A team of Cape Town specialists has just marked a groundbreaking medical first for the country – one that could change how certain cancers are treated going forward!

Cape Town, South Africa (27 March 2026) – Doctors at UCT Private Academic Hospital have just performed an incredible medical milestone!

Dr Gercois Human, Dr Jateel Kassim, Dr Gareth Bydawell and the Cape Town Interventional Radiology team successfully used cryoablation to treat cancer that had returned after surgery.

It’s the first time this technique has been used locally for this type of cancer spread.

Cryoablation, in simple terms, uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Guided by advanced imaging, doctors can target tumours with precision, without the need for major surgery.

In this case, the patient had previously undergone treatment for papillary thyroid carcinoma, a common form of thyroid cancer. While the original tumour had been removed, the cancer later returned in the form of secondary tumours elsewhere in the body, a process known as metastasis.

Using cryoablation, the medical team were able to directly treat these tumours by freezing them, offering a less invasive option with the potential for faster recovery and fewer complications.

It’s a significant moment not just for the team involved but for cancer care in South Africa as a whole!

Treatments like this are changing what’s possible, especially for patients facing recurrence,
where options can often feel limited.

While this is just one case, it opens the door to broader use of cryoablation in treating the spread of certain forms of cancer locally, giving patients access to groundbreaking care without needing to look abroad.

Sources: Linked above.

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Desmond Ramaru shares the story of a determined young boy whose rare kidney and foot condition requires urgent support from the community to cover medical care, transport, and daily needs.

South Africa (23 September 2025) – Desmond Ramaru has been walking alongside Mohammed Mokoena through a journey marked by challenges and hope. The 12-year-old boy from Sasolburg in the Free State has been battling a rare condition that enlarges his kidneys and affects the structure of his feet. It’s not something he was born with. The condition developed as he grew, but it has since shaped nearly every aspect of his daily life.

Mohammed lives with his siblings in Zamdela after losing his mother earlier this year. With limited support at home, the burden of care has fallen on those closest to him, including Desmond. Simple movements are a struggle, walking to school is nearly impossible, and even attending hospital appointments requires specially arranged transport. On top of this, he requires a strict diet to protect his kidneys, which adds further strain on already limited resources.

Desmond explains how they have faced repeated delays in Mohammed’s treatment, with operations being rescheduled again and again despite the condition being medically treatable.

“With the little I have, I try to keep him stress free, but the main problem his health worries me a lot,” he shared

Despite these hardships, Mohammed’s resilience still shines through. Desmond is committed to helping him live as normal a life as possible, from ensuring school attendance to providing care and comfort at home. However, the financial demands of medical care, transportation, and diet remain overwhelming.

The community can help make a difference. Contributions can be made to Mohammed’s BackaBuddy page, ensuring that this young boy gets the care he urgently needs.

Sources: BackaBuddy

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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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Children signifying the end of their treatment by ringing a bell, marking the completion of their cancer journeys

South Africa (03 August 2025) – A short, touching video is capturing hearts! It shows a group of young cancer warriors taking turns to ring a bell, marking he completion of their cancer treatment. Each ring symbolises courage, resilience, and the start of a brighter chapter in their lives.

These bell-ringing ceremonies have become a treasured moment for children and their families, representing victory over some of life’s toughest battles. They are a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to triumph over fear and uncertainty.

Behind these powerful moments is Rainbows and Smiles, a community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Founded by Bonita Suckling in memory of her son Jed, the organisation has grown from small acts of kindness into a nationwide network providing emotional, social, and financial support to families in need.

The work of Rainbows and Smiles is made possible through initiatives like the Hot Cares and the annual Teddython, which raises funds to help cover medical transport, provide celebratory gifts, and ease the emotional and financial burdens that cancer treatment places on families. Contributions like these ensure that every bell-ringing moment is more than just a ritual, but a celebration that families will cherish forever.

While the video may only last a few seconds, the message it carries is timeless. It is a reminder that behind every victory are countless unseen acts of compassion.

Sources: Facebook 

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.

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