A quick-thinking resident raised the alarm, sparking a late-night rescue that saw teams work for hours to free two terrified puppies trapped deep inside a pipe.

Phoenix, South Africa (17 March 2026) – Sometimes, it takes a community and a bit of creativity to save a life.

A late-night rescue operation in Phoenix captured hearts after two frightened puppies were safely pulled from a stormwater pipe, thanks to the combined efforts of local residents and animal welfare teams, including Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment and START Rescue.

The situation began when a resident walking home in the evening heard faint cries coming from a nearby manhole. After lifting the cover, they discovered two tiny puppies trapped deep inside the pipe.

Rescue teams arrived later that night and quickly realised this would not be a straightforward operation. The pipe was too tight to enter fully, and every attempt to reach the puppies only pushed them deeper into hiding. Working together, the teams carefully traced both ends of the pipe and blocked off one side to limit the space the puppies could move in.

After hours of patience and teamwork, the plan worked. One puppy was gently guided toward one end of the pipe, while the other made its way to the opposite side.

By the early hours of the morning, just after 2:30am, both puppies were safely out.

While it remains unclear how they ended up trapped underground, what stood out was the determination of everyone involved.

It was a long night, but one that ended in the best possible way.

Sources: SAFE/ Facebook 

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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 Late-Night Rescue Saves Two Puppies Trapped Underground in Phoenix appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A tense seven-hour rescue operation along the N2 brought three terrified dogs to safety, with the support of security teams, vets, and volunteers.

Durban, South Africa (28 January 2026) – What started as a drive to collect another dog turned into a mission none of the SAFE team could ignore. On a Sunday morning along the N2, three dogs were spotted.

They were small and running for their lives, but catching them proved impossible. Calls kept coming in the next two days from concerned residents who had seen the pups.

By Wednesday, the team finally got the break they needed. Marshall Security, keeping watch near Sibaya, contacted the rescue team. What followed was a seven-hour operation where every second counted. The dogs faced not only the dangers of speeding traffic but also the threat of traps scattered across the area. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.

This rescue was a team effort in every sense. Andreas and the Marshall Security guarding division were tireless. Tracking, communicating, and lending a hand every step of the way. Nathi from the SPCA assisted once the female dog was safely trapped, despite a busy schedule. Special thanks also went to Nanna Yvonne, who sponsored traps from last year that made the capture possible.

Even a holidaymaker from Johannesburg, who joined in Umdloti, ran tirelessly along the beach to ensure the final dog was safely secured. Westville Veterinary Hospital handled the two terrified boys with care, while Mich from Yvonne’s Kennels offered a safe space for them to start healing physically and emotionally.

Now the focus shifts to recovery. The male dog, named Hooter, is being treated for Erlichia with a course of antibiotics. Smooch, the other boy, remains shut down but has also started treatment. Both were riddled with ticks and will need time, care, and emotional support to regain trust and health.

SAFE is appealing to the public for help covering veterinary bills and kennel fees while the dogs recover and eventually get neutered.

Banking Details for Donations:

• Account Name: SAFE FOSTERING NETWORK NPC
• Account Type: Current
• Account Number: 63008988694
• Branch Code: 220229
• Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
• Reference: Freeway Rescue

Sources: SAFE 

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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 Community Rescues Three Dogs Found Terrified on the N2 Freeway appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Saving Animals Through Fostering and Education delivered Christmas prezzies to every one of their kennel and foster doggies over the weekend, thanks to supporters!

Durban, South Africa (10 December 2025) – Local animal welfare organisation, SAFE, had the joy of delivering special Christmas packs to all of their foster and kennel pups over the weekend.

Thanks to Santa Cause for Paws and its supporters, Sam’s Pawty Packs, and a kind woman named Sandra, each pooch has received a Christmas pack with a hand-packed stocking stuffed with treats, toys, and a doggie duvet!

“Every one of our rescues got so spoiled with carefully chosen toys, treats and soft duvets, and we cannot thank you all for the love and thought. It is so important to remember, love and spoil each of these souls, and to see so many happy tail wags, and proud poses with their gifts was special. Thank you for making their Christmas kinder and full of love.” shared SAFE.

SAFE works towards rescuing, rehabilitating (through fostering), sterilising, vaccinating, and rehoming animals, especially in impoverished areas in the KZN.

The network was founded by three animal lovers after they discovered the overwhelming statistics and reality of the unprecedented numbers of unwanted, abandoned and abused puppies and dogs in the region.

Through their fostering, adoption, volunteer and betterment programs, the organisation is dedicated towards creating a better outcome for animals in crisis.

Find out more 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 All SAFE Kennel and Foster Doggies Get Their Christmas Spoils appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A pitbull who was stolen from his family is finally back home, thanks to SAFE and a community that heard their plea on Facebook.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (14 November 2025) – SAFE, a KZN-based rescue organisation known for stepping in when animals have nowhere else to go, had recently been posting urgent pleas about a pitbull they called Gideon.

