There was a time when Joe Fleming didn’t think he’d make it through… today, he’s helping other men find their way back, one step at a time.

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 March 2026) – This week’s episode of ‘Good Things with Brent Lindeque’ is honest, raw and filled with hope. I got to sit down with Joe Fleming… a man whose journey across South Africa has been anything but ordinary, and whose purpose today is rooted in helping others find their way back to themselves.

Joe speaks openly about a time when he found himself in what he describes as a “dark place”, a moment where everything felt overwhelming and the future felt impossibly far away. He shares how he reached a point where he tried to take his own life… and how, in that final moment, something intervened.

“I don’t know what it was,” he explains. “People call it different things… faith, instinct, something bigger than us… but something stopped me. Something gave me a second chance.”

And that second chance became the beginning of everything. Through that experience, Joe began to rebuild, not all at once, but step by step, breath by breath, learning how to be present again, how to sit with himself and how to reach out instead of withdrawing. He doesn’t romanticise or simplify it. It’s a raw, honest conversation. That realisation is what led to the creation of Recharge… a space where men can walk side by side, talk if they want to, stay silent if they need to, and simply be part of something that reminds them they’re not alone.

“Men don’t always have spaces like this,” Joe shares. “We’re taught to keep things in, to deal with it, to move on… but sometimes what you actually need is to stop, to breathe, and to walk next to someone who understands.”

Joe’s love for South Africa runs through everything he does, from the landscapes he explores to the communities he builds, and it’s clear that this country didn’t just become his home… it became part of his healing. Through storytelling, adventure and connection, he’s found a way to give back in a way that’s deeply human and incredibly needed.

Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
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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 Almost Lost His Life… Now He’s Helping Others Find Theirs appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In a global survey measuring everyday courtesy, South Africans have made their mark in a way that feels deeply familiar… and proudly local.

Global (23 March 2026) – South Africans are lekker… and we’re pretty polite too!

A new global survey has named South Africa as one of the most polite countries on the planet, placing us in the top 10 alongside nations like Japan, Canada and the UK. It’s recognition that comes from the everyday interactions we sometimes take for granted… saying “howzit”, the extra patience in a queue or the willingness to help a stranger without expecting anything in return. It’s Ubuntu in action.

The study, conducted by global financial services provider Remitly, surveyed more than 4,600 people across 26 countries to understand how politeness is perceived worldwide. Participants were asked to name the nations they believe are home to the most polite people, based on their own experiences and interactions.

While Japan claimed the top spot, earning over 35% of the votes, South Africa secured its place with 1.82% of respondents recognising the country for its courteous and considerate people. It may sound like a small percentage, but in a global ranking like this, it’s a significant nod to the way South Africans show up in everyday life. What makes this even more interesting is how closely our self-perception aligns with how the world sees us. South Africans ranked 8th when rating our own politeness, scoring an impressive 9.33 out of 10. That suggests something quite special… we don’t just believe we’re kind and respectful, it’s something others genuinely experience too.

The research also highlights something many of us already know deep down… that politeness isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you”. It’s about how we make people feel. It’s about patience when someone is struggling, offering a seat, holding a door or simply acknowledging another human being with a smile.

“Moving to a new country is made a lot easier by positive everyday interactions that share whether someone feels welcome or not. Small acts of courtesy, whether that’s patience over a language barrier, or giving up a seat on public transport, can have a real impact on someone who is starting over thousands of miles from their home,” Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing at Remitly, explain

And maybe that’s where South Africa shines the most. Despite everything we navigate as a country, there’s still this underlying thread of humanity… this ability to see each other, to connect, to care. We may not always recognise it ourselves, but it’s there, woven into our culture, our communities and the way we move through the world.

So yes, Japan may lead the global ranking, and Canada may be famous for its apologies but South Africa has earned its place on that list in a way that feels deeply authentic.

Sources: Remitly 

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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 South Africa Ranked Among World’s Most Polite Nations appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The numbers are in, the rankings are out, and yet the most important takeaway from this year’s happiness report has nothing to do with where a country sits on the list.

South Africa (22 March 2026) – GALLUP released its annual happiness rankings this week, just in time for International Day of Happiness (which was yesterday), and while the headlines might tempt you to look north toward snowy countries topping the charts, there’s a far more meaningful story unfolding when you read between the lines… and it feels incredibly familiar to us here in South Africa.

