Behind the cuddles, nappies and miracles happening every day at Bella’s Blessings is a constant battle to survive financially… and when that reality became public, Mzansi turned a crisis into a moment of love in action.

Johannesburg, South Africa (14 January 2026) – There are certain homes in South Africa that do far more than provide shelter… they become a lifeline. They take in children who have been abandoned, neglected, or born into circumstances that feel impossible, and they wrap them in routine, safety, therapy, and love until those little hearts learn how to trust again.

Bella’s Blessings is one of those places.

It’s a South African non-profit that provides a safe, loving home for abandoned and special needs babies and toddlers, offering care, therapy, and hope so every child can feel valued, loved, and supported as they work towards reaching their full potential. It’s not a building that closes its doors at 5pm. It’s a home that runs on nappies, night feeds, hospital visits, wheelchairs, school runs… and commitment you don’t get to switch off.

This week, we were tagged in a heartbreaking Facebook post from founder Lauren Matthewson-Woolard, explaining that her husband Greg had undergone cardiac surgery, had not been paid during recovery, and that the organisation had reached an urgent point where they could not cover essential costs, including rent.

“This is not easy for us to share, and we have avoided asking for as long as we possibly could… At this point, we have reached a place where we have not been able to cover all essential costs, and our rent is now urgently due… If you are able to assist in any way — through a contribution, sharing this post, or keeping us in your thoughts — please know that it would mean more than we can put into words.”

The crowdfunding campaign aimed to raise R25,000… and South Africans did what they do best when children are involved: they showed up. Donations flowed in and the total has now reached R30,555.

We interviewed Lauren to understand what life looks like behind the photos. Her honesty was both heavy and hopeful.

Lauren says Greg is slowly improving, but the recovery has been far harder than they expected. He is still in pain most days, his chest remains tight, his muscles spasm as they heal, and rebuilding lung strength has been one of the biggest challenges. Fatigue is constant, and even sleep has been difficult because he has to lie on his back in one position.

Emotionally, it has taken a toll too, especially because unexpected pain and symptoms created anxiety and fear, and because Greg has been physically unable to help in the way he’s used to.

“Not being able to work, drive, lift, or physically assist with the children has been especially difficult for him,” Lauren told us, “particularly because our lives, and our home, revolve around caring for vulnerable children through Bella’s Blessings.”

Lauren explained that financially, the situation has been incredibly stressful.

“We are not on medical aid, a decision we made both for financial reasons and because of the values that sit at the heart of Bella’s Blessings. The children who come through our home rely on the public healthcare system, and it has always been important to us that we navigate the same systems they do. While we have been fortunate to receive support from compassionate doctors over the years, the absence of medical aid has limited access to rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, which has directly impacted Greg’s recovery.”

And because Bella’s Blessings runs from their home, the children’s needs didn’t pause for hospital admissions, long months of waiting for surgery, or the stress of not knowing what comes next. They had to keep going.

On top of that, the cost of care is relentless.

“Greg has also not been paid during his recovery, following multiple salary cuts in the months leading up to surgery, and there is currently no income from his side. At the same time, the costs associated with running Bella’s Blessings — providing food, schooling support, transport, and stability for the children in our care — remain constant. I have had to carry the full responsibility of the household, the children, the logistics of the NPO, and Greg’s emotional support while navigating my own exhaustion” 

“This life was never an easy choice. It was a choice I made long before I met Greg, and one he wholeheartedly stepped into when we built our family and our home around caring for vulnerable children. The smiles, milestones, and small miracles we witness daily are what make the strain feel worth it — but the reality is that love alone does not pay the bills.”

Behind the cuddles and milestones is constant financial pressure. Lauren budgets around R2,500 to R3,000 per child per month, excluding education, and nursery school alone can sit at around R5,000 per child per month.

Then there are the core costs that keep the home running:

• Rent: ± R17,000
• Caregivers / staff: R15,000 (without a night team, which they desperately need)
• Groceries and medication: ± R15,000–R17,000
• Vehicles and fuel: ± R18,000–R19,000
• Nappies: ± R2,500–R3,000 (with urgent needs for night nappies, sizes 6 & 7, and small adult nappies)

Formula is currently sponsored, which has been a lifeline, and Dis-Chem has awarded Bella’s Blessings a small monthly contribution towards essentials but therapy and specialised support still remain largely uncovered. Space is also becoming a major issue, with Lauren sharing that they urgently need a bigger home with room for the children to move safely, play and ideally access therapy in a familiar environment.

But Bella’s Blessings keeps going. The organisation was shaped by Chloe, a foster child Lauren cared for before Greg came into their lives. Chloe passed away in 2018, but Lauren says she remains part of their home, their decisions and the miracles they witness.

