Nine-year-old Elizabeth Pretorius, a bright-eyed Grade 3 learner from Curro Langebaan, recently made her mark on the world stage at the Biathle World Championships in Egypt.

Port Said, Egypt (21 October 2024) – At only nine years old, Elizabeth Pretorius displayed remarkable skill and determination in the exhilarating sport of biathle (Biathle, also referred to as modern biathlon, is a sport that was derived from modern pentathlon) at the Biathle World Championships in Egypt – proving that age is just a number and that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible!

The Grade 3 learner from Curro Langebaan represented South Africa with great determination as she tackled the waters and the beach track, proving that dynamite does indeed come in small packages.

Despite her young age, Elizabeth faced tough competition from athletes around the globe but refused to crack under pressure.

Over four gruelling days, she competed in individual and team biathle relays, battling through challenging conditions both in the water and on the beach as her races combined sea swimming and beach running. Her determination and resilience were evident in every race.

According to her school, Elizabeth was one of the youngest in her U11 age group. She finished 8^th in her team relay and 27^th in the Biathle individual races, giving her a world ranking of 36^th place!

“Elizabeth, we are so proud of you! Not only your amazing accomplishments but your dedication and fighting spirit. May this be the first of many for you,” Curro Langebaan said.

As Elizabeth continues to grow and develop her skills, we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish in the future!

Sources: Curro Langebaan

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Father and son duo Russel and Nic Gill share a love for hockey that not only speaks to the value of family but will also see them representing South Africa on the world stage at the electrifying World Masters Hockey World Cup.

Cape Town, South Africa (18 October 2024) – In an unfolding story of family, passion, and athletic prowess, Russel and Nic Gill, a father-son duo, are set to make waves representing their country together at the World Masters Hockey World Cup in the Mother City!

Masters Hockey SA describes the tournament as the leading event for masters hockey, honouring the commitment and talent of players who thrive in the sport well after their prime years.

From seasoned veterans to rising stars, teams will converge to vie for glory and honour on the international stage.

Russell, who plays for the RSA Men’s Over 65 team, along with Nic from the RSA Men’s Over 40s, both embody the true spirit of Masters hockey forged on the field, shares Masters Hockey SA.

Armed with their hockey sticks and eager to compete in their respective categories, both players remind us of how family can really help us tap into our passions.

More than just a sport, masters hockey offers a unique opportunity for athletes to continue playing the sport they love while maintaining their health and staying connected to a vibrant, supportive community.

“For players like Russell and Nic, it also means sharing unforgettable moments on the international stage, proving that age is just a number for heart and determination.”

Sources: Masters Hockey SA

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Dlala Africa, a beacon of hope in the Manenberg community, often plagued by violence, is providing holistic support, nurturing cricket talent, and empowering future generations.

Manenberg, South Africa (17 October 2024) – In the heart of Manenberg township in Cape Town, lies a remarkable organisation that is working hard to make a profound difference and provide a holistic approach to supporting young people.

Dlala Africa provides nutrition, after-school homework support, mentorship, and a safe space to play cricket at the Ohio Sports Field.

The organisation offers a place where children can escape the harsh realities of their surroundings plagued by gang violence and discover their potential.

While tension and threats prevail on the periphery, the gangs know that this is a no-go area, allowing boys and girls from the community to meet to play together on this field.

Mentors making a difference

Professional cricket coach Shahied Adonis runs the Dlala Africa NGO program where he offers his time voluntarily, while Taz Mohammed heads up the after-school programme also voluntarily.

Their aim, together with coach Anees, is to keep children off the streets and away from the dangers that lurk nearby.

“Many of the children walk up to 3km to get to the field where they are provided a meal and assisted with schoolwork before heading to the nets for cricket practice.

“Dlala Africa serves meals to 100-120 children daily. And for some, this is their only meal,” shares Stuart Goulding, Dlala Africa Board Member.

Township cricketers soar to greater heights

Over the past few years Taz, Shahied, and Anees have nurtured young talent where top talent is rewarded with a bursary or scholarship to a prestigious school like Bishops Diocesan College, South African College Schools, or Wynberg Boys.

One of the organisation’s shining players, Abdallah Bayoumy has signed his first pro contract with WP Blitz.

