Fundraiser Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/fundraiser/ 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 Fundraiser Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/fundraiser/ 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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Rita Teka Foundation Champions Clear Vision for Disadvantaged South Africans https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/rita-teka-foundation/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/rita-teka-foundation/#respond Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:26 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=181120

The Foundation’s fourth annual golf day aims to raise awareness and provide eye care for children and adults living with impaired vision.   Hartbeespoort, South Africa (20 March 2026) –...

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The Foundation’s fourth annual golf day aims to raise awareness and provide eye care for children and adults living with impaired vision.

 

Hartbeespoort, South Africa (20 March 2026) – For many South Africans, being able to see clearly is something we hardly think about. But for thousands, it’s a daily struggle. The Rita Teka Foundation is stepping in to change that, offering eye screenings, glasses, and referrals that are transforming lives.

On 27 March 2026, the Foundation will host its 4th Annual Charity Golf Day at Magalies Park Country Club. The day will be a celebration of the Foundation’s mission to restore sight and open doors of opportunity for children and adults across the country.

Established in 2023 by optometrist Dr Rita Teka, the Foundation is built on the belief that clear vision is a basic right. Since starting, it has conducted over 2,000 eye screenings, handed out 1,500+ pairs of glasses, and referred around 1,000 cases for specialised care.

“The Foundation focuses especially on underserved public-school children, where undiagnosed vision problems often affect academic performance and self-confidence,” Dr Teka explains. “When a child can finally see the board clearly, it can change the trajectory of their entire future.”

Dr Teka’s journey began long before the Foundation was formalised. In 2014, a young girl from Alexandra township revealed just how many children live with untreated vision problems. That encounter lit a spark that has grown into a national movement helping thousands of South Africans see the world more clearly.

Photo Credit: Rita Teka Foundation

This year, the Foundation is collaborating with Rose Coloured Lens, led by Nguni Nkuli Bogopa, who has personal experience of life with impaired vision. Her story of resilience and advocacy brings another powerful voice to the initiative.

Together, Dr Teka and Nkuli are leading a mission to ensure that no South African has to live with preventable visual limitations. From helping children succeed in the classroom to improving independence for adults, the Foundation continues to show the life-changing power of sight.

And the 4th Annual Charity Golf Day promises to be a day of purpose, while celebrating the Foundation’s impact and raising resources to restore sight for those in need.


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

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

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Supporters Raise Every Cent Needed for Uitenhage SPCA’s New Home! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/supporters-raise-every-cent-needed-for-uitenhage-spcas-new-home/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/supporters-raise-every-cent-needed-for-uitenhage-spcas-new-home/#respond Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:02:45 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=180405

South Africa – and especially the small town of Uitenhage – stood up for their animals and achieved the most incredible thing, ever. A new home for the animals!  ...

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South Africa – and especially the small town of Uitenhage – stood up for their animals and achieved the most incredible thing, ever. A new home for the animals!

 

Eastern Cape, South Africa (13 March 2026) – Two months ago, the Uitenhage SPCA faced a mountain they weren’t sure they could make it over.

Following a meeting with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, the animal welfare organisation, which has looked after the town’s animals independently for 110 years, was ordered to vacate the property it called home.

Without anywhere to go, they and the 60 animals in their care fell into crisis. Even as uncertainty cast the darkest cloud over their small team of animal heroes, they couldn’t give up. Instead, they started looking for a safe space to land.

In reality, the pressure started to mount. With operational space limited to two shipping containers on their old property, the team still kept the doors open. The animals in Uitenhage needed them.

Then, as hope so gracefully does, she showed up. In a glimmer. They tracked down a property. One that would give them ample space and facilities for hundreds of animals. It was a certain rung up the ladder, but the biggest challenge still lay ahead. They needed the funds to make an offer on it.

A race against time for more reasons than one. A fundraiser was launched and the plea went out. The goal was set at R2,7 million. And then the most incredible thing happened. Within two months, they actually got there.