He’d landed in their care after being rescued from two men who were dragging him along the road in Morningside. For a while, he had a loving foster and was doing incredibly well…until his foster parent was suddenly rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

With no other options, SAFE had to move him into kennels. And that broke him.

“Gideon is hurting himself in kennels in an effort to get to a human,” the team wrote in their second public plea.

They tried medication, comfort, short-term solutions but nothing helped. His stress was severe, and SAFE knew they were running out of time.

They put out one last call for help on Facebook. Hundreds of community members shared it.

Finally, a miracle came through. One even better than they’d been hoping for.

They received a call late at night. It was someone who had spotted their post on Facebook. Their pitbull, Raygar, had been stolen a month ago. They’d searched everywhere. No sightings, no trail, nothing. But when they saw Gideon’s photos, they recognised him immediately.

“They said Gideon could be Raygar’s twin. They sent a picture, and we knew Gideon was their beloved Raygar,” SAFE shared. More photos and videos came through. There was no doubt, Gideon was Raygar.

Yesterday the family reunited with him.

The frantic way Gideon tried to reach every human suddenly made sense, he’d been trying to get back to his people all along.

SAFE thanked everyone who shared the posts that led to this moment.

“We would like to thank each and every person who shared his post, while it was not an answer to the miracle of a foster, it was one better, his return to his family that adore him. So grateful to you all for making this possible with your sharing,” they shared.

Keep shining on you crazy Facebook diamonds. Your clicks reunited a family.

Sources: Linked above

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

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

The post A Month After Being Stolen, Raygar is Finally Home appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Through its Babize Bonke campaign, creative hubs, and Gateway Projects, Jozi My Jozi is bringing light, safety, and pride back to South Africa’s biggest city.

Johannesburg, South Africa (17 September 2025) – Johannesburg has always been considered a city of contrasts. Africa’s richest square mile in Sandton sits only a highway away from Alexandra, one of the country’s most challenged communities. The central business district, once alive with commerce and culture, has in some parts become associated with crime and neglect. Even while holding some of South Africa’s most important historical landmarks.

It is against this environment that Jozi My Jozi, a collaborative movement of citizens, creatives, businesses, and government, is working to reimagine and regenerate Johannesburg. Their approach is rooted in the belief that Joburg can once again be a safe, vibrant, and world-class African city.

Now, imagine you are on a guided tour of Johannesburg. Not the luxurious side, but the side where history, culture and community resilience shape the city’s character. Close your eyes (actually, don’t, because you need to read this) and picture yourself standing at Constitution Hill, a place that tells the story of South Africa’s past and democratic triumph. From there, the journey unfolds, stopping at sites that reveal both the city’s struggles and its renewal.

The route then takes us to Victoria Yards, a lively hub where creativity and community intersect. Once an industrial space, it now houses artisan studios, visual artists, and urban farming initiatives. It is also a space for skills development, with projects that empower local talent and transform the area into a thriving ecosystem of innovation. Many Johannesburg residents are still unaware of this hidden gem, yet it sits at the very heart of the city’s creative pulse.

The tour then continues through their Gateway Project, where Jozi My Jozi is revitalising key entry points into the city. Cleaner, safer, and more welcoming gateways offer a different first impression. One that matches Johannesburg’s ambition as it prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year.

In the Maboneng precinct, we see the cultural heartbeat of Joburg, with art, music, and entrepreneurship breathing life into the streets.

At the Anglo American building in Marshalltown, Jozi My Jozi launched its Babize Bonke campaign. Babize Bonke meaning ‘call everyone’ was illustrated through video and short film on eight ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Their stories embody the resilience and creativity that keep Johannesburg’s spirit alive.

And finally, the tour comes to an end with the Nelson Mandela Bridge lighting up once again. Long dark and neglected, the bridge now shines thanks to Jozi My Jozi, reconnecting the north and south of the city in a powerful symbol.

The creative force behind the Jozi My Jozi brand is Melusi Mhlungu and his agency We Are Bizarre. He left an award-winning advertising career in the US to return home two years ago to help fix Joburg.

“Working on this project was a great reminder to the team and me that we live in a city of truly remarkable people. Meeting them and hearing their stories was a privilege, and we knew these needed to be told in a beautifully crafted way with both care and heart. The finished product, crafted by the amazing film director, Justice Mukheli, working under extreme time pressures, makes me extremely proud. It is truly an honour to be able to share them with the people of Jozi, our country and the world.”

Through initiatives like Babize Bonke, creative spaces like Victoria Yards, and projects such as the Gateway upgrades, Jozi My Jozi is restoring pride in Johannesburg to reshape how the world and its own residents see the city. It is a movement that reminds us that Johannesburg is not just a city of contrasts but one of possibilities.