Another rising star, Adnaan Lagadien just scored his debut hundred for the South Africa u19 Emerging Team. He went on tour recently with the Bishops Diocesan College’s 1^st cricket team and scored two double-hundreds in Sri Lanka!

“Many other first-division club teams have players who cut their teeth at the Ohio Sports Fields and have been mentored by Shahied before being given opportunities to serve as role models for those who follow.

“This window of opportunity means they can provide hope for their families and give back to the community,” adds Goulding.

Dlala Africa operates on R100,000 annually, serving 100-120 children each day.

The NGO is self-funded and with no principal donors, relies on the goodwill of the community.

“It is such a good cause to support, and Adnaan Lagadien is a testament to the large vein of untapped potential just waiting to be given a fair smack of the ball.”

To support Dlala Africa’s efforts in creating a brighter future for the youth of Manenberg email dlala.africanpo@gmail.com or stuartg@worldonline.co.za.

Sources: Dlala Africa

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Made for More, a beacon of hope for those living with physical limitations, recently organised a successful Boccia Tournament that showcased the incredible spirit and determination of its participants.

Durban, South Africa (17 October 2024) – In their ongoing efforts to inspire and enrich the lives of persons living with disabilities, Made for More recently sparked their zest for life through a fun and competitive Boccia Tournament at the Blue Roof Life Space.

Boccia is a sport where athletes throw, kick, or use a ramp to roll a ball onto the court, aiming to get it closest to a ‘jack’ ball, similar to lawn bowls.

Made for More General Manager, Anele Zama explains that the tactical sport requires focus and strategy.

“It requires a very high level of energy and concentration and takes hours of training to master the game. Boccia is played by people who are wheelchair users or have both their upper and lower limbs somehow affected.”

The sport comes with a wealth of physical and mental benefits including the enhancement of motor skills, coordination, muscle control, decision-making, and strategic thinking.

“Social and emotional benefits include fostering teamwork, communication, a sense of achievement and belonging, strengthening of community bonds, boosts confidence and camaraderie among players,” Anele explains.

The organisation’s tournament, coached by Made for More’s highly experienced coaches, concluded last week as an incredible success with the participation of six teams made up of local schools and homes.

Looking ahead, Made for More aims to build on this successful initiative, with the hopes of one day sending its players to represent KZN and South Africa.

“They really deserve it and they have what it takes to win at higher levels than our internal Boccia Tournaments. But until then, we just want to create awareness within the community, break the stigma, and give people with disabilities those “I can” moments.

“We want to give our players hope and enhance their abilities in a small way that we can, give, encourage and restore hope,” Anele concludes.

Sources: Made for More

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Ethan Bain and his crew, Team Vineyard, are running the Cape Town Marathon, not just for the finish line but for hope—honouring his late sisters, his father’s fight with cancer, and the courage of every child battling this relentless disease.

Western Cape, South Africa (16 October 2024) – Ethan Bain is lacing up for something much bigger than a race. This year, the 22-year-old son of one of the founders of “The Cows” is taking on the Cape Town Marathon with a purpose, a deeply personal one. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the hope he carries with him, in memory of his sisters, in honour of his father’s battle and for his housemate who was recently diagnosed.

The Bain family has faced more heartbreak than most can even imagine, yet through it all, they’ve held onto hope. They’ve lived it, shared it, and now Ethan is running for it.

Grant and Kerrin Bain lost their daughters, Jessica and Georgia, to cancer, and now, Grant himself is facing his own fight. But instead of being consumed by despair, Ethan is using his grief, his love for his family, and his determination to make a difference. Together with five friends, he’s running the Cape Town Marathon to raise money for CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa), an organisation that’s been close to the Bain family’s heart since the devastating loss of their daughters.

Ethan’s journey began with the story of his parents, who started The Cows to fundraise for CHOC after their youngest daughter, Jessica, passed away at just 20 months old. In 2007, when Jess was 10 months old, she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.

“Overnight in April 2007, our lives changed completely, and we spent more time in hospital than at home,” Kerrin shares.

Jessica endured chemotherapy, collapsed lungs, and a stem cell transplant before her little body couldn’t take any more. She passed away in February 2008. But her spirit, as her mother says, was “hope in action,” and that hope lives on through everything The Cows stand for… making a difference, celebrating life, and fighting for children facing cancer.

Nine years later, the unthinkable happened again. Their daughter Georgia was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of nine. Despite surgery, radiation, and chemo, the tumour returned.

