A second essay from the Hilton College learner who earned 100% for his creative writing and over a million reads!

Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal (17 March 2026) – Last year, a Grade 11 learner named Guy Fender from Hilton College wrote a fictional essay about grief. His school, Hilton College, shared it online, and it went viral instantly.

It earned him 100%, over a million readers on social media and something even rarer – a chorus of strangers begging him to never stop writing.

“Last year, Guy Fender achieved a remarkable 100% for a piece of creative writing that reached more than 1.2 million readers on social media, with many calling for more of his work.” shared Hilton College recently.

This week, the school shared a second essay from their extraordinary student. This time, the subject is about being dropped from a rugby team, but in essence, it’s a meditation on identity, effort, and what happens when the thing you’ve built your life around closes its door on you.

“People think being dropped feels like a punch. It doesn’t. It feels like someone gently closing a door while you’re still talking.”

Beyond a command of imagery, the emotional intelligence underneath Guy’s writing shows that he has a gift for words, far beyond his years.

Readers have again responded in their thousands.

“This is the first real gift of writing I’ve read in a long time,” wrote one commenter. “You can reach inside people and lift out the meaning they did not know how to reach themselves,” wrote another.

A former rugby player said he related on every level. A mother said she was sending it to her sons.

Someone said: “A rugby player’s career lasts between 1 and 15 years. A writer’s lasts a lifetime.”

The essay, titled All Balloons Come Back Down, was published by the school two days ago and has been shared over 450 times on social media already, with thousands of comments and likes.

What struck us about this one is the honesty but also the hope it ends in. Our protagonist’s boots are still muddy, and he’s not where he thought he’d be. But the last line signals that things might be okay, and that’s a harder thing to write than triumph.

“I wasn’t done. I wasn’t finished. I just wasn’t where I thought I’d be. And for the first time, that felt like something I might be able to carry.”

If his first essay met you in your grief, this one will meet you in your disappointment.

Read the full essay below. (or here if you cannot see the post below).

Sources: Linked above.

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From children’s books to debut novels and powerful poetry, South Africa’s literary talent takes centre stage at the 2025 South African Literary Awards.

South Africa (06 November 2025) – When it comes to storytelling, South Africa has never fallen short of imagination. The South African Literary Awards (SALA) continue to remind us why. Now in its 20th year, the awards return to honour writers who capture the heart of the nation through words.

Hosted in partnership with the newly revamped City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services, this year’s ceremony will take place on 11 November 2025.

SALA was founded in 2005 by the wRite associates, has been a cornerstone for recognising authors, poets, translators, and storytellers across all of South Africa’s official languages. It celebrates both emerging and established voices, showcasing the depth and diversity of South African literature.

Organisers noted that this year’s judging panel spent months reading, analysing and debating before finalising the shortlist. Its made up of representatives from across all official languages and 16 literary categories. They described the 2025 edition as a true reflection of the country’s evolving and dynamic literary scene.

This year’s shortlist once again spans a rich range of genres and voices. In the Children’s Literature Award category, names like Nkateko Emily Mabasa and Upile uThixo Bongco stand out for stories that celebrate identity, courage, and curiosity. The Poetry Award is a mix of rhythm and reflection, featuring powerful entries by Frank Meintjies, Muntomuhle Silindokuhle Mcambi, and Nombeko Nontshokweni, among others.

For those who love short stories, the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award promises an exciting mix, with works by Zaheera Jina Asvat, David Mann, and Kwandile Hadebe exploring everything from love and loss to the everyday beauty of South African life. Meanwhile, the Novel Award category includes names such as Barbara Boswell, Nick Clelland, and Bulelani Matshoba, each telling stories that echo the complex, beautiful fabric of our country.

From the First-Time Published Author Award to the Lifetime Achievement Literary Award, SALA remains a vital stage for stories that connect us.

Click here for the full shortlist.

Sources: South African Literary Awards 

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

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In his spare time, Emmanuel James balances writing fun adventures with volunteering at a Randburg animal charity

Randburg, South Africa (21 July 2025) – In between the busyness of daily life, Emmanuel James finds space to write encapsulating stories that will not let you put your book down. Emmanuel might seem like an ordinary guy at first. However, when he is not busy with life, he is either writing wild adventure stories or helping animals in need.

While he may not wear the title of “full-time writer,” his creative work speaks volumes, drawing readers, especially younger ones, into bold and unusual worlds. Recently, he has been working on two books that are already getting some attention for being fun, quirky, and packed with imagination.

Emmanuel is not just about stories and adventures. When he’s not writing, he also volunteers at Saints Animal Charity in Randburg. This is an NPO that helps animals during tough times, from feeding and caring, all by raising funds through their charity shop. James gives his time and energy to support animal welfare, proving that kindness and creativity can go hand in hand.

Without giving too many spoilers, his first book tells the story of a boy who suddenly finds himself turned into a frog and thrown into a wild, funny adventure to save a polluted pond. The second book picks up the pace with more mystery, shadowy creatures, and secrets that leave readers wondering who can be trusted.

Both books are full of imagination, humour, and heart, perfect for younger readers who love a bit of adventure with a twist.

Whether he is writing about frogs on a mission or helping animals find safety, Emmanuel’s creativity is evident, doing what he loves, and making a difference while he’s at it. His stories might be fiction, but it’s safe to say the heart behind them is very real.

You can support this budding author by purchasing his books either at the Charity Shop or by reaching out on this Facebook post. Your support will make book three a reality!

Sources: Saints Animal Charity 

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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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