Steve has just done something incredible! He’s walked 300 km, from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay, in his ongoing mission to raise over a million rand to help fund the studies of young students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Cape Town, South Africa (07 April 2026) – Retired Steve Murphy first had the idea after his wife Jenny counselled a young Zimbabwean girl who had lost her estranged father, and her mother just six months later. At eighteen, this left her unable to complete her matric, and with it, her future shrank in ways it shouldn’t have had to.

Thankfully, Steve and Jenny were able to help her financially. In doing so, they realised how many more young adults were navigating the same reality in South Africa. Too many capable minds are denied the chance to build careers, support their families and contribute to society, simply because they can’t afford to finish school or get into tertiary education.

“We could help the young lady financially but we also realised there were many others in this predicament and thought we would try ‘something’ like a walk!” Steve tells us.

That’s how it began. He mapped out a 300-kilometre route from bay to bay, a growing BackaBuddy campaign in tow, with an initial goal of one million rand, enough to cover student fees for at least a handful of young South Africans who needed a hand.

Steve started out knowing his efforts wouldn’t solve the national unemployment crisis, but was equally convinced that hope, placed in capable hands, leads somewhere worth going.

“I am not really trying to ‘eat the elephant’ – I think, if we give young people skills we create hope and they are resourceful enough to find their own way. Build a solid base (that is an entity which is credible, authentic and real) and which others are happy to support, and the rest will follow. Empowered people do things that assist others.”

A call for sponsorship went out to his network, and Steve set off step by step. Over two weeks, he crossed the Garden Route to Storms River and back to Plettenberg Bay. He covered 300 km, averaging around 20 kilometres a day. It’s no small feat for anyone, let alone a champ of 74!

The road made space for all kinds of thoughts, but perhaps the greatest realisation was that making a difference can be as straightforward as putting one foot in front of the other for a worthy cause.

“I am a person of faith, so I did wonder if in my latter years I might still be fruitful. I also was encouraged to reach out to others with so little when I had so much. I was profoundly moved by the courtesy, kindness and respect from fellow pedestrians. I wondered if I lived in the same country as our parliamentarians and much of the media. I do not want to diminish the pain of those who have suffered violence and loss, but whilst that was a concern of mine, my lived experience was very different. So my thoughts have turned to registering a PBO and doing this ‘full time’ going forward.”

Along the way, Steve and his network raised R226,792. And then came a pledge that blew his original goal out of the water.

“The support I’ve received has been amazing, outstanding and humbling. I also received a pledge from the Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences of R1 million in educational bursaries for 2026!”

Around ten applicants have already reached out for help. The R1.25 million raised so far will get their studies off the ground, but the goal has grown, and so has Steve’s appetite for it. He’s already planning the next one.

“Now that I’ve reached the end of the journey, I feel on top of the world, grateful for a body that is still resilient, and ready to do more – I’m motivated for next year’s effort!”

Ultimately, choosing to give might just be the most rewarding thing a person can do with their time on earth.

“So much of western lifestyle is about getting, keeping, having. Jesus taught that giving is more blessed. It brings more contentment and satisfaction than getting. This exercise has confirmed for me that truth! So here is to trying to give a little more each day!”

Steve’s campaign is still running. If you’d like to support his cause, follow this link.

Sources: GTG Interview.

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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

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

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

NSRI volunteers launched a rescue response after a fishing boat capsized near Plettenberg Bay, leaving three teenagers in the water.

Plettenberg, South Africa (09 March 2026) – Three teenagers are safe after their small fishing boat capsized near the Keurbooms River Mouth outside Plettenberg Bay on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from the National Sea Rescue Institute.

According to NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty coxswain Robbie Gibson, rescue crews were alerted shortly after 10 am when eyewitnesses reported that a rigid hull inflatable boat had capsized in the surf zone at the Keurbooms River Mouth, with three people believed to be in the water.

“At 10h04, Sunday, 8 March, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a RHIB capsized in the Keurbooms River Mouth with 3 people onboard reported to be in the water,” Gibson explained.

NSRI rescue swimmers responded immediately while additional crew members headed to the station’s rescue base to launch two rescue craft, the Ray Farnham Rescuer and the Eric Stratford. The coordinated response ensured that rescuers could reach the area quickly and assess the situation.

