There was a meter of synthetic string wound around its beak and inside its mouth.

Gansbaai, Western Cape (07 April 2026) – Cape gannets are generally much too fast for human hands to catch. They’re built for speed with sharp eyes and razor beaks. They can outsmart even the quickest flick of a fish. This gannet, on the other hand, didn’t put up a fight when its rescuers drew closer. That’s when the crew of the Dream Catcher knew that something must’ve been awry.

The Marine Dynamics Marine Big 5 Tour vessel had been out with guests on the water near Gansbaai when the crew spotted the bird flying low, trailing what appeared to be a length of synthetic string. It landed on the surface without diving or taking off. It just sat there as they inched closer.

Crew members Zwelandile Matiwane, Admire Kuseka, and Leon Kriel reached for the net kept on board for these moments and scooped the bird from the water. When it didn’t resist and didn’t so much as snap, they understood how close to the end it really was.

“It was as if it was saying: ‘I’m exhausted. I haven’t been able to eat for days… maybe months. Help me.’”

Working with gentle hands, the three used a sharp knife to remove a metre of synthetic string wound tightly around the bird’s beak and lodged inside its mouth. It had likely been there for weeks or possibly months. Unable to open its beak properly, the gannet would have been unable to feed.

“Clients on this tour witnessed something I have never seen in my 25 years of marine conservation. I have seen many entangled seabirds, even gannets, but it is nearly impossible to catch and help them. This was truly amazing — but also incredibly sad that this bird was so weak we could literally scoop him up.” said Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics & Founder, Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

The Cape gannet, or ‘malgas’, is endemic to southern Africa and listed as endangered. A healthy population of gannets (like the growing colony on Bird Island) is considered a good indicator of a healthy ocean, so their steady decline over recent decades, driven by overfishing and shrinking prey stocks, is a story the sea itself is telling us.

Already nutritionally stressed, Cape gannets like this one are far less equipped to survive an additional threat like entanglement in ghost fishing gear.

“Yet, like the critically endangered African Penguin, their populations have declined dramatically due to reduced prey availability, driven by overfishing and changing environmental conditions. Forced to survive on less nutritious fishery discards, many are already weakened — making threats like plastic entanglement even more deadly.”

Chivell, who founded the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and has spent 25 years working these waters, says this rescue was both remarkable and a reminder of the saddening reality his teams encounter regularly.

“It is heartbreaking to witness the suffering caused by entanglement. We see seals with plastic cutting through their skin and flesh – literally suffocating these animals. It is a slow, horrific death.”

The Trust has spent decades fighting back against ocean pollution through stormwater catchment programmes, education, and training crews like this one never to look away from an animal in need. That culture of readiness is what gave this seabird (and many others rescued) a second chance.

The gannet was released, if it’s spotted again showing signs of distress, it will be taken to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary for further care.

Thousands of tour guests pass through Gansbaai every year to see the ocean’s wonders. On this trip, they also got to see what it looks like when the people who love our oceans refuse to turn away from the cost of our plastic habit. A habit that quite literally kills.

“This gannet was given a second chance. But how many others are out there, suffering unseen? It doesn’t matter where you live. Every river leads to the ocean. Every piece of litter has the potential to become a death sentence for marine life.”

Sadly, not every bird will have a Dream Catcher nearby. A fisherman leaving a bit of line behind, a child tossing a wrapper out the window instead of in the bin…nobody thinks their small bit of carelessness is the problem. That’s what we need to work on changing. Stories like this one can spark that awareness – even if only reaching one person. Responsibly discarding your rubbish matters!

Sources: Dryer Island Conservation Trust. 

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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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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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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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From recycling drives and cleanup campaigns to Spekboom propagation, sustainability is the heartbeat of St Mary’s RC Primary School – an effort that has officially earned them the title of Most Sustainable School in the province!

Retreat, South Africa (02 April 2026) – At St Mary’s RC Primary School, sustainability and fostering a greener environment through education aren’t just goals. They are a top priority embedded in every learner.

It is this very dedication that has earned the school the prestigious title of Most Sustainable School in the Western Cape as part of Nature Connect’s Sustainable Schools Programme in 2025!