The World Happiness Report 2026 reveals a complex global picture, where some of the most developed nations are seeing declines in well-being, particularly among young people, while other regions are experiencing a rise in how people feel about their lives. It’s not as simple as money, infrastructure or status anymore. The data is pointing somewhere deeper, somewhere more human.

At the heart of it all is connection.

Across more than 140 countries, the strongest predictors of happiness are not economic, but social. Having someone to count on, feeling supported, experiencing generosity and belonging to a community all rank among the most important contributors to how people evaluate their lives.

Happiness isn’t built in isolation… it’s built together.

@brentlindeque A little perspective on international day of happiness. #happiness #igetto #gratitude #goodthings #perspective ♬ original sound – Brent Lindeque

And that’s where South Africa enters the conversation in a way that no ranking table could ever fully capture.

While we may not sit at the very top of a global index, there is something deeply powerful in the way South Africans show up for one another. It lives in the everyday moments that rarely make headlines. The neighbour who checks in, the stranger who helps, the communities that rally around those who need it most. It lives in our humour, our shared language of kindness, and that unmistakable sense of Ubuntu that continues to define who we are.

The report also shines a spotlight on the role of social media, particularly among younger generations, where heavy usage has been linked to lower well-being in several parts of the world. But the story isn’t entirely negative. When platforms are used to connect, communicate and build meaningful relationships, they can actually enhance happiness. The difference lies not in the technology itself, but in how we use it. That insight feels especially relevant in a country where digital spaces are often filled with stories of hope, support and shared humanity. South Africans have found ways to turn online platforms into places of encouragement, celebration and collective strength, proving that connection, whether physical or digital, still sits at the centre of what makes us feel good.

There’s also an important global shift happening that deserves attention. While youth well-being has dropped in certain Western countries, many parts of the world are seeing young people report higher levels of life satisfaction than they did two decades ago. It’s a reminder that the future is not defined by a single narrative, and that positive momentum exists, even if it doesn’t always dominate the news cycle.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway this International Day of Happiness.

Not that one country is happier than another, or that happiness can be neatly ranked and measured, but that the building blocks of a good life are already within reach. They exist in connection, in kindness, in community, and in the small, meaningful interactions that shape our days.

“Happiness isn’t something we find somewhere else or wait for someday. It’s something we build, moment by moment, in the way we show up for each other. It’s in the small acts, the shared laughter, the kindness we choose… that’s where the magic lives.”

South Africans have never needed a report to tell them that.

We see it every day, in stories that remind us who we are at our best. We feel it in the way people come together, in the laughter that cuts through difficult moments, and in the belief that even when things are tough, there is always something good worth holding onto.

And if happiness really is about building what is good in life, then perhaps we’re already doing more right than we realise.

Sources: GALLUP 

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 World Measured Happiness… But This is What Really Matters appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In the middle of a busy shopping centre, in a foreign country, a South African mom found a message on a small yellow sticky note that mirrored her entire journey… and then realised the handwriting belonged to someone she loved.

United Kingdom (17 February 2026) – A small yellow sticky note doesn’t sound like the sort of thing that should make headlines. And yet, for Mandy Tyrer, one note, stuck to the back of a loo door, in a foreign country, became one of the most emotional and affirming moments in her life.

Mandy had travelled halfway across the world to support her son, Jarryd Nurden, as he pursues his stage career in the UK. The trip itself was an exercise in courage and patience: flights from South Africa via Dubai, landing in Manchester for the first time, navigating trains with a heavy suitcase, no network, no eSIM and not a single familiar landmark in sight. She followed directions given with motherly trust, found a small shop where strangers helped her get connected, and eventually made her way to the Hippodrome Theatre, where Jarryd was performing. Tired, proud and deeply grateful, she had already achieved what she’d set out to do.

The following day, after her SIM failed and she retraced her steps to fix it, Mandy found herself needing to use a bathroom. The obvious option was closed off, so she crossed the road to the Bullring shopping centre, already bustling with a Saturday crowd. Signs pointed everywhere, people rushed past speaking languages she didn’t recognise, and after a brief moment of uncertainty, she chose a staircase, joined a queue and slipped into the first available cubicle.

That’s when she saw it… a small yellow sticky note on the back of the door, with a simple handwritten message: “Be proud of how far you’ve come.”

