Victoria’s Secret’s Runway show came back after years. But beyond South Africa’s Candice Swanepoel and Tyla taking to the stage; the show left a lot to be desired:

New York, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret made a ‘splashy’ return to the runway after several years away from its once iconic pink carpet.

Premised to be a new era for the brand that has had a massive influence on the relationship women across the world have with their bodies; hopes were high for the comeback show and all the freshness it might bring. But, VS is nothing if not a tease. And for many critics, if the show was supposed to be a tease for diversity, it unfortunately missed the mark.

As a woman and writer who has long been championing topics of inclusivity and empowerment, I have to admit that the 2024 reveal left much to be desired.

Many of the models were part of the same class who have long worked with VS (the Hadid sisters, Taylor Hill and, of course, the seasoned Angels like Behati Prinsloo and Adriana Lima).

There were new faces part of the show and iconic ones too (Cher, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks to name a few). And all of it was as glossy as it was when I watched it as a teen.

But in the spirit of inclusivity—which is where many suspected the show was heading—it felt a lot like waiting for the drop of a song that never comes. In fact, it was a lot like listening to an old song you haven’t heard for a while again, except with a few barely noticeable remixed notes.

While it’s damn-near impossible to represent every person of every body type, it also feels like tokenism to see only a handful of models who weren’t size 0 (many of whom did multiple walks). There could have been a spectrum of body-positive representation that gave us all a more organic idea of beauty across the board…but there wasn’t.

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting. A little (a lot) more of a celebration of the idea that healthy bodies can and do look different? Female empowerment of some kind? Wings that actually attempted to uplift women? At the very least, they did break the ageism barrier the beauty industry is known for by featuring models who would’ve been considered well into retirement if this were the early 2000s.

Two moments made the show almost worth the watch, and they were purely because South African women took to the stage like powerhouses. Candice Swanepoel was as gorgeous as ever, while Tyla got to headline the event with the energy she’s won the world over with. I’ll also give a special shout-out to Cher’s performance because that legend is nearly 80 years old and still killing the game.

But beyond their time on stage, the show hardly brought anything new to the table. Perhaps that was exactly the point.

If anything, the show made me thankful that I’m older and wiser than I was when I first gazed up at the angels like superheroes and thought beauty needed to look that way. Thankful that in 2024, we can recognise it’s just a show and not what women need to look like to fit into the world.

And thankful that the younger generation of women do have access to more information on health and well-being to create informed perspectives on what was once deemed ‘the standard’ of beauty.

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.

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Social media rumours can quickly cause alarm, but not all of them hold up. A recent post claimed Johannesburg Zoo was running out of food for its animals, creating unnecessary concern. The reality? The animals are thriving, and the zoo has plenty of food to keep them well-fed.

Johannesburg, South Africa (06 October 2024) – We all know that social media can spread “news” like wildfire but it’s important to remember that not everything we see or hear is true. Sometimes, a bit of critical thinking goes a long way.

Recently, a post went viral, causing panic among animal lovers, claiming that the Johannesburg Zoo was in “desperate need of food for their wildlife.” The post urged people trimming trees in the Johannesburg area to donate the trimmings to help save animals like elephants, buffalo, and giraffes.

Some mainstream media news sites even picked up on it, amplifying the message and creating an uproar. The narrative that the zoo couldn’t feed its animals raised concerns about the ethics of keeping wildlife in captivity and spurred debates about whether zoos should exist at all if they can’t meet basic animal welfare standards.

The problem, however, is that the post wasn’t true.

Good Things Guy decided to investigate. The original post had three contact numbers listed, so we contacted all of them to verify the story. It turns out that Johannesburg Zoo is not in desperate need of food—far from it. In fact, the zoo confirmed that they have more than enough food for their animals and aren’t sure where or why this false information started circulating.

Speaking to Good Things Guy, a zoo representative pointed out that the social media post was very misleading. They explained that the zoo appreciates leaves and trimming as donations but it is not a necessity.

“We are not desperate for feed. The zoo has food for all the animals; we just need some leaves for our browsers. Unfortunately, someone wrote the wrong information.”

The zoo also issued a media statement clarifying the situation.

