The Angel Network invites South Africans to unite and support Alison Botha as she faces challenges following her critical brain aneurysm, ensuring she receives the essential care and assistance she needs.

Johannesburg, South Africa (22 October 2024) – Alison Botha’s story is one of unwavering courage and resilience. In 1994, she defied death’s grasp, surviving a traumatic ordeal with a spirit that continues to inspire millions.

Now, Alison faces another formidable challenge: a life-threatening brain aneurysm that has left her with ongoing medical challenges.

Good Things Guy recently shared the news about Alison’s latest health battle, shocking many South Africans who have already rallied to support her.

The Angel Network, a nonprofit organisation that works to alleviate poverty and social injustice, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to support Alison Botha, a woman whose life epitomises survival and resilience.

The campaign aims to raise R200,000 to cover her medical expenses as she faces significant health challenges following a life-threatening brain aneurysm.

To add to her difficulties, it is reported that the parole release of her attackers in July 2023 has reignited emotional trauma. Without medical aid and unable to work, Alison faces a heavy emotional and financial burden.

The Angel Network invites everyone to stand with Alison during this challenging time and to reach deep into their pockets to support a woman whose bravery has defied great and undeserved odds.

Alison’s attorney, Tania Koen, describes her condition as extremely serious. Following her discharge, she will need round-the-clock care, dramatically changing her life.

Alison has spent years empowering others with her story of survival. Now, it is SA’s turn to stand by her.

By donating to Alison’s cause, you are not just contributing financially; you are sending a powerful message of solidarity and hope.

Visit the Alison Botha BackaBuddy page to make a donation.

Sources: The Angel Network

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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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Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation is on a mission to empower physically challenged children by providing them with essential mobility aids: specialised wheelchairs, also known as “buggies”.

Gauteng, South Africa (21 October 2024) – Wheelchairs make a world of difference in the lives of physically challenged children.

Sadly, many of those in rural, underserved areas have to go without one for most of their childhood until they are connected with life-changing angels like those of the Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation.

Doing their level best to respond to the high demand for specialised wheelchairs (buggies), the non-governmental organisation has undergone the big task of refurbishing and transforming old, worn-out chairs donated by public hospitals to provide disabled children with essential mobility aids.

“A buggy can provide them with the support they need to sit upright and pain-free. This way they can engage with the world around them.

“Buggies offer more than mobility. They offer dignity, and a chance to be a part of their family and community,” Boikanyo shared.

The dedicated team recently received a generous donation of these chairs from The Paige Project, which they will distribute at their next outreach after giving them a revamp, allowing children the freedom and joy to participate in family activities, attend school, and connect with their peers.

The organisation also extended its thanks to one of its supporters, Ruth Stubbs, who plays a key role in allowing Boikanyo to teach therapists in deep rural areas how to revamp and recycle condemned buggies from state hospitals.

“Our group does it for those terribly contorted and disabled cerebral palsy children who live in rural SA, while she revamps buggies for similarly incapacitated children in Gauteng.”

Their commitment to making a difference is evident in every community outreach and every smile they bring to a child’s face.

The next outreach will be held near Tzaneen, Limpopo, where about 100 children are on the waiting list for buggies.

To help Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation continue its invaluable work in changing the lives of countless children, email letstalk@boikanyo.org.za or visit boikanyo.org.za

Sources: Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation

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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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Gogo Elizabeth Banda’s life took an unexpected turn when she lost her job. Instead of dwelling on her misfortune, she was moved to make a difference in the lives of the children in her community who were left to fend for themselves on most days.

Randburg, South Africa (18 October 2024) – After losing her job, gogo Elizabeth Banda was moved to make a difference in the lives of the children in her community, many of whom lacked caregivers or relatives to look after them during the day while their parents were at work.

Refusing to let the plight of these children continue, Elizabeth established the Ebenezer Preschool which currently cares for 25 children in Thabo Mbeki Village.

The village is an informal settlement in Randburg predominantly composed of shacks, with high levels of unemployment, poverty and food insecurity.

As a heartbreaking result, many of the children who attend her school often arrive on an empty stomach.

Through Unity Meals, Hope Worldwide South Africa and its partners, they are assisting Elizabeth in providing the children with a nourishing breakfast each day.

Their collaboration has significantly impacted Elizabeth, the children in her care, and many other communities across the country.

“The children often arrive here without a proper breakfast. The fortified Unity Meal breakfasts have been invaluable because children start the day with nutritious food.

“We were informed that this porridge is rich in protein and other essential nutrients, and you can see the difference in the children—they become more energetic and vibrant – they become children again,” shared a grateful Elizabeth.