Fortunately, by the time rescuers arrived on the scene, the three local teenage boys had already made their way safely to the shoreline. Their capsized boat was recovered from the surf zone while the teenagers were medically assessed on the beach.

“The 3 teenagers were medically assessed and with only 2 sustaining minor injuries they were reunited with family and they required no further assistance,” Gibson said.

Initial reports suggest the teenagers had been fishing from their boat on the Keurbooms Lagoon when their craft was swept out through the river mouth. Despite deploying an anchor in an attempt to stabilise the vessel, the boat dragged anchor before eventually capsizing in the rougher water.

While the incident could easily have had a far more serious outcome, the quick actions of those nearby and the rapid response from the NSRI ensured the situation was resolved safely.

The National Sea Rescue Institute operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to drowning prevention and water safety across South Africa. Through education programmes, rescue operations and constant preparedness, its volunteers work around the clock to protect lives in and around the country’s waters.

NSRI volunteers remain on call 24 hours a day and rely heavily on donations and sponsorships to support their life saving work. Their goal is simple but powerful: to help create a future where drowning incidents are minimised and everyone can enjoy South Africa’s waterways safely.

Sources: NSRI 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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

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

The post NSRI Assists Three Teens After Boat Capsizes Near Plettenberg Bay appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Filmmaker Daron Chatz follows a fascinating collaboration between two local musicians and a marine biologist as they explore a connection with humpback whales through song.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (17 December 2025) – When Plett-based Marine Biologist Alejandra Vargas first dropped a hydrophone into the ocean, she was instantly moved by what she heard and felt. It was visceral. Close to the heart.

In the ocean, sound waves travel faster and further than they do in the air. Water is a great conductor, making the resonant sounds of humpback whales a particularly interesting channel that we are able to tune into, thanks to specialised equipment.

Their sound can travel thousands of kilometres. Interestingly, studies have shown that the species actually displays a form of culture through song. Male humpback whales sing a repetitive, stereotyped, socially learnt and culturally transmitted display that slowly evolves each year, as it travels across populations and oceans.

The transmission and vocal culture of whale song is fascinating, and in comparison, so is our human connection to music. So what happens when our songs meet?

Working with Dr Vargas, local musicians Vuyo Katsha and James Van Minnen have already experimented in those realms. In a series of collaborations, the trio head out to sea to record whale song and improvise music around it.

South African filmmaker, photographer and director Daron Chatz captured the experience through an incredible short documentary titled Ancient Voices.

After hitting the water with Vargas to record and capture whale song, James and Vuyo set up in an ancient cave on a private property along the coastline (a home to many thousands of years in human habitation history) where they play their improvised music back into the waters. In this manner, forming a special collaboration as unique as it is captivating.

Through the lens of this entirely unique experience, the ten-minute film tells a deep and significant story about the transportive powers of music and the fascinating history behind our African ancestors and their spiritual connections to the ocean.

“I was inspired by the process that Vuyo, James and Alejandra were entering into on a practical level. On a deeper level, I’m inspired to explore stories of meaning, stories that connect us to ourselves, to each other and to nature.” shares Chatz.

Daron says one of the many mind-boggling experiences while filming the documentary was hearing whale song in person for the very first time.

“The vibration and frequency of these whale songs touch me on a heart level. It is like hearing communication and teachings that transcend linear time and this physical reality. It’s like medicine for the soul.”

Beyond celebrating the wonder of whale song and the transformative powers of music, the documentary also highlights the important plight of protecting our oceans and the many fascinating forms of life that we are constantly still learning about.

Ancient Voices will air on People’s Planet (Channel 115) on 3 Jan & 7 Feb @ 09:30 & 20:30. Don’t miss it!

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.

The post Local Doccie Shines Light on Whale Song and Ancestral Connections to the Sea appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Along the pristine coastline of Plettenberg Bay, a massive pod of dolphins made a surprise appearance, and thankfully, Christy Strever was there to capture it all.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (07 July 2025) – There are moments that remind us just how beautiful our world can be… and this one is right up there. Christy Strever, a long-time friend of Good Things Guy and absolute magician behind the camera, has been treating her followers to some magic from the Plettenberg Bay coastline… and it’s all thanks to a pod of playful dolphins that seem to love the camera as much as she does.

