Exclusive Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/exclusive/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:38:33 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Exclusive Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/exclusive/ 32 32 74-Year-Old Walks 300km and Raises Over R1 Million to Help Students Cover Fees! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/steve-murphy-walks-student-fees/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/steve-murphy-walks-student-fees/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:30:47 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182845

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...

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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.”

Photo Credit: Jenny Murphy

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.

Photo Credit: Jenny Murphy

“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!”

Photo Credit: Jenny Murphy

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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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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Pretoria Boys High Celebrates 125 Years with Rugby Festival and School Pride https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/pretoria-boys-125-years-rugby-festival/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/pretoria-boys-125-years-rugby-festival/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:45 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182827

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,...

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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.

Photo Credit: Charmaine Botes Visser

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.”

Photo Credit: Charmaine Botes Visser

Sources: GTG Interview 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natasha Donnelly (@saffatash)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PPT Social Run (@ppt_socialrun)


Sources: GTG Interview 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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The World’s Best Road Trip Is Right Here in South Africa! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/travel/the-worlds-best-road-trip-is-right-here-in-south-africa/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/travel/the-worlds-best-road-trip-is-right-here-in-south-africa/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:42:11 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182714

One of South Africa’s most iconic drives has just been ranked number one in the world, putting it ahead of some of the planet’s most famous routes.   Garden Route,...

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One of South Africa’s most iconic drives has just been ranked number one in the world, putting it ahead of some of the planet’s most famous routes.

 

Garden Route, South Africa (04 April 2026) – You don’t need a passport stamp to experience one of the greatest road trips on Earth. You just need a good playlist, a sense of adventure and a stretch of road that South Africans have been bragging about for years.

And now, the rest of the world knows about it too.

In a new global study by Autotrader, in partnership with senior meteorologist Jim R N Dale, South Africa’s Garden Route has officially been ranked the best road trip in the world for driving conditions.

The research set out to understand what really makes a road trip feel effortless and enjoyable behind the wheel. Dale pointed out that visibility is the most important factor when it comes to ideal driving conditions, and from there, the study looked at five key elements: road surface conditions, clear days, wind speed, ground temperature and humidity comfort. All of these were combined into a “Perfect Driving Weather” score.

The Garden Route didn’t just perform well across those categories. It delivered a near-perfect score of 90.6 out of 100, placing it firmly at the top of the global rankings.

The World’s Best Road Trip Is Right Here in South Africa!
Bloukrans Bridge | Photo Credit: Enchanting Travels

Running roughly 300 kilometres from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this iconic stretch offers more than just scenery. It’s a drive where everything seems to align. Clear skies that open up the horizon, gentle winds that don’t interrupt the journey and temperatures that make you want to keep going just a little bit further. Along the way, the Indian Ocean glimmers beside you, forests close in with that deep green calm, and mountain passes add just enough drama to keep things interesting.

Trailing just behind South Africa are some of the world’s most famous routes. Route 66 in the United States takes second place, followed by the Pacific Coast Highway. Both are known for their long, open stretches and reliable sunshine, while destinations like Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Spain’s Costa Brava and Australia’s Great Ocean Road also feature in the top ten.

  1. Garden Route – South Africa
  2. Route 66 – United States
  3. Pacific Coast Highway – United States
  4. Amalfi Coast Road – Italy
  5. Costa Brava Coastal Roads – Spain
  6. Great Ocean Road – Australia
  7. Icefields Parkway – Canada
  8. Loire Valley Drives – France
  9. Kahekili Highway – United States
  10. Norwegian Atlantic Road – Norway

But even among those globally celebrated drives, the Garden Route was number 1 for a reason.

Erin Baker from Autotrader captured the magic of it perfectly, “Every driver knows the feeling: windows down, the road stretching out under a clear sky, conditions so perfect you could stay behind the wheel all day.”

“We wanted to find out which of the world’s great roads most often deliver this experience and were pleasantly surprised by just how many countries across the globe have roads that scored highly in our Perfect Driving Weather index.”

“Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip along the Garden Route or a weekend loop somewhere closer to home, the right conditions and the right car can turn a good drive into an unforgettable one.”

But South Africans knew this already. This isn’t a hidden gem or a place you need to discover. It’s a route that families have travelled for generations, where friends have made memories on long weekends and where solo trips have turned into something meaningful along the way.

So the next time you find yourself on that road, windows open, music playing, taking in the coastline and everything that comes with it, remember this: you’re not just on a good drive… you’re on the best one in the world.

The World’s Best Road Trip Is Right Here in South Africa!
Knysna Heads | Photo Credit: Tridadvisor

Sources: Autotrader 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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More South Africans Are Choosing to Come Home… And Bringing the World With Them https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/more-south-africans-are-choosing-to-come-home-and-bringing-the-world-with-them/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/more-south-africans-are-choosing-to-come-home-and-bringing-the-world-with-them/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:19:31 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182715

More South Africans are trading international postcodes for local ones again, choosing family, lifestyle and belonging over staying abroad for good.   South Africa (04 April 2026) – Ask any...

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More South Africans are trading international postcodes for local ones again, choosing family, lifestyle and belonging over staying abroad for good.

 

South Africa (04 April 2026) – Ask any South African who’s lived abroad and they’ll tell you… you never really stop being South African. No matter how long you’re gone, there’s always a part of you that’s waiting to come back. And right now, more people are doing just that!

A growing number of South Africans who built lives and careers overseas are returning home, bringing with them something incredibly valuable… international experience, global networks and a fresh perspective on what it means to live and work here. New research from The TEFL Academy’s Reverse Emigration Among South Africans report shows that this shift is gaining real momentum, driven by something far more meaningful than just money or career moves. It’s about lifestyle, connection and designing a life that actually feels like yours.

But we’ve known this for a really long time. Good Things Guy has often reported on the “homecoming revolution“, and this new report, based on a survey of 173 South Africans who have lived and worked abroad, cements these findings. It also highlights just how transformative those years overseas can be. Respondents consistently shared that their time abroad broadened their worldview and strengthened their adaptability, with personal development scoring an impressive 4.41 out of 5. Many also recognised the value of that global perspective when returning to South Africa, seeing it as a powerful professional advantage.

While the world may shape you, home is what grounds you.

When asked what they missed most, the answers were overwhelmingly human. 77.46% longed for time with family and lifelong friends. 66.9% missed South Africa’s humour, warmth and social culture. More than half spoke about the outdoor lifestyle and climate, and many highlighted the deep sense of belonging that only exists here.

“There is nothing quite like landing at the airport and hearing our accents again. You don’t realise how deeply home lives in you until you’ve been away. South Africa has so much soul… it’s in our language, our humour, our breathtaking land, and our resilience. It simply cannot be replicated anywhere else”, one of the respondents said.

“Like any other country, we have our drawbacks. It took me a lot of patience to readjust to our systems here that don’t always run as smoothly. But here is what outweighs that for me.

We are the rainbow nation for a reason. There is something profoundly grounding about belonging to a place where your cultural references make sense, where your jokes land, neighbours greet you, and where your public holidays feel meaningful. Watching a Springbok game hits differently when you’re surrounded by people who feel it in their bones. Hearing isiZulu, Afrikaans, isiXhosa and English flowing together in one queue at Checkers reminds you that diversity isn’t a concept here… it’s a part of our daily lives.

We underestimate the warmth of family connection when we desire to move abroad. Being present for milestones, Sunday braais, and ordinary Tuesday evenings with people who’ve known you since childhood. Those memories can’t translate across time zones.

The skills you’ve gained abroad are gold in South Africa. It gives you a newfound purpose when you come back and there is deep fulfilment in knowing you are contributing to the growth of your own community.

