From a story that united a country to a book that gives back, Bronwyn Laird is showing how even the hardest moments can become something that helps others.

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 March 2026) – Eight years later, the story of baby Eden still lives in the hearts of South Africans… but this time, it’s being told in a way we’ve never experienced before.

We recently welcomed Bronwyn Laird back onto Good Things with Brent Lindeque, revisiting a moment that once gripped the entire country. The podcast touches on those days we all remember… the fear, the waiting, the miracle of Eden being found. But what stood out most in our conversation wasn’t just the past… it was everything that came after.

Bronwyn has written a book. Finding Your Eden is not a retelling of headlines. It’s not just the story South Africa followed in real time. It’s the story behind the story… the one that unfolded long after the cameras moved on and the news cycle shifted. It’s deeply personal, incredibly honest, and rooted in a perspective that only someone who has lived through the unimaginable can share.

Back when Bronwyn first joined me in 2018, she said something that has stayed with me ever since:

“We’ve seen miracles happen and prayers answered.

We cannot allow what 6 individuals, 5 of whom we have never even met, what they chose to do, to affect how we see the world, how we evaluate relationships going forward or how we live our lives.

Hate just isn’t in our vocabulary. Hate changes nothing but love changes everything. Love wins.”

At the time, those words felt powerful. Now, reading her book, you realise they were also a promise… a decision about how her family would move forward.

Finding Your Eden unpacks that decision. It explores the complexity of trauma, the weight of public attention, the moments of rebuilding, and the intentional choice to lean into love when it would be easier to hold onto anger. It’s not just about what happened in May 2018, it’s about what it takes to keep going afterwards… as a parent, as a family, and as a human being.

Every single cent from the book, priced at R200 and available here, is going to Dare-2-Care. It turns an already powerful story into something that continues to give back, creating impact far beyond the pages.

The podcast offers a window into that journey, but the book is where Bronwyn truly opens the door.

Sources: Interview with Bronwyn Laird 

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 African Author: Finding Your Eden Turns Pain Into Purpose appeared first on Good Things Guy.

At an age where many are still finding their footing, Mikhail Edwards has already completed a Master’s degree, presented research internationally and stepped into a leadership role within the tech industry.

Johannesburg, South Africa (04 February 2026) – At just 24 years old, Mikhail Edwards is showing what is possible when focus, curiosity and drive come together at the right moment. And this is only the beginning.

On this week’s Good Things with Brent Lindeque, I chat with Mikhail, who has just completed his Master’s in Information Technology in an astonishing 10 months. Most people take two years to reach that milestone, but Mikhail managed it while working, lecturing and publishing research internationally, and he did it all with distinction.

What makes his journey even more remarkable is that he did not study IT at school. His interest started in business and how systems operate behind the scenes, before evolving into a passion for technology and innovation.

Since then, his academic path has moved fast, from a BCom in Informatics in 2022, to Honours by the end of 2023, and now a completed Master’s, with a PhD already underway. During his Master’s year, Mikhail also worked as an assistant lecturer, UX Lab coordinator and intern at the BMW IT Hub, where his research into artificial intelligence and cloud-based systems took shape. That work earned him a place presenting at an international conference in Portugal and later led to publication in a peer-reviewed journal, an achievement few reach so early in their careers.

Now the Managing Director of Cirrus Bridge South Africa, Mikhail has chosen to apply his skills in industry, driven by a desire to build solutions that matter.

His story shows how ambition, when matched with action, can open doors faster than anyone expects and that the next generation of South African innovators is already shaping what comes next.

Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
New episodes drop weekly.
Powered by BetterBond. Filmed at Primedia Studios.
Stories that matter. Conversations that count.

Sources: Good Things With Brent Lindeque 

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

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook 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 He Finished a Master’s in 10 Months… and He’s Only 24 appeared first on Good Things Guy.

David Sejobe made people feel welcome before their day had even begun. In honouring his life, South Africans are now returning that same generosity to the family he leaves behind.

Johannesburg, South Africa (01 February 2026) – You didn’t need to know David Sejobe personally to feel his impact. You just needed to pass by, slow down for a moment, or exchange a smile.

Since the news of his passing, South Africans from all walks of life have come together to honour a man whose kindness made ordinary days feel a little lighter. Messages of love, gratitude and remembrance have poured onto social media. Colleagues, friends, familiar faces and even strangers have shared stories of brief encounters that somehow stayed with them. A greeting at the gate. A moment of encouragement. A presence that made people feel seen, even on the busiest of days.

At the MultiChoice Randburg office, where David worked as a front-of-house security officer since 2015, that presence was part of daily life. He wasn’t just the person checking access or directing visitors. He was the person who asked how you were and meant it. The one who greeted you with warmth and joy, no matter the weather, the traffic or the mood you arrived in.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, David Sejobe,” reads the message shared by colleagues who have since rallied around his family.

