Mossel Bay Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/mossel-bay/ 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 Mossel Bay Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/mossel-bay/ 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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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 
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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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Mossel Bay Photographer Captures Incredible Video of Fisherman Saved at Sea https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mossel-bay-photographer-shared-rescue-video/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mossel-bay-photographer-shared-rescue-video/#respond Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=181699

Photographer Martin Ras captured a rare glimpse of a police diver’s compassion and bravery, and the NSRI’s life-saving work.   Garden Route, South Africa (25 March 2026) – Mossel Bay...

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Photographer Martin Ras captured a rare glimpse of a police diver’s compassion and bravery, and the NSRI’s life-saving work.

 

Garden Route, South Africa (25 March 2026) – Mossel Bay photographer Martin Ras is rarely without his camera. He’s captured life, in all forms, as it unfolds along the Garden Route.

Last year in April, he happened to be on the scene when a local fisherman, Frans Quagga Smit, and his friend had been fishing along the rocks at The Point in Mossel Bay. The two had cast their lines and had been there for less than half an hour before it happened.

A massive wave had swept Frans right off the rocks and into the water.

Pulled beneath the surface for what must have felt like a lifetime, Frans finally came up gasping for air with his head just above water. But the current was strong and unrelenting, and no matter how hard he fought, it refused to give him back to shore. His friend couldn’t reach him, and after about 15 minutes battling water that had no intention of letting go, Frans knew he wasn’t getting back to safety on his own.

Thankfully, The Point was busy that day. Beachgoers had spotted the commotion and alerted the NSRI.

As rescue teams made their way there, a police diver, Andries Louw, dove straight in and heroically zipped through the water toward Frans. He reached him in just moments, wielding a pink rescue buoy that would help the fisherman stay afloat until he could be brought to safety.

The NSRI Station 15 team arrived shortly after, and the two were lifted from the water and brought safely back to shore.

Martin caught the entire thing on camera, capturing a rare glimpse of the police diver’s compassion and bravery, and the NSRI’s life-saving work that unfolds every day along our coastline. This week, he shared it online:

“For me, having a camera in hand during real-life moments like a sea rescue brings a mix of adrenaline, responsibility, and respect. You feel the urgency in the air, but at the same time, you understand your role , to document what’s happening as truthfully as possible. My camera is always with me because moments like these are real, raw, and important to capture.” Martin tells us.

By documenting and sharing these moments, he helps the world see, appreciate and support the work of the people who show up when it matters most – in this case, a brave police diver and the NSRI.

“I’ve had people ask why I recorded instead of helping, and my answer is simple: I’m a photographer, not a trained lifeguard or NSRI rescuer. In situations like that, the professionals are there to do the saving. My role is to tell the story, to show what unfolds, and to preserve a moment that many would never otherwise see.” he says.

Martin has been capturing life in Mossel Bay and further along the Garden Route for just about five years now. His passion for photography started long before.

“I started my career in the corporate world, working on the Sishen mine in the Northern Cape, where I travelled frequently between Johannesburg and the mine. It was during those trips that my passion for photography and video truly started to grow.” he says.

He and his family made the move to the coast just before lockdown. When Mossel Bay Tourism purchased one of his photographs, doors opened.

“Everything changed when Mossel Bay Tourism purchased one of my photos, which was later used on billboards across South Africa. Seeing my work out there made me realise that photography was more than just a hobby ,it was my calling. From that moment, I committed full-time to photography.”

Today Martin runs workshops teaching people how to capture great images on both smartphones and cameras, has built a membership community to help others grow, and sells fine art wildlife prints. Follow his work, or find out more, here.


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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Mossel Bay SPCA Continues Fire Recovery Efforts for Animals in Need https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/mossel-bay-spca-fire-recovery/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/mossel-bay-spca-fire-recovery/#respond Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:30:59 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=176943

Even weeks after the fires, volunteers and staff are clearing water bowls, distributing food, and offering care for affected animals.   Mossel Bay, South Africa (10 February 2026) – The...

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Even weeks after the fires, volunteers and staff are clearing water bowls, distributing food, and offering care for affected animals.

