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.

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.

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. 

The post The World’s Best Road Trip Is Right Here in South Africa! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: TEFL Academy’s Reverse Emigration Among South Africans report 

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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 More South Africans Are Choosing to Come Home… And Bringing the World With Them appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
New episodes drop weekly.
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Stories that matter. Conversations that count.

Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque

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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 Kurt Darren on Music, Memories and His Bold New Track “6 7” appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A proudly South African comic book has taken a remarkable leap from page to screen, earning one of the world’s top science film honours and inspiring thousands along the way.

Johannesburg, South Africa (24 March 2026) – What started as a comic book featuring real South African scientists… and yes, even a small nod to Good Things Guy… has now become an internationally recognised, award-winning animated short film.

And it’s a big win for storytelling, for science, for education and for every young South African who has ever wondered where they fit into the future.

“SuperScientists – Origins” has just been awarded the 2025 Discovery Award by Rolls-Royce at the Goethe-Institut Science Film Festival, the largest science film festival in the world. Out of more than 1,500 films submitted from 100 countries, only 123 were selected and just 6 received awards. This proudly local production stood among the very best.

And when you get the background of what this project is about, you immediately understand why.

SuperScientists was developed to inspire young people and help them see themselves in the faces and life stories of scientists working today. It takes real South African scientists and reimagines them as superheroes, not by changing who they are, but by amplifying what they already do every single day.

“We’ve reached tens of thousands of young people with our materials, exhibits, and characters. SuperScientists makes learning hands-on and fun, while providing rich information about science and scientists to people young and old.”

It’s thinking that flips the narrative completely, because science suddenly isn’t something distant or intimidating… it becomes something human, relatable and even a little bit magical.

“We all love a good fictional superhero; they can shrink down to the quantum realm or jump over a building in a single bound. Real scientists, real people, have just as amazing powers! Scientists can see individual atoms within a molecule, read the DNA of a single cell in a tumour, and peer back in time to when black holes collided. They have saved millions of lives through their research and technological advances and are solving questions today that people have asked for millennia.”

The project, created by the South African non-profit CodeMakers, has already reached tens of thousands of young people through comics, museum exhibits, activity books and now animation. More than 3,000 copies of the comic were printed and distributed through the Maropeng museum, bringing science into spaces where curiosity is already alive and waiting.

But the journey didn’t start with a big production. It started with a moment of realisation.

We sat down with Justin Yarrow, the founder of SuperScientists, to unpack how it all came together… and why it matters so much.

“I was teaching coding to learners in Cato Manor, Durban and wanted them to learn about South African scientists. I asked them to name a scientist and only a couple could. They said Einstein, no South Africans, no Black South Africans. I made a bulletin board of South African scientists but they completely ignored it. They loved making animations and video games with characters they saw on TV, like Dragon Ball Z. I realised that we need to meet learners where they are, in a world of characters and imagination and get scientists into their hands. Scientists truly have the closest thing to superpowers, and so it all came together to make SuperScientists trading cards. From there we’ve gone on to make comics, a museum exhibit, activity books, our animation short and we are now developing an animation series.”

That thinking has now travelled far beyond South Africa, with the animated short being dubbed into multiple languages and screened in over 10 countries. But what matters most isn’t just the reach… it’s the reaction.

“What’s great has been seeing all the questions it prompts – what’s it like to be a scientist? Where can I see those bones? Are they real superpowers? How did you become a scientist? That’s what we want – young people asking questions, figuring out the answers, and asking the next set of questions. Curiosity is incredibly powerful.”

The film itself follows a school trip to the Cradle of Humankind, where a curious teenager named Buhle stumbles into a cavern and accidentally unlocks something extraordinary… transforming real-life scientists into SuperScientists. It’s a story packed with adventure, discovery and just enough wonder to spark something lasting.

And those scientists are not fictional. They’re based on real South Africans like Dr Keneiloe Molopyane, Dr Tebogo Makhubela and Dr Silidokuhle Mavuso… people doing world-class work, now reimagined in a way that young audiences can connect with.

At a time when misinformation is everywhere and critical thinking feels more important than ever, telling these kinds of stories carries real weight.

“South African science is world-class in so many different fields, and we’re very happy that we can help these stories break through and advocate for the importance of science and research more generally,” Justin explains.