“David was a familiar and cherished presence to so many of us. As a front-of-house security officer at the MultiChoice Randburg office since 2015, he greeted colleagues, visitors, and passers-by each day with warmth, joy, and a smile that made people feel seen and welcomed.”

The day following his passing, colleagues set up a crowdfunding campaign to support David’s family, with an initial goal of raising R20,000. Within just 24 hours, more than R170,000 had been donated. The response has been overwhelming, both in numbers and in sentiment, with contributions from people who worked alongside him, those who greeted him daily and those who simply heard his story.

“We are coming together as colleagues, friends, and community members to support David’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the campaign message explains. “Funds raised through this campaign will go towards funeral and memorial service expenses, as well as immediate support for David’s family as they navigate this loss.”

For many South Africans, David’s name is not unfamiliar. In 2022, his story captured the country’s hearts when he embarked on a long-distance cycling journey from Orange Farm to Venda to honour his late father. David cycled to work every day, a two-hour round trip, after his father encouraged him to take up cycling to help manage his diabetes and asthma. What started as a personal act of care became a source of inspiration for countless others. That journey, undertaken with determination and pride, shone a light on who David was beyond the uniform. A man of true character. A man who believed in showing up for his health, his family and his community. A man who understood that even the hardest roads could be travelled with purpose.

MultiChoice confirmed David’s passing in a statement that reflected the deep respect and affection he earned over nearly a decade of service. He was remembered for his professionalism, his positive spirit and the genuine care he showed to everyone who came through the gates.

“For many, David’s friendly greetings and daily interactions along Bram Fischer Drive became a welcome and uplifting part of the day,” the statement read.

“He represented the values of respect, kindness and human connection, and his contribution extended well beyond his formal role.”

That contribution is now being reflected back through the collective response to his loss. The funds raised, the messages shared, and the stories told all point to the same truth: David made people feel better simply by being himself.

Sources: Multichoice Press Release 

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 Africans Rally to Honour the Life of David Sejobe appeared first on Good Things Guy.

It’s easy to cheer for big numbers… but Christel House’s matric results come with something even bigger: meaning. At this school, every distinction represents a child who was lifted, supported, fed, counselled and believed in… until they believed in themselves too.

Western Cape, South Africa (19 January 2026) – While the Western Cape celebrated its highest-ever matric pass rate of 88% in 2025 (with 49% Bachelor passes), a no-fee independent school in Ottery once again pushed beyond the provincial averages… not for headlines but for children who were never meant to have options if you believe the odds.

Christel House South Africa, which has spent the past 25 years serving learners from 29 under-resourced Cape Town communities, has achieved a 96% matric pass rate for the Class of 2025, with 70% of candidates earning Bachelor passes. And while those numbers are impressive, what they truly represent is something far bigger than academic success… they represent lives being changed in real time.

“Poverty doesn’t only limit resources, it limits expectations. What these results show is that, with the right support, those expectations can be transformed,” the Christel House team told us.

They explained that while they’re proud of the 96%, and confident it will become 100% as they continue supporting two learners who are rewriting, the 70% Bachelor pass rate is the figure that is the most important here.

“That figure means access to university, to professional careers and to opportunities that can break generational cycles of poverty,” they added.

And it’s not a once-off success story either. Christel House says their goal is upward economic mobility, which is why they focus on character and career readiness from as young as four. Today, 97% of their alumni are either studying, employed, or doing both, proving that this model doesn’t just help learners pass… it helps them build futures.

Christel House isn’t built like a traditional school. It’s built like a safety net. The school provides transport, nutritious meals, healthcare, counselling, family support and career guidance. They understand something many people forget: a child can’t learn properly if they’re hungry, traumatised, unsafe or constantly in survival mode.

When asked what makes the biggest difference, the team pointed to two key parts of the model: their trauma-informed approach and their long-term career development support.

“Learning cannot happen until a child feels safe, seen, and supported,” they explained.

That’s why nurses, counsellors and social workers are part of everyday life on campus. It’s not extra… it’s essential.

One of the most powerful parts of the Christel House story is the Matric Intensive Programme, where the school hall is transformed into a dorm and study hub during exams, creating a safe, distraction-free environment for learners.

Each day begins with focused teaching from morning until 6pm, followed by supervised study from 8pm until midnight. It’s disciplined, intense and filled with support that changes everything.

In 2025, the programme became even more meaningful, where teachers stepped in as more than educators. One moment was watching Alique, the school’s top learner, an orphan, being supported by teachers who took on a parental role, offering guidance, reassurance and belief. Another was seeing learners like Muneebah, who lost her father just before exams, being carried through grief with real care.

“During the most difficult period of her life, she was not alone. Her teachers stood in as parents, ensuring she felt supported, protected, and capable of continuing,” the team shared.

This year’s matric cohort achieved 26 subject distinctions, and Christel House South Africa’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr Ronald Fortune, says we must never forget that behind every statistic is a human story.

