Charity Begins With Me’s children’s Christmas book drive is off to the most cheerful start, thanks to a kind author!

Johannesburg, South Africa (22 October 2024) — Just last week, we told our readers that Charity Begins With Me was on the hunt for 1,500 books as part of its children’s Christmas Book Drive. Today, we’re happy to report that support has already come their way jingling, largely thanks to the kindness of an author!

Stephan Ferreira shared the good news that shortly after posting about the book collection, he received a message from Reinette Lombard; an author of the Tippie Books!

Tippie is a character, elephant, and educator who helps children learn to read, supported by visual aids (cute illustrations) loved by teachers and students alike. For Charity Begins With Me, receiving boxes of Tippie books was not only perfect for one mission (making sure children in underprivileged communities have gifts to open) but also for helping their literacy journeys.

Considerately, the donated books are in the children’s home language.

The gesture facilitated by Reinette has certainly made this Christmas one for Charity Begins With Me to look forward to. But the call for more book donations is still loud!

Books will be collected until 30 November. Drop-offs can be made at Fairlands in Johannesburg, or books can be couriered via PostNet.

Everyone looking to gift a book for Christmas can contact Stephan here!

Sources: Charity Begins With Me

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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 Author Surprises Charity Christmas Book Drive with Boxes of Reads! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Greeting everyone you encounter. It’s a simple joy, but one that’s become sadly ‘outdated’ in today’s world. Unless, of course, you’re Papa Johnny of McGregor, who goes out of his way every day, to greet the whole town and spread as much love as possible:

McGregor, South Africa (14 October 2024) — In the small rural town of McGregor, a man affectionately known as Papa Johnny wheels hope and smiles throughout his community – daily.

Greeting everyone you encounter seems like a tall order for most modern people. But there was a time when this was common practice throughout many of the world’s communities, and still is in small but hopeful places like McGregor.

Papa Johnny is largely to thank for the ‘old tradition’ being kept intact. Day after day, he wakes up, gets to his bike and cycles throughout the town to bring greetings, love and life to the people he meets.

In a recent video shared by Visionary Voices—a skills-sharing and social empowerment initiative that connects experienced filmmakers to talents from disadvantaged backgrounds—we get to go on a ride with Johnny.

It’s a watch that’s hard not to feel warmed by. The smiles he evokes, the shouts of love and a voice that radiates so much energy; Johnny’s task is humble, but such an incredible reminder of how much something so simple can impact other humans.

For Johnny, greeting is a practice he learnt from a young age.

“I come from a good home where my mother and father taught me that greeting people doesn’t cost money.”

He shares that “it doesn’t matter who you are and what you look like, even if you are a poor man or if you are ugly or beautiful. So that we can all unite as one.”

As the narrator of the video puts it perfectly, small gestures do have great power. Especially for people who feel overlooked by society, greeting is the one thing we can all do to simply let others know that they are seen and recognised in the grander scheme of human connection.

Watch: Papa Johnny in Action!

Sources: Email Submission

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 Watch: McGregor Local Papa Johnny Greets Everyone in His Town Daily! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Sometimes giving something ‘one last shot’ is the best shot you end up taking. For Bin to Beauty a wildcard of kindness, deciding it ain’t over ‘till it’s over’ and determination have all turned things around for the small upcycling business, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 October 2024) — Ever felt down on your luck? Like you’ve got this great idea but just seem to be in the wrong place for it to really take off? Considered that your business might end up less of a dream and more of a memory? Kudakwashe Chigariro knows the feeling. In fact, just a few short months ago, she and her small upcycling business, Bin to Beauty, faced all of the above.

Things weren’t looking good for Kuda’s dream. In fact, at the end of July, she had to tell her team that it was time to close shop for good after 5 years of hard work.

It was a heartbreaking moment. Bin to Beauty was the bread and butter for the women part of the team. Together, they were all dedicated to upcycling recyclable materials into fabulous new products like purses, backpacks and accessories. It helped them help the environment and put food on the table. But at the time, it seemed like a breakthrough for the business was becoming impossible, and the business could no longer afford to keep going.

‘But upcycling is all the rage!’ You might protest. While it might be true that sustainable fashion (of which upcycling is a big part) has taken the world by storm, it’s also important to consider that when your resources are limited, so too can be your reach.

Despite coming to terms with the end of Bin to Beauty, life had other plans for Kuda and her team.