Sources: Hope Worldwide South Africa

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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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Our family was deeply moved when an anonymous woman chose to pay our Matriarch’s medical bill at the doctor’s this week; the moment moved us all to tears!

Alberton, South Africa (17 October 2024) – Our family WhatsApp group dissolved into full-blown sobs yesterday when Ouma started sharing the news about her doctor’s visit. Between her tears, she shared how an anonymous woman paid her doctor’s bill, after overhearing that the medical aid wouldn’t be covering it.

We often advise you to reach for the tissues when a heart-touching story is about to unfold, only this time, I am the one needing to reach for the tissues, over and over again. You might need to go grab some, just in case!

My Ouma was a walk-in appointment at her doctor, the Randheart Medi Centre in Alberton. Before going in for her consultation and tests, the receptionist came over to discretely discuss the payment options, as the medical aid had run out, and Ouma would have to pay out of pocket for the appointment. My Ouma reassured the receptionist that she would be able to cover the bill and thanked her for letting her know beforehand.

Fast-forward to when Ouma was finished with the doctor and was ready to pay. She made her way to the counter, where the receptionist informed her that the bill was already paid for. Slightly confused, my Ouma queried how that was possible, having referenced the quiet conversation they had prior. This was when the kindness was revealed.

A lady who had walked in after her, was sitting within earshot of my Ouma and had heard the payment hiccup, so before leaving, she settled the bill in full for no other reason than to do a little bit of good. This woman is unknown to our family, and my Ouma didn’t notice her sitting nearby. The kind donor left the doctor’s room before the kindness was even revealed.

Well, my Ouma immediately burst into tears, which set off the receptionist and the nearby sister. Between the three of them, they spoke words of thanks and praised God for putting this woman in my Ouma’s path.

As my Ouma relayed this story through tears of gratitude to the family, I could not contain my own tears. I felt overcome by gratitude, and a desperate need to say thank you bloomed within me. I wanted to thank this kind person who unknowingly took the sting out of a very stressful day.

So, to the woman who performed this act of kindness, your generosity has touched our family. We are truly grateful for you and your actions, showing support in a moment of need and leaving my Ouma feeling blessed beyond measure. Our family will look back on this moment for years to come and send you words of thanks each time. You have blessed us, and for that, we bless you too!

My aunts have shared their messages of thanks, too, hoping that this kind of person sees what kind of impact they made!

“To the person/couple that paid for my mom’s doctor visit after her medical aid was depleted, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I think for my mom; it is not just about the money but also about the gesture and the knowledge that there are still good people out there. She was very down and worried, and this made the weight a lot lighter. I will definitely pay it forward in some way.” – Aunty DD

“No good deed goes unnoticed and one day a stone will be rolled out of their path as well.” – Aunty A

“I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for showing such kindness and love towards a total stranger. You absolutely made my mom’s day (and mine) by showing that we can still have faith in human kindness. I have no words other than THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart and may you be BLESSED IN ABUNDANCE for this amazing act of kindness. We will definitely use your example and pay it forward.” – Aunty T

Ouma ended off wanting to share a message of her own, saying, “I pray that God will bless her abundantly for her good deed.”

Sources: GTG 

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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 To the Anonymous Person Who Paid My Ouma’s Medical Bill, Thank You! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

From the vibrant streets of Soweto to sharing the global stage with British rock band Coldplay, the Mzansi Youth Choir has defied expectations and captured hearts worldwide. They’ve added their African flair to the band’s latest album, Moon Music, and created musical magic!

New York, United States of America (16 October 2024) – The past two weeks have seen a stunning mash-up of African choral talent meets British rock as the Mzansi Youth Choir has been afforded the amazing opportunity to perform with Coldplay!

From humble beginnings in Soweto, the choir’s journey has captured the hearts of South Africans one performance at a time.

Miles away from home, the award-winning choir recently tapped into a whole new musical adventure which saw them collaborating with Coldplay in New York to create magic in the studio.

The choir also got to be a part of the band’s latest album launch for Coldplay’s tenth studio album, Moon Music.

Memories of a lifetime have been in the works with Coldplay as the Mzansi Youth Choir were also invited to join them again at the Rose Bowl and feature on two of their new tracks titled Jupiter and Aeterna.

From making it to the America’s Got Talent finals performance to singing Fix You live in front of thousands, every step has felt like a dream for the talented choir singers.

“Most recently, we had the incredible chance to perform on QVC and put together a Zulu verse for We Pray just hours before the show, composed by Sidumo Nyamezele. The message of faith and carrying good energy rings close to our hearts.

