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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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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Non-profit, The Character Company, is on a mission to heal a big part of South Africa’s trauma with volunteers who step up as positive male figures to fatherless boys.

South Africa (14 October 2024)—The trauma of the individual can become the trauma of a country. It might seem like a big statement, but when you get down to the nuts and bolts and unpack why so many of South Africa’s challenges exist, you start to see a common thread. The good news is that many threads don’t have to continue in perpetuity. And with non-profits like The Character Company stepping in to heal the gaping wounds in our society, hope is high.

A big part of South Africa’s trauma stems from fatherless boys and those without positive male role models. Especially in underprivileged communities, these boys can grow up into adults who perpetuate cycles of abuse, poverty and gangsterism, largely because of learned behaviours.

In fact, 70% of South African children grow up in single-parent homes, as The Character Company states. It’s estimated that 4 out of 5 boys with absent fathers don’t have even one other consistent, positive male role model in their lives.

These circumstances can permit chronic trauma. Because trauma is not a cookie-cutter experience, it has to be understood relatively.

Jaco van Schalkwyk, founder of the Character Company, explains:

“We must understand trauma is not just physical hurt. Trauma can also be created by our experiences in life that are not necessarily violent or abusive. The lack of a positive male role model is such a devastating experience for a young boy. It’s a trauma that goes much deeper than sadness at missing out on playing rugby with your dad.”

Jaco adds that a boy’s identity and sense of self are positively shaped by having a father or male caregiver. This is someone who “pays attention, makes time and serves as a guide for him as he grows.”

“Such a boy needs no proof, he just knows that he is ‘good enough’ and that he is someone who his father believes is worth standing up for. By contrast, a boy with an absent father constantly wonders: ‘What is wrong with me?’ He is constantly churning about and seeking answers as to why he is not ‘good enough’ and why he isn’t worth making time for. Psychologically, this is an ongoing traumatic hurt that impacts on boys’ development, behaviour and social relationships. Without intervention, it shapes the man he will grow up to be.”

Depression, aggression, substance abuse, bullying and both poor performance as well as over-performance are all ‘side effects’ that can follow.

Dr Joan van Niekerk, Child Rights and Protection consultant at organisation Jelly Beanz, explains that the absent father is a form of neglect.

“The impact on boys results in a lack of guidance on social relationships and on how to use their physical strength to protect others and not to harm and or hurt. Boys with absent fathers and without positive role models then take gender role guidance from other sources such as television, social media and, if they have access to them, gang members.”

When it comes down to healing what is often a generational cycle, the goal is to instil traits associated with positive masculinity.

The Character Company focuses on balancing consistent social elements of positive male mentorship with healthy experiences to create a social fatherhood model.

“Our programme of consistent mentoring and healthy, outdoor activities is a model of social father hood that we are implementing so that boys with absent fathers have the much-needed opportunity to engage with male role models who are intentional, committed and accountable to them.”

There are five values imperative to the organisation, namely:

• Respect
• Honesty
• Self-discipline
• Courage
• Kindness

Boys are also provided safe spaces to talk about their feelings and develop emotional intelligence and empathy.

Jaco explains that their work is not a quick fix but a committed, long-term process.

“While the extent of fatherlessness in our country seems overwhelming, there’s so much opportunity for South African men to become part of the solution and contribute to healing the generation now, and those to come. To walk this journey over time with a boy is enriching for our mentors and we hope to see many more South African men step up to the challenge of becoming intentional, committed and accountable social fathers.”

You can learn more about The Character Company here and more about becoming a mentor here.

Sources: Supplied

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

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Cataracts cause blindness, but they are also completely preventable. In an effort to give more people their sight back, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust will perform more than 1,000 free cataract surgeries throughout the year with just over 700 conducted in October!

South Africa (13 October 2024) — Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally despite being completely preventable. In South Africa, an estimated 250,000 people are blind due to untreated cataracts.

Even though cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective medical interventions, between 40-60% of those suffering from visual impairment experience vision loss directly due to cataracts, with a detrimental effect on the overall social, psychological and financial well-being of individuals and their family members.

According to Dr Bayanda Mbambisa, Chairperson of the Right to Sight Trust, the non-profit initiative of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), although cataracts develop gradually after the age of 40 due to normal eye changes experienced, accelerated vision loss is found in younger patients or those diagnosed with diabetes.

