A Cape fur seal spotted with a tight noose around its neck in Hout Bay has been successfully freed after a coordinated rescue effort!

Western Cape, South Africa (27 March 2026) – The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre first raised concern over the weekend when the Cape fur seal was seen with a piece of discarded material cutting into its neck, like a noose.

The photos are difficult to look at, but they show the reality of entanglement. How quickly waste in the ocean can turn into a serious, life-threatening injury…

An initial rescue attempt on Sunday, supported by the NSRI and the Two Oceans Aquarium, was unsuccessful when the seal unfortunately left the harbour before the team could reach him.

Then, on a second sighting, things came together!

“This morning the [Cape fur seal] with the noose around his neck came into the Hout Bay Harbour again. We had everything we needed, the skill, the tools and the dedication. All we needed was a boat to get to him.”

That final piece came down to compassionate people willing to help. The team reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris, and without hesitation, they agreed to take Amos, Abel and Jo out on their boat.

“We reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris Hout Bay to take [us] out in their boat and they said yes!!”

Using a long hook borrowed from fellow marine heroes at Two Oceans Aquarium, the team was able to reach the seal from the vessel.

“We knew that we would be able to get close enough with the long hook that the Two Oceans Aquarium has lent us to do the job.”

Because everything came together so speedily, the team was able to act quickly when the seal returned.

“So all aboard and out they went. It took one stretch forward, under the noose with the hook, the seal jumped off the pipe and the blade cut up and released the rope.”

The seal is now free and back in the salty ocean water, where its wounds can begin to heal up!

“We are so grateful to Anthea and team from Captain Jacks Safaris and the Aquarium helping us. So now the seal will heal in the salty ocean.”

Cases like this are part of a much bigger problem along South Africa’s coastline. Research tracking Cape fur seals over time has recorded hundreds of entanglements, most linked to discarded fishing gear and plastic waste. These materials can tighten, cut, and worsen wounds over time, which often leads to severe injury or death if animals aren’t reached in time.

That’s why what happens before waste reaches the ocean matters just as much as what happens after. Fishing line left behind on rocks, beaches or harbours can easily be pulled back into the sea by wind and waves, where it becomes almost invisible and incredibly dangerous to marine life.

There are already efforts along the coast trying to intercept this waste early. Projects like WESSA’s Stop the Strangle campaign are rolling out dedicated collection bins at popular fishing spots to catch discarded line before it washes into the ocean.

The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre are heroes who need help to keep up their meaningful work in rescuing and rehabilitating seals in need across the Western Cape.

The organisation is currently raising funds to cover the costs of a new rescue vehicle as their trusted old bakkie has reached the end of its lifespan. Beyond that, help covering operational costs like medical supplies and fuel is also needed. Your support will help keep the seals safe. Donate 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 Team Comes Together to Save Terribly Injured Seal in Hout Bay appeared first on Good Things Guy.

There’s a beautiful South African philosophy that says, ‘I am because we are.’ It’s the message that carries the NSRI’s latest project in Hout Bay – a step-change for offshore rescue along the coast.

Cape Town, South Africa (12 March 2026) – Volunteer Spencer Oldman has been asked the same question so many times that he doesn’t even need to think about the answer anymore.

What does NSRI Hout Bay need most?

“As Station Commander, people often ask me what our biggest need is. My answer is always the same – I need to know that when I send my volunteers out into a storm, they have the best possible chance of coming home safe and successful.”

Last year, we shared the news of the NSRI Hout Bay’s game-changing 14-metre offshore rescue vessel, set to be one of the most advanced in the NSRI’s fleet. The Spirit of Ubuntu (Rescue 8) is currently being built, with a target to be on the water by August 2026.

The Hout Bay crew has gone out in an older, smaller vessel for years, and they’ve saved many lives with her. Spirit of Ubuntu is built from the ground up and directly addresses many of the practical challenges faced in  those previous rescues.