South Africa is not perfect, but it’s ours. You can build a meaningful life here that has a healthy work/life balance. You can build something powerful from your own roots.

If you’re feeling the pull, listen to it. Sometimes growth isn’t about staying away… sometimes it’s about coming home where your heart belongs.”

That return to connection is doing more than filling hearts… it’s improving well-being too. Many respondents reported feeling more socially connected after returning to South Africa, along with a noticeable lift in their mental and emotional state. It turns out that proximity to your people, your culture and your roots carries a weight that no spreadsheet can measure.

More South Africans Are Choosing to Come Home… And Bringing the World With Them
Photo Credit: TEFL Academy’s Reverse Emigration Among South Africans report

Of course, the decision to come home isn’t always straightforward. Some returnees find that their international skills aren’t immediately recognised or fully utilised in the local job market, and there can be a period of adjustment. But even that landscape is shifting.

Remote work has opened up a completely new way of living.

More South Africans are choosing to return home while continuing to work for international companies, earning in stronger currencies while living locally. It’s a model that allows people to keep their global careers while embracing the lifestyle, community and sense of belonging that South Africa offers. For many who started their journey by teaching English abroad, that flexibility continues long after they return. Online education has made it possible to teach students across the world from right here at home, blending international opportunity with local living in a way that simply wasn’t possible before.

“For many South Africans, teaching English abroad is one of the most accessible ways to gain international work experience. What we often see is that people spend a few years overseas building confidence, saving money and developing global skills before returning home. Increasingly, those teachers are able to continue working with international students online while living in South Africa,” Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy, explains. 

More than half of the respondents have already returned home, while many others are planning their move back. Broader data supports the trend, with nearly 28,000 South Africans returning in recent years, and recruitment firms reporting a surge in enquiries from expats exploring the idea of coming back, particularly from countries like the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. South Africans are stepping out into the world, gaining experience, building confidence and then bringing all of that back home, where it can make a real difference. They’re contributing to businesses, communities and conversations with a perspective shaped by the world, but rooted in something deeply local.

South Africa isn’t perfect but it’s incredibly beautiful in ways that are hard to explain until you’ve been away. And maybe that’s why so many are finding their way back. All we can say to anyone returning is… welcome home.

More South Africans Are Choosing to Come Home… And Bringing the World With Them
Photo Credit: TEFL Academy’s Reverse Emigration Among South Africans report

Sources: TEFL Academy’s Reverse Emigration Among South Africans report 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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A Heartbreaking Update as Hope Still Holds On for Struggling Single Mom and Family https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/community-support-evicted-single-mother/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/community-support-evicted-single-mother/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:30:34 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182629

This is a heartbreaking update to a story that, with the help of a community, still has a chance at a happy ending.   Johannesburg, South Africa (02 April 2026)...

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This is a heartbreaking update to a story that, with the help of a community, still has a chance at a happy ending.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (02 April 2026) – Last week, we shared the story of Rosie, a mother who put out a humble call to her community, hoping to make her daughter’s matric farewell special.

After suffering a cerebrovascular stroke in 2023, she has been navigating life with a disability, raising two young children alone, and carrying the mounting weight of everything. Still, she kept both children in school, and with the help of the Randburg community, she gave her daughter the matric dance of her dreams last week.

It was everything she hoped for and more.

Photo Credit: Rosie Ramorei

This week, we received heartbreaking news.

Rosie and her two children, aged eighteen and twelve, have been evicted from their home in Riverside View. She had been struggling to cover rent, taking on freelance work wherever she could and eventually launching a BackaBuddy appeal for help. It wasn’t enough.

At midnight last night, Rosie and her children arrived at the gate of One Small Act of Kindness, a moving truck behind them.

“At around midnight, a truck arrived at our gate with a mom and her two children. She had just been evicted,” OSAOK shared. “She’s weak, walking with a crutch, and clearly terrified. The landlord had her belongings loaded up and removed. With no strength or stability to fight it, she had no choice but to leave.”