She says in South Africa, access to care remains a major challenge for patients due to many public hospitals that lack ophthalmologists, necessary equipment, or even the consumables required for surgery, resulting in an ever-growing backlog of patients, with some waiting more than a year for surgery.

Combatting Preventable Blindness

To combat this preventable cause of blindness, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust will perform more than 1,000 free cataract surgeries throughout the year, with just over 700 conducted in October as part of its commitment to offer the precious gift of sight to those in need.

One hundred nine ophthalmologists in private practice across the country have generously donated their skills and time to assist financially disadvantaged patients who are either partially sighted or blind due to untreated cataracts.

Their efforts are supported by 35 private hospitals that provide free theatre time and essential services. Funding partners, individual donors, and medical device companies contribute lenses and surgical consumables to make these surgeries possible. Members of the public and organisations can contribute their financial contribution by supporting their efforts to give sight to many in need.

Over 4000 Free Cataract Surgeries in Under a Decade

Over the past nine years, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust has successfully performed 4,446 free cataract surgeries, equating to more than R124 million worth of medical services dedicated to preventing avoidable blindness.

“Our mission is to restore not only sight but also hope and dignity to patients. Based on a conservative estimate, for every individual impacted by cataract surgery, six other people in their household are positively affected. This means that over 26,000 people have indirectly benefited from our work,” Dr Mbambisa explained.

She says the positive ripple effect is undeniable. “Families, who previously had to provide constant care, are freed from this burden, allowing them to resume educational, employment, and social activities. These changes contribute to greater economic and social stability within communities.”

What Causes Cataracts?

Dr Mbambisa says cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down, causing the lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurred, hazy vision and diminished colour perception. Over time, cataracts can lead to complete vision loss if left untreated.

“The most significant contributing factors for cataracts include, smoking, eye injuries or surgery, and long-term exposure to sun without UV sunglasses. Regardless of the type of cataract you have, you will need surgery to treat it.”

The signs of cataract are:

• Having blurry or clouded vision as if looking through a dirty window
• Trouble seeing at night
• Seeing halos around lights
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Seeing double or a ghosted image
• Double vision
• Requiring brighter light for reading
• Having trouble seeing well at night
• Seeing bright colours as faded or yellow instead

Dr Mbambisa urges everyone to take care of their eye health by:

• Having an annual eye exam for those older than 65, or every two years if younger.
• Protecting their eyes from UV light by wearing a hat and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent UV.
• Quitting smoking
• Make eye-healthy food choices, but eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
• Using brighter lights for reading or a magnifying glass
• Limiting driving at night once night vision, halos or glare becomes a problem
• Managing other health problems, such as diabetes
• Immediately visit an eye care specialist if vision loss impacts one’s regular activities.

Visit www.righttosight.org to support the Trust in reaching more patients during Eye Care Awareness Month in October.

Sources: Supplied 

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

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Limpopo School has been going strong for nearly 20 years.

Limpopo, South Africa (10 October 2024) — The Vhutshilo Mountain School in Tshikombani village, about 30 km west of Thohoyandou in Limpopo, has been looking after HIV/AIDS orphans since 2002.

The school was founded by Sue Ann (Suzi) Cook, a factory worker from Shayandima. She noticed the plight of women, particularly grandmothers, who could not go to work because they had to care for children whose parents had died of AIDS. This was before antiretroviral (ARV) treatment was widely available. Cook was especially concerned about the young children who needed daytime care.

Cook transformed the caravan she lived in at Thathe Vondo into a pre-school, resigned from her job and started caring for the children, helping with transport, meals, clothing and medical care. She launched a gardening programme to provide fresh vegetables, distributed food parcels to families, and established the village’s first paediatric ARV programme.

Her work caught the attention of Professor Fraser McNeill, head of the anthropology department at the University of Pretoria. McNeill was conducting research on HIV/AIDS-related issues.

“Grandmothers were under stress as they had to work while taking care of sick children. It was difficult for them to administer the children’s medication regularly, and some were forgetting,” McNeill said.

McNeill shared the story of the school with his church congregation in Scotland, asking them to raise funds. In 2005, the Inverclyde congregation of the Church of Scotland built a two-classroom school at Tshikombani.

Among those who have supported the school over the years are Monica McNeill and her husband, Les. At the beginning of the month the couple visited the school from Scotland to mark their 50th wedding anniversary. A signboard was unveiled, acknowledging the Church of Scotland and specifically the McNeill family for their contributions.