 

Mossel Bay, South Africa (10 February 2026) – The devastating fires in Mossel Bay may have subsided, but the work of caring for the animals left behind was far from over. Two weeks after the blaze, the Mossel Bay SPCA team returned to the affected areas to make sure the region’s four-legged residents were not forgotten.

Mossel Bay SPCA teams have been working non-stop in fire-swept areas. The fires left a trail of destruction, with emergency services battling on multiple fronts during a terrifying few days of uncertainty, loss, and hope. Throughout it all, animal welfare heroes have been assisting.

In a heartwarming video, volunteers carried heavy supplies of water and food to ensure that the animals still struggling to survive had their basic needs met. While the rain has helped, the land remains stripped bare, leaving many animals dependent on human kindness to get through the aftermath.

“Every small act of kindness matters.”

The SPCA team shared on social media, reminding the community of animals in need.

“When you open your heart to animals in need, you give them a fighting chance to survive.”

With the generosity of local supporters, the SPCA continues to provide care, proving that even in the wake of disaster, compassion can make a world of difference.


Sources: Mossel Bay SPCA 
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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Collecting Ghost Fishing Line Before It Reaches the Sea https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/collecting-ghost-fishing-line/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/collecting-ghost-fishing-line/#respond Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:02 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=175069

Small actions make a big difference for marine life along our coast. Stop the Strangle’s collection bins help to intercept discarded fishing line before it reaches the ocean, and the...

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Small actions make a big difference for marine life along our coast. Stop the Strangle’s collection bins help to intercept discarded fishing line before it reaches the ocean, and the project is scaling up to cover more ground!

 

South Africa (23 January 2026) – The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa are doing the work to combat stats that reflect the shocking impact that discarded, lost or abandoned fishing gear has on marine life.

To put it into perspective – An estimated 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear is lost or abandoned in oceans around the world every year. That makes up roughly 10% of all marine litter, and in some regions, up to 70–80% of large plastic debris.

Around 100,000 marine mammals and more than a million seabirds, turtles, and sharks are killed annually after becoming entangled in discarded fishing gear

Ghost fishing refers to lost or abandoned line, nets and traps that continue to do what they were designed to do long after they’re discarded, catch and hold.

Fishing line is particularly dangerous because it’s strong, slow to break down, and almost invisible in water. Once it enters the ocean, it can wrap around whales, turtles, seals and fish, which often leads to severe injury or death.

Line left behind on rocks, piers or beaches poses a massive risk. Wind, waves and tides frequently carry it back into the sea, restarting the cycle all over again. That’s the challenge. The encouraging part is that it’s also one of the most preventable forms of marine pollution.

De Bakke Beach in Mossel Bay. WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete with lifeguard squad leader Je-Olyne Walters and municipal representative Mushfiqah Abrahams

To tackle the problem WESSA has expanded its Stop the Strangle campaign, scaling up the collection of discarded fishing line before it reaches the ocean. Dedicated ghost fishing line collection bins are now being rolled out along the coast.

The initiative forms part of the Ford 100-Bin Relay Project, supported by the Ford Wildlife Foundation. It focuses on coastal areas frequented by people including marinas, Blue Flag beaches and Green Coast sites. Fishing activity is common in these spots.

Recently activated sites include Mossel Bay, Jeffreys Bay, McDougalls Bay in Port Nolloth, Leisure Bay and Mpenjati Conservancies in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Club Mykonos Marina and Royal Alfred Marina.

McDougalls Bay, Port Nolloth. WESSA CEO, Lara Young, Municipal Support & Compliance Manager, Joseph G Cloete, Municipal Manager – Port Nolloth

Beyond keeping line out of the ocean, the project also supports long-term conservation by analysing what’s collected, which helps build a clearer picture of where ghost gear is coming from and how best to stop it.

“These activations aim to raise public awareness, encourage hands-on action, and spark conversations about sustainable ocean stewardship.” shares WESSA.


