Now, at the touch of a button, South Africa’s iconic Big 5 safari is just a ride away—thanks to Uber’s groundbreaking new Safari option, bringing the wild closer than ever before.

Western Cape, South Africa (13 October 2024) – South Africa is known for many things—stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and of course, our unbeatable safaris. Nothing quite compares to the magic of a bush trip, where the wild meets the luxurious. For both local and international travellers, it’s a massive drawcard. From the moment you step into the untamed wilderness, the call of the wild pulls you in. The roar of a lion, the grace of a giraffe, and the sheer presence of an elephant up close—it’s an unforgettable experience.

And now, thanks to a world-first initiative, you can book your next safari with just a tap on your phone!

Uber has introduced its groundbreaking “Safari” option in Cape Town and it’s nothing short of incredible. The partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve means you can now effortlessly plan a Big 5 adventure, all from the Uber app. That’s right—at the touch of a button, a safari is within your grasp.

Here’s how it works:

With Uber Safari, you’ll be picked up in Cape Town in a specially-branded vehicle, allowing you to sit back and relax as you leave the city behind. As the iconic Karoo mountains come into view, you’ll arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve, where a welcome toast and lunch await you. After your delicious meal, it’s time to embark on the real adventure—a game drive led by experienced rangers and guides who know just how to give you the best chance of spotting the Big 5: lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinos. It’s a truly immersive experience, where every twist and turn holds the promise of seeing something extraordinary.

“We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection. “Uber Safari allows folks to book and enjoy an unforgettable day at Aquila, where they’ll get to experience the Big 5 in an easy and luxurious way. It’s the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.”

Priced at R3,550 per trip for up to four people, this full-day excursion covers your transport, a 2-3 hour game drive, lunch, and access to the reserve’s picturesque grounds. And with the option to book up to 90 days in advance through Uber Reserve, planning your next bush trip has never been simpler.

Mzansi, we’ve got it all—sun, safari, and luxury, and now, you can have it all at the press of a button.

Whether you’re a local looking for a quick escape from the city or a visitor checking off your bucket list, this new Uber Safari option is a game-changer.

Sources: 

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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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The ever pretty in pink and prestigious Mount Nelson Hotel has been crowned Africa’s Best Hotel per the 2024 ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels!

Cape Town, South Africa (18 September 2024) — Ever pretty in pink, prestigious and boasting the aesthetic potential to become Wes Anderson’s next film location, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is certainly at the top tier of eye candy in Cape Town.

But, this historic hotel has long been praised for being more than just a pretty scene. Much to the pride of South Africa, the Pink Lady has recently earned the title as Africa’s Best Hotel as per the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list!

The 50 Best Hotels awards celebrate the very best-of-the-best when it comes to the international hotel scene; just as they do in spotlighting other pride and joys from cities on rankings like the 50 Best Beaches list.

Although the 50 Best Hotels list is a new addition to the World Best scene having made its debut just last year, it has already become a coveted list to rank on; showcasing significant stays that have earned prestige for everything from their culinary offerings to service and overall vibes.

Mount Nelson (which placed 28th on the list) was praised as “an iconic African palace in the midst of a renaissance“, with nods to its focus on creative culture, personality-filled service and, of course, gorgeous offerings from visual pleasures to activities that include delightful garden picnics in the heart of the city and of course its famous high tea.

But, another South African darling also held its place on the acclaimed list– conservation and ecotourism focused lodge Singita based in the Kruger National Park!

Last year, Signita was the sole South African property listed while this year it claimed 44th position; praised for its future-forward design, nature-focused approach to accommodation and its offerings that range from Big 5 adventures to traditional African cuisine served al fresco under the candelabra tree.

You can check out the full list, here.

Sources: Supplied; World’s 50 Best Hotels 

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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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Donald Selepe became an airport hero recently to one traveller and those who witnessed his kindness after he helped the distressed passenger get to his plane in the nick of time!