“It has come to our attention that a social media post has been circulating, claiming that the zoo is facing a shortage of food to feed its animals. We want to emphasise that there is absolutely no shortage of food for our animals. The zoo regularly calls for tree browse as part of our standard enrichment program. Rest assured, the zoo has an ample supply of food for all its animals.”

It’s encouraging to see how quickly people rally around causes that matter to them but this incident highlights the importance of fact-checking before reacting. The viral post, while well-meaning, caused unnecessary confusion.

The good news here? The animals at the zoo are safe, healthy, and well-fed, thanks to a committed team who ensures their well-being every day, so if you have tree trimmings, please donate them to the Zoo but not because the animals are “starved”, rather because it’s a nice treat for them… and ultimately, even if you hate Zoos, we all want the animals to be “treated” with love and kindness.

Sources: Johannesburg Zoo 

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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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When hope, courage, and the spirit of a nation come together, magic happens—like this moment, when 10-year-old Isabella, battling cancer, will get the opportunity to step onto the field with the Springboks to live her dream.

Nelspruit, Mbombela (28 September 2024) – It’s stories like these that remind us of the power of hope, dreams, and the magic of sports. The Springboks, our nation’s rugby giants, have once again teamed up with Reach For a Dream to create a moment so powerful, it’s left South Africans beaming with pride and joy.

Reach For a Dream is an organisation that has been changing lives for over 30 years by granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. They step in during some of the hardest moments in a child’s life, offering not just an escape, but hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences.

This week, they’ve made a special dream come true for a brave young South African.

Isabella, a 10-year-old from East London who is living with cancer, had one wish: to meet the Springboks, her heroes. And what better way to make that happen than with the nation’s beloved Bokke?

In a heartwarming social media post, the Springboks shared the news of Isabella’s dream coming true.

“Today is a very special day for 10-year-old Isabella from East London. Her dream of meeting the Springboks is about to come true. Living with cancer, rugby has always been her source of strength. Today, through a collaboration between the Springboks and Reach For a Dream, she’ll step onto the field in Nelspruit, holding Siya Kolisi’s hand to sing the national anthem before the game against Argentina.”

This moment wasn’t just about meeting her heroes; it represented something much bigger. The Springboks’ post continued to share that Isabella’s incredible courage is a shining reminder to all of us. Even during life’s toughest battles, hope is what keeps dreams alive. To make the day even more special, Isabella’s entire family has been invited to witness her once-in-a-lifetime moment from the stands. We can already feel the goosebumps rising in anticipation of that moment when she walks hand-in-hand with Siya Kolisi, standing proudly in front of a packed stadium.

Watch the clip below:

This isn’t just a story about rugby. It’s about how sport can bring us together, how it can lift up the spirits of those in need, and how the heart of a child can inspire a nation. Today, the Springboks have once again shown why they hold such a special place in our hearts. It’s moments like these that truly reflect the spirit of South Africa.

So, as we cheer for the Bokke this afternoon, we’ll be cheering even louder for Isabella, whose strength and determination remind us all of the power of hope and dreams.

South Africa, today is a day to celebrate the good!

Sources: Springboks 

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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.

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When we speak up, change happens: The story of Tom London’s journey to recovery and advocacy!

Johannesburg, South Africa (09 September 2024) – Some stories rise above and ignite a powerful movement for change. Tom London, a well-known South African talk show host, has become the heart of a story that has brought the nation together and sparked a critical discussion about healthcare in South Africa.

His journey from a hospital bed to a voice for reform shows the impact of raising one’s voice for a cause.

Tom was recently admitted to the Helen Joseph Hospital after what started as a simple chest cold escalated into a severe health crisis. Diagnosed with pneumonia and a massive pleural effusion, Tom found himself in a battle for his life, confronting not only his illness but also the challenges and shortcomings of the South African public healthcare system. From his hospital bed, he began to share his experience in real-time, posting heartfelt and unfiltered Facebook Live videos that quickly went viral.

He spoke candidly about the poor treatment he received, the apparent neglect by some of the hospital staff, and the distressing conditions he witnessed, including a patient passing away without immediate assistance.