The exciting announcement was made at the Sustainable Schools Western Cape Rewards Ceremony, recently held in Cape Town, which marked the final event of the national rewards roadshow.

According to Nature Connect, this award recognises St Mary’s RC Primary School for its long-term commitment to sustainability, strong whole-school participation, and a culture of consistency.

Despite being a low-fee-paying school and facing ongoing challenges in securing support and resources, St Mary’s has remained committed to its sustainability journey.

The perseverance, consistency and determination shown by teachers, learners and the school community alike make this recognition especially well deserved.

Over the years, the school has shown sustained engagement across several focus areas, including Production, Consumption & Waste and Community & Social Responsibility.

One of St Mary’s long-standing strengths has been its active and well-structured Eco-Club, made up of Grade 6 and 7 learners who meet weekly and lead a range of sustainability initiatives.

These include recycling drives, clean-ups, Spekboom propagation, and peer awareness activities that help build learner leadership and shared responsibility across the school.

Supported by partners including PolyCo, the school has also developed a comprehensive recycling system and, last year, received a new recycling centre to help formalise and strengthen its recycling efforts even further.

Long-term engagement

What makes St Mary’s RC Primary School’s achievement especially encouraging is the school’s long-term commitment. The school has been part of the Sustainable Schools Programme since its inception in 2021, and its recognition as the Western Cape’s top school reflects steady progress built over time.

That progress has been shaped by passionate teacher leadership, regular participation, and a clear willingness to keep learning, growing and improving year after year.

Recognising excellence across the province

While St Mary’s RC Primary School received the province’s top recognition, other Western Cape schools were also acknowledged for strong sustainability action in specific focus areas.

These included Pinelands High School for Biodiversity, Parkwood Primary School for Health & Well-being, Silvermine Academy for Energy & Climate Action, St James RC Primary School for Marine & Coast, and Sweet Valley Primary School for Water & Sanitation.

Additional awards recognised progress and learner leadership. Bel Porto School was acknowledged for Best Progress by a New School, Harmony Primary School was named Most Improved, and John Graham Primary School was recognised for its outstanding Eco-Club.

At the heart of the Sustainable Schools Programme is the belief that environmental learning should be practical, relevant and connected to everyday realities – values St Mary’s RC Primary School has reflected strongly through a wide range of learner-led, curriculum-linked and community-connected actions.

Sources: Nature Connect

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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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Bridges Retreat has, through its outdoor educational camp experiences, proven that with the right environment, resilience isn’t just a trait – it’s a skill that can be taught.

Franschhoek, South Africa (02 April 2026) – When given the right tools in a nurturing and developmental environment, our children are empowered to get on the right track – and the data proves it.

This is according to Bridges Retreat, a fully funded outdoor education programme in the Franschhoek Valley that empowers learners who would otherwise lack access to such transformative opportunities. By focusing on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth, the programme sets a foundation for lifelong development.

The numbers of a recent pre- and post-assessment of under-resourced Western Cape schools back this up, showing measurable shifts in resilience, trust, and collaboration over the course of the three-year programme.

Key Findings at a Glance

Looking at key findings at a glance, the data shows improvements in teamwork and a positive shift in friendship and social connection. Post-assessment, 64% of learners said their approach to a team challenge was to make a plan before starting, and 57% named teamwork as the single value they would carry back to school.

“Monitoring and evaluation in this sector is a journey, and we are committed to taking it seriously. We know that resilience, trust and the capacity to work with others are foundational to whether a child succeeds – not just at school, but in life. What this data shows us is that these qualities can be deliberately built, and that the shifts are visible and measurable. That matters enormously, both for the children we serve and for the broader conversation about what education outcomes we choose to track.” Catherine Janse van Rensburg, Fundraising Manager, Bridges Retreat

Educator feedback gathered alongside the assessment data tells a consistent story.

Learners who struggle most in the classroom – withdrawn, disruptive or disengaged – frequently show markedly different behaviour at camp. Teachers across multiple schools describe children stepping into leadership roles, forming cross-cultural friendships, and developing the confidence to participate and contribute, often for the first time.

