Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation is on a mission to empower physically challenged children by providing them with essential mobility aids: specialised wheelchairs, also known as “buggies”.

Gauteng, South Africa (21 October 2024) – Wheelchairs make a world of difference in the lives of physically challenged children.

Sadly, many of those in rural, underserved areas have to go without one for most of their childhood until they are connected with life-changing angels like those of the Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation.

Doing their level best to respond to the high demand for specialised wheelchairs (buggies), the non-governmental organisation has undergone the big task of refurbishing and transforming old, worn-out chairs donated by public hospitals to provide disabled children with essential mobility aids.

“A buggy can provide them with the support they need to sit upright and pain-free. This way they can engage with the world around them.

“Buggies offer more than mobility. They offer dignity, and a chance to be a part of their family and community,” Boikanyo shared.

The dedicated team recently received a generous donation of these chairs from The Paige Project, which they will distribute at their next outreach after giving them a revamp, allowing children the freedom and joy to participate in family activities, attend school, and connect with their peers.

The organisation also extended its thanks to one of its supporters, Ruth Stubbs, who plays a key role in allowing Boikanyo to teach therapists in deep rural areas how to revamp and recycle condemned buggies from state hospitals.

“Our group does it for those terribly contorted and disabled cerebral palsy children who live in rural SA, while she revamps buggies for similarly incapacitated children in Gauteng.”

Their commitment to making a difference is evident in every community outreach and every smile they bring to a child’s face.

The next outreach will be held near Tzaneen, Limpopo, where about 100 children are on the waiting list for buggies.

To help Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation continue its invaluable work in changing the lives of countless children, email letstalk@boikanyo.org.za or visit boikanyo.org.za

Sources: Boikanyo – The Dion Herson Foundation

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Through their harmonious voices, the Tuks Camerata choir celebrates South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people in its latest album, which has earned them a South African Music Award nomination.

Pretoria, South Africa (10 October 2024) – By celebrating the country’s democracy and cultural diversity through music, the University of Pretoria (UP) choir, Tuks Camerata, earned national recognition for their exceptional musical talents.

Their latest album, uJehova, has been nominated for a South African Music Award in the Best Traditional Faith Music Album category.

According to the university, the album was released on all major streaming platforms and is a tribute to 30 years of democracy in South Africa and the country’s cultural heritage.

The album boasts 13 captivating songs, which are a heartfelt tribute to South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of its democracy.

Tuks Camerata conductor Dr Michael Barrett-Berg, on behalf of the choir, expressed that they were humbled to be nominated among South Africa’s best artists and musicians.

“This is a special nod for us, as the Camerata strives to make the choir a home for all students.

“We specialise in both Western and traditional choral music, so to receive a nomination for Best Traditional Faith Music Album is in line with our goals to promote inclusivity and diversity, both for the choir and UP as a whole,” said Dr Barrett-Berg.

The album features thoughtfully curated pieces that demonstrate a dedication to preserving and advancing the musical heritage of the country, providing listeners with an opportunity to commemorate a significant milestone in South African history.

The choir is made up of 78 full-time students from across disciplines, and their success lies in their ability to harmonise diverse voices while embracing innovation in traditional choral music.

Noting that it is not common for a choir to be nominated at this esteemed level, Dr Barrett-Berg said the choir was honoured to be listed among the country’s best.

“We are looking forward to the announcement of the winners on 2 November 2024, and although winning a SAMA would be wonderful, being nominated is just as amazing,” an honoured Dr Barrett-Berg said.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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Fifteen hearing-impaired young people will get to immerse themselves in the dynamic industry of film production thanks to a new internship programme by the Wits Centre for Deaf Studies.

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 October 2024) – Opening the door to artistic expression and the exciting industry of film production to the deaf community is the Wits University Centre for Deaf Studies (CFDS).

The centre recently launched an innovative film production internship, offering 15 deaf youth the opportunity to explore their passion for filmmaking and develop their skills, all while being attentive to their unique needs.

The six-month internship has been made possible through a generous grant from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). It is exclusively designed to work with the unique strengths and learning strategies of deaf individuals.

Interns will be guided through the entire filmmaking journey from concept to story, script adaptation and videography to post-production.

