The Mother City’s Two Oceans Aquarium recently held its Long Service Awards for the people who’ve kept the magic happening for more than a decade!

Cape Town, South Africa (31 March 2026) – The awards recognise staff and volunteers who’ve dedicated years toward helping the organisation spotlight, protect, and educate about marine wildlife, including sea turtles, African penguins, seals, seabirds, fish, sharks, and many more.

The aquarium runs on about 80 staff members and a pool of volunteers. Together, they manage sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, shark tagging and release, marine wildlife management at the V&A Waterfront, and education programmes that reach thousands of school children a year, including kids from disadvantaged communities who are reached through outreach.

“As many of you may know, the Two Oceans Aquarium is a world-class tourist attraction in the heart of Cape Town and has been responsible for making memories, educating thousands, and changing lives for many years. None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff and volunteers.” shared Two Oceans Aquarium.

The awards celebrated nine staff members and volunteers who have committed a decade or more to serving the aquarium.

With 10 years of service, Ayrton King, Melissa Pillay, Saleigh Adams, Wandiswa Jonga, and Krish Lewis all received certificates. As did Rudi Schmidt for his 15 years of service and Nathalie Viljoen for 25 years of making the magic happen at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Volunteers Kassiem Blows and Nabewieyah Ismail were honoured for 20 years of commitment!

Behind every rescued turtle, every thriving exhibit and every child who walks away inspired, there’s a team of people who’ve chosen to stay, to serve, and to care for years on end. Well done to all awardees. Keep inspiring love and compassion for our marine wildlife.

Sources: Linked above.

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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. 

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South African designer Leon Kluge and his team secured both Grand Gold and Best on Show at the Shenzhen International Flower Show with unique designs.

Shenzhen, China (27 March 2026) – What started as a behind-the-scenes build in a foreign country has now turned into a major win. South African designer Leon Kluge and his team have officially taken top honours at the Shenzhen International Flower Show, walking away with both the Grand Gold Award and Best on Show.

It’s a massive achievement at one of the biggest flower shows in Asia and a proud moment not just for the team on the ground, but for South Africa as a whole.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Leon shared just how much the moment meant:

“South Africa won the Grand Gold Award. Not only the Grand Gold, we are also Best on Show. That means South Africa’s garden here at the Shenzhen Flower Show is number one.”

From the architecture right through to the plant selection, the winning garden stood out for its unique blend of influences, combining Asian design elements with strong African inspiration. It’s a fusion that clearly resonated with judges and visitors.

“Representing a mixture of Asian design and African influence in the design. Not only the architecture, but also the plants. And I’m very proud to take this on.”

Just days ago, the team was still deep in the build phase, working against time, language barriers, and the challenges of creating something world-class far from home. Now, that hard work has paid off in the best way possible.

“Thank you so much for all the encouraging messages from everybody back home every day, we managed to pull it off.”

After conquering one of the world’s biggest flower shows with two major awards secured, the team will soon be bringing their success back to South Africa.

Sources: Leon Kluge 

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South Africa’s best restaurants just got their stars! The 2026 Eat Out winners are…

Cape Town, South Africa (26 March 2026) – South Africa’s top chefs and restaurants gathered at the Baxter Theatre Centre this week for the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, one of the biggest nights on the local foodie radar.

FYN was named Restaurant of the Year, hot on the heels of earning its place in the World’s Top 100 restaurants!

“The judges said FYN delivered a world-class dining experience defined by precision, creativity and balance,” says Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out’s culinary director.

 

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A post shared by FYN Cape Town (@fynrestaurantcpt)

Johannes Richter, executive chef of award-winning The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate, took home Chef of the Year for the second year running.

Ryan Cole received the Chefs’ Chef Award, voted for by fellow chefs. Cole runs Salsify at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay in the Mother City, and his second restaurant, COY at the V&A Waterfront.

The awards also confirmed just how strong the local dining scene is right now, with 66 restaurants earning stars across the country!

Eat Out’s star system is based on a scoring process carried out over eight months by anonymous judges. Restaurants are assessed across the full dining experience and then awarded stars based on their final score.

Three stars are reserved for restaurants scoring between 90 and 100, placing them at the very top of South African dining. This year, eight restaurants achieved that level. FYN, La Colombe, La Petite Colombe, MERTIA, Pier, Salon, Salsify at the Roundhouse and The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate all took home the honour of a star trio.