The programme grounds its approach in established research. Psychologist Ann Masten’s concept of “ordinary magic” (the idea that resilience emerges naturally in stable, supportive environments) and Albert Bandura’s work on self-efficacy both inform how Bridges structures the learner experience across its three-year Grade 5 to 7 journey.

The results come at a time when the education sector is increasingly grappling with how to develop and measure the social and emotional foundations that underpin academic success.

Principals from all participating schools confirmed the programme aligns directly with their school improvement priorities, with several noting its impact on discipline, leadership development and the ability of learners to resist negative community influences, including peer pressure and gangsterism.

“The camp has given our learners the ability to be more confident and to overcome their barriers – and to say no when coerced into the wrong situation,” shared the Principal of Petunia Primary School.

Sources: Bridges Retreat

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Dr Retha Smit has just collected her PhD in psychiatry from Stellenbosch University, and she’ll tell you straight that age had nothing to do with it!

Stellenbosch, South Africa (01 April 2026) – Stellenbosch University (SU) has shared an inspiring story that proves you’re never too old to learn. Last week, Dr. Retha Smit, at 67-years-young, donned the cap and gown as she received her PhD in psychiatry.

“Age was never a factor for me. Instead, I remain deeply grateful for the health and strength that allowed me to complete the journey I began in 2012,” she says as per SU.

Smit has worked in psychiatric research at Stellenbosch for nearly three decades, starting out in 1996 as a study coordinator for clinical trials in psychiatry, after gaining her diploma in general nursing and obstetrics. Psychiatry was a field she had no formal training in at the time but she learned on the job, and rose to become principal study coordinator of a busy psychiatric clinical trials unit, while keeping her bigger goal in sight the whole time.

Her love of learning came from her parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for knowledge from an early age. It’s a belief she carried with her through the years of raising four children alone, working full-time, and at times holding down a second job to make ends meet.

“During those years, there was little opportunity for me to pursue further studies. However, I always carried the intention of continuing my education when the time was right.”

That time came in 2012, when her youngest child went to university and she seized the moment. Years later at 60, she completed her honours degree in psychology cum laude through UNISA. Then came a master’s in research psychology at Stellenbosch.

Her PhD, awarded at the university’s March 2026 graduation ceremony, marks another inspiring milestone!

As per SU, Smit’s PhD research focused on relapse in schizophrenia. Specifically, the factors beyond medication non-adherence that cause patients to deteriorate. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population around the world yet ranks among the top ten causes of disability worldwide. Her research shows that sustainable improvement requires addressing biological, psychosocial, and structural factors together. In 2024, following training in Denmark, she conducted South Africa’s first virtual reality-based study on schizophrenia, using AVATAR therapy, a therapeutic approach that addresses persistent auditory hallucinations, or hearing voices that aren’t there.

Outside of her academic world, Smit keeps her creative muscles exercised by playing acoustic guitar, making music with friends, and has taught herself crochet and lace-making.

Looking ahead, her plans academically are to publishing her findings, co-supervise master’s students, and contribute to ongoing clinical trials.

Her advice to anyone thinking about going back to study is to keep focused on the goal. If your physical and mental health allow for it, then why not?

“It is never too late to reach your goal. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy good physical and mental health, the most important step is to set your mind on a goal. Consider the challenges you may face in achieving that goal and plan actively to overcome them.” she says.

“This achievement shows that with perseverance, a positive mindset, and self-belief, you can achieve what you set out to accomplish.”

Sources: Linked above.

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Safer passage for all as Friends of Table Mountain’s ‘Trail Apostles’ repair sections of poorly maintained trail on Devil’s Peak.

Cape Town, South Africa (30 March 2026) – Friends of Table Mountain’s trail crew, affectionately known as the ‘Trail Apostles,’ have been working on improving trails along Devil’s Peak.

The team has cleared overgrown sections, installed rock and log steps, and cleared water bars for the upcoming winter rains. They have also just brought safety to a section where, last year in June, a 53-year-old hiker had slipped and fallen 12 meters down, due to a poorly maintained trail.

