This story proves two things. One, that Ubuntu can get you through just about anything. Two, never to leave the spare wheel behind when visiting the bush!

Kruger National Park (23 March 2026) – A day on safari took a left turn when a lioness decided to make an Amarok bakkie her chew toy in the Kruger National Park.

Mfundo Nyambi is a wildlife guide and field ranger operating within the park, known for his guided safaris.

“I was on a morning safari with Nombekana Safaris and Wildlife Photography today, our very first sighting was a pride of Lions. It was an incredible sighting at first then it turned out to be a worst nightmare for one of the guys in the Grey bakkie when one of the lioness decided to bite a tyre of the bakkie.” shared Mfundo in a video that has amassed over 73,000 views on Facebook. 

Ubuntu follows South Africans everywhere – even in the bush. When Mfundo and other passers-by noticed the driver in distress, they stopped at a safer area where they could help swap out the tire.

Thankfully, qualified rangers are trained to assist stranded motorists in these situations, and so Mfundo was at the right place, at the right time.

“Bakkie operator had to move to a safer area away from lions so we can change the tyre, While helping a herd of elephants surprised us far distanced away. Incredible day it was and excuse me to the bakkie operator for the tyre” he shared.

That’s the Kruger experience nobody puts in the brochure, and exactly the kind of humans you want around when it does. Legends, the lot of them!

Sources: Linked above. 

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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 Ubuntu in the Bush After Lioness Bites a Bakkie’s Tyre 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 

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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 World Measured Happiness… But This is What Really Matters 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 

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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 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 

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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 R530,000 Raised in Days as South Africans Honour David Sejobe 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 

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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 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.

Over R280,000 has been raised in two days, but the real measure of this response is found in the messages, memories and shared moments people are now revisiting.

Johannesburg, South Africa (03 February 2026) – Just 48 hours after colleagues and friends set out to raise R20,000 in David Sejobe’s name, the number tells a far bigger story.

More than R280,000 has now been raised, and the donations continue to flow in.

David tragically passed away earlier this week. Since then, messages of grief, love and remembrance have poured in from across the country, reflecting just how deeply he touched the lives of so many.

The response has also been overwhelming. Donations have poured in, and a flower memorial has been created at the MultChoice building. Alongside that, messages have been pouring in from people who knew David well, people who exchanged a daily wave with him, and people who never met him but recognised something familiar in his story.

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

For many, the stretch of road past the MultiChoice offices in Randburg will never feel the same.

“The drive past MultiChoice will never be the same. One could not drive past without a hoot and wave for David. As countless others, we were always met with a jovial response. He really has left a positive impact on so many people’s lives.”

Others spoke about the small rituals that defined their days. The shared jokes. The unspoken recognition. The way David remembered cars, faces and energy, even when names didn’t matter.

“To me, he was ‘Mr Forester XT’, and to him, I was ‘Mr ADT’,” one person wrote. “His ecstatic energy and squeals of delight when launching past him each morning was how we connected. No names were needed. He just gave joy throughout the day.”

That theme keeps surfacing. David didn’t need a title or position to bring people together. He showed up with warmth and heart, and that was enough. As one comment put it,

“A reminder that in South Africa, the people who truly bring us together are rarely the ones in power; they’re the ones who show up with kindness, not expecting anything in return.”

“Some people are just beyond wonderful, David Sejobe is such a person.”

Many donors and commenters have also reflected on how often everyday workers carry the emotional weight of our days without ever being acknowledged.

“We are so fortunate to come into contact with security guards, car guards and petrol attendants who brighten up your day and make it a little easier,” another message read. “I never met David, but I’m glad his family is continuing to feel his impact.”

That impact is now being felt in a very real way. The funds raised will go towards funeral and memorial expenses, as well as immediate support for David’s family as they navigate an unimaginable loss. But beyond the financial support, there is something deeper happening. A collective recognition that a life lived with generosity matters, and that those left behind should not feel alone.

“What a legacy to leave behind,” one comment said. “No status, no title. Just an incredible human who made a real difference in people’s lives every single day.” Another described him as “the epitome of a Mensch,” while others spoke about his faith, his laughter and the way he celebrated being alive.

It is clear now that David Sejobe was more than a familiar face at the gate. He was part of people’s mornings and evenings. Part of their routines. Part of the invisible fabric that holds communities together. And in the days since his passing, that fabric has tightened, not torn. His family will never truly understand the scale of the lives he touched, but through this outpouring of support, they are being shown it. And through every message, every donation and every memory shared, David’s presence continues to be felt, exactly as it always was: human, generous and deeply meaningful.