Dana Druion from the Rosebank Sunday Market learned of Kuda’s story and immediately knew she needed to get involved.

Dana gave Kuda her ‘last shot’ by offering her a free stall at one of Joburg’s top markets. Beyond this, Dana went above and beyond in trying to connect businesses that produce wrapper waste to Kuda.

When Good Things Guy shared the news of the relaunch, we were all at the edge of our seats.

As Kuda told us at the time, “We are just praying that we have been in the wrong place and praying that we are going to the right place.”

A few months later and the verdict was in: the tables had turned!

“We have been in the wrong place,” Kuda informed us. Those words alone were enough to make our team’s hearts sing.

Kuda added that her client base has expanded to other parts of South Africa thanks to people who learnt about her business through Good Things Guy, and further, that getting to operate at the market is “like a dream”.

While the journey continues for the little business that could, several lessons shine through for all of us: don’t count yourself out until the curtains have truly closed. Be ready to take help when it is given, and if you’re given a ‘last shot’, make it the best damn shot of them all.

Life can certainly feel like being inside a bin at time, but it can also very quickly turn to a thing of beauty.

You can support Bin to Beauty here, or at the Rosebank Market.

Sources: Email Submission

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 Bin to Beauty: From Down and Out to Blossoming Business appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Just like the Bokke keep showing us, South Africans are unstoppable when they stand together—proving once again that, even in the face of controversy, we unite to celebrate our heritage, our traditions, and the spirit of a shared braai.

Western Cape, South Africa (25 September 2024) – Just like the Bokke keep showing us, South Africans are truly stronger when we stand together. And it was this unity that shone brightly over Heritage Day when South Africans from all walks of life rallied behind Jan Braai, a man who has become almost synonymous with this beloved South African tradition.

Heritage Day, also known as “Braai Day” to many, is a day when South Africans come together to celebrate their diverse cultures, often around the warmth of a braai fire. Braaiing has grown beyond just a way of cooking—it’s become a symbol of unity, togetherness, and proudly celebrating who we are. One man who has played a massive role in this is Jan Braai (real name Jan Scannell), the founder of National Braai Day, who encourages South Africans to connect through the simple act of sharing food over a fire.

This year, Jan partnered with the Western Cape Food Lover’s Market for a special Heritage Day promotion, where he handed out his latest creation, the ‘kerriewors’—a delicious Kerrie-flavoured boerewors roll—at their Willowbridge store.

But what should have been a joyful day of celebrating Heritage Day took an unexpected turn when a now-viral video clip surfaced online. In the video, captured by a bystander, Jan is seen handing out kerriewors to excited shoppers in the parking lot, but the caption suggested something far more negative. It read, “See how Jan Braai ignores the guy in the blue tracksuit,” leading many to accuse Jan of racism. Mainstream media quickly picked up the story, fanning the flames of the controversy.

The original video, showing just a snippet of the event, painted Jan in a negative light. But, in an era where online narratives can quickly get skewed, there was much more to the story.

Food Lover’s Market stepped in with the facts, posting CCTV footage of the full event, which clearly showed that the man in the blue tracksuit did, in fact, receive a kerriewors roll. The retailer was quick to rubbish the racism allegations, calling them out as a gross misrepresentation of the day.

“We enjoyed a lovely day out at our Willowbridge store, giving customers a taste of the Jan Braai Kerriewors. Shoppers, from all walks of life, had great fun sampling delicious free boeries. We are aware of allegations making the rounds that only selected shoppers received boerewors rolls. This is simply not true,” the Food Lover’s Market team said in a statement.

They further added: “This allegation is based on an uncharitable interpretation of a single video, which was a small snapshot of the day. Anyone who was there would find the allegation laughable.”

Some mainstream media platforms pulled the original articles and issued corrections and apologies.

What could have easily spiralled into a harmful “cancel” moment was quickly turned around as the truth emerged, and South Africans rallied behind Jan. Social media was soon flooded with love and support for the braai master, with many users defending him and pointing out how easily a misleading video can change the story.

“We need to focus on our country’s positivity. We can’t let things divide us, especially things that are not true. We are stronger together! I think we need to spend less time fighting with each other online and more time together, united around a lekker braai,” Jan told Good Things Guy.