“The hiker and her family were making their way from the Saddle to Oppelskop when they encountered the heavily vegetated section of trail. While attempting to step past the overgrowth she slipped from the narrow trail and tumbled twelve meters down the steep slope.” shared the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).

An urgent call was made to the WSAR and an extensive rescue followed. Paramedics and rescue climbers were flown to the scene and the hiker was carefully assessed and treated before being transferred into a rescue stretcher and hoisted via helicopter to a nearby landing zone where an ambulance rushed her off to hospital.

“We had been informed that a hiker slipped due to a poorly maintained trail, so this particular location was a priority for our team.” shared Friends of Table Mountain. “Upon inspection, it was evident that the overgrown path had forced the hiker onto an unstable detour along a crumbling edge that eventually dropped off into a significant cliff.”

The trail has now been restored and made far safer for all who use it.

“Thanks to the hard work and expertise of our dedicated team, the trail has now been restored…” it added. “We hope everyone enjoys the improved route and the peace of mind that comes with a safer passage.”

Friends of Table Mountain is the registered non-profit organisation that focuses on nature conservation, trail rehabilitation, and safety across the park, alongside lobbying for better management of Table Mountain National Park as a whole.

Sources: Linked above.

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The winning pumpkin grew for 114 days and weighed a whopping 1221 kg!

Western Cape, South Africa (30 March 2026) – The fiercely contended Heidelberg Giant Pumpkin Festival took place on Saturday, and South Africa has a new record holder!

When Piet Lotz from Riversdale rolled into the festival this year with two humongous pumpkins trailing behind, he was chasing gold. Last year, he took first place and claimed the Southern Hemisphere record for his mega gourd.

This year, he held onto the title and made national history with the biggest pumpkin South Africa has ever seen, weighing a whopping 1221 kilograms! At 114 days old, Piet says it took good soil, good seed, and loads of love to grow his monster ‘kin.

This isn’t the first time Lotz has claimed gold for his big pumpkins. He has won the title many times over in years past, and now has his eyes set on beating the world record currently held by the Paton brothers in the UK, with their massive pumpkin, which weighed just 75 kg more than Lotz’ national gold-taking gourd.

Heidelberg Giant Pumpkin Festival’s second runner-up for 2026 is John Booysen, with an impressive growth of 816 kg and Pieter Conradie took third place, holding a solid weight of 793 kg.

“A big thank you as well to every person who entered and took part. We know it takes hard work, dedication and a lot of effort… and yes, those pumpkins definitely need regular chats!” shared the festival. “But without our stars — the pumpkins — the festival wouldn’t have been the same. In our eyes, every participant and pumpkin grower is a winner!”

Sources: Linked above.

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A Cape fur seal spotted with a tight noose around its neck in Hout Bay has been successfully freed after a coordinated rescue effort!

Western Cape, South Africa (27 March 2026) – The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre first raised concern over the weekend when the Cape fur seal was seen with a piece of discarded material cutting into its neck, like a noose.

The photos are difficult to look at, but they show the reality of entanglement. How quickly waste in the ocean can turn into a serious, life-threatening injury…

An initial rescue attempt on Sunday, supported by the NSRI and the Two Oceans Aquarium, was unsuccessful when the seal unfortunately left the harbour before the team could reach him.

Then, on a second sighting, things came together!

“This morning the [Cape fur seal] with the noose around his neck came into the Hout Bay Harbour again. We had everything we needed, the skill, the tools and the dedication. All we needed was a boat to get to him.”

That final piece came down to compassionate people willing to help. The team reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris, and without hesitation, they agreed to take Amos, Abel and Jo out on their boat.

“We reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris Hout Bay to take [us] out in their boat and they said yes!!”

Using a long hook borrowed from fellow marine heroes at Two Oceans Aquarium, the team was able to reach the seal from the vessel.

“We knew that we would be able to get close enough with the long hook that the Two Oceans Aquarium has lent us to do the job.”

Because everything came together so speedily, the team was able to act quickly when the seal returned.

“So all aboard and out they went. It took one stretch forward, under the noose with the hook, the seal jumped off the pipe and the blade cut up and released the rope.”

The seal is now free and back in the salty ocean water, where its wounds can begin to heal up!

