Plettenberg Bay was nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination per the World Travel Awards! A victory beyond tourism, Keep Plett Clean shares the community effort that went into getting this accolade for their home.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (21 October 2024) — South Africa’s own Plettenberg Beach scooped a nomination as the World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024 per the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards in a big feat for South Africa (Plett was the only South African location nominated for this category).

While at a surface glance, this might seem like a victory in the realm of tourism, it’s actually far more so a community victory, as Keep Plett Clean shares.

Keep Plett Clean is a community organisation whose name accurately sums up their deal. Founded by Alison Bryant, Keep Plett Clean was founded on a simple principle:

“Clean, well-maintained environments enrich not only the lives of residents but also leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world,” Alison says.

For over a decade, Keep Plett Clean has rallied volunteers to ensure that their town and its beaches are as pristine as possible.

To put that into perspective, that’s over 12 years of showing up to tuck into clean-ups and spearheading maintenance missions, no matter the weather, circumstances or whether one particularly feels like it or not.

The kind of commitment that promises a well-kept town and natural pleasures relies entirely on consistency and collective action. And to have been able to achieve that to the point of global recognition is something the whole country should applaud as an example of what we can do when we take matters that affect all of us into our own hands!

As Alison shares:

“This nomination is more than just an accolade for our beaches; it’s a reflection of the collective effort it takes to keep Plettenberg Bay beautiful working together with Bitou’s Municipality. Our volunteers’ dedication to picking up litter, emptying bins, scrubbing away graffiti, and ensuring that waste is properly managed has helped create an environment where visitors can enjoy the full beauty of Plett’s beaches and natural surroundings. The feedback we receive from hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb hosts, and tourists speaks volumes—our town’s cleanliness is noticed, appreciated, and make a real difference in their experience.”

For Alison and the team she works with, it’s far more than a matter of aesthetic value, but memories and experiences.

“This nomination is a victory for everyone involved—from our dedicated volunteers to the residents and visitors who contribute to keeping our town clean. It’s a celebration of community spirit and reminder that environmental stewardship is key to Plett’s ongoing success as a world-class destination.”

You can keep up with Keep Plett Clean, here. 

Sources: Email Submission; Keep Plett Clean 

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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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It’s almost time for dog lovers in Cape Town to enjoy a day in ‘pawradise’ as Woefie Wandel 2024 approaches to support the Cape of Good Hope SPCA! From walks with fellow dog lovers to an art station just for pooches, food stalls and even pet-friendly photo booths, here’s what’s on the cards:

Green Point, South Africa (20 October 2024) — If a day spent out at a park surrounded by dogs, greenery and fellow dog lovers is your idea of paradise (or should we say, pawradise), then the 2024 Woefie Wandel might just be the next thing you add to your social calendar with immediate effect.

On the one paw, the Woefie Wandel is a big fundraising opportunity for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA whose tireless work for the betterment of Cape animals makes a massive difference every week. On the other, it’s a wagging and wonderful way to connect with animal lovers while letting your dog enjoy a range of pooch-friendly activities!

On the cards for the day set to be hosted at the ever-tranquil Green Point Park are:

• Walkies—two walks, one 1.2km and a 1.9km
• Food Stalls—because what’s a walk without a treat to look forward to?
• Art for Pooches—Yes, your dog has the go-ahead to unleash its inner Pawcasso!
• A pet-friendly Photobooth
• Contests: There will be contests for the Best lookalike dog, the happiest dog and more
• A Pet Pop-up Shop
• A Mobile Clinic—Get those rabies vaccinations and microchipping out of the way on the day!
• A Mini Funfair—So that your human kids can also let their hair down

Last year, Woefie Wandel helped the Cape of Good Hope SPCA raise R50,000 thanks to 600 participants and the many, many four-legged friends present. And if those numbers are anything to go by, hopes are higher than your dog’s leap to catch a frisbee that 2024 will have a marvellous impact.