“While we are immensely proud of our 2025 matric learners and the many commendable results they achieved, it’s important to remember that beyond these statistics are powerful student stories of ambition and purpose.”

Top-performing learner and valedictorian Alique J. from Hanover Park achieved four distinctions and has provisional acceptance to study Occupational Therapy at Stellenbosch University. Alique, who joined Christel House in Grade R, faced immense hardship along the way, including losing his mother two years ago,  yet still rose with strength and excellence.

“I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for Christel House and the incredible staff,” he says.

Then there’s Kuhle J. from Philippi, who is passionate about women in STEM. With three distinctions, she has provisional acceptance to study Biomedical Engineering at Stellenbosch University.

“This field excites me because it allows me to combine my passion for technology, biology, and robotics with my deep desire to help others,” she says.

“I want to use innovative technologies to address healthcare challenges in South Africa.”

And then there is Muneebah Davids, whose story captures the spirit of Christel House in full. Muneebah grew up surrounded by gangsterism, unemployment and limited resources. After losing her father shortly before matric, she still achieved a Bachelor’s pass, including a distinction in English, and has been accepted to study at WITS, UCT, Stellenbosch, and UWC.

“I do believe that my results reflect my commitment and perseverance, especially under harsh personal circumstances,” she says.

“Genuinely, without Christel House, I would not be where I am today or have the confidence to pursue higher education… I am committed to using my education to make a positive difference in the world.”

When Christel House first opened its doors in 2002, staff went into communities to explain what they were offering… a world-class education and wraparound support at no cost. Many parents didn’t believe it. They were too afraid to hope.

25 years later, the proof is everywhere. In results, in alumni outcomes and in the lives transformed.

Now, Christel House is looking forward. A second cohort of 60 Grade 8 learners has joined the school, and plans are in place for another Grade RR–12 school in the Western Cape, pending land availability. They’re calling on partners who believe in the power of holistic education and long-term support to help scale a model that works.

If we want to change South Africa, we don’t start with anger or politics. We start with children. We start with a school that refuses to let poverty decide what a child can become.

And we back the work that turns “impossible” into “watch this space… we’re already doing it”.

Sources: Interview with the Christel House South Africa team 

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 Christel House Just Proved Poverty Doesn’t Get the Final Say! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Their boom snapped in the dead of night, the Atlantic kept rolling and the odds turned brutal in seconds… but the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew refused to let the ocean decide their ending, they kept sailing. And then won the Cape2Rio 2026!

Rio de Janeiro (19 January 2026) – The ocean doesn’t care where you come from… it only cares what you are made of when everything goes wrong. And this weekend, South Africa watched six young sailors from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Athlone prove exactly what they’re made of, as the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew won the Cape2Rio Yacht Race on handicap… even after their boom snapped in the early hours of the Atlantic crossing.

That’s right. One of the most crucial parts of the boat broke while they were leading. Most crews would’ve panicked, pulled back, or accepted defeat. But these sailors did what champions do… they adapted, they stayed calm and they kept going… sailing thousands of kilometres across the ocean without a boom and still finishing on top.

The Cape2Rio is no casual sailing trip. It’s one of the world’s toughest offshore races, stretching 3,300 nautical miles from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, with international crews and unpredictable conditions that demand stamina, technical skill, and serious mental strength. It’s a race that can humble even the most experienced sailors.

And the Alexforbes Angel Wings team, our South African champions, didn’t just survive it… they conquered it.

According to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the crew completed the crossing in 19 days, earning first place on handicap, a result that captured national attention and earned international respect. Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Peace Mabe, called it a proud moment for South African sport and youth development, praising the RCYC Sailing Academy for building world-class results through consistent investment in young talent.

“This victory is about far more than winning a race,” said Deputy Minister Mabe. “It is about young sailors, three of whom are women, who were given the platform to apply their training in a real-world environment, make critical decisions in difficult conditions, and support one another when things did not go according to plan.”

In the early hours of Saturday, 10 January, while holding a lead of about 25 hours, the crew suffered a boom failure during a gybe. Ocean racers will tell you this is a nightmare scenario. The boom plays a major role in controlling the mainsail, and without it, everything becomes harder… and riskier. But instead of giving up, the team assessed the situation and made the bold decision to continue racing by re-hoisting the mainsail without the boom, an unconventional, gutsy solution that kept the yacht stable, competitive, and on course for Rio.

Deputy Minister Mabe summed up what so many of us felt when we heard that detail.

“What stands out about this achievement is not only the result, but the manner in which it was achieved,” she said. “It speaks to the maturity of a young crew that stayed focused, calm and strategic under pressure.”

Behind that calm was leadership, experience and a whole lot of heart. Sibusiso “Sibu” Sizatu, the skipper and mentor, has guided young sailors through the RCYC Sailing Academy for years and he knows exactly how rare it is to see a crew handle pressure like that in the middle of the Atlantic. After the win, he said he couldn’t be prouder.