The internship will culminate in a short film which will premiere at the CFDS’ Deaf Film and Art Festival scheduled for March 2025. The festival will celebrate the unique contributions of deaf artists and promote greater inclusion and accessibility in the arts.

CFDS will also host experiential training opportunities for South African Sign Language interpreters ahead of the festival to ensure that deaf South Africans can fully access the arts.

“This is a monumental step towards inclusion, empowerment, and artistic expression for the Deaf community. We are grateful to the NLC for their grant,” says Prof. Claudine Storbeck, Associate Professor at the Centre for Deaf Studies.

Project lead and film producer Nenio Mbazima, who is a member of the deaf community himself, believes that the internship will open doors for the youth.

“The goal is for them to not only gain entrepreneurial skills but also be able to find employment in video production companies, where their deafness will not be seen as a limitation, but rather as an asset.

“Through this project, I want them to have the confidence and skills to thrive in the media industry and contribute to greater inclusivity in the workforce,” says Mbazima who lost his hearing at the age of 10 due to meningitis.

Although his early schooling years were particularly difficult as he was the only deaf learner in a mainstream school, Mbazima persevered to complete his studies and follow his passions.

Through the encouragement of friends, he earned a certificate in TV Production and Theory at Wits.

Today, he is a skilled video producer at CFDS and is excited to lead the groundbreaking internship, contributing to the artistic expression of the deaf community.

Sources: Wits Centre for Deaf Studies

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The community of Dinokeng has rallied together to support Iain, a local hero who braved a wildfire in Boekenhoutskloofdrift to support firefighter efforts and tragically suffered third-degree burns.

Dinokeng, South Africa (07 October 2024) – With the relentless fires that have been ravaging the Dinokeng region over the past month, a dedicated resident from Leeuwkloof Valley, Ian, played his part in tirelessly fighting fires with other local Fire Protection Association members.

His selfless commitment to protecting his community sadly came at a devastating cost. On Monday morning, 30 September, while fighting a fire in Boekenhoutskloofdrift, Ian suffered severe third-degree burns, covering 60% of his body.

According to Dinokeng Central Tourism Organisation, Iain’s family, devastated by the news, flew up from Cape Town to be by his side.

“We received news from his family that Ian will be transferred from the Steve Biko Academic Hospital  to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and that the doctors will do everything in their power for Ian’s recovery.

“This news came as a relief for his family, friends and wider community as Baragwanath has a state-of-the-art ‘burn’ unit,” a Dinokeng Central Tourism Organisation statement said.

However, due to his condition, Iain won’t be able to work for the foreseeable future, putting his plumbing business – his main source of income – on hold. He also has no financial support to cover his medical expenses or other unforeseen costs.

In response to this urgent need, the community started a fundraising campaign to help Iain weather the storm.

Iain’s selfless service to his community has touched the hearts of many, and the hope is that with the support of his loved ones and the community, he will make a full recovery.

To learn more about how you can help toward Ian’s recovery journey, visit his BackaBuddy page.

Sadly since publishing this article, Good Things Guy received news that Iain has passed away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the selfless local hero who put the well-being and safety of others before his own. Rest well, Iain.

Sources: Dinokeng Central Tourism Organisation

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Peter P’s determination to get clean and turn his life around with the support of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) enabled him to overcome 35 years of addiction. Today, he is a powerful advocate for those struggling with drug abuse in poor communities.

Gauteng, South Africa (03 October 2024) – Having previously battled a hardcore drug addiction for 35 years, Peter P had a life-changing wake-up call one random morning to turn his life around for the better. He is now doing invaluable work in impoverished Gauteng communities to help curb the debilitating curse of addiction.

Sharing about his uphill battle to nine years of sobriety, Peter opened up about how he found himself experimenting with drugs as a rebellious teen as an escape from a troubled relationship with his father growing up.

“I started smoking when I was 11 years old. It spiralled out of control and that led to 35 years of addiction. I was a full-blown addict and had more than my fair share of brushes with the law.

“Even after I got married, my wife had no idea that she married an addict. I hid it that well until about 10 years ago. My wife finally found out and I went to rehab but it didn’t solve anything because I wasn’t going for the right reasons,” Peter discloses.

