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

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 Boikanyo Revamps “Buggies” to Bring Mobility and Hope to Deserving Disabled Kids appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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

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 Vhutshilo Mountain School Offers Lifeline to AIDS Orphans appeared first on Good Things Guy.

With tireless effort and perseverance, the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation is working hard to transform a neglected farm into a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for wildlife in Limpopo. Countless creatures have already found refuge and rehabilitation at the new facility but assistance is needed to fully equip it.

Limpopo, South Africa (30 September 2024) – The Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation (WHWF), committed to the care and conservation of wildlife throughout Southern Africa, has achieved a major milestone by acquiring a permanent property to serve as its rehabilitation centre.

According to the foundation, for founders Carina Crayton and Paul Oxton, the dream has always been to have a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of their own.

“So, when the time came and the property we had been based on in Roodepoort was sold, we were offered the farm we are currently on, in Limpopo, to start our own facility.

“The move was incredibly expensive, as we had a lot of cages, capture and treatment equipment to transport,” Carina shares.

The new Rehabilitation Center is based 35km outside of Naboomspruit (Mookgopong), on the Roedtan side, on the beautiful Springbokvlakte of the bushveld.

Since being there, Carina and Paul have had many successful rescues, treatments and releases, from Ungulungu the meerkat to several tortoises, owls, birds of prey, porcupines, caracals, squirrels, bushbabies, snakes and many more.

“We are making a difference, and that is what it’s all about. The future of wildlife is in our hands. If it is at all within our power to do so, we will help,” says Carina.

The neglected farmhouse required much renovation work to make it liveable before the WHWF team could start working on the clinic building and the outside area to build second-stage enclosures and outbuilding store rooms.

They have also completed the most beautiful tortoise enclosure where tortoise patients can spend some time recuperating before being genetically mapped for suitable release sites.

“We also applied for our permits from Nature Conservation, which are mandatory for any ethically-minded wildlife rehabilitation center. This process took quite some time, but could not be bypassed.”

Despite the challenges and expenses involved in the move, the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation remains committed to its mission.

While founders Carina and Paul Oxton have done an impressive job of building what promises to be a haven for neglected and injured wildlife in their new home, they are still in need of important equipment and supplies to carry out their services effectively.

These items include; bush-clearing equipment, fencing and construction materials, some stainless steel treatment tables, a sonar machine, a portable X-ray machine, solar backup power and a serious water filtration system.

To assist with supplies or to make a donation, contact WHWF at wildheartwf.info@gmail.com.

Sources: Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation

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 “We Are Making a Difference”: Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation Secures New Home in Limpopo appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Forced to share groundwater with animals, a local Limpopo community endured the hardship of water scarcity for a very long time until the Collen Mashawana Foundation stepped in to provide relief.

Limpopo, South Africa (18 September 2024) – Water is not only a basic need but also plays a crucial role in sustaining life in all its forms and yet, many underserved communities battle to access clean and safe drinking water in this advanced day and age.

This has been a heartbreaking hardship for many people living in the Tikiline community, located within the Blouberg Local Municipality in Limpopo.

The situation was worsened by the deterioration of previously drilled boreholes by the municipality which required maintenance.

As a result, residents have been facing water challenges for a prolonged period, which has forced them to share groundwater with animals.

Moved to help improve this dire situation, the Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF) visited the community where members discovered what was thought to be a well, turned out to be a ruptured underground pipe, resulting in water contamination with harmful substances.

“Water samples were collected for analysis in a laboratory, and a team of surveyors was sent to identify a suitable location for a new borehole equipped with purification systems,” CMF explained.

Three weeks later, a new borehole was successfully handed over to the community, bringing much relief to the desperate community.

“The compassion and support shown by CMF to this community exemplify our dedication to assisting Africans with essential services and restoring dignity.”

Sources: Collen Mashawana Foundation

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.

Borehole and borehole.

The post New Borehole Brings Relief for Water-Deprived Limpopo Community appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Through the dedicated efforts of the wildlife experts and a kind pilot, Ungulungu was able to return to his natural habitat in the Kalahari.