For those who’ve been following Good Things Guy for a while, Christy’s name may sound familiar. And for good reason. She’s been part of some of our favourite stories over the years: from her amazing food selfies (that got the attention of Gordon Ramsey) and, of course, that unforgettable moment she shaved off all her hair for a cancer awareness campaign. Whatever the moment, Christy brings heart, humour and incredible photography.

Now based in Plettenberg Bay, Christy has been using her lens to show us a softer, wilder side of life. Her latest posts, videos and stills of a massive pod of dolphins gliding, playing and leaping through the waves are something out of a dream.

“The first dolphins for me this season and I was lucky!” she shared. “This is some of the best footage I’ve got of just dolphins. Dolphins are tricky to film because they are soooo quick! However these ones were super chilled and going at the perfect speed for filming (even though I was still in sports mode).”

I’m still an amateur when it comes to videography but man I love it!!”

What she’s captured feels far more than amateur… it’s art. And the response online proves just how much people needed that moment of peace and awe.

One follower commented, “Unbelievable. What a great sighting.” Another added, “That is awesome. Spent many many years surfing… all along our fantastic coastline yet never witnessed such a beautiful moment as the one you captured. Thank you for sharing. Great photography.”

It’s clear the moment touched hearts.

“Isn’t nature breathtakingly beautiful?” another comment read.

And honestly, yes. Yes, it is.

Watch the video below:

Sources: Christy Strever 

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.

The post Watch: Christy Strever Captures Dolphin Magic in Plett appeared first on Good Things Guy.

This week’s Friday Five has it all… from a thriller that’ll leave you breathless to a coastal escape that might just heal your soul. Oh, and there’s a lesbian nun. Obviously.

South Africa (30 May 2025) – Hello, weekend. Hello, you! It’s that time again… where I get to tell you about the lekker things I’ve watched, listened to, obsessed over, eaten (probably twice) and experienced over the past few days. Welcome to the Friday Five, your go-to weekly wrap-up of all the good stuff.

If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know that I get invited to a lot of things. Movie premieres. Secret screeners. Launches with food that looks too good to eat (but I eat it anyway). And when I’m not watching or tasting something, I’m exploring beautiful places, bumping into passionate people and falling in love with South Africa over and over again.

And then I get to put it all in a review for you… I’ve called it the Friday Five.

So let’s jump into it. This week is full of chaos, comfort, coastal magic… and yes, even a lesbian nun played by Rosie O’Donnell.

Movies That I Watched This Week | Friday Five 

Fountain of Youth

You know those movies that don’t try to win awards or change your life… but just vibe? That’s Fountain of Youth.

Two estranged siblings team up to chase the mythological Fountain of Youth. Think treasure maps, historical puzzles, dramatic rooftop chases… you get it. It’s a National Treasure-lite adventure, with maybe a teaspoon of Indiana Jones (don’t come expecting whips and ancient booby traps).

It’s easy watching. Totally family-friendly. It’s the kind of movie you can put on after a Sunday lunch while the dogs are passed out and you’re low-key snoring on the couch. There’s even a warm, fuzzy moral at the end about second chances and siblings healing old wounds.

Watch it if: You want something feel-good, fast-paced and fun. Also, you secretly wish you had a reason to say, “Let’s find the Fountain of Youth!” over breakfast.

Streaming now on AppleTV+.

Drop

Okay, so this one had me in that weird thriller pose, elbows on knees, hand on chin, popcorn forgotten.

Drop is like the lovechild of Hitchcock and a Black Mirror episode. Violet, a widowed mom, goes on a date. Everything’s going fine… until a hooded figure starts sending her terrifying messages that basically say: “Kill your date, or your family dies.”

WHAT?! Yup. It escalates. Fast.

The pacing is brilliant. The twists hit hard. And while the final act is a bit over-the-top, I still totally bought into it. There’s this tight 90-minute runtime that doesn’t waste a second. It’s tense and unsettling in all the right ways.