“I’m incredibly proud of this crew. They were tested properly out there, especially after the setback, and the way they stayed calm, solved the problem, and kept racing was impressive. The support from home and from other crews along the way meant a huge amount, and I hope this shows young people in South Africa that with commitment and teamwork, even things that seem impossible can be achieved.”

That’s the real headline.

Not just that they won… but how they won. Not through perfect conditions or easy sailing, but through grit, teamwork and belief. Through solving problems in real time, while exhausted, while far from home, while the ocean throws its worst at you. The crew’s journey to this moment didn’t start in a yacht club filled with privilege. It started in a sailing academy committed to opening doors where there were none before. A programme that gives young people from communities where sailing is not a common sport the training, access and mentorship to become world-class. And now those young people have done something extraordinary — they’ve taken a South African flag, an impossible challenge, and a broken boat… and turned it into a win that will echo far beyond the finish line in Rio.

Viresh Maharaj, CEO Retail at Alexforbes, captured it perfectly, “Drawn together by a shared love of adventure, our sailors serve as a powerful reminder: no matter the ‘winds of fate’ or the weight of your circumstances, success is achievable. With disciplined preparation, a growth mindset and the right team in your corner, the impossible becomes possible.”

This is the kind of story that shifts something inside you. It’s not just about sailing. It’s about what happens when talent meets opportunity. It’s about young South Africans rewriting what’s possible. It’s about girls from communities that the world often overlooks, standing on a global stage and winning. It’s about discipline, courage and backing yourself… even when the boom breaks and the odds change overnight.

Deputy Minister Mabe said the victory belongs not only to the crew but to their coaches, families, the Sailing Academy, and every South African who believes sport can transform lives.

And she’s right.

When six young sailors from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Athlone can cross the Atlantic Ocean, solve the impossible, and win the Cape2Rio, it becomes harder for the rest of us to say, “I can’t.”

They did it. Without any excuses. And with the whole country cheering them on.

That’s not just a sailing win.

That’s South Africa at its best.

Sources: Interview with Sibusiso “Sibu” Sizatu and Viresh Maharaj, CEO Retail at Alexforbes 

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 From the Cape Flats to Rio: 6 Young Sailors Make History on the Open Ocean appeared first on Good Things Guy.

From viral moments that made us laugh to quiet acts of compassion that restored faith, 2025 delivered more good news than we could ever fit into one year. Good Things Guy Wrapped captures the highlights that mattered most.

Johannesburg, South Africa (26 December 2025) – South Africans have a remarkable ability to rise, to care, to innovate and to lead… often quietly, often without applause but always with heart. From everyday kindness to world-class achievements, 2025 reminded us that we really are champions at what we do. And that is something worth celebrating, loudly and proudly.

So, just like Spotify does a “Wrapped” every year, we decided to do the same.

Welcome to Good Things Guy Wrapped 2025.

This idea first came to life back in 2022 as a way to pause, reflect and properly look back on the year that was. Each year since, it has grown… just like our community.

Our Wrapped isn’t about vanity metrics. It’s about meaning. What stories were read the most? Which conversations sparked comments, debate and emotion? What gave us goosebumps? And which reader reminded us why this platform exists at all?

We’ve broken it all down into 10 categories, capturing the moments, people and stories that shaped 2025 on Good Things Guy.

Story of the Year

Choosing just one story was no easy task. Throughout 2025, Good Things Guy shared thousands of powerful stories, many of them reaching millions of readers. From a petrol attendant who quietly changed a family’s life and touched a nation, to a South African teen becoming one of the most sought-after young footballers in the world, the year was filled with moments that mattered.

But one story rose above the rest… not just in readership but in how deeply it resonated.

The most read and loved story of 2025 was about Roxanne Koorts, Christine Marthinus, Samantha Hendricks and Johanna Keever. Four women who helped deliver a baby on a moving train.

It began like any other weekday commute. Gospel songs hummed through the carriage. Coffee cups were clutched in tired hands. The morning moved quietly along… until just before 7am, when a young woman went into labour.

On a train.

What followed was extraordinary. Without panic or hesitation, four strangers stepped forward, becoming unexpected midwives in one of the most beautiful, human moments imaginable. It was compassion in action. Community without question.

South African of the Year

This is always our most prestigious category. And we believe every South African who made it through 2025 deserves recognition. Getting through the year alone is an achievement. But one person didn’t just shine, they dominated headlines and carried South Africa with them wherever they went.

After a unanimous vote, 2025 belonged to Tyla.

Not only because of her global success, but because of how she carried South Africa along for the ride… proudly, joyfully and without apology. Every win felt shared. Every milestone felt national.