“We’re so grateful for all these experiences and can’t wait to see what’s next,” the Mzansi Youth Choir shared.

Sources: Mzansi Youth Choir

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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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The Jeppe High School water polo team gracefully honoured and celebrated Emmanuel Twala, the man responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the school’s swimming pool, at a recently held Aquatics dinner.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2024) – In a world that often celebrates those in the spotlight, it is always so admirable when one boldly takes a moment to acknowledge the people who play a quiet yet crucial role in their successes.

Demonstrating this in a profound gesture that tugged at our heartstrings, was Jeppe High School for Boys’ newly-appointed water polo captain for 2024/5, Diego Coutinho.

At the Aquatics dinner held on Saturday night, 12 October, Diego made a heartfelt request. He wanted Emmanuel Twala, the man responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the school’s swimming pool complex, to be invited as a special guest.

The polo team wanted to thank Emmanuel for his tireless work and dedication to keeping the pool in prime condition for years.

“Many people are thanked at these dinners and I just thought that Mr Twala should be one of them,” Diego said.

“We wouldn’t be able to train and play matches in such a great environment if it weren’t for his work.”

Emmanuel has been working at Jeppe for 12 years and has been in charge of the Aquatics Centre for 10 of those.

“I knew they wanted me to attend the dinner, but I was surprised at the generous gift they gave me,” Emmanuel said.

“The Jeppe boys have always been polite and I have got thank yous from them over the years, but this was something special. I am very proud and honoured that they thought of me.”

Sources: Jeppe High School for Boys

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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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A group of dedicated and passionate students have been chosen to take on the mantle of leadership for the year 2025 at Marist Brothers Linmeyer. They are poised to lead with compassion, support their peers and leave a lasting legacy.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2024) – Ready to assume their roles of leaders -with a whole lot of heart- are the new members of the Marist Brothers Linmeyer Leadership Team for 2025!

These new student leaders will take over the reins from their predecessors not just as figures of authority but as individuals who lead by serving others with humility, compassion and integrity.

These qualities will greatly help in serving and supporting their peers and the younger students who come after them.

Not only will they ensure that everyone follows school rules, but also that they are cared for and guided to reach their fullest potential as they lay the foundation for life after school.

The shift from “Prefect” to “Leadership Team” reflects Marist Brothers Linmeyer’s commitment to fostering a culture of servant leadership, which prioritises the needs of others and contributes to a more compassionate and just society.

“By embracing the term Leadership Team, we believe this title better represents the collaborative and service-oriented spirit we aim to cultivate. These students are leaders who will work alongside their peers to make a positive impact on our school community,” shares the school’s Head of Ethos, Ms C. Rieker.

The 2025 Leadership Team is a diverse group of talented individuals, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the table.

The leaders are:

• Joyce Batubenga,
• Caiden Buys,
• Micaela De Moura,
• Muhammad Khan,
• Amy Lloyd,
• Mutali Luvhengo,
• Lintle Mabathoana,
• Mkhokheli Maomela,
• Mulalo Mavhungu,
• Lilo Mdingi,
• Mfundo Mkhize,
• Khyla Neves,
• Julian Schwark,
• Rory Souter,
• Liyah Tavaria,
• Claire Viljoen
• and Dolly Yombo.

The senior leaders are:

• Joy Okonkwo – Family Spirit,
• Catarina Abreu – Love of Work,
• Nicholas Cardoso – In the Way of Mary,
• Tia Nirghin – Presence
• and Dario Gouveia – Simplicity.

Last but certainly not least are the 2025 executive leaders:

• Nomhle Moyo – Deputy Chairperson,
• Mokgethwa Masenya – Deputy Chairperson,
• Gisele De Abreu – Chairperson
• and Keano Carrajola – Chairperson.

We wish the 2025 Leadership Team every success as they embark on this journey of leadership and service!

Sources: Marist Brothers Linmeyer

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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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Food plays such a big part in our lives and yet, so many people around the world continue to struggle with hunger, malnutrition and poverty. This World Food Day, the Do More Foundation is embarking on a mission to empower Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, the cornerstones of young children’s lives, to serve up wholesome goodness.

South Africa (15 October 2024) – In a world where food is a vital need, millions of children across the globe face a daily struggle against hunger and malnutrition. It is a heartbreaking and undeserved struggle that demands a greater call to action.

Playing their part to help promote better nutrition for South Africa’s children who need it most, is the Do More Foundation this World Food Day, 16 October – a global initiative to heighten public awareness of the world food problem.

The Do More Foundation will use the day to empower Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre cooks and practitioners to make healthy nutrition choices for the young children who enter their doors.