Sadly, OSAOK had no space or means to take them in. All they could do at that moment was direct the family to the nearest police station for the night, and put out a call for help.

“Right now, we unfortunately don’t have the means or space to take her in, and that is one of the hardest things to sit with,” said Kelly-Ann, founder of OSAOK. “But I cannot ignore what I saw tonight — the fear in her eyes and the uncertainty in her children’s faces.”

Rosie and her children spent the night at the Diepsloot police station. Their belongings were dropped at a local church, where they remain outside in a yard.

“We’re walking around not knowing what to do or where to go,” she told us this morning. “I can see the frustration in my kids. My daughter was supposed to be at school today, the matrics are still busy, but we’re out in the streets. My heart aches seeing them like this.”

Rosie’s stroke left her with lasting effects on her mobility and muscle function, and she continues to need ongoing care and monitoring.

For a woman already carrying so much, this has been a devastating blow.

The team at One Small Act of Kindness have stepped up. There is hope. While the road ahead is still uncertain, the shelter has called on its community of supporters to help find Rosie and her children a place to land.

“We will do everything we can on our side to assist where possible, but we need help from the community on this one,” OSAOK shared.

With the right people behind them, this small family can find their feet again. If you would like to help, please reach out to One Small Act of Kindness on 082 513 2042.


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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AmaWheela Teams Push South Africa Closer to Global Wheelchair Basketball Stage https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/amawheela-teams-push-south-africa-closer-to-global-wheelchair-basketball-stage/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/sport/amawheela-teams-push-south-africa-closer-to-global-wheelchair-basketball-stage/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:22 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182558

South Africa’s wheelchair basketball team advanced to the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships, keeping their hopes alive for a spot at the World Championship.   Angola (02 April 2026)...

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South Africa’s wheelchair basketball team advanced to the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships, keeping their hopes alive for a spot at the World Championship.

 

Angola (02 April 2026) – South Africa’s national wheelchair basketball team, the Sasol AmaWheela Boys, are making their mark on the continental stage after securing a place in the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships in Angola. Guided by head coach Siphamandla Gumbi, the team delivered a commanding 58–46 victory over the host nation.

Reflecting on the overall experience, Gumbi highlighted both the competitive and organisational aspects of the tournament.

“On the court, I’ve had nothing but compliments from teams,” he said. “Off the court, there have been logistical concerns as experienced in any competition of this magnitude, but nothing that could not be overcome, and the Angolan LOC must be complimented on hosting.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sasol in Sport (@sasolinsport)

The significance of the tournament is not lost on the team. Serving as the African qualifiers for the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, the stakes are incredibly high.

“The country that wins this tournament is the representative of Africa at the World Championship, therefore it is an absolute privilege and honour for South Africa.”

South Africa’s journey has not been without its challenges. In their win over Angola, the team was forced to adapt quickly after losing two players to disqualification fouls. The level of competition has also tested the squad, with powerhouse nations such as Morocco, Algeria and Senegal all in contention. Gumbi acknowledged the balance across the tournament, saying there have been strong and weak teams participating, while pointing out that both the men’s and women’s competitions have produced tightly contested matches.

South Africa’s women’s team has also impressed, currently sitting second in their pool behind Algeria. Gumbi highlighted some of the standout moments so far.

“The South African women’s game against Algeria and the men’s Algerian-Senegalese game… both games went down to the wire with Algeria winning in both men’s and women’s pools.”

Attention now turns to the semi-finals, where South Africa will face an unbeaten Algerian side. Beyond the results, Gumbi emphasised the importance of continued support and visibility for disability sport.

“Very important for all disability sports, not only wheelchair basketball. Without them, we would never have reached the exposure and visibility that have elevated the sport in South Africa and across the continent.”

For the AmaWheela Boys and Girls, success in Angola would mean more than continental glory.