“For a long time, our team has done incredible work using older, smaller boats. But those missions tended to be exhausting. Our crew would often arrive at a rescue scene wet, exhausted and worn out by the elements endured over the 3–4 hour trip through large South Atlantic winter storms. We have had several deep sea night calls over the past few years which can attest to that.” says Spencer.

The new 14 meter Offshore Rescue Craft can fit ten crew members, boasts an air-conditioned cabin with specialised seating that absorbs the impact of the sea, and with three times the range of their current vessel, the crew can go out further and stay on scene for longer.

“This means my crew isn’t just surviving the trip, they are arriving at the scene warm, dry, and physically ready to save lives. It allows us to push further out to sea and stay on the scene longer than ever before.” Spencer says.

Spencer also serves as Coxswain –  the ‘captain’ behind the wheel – and says the new vessel’s detection systems will transform what’s possible after dark. Rescues will be supported by better communications, too.

“In the past, searching for a person in the water at night was like looking for a needle in a haystack while someone threw buckets of cold salty water in your face. Now, we own the night. With the new thermal imaging and low light cameras integrated into the electronic navigation suite and advanced digital radar systems, we can see through the dark and the mist.” says Spencer. “The communications system upgrade from the previous vessels takes us into an era where we can communicate on a global basis, whether it be through VHF radio, UHF radio, satellite communications or internet connectivity.”

Crews will be able to respond faster, operate further offshore and work safely in harsher conditions.

“It gives our volunteer rescue crews the tools they need to save more lives, more often, and in places where help has historically struggled to reach in time. Ultimately, this vessel represents hope… hope for those at sea, and reassurance for families” says NSRI Business Development Manager Dirk Coetzee.

What’s more is that the Spirit of Ubuntu is tied to a South African philosophy we always celebrate. The idea that we exist through each other, that your safety is my responsibility and mine is yours…

“The name of this boat, Spirit of Ubuntu, means ‘I am because we are.’ This vessel exists because of the support of our community, and in return, it allows us to be there for you when the conditions are at their worst,” says Spencer.

Behind every rescue is a community that makes it possible. The NSRI depends on volunteers who give their time, but it also relies on South Africans who give what they can to make those life-saving rescue happen.

Spirit of Ubuntu comes with an appeal. At R26 million, it’s being funded through ongoing public and corporate support, where businesses can have their logo permanently printed on the vessel for a R1 million contribution, becoming a meaningful part of what carries every rescue for decades to come.

“There’s a growing sense of excitement and belief in the campaign,” says Dirk. “It reminds people that saving lives at sea is a collective effort, and that everyone has a role to play.”

Sea Rescue is a team effort, and the team includes all of us. Together, in ways big and small, we can stand behind the people who put their lives at risk just to bring someone else home.

If you work would like to support this campaign, get in touch with the NSRI. Your referral or contribution could help save lives along the coast.

Sources: GTG Interview. 

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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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A local guide, Robert Sivewright, put his tourists’ safety above his own when a rabid seal became aggressively fixated on their kayak. Now, a grateful community is coming together to ensure he doesn’t walk the long road to recovery alone.

Hout Bay, South Africa (02 March 2026) – What began as a normal kayak trip in Hout Bay Harbour turned into an utter catastrophe when a rabid seal became aggressively fixated on one particular kayak and repeatedly attempted to bite it.

Robert Sivewright had been guiding a group of tourists on an Animal Ocean kayak trip inside the harbour on Saturday, 21 February, when a snapping mad seal posed a threat to the guests.

Realising the danger and seeking to protect the tourists in his care, Robert guided the group back to the dock, ensuring every single one of them was safely out of the water. Once off they were off the kayak, the seal turned and attacked him.

According to his sister, Samantha Sivewright, one guest said Robert shone as a real hero in a very terrifying situation.

“In the process, Robert sustained severe injuries to his right elbow and left hand,” shared Robert’s employer, Steve Benjamin.

