In 2017, Johan Scott turned a petty theft into something powerful. A single stolen vegetable led to a garden that would feed a community… and now, in 2025, his story is making waves once more.

Heidelberg, South Africa (21 June 2025) – Sometimes, the internet gives an old story new life. That’s exactly what’s happening right now.

A 2017 story about Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg, South Africa, is suddenly going viral again. It’s doing the rounds on Facebook, being shared by pages and people who may not know the full background… but it’s hitting home regardless.

And it’s no surprise why.

It all started with a single stolen cauliflower.

Most people would’ve been annoyed. Maybe even angry. But Johan saw it differently. The missing vegetable made him pause. It made him realise that someone nearby must have been hungry… hungry enough to help themselves.

So instead of putting up a fence or a camera, Johan planted more.

More vegetables. More hope. More kindness.

“It makes my heart happy when I see people eating my vegetables,” he told us in 2017. “That is why I planted this… because the people are hungry, they need this.”

Johan turned the pavement outside his home into a thriving little garden filled with beans, tomatoes, eggplants and beetroot. And told his community they were welcome to help themselves. No charge. No catch. Just food and dignity, freely given.

It was one of the very first stories we shared about growing food for the community… and it’s stuck with us (and South Africa) ever since. Unfortunately, we don’t have a new update on Johan or how his garden is doing in 2025. But what we can tell you is this: his story planted something far bigger than he may have imagined.

Since that viral moment in 2017, we’ve written dozens of stories about ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things… all by planting vegetables on pavements, in parks, outside schools, or even in wheelbarrows. We’ve seen community champions grow free food gardens in townships, business owners create veggie stands for anyone in need and kids start planting for their neighbours. And in every single one of those stories, the idea is the same: people are hungry… and we can help.

There’s something deeply powerful about these simple gestures, and it’s not because they solve hunger overnight but because they remind us that compassion doesn’t need permission. You don’t need a big budget or a fancy plan. Sometimes all it takes is some seeds, a bit of soil and the will to share.

Desmond Tutu said it best, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

So if you’re seeing Johan’s story again and wondering if kindness still exists, yes, it does. It’s growing all around us. One veggie patch at a time.

PS… this story may be the seed you needed to start your own “good things garden”!

Sources: Good Things Guy 

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South Africa’s Favourite Pavement Garden is Back in the Spotlight appeared first on Good Things Guy.

How do we show love to our communities? We stop asking, and start doing! Here are a few simple but impactful ways to show love to your community during the month of love and well beyond:

South Africa (11 February 2024) — To show love to our communities is perhaps one of the greatest acts of love we have ever undertaken. And yet, it also happens to be the one act of love many pull back on.

Most of us have danced the dance of showing love to significant others in all the ways that warm hearts. In the best circumstances, bouquets of flowers call for the biggest hugs and long love letters can easily make a grown man cry with appreciation. And like any gift of effort, both the receiver and the giver feel extra special in the moment. We love romantic love as much as the next writer, but we also know that these are far from the only loving acts that we should embrace as long as we’re here.

As we all know, February is filled with an annual reason to show love to those we love. So, shouldn’t our communities fall part of that wish list?

Because we do love the public spaces in concrete jungles that bring us solace. And the oceans that bring us so much joy. Most of us also love the prospect of our future generation getting a real chance to be part of an incredible future for all of us. And we love the everyday heroes who actually do something about all that which we complain about.

To show love to your community, in whichever way that resonates with you, is to say I am part of this community because I believe in it. I see its hope. And its wonderful workings. It is to say, “I am South African, because I identify with more than just myself.”

Here are a few simple, but impactful ways to show love to your community during the month of love:

• Adopt a pavement to maintain or give a makeover to the spots you frequent (email info@betterbedfordview.org.za)
• Take a dog on a date  for Valentine’s Day to give animal heroes you appreciate a break
• Create a tiny library in your area for everyone to exchange books
• Host a cupcake party for the cancer warriors you know or want others to know about
• Support a food garden in an area close to your heart
• Join a Random Acts of Crochet Kindness group to make someone’s day, any day
• Or make your knitting count in other ways with these community projects
• Do something bold as a campaign fundraiser for a community cause that inspires you (Peet Botma is an amazing recent example!)
• Join regular environmental clean-ups or make your space beautiful by joining these initiatives 
• Gift a tree to someone you love which in turn will create a greener community
• Find a charity that touches your heart and spread the word about their missions loudly and proudly!

