Ollie, a young toddler, began experiencing vision problems that gradually worsened before being diagnosed with congenital bilateral cataracts. Although resources proved a huge stumbling block, organisations, therapists and medical experts came together to restore this little boy’s vision through a life-changing surgery at no cost!

Gqeleni, South Africa (22 October 2024) – Imagine watching your friends and toys slowly start to look a little different and seem further away each day, almost out of nowhere. You struggle to communicate this confusing, blurred vision to the people around you because, after all, you’re just a toddler.

This was the case for little Ollie, who was the picture of health. He was a happy, active toddler exploring the world with wide-eyed wonder until his mother began noticing a deterioration in his vision when he was just one year old.

His mother recalls how her son would struggle to see things from a distance while playing and even moved up close to the screen to watch TV.

Concerned by his behaviour, his mother inspected his eyes and discovered that they appeared foggy.

According to the Small Projects Foundation, Ollie’s mother immediately approached his preschool to discuss her concerns, but the staff had not noticed any issues.

However, when Ollie turned three, his teacher referred him to an occupational therapist (OT) due to concerns about his classroom participation and performance.

A 25:40 Children’s Alliance South Africa occupational therapist, Petra Stadler, assessed Ollie and referred him to Grace Vision, an NGO that operates out of Zithulele Hospital and conducts outreach at Canzibe.

A breakthrough in diagnosis was finally reached when Grace Vision diagnosed Ollie with congenital bilateral cataracts and referred him to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital for surgery.

But as life would have it, Ollie could not have the surgery he needed due to a lack of resources – a delay which deeply troubled Petra as the boy was at an age that was critical for neurological and perceptual development.

“I worried that a prolonged delay in surgery would severely stunt his learning and brain development,” Petra explained.

She soon learned about the Small Projects Foundation’s Bona Ubuntu programme, which set Ollie’s turning point in motion.

An appointment was set for the little boy to go to the ophthalmology department at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH) in East London.

With the help of Petra, prayers were finally answered, and Ollie successfully underwent cataract surgery on both eyes for free, thanks to generous intraocular lens donations from suppliers.

All of this was the collaborative efforts of CMH, 25:40 Children’s Alliance South Africa, Umbono Eyecare Project and Bona Ubuntu Programme.

His mother’s unwavering love and dedication to the organisations CMH, 25:40 Children’s Alliance South Africa, Umbono Eyecare Project and Bona Ubuntu Programme have given Ollie a second chance at life.

Petra and Ollie’s mother were overcome with emotion and gratitude, sharing:

“We are incredibly grateful to all involved for making this possible, as we are not sure what we would have done otherwise.”

Ollie’s road to recovery is still ongoing. Although he now sees clearly and is back at school, he missed out on a lot of learning due to his vision impairment. However, his mother has confirmed that since the surgery, he is doing much better.

“He is reading and starting to write now,” the grateful mother shared.

Petra continues to work with Ollie through weekly therapy sessions to help him develop the perceptual and executive functioning skills he needs to be fully prepared for Grade 1.

She is confident that Ollie’s future looks much brighter now that he has the vision to match his potential!

Please note: To protect the child’s identity as a minor, the name provided is not his real name.

Sources: Small Projects Foundation

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The Lunchbox Fund and the Development Bank have committed to providing meals to Zandile Mtungata’s organisation.

East London, South Africa (21 October 2024) — Last month GroundUp reported how a woman in Duncan Village, East London, was making a huge effort to daily feed dozens of children in her community. Zandile Mtungata told us at the time:

“When people come asking for food, whoa, I am happy I see the joy and hope. Because I am their hope, I am their hope.”

But Mtungata was battling. For one thing, she needed a new stove. She complained of receiving very little assistance from government to provide food.

Following our article an organisation called the Lunchbox Fund in partnership with the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) committed to providing over one million meals until the end of 2025 to Mtungata’s outreach programme, which she calls Healing of Broken Souls, and Inenjongo, an after-school homework tutoring project also in Duncan Village.