Over the years, countless success stories have emerged from the Vhutshilo Mountain School, with many former students pursuing higher education and successful careers. Many return to mentor current pupils.

The school currently accommodates 130 pupils, ranging from toddlers aged one to three to Grade 2 pupils (aged seven to eight years).

Since its official opening in 2005, the school has also started admitting other learners who pay school fees, helping to break the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Most of the children come from nearby villages such as Dopeni and Fondwe.

The school offers a range of programmes including psychosocial support services, counselling and peer support groups to help children cope with the loss of their parents and the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Khathu Nemafhohoni, the school’s director, said the school’s role extends beyond education. Staff also visit the children at their homes. She said shortages of funds limit the school’s ability to accommodate more children.

Cook died in 2018. “Suzi started with nothing. The Church of Scotland built on her inspiration,” said McNeill.

This story is published in association with the Limpopo Mirror.

Sources: GroundUp

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Honorary Rangers recently cleared up an army of snare traps; protecting the Kruger’s wildlife from the harmful beasts!

Kruger National Park, South Africa (30 September 2024) — A whopping 250 snare traps were recently found and removed from the Kruger National Park. Thanks to SANParks Honorary Rangers who united from their respective parts of the country (the East Rand, Lowveld, Vaal Triangle and Boland Regions), the snare traps were safely removed over the space of a single weekend, making a life-saving difference for the wildlife in the region.

While the news is a fantastic example of collective efforts for wildlife protection, it also shines a glaring spotlight on the challenges our animals face in areas like the Kruger when it comes to poaching tricks.

There’s a common misconception that because the Kruger National Park is as famous as it is and holds so much touristic value, it is somehow protected from cruelties like poaching. Sadly, this is far from the truth to which the recent snares removal speaks volumes.

What Are Snare Traps?

As CapeNature explain, a snare trap can be a simple piece of wire (or cable or nylon) that takes on a noose-like form. They can be placed in different settings—from the opening of a hole in the ground where a small animal might dwell, or up onto trees, on fence posts or on pathways.

Snare traps are a hunting method that tends to be popular because they’re low-cost and often camouflaged (at least from the perspective of an unassuming animal). Not only is it a very cruel means of trapping an animal (as they can die a slow and hard death), but it’s also very much prohibited.

With this context in mind, the knowledge that there were 250 death traps sitting pretty becomes a tough pill to swallow. However, it also jolts us all into greatly appreciating the efforts of the SANParks Honorary Rangers—a volunteer group who give their own time to assist with tasks typical rangers don’t always have the capacity to get to.

Sources: SANParks; CapeNature 

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Masicorp is making a marvellous difference when it comes to literacy in Masiphumelele Township! From resources that have increased learner’s marks by up to 40% to fostering a love of reading, here’s a snippet of the work they are doing!

Masiphumelele Township, South Africa (29 September 2024) — September marked National Literacy Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the critical role literacy plays in shaping not just a future generation of readers but leaders.

It is well recorded that the state of literacy in South Africa leaves much to be desired. From a striking amount of Grade 4s who cannot read for meaning to our disappointing literacy rates year-on-year, the finger is often pointed at our under-resourced educational institutions. But instead of simply wagging our fingers, we should also cup our hands in applause for the many organisations who are bridging literacy gaps, one opportunity at a time.

Masicorp is one of the development charities in South Africa, making sure young South Africans get to spark their literacy lightbulbs sooner rather than later.

Focused on the people of Masiphumelele township in the Western Cape, their focus on education is paramount to the road out of poverty.

This National Literacy Month, Masicorp got stuck in upping the ante of the literacy programmes they already have in their empowerment toolkits.

Here are some of their Success Stories!

English Hub at Ukhanyo Primary School

Masicorp’s English Hub has focused on helping Grade 3s develop their reading and writing skills. This past term, they wanted to build learners’ confidence in their writing abilities: a task well received.

“One of the most rewarding moments this year has been witnessing students who previously struggled with writing, begin to enjoy the process,” the team share. “Even those who found it difficult are now showing excitement and commitment when building their sentences.

Masifunde Programme

Also at Ukhanyo Primary, the Masifunde Programme has also helped nurture another important asset in literacy: a love for reading! Focused on the Grade 5s, the focus has been on encourage children to engage with stories with ‘The Land of the Dinosaurs’ sparking a particularly lively conversation amongst learners.