Kerrin explains that Georgia was “courageous and brave”.

In December 2019, after a long battle, Georgia passed away at home, surrounded by the love and peace her family fought so hard to give her.

And then, two years ago, Grant Bain, the heart of this resilient family, was diagnosed with cancer.

Despite all of this, the Bains are not defeated.

Ethan’s marathon mission is a way to honour the memory of his sisters and to show his father that the fight for hope continues. With five of his friends, Ethan is gearing up to take on the Cape Town Marathon on 20th October 2024.

Their goal isn’t just to cross the finish line but to raise funds and awareness for CHOC, helping other families navigate the devastating world of childhood cancer.

“Along the way and on the day, we aim to raise funds for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, a remarkable organisation supporting children with cancer and their families,” says Ethan.

“Cancer is a battle no person, and especially a child, should face alone, and we believe every step we take can bring hope, motivation, and healing. By running this marathon, we are not only challenging ourselves physically but also championing and honouring the brave children who fight cancer every day.”

Ethan, along with Dom Von Honne, James Henderson, James Fleming, Stephan Liebenberg and Matthew van der Linde, has already raised over R85,000, with hopes of bringing in much more by the time the race arrives. They’re calling on South Africans to join the cause, to support CHOC and to be part of something truly special.

Running together as “Team Vineyard,” the six young men are also dedicating their efforts to their 7th housemate, Tom Walters, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. This race is not just for the Bains but for Tom, too, and for every family that has faced the challenges of this terrible disease.

They are running for hope.

Hope that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we can continue to fight, to make a difference and to honour those we’ve lost by supporting those still in the battle.

Every step this team takes is a reminder that hope is powerful and it’s something we can all carry forward.

Sources: Ethan Bain | 

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A group of 50 individuals united by their love for dance and their desire to make a difference, have triumphed at the IDO Hip Hop World Championships for their masterpiece of choreography “Give Peace a Chance”.

Skopje, North Macedonia (16 October 2024) – Dancers showed up in their numbers to create a breathtaking spectacle at the IDO Hip Hop World Championships 2024 which kicked off with a vibrant Parade of Nations.

The week-long World Championships competition is the largest of its kind on the IDO calendar and attracts an unprecedented 5,000 dancers from around the globe.

Upon landing in Skopje, North Macedonia, each dancer has been carrying the weight of their nation’s hopes, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and determination.

When things got intense, and it was time to take the stage and showcase weeks, if not months, of rehearsals, South Africa delivered an outstanding performance!

Team South Africa coach Eunice Marais was thrilled to announce that the dance production, Give Peace a Chance, triumphed at the World Championships and the team was crowned first-place champions.

“This piece of choreography, performed by 50 talented dancers from South Africa, spreads a powerful message of hope, peace, and love to the world during troubled times,” shared Eunice.

The team of dancers received their Protea colours before departing for North Macedonia and will return home with a coveted trophy for their stellar performance!

Sources: Eunice Marais

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Brad Cox has done it! He has gone on to win the World Rally2 Championship in Morocco after a gruelling yet fulfilling race.

Morocco (15 October 2024) – After an exemplary year in MotoSports, South African Brad Cox (26) has achieved his goal after being crowned the World Rally2 Champion in the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, World Rally-Raid Championship last weekend. Brad, who races for BAS World KTM Racing, scored a double whammy by winning the rally and the title in Morocco, snatching the championship from Romain Dumontier (Team Honda) with Konrad Dąbrowski (Duust Rally) coming third.

His exceptional achievement caught the attention of the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, who took to social media to congratulate the young competitor, saying:

“26-year-old South African Bradley Cox has won the World Rally 2 Rally Raid Championship for 2024. This is really fitting because next year we are hosting the big one, W2RC, in SA.”

The Minister is referencing the fact that South Africa is set to host the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) from 18 to 24 May 2025 in North West and Limpopo. The event will feature diverse terrain, with the race route traversing bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and savannah plains in the areas of Sun City, Thabazimbi, and the agricultural heart of North West.

Excitement is mounting for the event following Brad’s impressive win on his new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica – as a privateer rather than a factory rider – which is made even more special by the fact that friend and mentor, Ross Branch (Botswana) won the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco. RallyGP is the top moto class, with riders and manufacturers eligible for the World Championship in FIM rankings. This class is only open to the most experienced competitors while Rally2 is available to any rider not yet considered RallyGP. With his recent victory, Brad will now compete in the next Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class.