“He was rushed to Constantiaberg Mediclinic by his sister Samantha Sivewright, where he underwent reconstructive surgery. Thanks to rapid intervention, he received urgent private medical care without delay to clean the wounds and receive the best treatment possible.”

Steve shared that while the company covered all the direct costs of surgery and emergency room care on the day, workers’ compensation didn’t apply to freelance staff. With the severe injuries Robert sustained, he requires a long and complex recovery – medical treatment and rehabilitation that comes at a hefty cost.

When the news of his ordeal was shared online just a few days ago, people empathised with his trauma and were moved by his heroism. Not only that, they responded with overwhelming support and generosity, contributing funds that will assist in Robert’s recovery and extended time away from work as a kayak guide.

In just four days, over R87,000 has been raised towards his recovery – funds that will go towards ongoing medical treatment, specialist care, rehabilitation, follow-up procedures, medication and basic living costs.

In a world where we often talk about courage, Robert lived it. He has been praised for his bravery and acting instinctively and decisively to protect others.

We couldn’t agree more. We applaud his selfless act of bravery and wish him all the best on his road to recovery.

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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Three fishermen are back home after a scary capsizing incident ended not in tragedy, but in a heroic rescue by a fellow fishing crew that happened to be in the right place at the perfect time.

Kleinmond, South Africa (04 February 2026) – Reports of a capsized commercial crayfishing boat offshore of Draadbaai at the Stoney Point Nature Reserve prompted the activation of the NSRI Kleinmond duty crew on Tuesday morning.

According to NSRI Kleinmond station commander, Schalk Boonzaaier, the team launched the rescue craft ‘Spirit of Surfski’ while the rescue vehicle responded to Stoney Point.

While teams were enroute it was confirmed that three local adult male fishermen had been rescued by the crew of a fellow commercial crayfishing boat after their boat had capsized at fishing grounds.

“They were brought safely to the Stoney Point slipway, and they were transported by road to Kleinmond. They were all accounted for, and they were not injured,” says Boonzaaier.

“On our rescue craft arriving on the scene, we found the capsized vessel drifting close to the rocks. A towline was established. We towed the vessel away from the rocks and successfully righted the vessel, in calmer waters and towed it to Kleinmond, where the vessel was recovered.”

Upon investigation of the incident, the NSRI found that the fishing rope had entangled around the boat’s motor propellers. While the fishermen attempted to remove the rope, the vessel took on water and capsized.

The assistance of the skipper and crew of the other commercial crayfishing vessel is commended for rescuing the three fishermen.

NSRI Urges Water Safety After Tragic Week

The successful fishermen rescue offers welcome relief for the NSRI, who have responded to over thirty rescue incidents across South Africa over seven days, from Sunday 25 January to Sunday 1 February.

Sadly, at least ten people have drowned or are missing, many of them teenagers.

Thirty-nine people were rescued from the water during the same period. These included a mass rescue at Kleinmond Main Beach involving nine people swept out by rip currents, as well as individual and group rescues along the coast in Gordons Bay, Wilderness, Hout Bay, and East London.

“We are seeing the same risk factors repeating: young people swimming in unguarded areas, rip currents not recognised, and well-meaning bystander rescuers also getting into difficulty,” said Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager.

In the wake of this devastating week, the NSRI urges the public to follow water safety principles such as supervising children, avoiding alcohol consumption before swimming, swimming at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and to treat inland waters with extreme caution.

“Summer is far from over,” said Brett Ayres, NSRI Chief Operating Officer.

“As we continue to enjoy our coastline and inland waters, we must remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility. These incidents are tragic. We urge the public to remain vigilant, informed, and prepared.”

For emergency assistance, call NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre on 087 094 9774 or dial 112 from any mobile phone.

Sources: NSRI

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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 Local Crew Rescues 3 Fellow Fishermen After Boat Capsizes at Sea appeared first on Good Things Guy.