“The Sasol AmaWheela Boys and Girls would be crowned champions of Africa and be Africa’s representatives at the World Games,” Gumbi said. “This not only provides the sport with more marketing opportunities but elevates South Africa as the dominant force in wheelchair basketball across Africa.”


Sources: GTG Interview 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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We Asked Readers to Share Their Good News Instead of April Fools – 100s of Reasons to Smile! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/good-news-april-fools/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/good-news-april-fools/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182579

Instead of April Fooling anybody, we’re sharing all of YOUR good things that made us smile today!   South Africa (01 April 2026) – We’re not fooling anyone this April,...

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Instead of April Fooling anybody, we’re sharing all of YOUR good things that made us smile today!

 

South Africa (01 April 2026) – We’re not fooling anyone this April, and we’re fine with that. The internet has already delivered enough of that today, and we’ve gone a different route.

Our very own Good Things Guy made a valid point in a post he shared this morning. Maybe the world doesn’t need more chaos right now, but it does need more love. More of the good stuff. More of the things that make you smile without tricking you.

So instead of a prank, we started an ‘April Good News’ thread on our Facebook page, and wow, did our people show up! Our team has been scrolling through the comments all day – 99.9% of them are positive, heartwarming, and in many different little ways, prove that good things are always happening around us.

Gratitude or simply just finding the ‘light’ is one of the most powerful abilities we all possess. It has the power to lift you up, and to lift others up too.

Some of the comments we’ve read today celebrated the small things. Like sunshine, flowers, a swim in the sea, working traffic lights! Others celebrated big things – surviving cancer, buying a house, becoming an aunt or granny, fundraising goals reached, donating easter eggs to kids in hospital!

The cup really has overflowed.

We thought it would be special to share some of those comments with you here. For the full thread (because there’s MUCH more good where this came from) visit this link!

“Giving out Easter eggs today to young adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. They have aged out of the children’s home and now stay on a farm and are taught life and farming skills.” shares Table View Lions Club.

“Our Izzy is having her major surgery tomorrow which will change her life, and our Bella’s Blessings family continues to feel love from all over the world as we grow and support as many special needs children as we can.” shares Bella’s Blessings.

“Yesterday got confirmation that hubby’s radiation treatment and anti testosterone injections have had the desired effect – a diagnosed PSA of 20 – it is now 0.034 – chaps, get yourselves checked EVERY YEAR – we caught his early!” shares Blu Rohwer.

“I’m loving the way (most) South Africans greet each other and treat each other with respect when we’re out and about. It creates such a positive vibe.” shares Mary Parr.

“A street I drive every day, has much congestion due to broken traffic lights (about 8 months now) And what do I see this morning? WORKING traffic lights!” shares Linda de Meillon.

“Blessed to enjoy a week of dinners around the table with both my adult kids home this week” shares Aletta Bester.

“Handed out blankets for 67 Blankets yesterday in Shakashead near Ballito. Such a Happy School! Makes my heart sing! All blankets handmade with Love for these children. Northlands Girls High, The Amber’s Howick, Global Games, Ballito Yarn Club and other individuals. Thanks to Charmaine at The Courier and Darrell de Jager for nominating the school.” shares Susan Eslick.

“I heard that I am going to be an aunty again.” shares Janet-Marie Gavaghan Poole.

“Next month I’m becoming a nonna!” shares Ricci Matthee Marshall.

“I am alive and South African. The sun is shining. What more can one ask for?” shares Melanie Snell Delport.

“We received enough donations for my son to compete in the disabled fishing championship next week at Bloemhof dam!! Thank you to everyone who donated.” shares Rika Labuschagne.

“My 18 year old son is running 500kms and cycling 1000kms in aid of Guardians of Hope SA” shares Vanessa Mey Prime.

“Off to Book Club today. Reading has always been an amazing adventure for me. Socialising with friends, tea, cake, books…what more could a girl ask for?” shares Sally Quinlan Bosch.

“Started running today!” shares Yasmin Evergreen Washington.