Speaking after the event, Brad, who shares his passion for the sport with his father, the ex-KTM factory rider, Alfie Cox, said:

“Coming in I was down eight points and while there was a chance to be champion, really the week had to fall perfectly for me and it did. From the start, I had my goal set and put my head down, knowing that for the next five days I would do whatever it takes to win – and that’s what happened! Every day I got better and better.

“Having the title ‘World Champion’ next to your name is great, and I’m really proud. Proud of the effort it took and the sacrifices to get to this point. It’s not just me, it’s my team, my family, my sponsors…it’s a massive group effort and to have it payoff is amazing. Now we get ready for Dakar. This is a building block and has given me the confidence, and hopefully, Dakar can go as well as this week has!”

Commenting on Brad’s performance, Bart van der Velden, the BAS World KTM Racing Team Manager, said,

“It was great to see that all the training and hard work he’s put in over the last few years has paid off. In the past year-and-a-half, Brad has taken big steps in his navigation and his training. It’s been a lot of effort so everyone in the team is really happy for him. I’m confident in the upcoming Dakar. Morocco was a test – the first outing on the new bike – and we’re all so happy it worked out.”

Earlier this year, Brad competed in the Dakar Rally, which was described as one of the most challenging races on record, where he put on an impressive performance in the Rally2 category, finishing 13th overall in the Bike Category. He was also the only South African to make it to the Top 20 overall in the contest.

Brad was able to compete with the help of generous sponsors who were committed to backing his racing dream. These included Toyota Gazoo Racing, ASP international rope access, Bas World KTM Racing Team, Leader Tread, Trollope Mining, Face First Media, PSlaser Racing, KTM South Africa, Airoh Helmets, Gaerne Boots, Shot Racing, TRP Distributors, 100%, USN, USWE, and Red Bull.

Source: Supplied

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Nicole Hasell, a 23-year-old powerlifting sensation, is smashing records and putting South Africa on the global stage, with 13 national and African records under her belt and a heart set on more.

Pretoria, South Africa (15 October 2024) – South Africans have always been known for their resilience, strength, and ability to rise above challenges. Whether it’s on the rugby field, in the swimming pool, or in a powerlifting arena, we continuously prove we are champions.

And one of these champions is Nicole Hasell, who is not only lifting weights but also lifting the spirits of the entire nation.

At just 23 years old, Nicole has achieved what many only dream of. A powerhouse in the world of powerlifting, she has shattered records and earned a place in the upper echelons of international sport. Since she started competing in 2022, Nicole has set an incredible 3 South African records and a staggering 10 African records, solidifying her place as one of the continent’s top athletes. And Nicole’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. A 5th-year Veterinary Medicine student from Pretoria, she recently returned from competing at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championships in Malta. There, she took home an impressive 4th place in the deadlift and finished 6th overall in the fiercely competitive Juniors U57kg division. Her achievements aren’t just personal wins – they’re victories for South Africa as a whole.

But Nicole’s success didn’t come overnight. She began her athletic journey as a high-performance gymnast before transitioning into weightlifting and CrossFit. It was here that she found her passion for powerlifting, falling in love with the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. Her personal bests tell the story of her grit and determination: a 425kg total in the gym and 400kg in competition.

Nicole’s potential is undeniable, and with each lift, she shows the world what it means to push boundaries and break barriers. South African athletes like Nicole make us proud. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, their passion for their craft, and their representation of our country on the global stage fill us with immense pride. Nicole is part of a legacy of South African sportspeople who remind us of the strength that comes from hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself.

However, even champions need support. To continue competing internationally and representing South Africa, Nicole relies on the generosity of her community and those who believe in her journey. By supporting Nicole, you’re not just backing a talented athlete – you’re helping her bring glory to South Africa and inspiring the next generation of champions.

If you’d like to help Nicole keep flying the South African flag high, you can visit her website to make a donation: nicolehasell.co.za/donate.

With 13 records under her belt and an unwavering commitment to her sport, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. Let’s continue to rally behind her, ensuring that her journey is filled with the support and encouragement she so richly deserves.

Cheers to Nicole and to many more victories for South Africa!