Now showing in cinemas.

Series Selected Just For You | Friday Five 

And Just Like That – Season 3

Oh Carrie. Oh Miranda. Oh Charlotte… and oh wow. They’re back and actually better.

Look, I’ll be the first to say that Season 1 and 2 of And Just Like That were… messy. Like “what are we doing here?” messy. But I feel like Season 3 is a glow-up. The storylines are tighter, the drama feels earned and the show finally understands who these characters are now. Not who they used to be in their SATC glory days.

AND there’s a lesbian nun. Played by Rosie O’Donnell. I honestly screamed. It’s ridiculous. And funny.

This season feels grounded. There’s nostalgia, yes, but also fresh plotlines that have substance. I’m actually excited to see where it all goes… and I haven’t felt that way about this reboot in a while.

Streaming on HBO Max (coming soon to DStv).

The Better Sister

Okay, this is exactly the kind of binge I love. Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks play estranged sisters with complicated pasts. And therer is a dead husband dead. Secrets everywhere. Cue chaos.

There are so many layers here: family trauma, sibling rivalry, motherhood, ambition… all wrapped up in a murder mystery that’ll keep you guessing. It’s smart, slick and emotional without being melodramatic.

Biel and Banks are on fire together. I actually forgot I was watching actors. It just felt real. Like they could be your sisters. Or that family down the road with all the drama.

It’s a twisty, soapy, gripping thriller you can binge with a bottle of wine and a WhatsApp group ready to debrief every episode.

Now on Amazon Prime.

Tunes For The Weekend

Julia Michaels – Try Your Luck

This is a windows-down, hair-blowing, hand-out-the-car-kinda song.

Julia’s always been the queen of emotionally honest lyrics and Try Your Luck just hits that sweet spot. It’s hopeful but raw. Playful but meaningful. The chorus makes you want to scream-sing it down the highway with your bestie in the passenger seat.

Sam Feldt – Time After Time

Okay, don’t get it twisted… this is not a Cyndi Lauper cover. This one’s your dance track for the weekend.

It’s got that slow build, euphoric drop, “let’s-go-back-to-my-place” beat. You’ll be humming it all weekend. Ideal for your pre-party playlist or even just jamming in your kitchen while cooking your Saturday night curry.

Place to Go: Plettenberg Bay (My Happy Place)

Let’s talk about Plett. Properly. Because if heaven had a postal code, it would be somewhere between Keurbooms and Robberg.

Plett is where I go to exhale. To reset. To remember that life doesn’t always have to be loud and fast and online. Sometimes, it’s about barefoot walks on endless beaches, good food with better people, and letting the wind sort your thoughts out.

Here’s the Brent-style hit list of Plett musts:

Start slow at Eleven Plett

Gorgeous, modern café with buttery croissants, great coffee, and even better vibes. Sit by the window. Pretend you’re writing a novel. Eat your feelings. Perfection.

Then sneak into Le Fournil

French bakery. Secret garden vibes. Almond croissants that feel like a warm hug. I have absolutely stayed for hours here, chatting to strangers and writing in my notes app on my phone like I live in a Netflix series.

Hike it off at Robberg Nature Reserve

This is spiritual stuff. The cliffs. The crashing waves. The seals. The WIND. You leave Robberg with clearer skin, a healed soul and about 16,000 new WhatsApp story pics.

Long lunch at Bramon Wine Estate

Sit among the vines, sip bubbles. And. Just. Be. Order all the things. Share with your people. Breathe deeply. Let it be slow.

Supper at The Fat Fish

Seafood done right. Crisp calamari, sushi that actually tastes fresh and the kind of desserts that make you undo your jeans button mid-meal. Lovely, lovely vibe.

Sunset? Always Enrico’s

THIS is the Plett moment. Sitting by the ocean, eating pasta, watching the sky go gold. Order the seafood linguine. Thank me later.

Book a table at Emily Moon

The view at sunset is unreal. Think lanterns, flickering candlelight, and a river that glows. It’s romantic, whimsical, a little wild… and completely unforgettable. The food is delicious. And the drinks are strong enough to make you consider staying overnight. (Also yes, they have rooms!)