Lunga Schoeman, programme manager for corporate social investment at the DBSA, stated:

“From October until December 2025, a total of 1,099,440 meals will be served, ensuring that these children receive nourishing, warm meals daily.”

On Tuesday, Mtungata told GroundUp the food had not arrived on Monday, 7 October, as was stated in the email to GroundUp. This was reported to the fund and a day later the delivery was made.

Mtungata says she was visited a while ago by a representative of the fund and signed documents.

She was also visited for the first time by an official from the provincial Department of Social Development and encouraged to register her organisation at their offices in East London’s CBD four kilometres away.

“But I don’t have the money to go up and down,” she said.

Support has also continued with meals and a microwave from local evangelist Matthew Peake of Helping Those in Need.

Sources: GroundUp

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We’re all cutting onions over this one. 12-year-old Ndakhe recently got to enjoy a one-of-a-kind Dream Day where she put on her own chef’s hat and cooked amongst the greats!

East London, South Africa (30 September 2024) — It was a day of dreams come true and smiles for miles for 12-year-old Ndakhe Nkomombini as she got to put on her own chef’s hat and whip up a signature meal with the people who inspire her most—culinary wizards.

The Reach for a Dream Foundation knew that Ndakhe’s Dream Day—a day where children fighting life-threatening illnesses get to live out their dreams in the most magical ways—needed to involve food. A regular in her own kitchen who adores cooking and has a penchant for pasta-making, it only made sense that she’d get to enjoy a prestigious local kitchen in East London and share the stove with Grazia Fine Food and Wine’s talented cooks.

The experience brought on all the feels for Ndakhe and the staff present. Under Chef Eric’s careful guidance, Ndakhe got to make one of the restaurant’s most delicious, signature pasta dishes in a moment where it wasn’t just the onions that might’ve made eyes water.

To top it all off, Ndakhe burst into the biggest smile when Chef Eric and Brett Wilson handed her an iPad—a new way to help her crack on with her other dreams that range from creating choreography to making content and, of course, doing her best with schoolwork.

Ndakhe’s story has certainly had many South Africans eagerly awaiting the young chef’s future culinary ventures, while the Reach for a Dream Foundation can dust off another dream realised in such a beautiful way.

Meanwhile, in other dream-come-true stories that made our hearts beam, 10-year-old cancer fighter Isabella recently got to enjoy a dream of her own recently, all thanks to the Springboks and, of course, the fairy godparent team at Reach for a Dream. You can read all about it, here.

Sources: Reach for a Dream Foundation

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Wild Women on the Run have not only explored the breathtaking beauty of the Wild Coast but have also made a significant impact on the lives of those in need through generous charity donations.

East London, South Africa (26 September 2024) – Embarking on multi-day trail runs along South Africa’s stunning Wild Coast, the Wild Women on the Run (WWOTR) team has not only been staying active and forging lasting friendships over the years but has also raised vital funds for three important charities.

At the end of August, WWOTR was delighted to announce that they had successfully donated money to these worthy causes.

A generous R10,000 was handed over to Busfare Babies Birth Centre, R32,500 to African Angels School – A school for the community of Chintsa as well as R32,500 to The Kings Children’s Home.

“Our charities are forever grateful for the support and we take this opportunity to thank all the wild women and their families and sponsors who generously donated to our mission

“Over the 13 years, we have been able to raise just short of R2,5 Million Randellas for our three charities in South Africa with the help of our sisters in Beijing,” shares member Lisa Van Wyk.

The Wild Women on the Run initiative is more than just a trail-running adventure. It’s a testament to the power of community and friendship.

Giving back to the communities in which they live, has become a significant part of the the ethos of Wild Women.

The charity-driven organisation has since dedicated itself to fundraising opportunities to extend blessings to its communities. Each branch selects local charities to support that focus on women and children.

WWOTW and Wild Women Europe (WWEU) also donate a portion of their fundraising to the founding WWOTR charities in South Africa.

Their unwavering commitment to supporting local charities, coupled with their enthusiasm for the “wild side”, has created a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity!

