who love her – and strangers who don’t even know her – are fighting right alongside her.

In October last year, Kate was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and colon cancer.

“Since then, life has become a constant balance between fighting for my health and trying to hold my family together.” Kate shares.

Family is everything. Kate’s purpose is to create a safe and loving home for her four children. One that she has kept on fighting for, even through a life-altering battle with cancer.

“I am a mom to two incredible children and a proud stepmom to two more. Our home is filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful chaos of raising four kids together. Every day, my purpose has been simple, to give them a safe, happy, and stable life, and to be there for every moment that matters.”

Through all the fear, the fatigue, and the fog of uncertainty that the illness has cast upon her, Kate has just kept going.

“I have undergone six cycles of chemotherapy, and through it all, I have continued working whenever I can. Becoming a single income household with four children is not an option so there simply isn’t room to stop… even on the days when getting out of bed feels impossible.”

The fight got even harder recently, when the chemotherapy stopped working, and her oncologist shared the difficult news that time may be more limited than anyone had imagined.

“As a mother, there are no words for what that feels like. My greatest fear is not the illness itself, but the thought of not having enough time with my children – not being there to guide them, support them, and watch them grow into who they are meant to be.”

Hope shows up in glimmers, and Kate has caught one of her own.

Her oncologist is applying for approval for a HER2 blocker treatment that could give her more time.

“But there are no guarantees. Medical aid may not approve it, and even if they do, the co-payments are far beyond what we can afford.”

Sadly, financial burden often stands between families navigating illness and the path forward. We see it often. We also see that when fighters have the courage to reach out and ask for help, they rally armies of compassion.

“Asking for help is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But I am holding onto hope and doing everything I can to keep fighting, not just for myself, but for my family, and for the life we have built together.” she writes.

Kate has turned to online crowdfunding, asking others to hold onto this glimmer with her.

“Through this BackaBuddy campaign, I am hoping to raise funds to help cover medical expenses and shortfalls, to access this potential treatment if it is approved, and to support my family during this incredibly uncertain time.” 

The campaign, which has a goal of R500,000, has already seen 82 donors come forward, raising over R123,000 in just two days. That’s the full cost of one blocker treatment covered already.  Helpers are showing up, but more support is still needed to give Kate more time with her family and to face the uncertainty that cancer brings.

“More than anything, your support would give me the gift of time – time to focus on my health, and time to truly be present with the people I love most.”

The right person seeing a story at the right moment is what changes everything. If you would like to support Kate and her family, follow this link.

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. 

The post South Africans Answering Kate’s Call for Help – ‘I Am Not Ready to Say Goodbye’ appeared first on Good Things Guy.

What does it look like to push your body to the absolute brink for a stranger’s smile? For Patrick Bowman, it looked like purpose and 100 kilometres of pure grit.

Cape Town, South Africa (25 March 2026) – There is a profound sense of fulfilment that comes with successfully achieving an audacious goal, especially when the true reward is realising that the victory isn’t yours alone.

Fifteen hours, one hundred kilometres and one powerful purpose later, Patrick Bowman accomplished his mission to push his physical limits at The Prom Backyard Ultra held this past Saturday.

The 25-year-old athlete set out to the Sea Point Promenade to complete a 6.7km loop every hour, on the hour, for as long as his body could allow him, to raise funds to change a life through the Smile Foundation and…

“Patrick did it. He has raised enough to fund a child’s life-changing surgery through Smile Foundation,” the organisation excitedly confirmed.

Reflecting on the gruelling race, Patrick said it started well and gradually took its toll – but was all worth it in the end.

“I felt really good throughout the day, and the support from friends and family was incredible. Thank you. As we got into the evening, my body slowly started to slow down, and my legs began giving in,” says Patrick.

“I decided to call it quits after 15 laps, 100km. I’m happy to walk away with triple digits. Ended up finishing 7th. To those that carried on, you’re machines, massive, well done.”

Through his rallying and running, Patrick raised over R30,000 – an amount that will help cover corrective reconstructive surgery for a child in need living with a cleft lip or a cleft palate condition.

“I could not be more happy. Next time I’m coming for the full 24 laps, but for now I’m putting my feet up for a bit,” the runner shared with a full heart.

Well done for going so hard, Patrick. Your victory is found in the life you’ve just changed for the better!

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. 

The post Patrick Bowman Did It: He Turned Miles into Smiles! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Cape Town-based dance crew 021 Movement is set to represent South Africa in Bangkok while continuing to uplift young people through community dance programmes.

Cape Town, South Africa (25 March 2026) – From community halls in Cape Town to an international stage in Bangkok, one dance crew is proving that big dreams can come from anywhere.

021 Movement, an urban hip hop dance crew and registered non-profit organisation, is gearing up to represent South Africa at the Global Dance Supreme competition.

While the international spotlight is exciting, the heart of 021 Movement remains firmly rooted at home. The organisation has built its reputation on creating safe, creative spaces where young people can grow, express themselves, and build confidence through dance.

Damian Cornelius, Artistic Director of 021 Movement Dance Crew says this is a milestone that sends an important message.