 

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A post shared by Salsify at The Roundhouse (@salsify_at_the_roundhouse)

Two stars are awarded to restaurants scoring between 80 and 89. Still exceptional but just below the top tier, while one star is given to restaurants scoring between 70 and 79, marking them as standout destinations in their own right.

Sustainability also took an earth-friendly leap forward this year. For the first time, three Green Stars were awarded to recognise restaurants leading the way in creating a more sustainable and responsible food industry.

“The introduction of the three Green Star Awards is an important step in recognising real progress towards a more responsible food industry. These awards back chefs and restaurants who are raising the standard not only in what they serve, but in how they operate and the impact they have.” shares Roy Bagattini, Group CEO of Woolworths Holdings.

The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate received the Rural Green Star as a standout community gem that makes the most of its space to grow its own food and rear animals.

Dusk took the Urban Green Star for leading the way in sustainable city dining by navigating the hustle of a busy commercial hub to find clever, eco-friendly ways to handle waste and operations without the luxury of farm space.

Terrarium was awarded the Emerging Green Star for hitting the ground running as an ambitious newcomer that has made ‘doing good’ for the planet a core part of its mission from the very first day!

 

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A post shared by TERRARIUM (@theterrarium_restaurant)

On the individual awards side, head chef Aren Pollack from Embarc was named Rising Star, while winemaker Ken Forrester received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contribution to the industry.

 

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A post shared by Aren Pollack (@arenpollack)

You can view the full list of winners here.

Sources: Linked above.

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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 Best Restaurants In SA Right Now According To Eat Out Awards! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Celebrating South African restaurants’ excellence, here’s who went home with gold plates at the 2025 RASA Restaurant Awards!

Johannesburg, South Africa (20 March 2026) – The Restaurant Voice of SA (RASA) has been celebrating the people who make our food world special for two decades now!

RASA’s Top Restaurant Awards, marking its 20th year, shone the spotlight on local chefs, teams and restaurants in a ceremony held on 17 March in Fourways.

Winners spanned a wide range of categories this year, from Cafe Culture and Bistro to Elegant Dining, Cosmopolitan Dining, Family Restaurants, Lifestyle Dining, Upmarket Eateries, and more.

Individual awards also went out on the night, recognising excellence in service, creativity, and innovation – including SA’s Best Service Award, The Creative Factor Award, The Artistry in Vegan Dining, and The Showstopper Award.

The night wrapped with the announcement of South Africa’s Top 10 Best Restaurants and Restaurant of the Year, which went to Journey Urchin Restaurant the Hyatt Regency in Cape Town!

“Your restaurants are more than just places to eat – they’re gateways to connection, the storybooks of people’s lives, the boardroom table of peoples businesses, the Wedding chapel of people’s I do’s, the first dates, the anniversaries, the birthdays and the Friday night happy hour.” shared Wendy Alberts CEO of the Restaurant Voice of SA. 

Here it is! The full list of winners at this year’s RASA Top Restaurant Awards:

Best In…

Best Café Culture – Chocólat et Café
Best in Bistro Buzz – Cut and Craft Bistro
Best in Upmarket Eateries – Casa Bella Montecasino
Best in Modern Relaxed – Social Grill
Best in Food on the Move – Tacokombi
Best in Family Restaurants – Joy Jozi
Best in Grillhouse & Steakhouse – The Grillhouse
Best in Lifestyle Dining – Arum
Best in Elegant Eating – Peppertree
Best in Cosmopolitan Dining – Chief Boma
Best Experiential Restaurant – The Royal Countess Zingara
Best International Flavours – Nikos Montecasino
Best in Fine Dining Flair – Qunu at Saxon

Individual Awards…

Best Service Award – Papachinos
Best Social Media Mastery – Ashleys
Most Creative Factor – Railways Cafè
Artistry in Vegan Dining – Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay
Best Kept Secret – Mrs Simpsons
Best Wine Experience – Fortis Bistro
Best Township – Secret Location
Best New Restaurant – The Salt Road
Lifestyle Pioneer Award – Tang
Best Restaurant Group – Olives & Plates
Operational Excellence GM Award – Terrace @ Van Gaalen (Shantall Welgemoed)