Sources: GTG

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

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Simple Ways to Show Love to Your Community  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Mayoral committee member for Urban Management at the City of Cape Town, Grant Twigg joined the pavement garden conversation, encouraging food gardens.

Cape Town, South Africa (16 September 2021) – A conversation about growing vegetables in a country with so much hunger and poverty and how it could possibly be a crime has been started. It is a conversation that has been fuelled by Djo BeNkuna and his cabbage patch.

It all started when Djo took to Facebook to share his encounter with the Tshwane Metro over the cabbages he was growing in front of his home. The post quickly went viral and before long, gardeners and everyday citizens united, planting vegetable gardens on their pavements and creating a support group.

The City of Cape Town has joined the conversation to let their residents know that they totally support converting unused spaces into vegetable gardens as long as they do not block walkways or access. Grant Twigg, the mayoral committee member for urban management was interviewed by Cape Talk and explained that usually unused spaces become dumpsites.

Dumpsites lead to unsavoury behaviour so filling those spaces with food that can be used to support others, earn incomes, and educate others is a huge positive.

“From our side, we would encourage people to do exactly what the gentleman did, because one of the things we are encouraging is that people look after the area immediately adjacent to their property.”

“When people do not look after the spaces adjacent to properties, they often become dumping sites.”

“Within the City of Cape Town, we have got food gardens and in some areas, we are encouraging people to plant flowers”- Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management – City of Cape Town

This conversation has highlighted groups like Sidewalk Food Gardens SA and others that promote the hobby of gardening for yourself and others.

We hope other cities adopt the same stance towards vegetable and flower gardens. It could easily solve many of the food-related issues South Africans face.

Sources: Cape Talk

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

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post City of Cape Town Encourage Food Gardening in Open Spaces appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A support group for Djo BeNkuna has been started to assist the Cabbage Bandit through what is about to become a landmark case for all gardeners across SA.

Pretoria, South Africa (15 September 2021) – Gardners are peaceful folks who draw great happiness from spending time outdoors. Gardeners are also incredibly giving, from sharing advice to sharing excess crops, seeds and more. If you have a food gardener in your family, you will know how much they love to share their love of gardening.

A recent Facebook post by Djo BaNkuna has caused a massive stir in South Africa and the gardening community.

Djo BaNkuna is currently the subject of criminal charges issued by his local metro for the act of growing cabbages and onions on his front lawn, an act that is often celebrated right here on Good Things Guy!

Djo has been growing food on his front lawn for the last three years. From a healthy pumpkin patch to an unbelievable sweet potato crop. This year he planted cabbages. Before long, the cops came knocking, threatening Djo with jail time if he didn’t remove the free crop from his front yard.

Djo shared his entire experience on Facebook, and the post went viral. It has inspired many South Africans to plant cabbages for Djo “Cabbage Bandit” BaNkuna. Not only have fellow gardeners gone on to plant cabbages, but a support group has also been started.

The support group is not raising funds, merely awareness for Djo. It is becoming a space where people share their own pavement gardens and celebrate the rebellious act of growing food for others.

Djo shared an update on Facebook to explain what has happened since his original post went viral.

“The might of the law has been unleashed upon me and my cabbage patch. At around midday, five TMPD police cars convoyed to my place (two Van’s and three other cars). About 16 officers in total. I was served two documents: (1) with a Criminal Procedures Act Notice to Appear at the Wonderboom Municipal Court on 23/11/2021. I am charged with: “intentionally interfere in any manner to the property of the Municipality” by planting cabbage outside at the corner (exact quote). (2) I am Issued the maximum fine of R1500 to be paid within 30 days and permanent criminal record for planting cabbage and onions. No by-law cited.

The Cabbage Bandit chooses the option of going to defend ourselves in court. So the next stop is court on 23/11/2021 (Address: 3050 Daan De Wet Nel Dr, Winternest AH, Akasia in Pretoria North). A Section 27(1)(b) Constitutional Constitutional Court application is also a reality. We must change our outlook towards achieving food security. The road is long, but enlightenment is near. We must not give up, no matter what we face. Thank you for the support, prayers and offer of assistance.

