Ackermans is bringing the joy again with their annual Baby of the Year competition, launching an irresistibly cute campaign that taps into “baby language” and celebrates the magic of parenthood, play, and connection!

Johannesburg, South Africa (21 October 2024) – It’s that time of year again! Ackermans has brought back one of South Africa’s most adored competitions—the annual Baby of the Year!

This year, the campaign kicked off with an irresistibly cute advert introducing a fun new “tool” designed to understand “Baby Language,” and it’s sure to put a smile on every parent’s face.

The Baby of the Year competition has become a much-anticipated event for many parents. It’s more than just a chance to showcase their little ones—it’s an opportunity for their baby to become an Ackermans model and win amazing vouchers!

“Back by popular demand, this competition gives parents the opportunity to celebrate their bundles of joy in true Ackermans style. This year, the stakes are high as Ackermans searches for those charming personalities who love to have fun, express themselves and of course, have a lot to say,” shares Bronwyn Pretorius, Chief of Marketing at Ackermans.

The advert that’s stealing hearts features media personality Sne Dladla, who spends time with some of South Africa’s cutest babies, asking them all kinds of questions. The twist? An “AI” program steps in to interpret what the babies might be saying, and the results are as hilarious as they are adorable! But here’s the catch: “AI” in this campaign doesn’t stand for “Artificial Intelligence”—it’s “Ackermans Intelligence,” a fun nod to technology with a heavy dose of baby cuteness.

While the AI interpretations are, of course, not real, it’s impossible not to laugh at how accurate some of the “responses” seem to be. You might even find yourself wondering if the babies truly had those thoughts in mind!

“In light of global conversations around the use of AI and creativity, and what it means for us humans, we set out to purposefully tackle this topic through this new content piece. We believe now more than ever we should celebrate connection and joy. As a leading retailer in baby and kids apparel, our product offering is designed with play in mind, and we want to encourage parents to engage and cherish these unique and special moments with their little ones,” adds Pretorius.

Want your little one to be in the running for the title of Ackermans Baby of the Year? Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Dress your baby in their cutest Ackermans outfit
Step 2: Capture a picture or video that shows off your baby’s unique personality while rocking their Ackermans look
Step 3: Upload your picture or video using the hashtag #MyAckermansBaby2024 on Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram
Step 4: Tag Ackermans and make sure you’re following them on all their social platforms!

This year’s competition is all about celebrating those unforgettable baby moments that bring us joy and connection. So, whether your little one is a budding comedian or has the world’s sweetest smile, don’t miss out on the chance to make some incredible memories—and maybe even see your baby shining on Ackermans’ next campaign!

Sources: Ackermans

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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 Ackermans Launches Baby of the Year Competition with Adorable “Baby Language” Twist! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A mini cheerleader is bringing joy to both the DHL Dancers and crowds; stealing the show as a little star in the making!

Cape Town, South Africa (14 May 2024)—A mini cheerleader named Ella has stolen the show many times after she joined the DHL Dancers cheer team!

Little Ella is only six-years-old, but she’s already proven her natural stage presence and dance skills as she helps crowds get ready to root their hearts out during rugby matches. Word on the street is, she’s South Africa’s youngest cheerleader.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BKT United Rugby Championship (@urc)

Her mom, Jenny Beck, who is the head choreographer and manager of the DHL dancers shares that Ella has essentially grown up in the dance studio that Jenny runs.

“She loves dancing almost as much as I do, and because she takes so many classes with me, she is really good for her age,” beams Jenny.

Ella joined the cheer team at the end of 2023.

“I thought it would be a fun addition to add a mini cheerleader to our team and and the crowd has absolutely loved her.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DHL Dancers (@dhldancers)

Speaking to the world of cheerleading and choreography, Jenny is a proud manager and choreographer of the team.

“My favourite part of the job is seeing my visions come together and hearing the crowd go crazy when our dancers run out on to the field. Obviously supporting our boys on the field and being part of the game day atmosphere is also something I will never get tired of.”

Of Ella’s role as mini-cheerleader, Jenny thinks its a great way to showcase that dance is for everyone.

“We perform just before the players run out and we are an essential part of getting the crowd excited before kick off. Having a child perform with us helps to show that dance is for everyone and even our younger fans can get involved in supporting our local rugby team. Dance is for everyone, and so is rugby.”

Sources: GTG Interview — Jenny Beck

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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 Meet South Africa’s ‘Mini Cheerleader’ Stealing the Show! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A 6-year-old girl named Jagger has believed (adorably) for the span of her life that the Maroon 5 hit ‘Moves Like Jagger’ was written for her. She still does. As the stars prepare for their South African shows, her family are hoping to do more than just take her to see ‘her’ song performed live, but put Jagger’s trip to the concert, on Maroon 5’s radar!

Durban, South Africa (31 January 2024) — A handful of years ago, Alex and Justin welcomed their first child into the world. They named her Jagger.

For just over the six years since she was born, Maroon 5’s 2011 smash-hit ‘Moves Like Jagger’ has been a favourite serenade that Jagger’s parents have performed for her time and time again. Of course, the little girl has believed for the span of her life that Maroon 5 wrote the song just for her.

According to her aunt Lusanda:

“She legitimately thinks Maroon 5 wrote the song for her (as one does at 6-years-old).”

So, with Maroon 5 getting ready to perform in South Africa, the perfect opportunity for Jagger to see the ‘band she inspired’ live came about.

“We have managed to come together and get them all flights, tickets in a child-safe area but close to the stage, accommodation and everything in Cape Town—so that they can go and watch Maroon 5 sing ‘her’ song to her.