Top 10 Restaurants…

1. Qunu
2. Aurum
3. Social Grill
4. Tang
5. Kream
6. Ukko
7. Peppertree
8. Journey Urchin
9. Grillhouse
10. Casa Bella

Restaurant of the Year 2025

Journey Urchin Restaurant @ Hyatt

Rosetta Awards – Silver Plate 2025

Cavalli, Chorus, Culinary Table, Eike by Bertus Basson, Marble, Meraki Deli Café, Mertia Stellenbosch, Restaurant Klein Jan, Post & Pepper

Rosetta Awards – Gold Plate 2025

Epice, Faber, Farrow, Fermier Pretoria, Les Creatifs, Urchin Cape Town, Rust & Vrede Stellenbosch, Chefs Warehouse, Wolfgat Paternoster, Saxon Sandhurst, Cyra Houghton, Arkeste Franschhoek

Rosetta Awards – Platinum Plate 2025

Fyn, La Colombe Constancia, Le Petite Colombe, Pier, Dusk Stellenbosch, Salsify at the Roundhouse

Sources: Linked above.

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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. 

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Malcolm Marx and Nadine Roos were crowned the country’s top players at the SA Rugby Awards after standout seasons.

Cape Town, South Africa (06 March 2026) – South African rugby’s biggest names took centre stage this week as the SA Rugby Awards celebrated a remarkable season for the sport, with Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and versatile playmaker Nadine Roos emerging as the standout winners.

Both players walked away with the sport’s top individual honours after impressive campaigns in 2025.

For Malcom, the recognition added another chapter to what has already been a career-defining period. The powerful Springbok hooker was recently honoured on the global stage when he received the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award late last year. Now he has added the SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year title to his growing list of accolades.

The award marks the second time Malcom has been named South Africa’s top men’s player, having first won it in 2017.

 

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Meanwhile, Nadine continued her dominance in the women’s game. She successfully defended her SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year title, earning the honour for the second season in a row after playing a key role in a breakthrough year for the Springbok Women.

Her impact did not stop there. She also claimed the Springbok Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award, underlining her influence where the national women’s side reached the Rugby World Cup playoffs for the first time.

 

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The awards also recognised excellence across South Africa’s national teams. Head coach Rassie Erasmus was named Coach of the Year, while the South Africa national rugby union team were crowned Team of the Year after defending the Rugby Championship title and winning 11 of their 13 Tests in 2025.

Other standout winners included Ethan Hooker, who received the SA Rugby Men’s Young Player of the Year award, Shilton van Wyk as Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year, and Haashim Pead, who was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year.

Reflecting on the achievements, Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, praised the players and teams for a year that will be remembered for generations.

“The year 2025 will remain etched in our memories for decades to come… Together, these achievements made 2025 not only a golden year, but the best year in the history of SA Rugby.”

Sources: SA Rugby 

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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. 

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The Cape of Good Hope SPCA just got its gold stars!

Cape Town, South Africa (04 March 2026) – The organisation has just been honoured with not one, but two prestigious titles in the LUXlife Pet Products and Services Awards 2026.

The SPCA scoops both Best Animal Welfare Organisation (Cape Town) and Outstanding Animal Protection Excellence awards for the year!

Now in their ninth run, the awards are presented by LUXlife and recognise the most outstanding organisations and individuals in the international pet and animal care sector.

Recipients are selected purely on merit and assessed on demonstrated impact, ethical standards, innovation, governance, and sustained excellence.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s two wins at the awards add to a growing list! Four years ago, just weeks before their 150th birthday, they took home the Global Excellence Award.

“This honour belongs to our inspectors who enforce animal protection legislation, our tireless veterinary team, the educators who shift mindsets, and YOU, for your support and generosity that makes our work possible. Thank you so much!” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA shared.

They fight court battles for the voiceless and don’t give up until justice is served. They step in for neglected, abused, injured and abandoned animals with compassion and urgency. They use their platform to inspire real change in the fight against animal cruelty in South Africa.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA are exemplary of the high standards that so many incredible animal welfare organisations across this country quietly uphold every single day!

Sources: Linked above.

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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. 

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South African creators are dominating the digital scene, earning nominations across nine of the ten categories at the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa.

Johannesburg, South Africa (14 November 2025) – The countdown is officially on for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa! A celebration of the brilliant voices shaping the digital landscape.

What started as a space for fun, creativity, and self-expression has grown into one of the most exciting platforms honouring the people who keep us entertained, informed, laughing and inspired.