Remember: You buy a vegetable and you feed a family, you cultivate a garden you feed a community. I am not afraid.”

If you would like to join the support group, you can do so here.

Sources: Facebook

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

Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here. 

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 that there’s good news all around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Gardeners Form Support Group After Cabbage Bandit Debacle appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africa is in the middle of a food revolution and it is very exciting to witness; food security is being combatted in the form of pavement gardens.

South Africa (12 November 2020) – If you have missed it, South Africa is in the middle of a food revolution! Thousands of people are taking a step back and growing their own food, schools are converting baren spaces into gardens and communities are transforming into urban farms, you name it, it is happening! You can see the 50+ stories we have shared over the last few months here for even more inspiration.

Pavement gardens are also a great way to offer help to others while allowing people to remain anonymous in their need. For some, asking for help can be a point of pride.

Back in 2017, we shared the story of Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg, South Africa who started a vegetable garden on his pavement after his cauliflower was stolen. He realised that there were people that are hungry in his neighbourhood, so he decided to cultivate an even bigger garden on his pavement to feed more people. The story went viral because it was such a simple act of kindness.

These days, more people are in need than ever before so the concept of a pavement garden is even more appealing than ever before. Many are collaborating together to start food gardens as a way to feed entire communities and they are the stories we are loving.

There are several groups dedicated to pavement gardens and gardens in vacant spaces. Sidewalk Food Gardens SA has been launched where people are celebrating each other and the gardens they see all over South Africa. If you have a garden or know of one, you can join the group here. You can also find more about these gardens on the Creating EDEN Facebook page.

As the weeks go by, we see more and more pavement gardens. Take a look at a few new ones being celebrated below.

Sources: Facebook

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

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post More pavement food gardens are popping up around South Africa appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Public food gardens are becoming a welcomed sight in many communities; they offer a source of food for people who may be too proud to ask for help.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 July 2020) – The Ikhala Trust in Port Elizabeth is celebrating a sidewalk garden in Melville, Johannesburg. The trust shared the image of a sidewalk lined with eight raised beds.

Sidewalk gardens are a great way to offer help to others while allowing people to remain anonymous in their need. For some, asking for help can be a point of pride.

Back in 2017, we shared the story of Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg, South Africa who started a vegetable garden on his pavement after his cauliflower was stolen. He realised that there were people that are hungry in his neighbourhood, so he decided to cultivate an even bigger garden on his pavement to feed more people. The story went viral because it was such a simple act of kindness.

These days, more people are in need than ever before so the concept of a sidewalk garden is even more appealing than ever before. Many are collaborating together to start food gardens as a way to feed entire communities and they are the stories we are loving.

Ikhala Trust hopes that everyone will do something; to start where they are and each person to try feed one person.

A group dedicated to Sidewalk Food Gardens SA has been launched where people are celebrating each other and the gardens they see all over South Africa. If you have a garden or know of one, you can join the group here.

Sources: Ikhala Trust / Sidewalk Food Gardens SA

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

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Beautiful sidewalk food garden hopes to feed passers by during lockdown appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The countdown to Goodmass has begun and for the seventh day of Goodmass, we’re featuring Johan Scott, a retired SA policeman who started a vegetable garden on his pavement to feed the hungry.

South Africa (07 December 2017) – Good Things Guy spent the year doing good things in partnership with First Choice and their #Move4Goodness campaign, from planting trees after the Knysna fires to cleaning beaches and even teaching kids about the environment… so we’ve decided to look back at the year together, and bring you all the Top stories of 2017 (with all the updates of the people who inspired us this year).

This is the 10 days of Goodmass, good news stories to uplift you, just in time for the holiday season!

For the 7th day of Goodmass, we’re sharing the story of Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg, South Africa who started a vegetable garden on his pavement after his cauliflower was stolen. He realised that there were people that are hungry in his neighbourhood so he decided to cultivate an even bigger garden on his pavement in order to feed more people.

“It makes my heart happy when I see people eating my vegetables”.

“That is why I planted this, because the people are hungry, they need this”

Scott decided to plant beans, tomatoes, eggplants and beetroot for the local community to help themselves to free produce. He hoped that this garden would change how many hungry people there are in his town.

His act of kindness has sparked a warming in our hearts and we are not alone! Facebook users have been sharing their love for this act of kindness and some even stated how much they respect Johan. The hope is that this selfless and generous act will inspire more people in the town and around South Africa to become proactive in the fight to prevent hunger.