“I like to think Chloe has a hand in every decision we make and is behind the scenes whenever a little miracle happens.”

“Even now, each of our babies notices her photo on my bedroom wall and, as they grow older, ask about her. She remains very much a part of our home, watching over us in a guardian angel role.”

Lauren believes Chloe would be proud of what they’ve built, but would also be the one urging them to keep expanding the dream, to grow the care they offer and to reach more children.

Right now, Bella’s Blessings cares for six children, ranging from 5 months to 6 years old, with 4 of them living with special needs. Two require wheelchairs. And despite the complexity, the house is filled with energy, laughter and moments that make the strain feel worth it.

“Every child in our care brings a story, a need, and a triumph. From teaching new skills to witnessing breakthroughs in mobility, speech, and confidence, we see every day why this work is worth it.”

There’s Thomas (6), the “big brother” with cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, whose belly laugh lifts everyone. There’s Olivia Grace (4), once told she may never sit, walk or speak, now walking, climbing, running and singing. There’s Izzy, born with cerebral palsy, with cortical visual impairment, now making gains that are celebrated step by step, and whose sister was also welcomed into the home after being abandoned shortly after birth. And there’s Ethan (born 2025), a joyful little one now being monitored for a heart murmur.

“And to hear the words ‘I love you’ out of the mouths of our little ones,” Lauren told us, “nothing will ever beat that.”

Lauren admits she posted the appeal as a last attempt in a desperate moment, not expecting much to happen… and then the community response overwhelmed her.

“I’ve cried so many tears… real, ugly, heartfelt tears… I closed my eyes on Sunday and felt, for the first time in a long time, that I could breathe.”

She says that it has been hard to explain the relief and gratitude, and she suspects even our landlord shed happy tears as well, having watched her stress over every detail.

But above everything else, Lauren wanted to thank South Africa for all the help.

“Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Your love, generosity, and belief in what we do make all the difference. Every contribution, whether it’s time, skills, pre-loved items, monthly support, or a donation, is a lifeline that allows these children to thrive, laugh, learn, and feel safe. You are not just supporting Bella’s Blessings; you are part of the miracle of giving these children a childhood, hope, and a future. Because of you, we can continue to do the impossible, and I hope you know the impact of what you are helping create goes far beyond what words can capture.”

She spoke about grocery deliveries arriving, people offering volunteer help, medical teams celebrating the children’s milestones alongside them and social workers who have become family.

One message she’ll never forget came from a social worker.

“On behalf of social workers, I would like to extend my gratitude to you… You make our job easy when everyone else is rejecting special babies… In my years of experience, I have never met such a strong woman like you…”

Lauren says that the crowdfunding success has been proof that their community is behind them.

“It shows that people believe in Bella’s Blessings, in the children, and in the work we do. It’s a reminder that while the challenges are real and the journey is hard, we are never truly carrying this alone. With support, encouragement, and love, we can continue to help these children grow, thrive, and know that they are cherished… and that is why we keep going every single day.” 

Now that the rent emergency has breathing room, the next urgent needs remain the basics that keep children safe and thriving: nappies, groceries, clothing, medical supplies, transport support, and therapy and education sponsorship. Sustainable support, like monthly giving, helps them plan and breathe.

Bella’s Blessings is registered with the Department of Social Development and listed with CIPC, with a valid organisational bank account, and they are actively working towards Section 18A approval, welcoming professional assistance with that process.

This story is heavy because it’s real. But the good news is just as real.

A family who has spent years holding other people’s children through the hardest beginnings has been held by a country that refuses to look away. A campaign aimed at R25,000 is now sitting at R30,555, and that number represents far more than rent… it represents community, relief and the reminder that Lauren and Greg are not carrying this alone.

Most importantly, it means six little lives remain safe, secure, and deeply loved… exactly where they belong, with foster parents, who will continue to fight to care for these little lives.


”You are loved beyond measure, every single one of you. Even on the hardest days, you remind us why we never give up. Keep smiling, keep exploring, and keep dreaming… we will always fight to make sure you have the opportunities, safety, and joy every child deserves. Chloe’s spirit is with us every day, and so is ours, cheering you on as you grow, discover, and shine. You are our little miracles, and we are so proud of every step you take, every laugh, and every milestone you achieve.”

Sources: Interview with Lauren Matthewson-Woolard 

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 They Save Abandoned Babies Every Day… Now South Africans Are Saving Bella’s Blessings appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After the death of their son Ky, Jen Rowe found herself paying closer attention to the way people speak, listen and show up for one another. KY-ND emerged as her response… a reminder that kindness, when practised with intent, can change lives.