Limpopo, South Africa (15 September 2024) – An adorable little meerkat named Ungulungu (meaning Meerkat in Zulu), was recently rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade by Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation (WHWF) in Limpopo.

One-year-old Ungulungu was heavily human imprinted and needed to be weaned from human contact, while still keeping the delicate balance in managing his stress responses.

This meant that Ungulungu required focused care for about six hours per day on him alone. Due to the lack of feeding and health history, WHWF conducted a basic health examination, treated him for parasites, and gradually switched him to a costly, balanced food, serving as a transition from a human-fed diet to a nature-fed one, WHWF explained.

“To get him used to the new food, it was liquidized, with some insects thrown in after the fact so that when he dug them out, he got used to the soft food taste.

“Gradually less and less water was added, and within about five days he had completely transitioned to the balanced dry food. Hot water bottles, his soft and heat lamps kept him comfortable on cold Limpopo nights.”

Meerkats are social animals and need a lot of care to be properly rehabilitated, and the decision was made to send Ungulungu home to the Kalahari to a specialist meerkat rehabilitation facility. Full rehabilitation can take up to two years.

According to WHWF, the person who bought him as a pet, in effect, stole more than two years of his wildlife.

Paul Oxton, Founder/CEO of Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation, said:

“Every animal’s life matters because every animal has a part to play in a balanced ecology. Meerkats belong in the Kalahari. They are not pets.”

The Bateleurs, a conservation group, quickly agreed to help Ungulungu and South African pilot Karl Jensen volunteered to fly him.

Ungulungu was packed with everything he needed, including a hot water bottle and his favourite toy as he boarded the plane to start his journey home.

He was then handed over to Solid Earth Meerkat Rehab and Rescue for further care and rewilding.

“Meerkats get a raw deal because of their cuteness. The wild populations are decimated by the illegal pet trade. Being social animals, they become incredibly stressed when not with a mob, and can start self-mutilating – biting their tails or feet off.

“We needed to get Ungulungu with his own kind asap, to give him the best opportunity at a free and wild life”, said Carina Crayton, Co-Founder Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation.

The cute passenger coped well with flying, is now on his way to the next stage of his life, and is integrating well with the others.

Ungulungu is already claiming a mob (a family group of meerkats) as his own, showing aggression towards humans coming too close, and also appears to have found a love interest too!

Sources: Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation (WHWF)

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 Rescued Meerkat “Ungulungu” Finds New Home in Kalahari appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Trees play such an important role in our ecosystems, and WILDTRUST is encouraging all of us to join its Arbour Month initiative.

South Africa (09 September 2024) – Hey, tree huggers! It’s Arbour month, and WILDTRUST is calling upon the global community to take trees seriously.

Trees are the backbone of our ecosystems; they provide oxygen, improve air quality, conserve water, and support wildlife.

By planting indigenous ones, we can play an active part in restoring our landscapes and giving back to the environment that supports us in so many meaningful ways.

This year, the environmental NPO aims to “Restore and Sustain Trees for Today and Tomorrow,” emphasising the critical role trees play in building ecological resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

“At WILDTRUST, our commitment to conservation goes beyond just planting trees; it’s about restoring entire ecosystems. Through our extensive restoration projects, we are not only replanting indigenous trees but also reviving the biodiversity and livelihoods that these trees support,” the organisation shared.

Initiatives, such as the Wildlands Ecological Restoration project, are focused on restoring degraded land and promoting biodiversity. They offer natural solutions to help communities cope with the challenges of climate change.

“By planting trees, we are sowing the seeds of a healthier planet and empowering communities with the tools to nurture and protect these vital resources.”

Join the WILDTRUST movement this Arbour month and take a stand for the environment.