The irony in it all? On a day meant to celebrate our heritage, including the tradition of gathering for a braai, South Africans came together on social media to stand behind a man whose very name is Jan Braai! This wasn’t just about defending a person, but about uniting for something bigger: a shared culture, a love for braaiing, and a sense of fairness that brought everyone together.

And that’s the real beauty of Heritage Day—no matter where we come from or what we believe in, we are united in our love for a good old-fashioned braai and in standing up for what’s right.

South Africans, we truly are stronger together!

Sources: Interview with Jan Braai | Social Media Posts | Food Lover’s Market Statement 

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 South Africans Unite Behind Jan Braai in Heritage Day Controversy Turnaround appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Donald Selepe became an airport hero recently to one traveller and those who witnessed his kindness after he helped the distressed passenger get to his plane in the nick of time!

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 September 2024) — The fear of missing a flight has long been the recurring theme of many bad dreams; the reason for extensive over-planning and in true irony, the culprit that can cause people to end up missing their flights in the first place when all those sleepless worries add up to crashing and oversleeping on D-Day. Luckily for most of us, the fear never comes to fruition. But if it does, you definitely want someone like airport hero Donald Selepe on your side!

Such was the case for an unnamed passenger at O.R Tambo International Airport, who stood at the cusp of missing his connecting flight.

Tendai Joe witnessed the unnamed passenger in great distress after the flight hailing from Kimberly had been delayed and took to share the heartwarming story of what happened next.

The passenger still had another plane to catch to East London, but because of the delay, he was well behind schedule.

Tendai recalls that the passenger had made it through check-in and security, only to realise that the boarding gate for his flight was closed.

Cue airport hero Donald, a passenger handling agent who traded his uniform for a hero’s cape that day!

“I witnessed an Airlink employee, Mr Donald Selepe, who went all out to assist a connecting passenger,” shares Tendai praising Donald for the kind of customer service that moves the needle far more toward heroism. 

Even though catching the flight seemed like a distant dream at that point, Donald stepped up to do his best to make sure it happened.

Tendai explains that as the passenger was begging and almost in tears, Donald organised a way for him to get to his plane.

Knowing it wouldn’t be possible time-wise on foot, Donald organised a car for the passenger to reach his plane safely and quickly in what Tendai dubbed a “boss move”—a situation most would’ve seen as ‘not their problem’.

Thanks to his kindness in making a plan to help the passenger reach his plane, Donald has been applauded by many for going the extra mile for a stranger and inspiring many more in the process!

Sources: Tendai Joe 

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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 Airport Hero Helps Distressed Passenger Catch His Flight! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africans are being called to send love and uplifting messages to 12-year-old Harry, the sole survivor of a tragic car accident, to help him heal through the power of community support.

South Africa (08 September 2024) – When heartache hits, South Africans are never far from one another. In times of crisis, our spirit of unity and compassion rises above, transforming sorrow into a powerful support force. Today, our nation is being called upon to channel that spirit of kindness and love for a young soul-survivor named Harry, who needs our encouragement more than ever.

Recently, a tragic social media post by Sarah Corlett has begun circulating, capturing hearts nationwide. In her heartfelt post, Sarah shared the devastating story of the Finnemore family — Gareth, Olivia, and their two sons, Garth and Harry.

Last Saturday, their lives were forever changed when a driver allegedly overtook a truck on a blind rise along a rural road in KwaZulu-Natal, causing a catastrophic accident that involved 13 people. Twelve did not survive, including Gareth, Olivia, and 14-year-old Garth. Miraculously, 12-year-old Harry emerged as the sole survivor.

The news of this unimaginable loss has struck a chord, prompting an outpouring of love and compassion. People from near and far have rallied to support Harry, who is still recovering in the hospital. Amidst the heartbreak, a beautiful moment of kindness has already touched Harry’s life — a message from South African rugby star Jesse Kriel, which, according to Sarah, “really boosted his spirits.”

Inspired by Jesse’s gesture, Sarah reached out to us at Good Things Guy with a heartfelt plea: “Brent, I need your help, please! Harry received a message from Jesse Kriel, and it brought a smile to his face. He’s still in ICU, but he’s going to be okay. However, the road ahead is tough. His mom’s sister, Lexi, mentioned that any messages from cricket and rugby players would be amazing, but honestly, I think it doesn’t have to be just celebrities. Imagine what a few heartfelt messages from anyone could do for a 12-year-old boy facing such unimaginable pain. I’d love to get a few messages to him.”