At first, Mandy read the words exactly as they were meant to be read. They felt heavy in her chest and mirrored everything she had just done on her own, in a foreign country, far from home.

“I read the words and reflected briefly on my immediate adventure and thought ‘I love that! And yes dammit! I am very proud of myself thank you! I navigated this journey on my own, in a foreign country, and here I sit!’ Hahaha, even if it’s on a loo!”

And then she really looked at the writing. The handwriting felt familiar. Unsettlingly familiar. It looked exactly like her daughter Tyla’s. The thought seemed impossible. Mandy was in Birmingham to watch Jarryd perform. Tyla was touring with Rocky Horror and was in Bradford. Different cities. Different schedules. Mandy messaged her daughter anyway, half-expecting to laugh it off.

“No ways! Is it still there?! I left sticky notes in various towns THREE YEARS AGO!”

In that instant, coincidence gave way to something far deeper.

“Oh I just knew it was a direct message from her heart to mine! Nothing is chance and everything a magical weave of our thoughts and emotions and intricate connections that run waaay deeper than we can possibly imagine! My heart was literally pounding with love for my girl!”

Three years earlier, Tyla had just immigrated to the UK and was touring internationally with her dream show. While the experience was thrilling, it was also overwhelming. Adjusting to a new country, new systems, and a demanding schedule required daily encouragement, and those sticky notes became part of that process.

“There was a lot of change happening in my personal world at the time,” Tyla explains to Good Things Guy.

“I had just immigrated to the UK and was touring with my favourite show, Rocky Horror, across the UK and internationally! A dream come true! It became a daily reminder to myself on days that felt overwhelming, as I adjusted to a new country and everything in between. I hoped that by sharing those sticky notes, it might also help someone else feel a little pride and a little less alone as they navigate something similar. And to keep moving forward!”

When you pause to consider the sheer improbability of the moment, it becomes even more remarkable. A single sticky note surviving on a cubicle door in a busy shopping centre for three years. Mandy choosing that exact mall, that staircase, that cubicle, at that moment in her life. One small change in timing or direction and the message would have been missed entirely.

For Mandy, the moment echoed her own path. Big leaps. Unfamiliar places. Fear mixed with purpose. And the decision to keep going anyway.

“It’s exactly how life is! Big moves, unfamiliar risks that are damn scary. Sometimes you feel like WTHeck am I doing and then you remember why. The passion that just burns through fear and keeps you moving forward. Life is exciting, exhilarating and if we look for the sticky notes of encouragement, clearly we will find them!!”

What moved her most was understanding why Tyla had written the notes in the first place, especially knowing that her daughter was navigating her own challenges at the time.

“This lesson, after hearing Tyla’s ‘WHY’ she did it in the first place despite feeling particularly low and overwhelmed herself, is so inspiring for me. A lesson of: when you are at your very lowest, what are you doing to still make somebody else’s moment better?”

Mandy did take the sticky note with her. She’s framing it. Not just as a keepsake, but as a reminder that encouragement has a way of travelling further than we could ever plan. Her hope for anyone reading this, especially those feeling far from home or unsure of their own progress, is beautifully simple.

“Feel the feels but remember that life is all choice. Choose something different to think. Grab a sticky note, write a little message of joy or inspiration or support, a message you would like to get and then gift it to somebody else, because it will get read… and it will resonate with others, making your day a little brighter!”

And perhaps, that’s the magic of it all… the message you need most has already been written for you, waiting patiently, exactly where you’re meant to find it.

Sources: Interview with Mandy Tyrer and Tyla Nurden 

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 A South African Mom, a UK Loo And a Message That Travelled Across Years appeared first on Good Things Guy.

What began as a modest R20,000 goal on the 31st of January has grown into R600,000, built largely from small donations by ordinary people determined to honour David Sejobe’s life.

Johannesburg, South Africa (12 February 2026) – It has been nearly 2 weeks since David Sejobe tragically passed away and what has unfolded since then is something few could have predicted. What began as shock and heartbreak has grown into one of the most moving displays of collective kindness South Africa has seen in a long time.