“Doctors here, you are giving Doctors in South Africa a bad name. I am so angry with you. This is the Helen Joseph Circus Hospital, where Doctors experiment on you,” Tom said in one of his videos.

His story resonated deeply with many South Africans who have experienced similar situations or have loved ones in similar circumstances.

However, something extraordinary happened amid the outcry and anger. Tom’s story touched the hearts of thousands across the country, and people rallied around him, offering support in ways that have brought him hope and healing. Over R120,000 was raised in donations from kind South Africans who wanted to ensure that Tom could receive the medical care he needed.

The funds helped cover his medical bills, allowing him to move to a private hospital and continue his treatment in a safer environment.

In his latest Facebook Live video, Tom shared his gratitude for the overwhelming generosity and support he received.

“I am so grateful. The help of kind strangers is one of the greatest things to happen to me in my life and has given me a new perspective,” he said, visibly moved by the outpouring of compassion.

Tom also expressed his thanks to Gayton McKenzie and the Patriotic Alliance for their help. Moreover, he announced that Panyaza Lesufi, the Premier of Gauteng, had requested a meeting to discuss what happened at Helen Joseph Hospital.

“I want to be the voice of the people,” Tom declared, “to create positive change in our South African government hospitals.”

“This is not about Tom London. I am not unique here. My treatment was not unique. It’s everybody. Everybody who has to deal with the South African healthcare system. There is no difference if you’re black or white. It makes no difference if you earn R2,000 or R20,000. It’s time we let our politicians know. It’s time we let our doctors know. It’s not good enough,” Tom said passionately.

You can watch that video here:

In response, Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba acknowledged the situation and stated that the matter is being investigated to address the concerns raised by Tom and others.

“We do have some interventions that are currently unfolding in relation to this particular facility and other facilities. The issues around staff attitude that are being raised. We have launched a provincial campaign called ‘I Serve With A Smile,’ which is aimed at improving staff attitude and patient experience of care. This program is currently being rolled out at all healthcare facilities.”

But this story isn’t over, and it is far from just about Tom. It’s about every person who has felt neglected by the system and every family who has faced a similar struggle. Tom’s experience has highlighted the urgent need for change in public healthcare, and he is committed to being a voice that pushes for that change.

How South Africans Can Get Involved and Be the Change

Tom’s story is a powerful reminder that change is possible when we stand together and make our voices heard. If you feel inspired by his journey and want to contribute to positive change in our healthcare system, there are several ways you can get involved:

• Raise Awareness: Share stories like Tom’s on social media to keep the conversation going. The more people know about the challenges facing our public hospitals, the stronger the call for change.
• Support Advocacy Groups: Join or support organisations that advocate for healthcare reform in South Africa. These groups work tirelessly to push for better policies, increased funding, and improved conditions in our public hospitals.
• Volunteer Your Time: Many hospitals and clinics are in desperate need of volunteers. Whether it’s lending a hand at a local healthcare facility or helping with community outreach programs, your time can make a real difference.
• Hold Leaders Accountable: Engage with local representatives and demand better healthcare services. Write letters, sign petitions, and attend community meetings to ensure your voice is heard.
• Donate: Support those in need by donating to credible organisations or campaigns that aim to improve healthcare facilities, provide medical supplies, or assist patients with critical needs.

By taking these steps, every South African can help create a healthcare system that truly serves its people. Tom has sparked a movement, and now it’s up to all of us to keep the momentum going and make a real impact.

Together, we can help build a healthier, more just future for all.

Sources: Tom London 

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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 Tom London’s Videos Sparks Nationwide Call for Change in Public Healthcare appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Tom London’s viral journey through South Africa’s public healthcare system reveals both its challenges and the incredible power of community support and resilience.

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 September 2024) – Tom London, a well-known South African talk show host, recently found himself at the centre of an extraordinary story that has captured the hearts and attention of thousands.

Tom is not just a talk show host; he is a familiar voice to many South Africans. Known for his candid style and passionate approach to storytelling, Tom has never been one to shy away from difficult conversations. Recently, he found himself the subject of his own story after being admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital for a severe health crisis.

What began as a simple chest cold escalated into a life-threatening condition that left Tom battling pneumonia and a massive pleural effusion — over a litre of fluid in his lung cavity.