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

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Excess Food Donations for Firefighters Reach Community Soup Drive https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/excess-firefighter-food-donated-soup-drive/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/excess-firefighter-food-donated-soup-drive/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:11 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=174183

What started as a wave of compassion for firefighters who bravely fought the flames in Mossel Bay last week has turned into full tummies for a community in need. Kindness...

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What started as a wave of compassion for firefighters who bravely fought the flames in Mossel Bay last week has turned into full tummies for a community in need. Kindness just keeps on going!

 

spar hero of the week

 

Mossel Bay, South Africa (15 January 2026) – As devastating fires tore through areas including Aalwyndal, Vakansieplaas and Island View in Mossel Bay last week, residents showed up in full force, ready to help. Food, supplies and care poured in for the heroes working around the clock to protect homes and lives.

But once the flames were under control and the emergency response slowed, there was still food left over! And that’s where something special happened.

William Sam, who has been running the Mossel Bay Community Soup Drive for six years, got an unexpected phone call from a government number. On the other end of the line was the fire brigade.

They wanted to know if the soup kitchen could make use of the excess food donations that had been delivered to the fire station.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Schools are opening, and the soup drive is once again supporting learners heading back to class, along with elderly residents, clinic patients and vulnerable community members who rely on their meals.

Isn’t it amazing how kindness just keeps on moving? From one crisis to another, from one need to the next.

“One of the primary needs noticed in our communities are the amount of people walking around asking for something to eat. This group is all about feeding the community of Mossel Bay.” the organisation’s bio reads.

So when the firefighters shared what was left over, it didn’t go to waste. It went back into the community.

“I am so grateful towards the residents of Mossel Bay – for their generosity. I was so happy receiving a call from the Fire Station this morning to offer us this assistance,” shares William.

People donated to help firefighters. Firefighters passed that help forward. And now an entire community gets to feel the ripple effect of kindness.


Sources: Linked above.
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

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A Special Boy and a Brave Dog Remind Us That Disability is Just a Different Journey https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/special-boy-brave-dog-reminder/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/special-boy-brave-dog-reminder/#respond Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:00:17 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=171250

Two souls, both living with disability but also both living with courage, joy, and a fight the world often overlooks, shared a heartwarming moment of connection during a walk to...

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Two souls, both living with disability but also both living with courage, joy, and a fight the world often overlooks, shared a heartwarming moment of connection during a walk to Die Punt.

 

Die Punt, South Africa (09 December 2025) – Disability is simply a different journey. It was during a walk with his disabled dog, Pikkewyn, that Anton Siebert, the founder of Project Blessing, was reminded of this truth.

They had set out for a stroll to Die Punt in Mossel Bay. Pikkewyn, moving easily on her supportive little wheels, and Anton were enjoying the day.

“We just wanted fresh air, sunshine and a moment of freedom. But God had a bigger moment planned,” Anton reflected in a Facebook post.

It was there that he and Pikkewyn met a mother and her son, who was also navigating the world in a wheelchair due to spinal dysmorphia.

“When he saw Pikkewyn rolling towards him, his whole face lit up. She asked if he could take photos with Pikkewyn… and then he gently leaned over to cuddle her.”

Right there and then, something in Anton broke and healed at the same time. His heart rediscovered a beautiful truth from these two souls, both living with disability but also both living with courage, joy and a fight the world often overlooks.

“People think disability means ‘less’. But today I was reminded: disability is not weakness. Disability is a different kind of bravery. Disability is a story of strength written in a language not everyone understands.”

Fighting back tears, he realised that life is not about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about showing up with what you have, even if you roll instead of run.

“Today reminded me…Even on wheels, you can still move hearts.”

Anton thanked the boy and his incredible mom for touching his heart in a way he’ll never forget. And to his dear  Pikkewyn, Anton thanked her for continuously showing the world every day that disability is not the end.

“It’s just a different journey.”

Anton further encouraged anyone who may be feeling knocked down not to give up.

“You might think you’re broken, but someone out there sees your strength and your light.”