This year’s nominations highlight just how powerful the creator economy has become, and South Africans have shown up in a massive way. Of the 10 award categories, local creators secured nominations in nine.

From established names to newcomers, the awards recognise storytelling, humour, community-building, and cultural impact.

A clear indication that creativity is not just a hobby. It’s work, it has influence and deserves to be celebrated.

And now… let’s take a look at the nominated stars and get to know the creators who made the cut this year.

Creator of the Year

Representing South Africa at the very top, Shandor Larenty is known for his wildlife, travel, and adventure content. His videos take viewers right into the heart of the wild, making nature feel both thrilling and accessible.

Food Creator of the Year

South Africa is serving flavour in this category with two local creators making the cut.

Nompumelelo Nkosi and Malume Foodie bring all kinds of food to life. From homestyle cooking to adventurous bites. This category a real treat for food lovers everywhere.

Storyteller of the Year

A familiar name in South African football, Mike Morton has turned his pro-football background into powerful digital storytelling.

He’s all about the beautiful game and fun fact, he’s also nominated in Sports Creator of the Year.

Sports Creator of the Year

Joining him in the sports category is Stephanie Mawdsley, who is doing major work spotlighting women’s football, both locally and globally.

Rising Star

Bafana Mthembu is becoming a fan favourite with his sharp, commentary on TV shows, films, podcasts and everything in between. He’s the voice you did not know you needed in your entertainment feed.

Entertainment Creator of the Year

South Africa shows up twice here:

• Finding Chance – a TV and film critic with a knack for sharp insights and smart reviews.
• Jabu Macdonald – known for his energetic commentary on all things entertainment, from TV hits to trending pop culture moments.

Education Creator of the Year

Michelle Expert’s content is designed to help people master business, boost productivity, and level up their growth. Practical, clear, and empowering. She’s become a go-to source for business-minded creators and entrepreneurs.

Social Impact Creator of the Year

Through her platform ufarm julia, Sinethemba Masinga highlights farming, food sustainability, and community upliftment. From sharing knowledge to helping people on the ground, her work is creating real impact where it matters most.

Artist of the Year

Jazzworx brings the beat in this category. Known as a producer and artist with a gift for creating infectious rhythms, his Spotify presence is stacked with collaborations, including favourites like Vuka with Thukuthela and music with Oscar Mbo.

See all the nominees here.

Sources: Supplied 

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

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

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To work in the wild is no small feat. Without the courage of rangers and anti-poaching teams, we would not have the pleasure of enjoying the bush as guests.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (12 November 2025) – Friday last week, the Kruger’s top achievers were recognised for their work at the annual KNP Achievement Awards at the Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre, held within the park.

Winners were named across more than nine categories (we’ll share the full list with you below).

While the work of every employee who strives to protect and look after our national parks is important, one category stood out.

It honoured the national park’s bravest.

Four men who have faced the wilds of Kruger and lived to tell the tale.

“[Four staff members] stole the limelight, for scooping the Bravery Award in recognition of their bravery by placing their own lives in danger and single-handedly confronting armed suspected poachers as well as dangerous animals,” shares SANParks.

Albert Mkansi, Twice a Survivor

The first of four winners has worked in the park for years.

Field ranger Albert Mkansi has done more than earn his spots.

Albert has survived two deadly attacks – one by a leopard and another by a hippo. In both incidents, he acted proactively, making sure that nobody else would be harmed. After the hippo attack last year, he sustained serious injuries, and his foot was amputated. Even after that, his courage hasn’t wavered a bit.

“He is simply the bravest field ranger to have survived deadly attacks not once but twice. As a proactive field ranger on both incidents, he showed bravery and courage by doing all means to survive and to prevent the animals from attacking the others,” shares SANParks.

Katekani Sibuyi and Nicolus Mathebula vs Buffalo

Then there’s Katekani Sibuyi and Nicolus Mathebula, who were jointly recognised for their fast-acting bravery in an encounter with one of the most feared animals in the Kruger, the African buffalo. It happened while on patrol – a vitally important task in the bush.

Everything was dead quiet, until it wasn’t anymore…

“As they patrolled, Field Ranger Nicolus was walking ahead of Field Ranger Katekani, unknowingly passing right by a buffalo that had tucked itself away in the reeds, perfectly camouflaged like it had something to hide… which, as it turned out, was a serious temper,” shares SANParks.