On Wednesday, the 4th of September, 2024, Tom posted a heartfelt message from his hospital bed. After nine days of intense treatment, he shared, “I’ve been in a hospital bed for nine days now going through seven shades of medical hell but today I’m strong enough to let my friends know I’m conscious and fighting this.”

Tom’s story quickly went viral, with hundreds of thousands tuning in to his Facebook Lives. He spoke candidly about his ordeal — from being left in a state of discomfort to witnessing a patient across from him pass away without immediate assistance.

“Doctors here, you are giving Doctors in South Africa a bad name. I am so angry with you. This is the Helen Joseph Circus Hospital, where Doctors experiment on you,” Tom said.

He openly criticised the hospital staff, accusing them of negligence and insensitivity. His videos are raw, emotional, and unfiltered, capturing the frustrations many South Africans feel about their public healthcare system.

“Shame on you. Shame on you, Helen Joseph Hospital. Shame on you to all the doctors here who treat patients like cockroaches. If this is what the proposed NHI is, then please share this video to make sure it doesn’t happen,” Tom said.

Please note that these videos contain an incredibly disturbing account of Tom’s hospital stay and even more distressing visuals.

Tom’s ordeal has shocked South Africans to the core, with his videos being shared hundreds and thousands of times. However, as disturbing as Tom’s videos were, something remarkable happened. South Africans from all walks of life rallied around him. Donations poured in after he announced that he would need to transfer to a private hospital to continue his treatment.

In a matter of hours, Tom was able to secure enough funds to cover the costs of his care.

“I’m going to the ward soon and gonna get some sleep. I haven’t slept in almost two weeks. I’m discussing the probable costs with the hospital and it looks like by tomorrow morning I’ll have enough to cover everything,” he posted in gratitude. “Thank you for everything today. You saved my life.”

While there is no denying the need for improvements in the public health sector, there is also no denying the incredible spirit that defines South Africa.

In the end, Tom’s story is more than just an account of one man’s battle against illness. It’s a reminder that in South Africa, there is always a reason to believe in the goodness of people and the possibility of a brighter future.

Sources: Tom London 

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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 Tom London’s Journey: How One Man’s Hospital Experience United a Nation appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The snow fairy stopped by in Cape Town, coating Table Mountain in snow, much to the delight of locals who have been fighting a rollercoaster of winter woes.

Cape Town, South Africa (29 August 2024) — It’s no secret that this winter has been a ridiculously wet and gloomy battle for South Africans in Cape Town. With the past few months underpinned by stubborn rain clouds, insistent winds, wondering whether the sun would ever show its face again and seasonal depression that not even scrolling through the memories of Dezemba at the beach could shake, it’s been rough. And just when locals thought spring might be among us (deceived as we were by the wildflowers in bloom), one of the coldest weeks of the year hit. Except, this bout of cold didn’t come without bearing gifts; the snow fairly stopped by in the City!

Context: This Winter Has Been No Wonder

@sibuleleralarala IZVUNGUVUNGU is not enough of a word to describe what is going on here #fyp #foryoupage #capetown #weather #winter ♬ original sound – Sibulele

Snow in South Africa in general is something special. But for Capetonians who can almost unanimously say that this winter had been no wonder, it was a surprise of an extra-special calibre.

The Snow Fairy Visits Table Mountain 

Snow made its way to the Mother City as if it were Nature’s way of saying, “Here’s something pretty for your troubles.”

The star of the snow show was undoubtedly Table Mountain. As Table Mountain Aerial Cableway shared, that the natural icon of the Cape received a gorgeous layer of snow!

Snow Steps

Matt Ashwell shared this video that got the whole of South Africa talking!

It’s snowing on Table Mountain!

Check out the footage taken this morning by Matt Ashwell.@tablemountainca is set to reopen on 2 September 2024. #tablemountain #snow #thingstodoincapetown #travel pic.twitter.com/0U43RpFnmj

— Love Cape Town (@lovecapetown) August 28, 2024

Snow More Bad Vibes

Table Mountain, South Africa’s most iconic landmark in Cape Town, is now blanketed in snow.

