After reclaiming their lives on the theatre stage, the members of JAM are moving behind the scenes to ensure they can generate sustainable income, break cycles of poverty, and inspire others.

Johannesburg, South Africa (10 March 2026) – The arts have the power to do so much more than just entertain. They restore identity, build confidence and open doors where none seemed possible.

Though some may underestimate the power of the arts, Johannesburg Awakening Minds (JAM) proves its impact, having helped a group of individuals transition from life on the streets to one on the stage with renewed purpose.

Founded in July 2012 by Dorothy Ann Gould, JAM is a theatre troupe comprised of 13 previously homeless gentlemen, many of whom battled addiction, before finding something extraordinary: dignity, purpose and voice.

Under the mentorship of Dorothy, a true doyenne of South African theatre, these performers were trained in Shakespeare, poetry, song and dance. They perform in halls and theatres across Johannesburg, and through theatre, they rediscovered confidence, discipline and the ability to imagine a different future.

Thanks to a generous trust donation, The Angel Network Gauteng was able to send the JAM performers on a range of professional courses to upskill them and deepen their exposure to the theatre industry.

“And the transformation has been remarkable,” The Angel Network shares.

“But this is only the beginning. The group is now ready for the next step in their journey: establishing a small production company alongside their performance work.”

As talented as they are, the reality is that the group’s current theatre work provides very limited and unsustainable earnings. Without further support, this extraordinary momentum could stall.

A production company would help JAM performers apply the professional skills they have developed, generate sustainable income beyond occasional performances, mentor young people in their communities and create jobs that will help break cycles of poverty.

“With the right backing, however, the JAM performers can turn their talent into a sustainable creative enterprise, one that not only supports them but uplifts others along the way.”

The Network is currently appealing to corporates, foundations and organisations that are looking to support a project where creativity meets real social impact, to partner with JAM.

“Together we can ensure that a group of people who once had nothing now have a stage, a livelihood and the power to inspire others.”

If you would like to help support the next chapter of JAM’s journey, please reach out to The Angel Network or email johannesburgawakeningminds@gmail.com.

Sources: The Angel Network Gauteng

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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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When the world turned upside down in 2020, Vutomi lost her career as an accountant, only to find the recipe for her true calling.

Gauteng, South Africa (01 March 2026) – When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Vutomi E Lubisi, a woman who was an accountant by profession but a baker at heart, found herself able to pivot from the career she had always known to embrace her true entrepreneurial spirit.

It was an inspiring life change that was made possible by the angels who supported her during a time of great uncertainty.

The Covid-19 pandemic was a challenging period, to say the least. It turned countless lives upside down and brought an unwelcome wave of need that swept into even the most secure homes.

However, even in the midst of that hardship, teams of helpers, do-gooders, and guardian angels rose to support families during these difficult times. One such team was the Angel Network Gauteng, which ran dozens of soup kitchens daily, providing food for those who were hungry and vulnerable.

When the state of emergency stabilised, the charity made the move to empower the people it served so that they could stand on their own feet and rebuild better lives.

It was the difference between giving a person a meal and equipping them with the means to go out there and get it themselves. As the Angel Network puts it:

“Relief saves lives. Sustainability changes them.”

One of the ways the organisation achieved this was by equipping individuals to run home-based bakeries and generate income within their own communities.

A shining success of this initiative is Vutomi, who is today the proud owner of her own bakery.

“When COVID hit, she pivoted, building a thriving wedding cake business from her kitchen. Today, through Eully’s Cakery, she empowers others to create sustainable baking businesses through practical training and ongoing support,” the Angel Network Gauteng said.

And the proof is in the cake mix!

This past Saturday, 20 of the Angel Network’s beneficiaries attended Vutomi’s workshop, where the kitchen was filled with laughter, connection, and the unmistakable smell of possibility.

“What a powerful day it was. They learned to bake exceptional scones and muffins, understand basic costing and begin thinking like business owners. Many are already selling into their communities.”

The Angel Network has supported these members with ovens, essential equipment, as well as the skills, confidence and a pathway to income.

Relief was necessary, but sustainability has certainly been transformational.

Sources: The Angel Network Gauteng

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. 

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The stethoscope around Dr Lilyossa Mandizvidza’s neck today is a testament to the collective heartbeat of a nation that refused to let her dream die.

Johannesburg, South Africa (20 February 2026) -There is no limit to how far the kindness of our people can extend and how it can turn despair into hope, lack into abundance, and make a once-unreachable dream come true.

Throughout her early years, Lilyossa Mandizvidza defined herself as the daughter of a single mother who works as a domestic worker. But beyond this, she was (and is) a determined young woman who dared to have a dream that was bigger than her disadvantaged circumstances.

In 2023, Lilyossa had managed to make it to the fourth year of medical school at Wits University, against extraordinary odds. But historical debt stood between her and her future. She couldn’t access her results or register for the year ahead.

But just as years of hard work were about to unravel, Lilyossa discovered the Angel Network Gauteng.

“We stepped in to clear her historical debt and committed to funding her final three years,” the organisation said.

Lilyossa returned to med school, studied hard, aced her assessments, and sure enough secured her degree  –officially becoming Dr Lilyossa Mandizvidza!

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Angel Network for making it possible for a child of a single mother who worked as a domestic worker to become a qualified medical doctor,” a grateful Lilyossa said.

The Angel Network also shared a glimpse into her graduation in a video, highlighting her pride and the joy of her family – an achievement made possible by those who saw not just a student with skill, but a future doctor with the power to strengthen the nation’s healthcare.

Through supporters who believe in investing in potential, Lilyossa realised her dream as well as changed the economic trajectory of an entire family.

“For funders who are serious about building South Africa’s future, this is the leverage point: backing capable individuals who only need access to unlock exponential impact. It’s not charity. It’s nation-building. It’s a sustainable change. None of this happens without partners who believe that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not,” the Angel Network said.

Well done, South Africa, because of you, another life has been changed, and a bright future has been secured!

Sources: The Angel Network Gauteng

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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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