The crowdfunding campaign set up with a modest goal of R20,000 to assist David’s family with funeral and memorial expenses now stands at R602,000. The speed at which it grew was remarkable. The way it continues to grow is even more telling. This is not a total driven by a handful of large donors. It has been built steadily from R10s, R20s and R50s… from people who felt compelled to do something, however small, to honour a man whose daily presence meant more than many realised at the time. In the days after his passing, South Africa responded with an outpouring of love. Motorists hooted as they passed the gate where he once stood. Candles and flowers were placed near his post. His name trended across social media. And his story made front-page news. But beyond the public tributes, it has been the personal reflections that reveal why this has resonated so deeply.

“We didn’t all know your name, but we knew your smile,” one message read. Another urged, “If you can be anything in this world, be a David Sejobe.”

People shared how he brought lightness to traffic-heavy mornings, how he remembered cars and faces and how he greeted each day with energy that felt genuine.

Some comments have been deeply reflective. “Let’s give people their flowers while they are still alive,” one person wrote, acknowledging the lesson embedded in this loss. Another said simply, “The good we do lives on after us.” In many ways, that sentiment has become the heartbeat of this moment.

David was not a public figure, a community leader or a household name… he stood at a gate. He greeted people warmly and he showed up with dignity and care. Yet in his passing, it has become clear that those small, consistent acts carry enormous weight. They shape routines and create connections in spaces where we least expect them.

The money raised so far will provide meaningful support to his family during an unimaginably difficult time. But the deeper significance lies in what the number represents. It reflects a country choosing empathy over indifference. And it reflects thousands of people recognising kindness and deciding to respond in kind.

The organisers of the crowdfunding campaign have shared the following update:

“We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support.

Contact has been made with Mrs Sejobe and the campaign has been set up to provide direct support to her and her children, who are the identified beneficiaries of the fund. All proceeds raised will be paid directly to Mrs Sejobe and used for the care and future needs of her and the children.

We humbly ask that you continue sharing the campaign as we work together to honour and grow the legacy of Ntate David.

Thank you for the continued prayers, generosity, and understanding during this difficult time.”

Sources: Multichoice Press Release | Crowdfunding Campaign | Social Media Comments on 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 Over R600,000 Raised in David Sejobe’s Name as SA Continues to Honour Him appeared first on Good Things Guy.

From record-breaking swimmer to global sports leader, Kirsty Coventry continues to use her voice with intention, turning a major sporting moment into a reminder of shared humanity.

Global (09 February 2026) – We love it when icons use their platforms to share love. And we love it even more when those icons are one of our own.

Kirsty Coventry is no stranger to history. She is Zimbabwe’s most decorated Olympian, a former world-class swimmer, a global sports leader and a woman who has consistently used her platform to stand for more than just personal achievement. For South (ern) Africans, she also feels like one of our own. Her journey has always been intertwined with us, and South Africans have celebrated her victories, her leadership and her unwavering belief in the power of sport to unite people across borders.

As the Winter Olympics kicked off this weekend, while the world’s attention was fixed on ice, speed, and spectacle, Kirsty chose to spotlight something far deeper. Taking to Instagram, she shared a message rooted in African philosophy, reminding millions that progress is never achieved alone.

“In Africa, where I’m from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other. No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community.”

The comments have been turned off on the post but it has already had almost 7,000 likes. And we were one of them. The world can feel divided sometimes but we know (especially in South Africa) that we are “Stronger Together”… thanks Bokke. There is something so powerful in collective humanity. And Kirsty decided to use her platform to remind us that behind every athlete stands a village of coaches, families, teammates, supporters and communities. And more importantly, that the same principle applies far beyond sport.

We featured Kirsty last year when she made Olympic history by officially becoming the first African and first woman to lead the International Olympic Committee. We were all celebrating. And so, today, we are celebrating (again), but this time, for the way she uses social media.

I am because we are. 

Ubuntu is not a slogan, not to us anyway. It is a way of seeing each other. It is the belief that kindness is not weakness, that community is strength and that none of us truly rises alone.

We are stronger together.

South Africans may not find the Winter Olympics on their usual TV channels this year, but that doesn’t mean the Games are out of reach. With our athletes representing the country on the world stage, there is still a way to watch every icy, high-stakes moment as it happens. Get all the information here.

Sources: Kirsty Coventry Instagram 

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 A Southern African Voice, A Global Message: Kirsty Coventry on Ubuntu appeared first on Good Things Guy.