Cape Town is experiencing cold, windy conditions with temperatures around 47°F (8°C) and mostly cloudy skies. pic.twitter.com/WeiYFQdtfF

— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) August 28, 2024

With the ensuing cold dips, comes the reminder to support those whose biggest woe is not whether their washing will dry, but the destitute who are most severely impacted.snow fairy

There are many charities that have made the winter bearable for both people and animals in need, but they are reliant on kindness from the community to keep on keeping on! TEARS Animal Rescue, The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Haven Night Shelter, The Hope Exchange and Mdzananda Animal Clinic are just some of the many who serve the vulnerable.

You can find a complete list of charities that support destitute people here and those helping animals keep warm here. 

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & 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 The Snow Fairy Visited Table Mountain! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Numbers of breeding pairs in Algoa Bay have bounced back since bunkering stopped

South Africa (13 August 2024) — On St Croix Island in Algoa Bay, which is part of the Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area (MPA), there were 7,000 endangered African penguin breeding pairs in 2015. By 2023, the number had collapsed to 700, according to researcher Professor Lorien Pichegru. But the good news is that numbers are rising again – thanks to a tax dispute.

St Croix, only 12 hectares in size and four kilometres from the Port of Coega (Ngqura) couldn’t be in a worse spot. The African penguins on St Croix suffer, says Pichegru, from the double whammy of commercial fishing in the surrounding areas and noise pollution from ships heading in and out of the port.

Pichegru, who is acting director of the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, has been knee-deep in African penguin research for about 15 years. She sometimes lives with them on Bird Island. Pichegru has published nearly 100 papers and been cited more than 2,000 times, according to ResearchGate, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on the species known as Spheniscus demersus (African penguin).

In a study published in 2022 called “Maritime traffic trends around the southern tip of Africa – Did marine noise pollution contribute to the local penguins’ collapse?” Pichegru led a team of eight fellow scientists as they researched the impact of noise in Algoa Bay.

They found that an increase in annual estimated vessel noise corresponded to a significant average decrease of penguin pairs and that the lowest recorded numbers of penguins’ breeding pairs corresponded to the period after ship-to-ship bunkering began in 2016.

Bunkering is a practice whereby ships are refuelled out at sea instead of coming into port. It’s a noisy process and increases the risk of oil spills. And in Algoa Bay all this takes place in or right next to the MPA.

The area where the African penguins of St Croix Island forage is full of ships. Source: “Maritime traffic trends around the southern tip of Africa – Did marine noise pollution contribute to the local penguins’ collapse?”

“The intensification of underwater noise levels in the African penguin’s foraging habitat was linked to the initiation and expansion of ship-to-ship bunkering activities which intensified the maritime traffic in the area,” the scientists said in the 2022 paper. “Noise levels were significantly related to the collapse of what had been the world’s largest remaining colony of endangered African penguins.”

Algoa Bay became one of the noisiest bays in the world.

Breeding pairs of penguins dropped as noise levels rose. Source: “Maritime traffic trends around the southern tip of Africa – Did marine noise pollution contribute to the local penguins’ collapse?”

But this year, the number of pairs of penguins, who mate for life, has almost doubled on St Croix. Pichegru, who has just returned from a stay on nearby Bird Island, says the number is up to 1,200 pairs.

This 71% year-on-year jump in numbers, she says, is because there has been no bunkering in the area in the last year. And this is because of a tax dispute. Earlier this year the Eastern Cape High Court heard the case, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which confiscated some of the refuelling vessels last year, claiming that illegal bunkering had cost the fiscus as much as R7-billion in lost revenue. The defendants said SARS’s directives about bunkering were unclear. The court found that SARS needed to clarify its regulations, a process that’s still ongoing. While this is ongoing bunkering has stopped, which is good for the penguin population.

But though the news from St Croix is good, Pichegru is still very concerned about the future of the penguins.

An expert panel appointed by former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy recommended in 2023 various measures to protect penguins.

In August that year, Creecy said the partial ban on commercial fishing for anchovy and sardine around six penguin island colonies, including St Croix would continue unless conservationists and fisheries came to agreements on new fishing bans by the start of this year. With no agreements reached, the partial bans are now in place for the next ten years.

BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) have challenged this decision in court, saying Creecy did not take into account all the recommendations of the panel. Specifically, they say, she did not take into account recommendations on how to define a “valuable area for African penguins” when considering how to balance penguin needs with fishing industry interests.

As a result, her decision was “biologically meaningless”, they say.

“I do believe penguins have a high risk of becoming functionally extinct by 2035 at the rate they’re going,” Pichegru says. And this is despite the fact that scientists are working to identify the next 5% of South Africa’s ocean that needs protection. At present South Africa has 41 MPAs covering 5.4% of the sea which is under South African law. Like many other countries, South Africa has promised to protect 30% of its sea by 2030.

Given the penguins’ core foraging range, it would be enough to extend the closures out to sea for 40 kilometres at most, says Pichegru. That’s a tiny speck of space when compared to the 1.1 million square kilometres of ocean that fall within South Africa’s exclusive economic zone but would make all the difference to the penguins.

“They can be resilient and have the capacity to produce up to four chicks a year in really good conditions, so they can bounce back should we give them a chance,” Pichegru says. “There is a realistic chance to stop them from disappearing by providing them with adequate protection at sea.”

Renée Bonorchis is a journalist and the founder of The Ocean Advocate, which is co-publishing this story. This is the last in a three-part series. Read part one and part two.

Sources: GroundUp

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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.

https://youtu.be/C4d4pClxzxk

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New premises will be the old Dome “on steroids.”

Cape Town, South Africa (05 August 2024) — After 16 years of thrilling audiences with dazzling performances in Cape Town’s city centre, the Zip Zap Circus is looking for new premises.

Zip Zap’s lease on the property of “The Dome” in the Founders Garden outside the Artscape Theatre comes to an end early next year. In 2020, the Western Cape Government announced that the land will be used for a high-rise, mixed-use development which will include affordable housing.

A new performance site is being discussed for the popular circus, but funds need to be raised for this. Meanwhile, the Zip Zap academy in Salt River will continue to run programmes and teach.

The Dome has been an integral part to the success of Zip Zap. “We’re very grateful for the 16 years that they’ve let us stand on that property,” said Brent van Rensburg, co-founder of Zip Zap Circus.

“We’ve made massive strides by being there… it allowed us to grow exponentially to where we are now”, he said. The Dome has also been a secondary source of income for Zip Zap, which hired it out for corporate events.

But all is not lost. The Western Cape Government has offered the circus a new site in the Artscape Theatre Centre’s Plaza forecourt.

“The vision is to build a permanent performance space,” said Van Rensburg. He said Zip Zap had a 50-year lease from Artscape, “and we are trying desperately to fundraise”.

The new “Zip Zap Arena” will offer a venue for circus arts and also for other art forms like drama, ballet, dance and opera. It will have retractable seating, making the venue suitable for a variety of events.

In order to get the project started, R65-million is needed, but the total cost will be closer to R100-million, Van Rensburg said. The income generated from the Zip Zap Arena will go back into the organisation and cover the venue’s running expenses.

Van Rensburg said the new design is modelled on an old “traditional circus tent…but with a very big modern twist”.

Zip Zap Circus was started by Van Rensburg and Laurence Estève 32 years ago. “We started with a box of costumes, a trapeze bar in the tree, and a big dream”, said van Rensburg.

They funded the circus school with money they made working as flying trapeze artists and stunt performers in movies. Today the organisation teaches roughly 3,000 students every year in a host of programmes.

Zip Zap Circus is about more than the flying trapeze artists, or the incredible athleticism seen in the circus. “It is a tool for education and upliftment”, said Estève. Zip Zap Circus runs nine programmes throughout the year and works with partners including Early Childhood Development centres, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and clinics in disadvantaged areas.

There is also an advanced circus programme and a professional troupe of 10 performers called “Moya”. These performers come from the different programmes, they are paid salaries and tour around the world. “They’re providing for their families and themselves. They’re making a living with their art form,” said Estève.

“I feel really sad that they’re closing the Dome, because this is the place that I started my dream,” said 22-year-old Akho Narwele. Narwele, who is from Nyanga, is one of the 10 Moya performers, and specialises in juggling with clubs. He joined Zip Zap when he was 16.