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 September 2024) — The fear of missing a flight has long been the recurring theme of many bad dreams; the reason for extensive over-planning and in true irony, the culprit that can cause people to end up missing their flights in the first place when all those sleepless worries add up to crashing and oversleeping on D-Day. Luckily for most of us, the fear never comes to fruition. But if it does, you definitely want someone like airport hero Donald Selepe on your side!

Such was the case for an unnamed passenger at O.R Tambo International Airport, who stood at the cusp of missing his connecting flight.

Tendai Joe witnessed the unnamed passenger in great distress after the flight hailing from Kimberly had been delayed and took to share the heartwarming story of what happened next.

The passenger still had another plane to catch to East London, but because of the delay, he was well behind schedule.

Tendai recalls that the passenger had made it through check-in and security, only to realise that the boarding gate for his flight was closed.

Cue airport hero Donald, a passenger handling agent who traded his uniform for a hero’s cape that day!

“I witnessed an Airlink employee, Mr Donald Selepe, who went all out to assist a connecting passenger,” shares Tendai praising Donald for the kind of customer service that moves the needle far more toward heroism. 

Even though catching the flight seemed like a distant dream at that point, Donald stepped up to do his best to make sure it happened.

Tendai explains that as the passenger was begging and almost in tears, Donald organised a way for him to get to his plane.

Knowing it wouldn’t be possible time-wise on foot, Donald organised a car for the passenger to reach his plane safely and quickly in what Tendai dubbed a “boss move”—a situation most would’ve seen as ‘not their problem’.

Thanks to his kindness in making a plan to help the passenger reach his plane, Donald has been applauded by many for going the extra mile for a stranger and inspiring many more in the process!

Sources: Tendai Joe 

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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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Timo de Jong, a 25-year-old adventurer from the Netherlands, is hitchhiking from the UK to South Africa, documenting his 200-day journey of kindness, courage, and cultural discovery for his 135,000 followers.

Global (29 August 2024) – Travelling the world isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about expanding horizons, embracing different cultures, and gaining unique perspectives that enrich the soul. For some, the call of adventure is more than just a holiday—it’s a way of life.

Timo de Jong, a 25-year-old traveller from the Netherlands, embodies this spirit as he embarks on an extraordinary journey from the UK to South Africa, relying solely on the kindness of strangers.

But Timo is not your average traveller. At his young age, he has already explored far corners of the globe—from Japan and Latin America to Australia and Europe—using the age-old method of hitchhiking.

Now, Timo is on his most ambitious adventure yet, attempting to hitchhike from the UK all the way to South Africa. A journey that will take over 16,000 kilometres to complete. This daring endeavour, spanning over 200 days so far, started on February 11, and it has captivated the attention of his 135,000 Instagram followers, who eagerly track his every move.

“So I have hitchhiked a few times, and I tried it in April last year in Japan,” Timo shared. “It’s very expensive there, so hitchhiking seemed like a good way to save some money, and it was such a great experience.”

That experience sparked a fire within him, and soon, his travels took him to places like Mexico and all through Central America to Colombia.

When he returned to his friend’s house in the UK, he saw a map and thought, “Let’s keep going… that will work!” And just like that, a new adventure was born.

While Timo’s journey is filled with incredible stories and experiences, it’s important to note that hitchhiking is not the safest way to travel. It requires thorough research, awareness, and a fair bit of luck. Timo himself did extensive planning before embarking on this monumental trek.

He found a Facebook group of people who had driven the route from Southampton to South Africa before, gaining invaluable advice on safety, routes, and visas.

“Next thing you know, I’m on the side of the road in Southampton, trying to get a ride out towards Dover,” Timo recalled.

Having now traversed through a dozen countries—including Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and many more—Timo is currently in Oyo, located in the Republic of the Congo, after hitching more than 300 rides. He has around 4,000 kilometres to go before he gets to his final destination.