Sarah’s request is a call to all of us. Yes, messages from celebrities can be uplifting, but the truth is that each of us has the power to make an impact. Whether you are a world-famous athlete or an everyday hero, your words of support can bring light to Harry in this dark time.

So, we’re asking you — our incredible Good Things Guy community — to do what you do best: send your love, encouragement, and strength to Harry. Write something meaningful and show this young South African that he is not alone, that there is a whole nation standing with him, cheering him on as he heals both physically and emotionally.

While nothing can truly fill the void left by the loss of Harry’s parents and brother, the collective support from people around the country and the world can help to ease his pain, one kind word at a time. Together, let’s wrap Harry in a blanket of love and support. Let’s remind him that there are countless people who care, countless hearts that are holding space for him. In moments like these, our strength as a community shines the brightest. So, take a moment today, write a message, and be a part of something truly special.

Remember, it doesn’t take a celebrity to make a difference. It takes a human being with a heart full of compassion.

Leave a message in the comments or send one to messagesforharry@gmail.com. We will make sure all messages are sent to Sarah to deliver to Harry.

“To Harry, with love from the Good Things Guy team, while the path ahead may feel difficult and uncertain, please remember that you are not walking it alone. Thousands of hearts are reaching out to you, filled with love, prayers, and gentleness. We’re all here, holding you in our thoughts. Know that an entire country is lifting you up, surrounding you with care, and sending you all the warmth and comfort it has to give.”

South Africa, let’s rally together, one message at a time. Let’s show Harry just how powerful love and kindness can be.

Sources: Sarah Corlett 

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 South Africa Unites: Send Love to 12-Year-Old Harry, Our Sole Survivor appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A seemingly insignificant pen mishap caused Vanessa and Athini—two strangers—to cross paths at a local store. When Vanessa noticed Athini struggling to see, she made the heartwarming decision to buy her new specs in what has become a treasured moment for both of them and all who read the story!

Sea Point, South Africa (04 September 2024) — Those of us who weren’t blessed with 20-20 vision (or the kind of vision that doesn’t require extensive squinting for that matter) know the utter dismay of having our specs break.

It’s like going from a world of clarity to the depths of a murky swimming pool. Except you can’t come up for air.

This was the case for shop assistant Athini, whose broken specs had rendered her to rely on her limited vision. But little did she know, a stranger would soon come into the store packing not only a broken pen in need of exchanging, but also a wealth of kindness.

Vanessa Frankal was going through her own moment of distress. A broken bee-themed pen, black ink all over her hands and a birthday card to write. On a mission to get a new pen, Vanessa headed to the store of purchase where she’d cross paths with Athini.

“While [Athini’s] manager was scanning the pen price on her computer, I noticed Athini squinting at her managers’ screen and really struggling to see it right up close. I didn’t want to be rude but gently asked, ‘Do you wear glasses?’ She answered ‘yes’ and then continued to struggle to see the screen.

“I asked her ‘Did you forget to bring them to work?’ And she said, ‘No they broke, I need new ones.’ I insensitively said, ‘oh why don’t you get new ones? You are really struggling to see the screen! She answered, ‘I know, all the customers are commenting. But I can’t afford new ones.’ When I asked how much they cost I was shocked and then figured she wasn’t in any position to afford that,” recounts Vanessa.

Without hesitation, Vanessa decided that she was going to buy Athini new specs!

Together, the two popped over to the nearby shopping centre, where an optometrist stood only an escalator ride away.

There, Athini had her eyes checked out, and to no one’s surprise, she needed new glasses very badly.

Vanessa was hot on the optometrist’s heels, checking in to see whether Athini had gotten her glasses and following up with the optometrist when they were still on their way. Luckily, it wasn’t too long until the message came through that the glasses were ready and waiting!

“We quickly went together and when she got the glasses she burst into the biggest smile and said she loved them. As she put them on, and looked around the store, she came towards me to give me a hug and then she just started sobbing and sobbing in my arms—with relief that she could see!! Then I started crying, then the assistant started crying…and then the optometrist came to give her a big hug,” Vanessa shares.

“It was one of my most special moments that I will treasure always.”

Of what inspired her to act so selflessly, Vanessa says that it was simply “how cruel that someone can’t enjoy the luxury of sight, and has to live with such vulnerability, simply because they can’t afford it.”