Sources: Project Blessing
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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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Epic ‘Wrestle’ to Safely Free Entangled Cape Fur Seal in Gouritz https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/epic-wrestle-to-safely-free-entangled-cape-fur-seal-in-gouritz/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/epic-wrestle-to-safely-free-entangled-cape-fur-seal-in-gouritz/#respond Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:30:54 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=169981

A young yearling in Gouritz became another victim of discarded fishing gear last week. Luckily, SMART volunteers jumped into action and set it free.   Western Cape, South Africa (26...

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A young yearling in Gouritz became another victim of discarded fishing gear last week. Luckily, SMART volunteers jumped into action and set it free.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (26 November 2025) – Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (SMART) received the call on Friday afternoon last week. A young Cape fur seal had been spotted on the rocks with a fishing net wound around its neck.

One of the volunteers who responded was Mossel Bay local, photographer and SMART member, Michael de Nobrega, who made the drive out to Gouritz after hearing the alert.

“This will definitely go down as one of my highlights of the year,” he later shared. “When I arrived, I found this seal looking very uncomfortable on the rocks, and for good reason. It had a large piece of fishing net looped five times around its neck.”

Two SMART volunteers from Gouritz had already been monitoring the seal, and together they teamed up to devise a plan to safely perform the rescue swiftly and safely.

“We began planning how to approach the situation. We didn’t want to frighten it back into the ocean, so we had only one chance,” shared Michael.

First, the team had to check if the seal was visibly injured – this would determine their next step. Michael, wielding a gaff and a camera, had all the right tools for the job.

“I took out my camera and, using my long lens, confirmed that the seal hadn’t yet sustained any injuries from the net. So, rather than trying to catch it with a net and cut it free, which could have put us at risk of being bitten and caused the seal unnecessary stress, we decided to use a gaff and attempt to pull the net off.”

It’s crucial to keep a safe distance from seals when encountering them on the shore or in the water. Not only does being overcrowded cause them stress, but being bitten or attacked is a real risk. Especially given the recent confirmation of rabies in individual Cape fur seals along the coast.

Keeping a good distance, Michael, gaff in hand, expertly wobbled along the rocks as he wrestled the net off the entangled yearling.

“Our plan worked like a charm, and now I can officially tick wrestling a seal off my bucket list.” he later joked. “What started as a very sad situation ended with the best possible outcome: the moment that net came free, the seal lifted its head, let out a relieved little grunt, and shuffled back towards the water completely unharmed.”

SMART shared their relief and gratitude for their volunteers, whose swift action made all the difference for the little seal’s future.

“This rescue is also an important reminder of the ongoing impact of discarded fishing gear on our marine wildlife. Every report, every call, and every bit of awareness helps us protect these animals and keep our coastline safer.” they shared.

The rescue was caught on camera by Miguel, Michael’s son and junior ‘SMARTie’. Well done, team!

SMART has been responding to marine mammal emergencies along the Mossel Bay coastline since 2015. They operate under the authority of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and work closely with organisations like NSRI, SPCA, SAPREC, Bayworld, CapeNature, SANParks and more, making sure that dolphins, turtles and whales have trained hands looking out for them.


Sources: Linked above
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

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

 

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Warrior Kids Wishes Documentary Captures Layton’s Joy and Unbreakable Spirit https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/warrior-kids-wishes-documentary/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/warrior-kids-wishes-documentary/#respond Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:00:25 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=167710

Layton Geanokopoulos, a teen courageously facing stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma, got to ride the waves of the Mossel Bay coastline and meet the mighty Springboks when Warrior Kids Wishes granted...

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Layton Geanokopoulos, a teen courageously facing stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma, got to ride the waves of the Mossel Bay coastline and meet the mighty Springboks when Warrior Kids Wishes granted him an epic adventure, captured beautifully in an inspiring documentary.

 

Mossel Bay, South Africa (05 November 2025) – At just sixteen years old, Layton Geanokopoulos found himself facing a battle no teenager should ever have to fight. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a whirlwind of hospital visits, test results, and life-changing news – a stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma diagnosis.

For Layton and his family, everything changed in a moment. Just a few weeks before the diagnosis, he was an active, bright young man with a future full of dreams.

