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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Former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert and the Stay YOUnique School Programme teamed up to educate school girls on their bodies as part of a big menstrual health initiative that’s tackling period poverty!

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2024) — Fighting period poverty is as much about providing essential resources as it is about empowering young women to learn about their bodies. Without female-focused education in a young girl’s arsenal, she will be at risk of falling into misinformation traps about her own body, making her susceptible to myths, disempowering narratives and even shame for things that are totally normal.

For many of us, school-led information about our periods stemmed either from biology classes or from brief sex education classes, neither of which gave a woman’s body and its inner workings the full spotlight.

It takes many years for a lot of women to truly understand their body’s rhythms. But, if you’re in an underprivileged environment where information from sources beyond your community is limited and sanitary products themselves are a struggle to gain access to, the process of learning and becoming comfortable with yourself becomes greatly exasperated.

According to the World Health Organisation, around seven million school girls are unable to afford sanitary pads. This sharpens perspective as to how many young women likely face a plethora of other social challenges that stem from period poverty—including feeling confident, dignified, worthy and being informed.

In an effort to combat period poverty whilst offering educational resources to school girls, the Kotex Stay YOUnique programme, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, is stepping up.

This year, former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert and Dr Nosipho Mhlanga joined forces with the programme in an effort to educate over 300 school girls on the importance of the basics; dispelling menstruation myths, breaking stigmas and making room for conversation about the importance of menstrual hygiene.

In terms of sanitary products, 68,340 learners have been reached thanks to the programme.

Says Natasha:

“It is essential to educate girls, especially about their own bodies—how to respect, care for, and track them. This way, they can detect any early signs of health issues. Normalising these conversations is crucial, particularly during the key age when they learn about their periods, something I wish I had known more about sooner.”

Natasha further implies that period poverty and education are both essential to the empowerment of young girls.

“I asked my social media followers what they wish they had learned earlier about their periods, and the responses were eye-opening. That’s why the YOUniques School Programme is so important. It not only addresses period poverty but also empowers girls to better care for themselves during their periods. I’m thrilled with how well it has been received and excited to see it expand to reach girls in even the most remote areas, educating them regarldess of their background.”

Dr Mhlanga adds:

“Period poverty is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue. Every girl deserves the right to health, equality and dignity, and it’s through collective efforts that we can make lasting change.”

Sources: Supplied 

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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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Holy Rosary School for Girls began the year with a successful ‘phone-free’ campaign to combat digital addiction. Keeping the momentum going, they followed this challenge with another time-warping mission: giving their students old-school phones to live like it’s 1999!

Johannesburg, South Africa (09 October 2024) — It’s hardly surprising anymore to see a tiny tot—barely capable of stringing together a coherent sentence—glued to a smartphone or iPad. It’s a reflection of the world we live in today, one filled with relentless and seemingly unapologetic digital addictions. From toddlers to school students and many, many adults, digital addiction is both the most obvious addiction and the most overlooked. But is anyone doing anything about it? And what can actually be done?

Digital Detox Challenge

Holy Rosary School for Girls has been on a mission in 2024 to combat digital addiction in a hands-on fashion. Beginning the year with their successful ‘Phone-Free 40 Days Campaign’, the school knew that even if the results from that effort were positive (and they were), they needed to keep the momentum going.

In another bold move to combat digital addiction, delay smartphone ownership and build healthier mental health habits, the school decided on another challenge—80-Days: Phone like its 1999 Smartphone-Free Challenge!

Phone Like It’s 1999

Beginning in May, primary and high school students, as well as staff members, surrendered their smartphones to the school. In exchange, they received ‘feature phones’ (AKA, old school phones) to take them back in time to the 90s, when cell phones were primarily used for, well, phone calls!

Because the devices have limited functionality (calls, SMSes and maybe a few extremely basic games), they directly combat accessing social media—the biggest fueler of digital addiction. At the same time, they still allow for communication with parents and family members.

The challenge was driven by Principal Natalie Meerholz, who shared that the second challenge yielded positive results. 

“We are exceptionally proud of everyone who took part in our second challenge. Some of our girls have completed both challenges and been without their phones for 120 days, which is really impressive, proving it’s possible to break free from the digital trap. We were exceptionally excited that despite major fear of missing out and plenty of peer pressure, eight of our participants were in matric.”

Nearly 89% of participants completed the challenge in full.

The Positives

Both challenges have been part of a bigger mission for the school, which is dubbed The Smart Age for Smartphone initiative.