We covered some of the inspiring stories that became a part of this journey. In Uitenhage and even beyond, acts of kindness both great and small in measure helped push the needle further and further…

Supporters Raise Every Cent Needed for Uitenhage SPCA!
Photo Credit: Facebook / SPCA Uitenhage

Riley van Eck, a Grade 5 boy at Grey Junior School rallied his fellow learners to raise over R10,000. Willow, a doggie battling his own brave fight with cancer, helped bring in R42,000 more with his story.

Supporters Raise Every Cent Needed for Uitenhage SPCA!
Photo Credit: Facebook / SPCA Uitenhage

Schools, bike shops, butcheries, salons, racing clubs, farms, shopping centres, fellow rescuers, and families all chipped in.

Supporters Raise Every Cent Needed for Uitenhage SPCA!
Photo Credit: Facebook / SPCA Uitenhage

 

The town came alive, too. Trivia evenings, discos, bike rides, market days. All to raise funds for the SPCA. People really showed up and kept the momentum going.

Supporters Raise Every Cent Needed for Uitenhage SPCA!
Photo Credit: Facebook / SPCA Uitenhage

Then there were the angels. First, an anonymous donor left an unbelievable donation of half a million rand. The profound act of kindness shifted the barometer in the most powerful way and suddenly, the Uitenhage SPCA were ten steps closer.

This week, it happened again. The organisation had reached somewhere around 70% of its goal before a donor named Penny dropped in and gave the final push needed to give the Uitenhage SPCA and its animals a proper future.

They shared the news this week. Obviously, we cried.

“WE DID IT! The Barometer Has Reached the Top!

Today we share the most incredible news with our SPCA Uitenhage family…

We have reached our goal of R2.7 million for #RebuildSPCA!

Just when the journey felt almost impossible, an extraordinary woman named Penny walked into our lives and changed everything. Through her incredible generosity and compassion, Penny stepped forward and provided the final support needed to take our barometer all the way to the top.

Because of her kindness — and the incredible support of so many donors — we can now move forward and make an offer on the property we have had our hearts set on. Finally, we can put pen to paper and secure a future home for our animals.

But Penny’s generosity didn’t stop at helping animals. She also showed deep concern for the wellbeing of our staff and volunteers who have been carrying the emotional weight of this difficult time. Her compassion for both people and animals is truly inspiring.

In less than two months, something extraordinary has happened. A small SPCA in Uitenhage took on what felt like a Herculean challenge… and together with our community, our donors, and Penny’s remarkable support — we achieved it.

We feel immense relief, gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope. It reminds us that when a community comes together for a cause, incredible things can happen.”

This isn’t the end of the journey for the SPCA. Looking ahead, they will still need to build kennels and a clinic, prepare the property (if their offer is successful), and create a safe new home for their animals.

For a moment, the focus is on the incredible light shining on this little team right now.

“But today we celebrate the most important milestone of all We have secured a future. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person who shared our posts, donated, encouraged us, and stood beside us since our call for help on 20 January. You reminded us that the world is filled with kind, compassionate people — and because of you, SPCA Uitenhage can continue serving animals and this community for many years to come.”

This goes to every single person who helped. Look at what YOU made possible.


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 & 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 & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Youth Pedal Project Bringing More Mobility to Kids in Lesotho https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/youth-pedal-project-lesotho/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/youth-pedal-project-lesotho/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:00:10 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=178139

‘What bike do you want?’ he asked. ‘One that looks like yours!’ they shouted. That was the moment that sparked an incredible initiative that aims to empower children in Lesotho...

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‘What bike do you want?’ he asked. ‘One that looks like yours!’ they shouted. That was the moment that sparked an incredible initiative that aims to empower children in Lesotho with mobility by giving them bicycles. Two wheels can open a world of opportunity!

 

South Africa (23 February 2026) – It all started in December 2024 when Phano Liphoto cycled through Lesotho on a family trip.

“We came across a group of children from the Mantsa Settlement in Lesotho. The innocence and wonder in their eyes warmed our hearts as they marvelled at our bicycles. They screamed with excitement, asking that we get them bicycles like ours.” he shares.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phano Liphoto (@phanoramic___)

The initial goal was to give six children in the Mantsa Settlement six bikes.