Peter even suffered a drug-induced heart attack some years back and was in ICU for 10 days. Even then, the grip of addiction had a tight hold on him, and Peter found himself calling his dealer five days into his hospital stay.

“In November 2015 I woke up one morning and I came to the conclusion that I could no longer keep killing myself. I did not want to die. I reached out to Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and I booked myself into rehab,” reflects Peter on the turning point of his life.

Through rehabilitation and involvement with NA, Peter received the tools to start rebuilding his life and the damage he had done to his family.

“NA changed my life, it gave me purpose and a reason to live. I also attended meetings at hospitals and institutions where I told my story to try and help addicts realise that there is a way out.”

Three years ago, Peter got involved with NA’s PR department, and he found his calling after about nine years of not having had a job.

“I started working among the poorest of the poor communities. The people in townships and squatter camps have nothing and it is especially difficult for them to get help. Most of them can’t access mental health support, which plays a crucial role in ending up in substance abuse,’ a passionate Peter says.

Among his other involvements and outreaches, Peter also holds weekly meetings at a men’s homeless shelter in Kempton Park and shares his story of addiction, which plays a big part in igniting the motivation to give up substance abuse and realise that someone who walked that journey for years could change the life around for the better.

Peter later took over NA’s PR department in Johannesburg two years ago and works with various NGOs to host outreach initiatives in underserved communities and to help establish regular weekly meetings.

Peter is making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals, proving that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find redemption and make a positive impact on the world.

“The power of one addict helping another addict is without parallel. I understand the journey of the person I’m trying to help. Seeing someone’s life changed through my story and efforts is very fulfilling and emotional for me.

“The work I do keeps me clean, it reminds me of where I come from and where I could end up. Working with these communities has given me a purpose that I never had before,” the inspiring changemaker concludes. 

To get in touch with Narcotics Anonymous, call 0861 00 6962.

Sources: Nothando Mthembu

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The Learning Trust is excited to launch its 5th annual Lights On After School campaign, which shines the spotlight on the value and impact of learning outside the classroom through After-School Programmes.

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 September 2024) – The Learning Trust believes that by providing safe and enriching learning environments after school, we can help South Africa’s youth achieve their full potential!

The launch of the annual Lights On After School campaign is on the horizon, and the educational organisation is thrilled to shine a spotlight on after-school programmes (ASPs) across South Africa!

The Lights On After School campaign is all about sharing and showcasing the transformative power of after-school programs in our country.

The Learning Trust, in partnership with the Youth and After School Programme Office (Western Cape), is leading the 5th annual campaign under the theme, ‘Building Strong Foundations’, which highlights the critical role ASPs play in equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive.

ASPs are instrumental in helping young people develop essential skills, bridge learning gaps, and build strong foundations for their futures.

This year’s campaign also emphasises the power of ASPs in future-proofing young people for employment – speaking to a great need in our country.

“ASPs nurture the leaders of tomorrow, and we’re excited to join forces for this year’s campaign! Lights On After School is about cultivating love and creating support so that learners can excel.

“We see how learners light up; it’s a lot about cultivating love and creating the support so that learners can excel,” shares The Learning Trust’s Executive Director, Charlene Petersen-Voss.

Lights On After School is a time filled with joy and creativity, showcasing the importance of #AfterSchoolProgrammes.

For more information, visit here.

Sources: The Learning Trust

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University of Pretoria graduate Keanan van Dyk is living the dream in England as he gains invaluable experience working with the talented F1 Aerodynamics team at Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Milton Keynes, England (20 September 2024) – Few feelings can compare to finally landing the job or opportunity that you had so eagerly been hoping to secure after years of studying and working hard. The overwhelming joy and sense of accomplishment that follows is truly indescribable!

Basking in the joy of his latest achievement is Keanan van Dyk, a University of Pretoria Mechanical Engineering graduate who is living his best life in England as he gains invaluable experience from the very best of Oracle Red Bull Racing F1’s Aerodynamics Development Team.

Keanan secured a highly sought-after internship at the company and shared that landing the opportunity was unbelievable.

“Finding out that I got the placement was one of the happiest moments in my adult life,

“Fearing that my ears were deceiving me, I asked the human resources employee to repeat what they said several times, before finally accepting that I was indeed hearing correctly. After that, I wasted no time and called every single close friend and family member,” Keanan explained.