Sources: GTG/ Supplied 

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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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If you’re looking for a story to restore your faith in humanity and the power of miracles, this is it! “Hope finally arrived in Zeerust” in the form of a 4-ton truck brimming with life-saving aid to the Cats Angel Refuge by a fellow charity, whose impact was so profound that generous donors cleared its own outstanding vet bills, leaving the humble heroes in tears of disbelief and gratitude!

Zeerust, South Africa (05 August 2025) – Hope finally found its way to Zeerust, and oh man, was it a sight to behold!

Almost two weeks ago, Good Things Guy shared about how Saving Animals through Fostering and Education (SAFE) was on a mission to deliver hope to the Cats Angel Refuge in Zeerust by travelling from KwaZulu-Natal to the North West province to deliver them life-saving aid.

Well, last Thursday, it finally happened!

A 4-ton truck loaded to the top with goods made its way and safely arrived at Cats Angel Refuge, an animal welfare organisation that covers a massive 7,400 square kms in the area, and is the only rescue for dogs, cats, donkeys, cattle, pigs and wildlife.

“We hoped to bring awareness as well and grow supporters for the work they do, so help is more regular. Shaun was meant to travel up – BUT when the load far exceeded any weight our car, even with a trailer, could pull A.Shak (PTY) Ltd stepped in and donated the trucking ability and covered all costs from Durban to Johannesburg – then onwards to Zeerust in a 4-ton Truck,” SAFE shared in a post.

From kilos and kilos of pet food to warm blankets and cleaning supplies, various companies donated towards the cause, bringing much-needed relief and joy to countless animals in need.

In another thoughtful gesture, SAFE also launched a BackABuddy campaign to help with funds to cover vet bills, electricity, staff wages and running expenses, which has been paid out to Cat Angel Refuge.

“All I can say is HOPE when we needed it most arrived in the form of angels in KZN who cared about us in Zeerust,” said a grateful Joanne Wilson of Cat Angel Rescue.

And if you thought that was touching… the story gets even better! Generous donors moved by SAFE’s kindness and invaluable work miraculously cleared the animal charity’s Westville Veterinary Hospital and Montclair vet accounts that very same day!

“The team are in shock. We are still crying in relief and utter disbelief. In three years, this has never happened. And thank you is just not enough. To those who saw our post for help and donated – EVERY amount has meant so much and helped us pay for kennels, and get some vital items like deworming meds,” SAFE wrote.

The SAFE team further added that because of this generosity, they won’t have to compromise or choose this month.

“We can vet treat, and we can feed, and we can make sure an animal does not die from Biliary. Because of you, 100s more are saved this month. Because of you, so much suffering is avoided. And because of you, our souls are spared the agony of choices we no longer have to face.

“Thank you is just not enough – but on behalf of the whole SAFE team and EVERY animal that has been saved and that has a future because of you – THANK YOU.”

Sources: SAFE

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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 Hope Arrives in Zeerust, Delivers Miracles, Saves Animals and Erases Debt! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After recognising the immense challenges faced by the dedicated volunteers at Cats Angel Refuge, SAFE is packing vehicles full of animal goodies, ready to travel from KZN to the North-West and deliver life-saving aid!

Mount Edgecombe, South Africa (24 July 2025) – Hope is rekindled and lives are transformed when kind hearts unite to help those struggling with overwhelming circumstances in their fight for good.

After noticing the challenges and financial strain that the Cats Angel Refuge had been facing in Zeerust, Saving Animals through Fostering and Education (SAFE) is embarking on a mission to deliver hope where it is needed most.

“We’re packing our vehicles with blankets, food, and essential supplies — then driving across provinces to deliver life-saving aid,” SAFE said.

The KwaZulu-Natal-based organisation will be on the road to Zeerust from 1 August and is currently raising funds for animal food, blankets, vet care, fuel and logistics as well as sanctuary operations.

According to the SAFE team, Cats Angel Refuge is more than a shelter.

“It’s a sanctuary where animals find healing, people discover hope, and dignity is restored with every act of compassion. But right now, they’re in urgent need of support. Food is running low. Vet bills are mounting. And winter is biting down hard.”

Cats Angel Rescue volunteers Karen and Joanne cover a huge area, encompassing over 40 villages in the Ramotshe Moiloa area, where unemployment is rife and need is great.

“They deal with everything from dogs, cats, donkeys, pigs, even wildlife … any animal suffering. Karen and Joanne are their only chance. They are an open admission centre – which means they do not turn away any animal in need,” SAFE said.

They currently have 122 animals in the shelter, and SAFE is appealing to the general public to help them make this heartfelt trek the best one yet.

You can join the mission by sponsoring a kilometre, packing a blanket, or helping stock the food bowls. Every rand builds hope — and every donor becomes an Angel on this road.

“Every kilometre we travel, every bowl of food, every warm blanket, is powered by your generosity.”

For more information, visit the SAFE Facebook page or the BackaBuddy campaign to donate.

Sources: SAFE

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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 Hope Is on The Move as SAFE Journeys to Save Zeerust Animals! appeared first on Good Things Guy.