His journey is a celebration of human kindness across borders. Each day, he documents his travels, sharing snippets of the people he meets, the challenges he faces, and the stunning landscapes he crosses. His followers are not just watching his journey; they are living it with him, feeling every high and low, every joyous encounter, and every moment of doubt.

As Timo edges closer to South Africa, his story continues to unfold, bringing with it a wave of positivity and inspiration.

Safe travels, Timo! South Africa is ready to welcome you with open arms!

Sources: Timo de Jong | Instagram 

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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.

The post From The UK to South Africa: One Man’s Hitchhiking Adventure appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Cape Town is sitting pretty on another ‘World Best’ list, this time for Architectural Digest’s Top 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the World ranking!

Cape Town, South Africa (29 July 2024) — They say that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But in the case of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities List by Architectural Digest, enough beholders have agreed that Cape Town is up there with the city beauties of our planet—a coveted list boasting the likes of Paris, Kyoto and Barcelona.

Architectural Digest writer Amelia Mularz emphasises that different factors of consideration went into constructing the prettiest cities list, including “architecture, cultural treasures, historical relevance” and, of course, “natural appeal”.

Well-travelled readers will appreciate that the list is diverse in that different cities speak to different combinations of the above factors. In architecture, Barcelona, Singapore  and Jaipur (despite all being vastly different in their aesthetics) reflect nodes of design innovation throughout different eras in history. While in the case of cultural treasures, Florence, Luxor and Kyoto offer exhilarating heaps of culture. And when it comes to natural offerings, Cape Town and Chiang Mai stand green and proud in their natural rhythms.

Placed at 14 on the list, Cape Town was praised as follows:

“Brilliant blue waters, buzzing nightlife, an ever-emerging art scene, and the majestic Table Mountain make Cape Town a stunning city no matter your definition of beauty.”

South Africa’s Mother City was further applauded for its natural offerings and thrills, adding to the many World Best/Favourite lists the City has scooped spots on. 

The Full World’s Most Beautiful Cities List:

1. Adelaide, Australia
2. Tallinn, Estonia
3. Portsmouth, Dominica
4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
5. Antigua, Guatemala
6. Singapore
7. Paris, France
8. Chefchaouen, Morocco
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
10. Luxor, Egypt
11. Istanbul, Turkey
12. Kyoto, Japan
13. Barcelona, Spain
14. Cape Town, South Africa
15. Rid de Janeiro, Brazil
16. Florence, Italy
17. Djenné, Mali
18. New York City, US
19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
20. Jaipur, India

Sources: Architectural Digest 

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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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Like expats, Joburgers who have moved to Cape Town know that there are trade-offs. One Joburger-turned-Capetonian shares the things they’ll always miss about their first home—Jozi!

South Africa (28 July 2024) — There’s nothing quite like finding a fellow Joburger who, like you, might call Cape Town home these days but still has their unmistakable Jozi grit.

We’re a unique group of South Africans, us Joburg-Capetonian ‘pavement specials’. While we all have our own reasons for having made the trip West (and many of us adore living where we do now) our moves hardly means that there aren’t a lot of things about home that we sorely miss no matter how long we’ve spent assimilating to the Cape (and hardly hesitate to bond over with Joburg Capetonians like ourselves).

I recently took a trip back home for the longest stretch of time in ages, writes Good Things Guy’s Ashleigh. It was insightful in the way that reuniting with an old friend is and highlighted so many of the things us Joburg-Capetonians confide in each other about when we talk about home. 

So, I thought I’d share some of them for anyone thinking about moving, for anyone who has moved and wonders if they’re the only one who misses certain aspects of home, or anyone who simply needs a reminder that there are a lot of things to love about Johannesburg!

5 Things Joburgers Living in Cape Town Tend to Miss About Home

1. Hang Outs That Don’t Break the Bank

Think about how often you’re invited to a friend’s home in Joburg as opposed to when you’re in Cape Town.

