South Africa met Rudolf Lakay standing at a taxi rank with a tray of sweets. Today, he’s stepping into a future shaped by opportunity, education and belief.

South Africa (01 March 2026) – When Rudolf Lakay first appeared on our timelines, he wasn’t asking for sympathy or shortcuts. He was doing what so many South Africans do when faced with a challenge: waking up early, showing up and putting in the work. Before the school bell rang, the Florida High matriculant could be found at the Mitchells Plain town centre taxi rank, selling sweets to commuters with one clear goal in mind… to pay for his matric dance and help his family at home.

That moment struck a chord across the country. A young man choosing effort over excuses, pride over pity and action over waiting for something to change. When the video of Rudolf’s early morning hustle made its way onto social media, South Africans responded with the kind of generosity that reminds you why this place still surprises you in the best ways.

A crowdfunding campaign launched by Renaldo Gouws set out to raise R10,000. Within 30 minutes, it had already passed R35,000. By the time the donations slowed, more than R80,000 had been raised.

Renaldo summed it up simply at the time, “Let’s show this young man that hard work is rewarded and that there are many kind souls out there who will always assist those who are willing to put their shoulder to the wheel.”

The support meant Rudolf could attend his matric dance with dignity but the ripple effects went far beyond one night. That early act of backing a determined teenager opened doors that are now reshaping his life.

Those early mornings eventually caught the attention of Raa-iq Solomons, Senior Student Advisor at Emeris, who saw more than a side hustle. He saw a young man with drive who needed guidance and access.

“When I first came across Rudolph, I could see the sincerity and determination of a young man who didn’t grow up with much. Reaching matric is already a huge milestone in our communities,” Solomons says.

That conversation became a turning point. Through mentorship, advice on study options and help navigating bursary opportunities, Rudolf’s path shifted from survival to strategy. A collaboration between Emeris and the Alfeco Foundation followed, ensuring that financial barriers would not stand in the way of his next chapter. The Alfeco Foundation committed to covering 50% of his tuition, study materials, accommodation and food expenses for the next three years, while Emeris stepped in to cover the remaining costs. Together, they backed more than a degree; they backed potential.

Rudolf is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Management at Vega School at Emeris Cape Town City. The programme blends academic rigour with practical projects, giving him the tools to sharpen his ideas and test them in the real world. True to form, he hasn’t waited to finish studying before applying what he’s learning. Alongside his coursework, he continues running small ventures, using each project as a classroom of its own.

“I plan to use my practical experiences while studying by applying the knowledge I learn and approaching projects with my problem-solving skills,” he says.

At the heart of it all is a promise he made long ago.

“Growing up, I could never ask my mum for things like new shoes or gifts, but I promised myself that one day I would buy her everything she wished for,” Rudolf shares.

He also carries a hope that reaches beyond his own story.

“I want to see the youth of Mitchell’s Plain not be ashamed of where they come from and prevent their circumstances from determining their future,” he says.

This story began before sunrise at a taxi rank but it is clearly headed somewhere much bigger. With education, support and an unshakable work ethic behind him, Rudolf is no longer just chasing dreams… he is building them, step by step, with intention and purpose.

Sources: Rudolf Lakay 

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

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post How a Tray of Sweets Changed Rudolf Lakay’s Future! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A broken bicycle, a Facebook post and a wave of generosity came together to create something far bigger than anyone expected.

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 January 2026) – Community love doesn’t always arrive with a grand plan. Sometimes it starts with a simple question, asked with good intentions and grows into something far bigger than anyone expected. In Fourways, one post, one bicycle and a whole lot of heart reminded us just how powerful people can be when they choose kindness.

Rene Theron took to the “I Love Fourways” Facebook group with a humble ask. She wasn’t looking for donations or a miracle. She simply wanted to help the man who helps her every week.

“My wonderful gardener, who comes to me once a week, left his bicycle in my garage while he goes home for Christmas, so that it’s safe. While we were putting the bike away, I was asking him about it and he said he loves it but the brakes are gone now and some suspension pump ‘thing’ doesn’t work anymore… where is the most reasonable place to take the bicycle and have it fixed? Thank you so much!”

What followed was immediate and overwhelming. Advice turned into offers, and offers turned into action. Before long, the cycling community had rallied around Daniel Silomo, a man the majority of them had never met.

Eventually, Cycle Lab stepped in. Rene dropped the bike off and later updated the group, still processing what had happened.

