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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South African conservationist Paul Gardiner’s new series ‘Natural Born Runners’ is set to take us on something of a conservation ‘marathon’ across the world! Paul is running all over the world’s last wilderness areas to meet wildlife heroes near and far:

Global (15 October 2024) — Conservationist and eco-tourism expert Paul Gardiner is taking us all on the run of multiple lifetimes thanks to his new series, ‘Natural Born Runners’.

Set to launch during the COP16 summit (AKA, the most important biodiversity event that unites eco-leaders across the world), ‘Natural Born Runners’ is set to take us all on a conservation adventure into and through some of the last wilderness areas in the world focused on the theme ‘Peace with Nature’ in line with COP16.

From icy terrains to open grasslands, Paul’s running shoes will take him across the world in a massive effort to learn about what conservationists are getting up to in their effort to prolong species’ environments and lifetimes.

A deep-rooted passion, Paul was born into a family for whom conservation efforts like rewilding were a labour of love. His father was a visionary who transformed Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape into one of the world’s leading conservation success stories; helping reintroduce lions, rhinos and elephants back into their natural habitat.

As such, Paul begins his trek in the Eastern Cape; retracing these efforts. From there, he ventures to Scotland’s Alladale Wilderness Reserve all the way to North America to learn of the inspiring restoration of the American bison there.

‘Natural Born Runners’ will also see him participate in Run Richmond 16.19—a race founded by Oscar-nominated actor and activist Djimon Hounsou (Amistad, Gladiator).

Along for the ride is Paul’s cameraman and aspiring wildlife filmmaker Christian Antoine, who makes up for what he lacks in endurance running through comedy and edutainment.

The series is set to be launched on YouTube as a way to connect with the next generation of nature’s guardians—young people.

“We need to inspire the youth to take ownership of the planet’s future, and YouTube is where they engage,” says Paul.

“If we’re going to make peace with nature, the next generation needs to be at the forefront.”

Watch: ‘Natural Born Runners’ Trailer

Sources: Email Submission

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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 man, a dog, and a dream to tackle the Namib desert to support the SPCA have turned into a resounding success story! Sean and Rocky have raised a whopping R50,000 for the Kloof & Highway SPCA, making all the heat and headwinds well worth it!

Namib Desert, Namibia (13 September 2024) — A man, a dog and a dream to traverse the Namib Desert. It might sound like something out of a movie, but for Sean Fraenkel and his spirited companion Rocky, this has been life for the past few months.

The duo decided to hit the desert a few months back with an ambitious mission: to raise significant funds for the Kloof and Highway SPCA while riding a bike.

No stranger to the thrill of epic challenges, Sean is a seasoned adventurer who has explored oceans deep and landscapes wide. When it came to the challenging terrain of the Namib Desert, Sean knew that he and his pooch were in for a whole new set of extremes. However, he embraced them with open arms, knowing that their efforts could make a lasting impact on the lives of countless animals.

 

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‘Rocky’s Ride’ as the adventure was aptly dubbed has taken the pair through brutal headwinds, thick sand and otherworldly beauty alike. The journey has not been easy, but man-oh-man can only imagine how rewarding it has been.

In news that filled the desert (and Kloof) with cheers of joy, their ambitious feat has raised a small fortune for the SPCA, inspiring many people looking at their bikes collecting dust in the garage in the process.

“Rocky had a word in Sean’s ear and expressed his desire to fundraise for his fellow 4-legged friends who are not as fortunate as him. Rocky and Sean took on an adventure that left us feeling part of this amazing challenge,” shared the SPCA team.

Thanks to all the support Sean and Rocky received, they raised R50 000 for the Kloof and Highway SPCA!! These monies will be put towards all the Outreach work we do—sterilising, treating, and educating. On behalf of all your fellow animals that you have helped Rocky, we thank you.” 

Sources: Kloof & Highway SPCA; Rocky’s Ride 

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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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Nine months, an odyssey on two wheels and a journey of self later, and Paul Edkins cycle for the Black Mambas has come to an epic end! From the beauty to the struggles and everything in between, we caught up with Paul:

Global (17 April 2024) — It took months of dedication. Miles of strength. A bit of stubbornness and a lot of heart. But, Paul Edkins has successfully finished his mammoth cycle from the United Kingdom to South Africa!

What makes someone want to hit the pedals for such an overwhelming distance? For Paul who was born in South Africa, the journey was inspired by a longing for home, a big push to escape his comfort zone, and hope that he could raise awareness and support for South African superheroes and champions of anti-poaching efforts, The Black Mambas. 