Details

• When: Sunday, 17 November; gates open at 8 am
• Where: Green Point Park, Cape Town
• Tickets: You can grab a spot for yourself, your dogs and your friend who just loves being around dogs here.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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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 two doses of good news from the Bona uBuntu Programme, the White Cane Day March united communities who walked in solidarity for visually impaired youth while a four-year-old gained his sight thanks to their help in getting him the most important surgery of his life!

Kwadwesi, South Africa (20 October 2024) — The streets of Kwadwesi teemed with enthusiasm and energy earlier this month as 263 learners, educators and community members banded together for the annual White Cane Day Youth March!

Hosted by the Bona uBuntu Programme, which teamed up with Khanynisa School for the Visually Impaired and Ilima Lombi—Kamva, the event brought together community members in the Eastern Cape to raise awareness about the challenges visually impaired individuals face and to promote a culture of accessibility and inclusion.

The Bona uBuntu Programme is an NGO that supports empowerment and education for visually impaired children in the Eastern Cape, while White Cane Day is observed globally and celebrates the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired. A big part of this independence comes from accessibility tools, hence its name—the white cane!

“This event is more than just a march; it’s a movement towards a future where visually impaired youth can thrive without limitations,” commented Robyn Fick, the Programme Coordinator at Bona uBuntu.

“We [walked] for their independence, for their right to access education, and for a community that embraces inclusivity.”

The day also featured musical performances from the Khanyisa School Choir, representatives from special schools, and mainstream schools in Kwadwesi, which were a true melting pot of solidarity.

In other uplifting news from the Bona uBuntu Programme, four-year-old ‘Ollie’ (not the child’s real name) has received cataract surgery that was needed to restore his sight after years of disappointment for his family due to a lack of resources.

Bona uBuntu helped the little one get an appointment with the ophthalmology department at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London within a week, and soon thereafter, he underwent the surgery that gave him his sight back!

Sources: Supplied; Bona uBuntu Programme 

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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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For 10 years, the Nuts & Bolts Rally has united petrolheads to put their wheels to the test for charity. In celebration of this decade-anniversary, drivers are making this year’s rally extra-epic, including ‘wild-child’ dad Tony Brand (a 77-year-young man on a mission), who hopes that he and his jalopy will make a huge difference.

South Africa (18 October 2024) — At 77-years-young, Nicci Brand’s ‘wild child’ of a dad, Tony, has embarked on a monumental road trip around South Africa as part of the ever-epic and charity-driven Nuts & Bolts Rally!

A rally for charity that’s been revving engines since 2014 as founded by Pieter Andersen, the Nuts &Bolts Rally’s mission was established both as a fundraising opportunity and as a metaphor for the experiences charities face.

Like time spent on long road trips where roads are often fierce, a charity’s journey is fledged with unpredictability, bumps, and countless moments wondering whether the fuel will see them through to the next pitstop. But, as anyone who has been on an epic road trip knows, so many of the challenges are evened out by good company—exactly what the friends of the Nuts & Bolts Rally hope to be to their selected charities.

Ballies, in their jalopies, have united time and time again to support worthy causes through their quirky wheels. This year, they’ve tackled various Rallies from April that have seen them take to the Garden Route, Northern Cape and the Western Cape.

 

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But, for their decade anniversary, they’re tackling a biggie. It’s a mission brimming with adventure for the participants—golden-hearted petrolheads. Their hope, once all engines are off and the job is done, is that they each would’ve raised significant funds for four charities: the United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa, the Smile Foundation, CHOC and Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation (GB4ADHD). And they’re doing it through a road trip around South Africa!

Enter Tony Brand, AKA the Brandpa. The elder participant (and the only one who hasn’t faced mechanical issues, he might add), Tony, is driving his VW Kombi 6,450 km across South Africa to quite literally rally support for the aforementioned charities.

His hope is to raise R50,000 in sponsorships to support children facing a spectrum of challenges across our country.

Rally participants are booked to reach the end of their adventure at the end of the month, as Nicci shares, with Cape Town as their end-point. Here, their cheques will be handed over, and the making a difference part of the long drive can begin!