“I said to Athini, ‘Isn’t it funny that it was a broken pen that brought me to you!’ She told me her Mom told her, ‘This wasn’t an accident, God sent this person to you.”

Vanessa encourages anyone whose heart has been touched by her story to pay it forward in their own worlds.

“I encourage whoever is reading this to do any random act of kindness (big or small) to someone who is more vulnerable than you. The absolute gift is in the giving.”

Sources: Vanessa Frankal 

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 Serendipity, Specs and a Stranger’s Kindness in Sea Point! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Psychology student Cassandra has successfully raised funds for Our Lady Of Fatima Old Age Home after she became inspired to transform the space with luscious greenery for the residents to enjoy.

Benoni, South Africa (30 August 2024) — Third-year psychology student Cassandra Jardim has raised a small fortune to transform a Benoni-based old age home!

As the place where her own Avó (Portuguese for grandmother) volunteers and the spot where she attended Portuguese lessons, the Lady of Fatima Old Age home has an important space in Cassandra’s life.

While so much of Lady of Fatima is rich with community and cultural connections for its residents, Cassandra knew that a special flora-proud addition could make their lives there that much more enjoyable.

“The lack of an outdoor seating area where [the residents] could socialise, relax and enjoy nature was raised. This sparked an idea to create a serene outdoor space that would bring joy and comfort to this vibrant community,” Cassandra shared.

With a plan to doll up the home with flowers, greenery, outdoor umbrellas for shade and seating arrangements for the residents to take in natural pleasures, Cassandra got to work to raise funds.

However, the idea to give the residents a luscious space was not just aesthetic. As Cassandra  (who is studying at the South African College of Applied Psychology) explains, the sensory stimulations from plants, fresh air and time spent outside can help greatly in reducing agitation, slowing down cognitive decline and improving the mood of residents—particularly those who have dementia—as well as inviting people to socialise in open spaces.

“[It was] a chance to give back to the community that nurtured my love for the Portuguese culture and to honour my Avó’s selflessness,” Cassandra said.

Since her campaign started a month ago, she has successfully reached her target (just R50 shy of the R12,000 goal), and the new area has already been set up, making for a new heartwarming hotspot at the home.

Sources: BackaBuddy

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 Psychology Student Raises Funds to Transform Old Age Home!  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Time put aside for a mission at the Licensing Department often comes with dreaded expectations. But for one lucky Lusanda, her day took several turns for the best thanks to a series of kind and helpful moments!

Johannesburg, South Africa (13 August 2024) — Time put aside for a mission at the Licensing Department often comes with dreaded expectations. Lengthy queues, double checking that all our documents are in order and preparing for the system to go offline are just some of the things South Africans know they need to prepare for.

What we aren’t always prepared for are the random acts of kindness life hands us in seemingly unexpected places. And for one Lusanda Hunter, it wasn’t only a license she got to renew at the Licensing Department, but also her faith in people.

An expired driver’s license brought Lusanda to the Licensing Department recently. The scene was set with frustration—a week’s worth of stress thanks to the online booking system that had given her an endless loop of registration and password resets before finally securing a spot. Then, as she was taking her temporary license photos, she was kindly informed she needed a copy of her ID (which had been stolen a year before).

When push came to shove, Lusanda took the advice to head to a local internet cafe in Randburg CBD that could print from her email for a good price. But upon paying, she learned that the shop had no change for her R100, and time was running out.

Now, this is usually the part where most would wonder if anything else could go wrong. But something special happened instead.

The cashier noticed Lusanda’s distress and offered to put her own money up for Lusanda; telling her that she can come back later.

“This could have been her transport money, she just freely gave it; refused to take anything as collateral,” Lusanda explains.

At the Licensing Department, Lusanda was informed that her expired license (even though it was only expired for a few days) couldn’t be accepted as identification and she needed to get a temporary ID. This after she’d been let through with only her copy.

But once again, kindness found Lusanda as the man who informed her of this, promised he would help her the same day or even the next once she returned with a temp.

“But first [he] walked me out of the room to identify the culprit that let me through with only a copy and then scolded said culprit for wasting my time,” Lusanda laughs.

After heading back to pay the internet cafe, the race to Home Affairs was on. As luck would have it, the system was offline. As luck would also have it, a light-hearted staff member assured Lusanda it wouldn’t be long and she was right on the money—30 minutes later Lusanda was out.