“STEM is critically important not just for the innovations and advancements that it creates but also for developing people who are able to cut through the noise and misinformation that is purposefully created. It’s part of the reason that the Trump administration has blocked and reduced science and science education funding. They know that it helps create critical thinkers, and that’s a threat. We’re lucky to live in a country that supports science, and the growing number of master’s and PhD-level scientists in South Africa and the continent is a really good news story. I want young South Africans who see this film to learn something about our incredible palaeontology heritage and discoveries, be entertained, and challenge their idea of what a scientist looks like. I want them to appreciate and see how cool science is and maybe some of them will go on to be scientists themselves.”

And then, in a moment that genuinely made us smile, Justin explained why Good Things Guy found its way into the comic.

“It was a great match, both SuperScientists and Good Things Guy promote the amazing people in South Africa and the impressive things that we get up to. I can only imagine that the next incredible discovery that the Cradle of Humankind uncovers will make it into Good Things Guy, and so it was only right that our fictional discovery did as well. There are many terrible things happening in the world but science is fundamentally about discovering the truth about how things work and opening our eyes to how incredible life and the Universe are. Along the way, some of that science gets turned into innovations that address problems… disease, climate change, etc. Science has its fair share of problems, but all in all, I think science stories are very positive and when young South African’s see us succeeding in science, it gives them great pride and can set them on a path to become the next scientist making a cool discovery that no one in the world has ever made before.”

From a classroom in Durban to an award stage on the global circuit, this is what happens when creativity, education and purpose collide. And somewhere out there, a kid is watching this film, seeing a scientist who looks like them and realising for the very first time… that they belong in that story too.

You can download the comic book for free from here! 

Sources: Interview with Justin Yarrow 

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 Real Scientists, Real Heroes: SA Animation Wins International Honour appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In a global survey measuring everyday courtesy, South Africans have made their mark in a way that feels deeply familiar… and proudly local.

Global (23 March 2026) – South Africans are lekker… and we’re pretty polite too!

A new global survey has named South Africa as one of the most polite countries on the planet, placing us in the top 10 alongside nations like Japan, Canada and the UK. It’s recognition that comes from the everyday interactions we sometimes take for granted… saying “howzit”, the extra patience in a queue or the willingness to help a stranger without expecting anything in return. It’s Ubuntu in action.

The study, conducted by global financial services provider Remitly, surveyed more than 4,600 people across 26 countries to understand how politeness is perceived worldwide. Participants were asked to name the nations they believe are home to the most polite people, based on their own experiences and interactions.

While Japan claimed the top spot, earning over 35% of the votes, South Africa secured its place with 1.82% of respondents recognising the country for its courteous and considerate people. It may sound like a small percentage, but in a global ranking like this, it’s a significant nod to the way South Africans show up in everyday life. What makes this even more interesting is how closely our self-perception aligns with how the world sees us. South Africans ranked 8th when rating our own politeness, scoring an impressive 9.33 out of 10. That suggests something quite special… we don’t just believe we’re kind and respectful, it’s something others genuinely experience too.

The research also highlights something many of us already know deep down… that politeness isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you”. It’s about how we make people feel. It’s about patience when someone is struggling, offering a seat, holding a door or simply acknowledging another human being with a smile.

“Moving to a new country is made a lot easier by positive everyday interactions that share whether someone feels welcome or not. Small acts of courtesy, whether that’s patience over a language barrier, or giving up a seat on public transport, can have a real impact on someone who is starting over thousands of miles from their home,” Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing at Remitly, explain

And maybe that’s where South Africa shines the most. Despite everything we navigate as a country, there’s still this underlying thread of humanity… this ability to see each other, to connect, to care. We may not always recognise it ourselves, but it’s there, woven into our culture, our communities and the way we move through the world.

So yes, Japan may lead the global ranking, and Canada may be famous for its apologies but South Africa has earned its place on that list in a way that feels deeply authentic.

Sources: Remitly 

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 South Africa Ranked Among World’s Most Polite Nations appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africa has a new reason to celebrate on the global motorsport stage, with Camden McLellan claiming his maiden MX2 Grand Prix victory and the coveted red plate in Spain.