English Please at Sun Valley Primary

The English Please Programme runs at different schools, including Sun Valley, Simons Town and Fish Hoek Primary. However, it was at Sun Valley that there was a big moment of success: A group of Grade 3 learners who improved their English marks by 20% in 6 months!

Beyond the classroom-based programmes, Masicorp also runs Tuesdays with Books at the Masi Library to connect with reading in a less pressured space.

Sources: Media Release 

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66 Cape Fur Seals have been rescued from tangled troubles this year already, thanks to seal heroes and their invisible capes!

Cape Town, South Africa (09 September 2024) — In an ideal world, Cape Fur Seals would be able to follow their curiosity without the risk of ending up in a plastic problem or rope-ridden tangle. However, until we get to a place where our oceans are free of man-made troubles, seal entanglements continue to persist as a serious problem for our friends with flippers.

The very good news is that there are people who are prepared for entanglement emergencies and they have risen to the occasion not once, not twice, but multiple times this year already—rescuing 66 Cape Fur Seals from their tangled troubles so far!

People like Ayanda Cimani, Martine Viljoen, Abdullah Abrahams and others are part of the Seal Heroes squad who have successfully saved the lives of these marine mammals thanks to their quick-thinking and fast-acting, experienced responses.

However, for the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation (TOAF), the good news is tainted with a serious reality—our oceans have a waste problem.

“While we are proud of this achievement, we are mindful of the meaning behind it. 66 seals were found entangled in nylon, rope, plastic, raffia, box bands, and other materials. Thanks to the efforts of our team, we were able to rescue these seals before their entanglements had more dire consequences.”

The Two Oceans Aquarium informs that if seals are left in a state of entanglement, the materials can cut into their flesh; causing wounds that can lead to the death of the seal.

While the first line of action is to not litter in the first place, you can also become a seal hero by letting the team know when a seal is in trouble.

If you spot a seal entangled at the V&A Marina, make sure to call the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation on (021) 418 3823.

Meanwhile, in other news from the TOAF, September marks the start of ‘Green Season’—a time to keep your eye out for green turtles who have washed astray on our coastlines. You can read all about it, here.

Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation 

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Cape Town is commending the many volunteers and civilian heroes who have given over 18,000 hours of service during disasters, playing an imperative role in helping communities during the most dire times:

Cape Town, South Africa (02 September 2024) — Severe weather has surged in the past two years for Cape Town, with residents facing everything from damaging winds to flooding and wildfires. But, thanks to volunteers and the selfless time they have given (over 18,000 hours at that), these disasters have always had a team of helping heroes.

Because of the surge, the Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) has had to stretch itself farther and wider over time. However, the crops of volunteers in their network have come to the rescue time and time again as the unsung heroes of disaster management, helping them save and protect lives.

The DRMC has 419 volunteers who work in teams across the metropolis. When trouble strikes, they are activated through the Disaster Operations Centre via their unit coordinators, who will then assist officials who respond to affected communities.

They are trained regularly in first aid, firefighting, occupational health and safety interventions and much more so that the next time they’re called to a cause, they are even more prepared.

To put into perspective just how much time they have given to their communities, the City of Cape Town has shared that the volunteers spent 18,472 hours assisting the DRMC officials. That means more than 769 days of voluntary service!

“The demands on our resources have only grown in recent years, as we witness the changing weather patterns and its impact on our city. We couldn’t keep up, if not for our volunteers. And they’re not only there during the times of disaster – they are also very visible in our daily education and awareness initiatives, going door-to-door in communities to advocate for disaster mitigation.

“Some of them have been in the ranks for many years, and we truly appreciate their commitment and dedication to the cause, whether during floods or frantic wildfires. I want to express the City’s gratitude for their years of service, acts of bravery and contributions to the community,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Those looking to become a volunteer and join this crop of heroes can learn more here!

Sources: Supplied—City of Cape Town 

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Grow ECD is celebrating 10 years of positive impact! Focused on supporting early childhood development centres with business skills, teacher training and holistic programmes, they are making a difference for the next generation!

South Africa (30 August 2024) — Grow ECD, a South African non-profit social enterprise, is celebrating a decade of positive impact in the Early Childhood Development sector of South Africa!