According to the University of Pretoria, the young man had been working on obtaining a position in a field related to aeroplane aerodynamics since early on during his undergraduate studies before realising that the world of F1 pushes aerodynamics to the limits.

At his new job, Keanan is part of the Aerodynamic Development Team, where he helps design aerodynamic surfaces of F1 vehicles and simulates the generated flow field using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

The team also analyses the flow field, looking at pressure distribution, losses, and vortices, and trying to see what aerodynamic effects our surfaces had.

During this one-year internship at Red Bull Technology’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, England, Keanan will be stationed in the Aerodynamics department but will also spend time working with other departments, including Race Engineering and Strategy.

Keanan obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree from UP in 2022 and believes his UP studies created a strong basis of practical and theoretical knowledge.

“My degree offered constant opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge gathered in the lectures to industry-relevant problems,” he said.

Looking back at his earlier study days he admits that, like many peers, Keanan faced several challenges academically, including feeling like he’d been thrown in the deep end with some modules and like he was expected to teach himself how to swim.

Keanan’s passion for engineering stems from a love of finding solutions from when he was a child who found a thrill in solving problems and challenging activities like puzzles, Lego and maths.

“Engineering is essentially just that on steroids,” shared the budding aerodynamics pro.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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More than just a fun potjiekos competition, Doorway to Dignity’s Pots of Hope event is a beacon of hope for those facing homelessness and food insecurity.

Randburg, South Africa (11 September 2024) – With just a few weeks to go, plans are underway for Doorway to Dignity’s annual Pots of Hope event on Saturday, 12 October.

Now in its eighth year, the Pots of Hope event, hosted by Doorway to Dignity, is a heartwarming initiative that aims to combat homelessness and food insecurity.

This annual event provides those in need with an unforgettable dining experience while also raising awareness about the challenges they face.

The wholesome event will distribute meals to those in need and feature a potjiekos competition where contestants will cook a variety of delectable potjies, which are then judged by a panel of professional chefs.

“The folk who regularly attend Ferndale Bible Chapel’s Saturday Church will be invited to partake in a meal at the Pots of Hope pop-up restaurant.

“They will order from a menu offering a variety of potjie dishes from the competition and be served by waiters, just like in a regular restaurant. The meal will also include refreshing cold drinks and a delicious dessert,” Doorway to Dignity shared.

The remaining potjiekos meals will be served in eco-friendly containers and distributed to pre-selected beneficiaries.

The charity will need a lot of hands on deck to make the event a success and ensure many people in need receive a little extra love and a warm meal.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back, Pots of Hope is a great place to start.

To find out more about how you can help email Trevor at trevor@doorwaytodignity.org

Sources: Doorway to Dignity

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Despite the challenges posed by illegal snare poaching, SRP’s volunteers are working tirelessly to remove snares, educate communities, and protect innocent animals from harm.

Gauteng, South Africa (05 September 2024) – Responding to the enormous issue of snares threatening innocent wildlife for selfish gain, the Snare Removal Project (SRP) was established in August 2023 by Paul Veltman and Nadine Louw.

Driven by the passion for protecting wildlife, Paul had been involved in snare removal for many years before the start of SRP and had noticed an increasing trend of snaring after COVID-19.

What are snares?

Snares are part of illegal hunting and are used to trap wild animals by using materials such as wire, cable, or string. These traps are fashioned into a loop, which is anchored to a tree, fence or other vegetation.

The traps are often placed to catch small animals for additional sustenance or to catch bigger animals like Blesbok to sell the meat for financial gain. Both instances are considered illegal poaching and have severely damaging effects on the ecosystem.

Often, dogs, cats, jackals, and monkeys get caught in snares as by-catch and end up dying horrible deaths, just to be left to rot away.

“This is the other major concern with snares, it is a very agonising and cruel method used to trap wild animals.

“We are now noticing a trend to catch animals around the abdomen to prolong their death, this is to keep the meat viable for as long as possible but in turn leaves the animal to suffer for longer as well,” Paul explains.

Committed to a worthy cause

Through his ongoing dedication to snare removal, Paul connected with many individuals who shared his passion. They provided valuable insight into snaring practices, which Paul used to support an anti-snaring program for an organisation. During his time there, he met influential members of what is now the SRP.