Sources: Wild Women on the Run

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The Grandads Army’s unwavering dedication has seen them raise over R350,000 in efforts to change many little lives by supporting the Department of Paediatric Surgery in the Eastern Cape.

East London, South Africa (17 September 2024) – Spreading the love and generosity that comes so naturally from grandfathers, are the selfless members of the Grandads Army who have quite literally cycled the distance to support Eyabantwana For The Children Trust.

The Grandads Army is a group of friends and social cyclists from East London involved in several fundraising events for the Eyabantwana.

Through their unwavering support, the Grandads Army successfully raised over R350,000 in profit for the Eyabantwana Trust last month, which will make a huge difference in supporting the Department of Paediatric Surgery in the Eastern Cape.

Every contribution makes a significant difference in the lives of young patients based at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital.

Serving one of South Africa’s poorest provinces, Eyabantwana Trust aims to enhance surgical care for children from across the Eastern Cape, many of whom travel very long distances to access treatment.

“Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that the 10th edition of the Grandads Army Memorial Ride will take place in March 2025. Our goal is to raise R500,000 and we need your help to reach it,” Eyabantwana shared.

Those keen to support the incredible ride from East London to Cape Town are encouraged to get in touch with Eyabantwana at admin@eyabantwana.co.za.

Sources: Eyabantwana For The Children Trust

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For the pensioners of Berea Gardens on the Sunshine Coast, volunteers and a winter bazaar helped warm the winter blues in more ways than one, and not just because a gazebo caught fire!

East London, South Africa (12 July 2024) — There’s nothing to dull those winter blues like a little winter festivity. For the pensioners of Berea Gardens on the Sunshine Coast, a winter bazaar warmed hearts (and a gazebo) thanks to volunteers and community support.

“These individuals, often overlooked, are the pillars of our society, embodying strength, wisdom, and resilience in the face of financial hardship, Many struggle to make ends meet, relying on the support of their families to bridge the gap between their government pension and the rising cost of living. Just think about what you spent the last time you visited the supermarket or pharmacy?” says manager Claire Neithercut. 

To put things into further context, the SASSA pension they receive is a tiny amount of just R2,200 per month.

So, events like the recent winter bazaar are something of a very special occasion. Not least because of the ‘market’, food and music the pensioners get to enjoy but also because it’s an essential reminder that they are still a respected part of their community, that they are not forgotten, that helpers are everywhere.

In fact, Berea Gardens was founded by a special helper, Richard Mogg, a community pharmacist who made it his life’s mission to improve the quality of life of needy pensioners in the Buffalo City region after seeing the struggles they endured when he was out delivering medication. What tugged on his heart soon became a call to action—to create a place where the elderly could live and access their necessities affordably (and in cases like the winter bazaar, joyfully!).

The winter bazaar was said to be a great hit and even had a few sparks flying after the boerie roll gazebo caught fire (the result of a faulty gas burner, but it was swiftly put out by welfare officer Anicia Verster!).

Sources: Submission — Claire Neithercut 

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An exquisite exhibition in East London is shining the spotlight on South Africa’s only endemic parrot—the green and gold feathered treasure, our Cape Parrot! Today is World Parrot Day, the perfect time to pop in:

East London, South Africa (31 May 2024) — The East London Museum has put forward an exquisite exhibition honouring green and gold feathered South Africans—the Cape Parrot!

‘Cape Parrot—Our Green and Gold Feathered Treasure’ is both a visually captivating display and an important message at once; underpinned by the bitter-sweetness that encompasses the bird’s beauty and struggle.

As the only South African parrot, the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) should be at the heart of more conservation efforts. Instead, it currently lives as an endangered species.

But, champions of the bird’s conservation like the Cape Parrot Project team and those spreading strong conservation messages like the East London Museum are hoping to change the Cape Parrot’s plight.

“The gallery was designed to transport the visitor into a magical forest sensation which emulates the vocal, charismatic, species and its habitat; the Afromontane mist-belt forests. Audio-visuals are used, including a real-life audio recording of one of the parrot’s forests in Hogsback,” shares Exhibition Designer Louanne Kirton, explaining what went into bringing the forest to life.