Principal Meerholz also participated in the challenge. “Navigating my own digital detox journey as an adult has proven challenging but I feel more focused, less distracted, and have tried out a range of new activities.”

For the kids, the benefits were similar. Some reported much better sleep, feeling less distracted and feeling more present.

A big win for everyone who participated was the sensation of feeling as though they had more free time. This helped prop up the other legs of the challenge, which included community service. Several fundraising events were integrated into the challenge, including a massive crocheting charity event that drew over 6,000 attendees and raised R60,000 to contribute to paediatric cardiac surgery.

Becoming a Movement

Other educational institutions have also started drawing inspiration from the initiatives in a bid to seek guidance on implementing similar campaigns of their own.

“Our ‘Phone-Free 40 Days’ and ’80 Days: Phone Like It’s 1999’ challenges are more than just school initiatives—they’re catalysts for a broader movement,” Principal Meerholz says.

Principal Meerholz deems it “a collective awakening,” adding that the link to the deteriorating mental and physical well-being of today’s young people has become irrefutable.

“By encouraging our pupils to disconnect from their devices and engage with the world around them, we’re nurturing the growth of capable, confident and happy adults.”

Sources: Email Submission

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A mini picture book called ‘Tuning into our Universe’ is being offered freely across South Africa to help starry-eyed kids (and even adults) enjoy a glimpse of life beyond our world!

South Africa (09 October 2024) – When the sky is clear, and the crisp sensation of curiosity is rife, there’s nothing quite like gazing up at the stars. No matter what you believe is out there, ‘Tuning into our Universe’ is an experience we’ve all been left in awe of at one point or many.

For little ones, too, wondering about life ‘out there’ is often a big space of interest that calls for many questions. However, as it is with many complex matters, the answer is either pretty confusing or simply left unanswered—unless, of course, someone takes the time to break it all down.

In an effort to break down the stars, galaxies, and their friends, Scie-Enza and SARO (South African Radio Astronomy Observatory) have helped create a special mini picture book dubbed ‘Tuning into our Universe’!

The free resource (with illustrations done by Illustrations by Gabby Correia and Benoît Knox) is aimed at igniting inspiration for the next generations of astronomers and astronauts with hopes that it will help youngsters learn more about life beyond our world.

“The booklet is aimed at children in Grade 4 to 6, but all children—older and younger—even adults, can enjoy it,” shares Puleng Tsie, Sci-Enza manager.

‘Tuning into our Universe’ also shines the starlight on South Africa’s powerhouse mega telescopes, SALT and MeerKAT—each of which have been imperative in important discoveries.

SALT (The Southern African Large Telescope) is so powerful it can see a candle on the moon, and it helped astronomers discover a rare white dwarf binary star system that sheds new light on the colossal explosion that happens when a star is dying—a supernova.

MeerKAT, on the other hand, recently helped produce an incredible image that showed a whopping 49 galaxies that were previously unknown.

“In this way, learners can see astronomy and all its fields as careers they could pursue in the future, whether as an astronomer, technician, researcher or science communicator,” Tsie adds.

The resource is freely downloadable so that learners can access it on their phones or schools can print it. The team behind ‘Tuning into our Universe’ are also in the midst of printing copies to be distributed at different science centres across the country.

Tsie shares that the goal is to reach millions of children.

You can find ‘Tuning into our Universe’ here.

Sources: Supplied 

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Informal waste pickers in Bellville are to be kitted out with new and improved trolleys to do their jobs safely and more efficiently!

Bellville, South Africa (01 October 2024) — Ever seen a waste picker struggling through busy roads with a massive bag of goods hanging on for its life atop a makeshift cart? Most of us have. For many informal waste pickers, managing the load carefully in this way is just another day at work. But, what if there was a better way to set their work in motion? The good news is, there is, and it’s happening in Bellville!

The better.bellville.together initiative has, since last year, been working equal parts creatively and tirelessly to improve the lives of the Bellville community.

We’ve highlighted many of the initiative’s success stories (often featuring fabulous community art) before on Good Things Guy. Beyond the art that inspires public pride, the better.bellville.together initiative is a big pioneering effort dedicated to revitalising Bellville in three main ways: community engagement, business investment and sustainable practices.

Thanks to the initiative, taxi ranks have been revamped, more jobs have been created, more gardens have been grown and more bins (including protea-inspired ones) for recycling have set up shop.

Now, it’s the waste pickers’ turn to benefit from community upliftment.