Western Cape, South Africa (06 January 2026) – Jen Rowe never set out to start a “thing”. She was just trying to survive the unthinkable. And keep her family standing after losing her son, Ky. But grief has a way of stripping life down to what truly matters. It sharpens the weight of words. It exposes how lonely people can feel, even when surrounded. And it turns kindness from a nice idea into something essential.

KY-ND was born from that place. From heartbreak. From love. From a family refusing to let their child’s life be remembered only for how it ended.

On the evening of 9 August 2022, just after 8pm, Jen received a phone call that changed everything. Ky died by suicide. And from that moment, Jen’s world became a before-and-after.

“KY-ND was born out of heartbreak and tragedy… On the 9th of August 2022, just after 8pm, I received a call, a call that changed my life… ‘I’m so sorry… this is the worst call I have to make…’

We had lost our son to suicide.

When your extraordinary son decides to leave this life he was living fully, your world shatters. You are forever changed. I respected his decision because I knew Ky and I love and understand him deeply, but it was a tsunami to all of us. Never would I have imagined this would be our journey. My world instantly broke apart.

Ky was so strong and present, he was the helper, the listener, the carer, sometimes the joker and player, with the most gorgeous, cheeky smile, who touched so many lives. Ky had decided that he couldn’t live with the pain he was feeling in that moment, in those few hours.

As a Mom, it is the most heartbreaking realisation to come to terms with. Your child chose to leave. You analyse every discussion, every tough moment, every harsh word uttered by peers and teachers, every knock in his life, every moment that you offered guidance and love and why that wasn’t enough. You have to look inward, you have to process, you have to question, you have to sit in the excruciating pain BUT how do you survive? I’m still learning! I have to practise KY-ND to self, a really tough one, but so vital! I can’t change what happened. This is not a journey I envisaged, ever! It is not a journey I wish anyone else to have to go on. In this pain, I have lost who I was before but what I still am is a Mom to my younger son.”

If you’ve ever sat with someone in grief, you’ll know this part: the love doesn’t disappear. It gets louder. It becomes the thing you carry and the thing that carries you.

Jen says they were surrounded immediately, held up by people who arrived with meals, presence, practical help and a kind of steady compassion that you don’t forget.

“From the moment we heard Ky had died, we were surrounded by incredible family and friends. Full of love and immense KY-NDness. They came into our home and helped us navigate extremely dark days. And frightening nights. They made sure that all the necessary steps and admin, that your brain can’t manage when experiencing immense trauma, were covered. Around our Yellowwood table was love, support, sadness and excruciating pain, with our community holding us tightly.

And here I am 3 years later, heartbroken but standing. Living for my family, for our sons, for all the incredible friends that surround me and hold me, and us, with so much love and compassion.”

And then comes the part where the story shifts, not into something “better”, not into something neat, but into something purposeful because Jen didn’t want Ky’s story to end in silence.

“Since Ky died, I have had a deep sense of wanting to honour his life and legacy by trying to reach out and help others who may be feeling alone and unworthy as he did in his life.

KY-ND (kind + intent + purpose) was born as I neared the 1st year of Ky’s death and my 1st birthday without Ky. KY-ND, the word, was gifted to me by friends, Andrew and Loraine, in a beautifully written message for Ky’s 21st. They spoke about Ky’s kindness and wrote kind as Kynd. It was so fitting and so Ky! So desperately sad to think that Ky never had the 21st he was so looking forward to!

I wanted to start conversations around owning our words and actions and the impact they have and what it really means to be kind. How do we start connecting and reaching out? We need to talk about the tough issues we face. It’s really ok to not be ok! Words matter!”

That’s the heartbeat of KY-ND: kindness that isn’t vague or performative but intentional. Kindness that shows up as words you choose carefully. As a moment where you decide to soften instead of sharpen. As a decision to sit down next to someone who looks alone.

That’s how it began, not with branding, but with a bench.

“I didn’t know how to do that, so I started with a bench at Ky’s school where I sat during break and if anyone wanted to come and chat I was there. The thought is that if anyone is sitting on Ky’s bench alone, go and sit next to them and just be. Ky’s residence in Stellenbosch has done the same. That was the beginning of spreading KY-ND.”

From there, the message travelled into the real world in a way that feels very Jen. A logo traced from Ky’s tattoo. A shirt that opens a door. A symbol that invites conversation without forcing it.

“So a beautiful, quality T-shirt, created from heartbreak, with love, purpose and intent was born! I am hoping that KY-ND can ignite conversations as we can begin wearing them and sharing our stories.