“I can’t wait to show him his fixed bike when he’s back. I feel so lucky to know that we live in a world where kindness to strangers is so pure… honestly, I am humbled! Cyclists are flippen cool!!”

When Daniel returned to work and saw his bicycle, he was confused. He thought it was new.

“My awesome gardener came back today, and thanks to Daniel Egdes (not to be confused with Daniel Silomo) and his team at Cycle Lab, Daniel pretty much has a brand new bike! He even came back to me 15 minutes later and asked how much I could deduct from his salary every month to pay for the repairs. No Daniel, Cycle Lab did this for you for FREE!”

When we spoke to Daniel, the joy was simple and sincere.

“I am very very, very, very happy. The bike goes so nicely and I really love it!”

Rene told us she was completely blown away by how many strangers wanted to help.

“I really was blown away! I just asked for direction and suddenly strangers were offering to fix Daniel’s bike. With every new comment, I felt more warmth in my heart.”

Watching Daniel’s reaction has stayed with her.

“His smile when he realised it was his bike was just awesome. When he offered to pay it back, I realised what an incredible human he is… and seeing his face light up again when I told him it was done for free was something I’ll never forget.”

Daniel spent ages inspecting every detail, every fix, every upgrade.

“He just couldn’t believe that this was done for him and that he was so, so happy.”

For Rene, the experience reaffirmed everything she believes about people.

“I asked for advice and instead I received an outpouring of kindness. To see a community come together for someone they’ve never met, just to make them happy, is where the magic lives. I’m so grateful to everyone for making Daniel’s 2026 start off so wonderfully.”

Cycle Lab’s Daniel Edges explained why the team went all in.

“We were inspired by Rene wanting to help her gardener and wanted to pay it forward. This bike is critical for Daniel’s daily commute and his family. Helping people ride safer and better is core to who we are.”

When Daniel offered to repay the kindness through salary deductions, it sealed everything.

“It just reaffirmed our decision. All credit goes to Rene for taking the first step. We’re grateful to have played a small part.”

One simple question became a shared act of care. One bicycle now carries more than its rider. It carries the love of a community that chose to show up.

Source: Interview with Rene Theron, Daniel Silomo and Daniel Edges.

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

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post The Bicycle That Brought a Community Together appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The festive season arrived early for 260 families after an anonymous act of kindness cleared R132,500 in lay-by payments in one unforgettable moment.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (17 December 2025) – At a time of year when many families are counting cents and hoping for a break, one act of kindness landed with perfect timing.

It was an ordinary day at PEP Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape until, in a single moment, it became unforgettable. A kind stranger walked into the store, asked how many unpaid lay-bys were on the books and then did something extraordinary.

When staff checked, the number stood at 260 unpaid lay-bys, amounting to R132,500. Without hesitation, the anonymous Good Samaritan settled every single one.

“We were taken completely by surprise,” says PEP chief marketing executive Beyers van der Merwe. “This anonymous Lay-by Buddy simply asked how many unpaid lay-bys we had in the store. When we checked the books, we had 260 unpaid lay-bys, amounting to R132 500. Then, just like that, he paid them all off!”

In the current economic climate, lay-by is more than just a payment option. It is a way for families to plan carefully, to stretch limited resources, and to secure essentials without taking on debt. It represents responsibility, patience and hope for the weeks and months ahead.

What followed inside the store was deeply moving.

“We watched as worry turned into relief,” says Van der Merwe. “At PEP, our purpose is to help everyone look and feel good, and we know that sometimes, the worry of making that next payment can weigh heavily on our customers. We are so grateful to this Lay-by Buddy, who surprised us all.”

“This level of human kindness reminds us that generosity lands powerfully when it connects to people’s real needs… the lay-bys were for school items, baby clothing and other essentials. This gesture has given 260 families the dignity of taking their items home when they perhaps least expected it, just in time for the festive season.”

For those families, this wasn’t about luxury. It was about school uniforms ready for the new year, clothing for growing children, baby necessities and everyday items that matter. It was about relief. About being seen. About walking out of a store knowing that someone, somewhere, cared enough to help without wanting anything in return.

This powerful moment in Aberdeen is part of a broader movement of kindness that has been growing across South Africa. The PEP Lay-By Buddy initiative officially launched in June 2020, inspired by earlier informal acts of generosity that began appearing in stores towards the end of 2019. What started with one person helping another became a structured way for communities to support one another. Since its launch, the initiative has raised more than R3.6 million and helped over 150,000 families nationwide. The momentum continues to build, with Pepkor stepping forward this year with a R1 million contribution to support even more people.