Beginning last year, Paul’s days on the roads turned into weeks, and then a handful of months and then 9 entire months, as he and his wheels saw everywhere from Turkey to Egypt to Kenya and eventually, South Africa.

While Paul did not cycle the entire way across the pond (ferries and flights were necessary at times), he covered thousands of kilometres, and got to collect thousands of memories.

 

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There were many times when the odyssey was pure magic; an adventure of discovery, belonging and purpose. Paul got to fall in love with new foods in Turkey (with a special mention of künefe, a Turkish desert). And he got to fall in love with the hospitality of people—including a Nubian family on an island in Aswan. He also got to relish in the awe of two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and experienced climbing Greece’s Mount Olympus to meet Zeus (who Paul shares wasn’t in at the time).

And then there was scuba diving in Lake Malawi, and seeing a family of elephants with five babies up close in the Maasai Mara. And drinking fresh mango, avocado, papaya and guava juice, African style.

 

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And when he did get to visit the Olifants West Nature Reserve where the Black Mambas handle a lot of anti-poaching work, he was frozen, ‘heart in mouth’, at the beauty of what the all-female team protect. In a great update on the fundraising part of his story, Paul helped raise £3,288 (over R77 000) for the incredible female protectors of nature. 

 

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But there were also many tough times along the way. Moments of isolation. Tiredness. Inner conflict. But, messages of support from family and friends, stubbornness and a French cyclist’s advice to just keep going, were a few of the things that kept Paul going.

Of how he felt when he finally reached the final chapter, Paul shares that he had mixed feelings.

“I adopted a new persona for 9 months, and now it was over. I was happy and proud, but also without a purpose anymore. I was glad I could achieve my goal, and I’m going to carry that feeling of satisfaction forever. But I also had unanswered questions,” he tells Good Things Guy.

A big part of Paul’s journey was to do with identity. Being a South African who had been in the UK for 25 years, coming homeward was more than a nostalgic journey. Instead, it was something of a reclamation of a part of himself.

Beyond a powerful impact on his own life, Paul hopes that he has brought about positive impact to the Black Mambas.

“I hope that they will be able to improve the technology they use, continue their good work in the park and the local community, and feel more like the world is supporting their cause.”—Paul Edkins.

Sources: GTG interview

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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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South Africa’s brave ship SA Agulhas II is back from a lengthy adventure to uncover the secrets of Antarctica and Marion Island as well as vital information surrounding climate change. Back with her are the even braver team who were based in Antarctica for 15 months in commitment to the cause!

Cape Town, South Africa (21 February 2024) — The SA Agulhas II embarked on a brave adventure with scientists, conservationists and environmentalists ready to put in the hard work for research surrounding our planet’s secrets and climate change– the latter more imperative than ever before as the UN Decade ticks forward rapidly.

The research ship—described by the University of Cape Town as ‘vital for climate science’ and South Africa’s stake in polar science leadership— embarked on a dual-destination voyage to both Marion Island and Antarctica.

This is in an effort for scientists to discover as much as possible about these regions and what they can tell us about climate change concerns and solutions as areas largely untouched by humanity. Especially in the case of Antarctica (a region shrouded in icy mystery), the work that the ship is able to help scientists do is imperative and possible thanks to Agulhas II’s cutting-edge design.

For context, the ship (which is also Africa’s only polar research vessel) can navigate through unchartered ice up to 1 metre thick and also has labs on board, making it one of the world’s most modern! It has also played a big role in ocean conservation efforts.

But more impressive is the South African National Antarctic Expedition ( SANAE) 62 team, which has been based in Antarctica for the last 15 months for the cause. They departed in December 2022 to lead the charge in polar research for the betterment of the Earth and all its inhabitants.

Back home, at last, this mission relied on many hands. As the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment shares in a heartfelt statement:

“It’s not all about the ship. The land-based teams from SANSA, NWU, SA Weather Services and CTBTO have been equally busy conducting vital studies in Antarctica. From upgrading the SuperDARN radar to delving into Polar Space Weather Studies, their research is turning Antarctica into a giant outdoor laboratory that’s key to understanding our planet. 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the heroes of the SA Agulhas II Antarctic expedition. Your courage and commitment in the face of extreme cold and isolation have led to significant strides in science. Your hard work and discoveries are invaluable in helping us all learn about our planet’s climate and its changes.” 

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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