Then, a simple knee ultrasound revealed a growth that would lead to a series of heartbreaking discoveries. An MRI confirmed what doctors feared, and soon Layton was sitting across from an oncologist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, hearing the words that no young man at the age of 16 wants to hear.

The scans showed multiple tumours, a large one in his leg, another in his lung, and more in his liver and stomach lining.

Doctors have designed an intensive treatment plan that includes months of chemotherapy, major surgeries, and radiation.

Moved by Layton’s story and unwavering bravery, Warrior Kids Wishes – a non-profit organisation dedicated to granting the wishes of children aged 5 to 17 who are facing life-threatening illnesses – contacted his family to explore how they could bring a moment of joy and light to Layton’s journey.

Warrior Kids Wishes’ Marketing and Communications Manager, Tanya Pieterse, shared that through this effort, the organisation also wanted to provide the Geanokopoulos with an opportunity to focus on something uplifting amidst the daily challenges they are courageously navigating.

“Studies show that having a wish fulfilled can help children gain the physical and emotional strength needed to face serious health challenges, supporting better overall outcomes,” Tanya said.

Warrior Kids Wishes also offers a vital source of hope and positivity, helping children maintain a courageous and optimistic mindset during an incredibly difficult time.

Thanks to the generous donations received, both in the form of monetary support and service contributions, the charity was able to fly the Geanokopoulos family to Mossel Bay to enjoy a surfing adventure, a visit to the aquarium, experience the thrill of riding in a Lamborghini and meet their Springbok rugby heroes!

Equally as special, all Layton’s wishes come true, unforgettable moments and powerful journey were captured in Warrior Kids Wishes’ first documentary.

“This is our very first documentary, and we hope it will be the first of many, shining a light of joy, hope, and comfort for families navigating the unimaginable challenges of watching their children battle life-threatening illnesses,” Tanya shares.

Layton’s inspiring journey is available to view on YouTube.


Sources: Supplied
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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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Mossel Bay Community Brews Hope for Beloved Barista’s Son https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mossel-bay-community-brew-hope-baristas-son/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/mossel-bay-community-brew-hope-baristas-son/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:00:49 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=166404

In a moving display of community spirit, the residents of Mossel Bay are turning their collective grief into hope by rallying to raise funds and secure the future for the...

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In a moving display of community spirit, the residents of Mossel Bay are turning their collective grief into hope by rallying to raise funds and secure the future for the four-month-old son of Sam, their beloved Barista, whose life was tragically cut short.

 

Mossel Bay, South Africa (24 October 2025) – There are people who just naturally radiate light and kindness even in the simplest or shortest of encounters. Sam, a well-known and adored barista in Mossel Bay, was one such soul.

This month, the Mossel Bay community sadly lost this bright light after he was tragically struck by a vehicle on the N2.

He was only 28. A beloved barista, friend, coach, and father gone too soon.

According to a friend and community member, Kelly Fourie, Sam had moved to Mossel Bay at 18 to study and easily found a place in the community.

“He spent years brewing cappuccinos for locals, becoming a familiar face to his regulars, a reliable colleague, and a source of laughter and kindness in daily life.

“He is remembered for his kindness, humour, and integrity. A man who kept his word and lifted the spirits of everyone he met,” shared Kelly.

Sam is survived by his partner, Anna, and their four-month-old son, Ntsika.

The community has been deeply shaken by his loss, with tributes pouring in from near and far. Even more emotionally moving is how they have united to rally support for Ntsika’s future, as their way of honouring Sam’s memory and the love he poured into his son and community.

A crowdfunding page has been launched in this regard, ensuring that Sam’s little boy grows up with the support and security his father would have wanted for him.

“Sam was part of all of us. His kindness touched countless lives in Mossel Bay. Ntsika deserves to grow up knowing his father’s love lives on through others.” Kelly added.

Every contribution to the Brewing Hope for Ntsika fund builds hope for this little one’s future. Proceeds raised will be held and administered in trust for Ntsika’s benefit and general welfare.


Sources: BackaBuddy
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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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