Over 395 people from the under-resourced Frasers community in Tongaat got to shop completely for free, thanks to the Robin Hood Foundation’s latest Mahala Market!

Frasers, South Africa (06 April 2026) – At the Mahala Market, price tags don’t exist, the ‘currency’ is a smile, and the only requirement is that you take what you love. Residents of Frasers, a small, under-resourced community situated among the sugarcane fields of Tongaat, were treated to that experience this week.

The Robin Hood Foundation (RHF) recently packed up their van of wonders and headed to the heart of KwaZulu-Natal to host another edition of their famous Mahala Market, bringing dignity through the power of choice

While traditional charity often involves handing over a pre-packed parcel, the Mahala Market allows community members to browse and select items that actually fit their needs. The market was designed to feel like a real shopping experience.

“We invite people to come and ‘shop’ for free, yes, completely Mahala. Guests are welcomed in groups of 20 at a time. Their first stop is a refreshing drink and a doughnut, before entering our market space.”

Each guest was handed a large Robin Hood shopping bag and invited to fill it to the brim with their pick of pre-loved clothing for men, women, children and babies, alongside shoes, accessories, linen, bags and household goods.

“Our volunteers walk alongside each person, helping them find the right sizes and making the experience feel personal, dignified, and full of care.”

By the end of the day, over 395 people had shopped at the market! To make sure that the immediate needs of the families were met alongside their household and wardrobe upgrades, the foundation made sure no one went home hungry.

“As they exited, each person also received a large bag of maize meal, bread, toiletries, and Easter eggs – small additions that make a big difference.”

Worth celebrating too, is just how many hands went into making the Frasers market happen.

“This market was truly a collective effort. It simply would not be possible without every single person who plays a role: from those who donate their pre-loved items, to our generous donors, our partner NPOs, and the incredible community leaders and workers on the ground.”

The Robin Hood Foundation has once again proven that while we can’t solve every struggle overnight, we can make the load a little lighter.

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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Reconnecting, reminiscing, and reaching out. The St Anne’s Class of 2006 is celebrating their milestone reunion by opening doors for the next generation of girls through the Mandisa Fund.

Hilton, South Africa (06 April 2026) – School reunions stir a sense of curious excitement, offering the chance to reconnect with old friends and peers from your early years. It is a time for reflecting on past adventures and the dreams planted back then, while sharing the accomplishments and experiences of the present.

As the Class of 2006 prepares to celebrate its 20-year reunion later this year, the alumnae of St Anne’s Diocesan College are marking the milestone with more than just memories.

Raising a Million for Future St Annes Girls

Together, they have decided to pave the way for the next generation by setting an ambitious goal: to raise R1 million for the school’s recently launched Mandisa Fund, a bursary created to support daughters of Facilities Staff and exceptional girls from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the school.

The Fund is named in honour of Mandisa Penny Ntloko-Petersen, the first Black girl to matriculate from St Anne’s in 1985 and represents both progress and purpose. It stands as a powerful symbol of how far the school – and South Africa – has come, while acknowledging the work still to be done to expand access to quality education.

The Class of 2006 has embraced the challenge with energy and creativity. Alumnae are undertaking a variety of fundraising initiatives, including running marathons, open-water swims, hosting community sporting events and other charity gatherings, and asking friends and family to donate in lieu of birthday or celebration gifts!

In addition to these individual efforts, the class is actively seeking corporate sponsors to partner in reaching – and hopefully exceeding – the R1 million target. Since launching their campaign, the class has already raised 5% of their goal, an encouraging start that reflects strong early support.

“We know that R1 million is a bold target,” says the organising committee.

“But we believe in the power of community. If each of us does something – whether it’s running a race, hosting a small event, or making a donation – together we can make a life-changing difference.”

A Call to Join a Cause that Matters

The Class of 2006 is calling on fellow alumnae, South African businesses, families and friends of St Anne’s, to join the movement. Contributions of any size will help unlock opportunities for deserving young women in the local Midlands community.

Supporters can donate directly via the campaign page or get involved by sponsoring an event or partnering as a corporate donor.