From chart-topping hits to sold-out performances, international awards and cultural moments that rippled far beyond music, Tyla didn’t just open doors; she kicked them down. Just this week, she made history again, breaking the record for the most solo song entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 by any African female artist, a record that had been held by Miriam Makeba for more than 56 years.

That’s not just a career highlight. That’s legacy-shifting.

SPAR Hero of the Year

Every Friday, our newsletter lands in inboxes across the country, wrapping up the good things that happened that week. And every week, we honour a SPAR Hero of the Week . Everyday South Africans doing extraordinary things.

In 2025, those heroes included 12-year-old Vinoshan Naidoo, who brought neighbours together by cooking rotis and sharing stories with isolated pensioners, Matthew Du Toit, who ran 100 km from Macassar to Green Point and back to support families of children with cancer and Kimita Pather, who reimagined estate agency to ensure families never had to choose between homes and pets.

There were so many. And each story mattered. Deeply.

But one hero stood out, perhaps because he never wanted recognition at all.

Daniël du Plessis simply shared his lunch with a homeless man on a rainy day. That was it. No cameras. No agenda. Just kindness. When the moment went viral, Daniël almost didn’t want the attention. For him, this was normal. And that’s exactly why it mattered so much.

Moment of the Year

South Africans are exceptionally good at giving us “all the feels”. And in 2025, those moments arrived in unexpected ways (and bucket loads). Students surprising a lecturer with heartfelt gratitude. A Lebanese bakery receiving overwhelming support after a small spelling error turned into a symbol of inclusion. An elephant seal casually strolling through a Cape Town suburb before being gently guided home.

But one moment stood above the rest.

At what was meant to be a formal occasion, Grade 7 learner Abenathi Ntshotsho looked up at President Cyril Ramaphosa, smiled brightly and said, “Hello, Cupcake!” The country collectively laughed, smiled and shared the clip… because sometimes joy is simple, unscripted and exactly what we need.

Innovator of the Year

Innovation thrived in 2025. From education initiatives focused on disability inclusion to global recognition for platforms supporting neurodivergent families, South Africans continued to push boundaries.

But one story captivated the nation.

With just R700 and a second-hand computer, Marvel Shibambu and Malunghelo Mathonsi started building something special. Today, their learning app, Novar, has been downloaded thousands of times, attracted major partners and is reshaping access to education.

It’s an incredible story, one that inspired us all this year!

Sportsperson of the Year

From the Bokke to Dricus du Plessis, from endurance legends to cricketing heroes, our athletes raised the flag high again and again.

But one name stood out for us and our readers… Rayno Nel.

He’s the 2025 World’s Strongest Man and the reigning Strongman Champions League World Champion, the first African to ever claim the WSM title and now a back-to-back SCL world champ. Through all of this, he’s been rewriting record books with the Shield Carry and the Hercules Hold, casually deadlifting 490kg, and pulling a 16-tonne truck like it’s something you’d do before brunch.

He still holds the titles of South Africa’s and Africa’s Strongest Man… and what makes it all even more unbelievable is the timeline. A few years ago, he was a rugby player. Today, he’s a global powerhouse who wears resilience like part of his kit. His journey reads like a collision of grit, growth, and a nation cheering so loudly he can probably hear us from the podium.

His achievements weren’t just historic; they were deeply inspiring. Grit, discipline, and quiet determination defined his year… and that’s exactly why he’s earned our Sportsperson of the Year title.

Student of the Year

Young South Africans gave us immense hope in 2025. From students turning everyday problems into tech-powered solutions, to matric learners reminding us that resilience matters more than resources, the future looked bright.

But one student went above and beyond.

When first-year Stellenbosch University student Veer Gosai discovered a fraudulent SASSA grant opened in his name, he could have walked away frustrated. Instead, he took on the system, exposed a flaw and turned a cyber scandal into a national good news story.

That’s courage. And leadership.

Charity of the Year

Charities are the backbone of South Africa. While big names do incredible work, it’s often smaller organisations quietly changing lives that inspire us most.

This year, one name kept coming up… The Cows.

Through compassion, consistency and care, especially in their work with children facing cancer, they reminded us what community-driven charity truly looks like.

This year, South Africa lost a great man. Grant Bain wasn’t just a co-founder of The Cows; he was the heartbeat of a national movement that turned personal tragedy into powerful purpose. For nearly two decades, he dedicated his life to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer support, supporting the efforts of the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. And in doing so, he changed lives.

So this year, our Charity of the Year is The Cows. And our hero is Grant Bain.

Animal Story of the Year

South Africans love animals… and our animal stories are among our most-read every year.

From rhino conservation to miraculous reunions with long-lost pets, 2025 delivered countless heart-warming moments.

But Betsie the pug pulled at our heartstrings and made us believe in good again!