History was made in Hout Bay this past Tuesday as Silikamva High School achieved the ‘impossible’: a perfect 100% matric pass rate for the very first time!

Cape Town, South Africa (15 January 2026) – While thousands of learners across the country celebrated their results this week, something truly historic unfolded in the township of Hout Bay.

On Tuesday, 13 January, Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier announced a milestone that brought the community to its feet: Silikamva High School achieved its first-ever 100% matric pass rate!

 

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The journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2019, the school’s pass rate stood at 40%. Just six years later, this Quintile 3 collaboration school has defied the odds, with all 154 students successfully passing their National Senior Certificate examinations.

The achievement is particularly significant for a no-fee school as they tend to have limited resources. Of the 154 students, 117 achieved bachelor passes (76%), 28 achieved diploma passes, and 9 achieved higher certificate passes. The school recorded 100% pass rates in eight subjects, including Physical Sciences, and Business Studies.

Minister Maynier, who visited the school on Tuesday morning to celebrate the results, attributed part of the success to “excellent leadership, strong school culture, and the partnership model that supports collaboration schools like Silikamva.”

He emphasised that the Western Cape’s collaboration school model has proven effective and called for its expansion across more schools in the province.

Leadership and Vision Drive Transformation

Principal Siphatisiwe Nkala-Nkonhla, reflecting on and encouraging other no-fee schools on their journey, was candid about the challenges:

“Non-fee paying schools face struggles all the time. We do not have the resources. The kids are hungry, they come from poverty-stricken families, and it’s so difficult. The main thing is getting the teachers to buy into the vision. My vision has always been to get 100%, and not just 100%, but quality passes.”

She explained the critical role of teacher commitment:

“The teachers are the ones that do the work at the end of the day. For them to come on a Saturday, for them to do extra lessons, we need their buy-in. Once the teachers get the buy-in, they are the ones to speak to the learners, to encourage them to attend classes, to work hard. For me, it has been working with my team. They are wonderful people and they’ve been very supportive of the vision that we have as a school.”

Data-Driven Teaching as a Game Changer

Nkululeko Mangweni who teaches History and Geography at Silikamva, credits the turnaround to a fundamental shift in how the school operates:

“It started from the leadership and filtered down to senior management, then into teachers, and then into the learners. The support from Common Good has been crucial for professional development, equipping teachers to use ICT and different methods.”

He highlighted the school’s data-driven approach:

“We’ve been integrating data into learning and effective teaching. We have error analysis and academic improvement plans. Each teacher has to create that, and departmental heads monitor whether it’s being implemented effectively. That has been a game changer.”

On the principal’s impact, he added that Miss Nkala-Nkonhla brought a lot of changes and energy that filtered into the whole staff.

Partnership Model Delivers Results

As Silikamva’s operating partner, Common Good has supported the school’s vision through the collaboration school model, providing professional development, resources, and strategic support.

Common Good is a faith-based development organisation that supports grassroots transformation across South Africa, working in three critical areas: Early Life, Education, and Employment through scalable, research- backed programmes.

The historic achievement places Silikamva among a small group of no-fee schools nationally that have reached 100% pass rates – demonstrating that excellence in education is possible regardless of socioeconomic context when the right support systems are in place.

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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Four brave and incredibly compassionate hearts: Shoneé, Katherine, Eva and Georgina, will swim from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay to support a 13-year-old rugby player whose life was irrevocably changed by a catastrophic on-field injury.

Cape Town, South Africa (09 December 2025) – Four incredible swimmers will ONCE AGAIN take on an immense physical and mental challenge for Rugby’s Caring Hands.

In January 2026, Shoneé Cornelissen, Katherine Persson, Eva Dirksen and Georgina Smith will brave a gruelling 72-kilometre relay swim across the unforgiving currents and frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean, starting in Fish Hoek and finishing in Hout Bay.

