Victoria’s Secret’s Runway show came back after years. But beyond South Africa’s Candice Swanepoel and Tyla taking to the stage; the show left a lot to be desired:

New York, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret made a ‘splashy’ return to the runway after several years away from its once iconic pink carpet.

Premised to be a new era for the brand that has had a massive influence on the relationship women across the world have with their bodies; hopes were high for the comeback show and all the freshness it might bring. But, VS is nothing if not a tease. And for many critics, if the show was supposed to be a tease for diversity, it unfortunately missed the mark.

As a woman and writer who has long been championing topics of inclusivity and empowerment, I have to admit that the 2024 reveal left much to be desired.

Many of the models were part of the same class who have long worked with VS (the Hadid sisters, Taylor Hill and, of course, the seasoned Angels like Behati Prinsloo and Adriana Lima).

There were new faces part of the show and iconic ones too (Cher, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks to name a few). And all of it was as glossy as it was when I watched it as a teen.

But in the spirit of inclusivity—which is where many suspected the show was heading—it felt a lot like waiting for the drop of a song that never comes. In fact, it was a lot like listening to an old song you haven’t heard for a while again, except with a few barely noticeable remixed notes.

While it’s damn-near impossible to represent every person of every body type, it also feels like tokenism to see only a handful of models who weren’t size 0 (many of whom did multiple walks). There could have been a spectrum of body-positive representation that gave us all a more organic idea of beauty across the board…but there wasn’t.

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting. A little (a lot) more of a celebration of the idea that healthy bodies can and do look different? Female empowerment of some kind? Wings that actually attempted to uplift women? At the very least, they did break the ageism barrier the beauty industry is known for by featuring models who would’ve been considered well into retirement if this were the early 2000s.

Two moments made the show almost worth the watch, and they were purely because South African women took to the stage like powerhouses. Candice Swanepoel was as gorgeous as ever, while Tyla got to headline the event with the energy she’s won the world over with. I’ll also give a special shout-out to Cher’s performance because that legend is nearly 80 years old and still killing the game.

But beyond their time on stage, the show hardly brought anything new to the table. Perhaps that was exactly the point.

If anything, the show made me thankful that I’m older and wiser than I was when I first gazed up at the angels like superheroes and thought beauty needed to look that way. Thankful that in 2024, we can recognise it’s just a show and not what women need to look like to fit into the world.

And thankful that the younger generation of women do have access to more information on health and well-being to create informed perspectives on what was once deemed ‘the standard’ of beauty.

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 South Africa’s Starlight Almost Made Victoria’s Secret’s Comeback Worth the Watch appeared first on Good Things Guy.

To look for the light in even the darkest times is one thing, and to shine in the darkness is another. One Capetonian artist brings both to the conversation, transforming these metaphors into visual works!

Cape Town, South Africa (12 September 2024) — Many of us have heard numerous reinterpretations of the metaphor that asks us to look for the light even in the darkest times. But seeing that sentiment visually is an entirely different experience and one that Mitchell’s Plain artist Sandile Ashar Mhlongo has quite literally, brought to light.

Born in Gugulethu and a resident of Mitchell’s Plain’s Lost City, Sandile’s art career began in high school in the late 1980s. With an Impressionist’s fascination of real-life experiences, Sandile created works about his family’s experiences. Inspired by his father, who was both an artist and a bricklayer, Sandile has carried the artistic baton, earning praise for his visually striking depictions of everyday life infused with a touch of the surreal.

Sandile merges the real and the surreal and pierces through the literalism of metaphors in his latest collection,’Lights in Darkness, Darkness in Light’. Here, the overarching message is to choose to look at light, even in the darkest times, informed by the artist’s keen observations of South Africa’s changing landscape and the ever curious interplay between hope and despair from a Capetonian’s perspective.

“There’s good and bad in the dark. Choose light. Shine, shine your light in the dark and you will find all you are looking for.”—Sandile Ashar Mhlongo.

‘Lights in Darkness, Darkness in Light’ will be showcased as part of a solo exhibition by House Union Block (HUB) at the Cape Heritage’s Sisonke Gallery on Bree Street until 27 October, and all hoping to be inspired to find the light no matter the darkness are encouraged to pop in.

Sources: Supplied 

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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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This upcoming International Day of Charity, experts are weighing in on how philanthropy has the power to heal and transform South Africa:

South Africa (03 September 2024) — As the world observes International Day of Charity on 5 September, Dr Armand Bam, Head of Social Impact at Stellenbosch Business School, urges South Africans to confront the pressing realities of giving in a nation scarred by its past.