One of the biggest draw cards for moving to the Mother City is the idea that there is more to do here. Few would dispute that Capetonians are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities (from cultural events to hikes, beaches and a new coffee shop popping up almost every week in the City Bowl and along the Atlantic Seaboard), but there is something to be said about the impact of all this on one’s purse.

In Joburg, gatherings are not centred around the activity as much as they are in Cape Town, which makes for a slightly less financially stressful feel to socialising.

2. Spectacular Space

From apartments to quaint and tiny restaurants and of course, the roads—most commonly frequented spaces in Cape Town tend to be much, much smaller. In much of Johannesburg, the roads might have more potholes but they do at least offer a lot more space so you don’t feel as if you and the car in the oncoming lane might have to fight to see who will pass first. And when it comes to parking (especially in summer) you better hope you can navigate your vehicle like a cat squeezing into impossible places. If you’re going to the beach, you had better get there at the crack of dawn.

3. Treasured Weather

When people dream about Cape Town, they tend to forget that summer Cape Town and winter Cape Town are two very different beasts. Joburg is famous for its Goldilocks weather in a way that locals can only really appreciate enough when they’ve spent a flooded, windy winter elsewhere to learn that their version of winter is vastly different to the rest of the country.

4. Smoother Socialising

In the case of those who have moved from another province (especially very sociable ones like Gauteng) the so-called ‘cliquey’ nature of Cape Town has always been a hot topic. In Cape Town’s defence, the culture is different for a myriad of reasons—people have a lot more to do with their City and its natural offerings and thus don’t need to rely on socialising with others quite as much. But, it can be difficult for new-comers to integrate into the culture in a way that isn’t as challenging as it is when integrating into Joburg culture.

5. A Culture of Appreciation

Joburgers go through a lot in terms of poorly run infrastructure. But, popularly to contrary belief, many parts of Cape Town actually do too—especially outside of the city centre. For those who only know the tourist spots of Cape Town however, it can certainly appear like the Mother City has it all figured out. The question however, is how much can those who live there appreciate it all?

Appreciating the little things is often relative to how much you feel you have to complain about. With that being said, oftentimes, Joburgers have a knack for appreciating the little things—at least more outwardly. When the robot is fixed, the praise is loud. When the water’s back on, the community sings in joy. It’s bitter-sweet, but appreciating the little things is a quality and energy that transmits throughout a lot of Jozi. Of course, the other side of the coin is that when something is going wrong, a Joburger won’t hesitate to be the loudest about it (Joburgers are very expressive).

Indeed, both Joburg and Cape Town have their own beats and rhythms. And, as it is with any move to any new place, there will always be trade-offs. But this hardly means we need to bash one place to love another.

I happen to love both my homes dearly and proudly and mostly because even if they are different flavours, they are still inherently South African.

Sources: GTG

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post 5 Things a Joburger Living in Cape Town will Always Miss About Their First Home appeared first on Good Things Guy.

South Africa is the most popular country in all of Africa for Travel + Leisure’s Favourite Safari Lodges List! Readers chose their favourite game lodges, and much to South Africa’s delight, 3 made the Top 10 cut:

South Africa (21 July 2024) — There are few experiences quite as enthralling as visiting a game lodge, especially in our breathtaking country. For those who travel many kilometres across the sea just to catch a sight of the Big Five and those of us lucky enough to take a quick drive to reconnect with our wild side alike, game lodges are a top choice travel experience for many, even beating out costal dreams or city explorations.

Recently, game lodge lovers and readers of Travel + Leisure revealed their most favourite African lodges as part of the T+L “World’s Best Awards” 2024 survey.

The findings will come as great news to South Africans, with our country being the most popular country in the category, boasting 3 local lodges in the Top 10 out of the whole continent and the top spot!

The ratings were classified based on various characteristics from service to location with thousands of readers casting their votes.

“The 2024 results highlight a blend of time-honoured favourites and emerging destinations, reflecting the diverse interests of today’s travellers. We’re delighted to honour these exceptional places and experiences that inspire our audiences to explore the world,” said Jacqui Gifford, T + L Editor.