Don’t skip The Market on Main

Craft drinks. Local eats. Live music. Stalls with handmade things you didn’t know you needed. The vibe is effortlessly cool. Go with friends and stay until the lights twinkle.

Finish with a walk on Keurbooms Beach

The world goes quiet. The waves speak. You feel… right. Grounded. Grateful. This is why you came.

One Last Thing

If you still haven’t watched my chat with Robbie Brozin, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life.

The founder of Nando’s, Goodbye Malaria, and now Jozi My Jozi, sat down with me to talk about fixing Joburg… and it’s one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve ever had.

Almost 100,000 people have streamed it and the feedback has been unbelievable:

“Listening to this has reawakened the HOPE I have for Jozi and our country.”

“Robbie is the kind of South African who reminds you what’s possible when purpose meets passion.”

“I’m not even from JHB but I feel your excitement.”

Trust me. Watch it. Then go out and make a little bit of good happen in your own corner of the world.

That’s it for this week’s Friday Five.

Adventure. Entertainment. Coastlines. Croissants. And a reminder that good things are happening all around us… we just have to look for them.

Go well this weekend. Be soft. Be loud. Be here.

And as always… keep sharing the good things.

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 & 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.

The post Friday Five: From Murder Mysteries to Ocean Walks… Here’s What I Loved This Week appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In one of those rare moments where one gets to witness hope in action, a community gathered to bid farewell to 10 African Penguins as they waddled back to the sea, released into their wild home once again. Have a look:

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (29 April 2025) — Some goodbyes are a lot more sweet than bitter. Such was the case for a community who gathered at Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout Beach on 26 April (just after World Penguin Day) to bid 10 African Penguins a crowd-attracting farewell.

This was no ordinary goodbye. Rather, it was a long-awaited one (and not because the penguins were bad house guests).

These critically Endangered African Penguins had undergone months of rehabilitation and recovery, as photographer Stephan van Wyk shared.

It took a village, as it often does with stories of this nature, to rescue, nurture and ensure the penguins were ready for release. This was heartwarmingly evident in those cheering the penguins on in their goodbye waddle.

The Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre put into perspective how many different groups make a happy ending like this possible:

“This penguin release would not have been successful without NVT assisting with the release on the day and for rescuing some of the penguins off the beach. Robberg Veterinary Clinic for assisting us with getting them ready for release and getting the injured and sick penguins the right treatment so we can rehabilitate them.

SANParks for going above and beyond to rescue penguins, usually after hours and getting them to us safely, Birdlife Plettenberg Bay for their fundraising all year round and the commentary on release day, Plett stranding network and CapeNature for rescuing penguins, Ocean Sailing Charters who monitor the weather and swells for us for release day and a few days afterwards to make sure we are releasing them at the right time.

SAPS for assisting us with getting the penguins onto the beach safely with the crowds and parking and for monitoring the crowd in a relaxed manner which gave us peace of mind that we could focus on the penguins, and last but not least, the public who came to the release today, the guests that visit Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre and Tenikwa Wellness SPA which enables us to raise the money to save and release these penguins and other indigenous wildlife.”

Watch: 10 African Penguins Find Their Freedom in Plett

Sources: Stephan van Wyk; Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre 

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.

The post Watch: 10 African Penguins Find Their Freedom in Plett  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Thanks to mermaids in Plettenberg Bay, NGO Shark Spotters were able to purchase a new set of wheels that’ll help their marine conservation missions mobilise and reach more young people amongst many other good things!

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (15 January 2025)—The Plett chapter of Shark Spotters is riding a wave of gratitude thanks to a very special gift made possible by some extra-kind mermaids in their community.

A charity ball dubbed ‘The Mermaid Ball’ encouraged all the mermaids to trade the sea for a night of glitz and glamour. The ball-goers dressed to the nines and made sure to share extra dimes with Shark Spotters in mind; collective efforts that resulted in an incredible R120,000 raised for the NGO.

Thanks to the ‘sparkling success of a ball’, Plett Shark Spotters now have a dedicated vehicle to call their own and another way to mobilise their marine conservation efforts.

“This car is more than just transportation; it’s a symbol of hope, education, and ocean conservation,” the Plett Shark Spotters team shared.