As reunion plans gather momentum, the class hopes to celebrate not only 20 years of friendship but also the knowledge that their milestone has created meaningful change for generations to come.

To learn more about the Mandisa Fund or to contribute to the Class of 2006 campaign, please visit the fundraising page or email lize.hartley@insead.edu.

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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When Samantha Green lost her dad, she found solace in clearing weeds from an unloved park across the road. Seven years later, that park bears his name, and the whole community calls it home.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (30 March 2026) – Before Samantha Green and Tatenda Kusotera came along, Townbush Park had been an overgrown, neglected space in the suburb of Montrose in Pietermaritzburg.

Sam moved to the area with her family seven years ago. One day, when out exploring with her daughter, she discovered the park and the beautiful trees that were hidden behind layers of cat’s claw creeper.

When her dad passed away in March 2021, restoring that space became a form of healing.

“When my father, Stan Carruthers, passed away on 12 March 2021, I started my healing by working in the park…by clearing bug weed and lantana, and picking up litter. That sparked an idea that Kuso, our gardener, loved – work in the park one hour a week and just tidy it up,” said Sam, as per the KPCA (Keep PMB Clean Action Group)

She and Kuso appealed to the community for donations of indigenous plants that would help restore the park into a natural space that residents would treasure and want to protect.

“Well, the park in the heart of this community started to beat.” shared the KPCA. “Neighbours arrived with small handfuls of plants, and sometimes full car loads!”

Slowly, bit-by-bit, they worked through the park in chapters, pouring their love into the restoration which had blossomed from a modest goal into building green heart of the suburb.

“When we first began clearing, we found a lot of cough mixture bottles and alcohol bottles and realized what a security issue an overgrown area presents,” Sam explained. “We also cleared the stream and now the river can run freely and not overflow its banks. We then planted up beds with indigenous plants and cuttings donated by our community.”

In the years since, the park has brought residents together. People chip in, where they can, to uphold and maintain the park.

“We have neighbours who keep an eye on the park for people littering and general security. Another neighbour sharpens our tools; another donates 2-stroke oil. Others give Kuso some spare things or a 2L coke.”

A ride-on mower has even been donated by a generous community member.

With help from the residents of Montrose, Townbush Park – now also known as Carruthers Park, in honour of Sam’s late dad – is the beating green heart of Montrose.

“My Dad was born, bred and died in Pmb. And I know he couldn’t be prouder of seeing a beautiful corner for him and for everyone. I love hearing the sounds of kids riding their bikes or people laughing or talking coming out of the park,” shares Samantha.

Recently, Carruthers Park was nominated as a ‘Sweet Spot’ in a seasonal competition hosted by the KPCA and partners Save Hyper, The Witness, and We Love PMB. The quarterly awards honour residents, businesses, schools and organisations making an effort to keep public spaces like street verges and public parks clean and beautiful.

Winners are chosen across four categories including Residential, Schools/Education, Business and Organisations, and Township Gardens.

Nominations for the Sweet Spot competition remain open until 30 November 2026, with judging and awards taking place throughout the year. To nominate a special green space in your Pietermaritzburg neighbourhood, 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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Choir boys from a high school and a primary school joined forces and voices to bring ‘Tshela Moya’ to life – a powerful reminder that music is a bridge that connects us all.

Midlands, South Africa (27 March 2026) – There is something powerful about older and younger boys standing side by side in a shared musical experience, supporting one another and contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Recently, the Hilton College Choir partnered with the Cordwalles Preparatory School Choir to perform and record Tshela Moya – a project that brought together boys from a high school and a primary school in a way that was both inspiring and deeply heartwarming!

Tshela Moya is a song about calling out courage, unity, and inner strength. The performed rendition began with one of the younger Cordwalles boys singing alone before his powerful voice was joined by the older Hilton boys, and together they invited the rest of the combined choir to join them in a rich harmony that was as captivating as it was inspiring.

The phrase itself means “pour out the spirit”. It is a powerful invitation to bring your full heart, your energy, and your purpose into the moment. It is a call to stand tall, to support one another, and to step forward with belief.

“The sense of connection, mentorship, and joy that emerged from this collaboration was remarkable to witness, and it speaks to the positive role that schools can play in building community through the arts,” shares Hilton College’s Burger Nel.