The jury has certainly spoken, and without further ado, these are the South African lodges that made the global spotlight:

Claiming first place is South Africa’s Monwana Game Lodge in the Thornybush Nature Reserve with a reader score of 98.90. Following in seventh place is Lion Sands Game Reserve: Sabi Sand Game Reserve with a score of 97.89. And in ninth place came Thornybush Game Lodge: Thronybush Private Game Reserve with a score of 97.83!

Meanwhile, in other epic news for South Africa’s finest natural experiences, Walker Bay has an award-winning beach thanks to the Condé Nast Traveller, with Die Plaat Beach being selected as one of the world’s best beaches!

Sources: Supplied; Travel + Leisure 

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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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Walker Bay has an award winning beach thanks to the Condé Nast Traveller; Die Plaat Beach has been selected as one of the world’s best beaches.

Walker Bay, South Africa (18 July 2024) – CapeNature is proud to announce that Die Plaat Beach, located within CapeNature’s Walker Bay Nature Reserve, just east of Hermanus, has been featured on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious list of The Best Beaches in the World. The only beach in South Africa to be recognised among a list of 34 beaches worldwide. This incredible accolade highlights the exceptional natural beauty and unique features of Die Plaat, solidifying its status as one of the most remarkable coastal destinations globally.

This 17 km stretch of beach is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity and historical significance. Its rich biodiversity and unspoilt natural beauty can be attributed to the protected status of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and associated biodiversity management efforts at play. The rugged backdrop of the beach is dotted by striking limestone outcrops while visitors to nearby Hermanus – the whale capital of South Africa – often detour to Walker Bay where the beach offers the ultimate viewing perch for whales passing by and seals sprawled out on the shoreline.

“We are immensely grateful that a beach, located on one of our reserves has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller. Die Plaat’s inclusion on the list is an invitation to travellers from around the world to discover the beauty of the whale coast,” says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.

“This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and the hard work and dedication of our teams on the ground to keep it in pristine condition,” he adds.

Die Plaat Beach also falls within the Walker Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA), which helps to ensure that the area remains a nurturing ground for the southern right whale. This adds to the allure of the beach during the spectacular whale season between June and December every year. The reserve is also home to many species of seabirds, including the African Black Oystercatcher.

Klipgat Cave is located along the coastline, where Middle Stone Age people lived some 85,000 to 65,000 years ago. There is also evidence that Khoi and San people lived in the area about 2,000 years ago. Fossilised tracks, which were discovered in the sandstone, are being studied.

Visitors to Walker Bay enjoy day hikes along the coastline, angling, swimming and picnicking but the sea can be rough and dangerous.

With its abundant marine life, historical significance, and stunning vistas, Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Sources: Cape Nature – Supplied

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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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Fireblade Aviation celebrates its 10th anniversary by driving positive change in local aviation and partnering with Reach For a Dream to fulfil children’s dreams.

Johannesburg, South Africa (12 July 2024) – Local aviation, tourism, and investment play crucial roles in South Africa’s economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and promoting the country’s rich heritage to the world.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary of making a difference in the local aviation field, Fireblade Aviation announced a heartwarming partnership with the Reach For a Dream Foundation (RFAD).

Fireblade Aviation, initially established as the Anglo-American flight department, rebranded in 2014 to offer comprehensive services for business and leisure travellers. Based at OR Tambo International Airport, Fireblade has become a vital player in the aviation industry, promoting tourism and investment in Africa.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Managing Director Leigh Kretzschmar emphasised the importance of enhancing travel efficiency to boost the business case for Africa.

“Tourism has been in a transformative space in recent years, with charter services being more accessible not only for business travel but leisure and group leisure travel as well. More individuals are realising that the cost associated with private aviation is not as prohibitive as one might think,” Kretzschmar noted.