Their epic display of endurance and heart is to raise funds for The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund‘s latest and youngest recipient, Leandro Jantjies.

Leandro is a 13-year-old talented rugby player whose life was irrevocably changed by a catastrophic on-field injury. He’s now a recipient of the Players’ Fund for life – a lifeline organisation known as Rugby’s Caring Hands.

The funds raised through this swim will go directly to the Players’ Fund to help them continue their work of providing lifelong physical, emotional, and financial support to Leandro and the other catastrophically injured rugby players across South Africa.

This support covers critical needs, like but not limited or defined to:

• Mobility equipment (eg: specialised wheelchairs and other assistive devices)
• Home/Bathroom modifications to ensure accessibility and independence
• Specialised medical care and rehabilitation
• Counselling and psychosocial support

Last year, Shoneé, Katherine, Eva and Georgina raised a total of R159,948 for former rugby players Mandla Nyaniso and Marius “MJ” Van Staden. Now they’re preparing to dedicate every stroke to young Leandro’s healing journey.

If you would like to support their cause, you can find out how to donate 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.

The post Team of 4 Dives into the Atlantic to Give Injured Rugby Teen a Second Chance appeared first on Good Things Guy.

December is almost here, and that means many of us are heading to the coast. Plakkies packed and ready to go. While we gear up for a sunny break, South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is preparing for one of its busiest seasons. December always is.

Hout Bay, South Africa (24 November 2025) – Across the country, more than 50 volunteer NSRI teams stand ready. They are teachers, plumbers, business owners, and doctors. Ordinary people who drop what they’re doing when someone’s in trouble on the water.

The goal is always the same: a water-safe South Africa.

NSRI’s Hout Bay station is one of the best examples of what that looks like in action. In 2024’s calendar year alone, they launched a rescue vessel 225 times. Some launches were for training (rescue work demands constant practice), and others were to save lives.

Their crew faces some of the toughest sea conditions on the South African coastline.

They respond to drownings, capsized or sinking vessels, kayakers or swimmers in distress, medical emergencies and evacuations from vessels out at sea, vessels needing a tow, and even aviation emergencies. It’s demanding work that calls on skill, readiness, and a willingness to step forward when it matters.

That willingness is something every NSRI volunteer shares.

Carmen Long, deputy station commander in Hout Bay, has been a volunteer for 14 years. She’s the first woman in NSRI history to qualify as a Class 1 coxswain (a skipper of the NSRI’s biggest offshore rescue vessels). A friend took her to a station meeting more than a decade ago, and she never left.

Why does she keep going? For the people.

“Knowing that I can make a positive impact in the community, meeting volunteers and crew from other stations… seeing my crew dig deep to pull through at every difficult task is absolutely inspiring,” she says.

But even the most dedicated volunteers can only do so much without the right tools.

Right now, the NSRI is in need of a new 14-metre offshore rescue vessel. It’s a next-generation boat that can respond faster, travel farther, and keep both crews and casualties safer in extreme conditions. They’ve named it The Spirit of Ubuntu.

The need for it is growing more urgent as time passes.

“The demand on our rescue crews is increasing,” says Dirk Coetzee, Business Development Manager at the NSRI. “Each year we’re seeing more emergencies, more people in danger, and more moments where the right vessel becomes the difference between a rescue and a tragedy. The Spirit of Ubuntu Vessel Appeal exists for that reason — to strengthen our fleet today, so we can keep saving lives for the next 30 years.”

It will complete their fleet as the backbone of long-range rescues, but it comes with a R26 million price tag. And while public donations keep the NSRI afloat year after year, this vessel requires more.

That’s why the NSRI is calling on corporate South Africa to step in.

“Through our Spirit of Ubuntu Vessel Appeal, we’re inviting iconic South African companies to help build a national symbol of hope and humanity. For R1 million, their logo will be permanently etched into the side of the vessel — carried through storms, across coastlines, and into every life this craft helps save,” Coetzee explains.