A particularly special highlight of the performance is the solo by Nkanyezi Lembethe, a Grade 6 learner from Cordwalles, whose voice and presence are truly exceptional.

“He is already showing the kind of talent and confidence that mark him as a real young star, and the way he carried this moment alongside the Hilton boys made the performance even more memorable.”

This performance was about far more than music. It was about brotherhood, the sound of boys becoming men, and the Midlands speaking with one voice!

Sources: Burger Nel

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For Coach Owami Zama, sports have always been about much more than a scoreboard – they’re about breaking barriers and unlocking potential. And now, he’s being celebrated for it!

Durban, South Africa (26 March 2026) – True coaching isn’t just about strategy; it’s about seeing the champion in every athlete. This best captures the ethic of Made for More’s Head of Sports, Coach Owami Zama, who has been officially nominated by the KZN Department of Sport for the prestigious “Coach of the Year” award!

This nomination recognises his heart for athletes with disabilities, his excellence in coaching, and his dedication to seeing every athlete thrive on and off the field.

His journey with the organisation began back in 2019, when he first joined Made for More as a passionate volunteer.

“I volunteered as a water assistant for a surf therapy session in Scottburgh, and I just didn’t stop after that,” Owami tells Good Things Guy.

He has grown to become a crucial part of the everyday programmes the organisation runs and has coached para-athletes on national and international levels.

“What really kept me there was being able to help people with disabilities enjoy the ocean. I continued my volunteer journey with Made for More and progressed from volunteer to full-time adaptive sports coach, as well as having the honour of wearing Green and Gold.”

Owami says that looking back on his journey with Made for More, it has been nothing short of incredible, and he can only thank God for that.

The nomination for the Coach of the Year award is already a win for him, as he puts it:

“When I was a volunteer, being selected for a prestigious award as this was never on my mind. This nomination is already a win to me.”

The recognition has brought massive pride not just for himself but for his entire team at Made for More, a Durban-based organisation that aims to include, equip and empower people with disabilities, especially through sport.

“From adaptive surfing coaching on the world stage to investing in athletes week in and week out here in KZN, Owami leads with humility, passion and sacrifice no one ever sees. Massive congratulations, Coach Owami! We are so stoked for you and wish you all the best,” Made for More congratulated.

Congratulations, Coach, we commend the incredible work you do and wish you all the best!

Sources: Owami Zama | Made for More

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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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When a hailstorm tore holes into the asbestos roof of her home, Nana didn’t reach for her valuables; she reached for her furbaby, King.

Mpophomeni, South Africa (26 March 2026) – When disaster strikes, especially something as devastating as watching your home be destroyed, it is easy to panic, grab whatever is near, or become paralysed by shock and heartbreak.

When a terrible hail storm hit the township of Mpophomeni last week, the roof of Nana’s home suffered extensive damage. Ice stones tore large holes through the asbestos, allowing rain to flood the rooms. Amidst the chaos, Nana’s first instinct was to rush to safety and ensure her furbaby, King, was protected.

Despite the anxiety that Nana and her elderly mother experienced during the storm, she prioritised the safety of their beloved dog.

Nana also happens to be one of Funda Nenja’s community assistants, and the empathy she displayed for her dog spoke volumes – the very kind of compassion encouraged and instilled by the organisation in the neighbourhood.

“Whenever extreme weather conditions affect Mpophomeni, we think of the animals, most of which live outdoors and have inadequate shelter from the elements,” Funda Nenja shared.

This wasn’t, however, the case for King. Instead, this doggo was placed on Nana’s bed, as seen in a shared video, and was reassured throughout the terrifying ordeal.

Her home was one of those that were badly damaged, but all that came second to the little life entrusted to her care. Now that’s a level of devotion that speaks to a truly special bond – one where a pet’s safety comes first, no matter the circumstances.

We are deeply moved by Nana’s compassion and hope her family recovers from the structural damage to their home soon.