“1500 craft parrots hang in the gallery to convey the estimated number of parrots in the wild. The crafted parrots were designed to use recycled, crushed glass to portray the fragile, yet strong, beauty of the ‘gems’ that the Cape parrots are. The recycled glass speaks to the sustainability and conservation message.

“The community was involved in practical craft workshops to create unique, hand-made parrots. Some people took up to 6 hours to craft one parrot and I believe all this work infused love into the hearts of the creators of the pieces, the planet and the parrots,” Louanne adds.

Printed artworks created by international designers adorn the walls thanks to the Louanne who commissoned and collaborated with them, as well as collaging the 37 digitally supplied artworks to fit perfectly as into the exhibition’s breathtaking puzzle.

There is also a large papier mâché Yellowood tree (an important tree that our green and gold friends use for feeding and breeding) that looks as if it is shooting through the ceiling. Not to mention the streams and waterfalls that reflect in the artwork and glass—all of which play a role in transporting visitors from their own world’s into an ideal one for the Cape Parrot.

All of this was made possible from around 500 people thanks to the museum team, community groups, schools and of course, the artists. The Cape Parrot Project also helped with the imperative scientific input for some of the display items.

The exhibition can be visited on 319 Oxford Street in East London, and you can support the Cape Parrot Project here.

Sources: Supplied—Louanne Kirton 

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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 celebration of Autism Awareness Month, street artist Nathan Sanan stopped by to create special art walls for special needs students; reminding them of their magic!

East London, South Africa (06 May 2024) — April marked Autism Awareness Month around the world; a time to celebrate and raise awareness for people on the spectrum. In a special surprise for the learners of special needs school College Street Primary, one of the Eastern Cape’s favourite muralists, Nathan Sanan, stopped by to create special walls of art to remind the children of their magic!

In vibrant hues of blue, the mural ‘Bubbling with Potential’ went up on the school’s exterior as a visual reminder of how being on the Autism Spectrum also means bubbling with different possibilities.

The mural reads ‘Different not Less’, which the school said captures its simple yet profound ethos.

“Individuals with autism are different but never less. This mural embodies that ethos perfectly, reminding us all to embrace diversity and celebrate the beauty of uniqueness.”—College Street Primary School. 

But, it was not the only masterpiece that went up!

Nathan also created a beautiful set of painted blue wings; symbolising that when uniqueness is embraced, it can help individuals and communities soar beyond their limitations.

“Let these wings serve as a reminder that every child, regardless of their differences, has the ability to spread their wings and fly. With love, support, and the right environment, they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” the school beamed. 

Beyond empowering the leaders of tomorrow in all their beautiful diversity, Nathan’s art walls have also uplifted many others in East London.

After Nathan created a mural celebrating the Springboks born in the Eastern Cape, he slowly but surely began transforming and uplifting East London one can of spray paint at a time.

You can read more about Nathan’s art walls across East London, here. 

Sources: Nathan Sanan; College Street Primary School

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Uplifting the Eastern Cape one mural at a time is street artist Nathan Sanan who was behind the iconic Boks Mural. Through his incredible art, Nathan is sharing many visual messages of positivity for communities that most need them:

Eastern Cape, South Africa (14 November 2023) — Anyone who thinks art does little to uplift the communities it lives among has likely never been a bogged-down South African whose entire day changes for the better after encountering a larger-than-life (and sometimes larger-than-problems) mural. As any good street artist knows, the sight of enormous beauty can serve the most important purposes, like changing a mindset, connecting us to our communities, reminding us what is important or simply, giving us something to appreciate.

Dedicated to the call for uplifting others through public art, is street artist and architect, Nathan Sanan.

Nathan hopped onto GTG’s radar after his mural celebrating the Springboks born in the Eastern Cape had us in awe. But, it isn’t only incredible talent that makes this East London artist quite so remarkable.

When we learnt from a fellow admirer that Nathan’s work is slowly transforming and uplifting East London one mural at a time, we were inspired.

So, we sat down with the street artist to learn more about his mission!