The fundraiser, called the Youth Pedal Project, was launched in March 2025 and within a year, the initiative had collected over 24 children’s and adult bikes. A total of R6440 had also been raised via an online crowdfund to cover other essentials like helmets and travel costs.

Last month, Phano returned to Ha Mansta and met with the parents of each child he plans to bless with a bicycle, informing them that the youth would soon be receiving their wheels!

The handover will be made next month, with plans to extend the gesture by donating the rest of the 18 bicycles to those living in other settlements or areas where there is a need for mobility.

Photo Credit: Phano Liphoto

Cycling is a big part of Phano’s life. He took it up six years ago, after an injury left him unable to play rugby. As a researcher who holds an honours degree in Urban Planning, cycling has also been one of his central focuses professionally.

“I conducted research in Johannesburg, particularly around cycling in townships. I came to understand that much of the infrastructure and facilities available were not intended to accommodate everyday commuter cyclists. There are no routes that lead directly to schools or community centres,” Phano shares.

“My studies eventually led me to the Mother City when The University of Cape Town’s Centre for Transport Studies reached out, asking me to cover the history of cycling in Cape Town.”

That work has now been published in a book, ‘Cycling Cities, the African Experience,’ which looks at the history of cycling across 18 cities in Africa.

Phano’s research, and his experience with cycling, has developed his perspective on how impactful a set of wheels can be. Not only for mental and physical well-being, but for livelihood. That’s what the vision for the Youth Pedal Project is.

Phano says that with each bicycle donated, he wants to create a positive impact for a young person or a community in need. The hope is that it will help fulfil a meaningful purpose – like getting to work and school – and for the mobility to create new opportunities for income and employment.

Photo Credit: Phano Liphoto

In March, Phano will return to the Mansta Settlement with six refurbished bikes in tow. Along the way, helpers have joined in to make it happen.

“Lesotho Bike Hangar is refurbishing every bike for us, free of charge. They have also pledged 10 bicycles for donation” says Phano. “We’ve received support from Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation for the Government of Lesotho. She has kindly offered to assist with transport and distribution of the remaining bikes,” he adds.

Handover day will include a cycling workshop which aims to educate the youth on safe cycling. Cape Town’s Bicycling Empowerment Network has sponsored educational booklets and stickers which will be distributed amongst the kids.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phano Liphoto (@phanoramic___)

“There has been so much excitement and immense support from everyone around me, from former school mates, strangers I have never even met, and close family. The chief of the community – Morena Mantsa Mantsa supports the project and will be attending.” says Phano.

If you’d like to keep up with the journey, follow Phano on Instagram or TikTok. If you’d like to support the cause, please reach out to him directly.


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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Urgent Call for Help as Armand Fights Another Battle After Remission https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/armand-second-battle-remission/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/armand-second-battle-remission/#respond Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:30:45 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=175442

Hope doesn’t disappear when things get hard, and that’s something worth holding onto. After a brief remission, 22-year-old Armand is facing cancer again. He needs help to fight the bravest...

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Hope doesn’t disappear when things get hard, and that’s something worth holding onto. After a brief remission, 22-year-old Armand is facing cancer again. He needs help to fight the bravest battle and make it a victory lap.

 

Alberton, South Africa (27 January 2026) – Just months after being told he was in remission, Armand is facing the fight of his life, again. It’s especially tough news to hear, knowing that he has already survived more than any 22-year-old ever should.

We shared his story last year.

He spent years feeling unwell before finally receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It turned his life upside down. He faced countless trips to the hospital, specialist visits and chemotherapy to beat it. Through it all, his grandmother supported him on her pension.

After six long months of treatment, there was finally a glimmer of hope when Armand was declared to be in remission. It brought relief to him, his grandmother, and his fiancée, Giorgia. For a brief time, it almost felt like the worst was behind them.