Sources: Funda Nenja

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Growing their own food is a labour of love that has defined the very purpose of farming couple, Kelly and Bruce. The decision to trade their roles in the corporate world for the open soil wasn’t just a career change – it was a mission to regenerate the world.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (25 March 2025) – Growing your own food takes a level of dedication that deserves respect, and for Kelly and Bruce, it’s a way of life that seems to come naturally.

Bruce’s journey began in childhood with herbs, succulents, and bonsais, while Kelly’s spark was ignited at a Greenpop festival in Zambia. When their paths finally crossed, they realised early on that they shared a vision: a life of growing food and experimenting with low-tech, affordable off-grid systems.

“We had both left jobs that didn’t suit us. Bruce left a leading energy company, and I left a life behind an office desk. We were searching for a different path. We decided to travel in our van and trade hard work for knowledge and experience on homesteads and food gardens around South Africa,” Kelly tells us.

They managed to complete their Permaculture Design courses during their travels and together cultivated a huge amount of hope for a better world.

“After our travels, we designed and implemented various food gardens, volunteered on community projects and managed a few farms. We’ve also since completed numerous courses on Regenerative Agriculture and soil health and gained experience with animals.”

The couple grow interesting versions of common foods by selecting heirloom varieties, which are often very colourful. These include rainbow corn, purple broccoli and black tomatoes!

“As a society, we’ve lost so much of the beauty of food in the industrial system and much of the nutrition as well. Heirloom and heritage plants and animals can bring that back!”

Known as “The Regenerative Pear” on their shared social media platforms, Kelly and Bruce share their passion and extensive knowledge of regenerative design with their online audience and even earned a feature on Humans Who Grow Food recently.

In a system where everything costs money, for this pair, planting a seed, harvesting food and then saving the seed to grow again feels radical and hopeful.

They recently moved from Knysna to Lions River in KwaZulu-Natal, to continue their farming journey on the homeland they had missed dearly.

“We missed KZN and had been dreaming of moving to the Midlands for a while, so when our farm management contract ended, we decided to take the leap with sheep, ducks and chickens in tow!

“We are starting from the ground up on a small bit of rental land in the KZN Midlands, and we aim to build ourselves up here until we can (hopefully) get to the point of purchasing land and building a big regenerative farm to produce great food from, as well as to teach and run community projects from,” Kelly shares.

Currently, they sell rare breed chicken hatching eggs and plan to add sheep milk and cheese, flowers, as well as heirloom vegetables and greens. Bruce and Kelly also look forward to designing and consulting on regenerative systems, like grazing plans and food forests, for other people in the future.

Farming is this family’s way of life! The ultimate dream is to buy, design and create a farm that supplies great, poison-free food quality food to the local market, regenerates soil and ecosystems while providing up-skilling and educational opportunities to those that would not usually receive them.

“We believe that the solution to resilience is many small, diverse farms. And we’ve learnt through experience that people absorb teachings much more readily when they can see the working system in front of them, and not just on paper.

“We’ll be first-generation farmers. This dream feels so out of reach right now, but we hope to be surprised in the coming years.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Regenerative Pear (@the_regenerative_pear)

Sources: Kelly Steenhuisen

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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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A whole community stood in the rain together, willing a tiny puppy to safety. We’re chopping onions again.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (23 March 2026) – Newcastle SPCA has made it through a busy weekend of rescues, with heavy rains that led to multiple callouts across the region.

One of them came from a young lady named Zinhle Mdlalose, who noticed a puppy trapped in an underground stormwater drain. It was bucketing down, and the little pup was struggling against the current just to keep its head up.

She knew that calling her local SPCA was the puppy’s only chance at survival.

With help from Newcastle Protection Services and the Fire Department to get safe access to the drain, the SPCA’s receptionist, Landi, dove straight into hero mode.

With dirty water rushing past her, she made her way into the active drain, moving against the current to reach the struggling puppy before it disappeared.

A crowd had gathered in the rain while this unfolded, just waiting and hoping for a miracle. When Landi finally emerged again, a puppy tucked safely under her arm, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight…

Newcastle SPCA captured it on camera:

The outburst of pure elation for a little life saved gave us all the goosebumps. It was the sunshine the weather forgot to bring.

The Newcastle SPCA celebrated Zinhle for becoming a hero and making the life-saving call that saved the pup. It also commended the cooperation of local safety and security heroes who work with them to put animals first.