As promised, the man at the Licensing Department helped Lusanda immediately; moving her to the front of the line apart from the two elders she deferred her spot for.

Finally nearing the end of the stretch, she was greeted at the payment counter by a lady who had just been insulted by a very rude man. Despite the hurtful interaction, she didn’t miss a beat and greeted Lusanda with a huge smile and kindness “as if she hadn’t just been insulted to her face.”

By the end of it all, Lusanda realised that each hiccup throughout the day was met with an equal match of helpfulness.

“We may not be perfect and sure it’s Johannesburg…but in positions which garner little if any gratitude and most certainly an absolute shit ton of strife, I was met at every turn with a smile, helpfulness, professionalism.

“Just overall helpfulness that made what could have been a shitty day turn out to be full of reminders to have some faith in humanity and in our country. Thank you to all of our civil servants, your work is noble and we salute you.—Lusanda Hunter.

Sources: Email Submission

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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.

The post Kindness Makes Lusanda’s Day at the Licensing Department appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Down on her luck and facing the tough decision of closing her business or giving it one last go, Kuda from Bin to Beauty bet on herself one last time. In a heartwarming turn of events, immense kindness came her way from one Good Market Samaritan. Kuda was offered a free stall for her business, Bin to Beauty, at the Rosebank Sunday Market!

Rosebank, South Africa (11 August 2024) — Kudakwashe Chigariro’s business Bin to Beauty hopped on our radars last year. It was a clever means to help women in South Africa make an income all whilst reducing waste by turning recycled materials into new fabulous products. But, despite the many who have been inspired by the women who turn wrappers into creative products like purses and backpacks, Bin to Beauty has faced the same plight many new businesses do—the struggle to keep going in the kind of economy that does no one any favours.

“At the end of last month, I told the ladies that we were closing down. It’s just really been so much. This is now the 5th year, and still no break through,” an emotional Kuda tells Good Things Guy.

In a last attempt to make things work for her and the women Bin to Beauty supports, Kuda decided to move her last piece on the chessboard of opportunities and reached out to Dana Druion from the Rosebank Sunday market.

“Kuda contacted me to find out how to get a stall at the Rosebank Sunday Market…When I asked her to give me more information (my passion is empowerment and social upliftment as I am a social worker by training) she proceeded to tell me her story, on the verge of tears,” Dana explains.

Kuda has been doing everything in her power to keep Bin to Beauty alive, but she is at the point where can’t even put food on the table anymore.

“She was about to tell her staff that she is closing the business and decided to give it one last shot by attending the Rosebank Sunday Market,” says Dana.

It was at that point Dana decided to help give Kuda’s ‘last move’ its best chance by offering her a whole free stall at the market—a huge relief to Kuda.

In addition to this kindness, Dana went several steps further and also tried to connect Kuda to companies that produce the majority of the wrapper waste, albeit without luck. But, she was successful in getting Kuda a mentor from the Craft and Design Institute.

This is not the Good Market Samaritan’s first time going out on a limb or sparking such significant impact for someone in need, either.

“In addition to hosting different charities every week, we assist a number of traders with free stalls or seriously reduced fees. One of them is Abigirl who was a disabled single mother of 4. She arrived every week to run a free stall in agony,” Dana shares.

Through Dana’s network, Abigirl was able to get a hip replacement which has not only changed the trajectory of her business, but her entire livelihood.

“Other traders have also assisted her by supplying her with wool, school clothing and supplies, and even food at the market when her 16 and 14 year old sons ran her stall for the months she was in recovery.”

As for Kuda, the opportunity to get a stall is nothing short of a saving grace.

“I am ‘relaunching’ at Rosebank Sunday Market this coming Sunday. Despite all the stress, somehow we have new products. A cooler bag and a backpack. I will keep pushing as much as I can,” shares Kuda.

Kuda’s push isn’t just for herself and her children, but for the women who rely on the business as a source of hope, and a more environmentally savvy South Africa.

“We are just praying that we have been in the wrong place and praying that we are going to the right place,” she adds.

“I hope we can assist Kuda to rebuild her business and keep her staff from losing their jobs,” adds Dana.

You can support Bin to Beauty at the Rosebank Sunday Market from today, or get in touch with her to find out how to assist on info@bintobeauty.com

Sources: GTG Interviews 

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 Kindness Gives Kuda Her Big Break for Bin to Beauty at Last! appeared first on Good Things Guy.