Those looking to add a little jet fuel to Tony’s mission can make donations in the following way:

Bank: FNB Malmesburg

Account Name: More Than Adventure

Account Number: 62682910015

Reference: Tony324

Proof of Payment: info@nutsandboltsrally.co.za

Sources: Email Submission 

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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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Teenager Chermelle Maasdorp will get to enjoy the gift of sound thanks to a successful surgery and a new hearing device! Set to pop in for her big day is none other than Miss SA Mia le Roux, who, herself, knows life without hearing.

Pretoria, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Young teen Chermelle Maasdorp from Upington is soon going to enjoy something she has long waited for—the gift of sound.

When Chermelle was only a few months old, she was treated for meningitis and consequently lost her ability to respond to sound. Because of what became severe hearing loss, Chermelle had to develop her own unique relationship with communication; teaching herself how to lipread and developing her own fashion of communication that didn’t rely on her ears.

But, things took a turn for the hopeful when Chermelle was added to the Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss in South Africa’s waiting list—an NPO that is dedicated to assisting families in raising funds for cochlear implant surgeries; a very expensive surgery that many families are desperate to access but simply cannot afford.

The race to get Chermelle (who did not have an active medical aid) her surgery saw significant community input, with Krugersdorp’s Laerskool Kenmare teaming up with the Foundation to help raise R385,000 for the teenager!

The fundraising was a hit for the life-changing op, and by mid-September it was all systems go; Chermelle was on her way to hearing!

With her surgery done and dusted, Chermelle’s hearing device is set to be switched on tomorrow at the Ear Institute. Popping in for what will undoubtedly be a moment for the books is Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, who herself was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old.

Mia will be there when Chermelle discovers sound, a moment that’s a victory not just for Chermelle and her family but for everyone who came together to support her healing journey.

Meanwhile, in other news where the senses stole the show, Cornelle Leach, AKA The Bride to See, is freshly enjoying life with sight thanks to people who gave her the wedding gift of a lifetime! You can read all about her story, here.

Source: Email Submission 

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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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Adding to the artistic movement of little things making a big difference in Cape Town’s City Centre is a new project that’s giving worn flower pots a makeover; helping instil care and pride in town, all while proving that the details add up.

Cape Town, South Africa (16 October 2024) — 2024 has been a big year of little improvements for Cape Town’s City Centre! In a bid to showcase how much the details matter, the City Centre has been spruced up in a myriad of ways—from the bollard beautifying effort that kickstarted the year to the recently painted flower pots that now adorn areas like Adderley and Longmarket Street.

Many of these artistic touches have come with a lot of care; fittingly added by artists themselves under the lead of community organisation, The Cape Town Central City Improvement District.

HandCantrol 360 Crew (a team of artists including CareCreative, Urban Khoi, Mak1one, SergeOne and Dfeat Once) have been imperative in the beautification effort.

The flower pots were said to have been in a sad way; void of their flowers and the vision of neglect.

Their makeover will see them move to Waterkant St where they will get to hold fresh indigenous plants all while boasting new creative looks.

CCID Urban Management’s Kally Benito explains that this is all part of a greater beautification strategy that the team hope will create more visual interest in town.

As with the bollards, it is also a way to instil pride in members of the community; encouraging them to care for public spaces and street treasures.

Sources: Cape Town Central City Improvement District 

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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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Restaurant scraps are the ingredients creating hope, thanks to Streetscapes’ clever composting project that’s helping the homeless put food on the table!

Cape Town, South Africa (16 October 2024) – Restaurant scraps have an important place in the bigger ecosystem of social upliftment if used correctly. While the unfortunate reality is that a lot of scraps simply remain scraps and become waste, there’s another side to the coin that sees scraps as an opportunity for growth. And, Cape Town-based non-profit Streetscapes is showing us how it’s done!

Cape Town is a foodie city. In fact, it was even crowned the Best Culinary Destination City at the World Culinary Awards 2024. But what if all those restaurants focused a little more on what happens after the food is plated and ready to be enjoyed?

Streetscapes’ composting project is a shining example of what’s possible when waste is viewed as a tool—an ingredient to do better for the people of the city who most need it.