Then it hit like a ton of bricks. Armand’s most recent scan revealed the cancer has returned. He now faces an even tougher road ahead. Doctors have advised that more aggressive chemotherapy is urgently needed, with a possible bone marrow transplant required.

Making a difficult situation even worse, Armand’s oncology benefit has been fully exhausted. That means every consultation, treatment, and next step now depends on funding that the family just does not have.

Armand’s granny continues to support him on her pension alone. She has been his unwavering pillar of strength, but the emotional and financial strain has grown far beyond what one person, one family, can carry.

In the middle of all this, there was meant to be joy.

Armand and Giorgia had begun re-planning their wedding for 2026 after cancelling their original plans to make space for treatment and recovery. Now, once again, their plans have been mired by hospital visits, difficult decisions, and doing everything possible to give Armand the best chance at healing. That is what matters right now.

A new online fundraising campaign has been launched to urgently raise R250,000 for Armand’s next phase of treatment. So far, just R6,000 has been received.

Treatment cannot be delayed without seriously affecting Armand’s chances of survival. He’s prepared to fight again, but he really needs the help to get there.

If you’d like to support Armand, please 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. 

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Love Rallies Around 10 Year Old Boy Battling Blood Cancer https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/community-rallies-around-nathan-blood-cancer-diagnosis/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/community-rallies-around-nathan-blood-cancer-diagnosis/#respond Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:30:25 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=174824

A brave young boy’s toughest battle isn’t being fought alone, thanks to family, friends, schools, churches, and communities who want to help.   Johannesburg, South Africa (21 January 2026) –...

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A brave young boy’s toughest battle isn’t being fought alone, thanks to family, friends, schools, churches, and communities who want to help.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (21 January 2026) – Nathan is only 10, and he’s fighting a brave battle.

In November last year, his and his family’s world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

ALL is an aggressive form of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow when immature T-lymphocytes grow out of control. These abnormal cells build up in the blood and interfere with the body’s ability to make healthy blood cells.

For two months, Nathan has been in and out of the hospital, undergoing demanding treatment. It’s something no child should face, but he’s shown up with bravery, with love surrounding him.

“Nathan is many things – a passionate rugby player, a bright and clever thinker, a funny soul who keeps us laughing and above all, a kind and caring young boy. Even now, in the middle of the toughest fight of his life, Nathan shows courage beyond his years,” shares Nathan’s mom, Sylvia Britz, in her plea for help.

Without medical aid to help carry Nathan through, his family are under immense emotional and financial strain. Eleven days ago, Sylvia set up a fundraising campaign online, sharing Nathan’s story and her family’s desperate need for help.

Vulnerability is not easy. But it’s not a battle the family can’t face alone.

And they’re not. Love is slowly lifting them up. About 27% of the funds needed for Nathan’s recovery have already been raised through the campaign. A separate fundraiser set up by a family friend in the United States has offered some support, too.

Friends, schools, churches, and communities both in South Africa and abroad are stepping in to help how they can. People who may never have met Nathan are showing up to carry this family through an incredibly difficult season.

The Britz’s say that Nathan’s recent blood results have brought hope, and doctors are cautiously optimistic, but his condition is vulnerable, and he needs ongoing medical care and support to win this brave battle.

Follow this link if you would like to support the cause.


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

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

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Hogsback Community Rally to Rebuild Walkway to Madonna and Child Waterfall https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/hogback-community-rebuild-walkway/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/hogback-community-rebuild-walkway/#respond Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:30:23 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=173494

The wooden walkway leading to the crown jewel of Hogsback is damaged beyond repair. It requires rebuilding. The community is leading the charge in making that happen.   Eastern Cape,...

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The wooden walkway leading to the crown jewel of Hogsback is damaged beyond repair. It requires rebuilding. The community is leading the charge in making that happen.

 

Eastern Cape, South Africa (09 January 2026) – The wooden walkway covers a short but steep 460-metre trail leading to one of the most spectacular features in Hogsback, the Madonna & Child Waterfall.