“We are so grateful to Anthea and team from Captain Jacks Safaris and the Aquarium helping us. So now the seal will heal in the salty ocean.”

Cases like this are part of a much bigger problem along South Africa’s coastline. Research tracking Cape fur seals over time has recorded hundreds of entanglements, most linked to discarded fishing gear and plastic waste. These materials can tighten, cut, and worsen wounds over time, which often leads to severe injury or death if animals aren’t reached in time.

That’s why what happens before waste reaches the ocean matters just as much as what happens after. Fishing line left behind on rocks, beaches or harbours can easily be pulled back into the sea by wind and waves, where it becomes almost invisible and incredibly dangerous to marine life.

There are already efforts along the coast trying to intercept this waste early. Projects like WESSA’s Stop the Strangle campaign are rolling out dedicated collection bins at popular fishing spots to catch discarded line before it washes into the ocean.

The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre are heroes who need help to keep up their meaningful work in rescuing and rehabilitating seals in need across the Western Cape.

The organisation is currently raising funds to cover the costs of a new rescue vehicle as their trusted old bakkie has reached the end of its lifespan. Beyond that, help covering operational costs like medical supplies and fuel is also needed. Your support will help keep the seals safe. Donate 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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Drakenstein’s heroes need their community’s help after a massive tree collapsed onto two frontline vehicles this week.

Western Cape, South Africa (27 March, 2026) – On the morning of 25 March 2026, a massive tree collapsed without warning onto two of DFW Fire & Rescue’s frontline vehicles at their Paarl base. This has left one of the Drakenstein Valley’s most relied-upon emergency services facing a crushing blow.

“In a moment that left us stunned and speechless, a massive tree on the main parking area, suddenly collapsed in completely windless conditions and came crashing down directly onto two of our emergency rescue vehicles that were parked, prepared, and ready for immediate deployment.” DFW shared. 

The Iveco CAFS rescue vehicle bore the initial impact and is a write-off. The large Mercedes 4×4 fire truck was severely damaged when the tree shifted onto its tank and ruptured it. Both machines were operational frontline vehicles actively deployed throughout the fire season.

“The CAFS unit played a extreme important life saving role in the recent devastating fires involving historic buildings like Laborie, Boscendal, LA Paris, Roggeland and LA Pareille.” 

These are the same crews who held the line at Boschendal in January when flames surrounded their trucks with zero visibility, and who saved a kennel full of security dogs from fast-approaching flames in 45-degree heat just two weeks ago. They run on donations, render much of their work pro bono, and carry enormous operational costs to keep the Drakenstein Valley protected.

“For a non-profit emergency response organisation such as ours, which already carries enormous operational costs and regularly renders pro bono fire, rescue, and medical assistance in the Drakenstein Valley, this is a crushing financial blow.”

The good news is that enough vehicles remain to maintain emergency cover for now, and DFW hasn’t been left to face this alone. Fellow rescue organisations have already rallied, offering immediate assistance.

“We also want to sincerely thank our colleagues from other rescue entities who have immediately offered to come on board and assist. In times like these, true partnership and brotherhood in emergency services become visible” DFW shares.

Getting the vehicles repaired and replaced is a longer road, and one they can’t walk without broader support. DFW has put out a direct call to the community and wider public, asking for help to recover.

“We therefore humbly ask the business community, friends of emergency services, farmers, estates, residents, and the wider public to please consider coming on board with a donation to help DFW recover from this disaster and continue its life-saving work,” they share. “Every donation, big or small, will help us to rebuild, restore capacity, and continue standing ready when disaster strikes others.”

If you’d like to show your support, 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. 

The post Help for Paarl’s Fire Rescue Heroes as Freak Accident Takes Out Two Vehicles appeared first on Good Things Guy.

What a brilliant way to turn the problem ofinvasive plants into a solution of beautiful, earth-kind homes!

Western Cape, South Africa (26 March 2026) – The Elandskloof community near Citrusdal has unveiled a first-of-its-kind community centre that is both an architectural feat and a major environmental victory! It also brings new hope for South Africa’s housing crisis.