“Let’s plant trees, restore habitats, and secure a greener, more resilient future for our planet and its people. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”

Sources: Wildlands

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 Plant Trees, Save the Planet: Join WILDTRUST’s Arbour Month Campaign appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Remember Magadani’s love for wildlife and nature began as a young girl and she has now found fulfilment in her volunteer work at Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park, South Africa (06 September 2024) – Having grown up in rural Limpopo, Remember Magadani was always curious whenever she saw people travelling to go to the Kruger National Park, wondering what all the fascination was about.

After asking around and discovering that it was the Big Five that had people and tourists travelling to the national park, a seed was planted in Remember’s heart. However, the burning desire to also make the adventurous trip posed a challenge when she was still young.

“As I grew up and started working, and married my husband, David, we were able to buy our own car.

“We bought ourselves a tent and were finally able to visit the Kruger National Park and camp in the camping areas,” Remembers recalls.

The love for wildlife and nature was instant and during the holiday season, she and her now late husband would visit Skukuza, Berg en Dal and Crocodile Bridge.

“We liked those areas of the park. The camp manager at Skukuza approached me and asked me if I would like to volunteer and join the SANParks Honorary Rangers,” said Rememner who felt honoured and wasted no time in filling out application forms.

Today, Remember finds purpose and pleasure in tourism duty because she enjoys talking to people from all cultures and walks of life.

“I am so grateful to be part of working as a volunteer in Kruger.”

Eager to learn more about national parks and wildlife, Remember has attended many indabas.

Since her husband passed away she has had to take on additional responsibility when it comes to taking care of and providing for her family. But her volunteer work remains a priority and passion.

“I enjoy working as a team and we work hard. I make sure to prioritise time to do voluntary SHR duty.”

Sources: SANParks Honorary Rangers

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 Remember Magadani Shares How Curiosity Led Her to Becoming a Dedicated SANparks Volunteer appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir is set to enchant the world with their harmonious magic on the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall.

Limpopo, South Africa (20 August 2024) – The phenomenally talented Ndlovu Youth Choir is taking the musical magic from Moutse in Limpopo to one of the world’s most iconic stages.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir rose to international fame primarily through their powerful performance on America’s Got Talent in 2019.

Their unique blend of traditional South African music with contemporary pop, combined with their infectious energy and captivating stage presence, has continued to capture the hearts of millions worldwide.

Commenting on the exciting opportunity to showcase the Ndlovu magic at Carnegie Hall, Ralf Schmitt of the Ndlovu Choir told the Good Things Guy that the group has always aspired to showcase their talent beyond Africa’s borders.

“The primary goal of the choir is to showcase the potential of South Africans, particularly young South Africans from rural areas. We come from a rural part of Limpopo where there is high youth unemployment yet there is so much talent.

“Every single member comes from a relatively small geographical area, most of them in the village surrounding the theatre where we rehearse.”

Ralf shared that to be invited to the Carnegie Hall to showcase their skills, is a dream come true.

A celebration of 30 years of democracy will be held at the iconic hall and Ndlovu Youth Choir was selected as one of the artists to showcase South Africa’s talent.

This may not be the choir’s first show in America, but to perform at the Carnegie Hall, which has hosted many of the world’s greatest performers, is an honour for the rising stars.

“It is truly one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious stages. We’re very excited about it. Preparations for performances like this are huge. Everybody is working and rehearsing really hard. It is going to be an absolute extravaganza when we get to New York,” Ralf added.

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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 South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir to Shine on Iconic Carnegie Hall Stage appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Not only has Sergeant Basani Benevolence Baloyi shattered the glass ceiling as the first female member of the SAPS Mounted Unit in Limpopo, but she has also become a pillar of her community.

Limpopo, South Africa (21 August 2024) – With a passion for horses and a commitment to serving her community, Sergeant Basani Benevolence Baloyi has carved out a remarkable career in a traditionally male-dominated field.

A force to be reckoned with in her field, 46-year-old Sergeant Baloyi is the sole female member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Mounted Unit in Limpopo.

Her groundbreaking career has not only shattered the glass ceiling but also set a new standard for women in law enforcement.

With exceptional horsemanship skills honed during her time in the unit, Baloyi has garnered widespread respect and admiration both within and outside the SAPS.