This is not a fundraising story driven by big donors, but by small contributions, as R10s, R20s and R50s have added up to R530,000 in David Sejobe’s name.

South Africa (07 February 2026) – This is not a story about numbers, although the numbers are striking. It is a story about how one man’s kindness reached far beyond the moments in which it was given and how a country continues to respond as it realises what it has lost.

David Sejobe passed away last Friday and news of his death broke on Saturday. The loss was sudden and deeply felt, particularly by those who worked with him, passed him daily or had come to rely on his warm presence as part of their routine. Since then, his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief, reflection and collective care from across South Africa.

In less than a week, the crowdfunding campaign set up in David Sejobe’s name has reached R530,000. What makes this moment extraordinary is not only the amount but how it has been built. This is not a total just made up of large cheques or grand gestures. It is made up of of R10s, R20s and R50s… of people giving what they can, however small, to honour a man who gave what he had every single day. This is ordinary South Africans showing up for someone they felt connected to, even if they never shared a conversation with him. It is people choosing to be part of something bigger, not for recognition, but to keep David’s story and his memory alive.

The messages accompanying those donations reveal why this has resonated so deeply. Again and again, people speak about the way David made them feel, often without even knowing their names.

One message read, “God sends His angels to change people and help people, and I truly believe Mr David was an angel. He changed people just with his smile, personality and positive love for life. He knew love and kindness and passed that on to everyone he met.”

Others spoke about the everyday moments that now feel heavier in his absence.

“My drive into Sandton will never be the same,” one person wrote. “David brought a smile to everyone stuck in traffic. Driving past MultiChoice this week has been very emotional, with everyone hooting in honour of David.”

What has been especially moving is how many people have admitted they never met him, and yet still feel changed by his story.

“I very sadly didn’t ever get to meet this lovely man,” one comment read, “but I am still so deeply touched somehow. All I can hope is that you knew how much you were loved.”

That same message carried a reflection many have echoed since: a reminder to tell people how loved they are while they are still here, and not wait until it is too late.

There is also a powerful honesty running through these responses. One person wrote, “He did nothing extraordinary. He was no leader. No community worker. No pastor. The only thing he did was use what all of us can use — to greet someone and be friendly.”

And yet, in that simplicity lies the reason this story has travelled so far. David did not set out to inspire a nation. He set out to show up, to greet people, and to be kind. That was enough.

Another message summed it up simply: “South Africans really have Ubuntu. The man was clearly loved and admired by many.” Others urged that his life carry forward as a lesson, saying, “Let’s give people their flowers while they are still alive,” and, “If you can be anything in this world, be a David Sejobe.”

The R530,000 raised will continue to support David’s family with funeral and memorial costs and immediate needs, but its meaning reaches beyond practical support. It reflects collective care. Of people choosing to honour kindness with kindness. Of a country momentarily united, not by anger or fear, but by gratitude.

David Sejobe did not have power, status or a platform. What he had was warmth, consistency and a genuine regard for others. In the way South Africans have responded, through small donations, shared memories, hooting cars, candles, flowers and words that carry weight, it is clear that his life mattered deeply.

South Africans are saying the same thing in different ways: we saw you, David, and we are choosing to carry your kindness forward.

Sources: Multichoice Press Release | Crowdfunding Campaign | Social Media Comments on 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 R530,000 Raised in Days as South Africans Honour David Sejobe appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When Ben West shared an update saying “it worked”, he wasn’t talking about reach or growth, but about a single message that confirmed a stranger had found enough hope in a letter to keep going.

Global (06 February 2026) – When we shared the story of “Reasons to Stay” just over a week ago, it was already clear that something special was unfolding. The platform had only just launched, yet thousands of people around the world had already written letters for strangers who were struggling, choosing to offer empathy, warmth and connection at moments that matter most.

What we didn’t know then was just how important those letters are!

This week, Ben West shared a video update that has left us all in tears. In it, he spoke honestly, and with visible emotion, explaining that someone had written to him with words that carried extraordinary weight. They told him that because of his website, they had received a letter and, because of that letter, had chosen to stay.

“It worked,” Ben said.

“Reasons to Stay” was launched in honour of Ben’s brother, Sam, who died by suicide in 2018. Built over two years, the platform was designed to reach people at difficult moments through anonymous letters written by volunteers. Every letter is written by a real person and delivered at random to someone visiting the site. Each one is moderated by a team of volunteer clinical professionals to ensure it is safe for people experiencing suicidal distress. The intention was simple but profound: to remind people that they are not alone, even when it feels that way.