The new building is constructed entirely of bricks, made from the biomass of invasive alien black wattle trees.

These trees were cleared from the riverbanks within the Groot Winterhoek Strategic Water Source Area.

The centre is built on a community-owned farm with a deep history. The community was dispossessed in 1962 and had its land restored in 1996.

The project is a result of a three-year partnership between nonCrete, non-profit Phuhlisani, the Elandskloof community, and the WWF Nedbank Green Trust.

By removing the invasive wattle, the project has already helped increase the freshwater supply and has also reduced the risk of runaway fires.

“To develop this method and design, we collaborated with the Institute of Technology in Architecture at ETH Zurich, Switzerland; and the Council for Scientific and Industrial research (CSIR),” says Andrew Lord, who co-founded nonCrete with Stephen Lamb.

The company has over two decades of experience in sustainable construction, design, engineering and architecture.

“The ultimate aim is to develop a safer, more dignified government-funded housing alternative,” continues Lord. “Millions of South Africans are still awaiting their homes, and this approach could be a very viable option for lower-cost housing, but also for all types of housing and buildings.”

To create the low-carbon building bricks, invasive plant material was put through a chipper and then combined with a specially developed binder.

One-Nil Construction was central to the construction. Their team, including Grabeth Nduna, Peter Mafuwe, and Mojalefa Thelingoana, mastered the unique material mix.

“We developed a structural mix that is incredibly strong but 55% lighter than conventional concrete. We have something special here and it also creates jobs, which the government has committed to achieve.” says Nduna.

By swapping out traditional stone, sand, and cement for invasive biomass, the project significantly lowers the environmental footprint of construction. With the built environment cited as contributing almost 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, this is an exciting and innovative way forward!

“Making use of invasive wattle biomass for our bricks significantly reduces the amount of stone, sand and cement used in standard concrete bricks,” says. Lord.

The project could be a blueprint for the rest of the country.

“The methodology has the potential to be duplicated across the country in all areas with invasive alien infestations,” says Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Nedbank’s Social Impact Unit. “It frees up freshwater and replaces conventional, carbon-heavy building materials and practices in a sustainable, environmentally rehabilitative way, including locking the carbon absorbed by the trees into the construction.”

Beyond being eco-friendly, the bricks offer superior insulation and fire resistance. They passed official testing with flying colours, including a three-hour fire-resistance rating under a continuous load. The building also sports a unique vaulted roof system designed to use less steel and concrete while maintaining incredible strength.

The project has provided both a new facility and new skills for the Elandskloof community, too. Five community members were trained to manufacture the 18,000 bricks required for the centre.

“We are very happy with the project and this new way of building,” says Flippie George, CPA Chairperson. “At first it was strange to us, and we weren’t sure if the nonCrete people knew what they were talking about, but when we visited their factory in Cape Town and witnessed how they developed this unique brick and roof system, we realised that we have something very special here. The fact that the community centre was built from the ground up on our farm, with our people trained in the brick-making technique, is also very exciting and we hope we can build homes this way.”

With the centre complete, the community is working with Phuhlisani to apply for housing subsidies through the municipality to develop the farm sustainably. This includes plans for agriculture and the potential proclamation of a nature reserve, too.

“The land is currently being used by only a handful of small-scale livestock and vegetable farmers. And they harvest indigenous plants like wild buchu, which grows abundantly here and for which there is market demand. We are also working closely with CapeNature and the South African National Biodiversity Institute to have a portion of the farm proclaimed as a protected environment or nature reserve, as it has critical biodiversity areas and wetlands. Agriculture and other livelihood zones can continue under a protected environment.” shares Phuhlisani’s David Mayson, who has a longstanding relationship with the Elandskloof community and helped them with the land restitution process.

Lord encourages that the new community centre is a symbol of the potential for more widespread change.

“Our goal is for construction to become restoration; to collaborate with construction companies, cement manufacturers, planners, architects, engineers, municipalities and other government departments. We want to share this technology and create jobs. Our team wants to train people to build their own houses and buildings.”

Sources: WWF South Africa.

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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 New Community Centre Built Out of Invasive Alien Plant Material! appeared first on Good Things Guy.