Sources: Nicole Hasell

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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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Curro Hazeldean’s under-17 boys relay team stunned local supporters and the world at large by breaking the U18 World Record in the U18 4x100m relay.

Potchefstroom, South Africa (14 October 2024) – Curro Hazeldean may just be where track stars and the world’s fastest runners are nurtured and groomed!

The high school’s under-17 boys stunned the crowd at the NWU Top 30 Schools Athletic Series held in Potchefstroom by becoming the fastest U18 relay team in the world!

The athletes set a new World U18 Best record, clocking a time of 39.92s in the 4x100m relay. The previous best time of 39.95 was held by a USA team.

South African high school, Curro Hazeldean sets new World U18 Best, clocking a time of 39.92s in the 4x100m relay!

The record previously held at 39.95s by the USApic.twitter.com/opoGQ60tBU

— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) October 12, 2024

“It is unheard of that a school relay team can hold a World best relay time,” said Coach Thabo after the amazing performance.

Matodzi Ndou, Inam Dlunge, Adam Motloung, and Zattu Hlongwane’s names will be recorded in World Athletics history as the fastest U18 4×100m relay team ever!

The school is also home to the “fastest teenager on the planet”, Bayanda Walaza, who not only shone at the 2024 Olympics this year but also dominated the track at the Athletics U20 Championships in Peru in August, clinching gold in the Men’s 100m race.

Not only are these young men inspiring future generations of South African runners to reach for the stars, but they have also filled us with pride and elevated the country’s stature in the competitive world of track and field.

Sources: Curro Hazeldean

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Africa has a new motorsport hero! Botswana’s Ross Branch has made history, becoming the first African rider to win the World Rally Raid Championship, a triumph that cements Africa’s place in the global motorsport arena.

Botswana (12 October 2024) – Africa has just gained a new champion in the world of motorsport, and it’s time to celebrate! Ross Branch, a proud son of Botswana, has made history by becoming the first rider from the continent to win the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC).

This achievement isn’t just a personal triumph for Ross – it’s a moment of immense pride for the entire continent.

Ross, representing Hero Motosports Team Rally powered by Motul, has taken the rally world by storm, proving his unmatched talent and dedication. Known as “The Kalahari Ferrari,” Ross has spent a lifetime chasing adventure and pushing the limits. Now he stands as a world champion – an inspiration for riders everywhere, especially those from Africa.

Ross secured this incredible achievement on African soil, wrapping up the final stage of the Rallye du Maroc to become the 2024 W2RC Champion. After a fantastic season that began with a podium finish at the Dakar Rally earlier this year, Ross only needed to complete the final race to cement his legacy. His journey from second place at the Dakar to becoming the World Rally Raid Champion is one for the history books.

What makes this story even more remarkable is that although Ross isn’t South African, he hails from Southern Africa and Botswana is a neighbour to us (and a hop and a skip from Joburg)! That’s more than enough for us to claim him as our own! His grit and determination shine brightly, and his victory is a win for all of Africa.

From a young age, Ross has been no stranger to speed and adventure. He started racing at the tender age of four and has since become a force to be reckoned with in rally racing. With two Dakar stage wins, a World Championship win in Kazakhstan in 2021, and seven victories in his home event – the Botswana 1000 Desert Race – Ross’ career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, he adds the ultimate title to his list of achievements: World Rally Raid Champion.

Reflecting on his journey, Ross said, “It’s been an incredible season, and to end it with the championship title means the world to me. My team has been incredible, and the support from my fans across the world has kept me going. I’m proud to represent Africa on the global stage.”

This success hasn’t come without hard work. Ross’ dedication, combined with the reliability of his Hero 450 motorcycle and support from partners like Motul, has been key to his triumph. His passion for rally racing, along with the backing of the Hero Motosports Team, has paved the way for this momentous win. The team, based in Jaipur, India, has been competing since 2016 and is the first Indian team to achieve a podium finish at the Dakar Rally. Now, with Ross’ victory, they’ve brought even more global attention to the sport.

Ross’s incredible journey reminds us that dreams have no boundaries. Africa is proud to have its first World Rally Raid Champion, and his success is a reminder of the potential and talent that exists on our continent.

Here’s to celebrating Ross and his historic achievement – proving that no matter where you’re from, you can conquer the world!

Sources: Ross Branch 

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