Recently, better.bellville.together teamed up with eco-empowering community Waste-Ed and worked with other businesses as well as government departments to bring fresh trolley designs to Bellville! This, in an effort to help informal waste pickers do their important work for their own livelihood and the environment in a better way.

With a bicycle built to pick up speed, a safer area for collections and an extended top area for more capacity, the cleverly designed ‘Wheels of Change’ trolly helps tackle a lot of problems with a single pair of wheels.

As the Greater Tygerberg Partnership shares:

“The trolleys are tailored specifically to meet the needs of waste pickers, offering a user-centred design that enhances both work efficiency and safety.”

Moreover, they are designed to help reduce the number of trips waste pickers traditionally have to make, thanks to fantastic engineering.

Meanwhile, in news where waste made headlines, an incredible series of Mona Lisa masterpieces are showing us all the power of upcycling. You can read all about it here. 

Sources: Greater Tygerberg Partnership 

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True to its name, the award-winning and educational FAST Heroes Initiative has successfully reached 125 schools in South Africa, empowering tens of thousands of youngsters to be prepared in the case that someone around them has a stroke:

South Africa (27 September 2024) — School years mark the time for our most imaginative dreams. Becoming president. A rockstar. A superhero. In the case of the latter, the possibilities are endless no matter what subjects you take, and in South Africa, there’s a special squad equipping kids as young as 5 to become real heroes thanks to the FAST Heroes Initiative that’s prepping youngsters to save a life in the event that someone faces one of the worst villains—a stroke.

True to its name, the FAST Heroes Initiative (an award-winning educational initiative) has grown rapidly. It began successfully in the Western Cape before expanding to other parts of our country, to the point where it has reached 125 schools across South Africa, empowering 10,000 children in the past year alone!

The goal here is to educate kids on what to do when someone around them has a stroke. They are taken on a five-week adventure where they partake in interactive activities designed not only to teach life-saving skills but also to see how empathy and compassion play a big role in hero work.

Focused on children from ages 5 to 9, the programme takes them through a journey of essential information presented in a way they can understand. There are animated characters, including superhero grandparents and their grandchildren, Timmy and Tanya and the ‘evil Clot’. Through storytelling techniques and the characters, children are taught how to identify the key signs of a stroke and what to do to save a life.

“FAST Heroes provide resources that make teaching both effective and enjoyable. It’s a programme that truly resonates with the students, making learning both engaging and impactful,” shares Wendy Reitas, Loreto School Queenswood teacher who was also awarded the FAST Heroes Amazing Teacher Award in 2024.

“The FAST Heroes project is a fantastic initiative, addressing the significant issue of stroke awareness in society. Thanks to FAST Heroes, in 5, 10, or 15 years, everyone will know what a stroke is, recognise the signs of a stroke, and understand how to act FAST to prevent further damage to the survivor,” adds George Scola, Founder and CEO of the Stroke Survivors Foundation. 

With World Stroke Day approaching on 29 October, we all owe it to ourselves and greater society to stay in the know.

Key Signs Someone is Having a Stroke:

• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech impairment

FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time—a quick and easy way to remember what to look out for.

As the kids are taught, dial 112 to reach an emergency call centre. Make sure to ask for medical emergency services, and most importantly—stay calm.

You can find out more about the FAST HEROES work or sign your school up, here.

Sources: Media Release 

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The fabulous Nahoon Granny Grommets (AKA, the most iconic surfers in the Eastern Cape) are attempting to set a world record to help para surfer JP Veaudry attend the World Para Surfing Championships! 

Nahoon, South Africa (27 September 2024) — The most fabulous surfers in the Eastern Cape, the Nahoon Granny Grommets, are preparing to put their rookie wave riding to the test in the hopes that they will set a new world record!

In case you haven’t met the Granny Grommets before, they are an iconic community of women who are all over 50. Weekly, they unite to boogie with their boards, catch waves, enjoy new adventures and ride the reality that being over 50 is the perfect time to pick up fresh skills and new friends. 

Today, the Grommets take the seas by storm as they attempt to set a unique record for ‘The Oldest Wave’. 

Now, you’d be forgiven for wondering how one might calculate the age of a wave. But the Granny Grommets have come up with a pretty creative way to do it: they are going to combine the ages of all the people on the wave at the time, ultimately making the group something of a super surfer, age-wise. 

But this mission isn’t just for the Granny Grommets to add another extraordinary experience to their memory books. They are tackling the ‘Oldest Wave’ in an attempt to raise funds for East London para surfer, Jean Paul (JP) Veaudry who has been given the opportunity to compete in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships. 