The buffalo charged Nicolus first. He lunged into a bush to avoid the collision. But with the buffalo already on its way, Katekani bravely intervened. In seconds, he began clapping and redirected the buffalo’s fury. And so the second charge took off. This time at Katekani.

“The buffalo locked eyes with him, changed direction, and charged like a quick train. The impact was brutal…The buffalo hit Katekani full force and sent him flying – but this story wasn’t over. No sir. Because, just four meters away, the buffalo skidded to a halt… turned around… and came back for round two,” shares SANParks.

Katekani, now hobbling on one knee and struggling to lift his firearm, took a second blow straight to the forehead. Realising he couldn’t resort to his weapon, he decided to play a game of ‘got your nose’ with the buffalo.

“With incredible presence of mind — and no small amount of bravery — he grabbed the buffalo by its horns and, with his right hand, clamped down hard on its nose…Its legs started to buckle, and Field Ranger Katekani, seizing the moment, climbed into a nearby tree for safety,” shares SANParks.

Up that tree is not where it ended. The buffalo managed to yank Katekani out from the branches and, for the third time, the two were face to face.

“But Field Ranger Katekani didn’t run. He used the same bold tactic, clamping the nose again with all his remaining strength. The buffalo dropped to its hind legs, weakened and disoriented – a rare sight indeed.”

And then, field ranger Nicolus appeared with his rifle and struck the remaining blows that brought the buffalo down.

“Both these men showed courage that day, the kind you don’t teach in training manuals the kind that defines real heroes. They didn’t just patrol the bush. They fought in it. Survived in it. And protected each other in it. Surely, that is the essence of a Bravery Award,” shares SANParks.

Vusi Lubisi, Solo Face-Off With Poachers

Corporal Vusi Lubisi took the final honour in bravery. He has led his team in many successful anti-poaching activities, but has also braved the bush alone against poachers — an act that almost cost him his life.

It started when Lubisi sent his accompanying ranger on a task to guard another team. Patrol still needed to be done, so Lubisi took off on foot alone that day.

“While he was patrolling from a distance, he noticed movements and colours, he then moved closer to get a clear view when he heard a click, the suspect was about to fire at him so he immediately started firing shots and managed to shoot them all, one suspect ran that was then when he called for back-up…What stands out with this particular operation is that it was a one man show against more than one opponent,” shared SANParks.

It takes incredible courage for field rangers and anti-poaching teams to show up and do what they do on a daily basis. Wild animals can be unpredictable. In dangerous scenarios (and there are many that come with the job) it is up to rangers to act quickly and with the best intentions for both humans and wildlife.

Every Winner at This Year’s KNP Achievement Awards

As promised, a list of every Kruger employee and group honoured on Friday:

Research, Initiatives and Innovation Award: Stephen Midzi

Best Constituency Builder Award: Aubrey Mogezi Maluleke, Elmon William Mthombothi

Bush Camp of the Year: Biyamiti Bush Camp

Camp of the Year: Satara Camp

Best Performing Entrance Gate/Reception: Phalaborwa Gate

Wilderness Trails Camp of the Year: Mathikhithi Wilderness Trails Camp

Ranger Post of the Year: Pretoriuskop Ranger Post

Special Team Effort Award: Malaria Spraying Team

Managing Executive’s Special Award: Mr Auriel Nyambi, Ms Portia Sambo, Mr Solly Shakwane, Ms Pearl Tladi, Ms Eunice Mulaudzi, Mr Grant Grootboom, Ms Jane Mashele, Hein Globler, Ms Sharon Hauusmann (posthumous award)

Excellent Performance in the Workplace Award: Lillian Mhlaba, Brighton Tjie, Yulitide Godi, Stephen Nel, Johann Mdluli, Carel Nkuna, Samuel Mathebula, Patrick Ndhlovu, Albert Baloyi, Hetisani Mhlava, Vanessa van den Berg, Brace Mambana, Dansie Mkhatshwa, Justice Sambo, Moses Matlala, Floyd Mabunda, Hasani Erick Baloyi, Katekani Sibuyi, Brian Ndlhovu, Derick Maluleke, Fhulufhedzani Phalanndwa, Sam Madalane, Michael Paxton, Agnes Mathebula, Christmas Madadzhe, Meurel Baloyi, Moosa Mona, Promise Moripa, Noel Hansie Nzima, Nokukhanya Joyce Mpanza, Judith Botha, Nonhlanhla Mbatha, Tebogo Manamela