Almonte, Spain (23 March 2026) – Camden McLellan stepped into Spain with confidence, speed and something to prove… and walked away with a career-defining victory.

The South African rider secured his first-ever MX2 Grand Prix overall victory at the MXGP of Andalucia in Almonte, Spain, on March 22, 2026, acheiving a personal milestone and also a historic maiden GP win for the Triumph Racing Factory Team. With a clinical 2-1 moto scorecard, McLellan claimed the overall victory and the red plate, taking the lead in the championship standings heading into round three.

It was a weekend where everything clicked. From the opening sessions, McLellan looked composed and in control, carrying that form into race day where it mattered most. The first moto demanded everything from him, with a push right to the final corner in a race that tested both his pace and determination, while the second moto showed a more calculated approach, where every move was measured and executed with precision.

Reflecting on the result, Camden shared just how much this moment means to him and the team around him.

“It’s been an incredible GP here in Spain with my first ever overall win, and also a first overall victory for Triumph, which is a really special feeling. I felt solid throughout the whole week and carried that into the weekend, so it all came together when it mattered. I can’t thank the team enough! We’ve got a great bike and a fantastic group of people around us, and this result is a reflection of everyone’s hard work. I’m really happy to now have the red plate and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”

Speaking to Good Things Guy, his excitement was unmistakable but so was the gratitude for the journey that got him here.

“This is what dreams are made of! We put in the hard work over the winter and it’s all come together now. This is what I’ve been chasing. I got my first pole position on Saturday, so I knew that the speed was there and then just went through the motions today. The first moto was a little chaotic and I had to push right till the last corner. The second race was more calculated. I thought everything through, there was no risk, and everything went to plan. It’s awesome coming away with the Red plate. I have a great team backing me, can’t thank my family and fans and all the people that have supported me and believed in me. This one is for them.”

For South Africans watching from home, this win carries something special. It’s not just about a podium or a trophy, it’s about seeing one of our own rise to the top of a global stage and lead the championship against the best in the world. It’s about the hours, the sacrifices, the belief and the people behind the scenes who helped make this moment possible.

And now, as the season rolls on, there’s a new excitement building… a South African is leading the charge, wearing the red plate and showing the world exactly what’s possible.

Sources: Glen Dempsey | Camden McLellan 

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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 Camden McLellan Claims First Grand Prix Victory appeared first on Good Things Guy.

From penguins to protected coves, Boulders Beach has officially earned its place among the world’s most admired beaches, topping multiple categories in the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best.

Global (22 February 2026) – It’s official. One of South Africa’s most iconic beaches has been recognised as one of the best in the world. Boulders Beach has claimed top positions across three categories in the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best, driven by millions of traveller reviews from around the globe.

These awards represent the highest level of excellence in travel, celebrating destinations that consistently receive outstanding reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. The World’s best penguin beach has 8,637 reviews but according to the platform, fewer than one percent reach this level.

“Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.” 

This year, the beaches category was split into two global groupings, ‘World’ and ‘One of a Kind’, and then further broken down by continent. Across those lists, Boulders emerged as a clear favourite, with Camps Bay also earning recognition, reinforcing the global appeal of Cape Town’s coastline.

Here’s what the Travelers’ Choice Awards had to say about Boulders:

“Boulders has all the beachy hallmarks: clean sand for lounging, chilly pools for swimming, and boardwalks made for strolling. And then there are the African penguins (yes, penguins) that call it home. Catch them on quiet mornings before crowds roll in, and don’t miss the gift shop for kitschy souvenirs.”

In the ‘One of a Kind’ Beaches category, Boulders claimed the number one spot in the world. It topped Pig Beach in the Bahamas, famous for its swimming pigs and social-media fame, Wai’anapanapa State Park in Hawaii, celebrated for its dramatic black sand and volcanic setting, and Isoa Bella in Italy, known for its classic Mediterranean beauty. Each of these beaches offers something memorable, but Boulders’ blend of protected wildlife, sheltered coves and unmistakable character sets it apart.

Boulders also secured the top position in the ‘Best African’ Beaches category. In doing so, it beat destinations that regularly feature on global bucket lists, including Anse Source D’Argent in Seychelles with its granite formations and turquoise waters, Diani Beach in Kenya with its palm-lined stretches, and even Cape Town’s own Camps Bay (at number 12), loved for its sunsets and city backdrop.