Ky had wanted a tattoo since he was about 15. And then the tree on his chest. A tree, which meant so much to me and to him. That is his tree tattoo in the logo. Trees, the symbol of life.

I hope you wear your tee and that it ignites conversation. So often people struggle in social environments, Ky did. Here is a way to stand in a room or with a group of people, say nothing, and hopefully someone asks you what you are wearing. And there begins the conversation!”

And those conversations are happening.

“We are building a KY-ND community together. Connection is so important. I was wearing my KY-ND tee the other day and a stranger came up to me and said, ‘Hi, we have a bench at our school with KY-ND on it. I sit on it often’. We went into a coffee shop the other day and met a young man working there who had on his KY-ND tee. We spoke, hugged and were instantly connected. We need community, we need a purpose and we need to feel that our lives matter.”

There’s also tangible good being done alongside the message. KY-ND has helped raise funds for Operation Smile South Africa, supporting children and families in very real, practical ways, another thread that ties back to Ky and the things that mattered to him.

“We have managed to raise over R55 000 for Operation Smile through KY-ND. They are doing amazing work in helping transform the lives of cleft patients and their families.”

But if you ask Jen what KY-ND looks like day-to-day, she doesn’t point to big moments. She points to choices.

“If you are reading this, I want to say ‘Thank you’ first for taking the time to read these words. I do believe that we need to start with ourselves first. Often, the most kind and caring humans are not looking after their own thoughts, emotions and words to themselves.

Wake up a few minutes earlier. Set your intention. If that is too difficult for now, then set your intention to do something KY-ND in the day. Smile at a stranger, call a friend and express your gratitude, let someone into the traffic queue with a smile, write a note with KY-ND words. Words are so powerful! If you don’t have anything KY-ND to say, rather say nothing! A KY-ND thought, word and action costs nothing, but means everything!”

That’s what makes KY-ND different. It doesn’t demand you become someone else overnight. It asks you to notice. To pause. To lead with gentleness, especially with yourself.

And because Jen’s heart is firmly set on protecting children from suffering in silence, KY-ND also leans into schools, parents, and educators, encouraging conversations early, and giving young people language for what they feel.

Her hope is simple, and huge: that kids grow up knowing they matter, that their emotions are valid, and that asking for support is not weakness.

Finally, when I asked Jen what she would want someone in deep pain to hear, not as advice, but as reassurance, she spoke with the kind of honesty that doesn’t pretend.

“I wish I could help make the pain stop, but I can’t… But I can try to find some inner peace… I find that living in the present moment, even for short spaces of time, really helps me… I would encourage anyone in pain to seek out nature…

I want you to know that what you feel is real and it is ok to feel. I want you to know that you are loved… that you being here matters to those who love you. That you are not a burden, but a gift. That you are not alone…
There is darkness and pain, but there is light and love too… In the morning, the sun rises, the loss hits, but the birds sing, the friendships hold us and we take steps in KY-NDness.”

KY-ND was born on a road no family wants to walk. But what’s come from it is a growing reminder that kindness can be active, intentional, and life-giving. And that words, when chosen with care, can help people feel seen before they disappear into their own pain.

Jen is doing this for Ky. For her family. For children who don’t yet have the language to explain what’s happening inside them. And for anyone who needs a simple reminder today: you matter, you are not alone, and there are people who will sit next to you… even if it’s just a bench and the start of a conversation.

*Jen has launched the KY-ND pledge for 2026. You can join by clicking here. 

Source: Interview with Jen Rowe 

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 KY-ND (And Kindness): How a Mother is Honouring Her Son! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When a humble petrol attendant gave away a few litres of fuel and slipped R100 into a stranger’s hand, he never imagined that gesture would inspire thousands to do the same… and remind South Africa what it means to really care.

Johannesburg, South Africa (31 July 2025) – When Justin Roderick’s story first landed on Good Things Guy, it moved the country in a way few stories ever do.

It wasn’t just about a car that ran out of petrol, or a family struggling to stay afloat. It was about what happened next… when a stranger named Warren Bhebhe, a petrol attendant in Bryanston, stepped forward and quietly, gently, changed everything. He paid for a 5-litre bottle of petrol out of his own pocket. Then, as Justin rushed back to the car with his two tearful daughters, Warren slipped a folded R100 into his hand. No big gesture. No “look at me” moment. Just kindness… quiet, sincere and powerful.

“He didn’t just bless me with petrol,” Justin wrote. “He gave me hope.”

And from that single act of compassion… something truly extraordinary began to grow. In the days since that moment was shared with the world, Justin has been overwhelmed, not by sympathy, but by connection.