At the time of our first article, the site already featured more than 10,000 letters from people in over 100 countries, read by more than 160,000 visitors. Since then, the response has grown far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. Thousands more people from around the world, including South Africans, have taken time to write letters filled with warmth, understanding and lived experience. Those letters have now been delivered to almost half a million people, reaching individuals at moments where everything feels overwhelming and heavy. Each letter is different, but the message at the heart of them remains the same: you matter, and staying is possible.

@iambenwest♬ The View Between Villages – Noah Kahan

Ben’s update marks a turning point. The platform and its purpose were confirmed in the most real way imaginable. One person read a letter at the right moment and that moment mattered. But the reality is that this website has helped so many more people. Since sharing the update, social media has filled with messages from people who felt moved by the project. Some had written letters. Others had found the site while struggling themselves. Many simply wanted Ben to know that what he created was making a difference.

“I left a letter on your site. You are an amazing advocate for your brother. Keep making a difference, and if there is anything I can do to help, just shout huge respect,” wrote one commenter.

“Ben your doing something that is going to help so many people. Sam will be looking down and so proud of you. You are such a beautiful soul ,” another wrote.

For others, discovering the site arrived at a time when they needed it most.

“Dear Ben, THANK YOU for all your hard work! As someone struggling with mental health myself, I came across your post, and your website and it really struck a chord! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart ”

These messages reveal something important. This platform is not just about reading or writing letters. It is about people recognising themselves in one another. About strangers choosing to show up with honesty and care, even when it would be easier to scroll past.

South Africans have played a meaningful role in this global response, contributing letters shaped by empathy, reflection and understanding. It is a reminder that kindness does not need proximity to travel far, and that connection can be felt deeply, even across continents.

When Ben says “it worked”, what he is really saying is that someone chose life because another human being chose to care. And sometimes, that is how the biggest impact is made. One letter, one reader, and one moment of connection that helps someone stay.

Sources: Reasons To Stay | Ben West 

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 “It Worked”: A Stranger Read a Letter and Chose to Stay! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When illness separates people from their families and familiar comforts, the smallest human connection can mean everything. HospiVision has spent nearly three decades making sure no one has to face those moments alone.

Pretoria, South Africa (05 February 2026) – Public hospitals can be overwhelming places. Long corridors. Hard news. Too much time alone with your thoughts. For many South Africans, being admitted means being far from home, separated from family who cannot afford to visit, or carrying fears they don’t know how to voice. And then, often when it is needed most, someone pulls up a chair, asks how you are really doing, and stays.

That is where HospiVision steps in.

Founded in 1997 by a small group of churches in Pretoria who simply decided to show up, HospiVision has grown into a national force for care within South Africa’s public healthcare system. This year, the faith-based non-profit passed a remarkable milestone, having supported more than 201,000 patients, families and healthcare workers across public hospitals in Gauteng and the Western Cape. In 2025 alone, their teams reached 45,605 people at facilities including Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, Karl Bremer Hospital, and Vredenburg Hospital.

We spoke to the HospiVision team, who are present in these hospital corridors every day and a clear theme emerged from every conversation. When families cannot be there, and medical staff are under immense pressure, what patients need most is someone who will stay, listen, and treat them with care. That presence often comes through the simplest acts, a chair pulled closer, a question asked with sincerity or a moment of undivided attention that reminds someone they still matter.

Christel Kloppers, HospiVision’s Finance and Marketing Manager and a former volunteer, explains that many patients are far from home, with families who are working, cannot afford to visit or live too far away.

“Many patients are far from home,” she explains. “Families are working, can’t afford transport, or live too far away. Some patients also face stigma that keeps loved ones at a distance. When people become ill, they often carry questions that aren’t purely medical. They ask why this is happening, what will happen to their families, or what they did wrong. We don’t have the answers, but we are there to listen.”

That listening matters. Volunteers offer conversation, a hand to hold, and the simple dignity of being seen. They also provide practical comforts like toiletries, clothing, books, or magazines.

“Those small acts of presence can turn a hospital stay from something to endure into something bearable,” Christel says.

Behind the milestone of 201,000 lives touched are stories that linger long after the hospital visit ends.