Beyond Charity

He challenges the public and private sectors to view philanthropy not as mere charity, but as a powerful tool for resistance against the deep-rooted inequalities that continue to shape the country’s present.

He says South Africa’s economic and social challenges are more than just statistics; they are the lived experiences of millions who struggle daily against the legacy of systemic oppression.

“Our nation is in crisis,” Dr Bam says. “The economic challenges we face are a direct result of historical injustices, and they demand a response that goes beyond superficial remedies. It is unnatural for those ‘who have’ to believe that their lives are not intertwined with those ‘who have not’. True change can only emerge from the most desperate of circumstances.”

Dr Bam emphasises that the current economic instability marked by high unemployment, fiscal deficits, and political uncertainty, reflects the inequalities designed to perpetuate the suffering inequality.

“We are at the edge of a fiscal cliff, with significant revenue shortfalls and unsustainable debt levels threatening to push us over. The weakened rand and high domestic interest rates further constrict our economic growth and consumer spending. These pressures are felt most acutely by those already marginalised, making it difficult for others to give and for businesses to maintain their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.”

“In a country where the government’s ability to serve its citizens is increasingly questioned, the role of high-net-worth individuals and the private sector is more critical than ever. But we must all recognise this is not just about filling gaps left by the state; it is about challenging the very structures of inequality that have defined our past and continue to shape our present.”

A Shift in how Philanthropy is Understood and Practiced in SA

“Although the answer lies in the power of individual philanthropy and CSR that possess the agility and resources to drive transformative change, one must ask whether these forces truly wield their power to their full potential, or are they merely offering superficial remedies to deep-seated wounds?” Asks Dr Bam.

“Philanthropy must be seen as a form of resistance – a challenge to the status quo that seeks to maintain vast disparities in wealth and opportunity. The private sector must rise to this challenge, not out of obligation, but out of a recognition that their own futures are inextricably linked to the well-being of the society in which they operate,” he says.

Dr Bam says the 2023 Annual Review of South African Philanthropy by IPASA (Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa) demonstrates the potential of philanthropy to respond to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where significant donations supported healthcare and social relief efforts.

“This is proof that even in times of economic difficulty, the spirit of giving can rise to meet the challenges we face. Here, everyone must recognise their role as a philanthropist and ask what claims to progress can we legitimately make when the shadow of our past looms so large.”

He adds that trust-based philanthropy, as emphasised by IPASA, offers a path forward, one that fosters long-lasting and equitable partnerships, essential for driving systemic change.

CSR must Move Beyond Mere Corporate Obligation

“CSR initiatives need to become a cornerstone of business strategy aligned not only with community needs but with the imperative to address the root causes of inequality. In the 2023 financial year, corporate social investment (CSI) spending in South Africa reached R11.8 billion a testament to the private sector’s ongoing commitment to social causes. It is however imperative to ask how much of this investment is truly transformative.”

Dr Bam calls on businesses to use their resources not just to alleviate suffering, but to challenge the systems that create it.

“It is a call to integrate social justice into the very DNA of corporate strategy, ensuring that every decision made considers its impact on the most vulnerable members of our society.”

He says the formation of South Africa’s new government of political unity presents a critical juncture and a moment where political stability could either pave the way for transformative change or entrench the existing inequalities further.

“The bloated cabinet is a reminder that political expediency often outweighs the collective good, a reality that we must confront head-on. Effective governance is essential for creating an enabling environment for philanthropy and CSR, but we cannot rely solely on the state. The private sector and civil society must step into the gap, mobilising resources and driving initiatives that the government is either unwilling or unable to pursue.”

An Era of New Approaches

On this International Day of Charity, Dr Bam urges South Africans not to be deterred by the challenges but to be inspired to find new, innovative approaches to philanthropy and CSR.

“While the economic landscape in South Africa is fraught with challenges, the potential for philanthropy and CSR to drive meaningful change is immense. This is not a time for passive reflection; it is a time for action. It is a time for individuals, corporations, and the government to come together to build a more just and equitable society and one that is not merely a distant aspiration but a tangible reality.”

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to giving and commit to supporting initiatives that do more than provide temporary relief, they must be catalysts for lasting change. The road ahead is indeed difficult, but with collective effort and innovative approaches, we can overcome and develop our society, one that truly lives up to the ideals of justice and equality for which so many have fought.”