Together, they recognised the need to educate more people about snaring and expand their network of like-minded individuals committed to addressing this issue.

“Nadine was part of the previous snare removal events and was eager to assist in spreading the word on the issue. Nadine, Paul and others then decided to start a dedicated snare removal initiative to widen the reach.”

The team has also been fortunate enough to meet volunteers who are extremely dedicated and passionate about this initiative and have become part of the SRP.

Just how big is the problem?

Unfortunately, due to the socioeconomic status of many in South Africa, along with underfunded wildlife protection efforts, the problem has become enormous.

This year alone, the SRP team has completed a total of 22 sweeps and has removed 802 snares!

“The areas we focus on are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to various informal settlements such as Diepsloot, Atteridgeville, Spruit, and numerous newly established ones. These settlements border the protected wildlife areas of Hoogland Health Hydro Reserve.

We suspect that residents of these informal settlements, along with workers and illegal wood cutters in the area, are setting the snares. This makes it incredibly difficult to stay ahead of the problem. In a single day, our team has removed as many as 114 snares in an area near the R511.”

What the SRP is doing to mitigate the issue

The SRP operates on a volunteer basis and regularly searches unprotected areas for snares. The team meets up two to three times a month for a snare sweep and covers vast areas, walking up to 10 km per sweep.

They are looking into the option of registering as a public benefit organisation to upskill and resource our members and volunteers, with the possible funding they would enable volunteers to set up satellite events in other areas thereby increasing their ability to protect wildlife.

They also educate and train the public and communities about the impact snares have on biodiversity and the environment.

“We also record GPS locations of each snare, advising on the size and material used to give an idea of what kind of animals are targeted and what the reasons could be.

“As SRP we hope to share our knowledge on the evils of snaring and educate communities to take a proactive approach on eradicating snaring in their environment,” shares a dedicated Paul.

To learn more about snares, participate in an upcoming sweep, or to simply get in touch with the SRP, email snareremovalproject@gmail.com.

Sources: Nothando Mthembu / Snare Removal Project

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The compassionate members of St Columba’s church are serving up bowls of warmth and compassion to those in need in Parkview.

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 August 2024) – The St Columba’s Presbyterian Church in Parkview has become a beacon of hope for those in need.

The St. Columba’s Soup Kitchen goes above and beyond to combat hunger in Parkview, Johannesburg. They serve over 1,500 breakfasts a month to people in need and provide additional meals throughout the week. From Monday to Friday, including public holidays, each person receives a cup of homemade soup, a piece of fruit, a boiled egg, and two sandwiches.

This incredible work is made possible by the unwavering support of the congregation, local residents, and generous donors who come together to make a positive impact during challenging times.

“Central to keeping the stocks of soup flowing is the regular Slice & Dice Project, which kicks in every six weeks or so. This is where the community comes together to donate vegetables and soup ingredients.

“Volunteers then get together with their knives and chopping boards to process the donations. The real heroine is, however, a single benefactor, who makes upwards of 450 litres of soup in her home kitchen,” shared Soup Kitchen Organiser Geoff van Heerden.

The recent Slice & Dice Project, a resounding success, was held at St. Columba’s Hall on Tuesday, August 28th. This event was crucial to restocking their freezers, which were urgently in need of supplies.

“This outpouring of love and support is a shining example of what can be achieved when people get together for a common cause. Yes, we can South Africa!”

Through the St Columba’s Soup Kitchen efforts, the church’s outreach team has selflessly dedicated their time and resources to ensure that no one goes hungry in their community.

The soup kitchen not only provides nutrition but also offers a safe and welcoming environment where people can connect with others, reduce feelings of isolation, and build a sense of community.

Over and above the soup kitchen, the outreach team covers a lot of ground. They also do medical screening, blanket drives, knit beanies and scarves and provide support for children ‘s homes and shelters for abused women and children.

To keep the soup kitchen going strong, the group has a wish list of carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, cabbages, butternuts, macaroni, rice and stock cubes.

To contribute to the initiative or for more information, email Geoff at geoffvheerden@gmail.com.

Sources: St Columba’s Soup Kitchen

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