Beginning in 2014, GROW ECD started out as a dream to transform the support ECD centres received. With the education and interactions children have before the age of five being a hugely important phase in their lives, the founders of Grow ECD were determined to be the helping hands South Africa’s ECD centres needed as the guardians of this chapter.

What was at once a dream would eventually translate into a reality. Now, Grow offers fantastic resources for teachers, integrating holistic approaches to early education and helping ECD centres manage their very complicated but ever-rewarding worlds.

Co-founder Tracey Chambers reflects:

“Our vision has been to facilitate quality 5-star early learning to every 0-5 year old child in every neighbourhood. This is so that every child has the foundation they need to fulfil their potential. We have learned many important lessons along the way.”

She adds, “We achieved many milestones and received local and international recognition along the way. However, the most important thing was learning and understanding exactly what it takes to operate a financially sustainable ECD business that provides consistent quality education. This tested and successful model is what Grow offers their ECD centre partners today.”

Today, hundreds of centres continue to join Grow’s programmes, benefiting thousands of teachers and little ones from free training resources for teachers to business information, low-cost finance services and other practical tools necessary to run a centre.

“By 2030, we aim to have 220,000 young children thriving and ready for Grade R, and 50,000 children benefitting from our programme daily,” says Tracey.

Grow are the helpers in key areas that ECD owners (who are often overworked and underresourced, pouring their own means to make their centres flourish) cannot delegate time to.

“These people are dedicated, resilient and committed to the next generation but it is not easy,” Tracey informs, adding that “ECD centres are complex small businesses. Their daily running involves HR, labour law, health and safety, marketing and all the other aspects of doing business in a highly regulated and high-risk sector…We have realised that most ECD owners have a heart for children but need support to develop their ‘head’ for business, this balance is crucial to their success.”

Reflecting on lessons learned, Tracey shares that collaboration is key.

“Our decade in the ECD sector has exposed us to many passionate, purpose-driven organisations. Our partnerships across the private and public sectors have proven that when we work together, we achieve more.”

“I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished but, at Grow ECD, we know the work is far from over…to the centre owners, teachers, parents, partners and supporters who have been part of our journey—I thank you. Together we are not just growing ECD centres; we are growing futures, one child at a time.”

Sources: Supplied 

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Save a Fishie and local fisherman teamed up to tackle Cape Town’s ‘Dirtiest Beach’. Here, they collected over 2 tonnes of waste from only a small portion of the beachfront!

Macassar, South Africa (19 August 2024) — When you’ve tackled as many beach clean-ups as Zoë Prinsloo has, deeming a beach the dirtiest you’ve ever tackled is a serious title.

Zoë, who is on her second Coast to Coast clean-up mission across South Africa with her organisation Save a Fishie has been cleaning beaches since she was just 10 years old. Since then, she’s broken world records, been awarded a Civic Award for conservation and has tackled hundreds of beaches (she’s only in her early 20s). Yet, one South African beach managed to stand out even to her for all the wrong reasons.

Macassar Beach in Cape Town stood before her and fellow volunteers, littered with a kaleidoscopic array of waste. Zoë shares that this was not only one small section of the beach either, but rather that nearly the entire 9km stretch looked like the photos.

Of course, Save a Fishie is not in the business of making a few comments and staring off into the distance disheartened. As environmental action takers, they’re the leaders who get down and dirty, no matter how overwhelming the task might seem.

Joining local fishermen, around 50 volunteers united to give Cape Town’s ‘dirtiest beach’ hope—at least for a portion of the stretch with plans to return. Together, they collected everything from lollipop sticks (a shocking number of them at that) to toothbrushes, plastic bottle tops and essentially every other kind of litter you can think of.

All in all, they filled two skips with a whopping weight of 2051 kilograms—over two tonnes.

Considering that last year’s Coast to Coast tour saw them collect just under 3 tonnes from 111 beaches, this 2-tonne effort from just a small part of the beach speaks volumes.

As Zoë says, there is an urgent call for help needed here, calling on the City of Cape Town to make a plan.

If just 50 people in over an hour could make such a significant change, the opportunity to return Macassar Beach to its natural beauty for good is not only possible but imperative.

Sources: Save a Fishie 

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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 ‘Save a Fishie’ and Fishermen Give Cape Town’s ‘Dirtiest Beach’ Hope appeared first on Good Things Guy.