Betsie the Pug is a heartwarming rescue story about a senior pug found abandoned in a cardboard box, whose plight sparked a massive community effort for her care, vet treatment, and long-distance travel to her new furever home with Pug Rescue SA in Benoni, becoming a symbol of hope and compassion in late 2025.

Good Things Guy Top Fan of the Year

This one is personal. Good Things Guy exists because of its readers. Every share, comment and message matters. Choosing just one supporter was incredibly difficult but one person stood out all year.

Deidre Stoop.

Thank you for showing up. For sharing. For believing in good news. For being part of this community in the most meaningful way.

And that’s Good Things Guy Wrapped for 2025.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping us prove, every single day, that good things are happening… and they are worth telling.

We’ll keep finding them. And we’ll keep sharing them.

Source: Good Things Guy 

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 The Stories We Read, Shared And Felt: Good Things Guy Wrapped 2025 appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When South Africans talk about DIY inspiration, one name keeps popping up… and this week, he joins me on “Good Things with Brent Lindeque” to share his journey.

Johannesburg, South Africa (10 December 2025) – Some people renovate houses. Steve Baron somehow renovates your day. His YouTube channel, Flipping Johannesburg, has become one of my absolute favourites, and this week on Good Things with Brent Lindeque, I get to chat to the man behind the magic.

Steve didn’t start out with a hammer in one hand and a camera in the other. In fact, in 2022 he was a chartered accountant with a stable career and a very different life path. But something shifted. He wanted more creativity, more meaning, more heart in his everyday.

So he made a bold decision: he walked away and started flipping houses.

And the journey that followed has been remarkable.

“During lockdown I decided to open up to my more creative side. I’ve always had a keen interest in photography and filming so I already had quite a collection of before-and-after pictures. I decided to put together a proper portfolio of all my projects and make short videos offering advice and tips,” he shared with us.

Those early videos, shot during some of the strangest months of our lives, sparked an idea that has now grown into one of South Africa’s most bingeable renovation channels. We actually featured Steve on Good Things Guy back in 2022 when he launched his very first video. And again when one of his flips was nearing a million views. Today, that same video has passed 3 million views, and his channel has become a local favourite for anyone who loves a bit of DIY, a bit of chaos, a bit of creativity and a whole lot of humour.

It’s like Grand Designs decided to pop in for a visit to Joburg’s suburbs. And never left.

In our conversation, Steve and I dive into where it all began, what inspires him, and why project management in Johannesburg should probably be considered an extreme sport. We chat about the alphabetical “names” he gives his flips, how he approaches renovations and what he’s learnt from taking on projects that sometimes throw curveballs the size of broken geysers. We also speak about something he never expected when he uploaded that first video: becoming a little bit recognisable. There’s something genuinely heartwarming about hearing him describe being noticed in public, usually by someone who wants to say thank you for helping them make their own home look better, or simply for brightening their day.

Oh, and he gives us some brilliant renovation tips too.

And then, completely unrelated to renovations, we learn the difference between “clapping” and “clocking it” according to Gen Z.

But beyond the tips, the laughs and the million-view videos, Steve’s story is really about creativity, courage and starting again. What he’s built goes far beyond beautiful homes. He’s built a community. A space where ordinary South Africans can learn, feel inspired and find the confidence to try something new, even if it’s just painting a room or fixing a stubborn cupboard door.

Watch the episode below:

Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
New episodes drop weekly.
Powered by Nando’s. Filmed at Primedia Studios.
Stories that matter. Conversations that count.

Source: Good Things With Brent Lindeque  

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

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook 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 Flipping Johannesburg: How Steve Baron Turned Renovation Chaos into Creative Gold appeared first on Good Things Guy.

It took just 38mm of micro-tech to mark a major moment for South African healthcare, as specialists implanted the nation’s first leadless pacemaker with precision and success.

Centurion, South Africa (09 December 2025) – A powerful shift has just taken place in South African healthcare, one so small you could balance it on your fingertip, yet significant enough to shape the future of cardiac treatment.

A pioneering procedure at Netcare Unitas Hospital has seen a tiny, leadless pacemaker implanted directly into the heart of a patient, introducing a new chapter in life-saving technology and marking an extraordinary moment for local medical innovation.

The device, known as the AVEIR VR Leadless Pacemaker (LP), is the first of its kind ever implanted in South Africa and only the second on the entire continent. It measures just 38mm, a fraction of the size of a AAA battery, yet carries the promise of transforming care for people living with heart rhythm disorders.

In late November, cardiologist Dr Jean Vorster and electrophysiologist Dr Jane Moses performed the landmark procedure using a minimally invasive technique that signals a remarkable leap forward in micro-tech solutions for cardiac health.

“Although pacemakers have become smaller with longer battery life over the past two to three decades, there has been little advancement in the therapy,” explains Dr Vorster, who practises at Netcare Unitas Hospital.

That is precisely why this moment is so meaningful. Traditional pacemakers rely on leads that run through veins into the heart, and patients are often left with a visible chest bulge or scar, a daily reminder of their condition. This new generation LP changes all of that.