Nathan got into street art thanks to an endless itch to learn new skills.

“Throughout life I have always been obsessed with skills acquisitions and when this was combined with an admiration for large scale street art, I committed myself to learning how to spray paint,” he shares of what began this journey.

“I was fortunate enough to be a part of a group of creatives in Gqeberha where there were opportunities for me to learn from incredibly talented individuals which really helped me grow in not only skill but confidence too.”

His works range from natural wonders like bees bigger than trees, flora, and an abundance of wildlife works, to murals honouring ‘the life givers of our beautiful country’—women.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

 

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A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

Then there are the reminders of light, joy and positivity, reflected in spray-painted smiles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

Of them all, his favourite pieces are the ones that uplift their immediate communities in spaces that are often forgotten or unkempt.

“Coming from an incredibly fortunate background, my favourite works are ones that uplift areas of urban decay and struggling communities, so my works in the twilight zones of old CBD’s are the ones I am most proud of. 

“I attempt to be sensitive and celebratory of the communities that I work within so it’s amazing to spend prolonged periods of time in these areas and with the people, hearing about backgrounds, fascinating histories and translating that into an aesthetic outcome that combats the world’s default sense of negativity.”

On his thoughts around street art as a medium to beautify and uplift areas, he shares that it has a great impact.

“Over the years, I’ve come to realise that street art is hugely effective at uplifting not only areas but also communities, instilling a sense of pride and joy wherever they exist whilst at the same time addressing my own ignorance by getting informed as I temporarily integrate into the communities that I work in.”

He adds that this is only the beginning of more to come.

“I have no intention of slowing down as I look to do my part to uplift and reinvigorate areas around the Eastern Cape.” 

Sources: GTG Interview

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The Burgersdorp High School girls’ hockey team is beaming with pride after winning the East London Inland leg of the Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge.

East London, South Africa (24 May 2023) – It was a red-letter day for Burgersdorp High when the school won the East London Inland leg of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge in Komani on Sunday.

Despite the players having to deal with cold and windy conditions, tournament director Bev Forword said they had risen to the challenge to produce hockey of a very high standard.

A record 12 teams took to the turf and, after six years of trying, Burgersdorp were rewarded with their maiden title.

Breidbach Secondary from the hosting town made their debut at the tournament – a testament to how it has grown over the years.

The teams were divided into four pools, with the pool winners advancing to the semi-finals.

Pool A was won by Hangklip, pool B went to Aliwal North, pool C saw Queenstown Girls’ High School (GHS) on top and Burgersdrop took pool D.

Both semis were closely contested and decided in penalty shootouts. In the first playoff, Hangklip got the better of Aliwal North to reach their first final, while Burgersdorp eliminated two-time defending champions GHS.

It was Burgersdorp’s second visit to the Challenge decider after contesting the inaugural final against Kingsridge in 2016.

On that occasion they went down 3-0, but this time they made no mistakes in defeating their Komani opponents 2-0 by way of a field goal and penalty corner.

The champions’ coach, Yolandi Bredenkamp, said they were ecstatic at finally winning the title.

“Really, for us it was an indescribable feeling and we are actually all still on such a high. It was a surreal moment when we realised we had finally done it.”

The team, she added, had been working very hard this year, but she still anticipated a tough showdown in Komani.

“I thought we may have a chance but really was just hoping that we could get through to the final.

“To get the win was a fantastic reward for the girls, who have really enjoyed the tournament. We all appreciated the efforts of the organisers and sponsors.”

Forword said the event, which had been attended by KwaZulu-Natal-based national director Les Galloway, remained a highlight on the schools hockey calendar.

“She was most impressed with the level of hockey and the enthusiasm displayed by the competitors. We are very grateful to SPAR for investing in our young players all over the province.”

Burgersdorp became the fourth side to be crowned regional champions this year. The others are DSG (PE Inland), Pearson (PE Coastal) and York (Southern Cape).

The remaining regional leg, the EL Coastal tournament, was postponed from May 14 due to inclement weather. A new date is still to be finalised.

Sources: Supplied

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