Gawie Le Roux, HospiVision’s Vredenburg Coordinator, recalls sitting with an elderly woman who was anxious and desperate to go home.

“We sat with her and listened, and by the end she was calm,” he says. Another moment involved a man awaiting an amputation, terrified of losing his independence. “We couldn’t change his situation, but we could make sure he didn’t face it alone. That’s what we do. We show up when people need it most.”

For Christel, one memory from her time as a volunteer changed how she understands care entirely.

“I realised how much I had underestimated the power of simply being with someone in a time of need. You see a patient who looks utterly hopeless, and when you leave, something has shifted, just because someone sat with them. It’s hard to put into words, but it changed how I see what presence can do.”

She believes South Africans often overlook the impact of small moments.

“We tend to chase big differences, but it’s often compassion and understanding that truly matter. As a nation, we have so much to give. Retirees can offer time. Those with resources can offer practical support. Volunteering doesn’t just change the lives of others, it changes your own view of the world.”

That sense of care extends well beyond hospital beds. At Tshwane District Hospital, HospiVision employee Jabulile Shabangu volunteered her services to the burial support team, facilitating dignified funerals for more than 20 unclaimed individuals. People who might otherwise have been forgotten were laid to rest with respect and care.

Phakama Magadla, HospiVision’s Karl Bremer Hospital Coordinator, shares a moment that stayed with her.

“A patient once said to me, ‘It’s nice to have someone who cares.’ That showed me how powerful presence and listening can be, and how pastoral care restores dignity and humanity in healthcare spaces.”

Simphiwe Leshabane, Grant Administrator, remembers visiting a young mother who felt overwhelmed after giving birth and feared she would never complete her matric exams.

“She contacted me later and sounded full of hope and determination to sit for her finals,” Simphiwe says. “That shift stayed with me.”

At Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Training Manager and Coordinator Tessa de Bruin notes the impact on hospital staff too.

“Doctors and nurses thank us as soon as they see our tags. Volunteers become a family and we work together.”

Amy Julies, HospiVision’s Tygerberg Hospital Coordinator, describes one of her earliest group sessions.

“At first, patients had faint smiles. Through conversation, presence, and shared stories, those smiles grew. By the end, they were smiling fully. It showed me how offering time and listening can change someone’s day.”

HospiVision’s reach also includes rebuilding lives beyond illness. At the De La Porte Oasis centre, 131 people completed skills training last year in baking, sewing, needlework, and digital literacy. Their soup kitchen served 4,343 meals in 2025, with women making up nearly three-quarters of those supported.

Skills Development Coordinator Takalani Murulane beams when he speaks about one baking student.

“She started her own business and is now a well-known baker on TikTok as Ntanga Bakery. Every time I see her, I feel proud. That’s what skills can do.”

HospiVision is also investing in the future of mental and spiritual care. Through a partnership with the University of Pretoria, they offer online courses in spiritual care, pastoral counselling and trauma support. This year marks the launch of a two-year, full-time Hospital Chaplaincy Programme, the first SAQA-registered NQF Level 5 qualification of its kind in South Africa, developed with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

For Christel, the reason this work matters is simple.

“Illness doesn’t only affect the person in the bed. Families carry guilt when they can’t be there. Hospital staff are stretched thin. When we show up, we fill gaps that would otherwise leave people unseen. Healing is not only physical. It’s knowing someone cared enough to be present.”

HospiVision’s journey proves that you do not need medical training or large budgets to make a meaningful difference. You need willingness. Willingness to sit, listen, care… and once you experience what it means to be truly present for someone in their hardest moment, that instinct to care has a way of following you far beyond the hospital ward.

HospiVision is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO 016-668). To learn more or support their work, visit www.hospivision.org.za. Or you can find them on The Helpers.

Sources: Interview with the HospiVision 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 Hope Has a Human Face in South Africa’s Public Hospitals appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When news of David Sejobe’s passing broke, it spread far beyond those who knew him, touching people who recognised something familiar in his kindness.

Johannesburg, South Africa (04 February 2026) – David Sejobe was not famous. He did not hold power or position. Yet his passing has united South Africans in a way that few stories ever do, reminding us that the people who shape our days are often the ones we pass in the street.