It’s a chance for companies to invest in something that will save lives for decades.

“South Africa depends on safe, reliable maritime operations, from logistics and shipping to fisheries, tourism, and offshore industries. Our volunteers make that safety possible, often at great personal cost. This campaign bridges those worlds. It shows companies that the people launching into the wave to rescue divers, kayakers, and seafarers are ordinary volunteers, not paid professionals. Supporting this campaign is a way for companies to actively back the human infrastructure that keeps their sectors safe,” shares Dirk.

Yes, this is a call to action for corporations to get behind the cause. Because it matters. It embodies Ubuntu. The support will go as far in nautical miles as it will in impact.

“This vessel will carry the name Spirit of Ubuntu around one of the world’s most iconic coastlines — and the companies who support it will forever be linked to a national symbol of courage, compassion, and service. It’s an opportunity to contribute to something that strengthens South Africa’s identity and maritime resilience,” shares Coetzee.

But even if you’re not in the business of making million-rand decisions, there are ways to honour and support the volunteers who keep our coastlines safe.

First, by taking responsibility for your safety at the beach this holiday.

“Be cautious,” Carmen reminds beachgoers. “Don’t swim alone or in an area with no lifeguards. Pay attention to rip currents… If you’re going out on a boat, wear a life jacket and don it correctly. Treat the sea with respect, pay attention to the weather and perhaps lastly, never dive in any body of water head first (especially if you can’t see the bottom or you don’t know the area) always feet first.”

And secondly, by showing kindness to the people who stand between danger and your safety.

“The holidays are a busy season for all rescue organisations. If you see paramedics, firefighters or other emergency responders queuing for coffee or food, please let them go first,” she shares. “That might be the only chance they’ll have to eat/drink something before they have to respond to an emergency,” she adds.

Sea Rescue is a team effort, and the team includes all of us. Together, in ways big and small, we can stand behind the people who put their lives at risk just to bring someone else home.

Sources: Supplied

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 What Happens When Ubuntu Hits the Water? appeared first on Good Things Guy.

One clever doggo seemed to have an uncanny sense of destiny, wandering far away from home only to be found, returned and unexpectedly find her way right back to where she first ran off to – clearly a place where she truly belonged!

Cape Town, South Africa (08 October 2025) – In the often challenging world of animal welfare, where dedicated teams work tirelessly to match rescues with loving forever homes, sometimes a story comes along that truly tugs at the heartstrings.

In one particular instance, a determined little dog seemed to know just where she was meant to be, leaving the DARG team both amazed and delighted by her journey.

Tessie, a clever little girl from Hangberg, Hout Bay, wandered quite a long way away from home and later ended up in the Dreyersdal area of Bergvliet.

DARG returned her to her original home, but soon after, she escaped from her gate and was attacked by other dogs.

“Wounded, she landed up at the vet, and her owners made the difficult decision to surrender her to DARG.

“And then the twist no one saw coming,” DARG said.

A lovely couple came to adopt a dog and fell for Tessie. Their application form revealed they were from Dreyersdal. The very place Tessie had first wandered off to!

“Her rescuers and adopters don’t know each other. But Tessie? It seems like she knew exactly where she was meant to be!”

“Now, she’s living her best life, hiking trails with her new mum and dad, absolutely adored and finally home.”

Now isn’t that something. This is one of those adoptions that makes one pause and think that maybe, just maybe,  some dogs just know where they’re meant to be!

We wish Tessie girl the best days with her new family, who have already made such a positive difference in her life!

Sources: DARG

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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 Tessie’s Tale: The Wandering Dog Who Knew Exactly Where She Belonged appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Meet Maggie and her daughter, Jacquline, a dynamic duo from Mpumalanga who are not just crocheting beautiful items from empty bread bags, but are also weaving a brighter future for their family and preserving the environment, too!