Set to be held at Huntington Beach in California from 3 to 9 November, there is no event more prestigious than this in the world of para surfing. 

“Those who know me on a personal level will know that obtaining my South African Colours has always been a dream of mine and my next goal is to become a World Para Surfing Champion,” says Jean Paul. 

Because the opportunity is not financially supported by the government, JP has had to figure out his own way to get to the event financially. With the Granny Grommets on his side, hopes are high that JP will be able to raise the funds, compete and make South Africa proud; all with a new world record in tow thanks to the ladies.

You can support his big opportunity, here!

Sources: Email Submission; Granny Grommets 

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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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Students from St Mary DSG Kloof have created an upcycled rhino that’s pretty in plastic and are proud to be a part of an important initiative!

Kloof, South Africa (26 September 2024) — From a humble wire-frame structure to sitting pretty in plastic, Mary the Rhino artwork is an upcycled marvel!

While much of the St Mary DSG creation may consist of plastic, her message is anything but shallow. Mary is one of many rhinos—that were wire-framed ideas in waiting—to have been transformed by students and staff creatively. This, in an effort to ‘increase the rhino population’ in South Africa and ultimately raise awareness for rhino-focused initiatives around the world.

Incited by Project Rhino—a KZN-based conservation organisation that looks out for our rhino populations as well as their extended wildlife communities—the wire-frame rhino creation initiative and competition has been a big part of 2024 for schools across the province.

Under the theme ‘Future Rhino’, participating schools were given wireframes to transform to the tune of their own creativity. They were tasked to use recycled materials in both an artistic and practical sense; as decor and armour to withstand weather conditions.

Amid all the fun that came with the creation process, the students got to experience the magic of upcycling, all while playing their part in a bigger mosaic of efforts for rhino conservation awareness.

“Our girls sourced recycled materials and focused on adhering to the theme while maximising visual impact,” shared St Mary’s DSG of their creation. “It only seemed fitting that we call our rhino—Mary!”.

Mary adorns daisies and other bottle-top-inspired flowers, as well as recycled plastic petals, netting and what appears to be a tiny bird friend who was once food packaging.

The proud rhino now joins the crash of other created rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal, with the competition set to end on 27 September.

The school adds that Mary will also auctioned off at a fundraiser later on in the year!

Sources: St Mary’s DSG 

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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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Two Plett locals are putting plans in place to make Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay accessible for people with wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy a beach day without worry!

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (17 September 2024) — While most beaches ignite a sense of serenity and calm, the opposite often ensues for people with physical disabilities. Hoping to change this for community members and visitors of Plett are two locals who are proudly on a mission to make Plett’s main beach far more accessible!

Willow Mullins and Kira Primo have seen tourists venture to their small town for many summers. But, as the beaches fill up, another truth becomes apparent—not everyone can enjoy these natural pleasures in the same way, if at all.

“Spending so much time on the beach with my kids, who love to surf and play, I’ve often noticed how people with disabilities struggle to access the ocean or even the sand. It made me realise that everyone deserves the joy of a beach day,” says Kira.

“I was sitting in the beer garden at Moby’s when I saw a family struggling to get their daughter, who was in a wheelchair, onto the sand. That moment made it clear to me how much more we need to do to make our beaches accessible,” shares Willow.

Kira and Willow are now on a mission to give everyone a chance to enjoy a beach day at Plett’s Central Beach through their Mobi Mat project.

Not only a doorway to accessibility, the project will also champion environmental values as the mat is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable itself.

“Using recycled materials was an important factor for us,” Kira explains. “We want to promote inclusivity while staying true to sustainable practices.”

The pair hope the project will be completed by the end of October—just in time for summer.

“This project would transform the beach experience for those with mobility challenges, offering them equal access and a newfound sense of freedom,” shares Kira.

“It would mean the world to me and our community,” Willow adds. “We’re planning to install the Mobi Mat on Central Beach, just off the ramp between Dolphin Adventures and Moby’s, right in front of the kiosk. The thought of people who’ve always wanted to feel the sand between their toes finally being able to do so brings us so much joy.”

The project is already underway, largely thanks to community members who are backing the cause through donations! Additionally, several people including lifeguards and have volunteered to keep the mat in good nick.

On top of the mat, the duo also aim to provide two mobility chairs.

Everyone is welcome to contribute where they can (you can find the crowdfunding campaign here) and the champions also hope that sponsors will come on board to make the magic happen.

Sources: Victoria Scott / Backabuddy  

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