“This latest iteration of pacemaker technology not only eliminates the need for leads, which are usually implanted through the veins leading to the heart, but there is also the aesthetic advantage that the patient is no longer left with a bulge in their chest… because this LP is so small,” says Dr Vorster. “The AVEIR VR LP is also unique in the considerable advancement in the algorithms and programming of the device.”

The single-chamber device sits comfortably within the lower right ventricle of the heart. But as Dr Jane Moses points out, its true significance lies in what it makes possible next.

“While this single chamber device is good news in itself for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, the major significance of this technology lies in the possibilities it presents for further breakthroughs in the near future.”

That future feels much closer now.

Designed for precision, the pacemaker is inserted and positioned using a slim catheter guided through the femoral vein. No chest incision required. Before it’s secured, the system can map the area, measure electrical activity, and determine the exact point of optimal contact. Once confirmed, the pacemaker is gently rotated to anchor it into the heart’s muscular inner wall. It can even be retrieved if needed.

For patients, the benefits are immediate. There are fewer risks of infection, no concerns about lead degradation, and often a significantly shorter recovery time.

“Eliminating leads is really a game-changer in pacemaker technology,” Dr Vorster says. “In Europe, some patients can return home on the day of the procedure, reducing the need for hospital recovery.”

Dr Moses adds that while leadless pacemakers are currently reserved for specific cases, such as patients with infections or insufficient access for traditional leads, this breakthrough sets the stage for something extraordinary.

“As the first in the country and only the second such device implanted on the continent, we are encouraged that this technology is paving the way for further developments.”

One of those developments could soon be dual-chamber, leadless pacing: a device in the ventricle and another in the atrium, communicating to replicate more natural heart rhythms.

“In the not-too-distant future, we can foresee the benefits… to restore regular, healthy heartbeats for a wider range of conditions to bring hope to more patients,” Dr Moses says.

And that’s the heart of this story: hope.

Hope wrapped in innovation. Hope delivered through a device smaller than we ever thought possible. Hope for thousands of South Africans who may one day benefit from micro-tech that feels more like science fantasy becoming science fact.

Source: Netcare 

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 SA Doctors Make History With Minimally Invasive Pacemaker Procedure appeared first on Good Things Guy.

It started with one child, one struggle and one mother who refused to give up. Today, Rising Stars stands as a safe haven for dozens of children whose futures are brighter because one woman decided to make a plan.

Lawley, South Africa (04 December 2025) – There are moments in this work where the “good things” feel almost too big for the camera to capture. This week’s conversation with Rising Stars founder, Linna Ndlovu, was one of those moments… a story rooted in motherhood, community, and a young man whose journey reminded South Africa what kindness can do.

On this week’s episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque, I got to chat with Linna Ndlovu, the founder of Rising Stars ECD Centre, and within moments, it became clear why this work is more than a job to her. Her passion fills every corner of the room. Her kindness is lived. And her heart is enormous.

She started the centre because mothers in her community desperately needed a safe place for their children. They wanted to finish school. They needed to return to work. They needed someone they trusted.

Linna became that someone.

But the roots of Rising Stars stretch far deeper… all the way back to her son.

Many Good Things Guy readers will remember Bryan Ndlovu, a young man living with Chronic Lung Disease whose story touched the nation during Stage 6 load shedding in 2023.

It began when I shared a post asking South Africans to be softer with one another, to hold onto kindness even when the world felt unkind. Load shedding had pushed parts of the country into darkness for 11.5 hours at a time, leaving people anxious, exhausted and trying to make impossible plans.

A comment appeared under the post.

It was from Bryan.

He shared that he had to book himself into hospital, not because he was sick, but because he needed power. His oxygen cylinders couldn’t last through the outage.

“Imagine I’ve to book myself into a hospital bed, just because I don’t have enough oxygen cylinder to last me that long, while I wait for loadshedding to end.”

This was a young man who had battled Chronic Lung Disease since 13, survived a life-changing kidney infection at 21, and by 23 relied on oxygen around the clock. Yet here he was, inspiring strength and reminding us all why kindness matters.

With his permission, I shared his story online… and South Africa responded. Hundreds of messages poured in. Strangers sent hope, encouragement and love. And then came someone who asked to remain anonymous.

A complete stranger.

A woman who read his story and decided that kindness should not stop at words.

She bought him an inverter.

“We can’t be praying for miracles in our own lives if we refuse to be the miracle in someone else’s when the opportunity presents itself.”

The inverter changed everything. It meant fewer hospital trips. More mobility. More freedom. And for the first time in a long time… it meant he could breathe without fear.

When he received it, he cried.

“I have never felt so much love from a stranger. Thank you so much.”

That day, South Africans lifted one young man out of darkness… literally and figuratively. And it is impossible to understand Rising Stars ECD Centre without understanding him.