“We are so grateful for the incredible relationship we share with all emergency, safety and security companies and services within our area of operation. They always stand with us and put the animal first!” they wrote.

Leading by excellent example of the lengths that our animal heroes will go through, Landi’s bravery without hesitation was celebrated, too.

“This was Landi’s first pipe rescue, I know she was nervous and worried about what could be in that pipe but she dove straight in and got the pup to safety.” the SPCA shared. “Well done, [we are] so super proud of you and how far you have come!”

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. 

The post Extraordinary Rescue as SPCA Inspector Crawls Active Stormwater Pipe to Save Puppy! (Video) appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Three girls arrived at the Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary with nothing but the clothes on their backs. But thanks to a woman’s kindness, they won’t leave without knowing they are valued.

Durban, South Africa (23 March 2026) – When one kind woman learned of three girls who had arrived at the Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary after their once happy world had turned into a horror story they never asked for, she was moved to help.

The girls arrived with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The woman purchased and packed the necessary clothing and essentials they would need over the next few days.

She didn’t need to know them personally or hear every detail of their story; she simply cared enough to ensure these innocent souls were reminded that they are valued and loved.

She dropped off the three Brave Bags at the children’s home, and when the girls woke up the next morning to their bags filled with new clothes, underwear, pyjamas, sweets and even lip gloss, they were completely over the moon.

“They could not believe that someone who doesn’t even know them cared enough to do something so special for them,” said Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary’s Jo.

They asked many questions. One of them even asked if they could keep their bag.

The woman’s single act of kindness touched three little lives with a wave of comfort they never saw coming, and during a time they truly needed it.

“Moments like this remind us how powerful a simple act of kindness can be. You helped three girls feel seen, valued and cared for during a very confusing and scary time in their lives.

“Thank you for being part of our village, the people who step in so that no child feels forgotten or left out,” Jo said.

The organisation emphasised the importance of Brave Bags – how they restore dignity, create hope and make children feel special at a moment when their world feels like it has fallen apart.

The police are working hard to find a safe place where the girls can stay together.

We join Isiaiah 54 in applauding this donor for stepping into the ‘village’ these children need – reminding them, through her kindness, that they truly matter.

Sources: Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary

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

The post Woman’s Donation Reminds 3 Girls They’re Cared for During Their Hardest Chapter appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A single screening in Empangeni two decades ago sparked a movement that has transformed thousands of lives across South Africa, fixing not just smiles but providing futures rewritten with confidence and possibility.

South Africa (20 March 2026) – Twenty years ago, a health screening held in Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal saw many families stand in line with hopes to receive free cleft surgery that would transform their lives forever.

The year was 2006, and 59 individuals finally had the chance to smile confidently again through Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA). Among them was a young boy named Siyabonga.

When his mom saw her newborn son for the first time, she was shocked. She had never seen a cleft lip or palate before. All she knew was that her child needed help. But she could not find help anywhere.

For two long years, she searched – until she finally heard about Operation Smile. Little Siyabonga received his cleft lip surgery at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela. And two years later, he had his cleft palate surgery at iNkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban.

“My boy has been fine ever since then,” his mom says with a smile.

“Thank you, Operation Smile, for helping me when I lost hope. Siyabonga is now confident to play with other children, and is doing well at school.”

Since that first impactful outreach, OSSA has facilitated over 6,000 cleft patients across South Africa and beyond. Where a surgery that can take as little as 45 minutes has transformed entire futures.

For two decades, OSSA has been more than an organisation. It has been a lifeline.

A lifeline for children born with cleft conditions, who struggle to eat, speak, or even smile. A lifeline for parents who once felt fear and uncertainty, now replaced with hope.

These surgical programmes have also provided hands-on training opportunities, which empower local healthcare professionals in underserved areas with the skills they need to treat cleft conditions in their own communities.

OSSA has come a long way, but the mission continues – because thousands of lives with cleft conditions are still waiting for care.

To help this team move closer to a future where every child has access to the treatment they need, visit OSSA’s website for more information or to donate.

Sources: Operation Smile South Africa 

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