“The pain and struggle of trying to keep my family okay has been immense,” he shared in an emotional update. “There were days I felt like my body was shutting down from the internal weight of it all. Hearing my girls cry from helplessness broke me in ways no words can explain.”

But what met that pain was nothing short of a miracle. Thousands of comments, shares, prayers and messages from people across South Africa and the world. People who had also felt helpless. People who knew what it meant to be at the end of your rope. People who were moved by Warren’s gesture and inspired to go out and do the same.

“My family no longer feels alone. I feel like I have a family of thousands. We feel loved, seen, and cared for. You’ve moved me in ways I cannot fully express.”

The story has reached radio stations, newspapers and online platforms, but more importantly, it’s reached hearts. It’s changed the way people see each other at petrol stations, in traffic and at school drop-offs. It’s reminded us that we are not alone, that we are each other’s keepers.

“We’re not just sharing a story anymore,” Justin wrote. “We’re exporting hope.”

And that hope “in action” is already happening.

People have been inspired to help one another. R20. R50. A loaf of bread. A conversation. A hug. A message. All in the name of The Warren Challenge, a call to do one kind thing for someone else and share it to keep the ripple going.

“If each of us helps just one person this week,” Justin wrote, “Warren’s R100 will multiply into millions of acts of kindness.”

There are whispers of a bigger dream forming, “The Warren Effect“, something that might one day become a platform to celebrate and multiply acts of kindness. But the most important message isn’t what’s being built, it’s that none of us are alone; we are all in this together.

“To those who’ve shared their own struggles in the comments, you are not alone. Your vulnerability gives others permission to be human.”

“To my daughters, you’ve now seen that angels exist, and sometimes they wear petrol attendant uniforms.”

“And to Warren, the world may now know your name. But more importantly, they know your heart.”

So whether you help by giving, by sharing, by praying, or simply by choosing love instead of anger today, you are part of the ripple. Because this is no longer just a story… it’s South Africa, remembering itself. One act of kindness at a time.

Sources: Interview with Justin Roderick

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 Update: The Petrol Attendant Who Gave R100 Has Sparked A Kindness Revolution appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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 

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

Welcome to “Good Things With Brent Lindeque”! New here? Well, we have a story for you… this is where it all began.

South Africa (22 May 2025) – If you’re new to Good Things with Brent Lindeque, welcome! This week’s episode is something a little different: a special introduction for anyone who’s just found the podcast (or the good news platform that started it all).

But it’s not “just” an origin story… it’s a reminder that small acts of kindness can ripple out and change the world.

You see, before there was a podcast, or a website, or the ‘Good Things Guy’ moniker, there was just one idea: try to make someone’s day a little bit better.

In 2014, Brent Lindeque was just another South African with a camera phone and a nomination in a drinking game that had gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Neknominations were about outdoing your friends in outrageous alcohol challenges but instead of downing drinks, Brent decided to flip the script. He drove into a Johannesburg intersection, armed with a R20 meal and gave it to a homeless man. He filmed it. Then he challenged others to do the same.

That one small moment, of kindness, humanity, and hope, caught fire.

Within days, the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) initiative exploded globally. Brent’s nomination video went viral, with millions of views and copycat kindnesses popping up across the world. The movement sparked real, long-lasting change. It was featured everywhere from Carte Blanche, eNCA and 5FM, to international outlets like CNN, BBC, Mashable, Oprah Magazine… and even Ellen Degeneres gave it a shout-out.

From that spark, Good Things Guy was born, a platform dedicated to sharing uplifting stories, inspiring hope and reminding us all that good things are happening every single day, right here in South Africa and across the globe. Since then, Brent has been named a LeadSA Hero, selected as one of Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs, and featured as one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans. In 2024 alone, he was voted number 5 in the Top South Africans of the Year and number 12 in the Top 100 Best South African Podcasts.

But those accolades aren’t what matter most. What matters is the impact. The RAK movement inspired millions of videos, helped create feeding schemes in Canada, the USA, and Ireland that still exist today, and reminded millions of people that they are not alone.

And now, in 2025, Good Things with Brent Lindeque has grown again… from audio to video. The podcast has become a full vidcast, connecting audiences in a more intimate way, sharing stories face-to-face, heart-to-heart.

This whole journey, from one small act of kindness to a global movement, is a good thing. It’s proof that we don’t need to be famous, rich, or powerful to make a difference. We just need to show up with a full heart and the courage to do something good.

So whether you’ve been here since day one or just stumbled upon us now, know this: you’re part of the good things family. And together, we can keep changing the narrative. One good story at a time.

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Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & 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 Good Things: How a R20 Meal Sparked a Global Kindness Movement appeared first on Good Things Guy.