“I am cancer free!” shares Jill Bingham.

“My daughter is a first year intern in Bloemfontein. We are Indian. She speaks Afrikaans so well that patients are confused about her race. She takes it with a smile. She is so kind and loving. She is making a BIG difference already.” shares Anusha Allopi.

“My friend just became the First Female South African to swim and complete the Cook Strait open water crossing between North Island & South Island in New Zealand!! Whoop whoop Tracey Steyn the Machine made our country Proud Today!!” shares Michelle Lynch.

“Today marks 22 days since I gave birth to my beautiful second daughter after being in labour for 4 days, but she came out healthy with no complications and we both doing well and big sister is basking in the role.” shares Mpho Clare.

“My beautiful niece is in remission” shares Marilyn Overend.

“Last year this time wasn’t able to walk long distances I had Itbs and shin splints….yesterday I walked down to the beach and back +-5km and today I did about 3km in my home area….all praise to GOD. Oh forgot to mention…I’m 73!” shares Sidonia Henry.

“We are touring in the Eastern and Western Cape and have the most beautiful country with friendly people!!” shares Marionette Groenewald.

“My mom found out she doesn’t have cancer despite an initial diagnosis, after further testing it came up as non-cancerous! Absolute miracle and SO grateful for science!” shares Natalie Jayne Gossman.

“Easter Eggs and other donations sent down to Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg for the kids in hospital there!” shares Shayne Griffin.

“Two of my friends (41 and 43 yrs old) are pregnant after years of trying! So far babies are healthy and due in a few months. They (and I) couldn’t be happier!!” shares David Ackermann.

“I’m doing relief teaching in Aus. Yesterday I taught a South African girl who has taught her very Aussie classmates how to sing Head Shoulders Knees and Toes in Xhosa. Made my heart smile the biggest smile. And then when I said goodbye she sang the click-click song for me and gave me a hug.” shares Carrin Jean Glossop.

“A friend sponsored our rescue vehicle a full tank of petrol last night before the price went up. That’s my good news” shares Joanne Wilson.

“After eye surgery, I have 2 good eyes to appreciate this amazing world we live in!” shares Judy Churchill.

“The gift of being able to read all of these beautiful,heartwarming good things.” shares Lauren McCauley.


Sources: GTG.
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

 

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Eight Simple Things to Do Before You Lock Up and Leave This Easter! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/8-simple-safety-checks-easter-holidays/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/8-simple-safety-checks-easter-holidays/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:00:16 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182555

Good safety is a precaution, not a panic!   South Africa (01 April 2026) – The Easter holidays are here, and if you’re one of the many families hitting the...

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Good safety is a precaution, not a panic!

 

South Africa (01 April 2026) – The Easter holidays are here, and if you’re one of the many families hitting the road or heading away for the long weekend, we’re excited for you! Before you go, though – one gentle reminder…

Holiday periods like Easter tend to see a spike in opportunistic crime. When streets go quieter than normal, cars disappear from driveways, and homes sit empty for days with no signs of activity, crime goes up. It’s something security companies flag every year as the holidays approach, and it’s worth taking seriously. Not as a reason to stress or to cancel your plans (please, don’t do that), but just as a gentle nudge to be a little more mindful before you head off.

Knowing that you’ve made the preparations to keep your home safe while you’re away can only add to the R&R you’ll enjoy later. So before you pack the last bag, have a read through these tips.

Check all your locks, twice!

Front door, back door, side gate, garage! Do a proper walk-around before you leave. It takes five minutes and it’s the most basic thing you can do to protect your home. It’s also good to check that all locks are in working order and haven’t been tampered with – sometimes, opportunists will scope these things out ahead of time for easy access. It’s always just good measure to be extra sure.

Make sure every window is closed and latched

It’s easy to forget a bathroom window or a bedroom window left on the latch. Go room to room before you leave and check every single one.