While the Aberdeen story happened in one store, the same spirit exists everywhere. Anyone can become a Lay-By Buddy. You don’t need to clear an entire store’s worth of accounts to make a difference. Even a small contribution can ease someone else’s load.

You can help from as little as R2 at any PEP store nationwide, or from R20 online via the PEP website. Each act adds to a growing wave of care, dignity and shared humanity.

To the mystery Lay-By Buddy who chose kindness without recognition: thank you. You didn’t just pay off lay-bys. You lifted a weight, restored hope, and gave 260 families a reason to breathe a little easier as the festive season arrives.

And in doing so, you reminded all of us just how powerful quiet goodness can be.

Source: PEP Press Release 

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

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post A Kind Stranger Cleared R132,500 in Lay-Bys at One PEP Store appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Friends fill our cups, and together we can help fill a stranger’s.

South Africa (25 November 2025) – A reader, Helen, wrote to us this week to share a story from her book club – or as they call themselves, Bookless Club – and it was too good not to share.

“Every month, a group of us women gather for what we lovingly call Bookless Club. We all adore books, but the truth is our meetings involve very little actual reading. Instead, once a month, one of us hosts a dinner, we share a few glasses of wine, and we talk—really talk—about life. Our children, our husbands, our jobs, our worries, our wins… it’s a soft landing in a hard world, and it’s something we all look forward to.” shares Helen. 

Every year in November, the group takes their tradition out into the world for their annual ‘worst gift’ night. It always makes for the best fun.

“In previous years, the rules were simple: buy a gift for R50 to R100 from a charity shop—preferably the most dreadful one you can find. Think crocheted toilet seat covers, faded novelty mugs, or ornaments so questionable you can’t believe they ever existed.” she explains.

When the ladies meet for their annual unwrapping at their chosen restaurant, they bring the laughs along with them.

“Unwrapping these horrors at the table sends us—and everyone else in the restaurant—into fits of laughter. It is silly, it’s light-hearted, and for that one night of the year, it feels like we’ve stepped out of our worries and into a little bubble of pure joy.”

But this year, something shifted. They decided to do things differently and pay it forward instead.

“Instead of buying gifts for a laugh, we challenged ourselves to turn that same energy into something meaningful. So we swapped out the R50 charity-shop gifts and decided to support Pep’s Lay-By Buddy programme instead. You can contribute in-store or donate online, and every cent goes towards paying off a stranger’s lay-by.”

For Helen, the decision was obvious.

“For me, education is deeply personal. I know how many parents are already stressing about next year—how they will afford school uniforms, stationery, lunchboxes, shoes, and all the little things that add up. So, when I made my donation, I chose to help pay off lay-bys for school clothes, imagining a parent walking in to pay their next instalment only to be told: ‘It’s already taken care of.’”

And that’s how the group turned a night of laughter into something bigger.

“That is the magic of paying it forward. It’s not just giving money. It’s a small miracle for someone who does not expect it. It’s easing a burden that someone may carry quietly. It is reminding a stranger that the world can be softer than it feels.”

Helen has posed a challenge for the rest of us.

“So, here’s my challenge: To other book clubs, wine clubs, coffee clubs, running groups, knitting circles—any community of people who gather, laugh, and support each other—join us. Pick a lay-by. Pay it off. Even just one.”

Sometimes a small group can start something big that makes a real difference.

“Giving someone their long-saved-for items early is not just generous. It’s transformative. It’s a gesture that can ripple through someone’s life in ways you may never see. And honestly? It feels better than any joke gift ever could.”

Sources: Supplied

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

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Ladies’ ‘Bookless Club’ Bands Together to Pay Good Forward appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When 19-year-old Arthur Mathebula asked for R2,500 to attend his Matric Dance, he never imagined South Africans would give him so much more.

Pretoria, South Africa (15 September 2025) – Sometimes bravery doesn’t look like standing on a stage or speaking to a crowd. Sometimes it looks like a young man putting his heart out on the internet and asking for help.

That’s exactly what 19-year-old Arthur Mathebula, a Grade 12 learner at Hoërskool Pretoria-Wes, did when he created a BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds for his Matric Dance. His request was simple: R2,500 to cover the ticket, his outfit and a few essentials. A once-in-a-lifetime night that he didn’t want to miss.