Mpumalanga, South Africa (03 August 2025) – This Women’s Month, Re.Bag.Re.Use is shining a light on the creativity and resilience of the remarkable women behind the initiative that is transforming empty bread bags into vibrant, functional art. Each product tells a story of beauty, resourcefulness and hope.

“It is about seeing potential where others see waste. Turning something headed for the landfill into something people love and use. That is the magic of Re.Bag.Re.Use; making something out of nothing,” says Regine le Roux, founder of the initiative.

Among the team of six cutters and 15 crocheters is Maggie Rabbiea Milanzi, a crocheter from Mpumalanga who was taught her craft by her mother. By day, Maggie works as a cleaner in Pretoria. During her daily commutes, she uses her time to crochet beautiful products using plastic strips cut by her daughter, Jacquline Morake, a new mother herself.

For this family, these crafts are a creative outlet and a means to a livelihood.

“I love being able to use my creativity to earn a little extra for my family,” says Maggie.

“The money helps with groceries and baby essentials. I am proud to be part of Re.Bag.Re.Use,” adds Jacquline.

Their story is one of many. Thanks to the generous support of Blue Ribbon, the Re.Bag.Re.Use team has repurposed more than 14,800 bread bags in the past year alone.

That amounts to nearly 104 kilograms, the weight of a baby elephant. Since the project began in April 2020, they have saved more than 144,000 bags from landfill. That is the equivalent of over eight baby elephants!

“This partnership reflects our commitment to sustainability and community development,” says Stephanie Hoy, Marketing Executive for Bakeries at Premier FMCG.

“It is about helping families create brighter futures through creative, practical solutions. Our bread bags are 100% recyclable. But we love seeing them upcycled before they even reach a recycling facility. This is sustainability with purpose.”

Re.Bag.Re.Use is an award-winning community-driven initiative that repurposes discarded bread bags into handcrafted, multifunctional items. Launched in Hout Bay, Cape Town, the project empowers local women by providing them with skills and income opportunities, while promoting environmental sustainability.

Consumers can support the project by purchasing handmade products here. Because when women thrive, communities grow stronger!

Sources: Supplied

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 & 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 This Mother and Daughter Duo is Crocheting a Cleaner Future Using Empty Bread Bags appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Joana Mnisi is one of 21 women in Hout Bay who are remarkably playing their part in preserving our environment by giving plastic waste new life as stylish and sustainable products, creating value, dignity, and opportunity in every single thread.

Hout Bay, South Africa (20 June 2025) – As International Upcycling Day approaches on 24 June, Re.Bag.Re.Use is proud to spotlight the power of turning waste into worth.

This creative community initiative, based in Hout Bay, brings together 21 women who repurpose discarded bread bags into beautiful, multifunctional items.

Through their hands and hooks, plastic waste is given new life as stylish, sustainable products that not only reduce environmental harm but also generate income, spark creativity and foster community pride.

One of the group’s quiet yet powerful forces is Joana Mnisi, a grandmother whose gentle smile and determined spirit embody the initiative’s mission.

Armed with patience and purpose, she transforms empty plastic bags into beautiful multi-functional crocheted creations that carry more than groceries. They carry a message.

“Each stitch is a small step towards a cleaner environment,” she says.

“When my grandchildren visit, I show them what I’m working on and remind them that waste doesn’t have to be wasted. It’s something we can reuse. It’s something we can learn from.”

Joana’s craftsmanship is second to none. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence set a high standard for the team.

For her, the journey is both environmental and personal. She continues to learn new patterns and techniques, proving that growth has no age limit.

“I never imagined I would be learning like this at my age,” she says.

“Every project teaches me something new.”

Together, these 21 women are crocheting change, one bread bag, one loop, one stitch at a time. Their work is proof that upcycling is not only about reducing waste, but about creating value, dignity and opportunity in every thread.

Sources: Supplied

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 & 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 Crocheting a Better Future, One Bread Bag at a Time appeared first on Good Things Guy.