In the ‘World’s Best’ Beaches category, Boulders placed at number 10 globally, earning its spot among the very best beaches on Earth. It found itself alongside Isla Pasion in Mexico, which took the top position, Banana Beach at number 6, and Paleokastritsa Beach in Greece at number 14. To be listed among destinations of that calibre speaks volumes about how Boulders is experienced by travellers from every corner of the world.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it is shaped entirely by people. These awards are built on real visits, shared memories and genuine experiences, all pointing to the same conclusion: Boulders leaves a lasting impression.

*The Travelers’ Choice Awards is an American platform. The name is spelt the American way. 

Sources: Tripadvisor 

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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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During his cultural food journey, Kent Burris sampled buttermilk and coconut rusks and discovered why they hold a special place in South African households.

Florida, USA (18 February 2026) – Don’t you just love a good morning with a good cup of coffee just enjoying some rusks? American content creator Kent Burris introduced his latest cultural deep dive into one of South Africa’s most loved traditions: rusks and coffee.

In a video shared during his visit with South Africans in Florida, Kent set out to understand what exactly a “rusk” is. A pastry? A biscuit? A biscotti? Not quite!

At Howdy Snax, he met Estelle, a South African baker originally from Port Elizabeth who grew up in Benoni. The rest of the team walked him through the process of making freshly baked buttermilk rusks from the oven stage to the 12-hour drying process in dehydrators.

And of course, no rusk lesson is complete without a bit of history.

In a video that now has over R1 500 likes, Kent was told how rusks date back to a time when women would double-bake bread to preserve it during long journeys. Now it has evolved.

“In South Africa, as kids, we would literally wait on the side of the oven for a fresh rusk to come out.”

Kent sampled both coconut and buttermilk rusks straight from the oven. However, this isn’t his first cultural tasting adventure. He has built a following by exploring foods and traditions from different communities, including Senegalese, Indian and Ethiopian cultures. His South African content, however, has been particularly relatable. From the rusks to braais (of course that would not be left out).

Seeing someone discover rusks for the first time and getting the history lesson was heart warming.

The simplest things like a rusk and a cup of coffee tell the richest stories.

Sources: Kent Burris/ Facebook 

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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 ‘What Is a Rusk?’ American Digital Creator Tries It Out for the First Time appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Whether it’s decade-old music, songs we didn’t realise were proudly South African, or themes from shows like Isidingo, his videos turn timelines into musical throwbacks.

South Africa (17 February 2026) – You know that feeling when a song you haven’t heard in years suddenly plays and just like that, you’re transported back to a specific moment in time? Well, that’s the magic Jonathan “Joneaux” Nunes recreates almost daily.

The content creator has built a growing following by celebrating South African music. But what makes his videos stand out is the way he taps into nostalgia, cultural memory, and sometimes even surprise.

In one of his recent clips, he revisits “Letters” by Watershed, this is a song many millennials know word for word, even if they hadn’t thought about it in years. In another video, he spotlights songs that are turning 10 years old in 2026, reminding audiences just how quickly time has passed.

Then there’s his “Songs South Africans Forgot About” series (now deep into multiple parts) he pulls out tracks that once dominated radio, school dances, road trips and family braais.

What’s especially refreshing is how Joneaux highlights songs people didn’t even realise were South African. He also dips into television nostalgia, revisiting theme songs from beloved soapies like Isidingo. An opening track that once signalled, bedtime, dinner or just the whole family gathering around the TV.

At its core, his content archives South African culture in real time. It’s a reminder of how rich, diverse and influential South African production has been. All across genres, generations and platforms.

Joneaux’s page is a celebration of homegrown sound and shared memories.

Sources: Joneaux/ Facebook

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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 Remember This Song? Joneaux Is Reviving SA’s Musical Memories appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Balancing a full-time career with elite-level training is no small feat, yet Shiven Bodasing has turned that demanding schedule into a defining international triumph.

Western Cape, South Africa (11 February 2026) – The lights dimmed, the music swelled and a skater from Cape Town stood poised on international ice as the opening notes of Nessun Dorma filled the arena. When Shiven Bodasing finished his final spin, something felt different. Minutes later, it was official. South Africa had just claimed the top spot at the International Adult Skating Festival.