David tragically passed away on Friday. When the news broke on Saturday, it landed with a weight that rippled far beyond his family, friends and colleagues. It felt as though the country collectively stopped for a moment, trying to understand how the loss of one man could feel so personal to so many people. Some knew him well. Others only knew his smile. Many didn’t know his name at all, but they knew his presence. Since then, David’s story has moved from daily conversations into the national consciousness. His passing has made front-page news, and his name has trended across social media platforms as South Africans share memories, tributes and reflections. It is rare for a man who lived such an “unassuming” life to be spoken about so widely, and yet it feels entirely fitting. The attention has not been driven by spectacle but by recognition.

By Saturday afternoon, grief had already begun to turn into action. A crowdfunding campaign was launched by colleagues, hoping to raise R20,000 to help support David’s family. The intention was simple and practical: to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, and to offer immediate financial support as his loved ones faced the shock and pain of losing him. No one expected what would follow.

By Sunday, the total had climbed to R170,000.

On Monday, motorists, pedestrians and colleagues gathered outside MultiChoice’s offices in Randburg. Cars hooted. People whistled. Voices called out in celebration of a life that had become part of their daily rhythm. Candles and flowers were placed at the entrance, near the gate where David would normally stand, often jumping into the air as he greeted passing cars and people with unmistakable joy.

Rest in peace, David. Your smile and laughter will be missed by your Fidelity colleagues. For 12 years as a Security Officer, your positivity brightened our days.

Our condolences to David’s family, friends, and colleagues. #DavidSejobe #RestInPeace #Fidelity pic.twitter.com/2OEy4a3L4s

— Fidelity Services Group (@Fidelity_Secure) February 2, 2026

On Tuesday, a billboard went up across Bram Fischer Drive in his honour. Later that afternoon, MultiChoice staff and Randburg residents gathered outside the building, singing and cheering for passing traffic. Hundreds of motorists responded with hoots of their own, turning an ordinary weekday into a shared moment of remembrance.

The teams held a memorial for David Sejobe, celebrating and remembering his life, kindness, and the joy he brought to others. Donation to his family can be made here https://t.co/SG1GDHZYGB #davidsejobe pic.twitter.com/iu3kfUSycP

— Brenda (@b_dizzy) February 3, 2026

By Wednesday morning, the nation woke to the news that the crowdfunding campaign had reached R400,000.

Alongside the donations came an outpouring of words that revealed why David’s story has touched such a nerve.

“We didn’t all know your name, but we knew your smile.” Another simply said,

“The good we do lives on after us.”

Again and again, people spoke about how David made their days lighter, not through grand gestures, but through consistency, warmth and genuine care.

Some messages came from those who had known him for years.

“I walked past him every morning and afternoon to and from work,” one person shared. “His warm smile was consistent every single day. He had his own struggles, but still managed to make other people’s days better with his energy and positivity.”

Others came from people who had never met him but felt compelled to respond.

“I never knew David,” one comment read, “but I am glad his family is continuing to feel his impact.”

One particularly powerful message spoke about how far that impact has travelled. It described David as someone whose very existence sent ripples through society, reminding people to care, appreciate and gather together as one. The writer thanked him for helping people remember the good that exists among us, often unnoticed, often unsung. That is perhaps why this story has resonated so deeply. People who knew David say he was kind. People who didn’t know him are being moved to be kinder. His life has become a mirror, reflecting something many South Africans recognise and long for: a sense of connection that doesn’t rely on status or recognition.

South Africa has united in grief, but also in intention. To remember to be kinder to everyone, to greet one another and to acknowledge the humanity of all South Africans.

As one message urged, “Let’s turn his memory into a movement. Spread kindness. We need it more than ever.”

David’s story is tragic and heartbreaking, but it’s not about tragedy alone. It is about what happens when a life lived with generosity leaves a space that others rush to fill with care. You don’t need fame or power to change the tone of a nation. Sometimes all it takes is showing up with a smile, day after day, and meaning it. And in the way South Africa has responded, it’s clear that this kind of kindness does not disappear. It carries on… in all of us.

If only you were here to see this all, David. South Africa is a country that can many times feel divided, but you, your kindness, and your story have united us all.

Please click here to support the family with a donation.

Sources: Multichoice Press Release | Crowdfunding Campaign | Social Media Comments on 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 R400,000 Raised as South Africa Mourns, And Honours, David Sejobe appeared first on Good Things Guy.