With the support of the Department of Health, Do More will increase the nutrition literacy of 1,000 practitioners and cooks through cooking demonstrations, food tasting and open dialogues this World Food Day.

Helping children thrive through better nutrition

Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, Community Programmes Lead at the Do More Foundation, shared that the key focus of the programme is to enhance childhood nutrition.

“We believe that empowering ECD practitioners and cooks to make informed, healthy choices – despite their resource constraints – is essential.

“The alarming reality is that 90% of brain growth occurs between birth and age five, and malnutrition during this period can have lasting, devastating effects, including stunting, which hinders cognitive development and ultimately, an individual’s future economic prospects,” he explains.

As part of the initiative, ECD centres across South Africa will receive recipe books, grocery vouchers, and health and nutrition charts, enabling them to implement the newfound knowledge and track the progress of the children in their care.

On World Food Day, 40 ECD centres will also be assisted by local partner organisations and over 40 staff volunteers (known as DoMore Heroes) from various company sites to help them cook and serve these meals to the approximately 2,000 young children in their care.

Chairperson of the Nkomazi Young Child Forum, Rose Phelembe, highlighted that ECD centres play a crucial role in ensuring children from disadvantaged households access balanced, nutritious meals – something they might not always receive at home.

“The centres follow strict dietary guidelines verified by the Department of Health, which positively impacts children’s health, supporting healthy growth and development. This structured nutrition, alongside health monitoring and education, sets children up for success early on.”

Going beyond just providing basic sustenance, the collective effort is providing much-needed nutrition and the building blocks for a brighter future!

Sources: Do More Foundation

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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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South Africa, it’s time to #ChangeOneThing! By signing the “Save the Last of South Africa’s Rhinos” petition, you can show your solidarity and amplify the call for stronger protection measures for our beloved rhinos.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2024) – Far too many precious rhinos have suffered at the hands of heartless and greedy poachers, robbing our wildlife of their basic right to life and putting them at threat of extinction.

But, now is the time for your voice to be heard and join the fight to safeguard these iconic animals for generations to come.

Jamie Joseph from Saving the Wild, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots South Africa, is dedicated to introducing legislation in South Africa that will protect rhinos and other wildlife from poaching.

By introducing stricter legislation, the organisations aim to create a safer haven for rhinos and other wildlife. They are calling upon South Africans to join forces and demand change.

“As it stands, there is no strict legislation to protect our rhinos from dangerous poaching practices,” says Kayla Hovelmeier, a Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots South Africa volunteer.

Jamie Joseph will be taking the lead and heading to parliament to present a comprehensive proposal to the Minister of Forestries, Fisheries, and Environment.

However, the success of this endeavour depends on the unwavering support of the public. The only way parliament will see that this is important is by seeing that real South Africans are passionate about this change and protecting rhinos.

“Most rhino poaching cases do not get to trial, and if there is a conviction, it is either a fine or a prison term of less than five years that almost never gets served in its entirety,” Jamie explains.

For this very reason, the great public is being encouraged to sign the Save the Last of South Africa’s Rhinos petition and add their names so that the Minister can see how many people are demanding the protection of our rhinos and wildlife.

The goal is to reach at least 10,000 signatures for #RhinoLaws before Jamie goes into parliament.

To be a part of the solution and ensure that rhinos can roam the wild free of the threat of poaching, add your name to the petition at https://www.change.org/p/save-the-last-of-south-africa-s-rhinos-with-legislation 

Sources: 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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In a city where the signs of decay are hard to ignore, the “Jozi vs Jozi” account has become both an irritation and a force for good – exposing Johannesburg’s decline with stark “before and after” photos while (hopefully) igniting a movement of citizens determined to reclaim their city.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2024) – Johannesburg, a city known for its boundless energy and opportunities, is officially described on the City of Joburg website as a place that “still attracts those who want to realise their dreams and achieve success.” The city’s mission, according to the website, is to “foster citizen-centric ethos through service excellence” and ensure “a well-governed, managed, and developed City with enhanced levels of accountability and citizen participation.” Their vision focuses on a “clean, green, healthy and safe urban environment.”

However, if you ask many Joburg residents today, these ideals seem far from reality.

For years now, Johannesburg has faced challenges with service delivery, safety, and general urban decay. While the city’s promises of governance and pride are noble, many would argue that they aren’t being fully realised.

Enter “Jozi vs Jozi“, a viral X (formerly Twitter) account that has sparked a different kind of conversation—a conversation about ownership, responsibility, and hope for a brighter Jozi.