The new wheels will help the team further ensure the safety of beachgoers, expand educational activities by reaching more young people and ultimately advance their capacity for research.

For those who don’t know, Shark Spotters does a lot more than deliver shark sightings. A proud shark safety and research organisation founded by Greg Bertish and Dave and Fiona Chudleigh, their work has been protecting both sharks and people for over 20 years.

Last year, they were the gracious winners of the prestigious NGO Award at the 2024 SANParks Kudu Awards; earned for their hard work in the fields of shark conservation, safety and education.

Their innovative work in the early 2000s was key to people reframing their understanding of sharks from sensationalist ‘scandals’ to animals that exist as part of an ecosystem that humans didn’t fully understand and in many cases still don’t.

The Shark Spotters’ approach has encouraged people to understand themselves as part of a much bigger ecological puzzle; providing coastal visitors and dwellers with objective information, accurate shark spotting from the spotters in their network, and responsible measures for public safety which have been deployed across Cape Town and Plett.

Their conservation work is vital to the entire ocean, while their safety-focused information for both sharks and humans has helped challenge harmful narratives surrounding mainstream shark discourse, especially through non-lethal mitigation strategies.

Sources: Shark Spotters Plett

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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.

The post Mermaids Raise Funds for Shark Spotters to Buy New Wheels  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Plettenberg Bay was nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination per the World Travel Awards! A victory beyond tourism, Keep Plett Clean shares the community effort that went into getting this accolade for their home.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (21 October 2024) — South Africa’s own Plettenberg Beach scooped a nomination as the World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024 per the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards in a big feat for South Africa (Plett was the only South African location nominated for this category).

While at a surface glance, this might seem like a victory in the realm of tourism, it’s actually far more so a community victory, as Keep Plett Clean shares.

Keep Plett Clean is a community organisation whose name accurately sums up their deal. Founded by Alison Bryant, Keep Plett Clean was founded on a simple principle:

“Clean, well-maintained environments enrich not only the lives of residents but also leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world,” Alison says.

For over a decade, Keep Plett Clean has rallied volunteers to ensure that their town and its beaches are as pristine as possible.

To put that into perspective, that’s over 12 years of showing up to tuck into clean-ups and spearheading maintenance missions, no matter the weather, circumstances or whether one particularly feels like it or not.

The kind of commitment that promises a well-kept town and natural pleasures relies entirely on consistency and collective action. And to have been able to achieve that to the point of global recognition is something the whole country should applaud as an example of what we can do when we take matters that affect all of us into our own hands!

As Alison shares:

“This nomination is more than just an accolade for our beaches; it’s a reflection of the collective effort it takes to keep Plettenberg Bay beautiful working together with Bitou’s Municipality. Our volunteers’ dedication to picking up litter, emptying bins, scrubbing away graffiti, and ensuring that waste is properly managed has helped create an environment where visitors can enjoy the full beauty of Plett’s beaches and natural surroundings. The feedback we receive from hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb hosts, and tourists speaks volumes—our town’s cleanliness is noticed, appreciated, and make a real difference in their experience.”

For Alison and the team she works with, it’s far more than a matter of aesthetic value, but memories and experiences.

“This nomination is a victory for everyone involved—from our dedicated volunteers to the residents and visitors who contribute to keeping our town clean. It’s a celebration of community spirit and reminder that environmental stewardship is key to Plett’s ongoing success as a world-class destination.”

You can keep up with Keep Plett Clean, here. 

Sources: Email Submission; Keep Plett Clean 

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Two Plett locals are putting plans in place to make Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay accessible for people with wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy a beach day without worry!

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (17 September 2024) — While most beaches ignite a sense of serenity and calm, the opposite often ensues for people with physical disabilities. Hoping to change this for community members and visitors of Plett are two locals who are proudly on a mission to make Plett’s main beach far more accessible!

Willow Mullins and Kira Primo have seen tourists venture to their small town for many summers. But, as the beaches fill up, another truth becomes apparent—not everyone can enjoy these natural pleasures in the same way, if at all.