“This is where I grew up,” said Jason Barnard, who has spent roughly 16 years, off and on, with the organisation. Inspired by his grandfather who was a trapeze artist, Barnard joined Zip Zap when he was eight years old. Now 30, he is a coach and performer in the Moya team.

Barnard said he has spent half of his life at The Dome and it’s a pity that it is closing. “I hope another building gets built soon”.

“Zip Zap Circus is more than just an arts project. It changes young people’s lives,” said Marlene le Roux, chief executive of the Artscape Theatre.

“Art is a powerful vehicle to unite our nation in our diversity.”

Sources: GroundUp

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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 bus driver may have left Lifalethu behind, but his community has not. After the Simon’s Town learner embarked on the longest walk home (roughly 8 hours) when a bus driver reportedly wouldn’t take him along, people from all over came together to support the young boy:

Cape Town, South Africa (29 July 2024) — Last week, learner Lifalethu Mbasana made headlines after he had to endure the longest walk home following the loss of his bus ticket and a driver who left him behind.

Lifalethu’s 8-hour walk came after the Simon’s Town primary school learner realised he couldn’t find his bus ticket, to which the Golden Arrow bus driver reportedly responded unsympathetically, as TimesLive reports.

Faced with a bus that had driven off, Lifalethu embarked on his longest walk home from Simon’s Town through different parts of the Western Cape until, eventually, he was given a lift to Khayelitsha.

For Lifalethu’s family and many South Africans who learned of the story, the situation was nothing short of unacceptable—not least because of how overwhelming and frightening it was for the 11-year-old learner, but because of how a lost bus card could put a young person in jeopardy.

The bus service seemed to agree with the unacceptable nature of the situation, stating:

“Company policy is to assist uniformed scholars in situations where they have lost their Gold Cards,” said Golden Arrow, adding that the driver who failed to follow this policy has been suspended. 

But, a positive turn of events did come for Lifalethu and his family—largely thanks to the community who stood behind him. Indeed, even though the bus driver may have left the learner behind, his community has not!

Speaking to Daily Voice, Lifalethu’s mom shared that many kind words have been shared not just from South Africans but from across the continent. In addition, kind people have even offered their family a weekend away in Muizenberg, while Lifalethu and his siblings have received new school shoes and other gifts as little nods of support. Golden Arrow has also offered to gift the young boy free transport for the term!

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & 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.

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One artist’s mural work, was an entire community’s tourism boost! Durban recently took to celebrate the people working hard to make the city a place people want to visit and revisit and in a special nod to the role artists play, mural artist Christine Andrews won the city’s favour!

Durban, South Africa (29 July 2024) — Here at Good Things Guy, we have a lot of love for people using their talents to uplift their communities. Public art and those behind it play a much bigger role than they know in doing this, not least because they often transform forgotten or neglected spaces into walking galleries, but also because they drive a lot of eyes and foot traffic to areas and causes that need more attention. Though the mural artist leads something of a behind-the-scenes life (not everyone digs deep enough to find out who is behind the art they are marvelling at), their work does not go unnoticed. These things considered, paint a bigger picture as to why it was extra special when mural artist Christine Andrews won a unique award celebrated by her community.

The Durban Tourism Business Awards are a relatively new prize-giving with only three years in action, but they’ve already become an important force when it comes to recognition.

It was one of the DTB accolades that went to Christine, who won the Crafters Awards for her many years of service to South Africa’s (and Durban’s) art scene. For two decades, Christine (who is based in Amanzimtoti) has transformed spaces from bridges to breathtaking walls, all while raising her children (on her own).

Christine shared that the award is “a huge blessing” and shared words of wisdom with other artists and dreamers:

“My encouragement to others is hard work does pay off, be faithful to use the abilities God has given you, whatever they may be.” 

Other winners of the DBT awards were Rural Investment and Township Development, which won the Exceptional Achievement Award for the opportunities it has brought to the rural area of Umgababa Beach, and The Bali Grand Lodge & Spa, whose owner, Garth Bogle, won the Exceptional Achievement Award: Product Owner with a Disability.

Sources: Sapphire Coast Tourism 

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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.

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