There are many places around South Africa that have vegetable gardens for the homeless, these offer a form of employment and a food source for people actively working to change their circumstances.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu 

We commend Johan for his generous act and hope his crops are plentiful! Johan inspired a fellow South African, Sipho Simelane who read the story, to come forward and donate one hectare of his land to a community vegetable project.

“I was inspired by a selfless gentleman Johan Scott. The hope is that this selfless and generous act will inspire more people around South Africa to become proactive in the fight to prevent hunger.” – Sipho Simelane

In partnership with First Choice and their #Move4Goodness campaign, Good Things Guy is sharing the Top stories of 2017 and spreading the Goodness around just in time for the holiday season.

Stay tuned as we share the most feel-good stories of 2017!

Sources: GTG

The post 10 Days of Goodmass: South African cultivates a vegetable garden on his pavement for the hungry appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A South African man has just given a hectare of his land away to help feed his community.

Inspired by the retired South Africa policeman who started a vegetable garden on his pavement, Sipho Simelane has decided to give up 1 Hectare of his land to help feed his own community.

Earlier this week, Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg went viral after starting a vegetable garden on his pavement. He realised that there were people that were hungry in his neighbourhood so he decided to cultivate an even bigger garden on his pavement in order to feed more people.

“It makes my heart happy when I see people eating my vegetables”.

“That is why I planted this, because the people are hungry, they need this”

Scott decided to plant beans, tomatoes, eggplants and beetroot for the local community to help themselves to free produce. He hoped that this garden would change how many hungry people there are in his town but his story has done something far greater.

It has inspired thousands of South Africans to join the fight against hunger in our country.

Sipho is one of those South Africans. He read the Good Things Guy story and immediately started thinking about what he could do to assist.

“My family would like to give 1 Hectare of agricultural land for FREE to start a Community Garden Project.”

“I was inspired by a selfless gentleman Johan Scott. The hope is that this selfless and generous act will inspire more people around South Africa to become proactive in the fight to prevent hunger.”

There are many places around South Africa that have vegetable gardens for the homeless, these offer a form of employment and a food source for people actively working to change their circumstances.

“As Sipho Simelane, I’m NOT a farmer and would like to see this land used and would like any child, family, church or company that can put their ideas, time, skill, resources to get this going and use this (10,000 square meters) of land to plant and feed the hungry. A lot of companies have Corporate Social Investment “CSI” and I’m also inviting them as well. Let’s put our money where our mouths are.”

“This land is available immediately and is situated in the Midvaal area Drumblade, Gauteng about 40 km from Jo’burg not too far from the Heineken Brewery.”

Since posting the status, Sipho has been inundated with requests to use the land to help the community. He is currently working through proposals to make sure that the land and the Community Garden Project will ultimately help feed as many hungry South Africans as possible.

Sources: Facebook

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

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South African has just given a hectare of his land away to help feed his community appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A retired South African policeman has started a vegetable garden on his pavement to feed the hungry.

Heidelberg, South Africa (21 November 2017) – Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg, South Africa, started the vegetable garden on his pavement after his cauliflower was stolen. He realised that there were people who were hungry in his neighbourhood, so he decided to cultivate an even bigger garden on his pavement to feed more people.

“It makes my heart happy when I see people eating my vegetables. That is why I planted this, because the people are hungry, they need this.”

Scott decided to plant beans, tomatoes, eggplants and beetroot for the local community to help themselves to free produce. He hoped that this garden would change how many hungry people there are in his town.

His act of kindness has sparked warming in our hearts, and we are not alone! Facebook users have been sharing their love for this act of kindness, and some even stated how much they respect Johan. The hope is that this selfless and generous act will inspire more people in the town and around South Africa to become proactive in the fight to prevent hunger.

Many places around South Africa have vegetable gardens for the homeless; these offer a form of employment and a food source for people actively working to change their circumstances.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu 

We commend Johan for his generous act and hope his crops are plentiful!

Imagine if every house and public garden had fruit and vegetables growing for anyone who is hungry. South Africa would be a very different place.

Sources: Rapport Facebook

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

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South African Cultivates Vegetable Garden on His Pavement for the Hungry appeared first on Good Things Guy.