According to SAPS, Baloyi also managed to build relationships between police and local communities, promote trust and cooperation, demonstrate remarkable bravery and dedication in challenging situations and earn respect from colleagues and the public.

The Sergeant is not only a remarkable force in the mounted unit and a community leader, but she is also the mother of six precious children, including triplets born on August 13, 2011.

Balancing a demanding career with motherhood, particularly with triplets, is no easy feat, yet Baloyi has overcome challenges with grace and resilience.

Baloyi humbly acknowledges that her achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and support. She hopes to inspire other women to chase their passions fearlessly, regardless of obstacles.

“I am proud to be a trendsetter for women in the SAPS Mounted Unit. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their passions, even if they seem unconventional. I am committed to serving my community and making a difference in the lives of those around me,” Baloyi shared.

Sources: South African Police Service

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 Limpopo Police Officer Breaks Barriers as First Female SAPS Mounted Unit Member appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Charley the elephant has finally made it to his ‘retirement home’ where he’ll spend his golden years after a lifetime of waiting for freedom:

Limpopo, South Africa (20 August 2024) — Last month, we shared the long-awaited news that Charley the elephant (also known as Charlie) was finally on his way to freedom and retirement after decades in captivity. A recent update informs that Charley’s relocation has been a success!

The news of Charley’s plans for freedom came as music to many ears of advocates who had been fighting long and hard for the 44-year-old elephant.

Born in Hwange National Park, Charley was captured as a young elephant along with nine others. In 1984, he was imported by the Boswell Circus, where, for 16 long years, he would perform in the circus.

In the early 2000s, he was transferred to the National Zoological Gardens, where he remained for the next 23 years.

When Charley’s story began garnering attention in the past few years, many raised their voices to support his freedom and relocation. There were petitions, letters to Environmental Ministers, and public outcries. At the helm of the ship supporting Charley were The Pro Elephant Network, the EMS Foundation, and FOUR PAWS, with many of these teams having put decades of work into freeing the elephant.

By 2023, the odds had turned in Charley’s favour when SANBI announced that Charley was going to retire at last. But, this was only the beginning of good news for his golden years; the actual relocation still needed to happen!

Relocation plans were designed by FOUR PAWs to make sure that the famous bull got the best and smoothest transition. The plan was that he would head to Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo—a 10,000-hectare space where elephants are known to successfully reintegrate back into the wild and thrive together in the area. Of course, relocating an elephant of Charley’s age is no small task, but incredible people came together to make sure it would be the beginning of a happy ending.

And, as of today, FOUR PAWS is beaming with joy to report that Charley’s relocation has been a success!

Dr Amir Khalil, who made sure Charley got to his ‘retirement home’ safely, shares:

“Charley underwent crate training at his enclosure before his relocation. This process ensured Charley’s safe and stress-free transport. His further rehabilitation commences now that Charley is safely in his new home.”

Leaving the zoo wasn’t easy. As Dr Khalil reflects, there was an emotional response from the caretakers who did not want to see him go.

However, Dr Khalil adds: “We are sure that once they can see him in a natural habitat with the proper space appropriate for an elephant they may feel differently.”

Once on the open road, the transport to the reserve went smoothly, and soon, Charley walked out as cool as a cucumber to explore his new boma. His first night is said to have been a good one, and he is being monitored by a team of experts to ensure his well-being as he settles into his acclimation period.

“This retirement is an important milestone for elephant Charley but also for better animal welfare in South Africa. Together with our partners, we have been working tirelessly to end the loneliness of elephant Charley to see him thrive in his new species appropriate home. At FOUR PAWS, we strive for sustainable long-term solutions, advocate for the most favourable legal framework protecting wild animals and improve the lives of as many animals as possible,” shares FOUR PAWS CEO and President Josef Pfabigan.

Sources: Supplied—FOUR PAWS

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 An Update on Charley the Elephant Who Waited a Lifetime for Freedom appeared first on Good Things Guy.