Competing against 68 skaters from across the globe on the 31st of January, Shiven ranked highest in the artistic division and secured the overall Jury honour, a remarkable achievement for an athlete who built his career from scratch just a few years ago.

We first featured Shiven in November, when he was juggling life as a candidate attorney, his background in animal welfare and a rapidly rising skating career. Back then, Germany was the dream. Now, he returns from a global stage not only with gold, but with proof that South African skaters belong in the conversation. He performed two contrasting programmes at the festival. His artistic classical piece set to Nessun Dorma focused on balletic lines, fluidity and emotional storytelling, captivating judges and earning him a nomination into the draw for the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. His second programme, skated to Barbara Pravi’s dramatic “Voila”, demanded sharp precision, intricate footwork, powerful jumps and commanding spins. Together, they showcased both elegance and strength.

Standing on that ice after both performances, the victory meant far more than medals.

“Honestly, it’s amazing,” he reflects, “but more than that, it’s affirming, the sacrifices, the injuries, the brutal schedule are all worth it, the proof is in the pudding and what comes to you when you let passion lead.”

That passion is not poetic. It is practical. It looks like a 4am alarm clock. It looks like a heavy training bag packed with changes of clothes. It looks like arriving at the rink at 5am to warm up properly before stepping onto the ice at 5:30, because at a competitive level, you cannot simply start skating cold. Injuries happen that way. Shiven explains that mornings include activating muscles, sometimes adding strength work before either a technical lesson or solo training where he drills elements repeatedly. After one or two hours on the ice, he heads to the showers, changes and begins a full workday. Evenings often include gym sessions, stretching or additional strength training before he finally gets home close to 7pm, unpacks, repacks, eats, showers and sleeps. Then he repeats it all again. On double-session days, he skates again in the afternoon.

“The challenges faced were not only on the ice, but off the ice too in the lead up to this festival,” says Shiven. “Balancing insane schedules and a full-time job with the training and demands of everyday life thrown in makes winning this prestigious adult competition even more meaningful.”

Training alongside South Africa’s top female figure skater, Gian-Quen Isaacs, has also played a defining role in shaping his belief in what is possible. Watching her compete internationally as the only athlete from Africa at the recent Four Continents Championships reinforced something powerful.

“She is Phe-no-me-nal!” he says without hesitation. “There is no other way to describe her and her skating… she’s nothing short of breathtaking, and she didn’t have it easy, she’s a fighter.”

For Shiven, her presence on global ice is a reminder that the issue is not talent. It is access. Funding remains the steepest climb. Figure skating is expensive, from ice time and coaching to equipment, choreography, travel and competition entry fees. For adult athletes, especially, sponsorship opportunities are scarce.

“Yes, that really and truly is the only obstacle standing in our way,” he explains. “I basically work, to skate. Financially, it’s an expensive sport, but it’s not for nothing, it’s about bringing that proudly South African gees to the world and showing them that we are here too!”

He points to the startling reality that Gian-Quen was the only African competitor at the Four Continents Championships and that it has been around 30 years since South Africa last competed in figure skating at the Winter Olympics.

“Do we not have the talent, or do the athletes not have the support? I promise it’s the latter!”

With his eyes firmly set on the ISU International Adult Competition in Germany, Shiven has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund travel and competition costs. His current total stands at R23,385, with a goal of R100,000. For him, this is not simply about another event; it is about flying the South African flag in spaces where it has rarely been seen.

“I firmly believe that the athlete’s job is to put in the work and train hard in order to perfect their craft and the quality of their skating,” he says. “But that can only get you so far when measured against the enormous wall of financial challenges you face trying to live your sporting dream.”

His recent international victory shifts the narrative. It proves that when South African athletes are given an opportunity, they deliver. It shows that adult sports are not a hobby or an afterthought, but a serious, competitive pursuit worthy of support. It opens doors for skaters who may never have considered international competition possible.

The ice in Germany is waiting. The music will rise again. And if this international win has shown us anything, it is that when passion leads and hard work follows, a South African can stand at centre ice, hear their name called as champion and know that this is only the beginning.

Sources: Interview with Shiven Bodasing

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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 Shiven Bodasing Proves South Africa Belongs on International Ice appeared first on Good Things Guy.