For years, the Hogsback Trail Maintenance Team and locals have kept the trail safe on a shoestring budget and community donations, but the scale of damage now means the entire walkway needs to be rebuilt. Without it, there’s no safe access to the waterfall.

“We have been in contact with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). While they have granted us permission to replace the walkway, they unfortunately have no budget to fund the project,” shares the Hogsback Trail Maintenance Team.

Without any government funding available for the project, it’s up to the community to pool resources for the rebuild.

A fundraising campaign has launched. Quotes have been secured from contractors, and work will begin as soon as funds are available. The fundraising goal stands at R200,000, donations have started trickling in.

The good that happens when a village works together!

“It’s about protecting the soul of Hogsback. The Madonna & Child Waterfall is more than a tourist attraction. It is a spiritual sanctuary, a natural wonder, and a shared treasure.”

The Madonna & Child Waterfall is one of Hogsback’s largest waterfalls, it holds meaning for locals and visitors who’ve walked the trail.

“If you’ve ever walked the trail, you’ll remember that first moment of awe as the waterfall reveals itself in the heart of the forest.”

If you’d like to support the cause, find out more here.


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

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⁠World Record Holder Howard Warrington Takes to Choppy Waters for SPCA https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/howard-warrington-swims-for-spca/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/howard-warrington-swims-for-spca/#respond Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:30:22 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=173133

Howard just knocked off 22km in choppy, ice-cold waters, and he did it for the animals!   Cape Town, South Africa (07 January 2026) – Yes, the same world record...

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Howard just knocked off 22km in choppy, ice-cold waters, and he did it for the animals!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (07 January 2026) – Yes, the same world record holder, Howard Warrington, who smashed 200 Robben Island crossings in support of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, has made even more waves in animal welfare!

Early on Tuesday morning, he plunged back into the water for an important cause.

Howard took on the False Bay Crossing from Miller’s Point as part of the SPCA’s latest fundraising drive, which aims to fund 10,000 sterilisations this year.

The plan was a 33km swim across the bay, one of the toughest open-water challenges on our coast.

“I can see that the SPCA is always trying to do more, do something. I started thinking about what I could do? What if I take on the toughest swim in South Africa, The False Bay Challenge?” shared Howard with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

After braving seven hours in the water and having covered 22km, Howard ended the swim early after battling rough conditions and cramping. While he didn’t reach Rooi-Els shore in this attempt, it’s the impact that mattered.

Even though the crossing is still for Warrington’s taking, the distance he covered this morning raised nearly R65,000 that will go towards the SPCA’s mass sterilisation outreach. And that’s what it’s all about.

“Today, animals are winning because Howard stepped into that water and acted when it mattered most.”

The swim forms part of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s broader goal for 2026. Last year alone, the organisation cared for more than 23,000 animals and performed over 6300 sterilisations. This incredible work helped reduce the number of stray and surrendered animals entering their shelter.

This year, the goal is greater as the SPCA aims for the 10,000 milestone. Howard’s first attempt has already gone a long way in helping make this happen.

“What fuels us is knowing that we’re not alone, that so many incredible people stand with us. Volunteers, donors, adopters, and those who use our services to keep their animals healthy — they are all part of this mission.” shares the SPCA’s Communications Manager, Belinda Abraham. “Anyone can be a hero. You don’t have to swim across False Bay. You can make a real difference by donating just R50 a month or R600 once-off to help us reach our goal of 10,000 sterilisations this year. Together, we can save lives before suffering begins.”

Howard has swum to support many animal welfare causes, and he’s not done yet. He’s determined to give the False Bay crossing another go. In the meantime, the funds raised will help ensure more animals receive care before they end up in crisis.

“When I see what the SPCA teams go through every day. How many animals they save. I know I have to do something. When I’m in that cold water and struggling, I think of the animals and the amazing people fighting for them. That’s what keeps me going, one stroke at a time. If every stroke helps an animal, I’ll never stop,” says Howard.

If you’d like to find out more about Howard’s swim or support the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s sterilisation efforts, find more info here.