Don’t leave your bins out

A wheelie bin sitting on the pavement for days (especially if you’re away for longer than just the weekend) can be a clear signal that nobody is home. Bring them in before you leave, or ask a neighbour to help manage it while you’re away.

Ask a neighbour to be your eyes and ears

A neighbour who knows you’re away is one of the best security measures you have. They won’t camp out in your driveway, but they’ll notice if something looks off, and their presence alone adds an extra layer of eyes on your property.

Update your details with your security company

This one is important. Make sure your armed response or monitoring company has your current contact number and knows you’ll be away. If something triggers while you’re gone, you want them reaching you immediately. It’s easy to forget to update these details when they change, so it’s worth double-checking.

Make your home look occupied

If you have smart lighting, set it to come on at certain times in the evening. If you don’t, leave a select few lights on inside. A home that looks lived in is a much less tempting target than one that sits in complete darkness every night.

Don’t leave a spare key hidden outside

Under the mat, above the door frame are spots well known. If someone needs access to your home while you’re away, rather hand the key to them directly before you leave.

Bonus tip! Switch off non-essential appliances but keep the fridge and freezer on

Unplug the TV, the kettle, the microwave, and anything else that doesn’t need to be running. It reduces the risk of electrical faults or fires while you’re away. It sounds impossible until it happens. Just remember to keep the fridge and freezer on…you don’t want to come home to that situation.

And if you’re celebrating, have a wonderful Easter weekend!


Sources: GTG. 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

 

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Kurt Darren on Music, Memories and His Bold New Track “6 7” https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/kurt-darren-on-music-memories-and-his-bold-new-track-6-7/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/kurt-darren-on-music-memories-and-his-bold-new-track-6-7/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:52:05 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182476

Kurt Darren has spent decades bringing people together through music, and his latest release is doing exactly that all over again.   Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2026) – We...

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Kurt Darren has spent decades bringing people together through music, and his latest release is doing exactly that all over again.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2026) – We don’t really need to introduce Kurt Darren in South Africa. His music has been part of our lives for decades, whether you realise it or not. But this week on “Good Things with Brent Lindeque”, we got to sit down with the man behind the hits and talk about the journey that brought him here.

Music has a way of bringing people together and Kurt has been doing exactly that for years. From the middle of the 90s, when he first started making waves, to becoming one of the most recognisable names in Afrikaans pop, he has built a career on connection, energy and songs that people carry with them long after the music stops playing. His tracks have become staples at celebrations, road trips and everything in between, creating shared moments that feel uniquely South African.

In studio, the conversation moved through the different chapters of his career, from those early days trying to find his sound, to the big stages and defining milestones that followed. Kurt spoke openly about the highlights that have shaped him, the lessons learned along the way, and the gratitude he still carries for being able to do what he loves for so long. There’s a groundedness to him that makes it clear this journey has never been taken for granted.

Of course, we also spoke about what’s new, and that’s where his latest track, “6 7“, comes in.

The nostalgic, feel-good anthem is already sparking mixed reactions online, which, in many ways, is part of what makes it so interesting. People are talking, sharing, creating, and engaging with it in their own ways, especially as snippets of the song start finding their way into videos across social media.

Kurt shared just how much he’s been enjoying that response, saying, “I’ve loved the reception so far… seeing people use the teaser in their videos and make it their own has been incredible.”

He explained that at its core, “6 7” is about rediscovering youthful joy. It’s about letting go, being present and remembering what it feels like to enjoy something without overthinking it. In a time where life can feel heavy and fast, the new track offers a small but meaningful reminder to come back to that lighter side, the one that laughs a little louder and dances a little longer.

What an honour to have had Kurt in studio. There’s something special about someone who never loses sight of why they started. Kurt has held onto that love for music through every season of his life, and in doing so, he’s given so many of us a soundtrack to ours.

🎧 Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
📆 New episodes drop weekly.
🏡 Powered by BetterBond. Filmed at Primedia Studios.
❤ Stories that matter. Conversations that count.


Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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