“This year marks a very special moment in my life, my Matric Dance, which is like a prom and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every matric learner. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the costs involved, and I don’t want to miss out on celebrating this important milestone with my classmates. Your support will go towards covering the costs of my outfit, ticket, and other expenses for the event. This is more than just a dance, it’s a memory I will cherish forever.”

And then something remarkable happened.

Within just 11 hours, the South African community came together and completely smashed his target. What started at zero is now sitting on over R11,000… enough to make sure Arthur not only gets to enjoy his Matric Dance but has a cushion for what comes next.

It all began when Paballo Maseko stumbled across Arthur’s BackaBuddy link and noticed it hadn’t received a single donation yet.

She shared it with her followers, writing, “I stumbled across a young boy’s backabuddy link for his matric dance. Can we help him reach his target guys? ”

The internet responded. Her post inspired everyone who came across it. People donated anything from R10 and R50 to larger amounts like R300, R500 and even R1,000. Each contribution, no matter how big or small, added up to something extraordinary.

South Africans also left words of encouragement alongside their donations, turning Arthur’s campaign into a thread of kindness.

“I don’t have much but I hope this helps All the best boyza ”

“Enjoy the dance. Try to save some money for future endeavours. Remember, the world is full of kindly people.”

“All the best. Please make sure you use some of the money to apply for Varsity.”

Social media can sometimes get labelled as toxic or destructive. But this story is proof that it can also be a space where strangers unite to do something meaningful, kind, and unforgettable.

Arthur now has more than just the means to go to his Matric Dance… he has a reminder that there are people rooting for him, people who want him to succeed and people who believe in his future.

*The crowdfund was at R11,238 at the time of publishing this article; it has since increased to R19,578.

Sources: Backabuddy | X (Twitter) 

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

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post “Can We Help Him?” South Africans Answer the Call for Matric Learner appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In the middle of rush hour chaos, Joburg motorists reminded us that compassion is still alive on our roads.

Johannesburg, South Africa (30 August 2025) – Johannesburg traffic doesn’t often inspire warm, fuzzy feelings, but every now and then, a moment happens that reminds us why South Africans are extraordinary when it comes to looking out for each other.

Sarah Britten, a friend of Good Things Guy, shared a heartwarming post on LinkedIn after witnessing something simple yet powerful on the Cowley Road bridge in Bryanston. It wasn’t the usual chaos of rush hour that caught her attention but rather the way strangers chose kindness over convenience.

“During rush hour yesterday afternoon, I witnessed something interesting on the Cowley Road bridge in Bryanston. Traffic heading toward Rivonia was bumper to bumper, unusual on that road. It turned out that there was a broken-down taxi on the bridge,” Sarah explained.

The taxi had stalled in such a way that it blocked the opposite lane. Cars in Sarah’s lane could easily have kept moving, leaving the trapped drivers to fend for themselves. But that’s not what happened.

“Every single driver in my lane stopped to give a vehicle stuck behind the taxi enough space to get past. Every single one, without exception. Joburgers, all probably keen to get home, chose to inconvenience themselves in order to do something considerate for a stranger.”

It didn’t stop there. The kindness spread like a ripple. One person gave way, the next followed suit and soon everyone in the queue was doing the same.

Sarah herself let an SUV through…. “The driver raised a hand in acknowledgement, and I returned the gesture.”

Yes, the congestion on 12th Avenue was horrendous, snaking all the way back to Rivonia Road. But it could have been far worse had people in Sarah’s lane chosen indifference. Instead, drivers showed patience, respect and empathy.

“One taxi causing chaos is nothing new,” Sarah added, “but it was refreshing to see Joburgers being considerate of others. I see appalling behaviour on our roads every day, but, for once, we chose to be kind to each other. May we see more of this.”

Her post sparked a wave of comments from South Africans who felt uplifted by the story. One person beautifully summed it up.

“I think the beauty is that it most likely started with one person doing this and kindness spread and lasted long after they had left.”

“In a world which feels increasingly scary, chaotic and sometimes all seems dire I love it when the good in people (society) is highlighted — and it needs to be celebrated. Well done everyone (Yay Jozi!!) on choosing kindness!” another social media user wrote.

And a simple but heartfelt reminder from another: “We need good news stories. Thank you for sharing.”

It’s true. In between the gridlocks, frustrations, and everyday pressures of life, kindness still has the power to break through. All it takes is one person choosing to make space for someone else. And suddenly, an entire community moves differently.

And that’s the good news South Africa needs more of.

Sources: Sarah Britten

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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.

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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

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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 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 

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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.