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

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World-Record Attempt Run Across SA for Children Who Need a Future https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/charity-run-record-attempt/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/charity-run-record-attempt/#respond Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:30:05 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=172911

Danielle Lubbe is one of the incredible women gearing up to run the length of South Africa for children who need a future this February.   Cape Town, South Africa...

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Danielle Lubbe is one of the incredible women gearing up to run the length of South Africa for children who need a future this February.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (05 January 2026) – In just a few weeks, an inspiring group of female runners will attempt a world record by covering the entire length of South Africa in just nine days.

The 2160km relay, known as Cape2Care 2026, is hosted by the non-profit Dynamic Women for Children. It will stretch from SA’s northernmost point in Musina all the way down to its southernmost tip in Cape Agulhas.

The run aims to smash the global record, but more than that, it’s a part of the organisation’s ongoing work to raise awareness and funds for children who have been failed by their circumstances.

For the past three years, DWFC has walked more than 1400km from Pretoria to Cape Town, showing how powerful consistency and commitment can be when it comes to creating change. In 2026, they’re upping the ante big-time, and turning those kilometres into a run.

“Why? Because every kilometer run is a stand for the child who feels forgotten. Every blister, bruise, and stride taken is a cry for the child who deserves to heal and to dream again.”

One of the incredible women taking part is Danielle Lubbe, a Cape Town-based runner who knows first-hand how life-changing movement can be.

“I talk a lot about how running has changed my life,” Danielle shares. “It’s what carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life, and now I get to use the thing that saved me, to help children who need saving too.”

DWFC supports under-privileged children across South Africa, offering holistic care that includes education, resources, safety and long-term support. The aim is to give children the chance to grow up with opportunity, stability and hope.

Cape2Care 2026 kicks off next month, and fundraising is already underway.

So far, Danielle alone has raised R7000 towards her R50,000 goal, with every donation helping DWFC continue its work with children who need it most.

If you’d like to support her cause, find out more here. If you’d like to find out more about Cape2Care 2026, follow this link.


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

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SPAR South Rand Charity Golf Day Raises R300K for Local Communities https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/spar-south-rand-golf-day/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/spar-south-rand-golf-day/#respond Sun, 16 Nov 2025 06:00:08 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=168486

More than just a day on the course, the Charity Golf Day brought together suppliers, partners, and community members to raise R300,000 for early childhood education and local initiatives.  ...

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More than just a day on the course, the Charity Golf Day brought together suppliers, partners, and community members to raise R300,000 for early childhood education and local initiatives.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (16 November 2025) – Johannesburg’s golf enthusiasts gave back as SPAR South Rand hosted its annual Charity Golf Day on 30 October 2025. The event brought together suppliers, partners, and friends for a mix of sport, networking, and community support.

This year, the day proved its impact by raising R150,000 each for two inspiring organisations: the Khulani Early Childhood Development Centre in Diepsloot, which provides quality early education and nutritious meals, and Jozi My Jozi, a citywide initiative focused on clean-ups, lighting projects, and its Adopt-an-ECD programme, which empowers educators and supports early childhood centres.

Koketso Lesunyane, who is the Divisional Marketing Executive, summed up the importance of the event.

“At SPAR, community is at the heart of everything we do. Events like this remind us that our partnerships with suppliers and customers don’t just drive business success, they help us build stronger, more resilient communities.”

The day was a celebration of teamwork and camaraderie. Golfers of all skill levels enjoyed the rolling fairways, scenic views, and friendly competition.

“There were plenty of birdies, a few creative swings, and maybe even a lost ball or two, but the real win was the spirit of connection and contribution that defines this day.”

The SPAR South Rand Marketing Team was praised for delivering a seamless and memorable event, blending competition with community impact. The Charity Golf Day also reinforced SPAR South Rand’s ongoing My Jozi My SPAR campaign. Making this a celebration of independence, pride, and local community spirit.

As the day drew to a close and prizes were handed out, the energy of generosity and gratitude was clear. Beyond the fairways, the event once again demonstrated how sport can make a real difference in the lives of Johannesburg’s children and communities.


Sources: Supplied 
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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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