“021 Movement was built to create opportunities for young people to grow, belong, and express themselves through dance. Representing South Africa on an international stage is not only a milestone for our team, but a powerful message to our communities that talent, discipline, and passion can open global doors.”

That same energy is reflected in their recent performances, including a strong second-place finish at the 021 BDC (Battle Dance Competition), where their stage presence and teamwork stood out in a competitive local scene.

Off the stage, 021 Movement continues to invest in the next generation, rolling out initiatives designed to keep young people engaged and inspired. Among them are new Saturday dance classes, as well as a free two-day holiday programme set to take place at the Bridgetown Community Centre.

The programme, open to different age groups, aims to give young people access to a structured and creative environment during the school holidays. And with the school holidays just around the corner, they can learn, move, and simply be themselves.

As the team prepares for Bangkok, they are calling on the wider community to get behind their journey. Through their campaign page, 021 Movement is raising funds to help cover travel and competition costs, giving supporters a chance to play a role in taking local talent to a global stage.

“Every contribution is a step toward not only reaching Bangkok, but building something meaningful for the youth in our communities,” the team shared.

As they head to Bangkok, 021 Movement carries the hopes of a community ready to be seen.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 021 Movement Dance Crew (@021movement_official_dancecrew)

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. 

The post 021 Movement to Represent SA on International Dance Stage appeared first on Good Things Guy.

What started as weekly chats on their favourite books at the Wynberg Girls’ Junior School library has blossomed into the adventure of a lifetime for four talented young readers.

Western Cape, South Africa (24 March 2026) – Reading has the magic to transport you to a whole different world without ever leaving your cosy nook. But for four young girls, it’s taking them even further, right beyond the borders of South Africa!

Makaylah, Lucy, Kate, and Emily of Wynberg Girls’ Junior School share such a passion for stories that they meet every week in the library to read, discuss, and review their favourite books. Their dedication recently took them to the national stage in the Kids’ Lit Quiz South Africa, where they truly shone bright.

Not only did these young ladies win the Western Cape round of the competition, but they also went on to beat nine teams from around South Africa to claim the National title!

They have now been invited to New Zealand to compete in the World Championships!

Reflecting on the learners’ growth and achievements, proud educator Katrina McFarlane said that they have worked incredibly hard over the past three years to train and prepare for this competition.

“Each week, we meet in the school library to read (their favourite part of the day), review new books, conduct research, and quiz one another. They each bring specialist topics to the team, which has helped them reach this point. I am so proud of their achievement; they are absolutely deserving of this wonderful opportunity. Now we just need to get to New Zealand,” Katrina shared with Good Things Guy.

For these girls, this is far more than a competition. It is the chance to compete on an international stage, meet young readers from around the world, and experience the joy of learning beyond the classroom.

Like most global opportunities, they need a little help getting there.

Their loved ones and teachers are now rallying support and raising funds to make sure they get their big break, where every contribution helps support four remarkable young readers on their journey.

To be part of their story, consider leaving a donation here.

Sources: Katrina McFarlane

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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 4 Young Girls Whose Love for Reading is Taking Them Across the Globe appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Donovan Shirley takes on a unique Comrades Marathon challenge to raise funds for mental health support and inspire hope in those struggling.

Johannesburg, South Africa (24 March 2026) – What does it really mean to keep going when things get tough? For Donovan Shirley, it’s about turning one of South Africa’s toughest races into a powerful message of resilience.

The “Get Back Up” challenge is not your typical Comrades Marathon story. Instead of simply lining up on race day, Donovan is taking things a step further, literally. He plans to start in Pietermaritzburg, run down to Durban, and then turn around to complete the official race within the 12-hour cut-off time.

“It’s not a pretty story, but it’s what we go through. And it’s just having that strength and that courage of getting back up. That is the moral of this whole challenge.”

 

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The symbolism behind the run is intentional. The 2026 race is an “up run” (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg); the challenge begins in the opposite direction, representing the moments when life feels heavy and everything seems to be going downhill. The real test, he says, is at the turning point. That moment when you choose to get back up.

“The idea behind this campaign is that even if you’re physically exhausted, mentally drained, or having a really bad day, it’s about finding that strength and courage and the right team to get you back up.”

Beyond the physical challenge, the campaign is rooted in raising awareness and funds for mental health support in South Africa. The funds raised will go towards the South African Depression and Anxiety Group and Matthew&ME, organisations working on the frontlines of mental health awareness and support.

Donavan adds that mental health remains one of the most under-resourced challenges in the country.

What makes the “Get Back Up” challenge even more powerful is the sense of community behind it. From running clubs to support teams and social media, the journey is anything but a solo effort.

“Running is a team sport. You might see one person on the road, but there’s a whole team behind them. And it’s the same with this campaign.”

The 2026 Comrades theme is “Ska fela moya”, translating to “don’t give up”, the message couldn’t be more fitting.

To support the challenge, visit the campaign link here.

Sources: Get Back Up Challenge/  Donavan Shirely 

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 ‘Get Back Up’: One Runner’s Double Comrades Challenge for Mental Health Awareness appeared first on Good Things Guy.