Committed to Positive Change

Beyond meeting the growing demand for private travel, Fireblade is dedicated to transforming the aviation industry. This commitment includes prioritising sustainability, inclusivity and diversity and encouraging young people, especially girls, to consider careers in aviation. In celebration of their anniversary, Fireblade has launched a series of children’s books to spark interest in aviation among young readers.

“If the industry intends on building a sustainable future, it needs to reach out and inspire a broader range of people, particularly as international demand for aviation resources is taking our people abroad,” says Kretzschmar.

Partnership with Reach For a Dream

In a significant move to give back to the community, Fireblade Aviation partnered with the Reach For a Dream Foundation (RFAD), which has been fulfilling dreams for children with serious illnesses for 36 years.

The partnership, announced at Fireblade’s anniversary event in Johannesburg, aims to raise R2 million by selling 10,000 tickets for a 5-star chartered getaway. This effort will support RFAD’s mission to grant dreams to 2,200 children this year.

“The power of partnerships enables businesses to grow and opportunities to flourish,” said Kretzschmar. “While we manage two very different business models, there are shared synergies between RFAD and ourselves – both organisations focus on working around the clock to create tailored experiences that bring dreams to life. This partnership enables us to broaden access to families with seriously ill children.”

RFAD CEO Julia Sotirianakos expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that every dream costs approximately R5,000. The funds raised could support around 400 dreams or contribute to projects like Dream Rooms in hospitals or Dream Club outings.

“This fundraiser is just the start, Fireblade will help us to take children to the skies as part of their own desire to give back to the community,” said Sotirianakos.

Looking Forward

Fireblade Aviation’s commitment to making a long-term impact on the industry extends to empowering the communities it operates in and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders. The company remains focused on boosting South African tourism, fueling business travel into Africa, and strengthening local aviation.

“Aviation is an enhancer. It creates employment, facilitates trade, enables tourism, and supports sustainable development. Our focus beyond our first 10 years in the industry remains on boosting South African tourism by creating lasting impressions, fuelling business travel into Africa, and bolstering local aviation,” she concludes.

With a successful decade behind them and a bright future ahead, Fireblade Aviation continues to soar, driven by its mission to make extraordinary experiences accessible to all and to inspire dreams in the hearts of South Africa’s youth.

For more information and to purchase a raffle ticket, visit www.dreamraffle.co.za.

Sources: Fireblade Aviation | Reach For a Dream 

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The City of Cape Town’s short film ‘Choose Cape Town’ has scooped a silver award from the International Tourism Film Festival Africa thanks to the way it captured one of the world’s most-loved cities:

Cape Town, South Africa (20 June 2024) — Last week, the City of Cape Town’s ‘Choose Cape Town’ short film scooped a prestigious win at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa!

Focusing on different parts of the city’s essence guided by six themes (visit, live, work, study, play and invest), the short film understood the assignment when it came to capturing one of the world’s most-loved cities in a way that speaks to its different rhythms of appeal; inspiring people to not only visit, but keep Cape Town close to their hearts long after they’ve returned home.

Different countries around the world took different approaches to making their own campaigns. Brazil’s focus emphasised “play and study” while in Germany the focus was on “visit and work”. But when it came to little Cape Town (which is obviously not a country), the offerings are surprisingly endless (to those who aren’t familiar with the Mother City) across a spectrum of interests.

So, it only made sense for the creatives behind the campaign project to try to capture as much as possible for all kinds of adventurers, which the team did by extending the campaign beyond the short film and into shorter edits.

“We are deeply honoured to have been recognised for this film. Our goal was to capture the essence of Cape Town’s variety and inspire travellers worldwide to choose our city. I must thank our Place-Marketing team and Soapbox Films for their incredible work,” said Mayco Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Alderman James Vos. 

Alderman Vos who accepted the silver award added that the campaign has been a priority, given the economic growth it has the power to stimulate.

Another award for Cape Town to add to its tally, and another win for South Africa to be proud of!

Sources: City of Cape Town 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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