If you would like to contribute to the crowdfunding campaign, click here.

Sources: Multichoice Press Release | Crowdfunding Campaign 

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 R280,000 Raised in 48 Hours to Honour David Sejobe appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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.

For over a decade, Good Things Guy has celebrated helpers, heroes and healers… but now, there’s a place built specifically for them. The Helpers is live, and it’s ready to connect kindness to action.

South Africa (14 January 2026) – A decade ago, Good Things Guy started with one simple idea… that if we focused on what was good, we could change what we felt and ultimately change what we did. That by sharing stories of helpers, heroes, and everyday kindness, we could remind South Africans that hope isn’t something we wait for… it’s something we build.

But behind every hopeful story we share, there are thousands more happening in the shadows… stories that never reach the public because the people living them are too busy surviving. And for years, our inbox has been a front-row seat to that reality. Messages from people who aren’t looking for attention or a headline… they’re looking for help. Real help. Urgent help. Help that can’t wait until “next week”.

That’s why this week’s episode of ‘Good Things with Brent Lindeque‘ is more than just another episode.

It’s a new chapter.

This week, we are launching something incredibly special… something that has been in the hearts of the Good Things Guy team for years, something that was born out of need, built out of love and shaped by South Africans who never stopped showing up for each other.

On this week’s show, the incredible Good Things Guy editor, Tyler Leigh Vivier, joins me in studio as we officially launch The Helpers (and yes, it is live right now).

The Helpers is South Africa’s new centralised, user-driven charity directory. It is a platform designed to connect people who need help with organisations that can provide it… and to connect those who want to help with the causes that matter most to them. It’s practical, it’s searchable, and it’s built for speed, because when someone is in crisis, they don’t have time to scroll through endless Facebook posts or hope the right person sees their message. They need a place they can trust. A place that says, “Start here.”

Powered by the Good Things Guy team and created with the help of the amazing Druff Interactive team, The Helpers was born from something very real… and if you’ve been part of our community for a while, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our inboxes were flooded, not just with stories of resilience and hope, but with hundreds… and then thousands… of messages from South Africans who needed help urgently. We read messages from people needing food parcels and shelter, families desperate to escape abuse, animal lovers trying to rescue strays with nowhere else to turn. The need was overwhelming then… and if we’re being honest… it’s more overwhelming now.

So, in the middle of that chaos, Tyler did what Tyler always does. She didn’t panic. She didn’t look away. She just got to work.

She created a “Charity” section on Good Things Guy, listing trusted organisations people could turn to. It was never meant to be a big thing… it was just meant to be useful. It was meant to make it easier for someone to find help without having to beg for it.

But that section grew. And grew. And grew.

And so did the need.

As Tyler says, “People weren’t just asking for a story… they were asking where to go next.”

So we built something bigger… because South Africa deserves it

In 2025, as Good Things Guy celebrated its 10-year birthday, we made a decision. We weren’t going to just keep sharing stories about helpers… we were going to create a tool for helpers.

We decided to build something bigger. Something better. Something that could genuinely change lives.

And that something is The Helpers.

It’s a growing directory of charitable organisations across South Africa, built so that whether you need help or want to help, you can find what you’re looking for… quickly, safely, and with confidence.

You can search by area, which means if you’re looking for help near you in places like Johannesburg, Bloemfontein or Cape Town, you can find organisations in your community and around the country. You can also search by cause, which means whether your heart beats for gender-based violence support, education, cancer support, animal welfare, food security, shelter, or any other urgent need… you can find the right place to direct your support.

It’s for people who need help.

It’s for people who want to help.

And it’s for South Africans who still believe in the power of showing up for each other.

The Helpers is an extension of Good Things Guy, powered by the same team who have been sharing South Africa’s good news for over a decade, but this platform is not about us.

It’s about you… the helpers, the heroes, the healers and the warriors of hope.

We believe in a better South Africa. And we believe this is how we build it… not with big speeches, but with real connections, real support and real action.

The Helpers is live right now… and it’s only just the beginning.

*We asked 50 charities to register as a “soft-launch” to test the site. But we are now open for any and all charities, organisations and individuals to add their voice – for free – to this growing, helping directory.

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

Sources: Good Things Guy | The Helpers 

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 Helpers is Live… And it Might Be the Most Important Thing We’ve Ever Built appeared first on Good Things Guy.