“Spending so much time on the beach with my kids, who love to surf and play, I’ve often noticed how people with disabilities struggle to access the ocean or even the sand. It made me realise that everyone deserves the joy of a beach day,” says Kira.

“I was sitting in the beer garden at Moby’s when I saw a family struggling to get their daughter, who was in a wheelchair, onto the sand. That moment made it clear to me how much more we need to do to make our beaches accessible,” shares Willow.

Kira and Willow are now on a mission to give everyone a chance to enjoy a beach day at Plett’s Central Beach through their Mobi Mat project.

Not only a doorway to accessibility, the project will also champion environmental values as the mat is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable itself.

“Using recycled materials was an important factor for us,” Kira explains. “We want to promote inclusivity while staying true to sustainable practices.”

The pair hope the project will be completed by the end of October—just in time for summer.

“This project would transform the beach experience for those with mobility challenges, offering them equal access and a newfound sense of freedom,” shares Kira.

“It would mean the world to me and our community,” Willow adds. “We’re planning to install the Mobi Mat on Central Beach, just off the ramp between Dolphin Adventures and Moby’s, right in front of the kiosk. The thought of people who’ve always wanted to feel the sand between their toes finally being able to do so brings us so much joy.”

The project is already underway, largely thanks to community members who are backing the cause through donations! Additionally, several people including lifeguards and have volunteered to keep the mat in good nick.

On top of the mat, the duo also aim to provide two mobility chairs.

Everyone is welcome to contribute where they can (you can find the crowdfunding campaign here) and the champions also hope that sponsors will come on board to make the magic happen.

Sources: Victoria Scott / Backabuddy  

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The NSRI has developed a successful system using cameras and volunteer operators to enhance beach safety.

Western Cape, South Africa (05 August 2024) —Thanks to the NSRI, beachgoers can enjoy the Plett Bay blue ocean and sandy shores with peace of mind. The NSRI continues to lead in beach safety innovation with the latest addition to its Beach Safety Camera Network Project.

A second shark alarm has been installed at Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay.

About the Beach Safety Camera Network Project

The project, which was initiated in 2020, was the first in South Africa to include a powerful Pan Tilt Zoom beach safety camera on the roof of the Beacon Isle Hotel and an alarm system on the NSRI station at Central Beach.

The latest edition to this network is a remote pole with flashing warning lights and sirens at Hobie Beach. The NSRI Beach Safety and Shark Alarm system now covers Central Beach to Wedge Beach.

The new device helps remote NSRI camera operators spot rip currents and sharks and monitor areas to assist lifeguards and NSRI Rescue Swimmers.

An award-winning initiative

The Beach Safety Camera Network Project has already received an award for its life-saving innovation of using volunteer camera operators to help professionals based in NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Milnerton, Cape Town.

The project, centred in Plettenberg Bay, involves a network of cameras linked to an emergency operations centre. A key component is a shark alarm system that can be activated remotely.

“This partnership with the Shark Spotters, Lifeguards, and Beach Control, all working together to make the central Plettenberg Bay beaches safe, makes this project unique,” said NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram.

Station 14 Plettenberg Bay Station Commander Jaco Kruger strongly supports the Shark Alarm and camera system.

“The benefit of having a quality camera and alarm linked to our EOC and ops room is extremely impactful. I know we like to refer to it as a shark camera, but it’s bather safety out-and-out,” Jaco said.

He highlighted the camera’s capability to zoom all the way to the river mouth, aiding in various rescue operations and integrating efforts between lifeguards, shark spotters, and NSRI teams.

The system has proven effective in detecting dangers, aiding rescues, and improving overall beach safety. There are plans to expand this innovative approach to other beaches.

“The alarm system itself is a major blessing; it works so well now that we’ve upgraded it with the first remote alarm and warning lights at Hobie Beach. With funding, we can add poles with wireless alarms and solar panels every kilometre up and down the beach,” Jaco noted, underscoring the system’s significant contribution to enhancing beach safety.

“Watch this space: the NSRI Beach Safety Cameras and Alarms are going to be the number one tool. When used in conjunction with simple ideas such as our Pink Rescue Buoys, they will save lives, change lives, and create futures in this country. It is the way forward,“ said Jaco.

Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute

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