Because Bryan is Linna’s son.

And every child she cares for is held with the same love she used to keep him alive.

Rising Stars ECD Centre (NPO 146-641) in Lawley Ext 2 has been supporting its community since 2010. It officially registered in 2014, but its true start was humble: mothers knocking on Linna’s door, asking her to help look after their babies so they could rebuild their own lives.

At the time, Linna was unemployed, caring for Bryan full-time, making plans between oxygen machines, doctor’s visits, and uncertainty. Yet she somehow found space to help others and soon, her living room became the safest place in the neighbourhood.

Five children became ten.

Ten became twenty.

Twenty became over fifty.

Inspectors eventually required proper infrastructure, so she fundraised, persuaded, begged and built… brick by brick, hope by hope.

Today, the centre urgently needed repairs before the rainy season begins but the love inside those walls hasn’t wavered for a moment.

The community nominated Rising Stars for this podcast episode. Neighbours, parents, teachers… people who’ve watched Linna show up day after day, no matter how hard life became. They wanted her story told. They wanted her celebrated. They wanted someone to acknowledge the difference she’s made.

And so we did.

This conversation forms part of the Budget Insurance x Good Things Guy partnership, created to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes you’ve nominated, the helpers who quietly keep South Africa going. Budget Insurance believes in backing those helpers. They offer simple, affordable cover that protects what matters, and they partnered with us because they understand something important:

With Budget, good things come to good South Africans.

Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
New Budget Insurance episodes drop monthly.
Powered by Budget Insurance. Filmed at Rising Stars ECD Centre.
Stories that matter. Conversations that count.

Source: Budget Insurance x Good Things Guy | Rising Stars ECD Centre 

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

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook 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 An ECD Centre Born From Love: The Remarkable Story Behind Rising Stars! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Behind every food order is a person, a journey, a story… and thanks to T Motise, South Africans are finally seeing the full picture.

Western Cape, South Africa (28 November 2025) – If you’ve ever opened a delivery app without thinking twice about the person behind the order, you’re not alone. But a young graduate is changing that, one honest TikTok at a time… and South Africans are paying attention.

Originally from Limpopo and now based in the Western Cape, T Motise is a university graduate with a Bachelor of Education. On paper, he should be in a classroom teaching learners. In reality, he’s riding through neighbourhoods delivering food.

And while he hasn’t yet found work in the career he studied for, he’s teaching South Africa something just as important… empathy.

The first TikTok that reached the masses was a tough one to watch. In it, he admitted that he often delivers food while hungry himself. No theatrics. No self-pity. Just a quiet, honest confession about the reality many drivers face every single day.

@tmotise.iaac The struggle is real. One day is one day. Let’s not allow to burden ourselves on our job. #fyp #life #relate #tmotise ♬ Overcome – Skott

South Africans reacted with the kind of warmth we sometimes forget we’re capable of until moments like this remind us.

“Next time I order, I will order two and hand one to the driver.”

“This is why I order an extra burger just for the driver + R20 cash tip.”

“If you ever come to our shop feel free to say you’re hungry we will feed you.”

Comment after comment poured in. Not to shame or to criticise… but to uplift. Because at the heart of this country are people who care, deeply and instinctively.

And when we went digging through his TikTok page, we realised something remarkable: this man isn’t just sharing moments… he’s sharing a movement.

@tmotise.iaac The worst day for my life as a Mr D and Takealot delivery guy. Better days are coming. #fyp #life #tmotise #contentcreator ♬ Manifestation – Perfect, so dystopian

@tmotise.iaac Do you guys think I should do it? #fyp #life #relate #tmotise #contentcreator ♬ Motivational Story – Carla bxd

T Motise takes viewers behind the scenes of life as a food delivery driver. The hours, the waiting, the weather, the challenges, the payment breakdowns, the tips (or lack of tips), the kilometres, the hopes, the discouragement and the determination. He documents hitting his daily goals, sometimes only wrapping up around 10pm. He laughs through the tough bits. He celebrates the wins. He shows patience, effort and the kind of grit that often goes unnoticed. But more than anything, he is using his platform to help others. He gives practical advice to South Africans wanting to join the industry, on how to earn, what to expect and where the pitfalls are. He talks transparently about how the apps pay, what drivers need to survive a shift and how customers can make small choices that make a huge difference.

He is humanising a service we use every day but rarely think about beyond the app screen.

And that’s why this story matters.

T Motise might not be standing in front of a classroom right now but he is teaching the entire country about dignity, resilience and kindness. He’s reminding us that behind every order is someone’s time, someone’s hunger, someone’s safety and someone’s story.

When he shares, South Africans listen.

And when South Africans listen, kindness follows.

Source: T Motise TikTok 

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 Young Graduate Uses TikTok to Show the Reality of Food Deliveries appeared first on Good Things Guy.