Addressing two key issues, the composting project lessens environmental impact while giving their clients (the homeless) a new purpose.

Here’s how it works:

Restaurants that have teamed up with Streetscapes share their organic waste after it has been separated from other kinds of waste. It’s collected and thereafter used to create a high-quality compost where fresh vegetables can be grown and sold!

Alfonso Peterson oversees the composting work and explains that their mix is potent.

“Different waste types like coffee grounds of citrus peels break down differently, but the mix we’ve developed is incredibly potent. We’re creating a valuable product that helps grow more food,” says Alfonso.

In fact, Alfonso proposed the innovative idea to develop the compost. A beacon of hope, Alfonso was once homeless himself. But, through his own determination and the Streetscapes Programme, he now proudly rents his home and is a cornerstone of support both for the composting project and various other Streetscapes’ social development programmes.

In only a few months, the project has already shown impressive results. Nearly five tons of organic waste have been diverted from landfills, while clients have been able to reconnect with a sense of purpose—a key point in their journeys away from homelessness.

The composting project was visited by university professor Harold Tessendorf of Mercer University.  Harold noted that it was a great example of the circular economy in action, and concluded that the quality of the compost was excellent.

“There’s a real opportunity here to expand the project’s impact and sustainability,” Harold added.

Its expansion could look like another avenue for income—selling the compost itself at Streetscapes’ market for local gardeners and community members! Ultimately, the project provides a long-term opportunity for clients who have fantastic potential beyond skills-building.

Sources: Streetscapes Newsletter 

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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 litter cast a not-so-lekker shadow on Riebeek Valley, Nico Rens decided to do something pretty creative. What began as an experiment to turn plastic bottles and tops into chandeliers and lights has become a whole movement!

Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa (15 October 2024) — When artist Nico Rens moved to the Riebeek Valley several years ago, he couldn’t ignore the duality of the area. On the one hand, there were charming villages against great backdrops of natural beauty. On the other, plastic and waste seemingly grew from the ground; ruining precious parts of the Valley with litter galore.

With a background in architecture and interior design, Nico was no stranger to coming up with clever solutions creatively. Seeing the litter problem as something bigger, he decided to begin experimenting; tinkering with the idea that if the waste was simply remodelled, it might become something fantastic.

 

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Nico began making chandeliers by reworking plastic bottles, containers and lids as part of the design. But, he was just one person and the waste problem needed a lot more hands on deck. So, he decided to launch a plastic waste collection program amongst the local youth.

Many of the young people were interested in how he transformed the plastic. Nico realised that he could tackle the environmental problems and problems related to social upliftment, and soon, a new project was born!

In collaboration with FOR Life Centre, a Non-Profit Organisation that fosters social upliftment, development and reconciliation through community arts programs in the Valley, the new project offered a way to equip people with a means not just to tackle waste but to transform it.

It provided workshops around waste management and collection, recycling, design, construction, and ultimately upcycling!

When Megan Wilson, an acclaimed theatre director, producer and actor among many other titles, learned of the project, she saw its potential for even more good.

What if it could become something that spreads awareness about environmental issues and the means to empower oneself by tackling them? What if it could offer sustainable employment and training to uplift the local community and extend further into the Western Cape? The lightbulb moment had hit, and it wasn’t long until Africa Illumination was born!

 

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Just like Nico’s original work, Africa Illumination creates lighting from upcycled materials. With four community members employed, the idea has already helped people not only give back to their environment and put food on the table, but connect to a greater sense of purpose.

In fact, team leader Johannes Dirks shares that it is work that is “food for his soul”.

With help from Nico’s brother, Gerhard Rens, a retired engineer, the designs have only gotten more functional.

The team is small, but the spotlight on them is enlarging. They have already participated in Solo Studios—Intimate Art Encounters 2024 in Riebeek Kasteel, as well as the Stanford in Bloom festival. Not to mention some features on TV and customers who have purchased the creations from as far as Canada!