“She even has a T-shirt that says ‘I am Jagger’,” adds Lusanda.

Lusanda’s big wish for her niece and the family is to get Jagger’s story on as many radars as possible and grab as much attention so that Maroon 5 might just come across Jagger, learn that she will be at the Cape Town concert, and hear of her sweet bond with them.

“If we do come right I don’t think any other 6-year-old on the planet is ever going to be more excited in their lives—EVER,” Lusanda adds.

PLEASE CAN M5 SHOUT OUT TO MY 6YR NIECE JAGGER IN CAPE TOWN! ITS HER SONG!!! SHE IS COMING!! Please share; tag & retweet #CalabashSouthAfrica

@maroon5 @keaneofficial @meduzamusic @AvaMax @WillLinleyy@Lloyiso_rsa@SunsetSweatshop

https://t.co/Z2u2sNymqc…

— Lusanda Shay Hunter (@LusandaShay) January 29, 2024

South Africans, can we make it go viral and help this dream happen?

Sources: Website Submission

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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 Help 6-Year-Old Jagger’s Maroon 5 Moment Come True! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Wholesome tears incoming! A few years back, Norman the dog spent 95 days in an animal rescue facility before he found his new family. Brimming with love, his new mom wrote a children’s book all about the dog who stole her heart.

United States (4 April, 2023) — Sometimes the underdog becomes the main character. Sometimes, he even gets his own book. Norman the rescue may not have known in October of 2020 that he’d have a book all about him one day, much less a home. But a few years and a new family later, Norman would become a pooch-protagonist touching hearts all over the world.

Back in late 2020, and Norman (known then as Zorro) would spend 95 days with the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (HART) before Julie and Paul Cundriff made him an addition to their family.

Described as a dog with a personality “bigger than the sky”, Norman even has his own Facebook page — The Adventures of Norman. 

Needless to say, Norman has his fair share of thrills in his new life, and so Julie did what any passionate dog mom would do— she wrote a book about them, making his forever home truly eternal.

Since Norman is so good with kids, she made it a children’s book so that every little one can have a Norman in their life.

And, of the non-profit that took him under their wing, HART received a surprise gift in the post recently.

“HART received a wonderful surprise in our mail today…a book written about Norman and his journey to rescue and adoption,” – HART.

So many positive rescue stories deserve a place on bookshelves, as do the incredible people who help them find their happy endings.

Here in South Africa, we have a lot of Normans just waiting for their moment in the sun, and a lot of people working tirelessly to make their story beautiful.

Check out our charity list dedicated to the organisations helping Normans around South Africa every day, and get inspired to give new life to a tired tail.

Source: Facebook (Linked Above)

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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 Norman the Rescue Pup’s New Mom Creates a Book Dedicated to Him! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Move over Spot and Fluffy… Coco, Max and Bella are in the house and topping the list of South Africa’s top pet names!

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 December 2022) – One of the most exciting parts of bringing home a new pet is choosing a name for your new furry family member. It’s a tough choice – unlike children’s names nothing is off limits; anything goes.

A favourite city, tasty treat or superhero can double up as a pet’s name. But while Paris, Alaska and Toulouse all appeared in the database of pet names this year, the list of Top 10 cat and dog names is a striking reflection of the growing “pet humanisation” trend!

Absolute Pets has released the list of the Top 10 dog and cat names for 2022, calculated using their customer dataset containing over 500,000 names. While you may expect to see names like Spot, Rex and Rover high up on the list, it is in fact more traditional boys’ and girls’ names that dominate, reminding us that these days pets are considered more part of our families than ever before.

While Bella, Luna and Charlie topped the lists of both cat and dog names, other (surprisingly) popular names include Vladimir, Sipho, Mugabe, and ‘Meghan and Harry’.

“Some of our favourite names this year come from the foodies. Weetbix, Shrimp, Tjoppie and Potato all featured. While those who clearly like to party seemed to take inspiration from the bottle with Bacardi, Tequila, Brandy, Whisky and Merlot all making an appearance,” Genevieve Adam, Absolute Pets Marketing Manager said.

Check out the list below.

Dogs:

10. Daisy

9. Mia

8. Chloe

7. Charlie

6. Roxy

5. Luna

4. Milo

3. Coco

2. Max

1. Bella

Cats:

10. Coco

9. Ginger

8. Misty

7. Charlie

6. Kitty

5. Mia

4. Tiger

3. Tigger

2. Luna

1,. Bella

Sources: Absolute Pets 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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 South Africa’s Top Pet Names of 2022 Revealed! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A video of a Llama doing something ridiculous is always so wholesome!

Global (10 March 2022) – Paco, the male Llama, met Sheika, the female Llama, for the first time. He walked up to her stall, kissed her… and then ran away.

A Llama initiated ‘kiss’ is an extraordinary moment to experience. Llamas are naturally inquisitive and sociable. It’s been said that their preferred way of getting to know another Llama is to look deep into their eyes; to achieve this, they have mastered the ‘kiss’ (very delicate dry nose-bump) strategy.

Two creatures on equal terms, stripped of pretence, lightly present noses to one another and formally greet. They just don’t usually run away afterwards.

The YouTuber who originally posted this video using this description, “My llama kissed his crush today and freaked out”.

Watch the wholesome video here:

Sources: RN News | Alpaca Kisses 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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. 

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 that there’s good news all 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 Wholesome Internet: Llama Runs Away After Kissing His Crush! appeared first on Good Things Guy.