Best Customer Service Award: Wendy Mathebula, Elina Mona, Rodgers Hobyane, Jamela Precious Njini, Fanie Risimati

Leadership Award: Vincent Chauke, Sam Baloi, Greyton Nkuna, Enock Manyike, Lucia Dlamini, Dumisani Ntlemo, Akani Shivambu

Lifetime Achievement Award: Oupa Manzini, Richard Vukeya, Jairos Chiloane, James Mdluli

Sources: Supplied / SANParks

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As netball continues its remarkable growth in South Africa, Mandela University’s Juanita van Tonder and Chinonso Dave were recognised as Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, capping a standout season.

Gqeberha, South Africa (28 October 2025) – Netball in South Africa is on an upward trajectory. From the SPAR Proteas holding their own against the world’s best, to the SPAR Baby Proteas inspiring confidence in the next generation, the sport’s future has never looked brighter. Across the country, universities and clubs have become key hubs for developing that next wave of stars. By the looks of things, Nelson Mandela University is proving to be one of the strongest breeding grounds.

That was made clear at the 2025 Madibaz Sport Awards, where netball took centre stage once again. The code not only produced both the Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, but also walked away with the Club of the Year and Community Engagement awards.

Netball standout Juanita van Tonder and her male counterpart Chinonso Dave capped off an exceptional season that extended well beyond university borders.

Juanita, a sports management student, earned her national colours earlier this year, representing the SPAR Proteas as goalkeeper in test series against New Zealand and Australia. Her strong form with the Nelson Mandela Bay A team at last year’s national championships also earned her a spot in the President’s squad, while she led the Eastern Cape Aloes to sixth place in South Africa’s top flight netball league, the Telkom Netball League.

“Winning this award is such a blessing and I really did not see it coming. I am truly honoured to be recognised in this way and I want to thank Mandela University for this award. I really appreciate it.”

For Chinonso Dave, an honours student in educational psychology, the recognition came as a pleasant surprise too. Having represented South Africa in a series against Zimbabwe last year and being named Nelson Mandela Bay’s best player of 2024, his leadership both on and off the court has been pivotal in growing men’s netball at the institution.

“I was definitely not expecting this but am truly grateful to Madibaz Sport for the recognition, especially in my final year. It shows that all the hard work over the last two years has paid off.”

As South African netball continues to reach new heights, the achievements of Juanita, Chinonso, and the Madibaz netball community underline the future Proteas are in motion.

Sources: Supplied 

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Netball Leads the Way as Madibaz Honour Their Best appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africa’s celebrated flower expert, Leon Kluge, brings a stunning display of fynbos and the iconic King Protea to inspire runners along the marathon route and celebrate the beauty of local flora.

Cape Town, South Africa (16 October 2025) – Not all highlights of the Cape Town Marathon come from the athletes on the road. This year, runners and spectators will have something extra (maybe even different) to enjoy. A stunning floral display by South Africa’s own Leon Kluge, the internationally acclaimed plants expert, designer, and social media creator.

Known for his creative approach to plants, Leon has built a following online by sharing his knowledge of everything from seasonal growth tips to rare plant varieties. This year, he is bringing his expertise to the marathon, where participants will pass vibrant installation featuring iconic fynbos and the national flower, the King Protea, as the centrepiece. What a way to catch your breath and soak in some beauty during the challenging 42-kilometre journey, right?

Leon’s work does not stop at the marathon. He has been celebrated across South Africa and abroad for his floral artistry, including a gold-winning display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London and several other prestigious accolades.

Another award under his name is the Landscape Designer of the Year at the Designer of the Year Awards, which honours the best in South Africa’s design and creative community.

While the awards recognise his decades of dedication to horticulture and design, it’s Leon’s passion for sharing plants with the world that makes his marathon display so special.

Runners will be experiencing the artistry and care that Leon puts into every stem and bloom.

From social media tutorials to international awards and now to the streets of Cape Town, Leon Kluge proves that the beauty of plants can refresh and even motivate athletes to keep moving. For marathon runners this weekend, his display promises a moment of pause and appreciation.

Sources: Leon Kluge/ Facebook 

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

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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