These Riebeek Valley locals are showing us that a little extra care and a lot of creative juices can go a long way, and in more directions than just sustainable living. You can check out their goods at the square in Riebeek-Kasteel or right here.

Sources: Email Submission 

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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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The KPCA Group are calling on crafty citizens to crochet ellies and help them fundraise for all the good, green work they do!

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (14 October 2024) — A heard of 185 soft and colourful handmade elephants made headlines last year after they ‘marched’ their way to Pietermaritzburg’s City Hall in what was a crafted gathering of hope and strength for the city of the elephants, Umgungundlovu. Now, the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action Group (KPCA) are calling on crafty citizens once again to crochet ellies in an effort of solidarity and support!

The herd from last year honoured Pietermaritzburg’s 185th anniversary as part of a unique campaign that created an ‘Ellie Trail (an initiative driven by Dr Liz Thomson) as crafted by people all over Pietermaritzburg!

In an open letter, the KPCA Group (a non-profit on a mission to strengthen the City by keeping it clean, green and well-maintained) shared that the elephants symbolised their community and its “united strength and power to affect change”.

This year, the KPCA Group are rallying the troops once again to continue what could become a wonderful tradition.

Their plan is to use the power of the crochet ellies to help them fundraise for all the work they do for the community; projects that range from uniting schools through the power of recycling to big clean-ups and even beautifying bridges.

The team have already got a few ideas in mind for their ellie efforts, including making Festive Ellie Wreaths available to hire for events and functions and using the crochet ellies as part of their merch kits to kickstart fundraising efforts for 2025.

The hope is that every crocheted elephant will become something of a mascot of community love and hope.

All those looking to get involved can get in touch with the team via secretary@keeppmbclean.co.za, and the drop-off point for the creations will be the Wool and Haby Centre on Victoria Road.

Sources: KPCA Group

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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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In just two days, South Africans raised essential funds for wheelchair rugby player Musa to get a new wheelchair! A campaign started by his coach Ilan, who feared Musa’s chair would fall apart any day now, the effort has been nothing short of a whirlwind success:

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 October 2024) — A young man named Musa can usually be found beaming with an infectious smile. A rugby lover, enthusiastic character and dedicated teammate, it’s almost easy to forget that Musa’s life has been fledged with difficulty.

Musa is wheelchair-bound due to polio. An orphan who has never been to school, he also does not know the joy of reading or writing. Finding work, too, is a struggle for him, on top of all the day-to-day difficulties that come with a world on wheels. But his happiness comes from the same place it does for many South Africans—rugby.

Musa is a member of a wheelchair rugby team in Mandeville, where he plays under the dedicated guidance of coach Ilan Guest.

Susan Schaum, who put the story on Good Things Guy’s radar, said that Ilan has been coaching the team for many years. Ilan also understands Musa’s plight in a personal way due to his own brother being wheelchair-bound.

“He is a selfless and generous individual,” Susan tells Good Things Guy.

Ilan explains that despite all of Musa’s challenges, he still pushes the 10km round trip on busy roads to get to practice every week. Missing practice is a rare thing for Musa, even with a wheelchair that is on its last wheels.

Musa’s wheelchair was broken. As Ilan explained, “The frame is cracked. No welding can salvage it. At some stage it will collapse with him in it, heaven forbid on a busy road and far from help.”

Inspired by Musa and determined to lighten his load, Ilan initiated a crowdfunding campaign to help get Musa ‘the best chair he has ever had’.

And, in a remarkable turn for Musa, this crowdfunding campaign was met with overwhelming support. In just two days, Musa’s campaign was fully funded by people all over South Africa, many of whom shared love, support and words of encouragement.

But the momentum didn’t stop there. Musa’s campaign kept going, to the point where in 3 days, it has surpassed its target at a current total of R42,150 (the original goal was R30,000).

This means that Musa will now have extra funds that will be aimed at adult-based learning and other essentials like shoes, a backpack, axles and tyres.

The way South Africa came together for Musa is nothing short of remarkable and goes down as a feat akin to any Springbok victory in our books!

Sources: Email Submission; BackaBuddy

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