The Rise of “Jozi vs Jozi”

Started in September 2024, “Jozi vs Jozi” has taken social media by storm, amassing over 22,000 followers in just a few weeks. With its no-nonsense approach, the account posts daily “before and after” photos of Johannesburg, highlighting places that have fallen into neglect. The images are stark: broken pavements, littered streets, and dilapidated buildings—side by side with older photos of vibrant, clean, and well-maintained spaces from yesteryear.

These photos have shocked many residents, some of whom have lived in the city their whole lives but failed to notice the extent of its decline. Others are seeing it as a wake-up call. The account’s bio, reading, “a labour of love for a city that means a lot to many,” hints at its motivation.

Though no one has claimed ownership of the account yet, its message is loud and clear: Johannesburg is not what it once was, but it could be again.

Interestingly, “Jozi vs Jozi” follows only one account—the City of Joburg itself. This symbolic action reinforces the idea that while the city may have its issues, it’s not beyond redemption. And perhaps that’s the key takeaway: we can’t rely on the government alone to fix everything. Instead, there’s a growing recognition that active citizenship is essential to turning things around.

The Broken Window Theory: Why “Jozi vs Jozi” May Be a Catalyst for Change

One concept that ties directly into the work of “Jozi vs Jozi” is the “broken window” theory. This theory suggests that visible signs of disorder—like broken windows, graffiti, or litter—can encourage further neglect and even crime while maintaining order and cleanliness can foster a sense of pride and safety. In Johannesburg’s case, “Jozi vs Jozi” may be doing more than just posting photos; it could be sparking a revolution of active citizenship.

By raising awareness around the city’s decline, the account could inspire more people to take action, whether through organising clean-up initiatives or holding local officials accountable.

Johannesburg’s story isn’t just about what’s gone wrong. It’s also about the incredible grassroots movements that have sprung up in response to these challenges. Across the city, communities have banded together to reclaim their spaces, showing that when citizens take ownership, change is possible.

The Power of Community Initiatives

If you need proof that active citizenship works, look no further than initiatives like the Cape Town Central City Improvement District, Better Bedfordview, The Boksburg Community Project and Praboa in Parkhurst.

These projects, led by dedicated residents, have made significant strides in cleaning up and revitalising their neighbourhoods.

One standout example is the Rejuvenation of The Wilds, a once-neglected park in Houghton that has been transformed into a safe, clean, and vibrant public space thanks to the tireless efforts of community volunteers. This project has restored a beloved green space and has also sparked a renewed sense of pride among residents.

Another inspiring story comes from Better Fourways, where local residents have taken the reins to improve security, cleanliness, and overall quality of life in their area. The initiative has successfully worked alongside local authorities to maintain public spaces, proving that collaboration between government and citizens can yield impressive results.

These projects highlight a powerful message: Johannesburg is a city of resilience. Its people care deeply, and when they come together, they can achieve incredible things.

Getting Our Hands Dirty

Becoming an active citizen in Johannesburg (or any city) starts with small, impactful actions that collectively drive change.

Here are five ways you can make a difference:

• Join local community projects: Get involved with community initiatives in your area to help clean up and maintain public spaces. And if you can’t join, support them! Even with just R10 a month, many R10s make thousands.
• Organise clean-up days: Rally neighbours to tackle litter, paint over graffiti, or plant trees in neglected areas. And do it yourself! If you run or walk in your neighbourhood, take a Woolies bag (we know you have too many) and clean up while you’re out and about.
• Hold local authorities accountable: Attend community meetings or engage with local representatives to ensure service delivery issues are addressed. Get to know your Ward Councillors. Engage with them regularly.
• Report issues: Use platforms like social media or city apps to report broken infrastructure, illegal dumping, or potholes, ensuring they get the needed attention.
• Support small businesses: Strengthening local economies by shopping at and promoting small, neighbourhood businesses fosters a sense of pride and community investment.

A Bright Future for Johannesburg

The rise of “Jozi vs Jozi” and the success of various community-driven projects across the city show that Johannesburg’s future is not set in stone. The challenges are real, but so is the potential for change.

As the cover photo on the “Jozi vs Jozi” account reads: “An ode to a Joburg we once knew and hope to meet again, further down the road.”

While the city may be facing its fair share of difficulties, the growing wave of active citizenship and community engagement suggests that a better, brighter Johannesburg is possible—and it may be just around the corner.

So, while we can’t deny that Jozi is facing some tough times, the people of this city are proving that they won’t sit idly by. They are stepping up, taking action, and inspiring others to do the same. And in that, there is hope.

Sources: Jozi vs Jozi 

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