Sources: Supplied

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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 How Philanthropy Can Heal South Africa’s Deep Wounds appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Paper, time and passion have turned into much more for Origami artist Damian Michael. Through his craft, he is helping uplift children and communities of Johannesburg through one of the most accessible and life lesson-packed art forms!

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 August 2024) — When artist Damian Michael received an Origami book at 8 years old, the craft seemed difficult and far too much to follow at the time. Little did he know then that Origami would one day become not only his creative passion but also his way of making a difference for South Africa’s future.

Years after that first introduction to the Japanese art, Damian met an incredible woman called Kyoko Kimura.

“[Kyoko’s perspective and passion for Origami as a reflection of life’s beauty and struggles drew me in deeply and I began to take the practice more seriously,” he reflects.

Soon, he began assisting Kyoko with some folding for work in the film and ad industry, and in the process, he became immersed in its unique means of creation.

But, there was another passion that would guide the artist—working with children.

“Much of my life has been spent as a teacher, environmental educator, Life-line/Child-line counsellor, mountain guide, creative facilitator and Au-pair,” Damian shares, adding that being the eldest of 3 young siblings has made working with children feel like second nature.

With these two passions proposing seemingly separate paths, Damian decided to make a third option—merging them.

In 2014, he established his own small NPO and in the last few years upon returning to Joburg, he committed his focus to sharing the art of Origami with inner-city children and communities through his Origami Zoo.

Here, Damian collaborates with a number of existing after-school programs and non-profits including Timbuktu in the Valley. Using Origami and other creative mediums, Damian runs creative workshops that help connect children to new passions and life lessons like patience and simplicity.

Damian reflects that paper is a unique medium because it is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of language and, oftentimes, resources.

“It speaks to the idea that hope truly can be found anywhere, in any moment whether it’s a pamphlet in a side road gutter, an old slip in your handbag waiting in the queue after a stressful day or a surprise parking ticket.”

Commenting on what the art means for him personally, Damian shares:

“Origami for me is about creating connection, across all divides and differences, between us and our loved ones, us and our surroundings, us and ourselves.”

He adds, “It has courageously coaxed me outward and connected me with others when I have felt alone and struggled to be in community, it has brought me inward when things have felt like too much…I fold Origami when I am stressed and when I am calm, it brings all the threads of me into the here and now to watch my hands bring something to life from nothing, to create Spring from Winter, death to life and remind me that me and all things are part of this endless cycle.”

You can support his work, here.

Sources: GTG Interview 

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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 Artist Uses Origami to Uplift the Children of Johannesburg  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A new giant octopus mural beams proudly not just as an epic mural on campus, but as a unique teacher teeming with lessons!

Durban, South Africa (23 July 2024) — A giant octopus has made its way to the STADIO Musgrave campus thanks to the talented work of graffiti artist Giffy Duminy. But, this Octopus isn’t just here to bring a splash of the sea to the Durban campus—it’s also here to teach students a thing or eight.

As it so often is with murals and bold public artworks, Giffy’s “most massive mollusc yet” is packed with meaning and call to actions from the students present and future who will come to know the giant octopus as the teacher who never uttered a word.

For those who are new to Giffy’s work, the artist frequently celebrates nature’s treasures in all their shapes, forms and colours;   spotlighting creatures from often overlooked anemones to mighty lionesses in a bigger pursuit to leave nature’s mark all over our urban lives and ultimately, remind us of the natural world beyond our manmade one.

The giant octopus is for Giffy a product of deep fascination. Its lessons are richly inherent: use your intelligence and adapt to survive and flourish.

Octopuses adapt their visual appearance often to survive, and use their incredible intelligence to make a plan when the going gets tough (like using objects like shells to “fortify their den” as Giffy points out).

And while most of us might not be able to escape an enemy by means of a cloud of black ink, we can draw on the Octopus’s ways to escape other big challenges like environmental havoc.

Adapting to new ways of living, consuming and consciousness will change the trajectory of issues that directly impact our friends in the sea. Similarly, using our intelligence to think about ways we can be most effective in the betterment of our Earth is key to building a future that matters.

It’s a big lesson for everyone who thinks that you need to be a hero to change the world. Instead, considering thinking like an octopus—be smart, change what you can and be unbothered if anyone else thinks you’re alien-like for doing so!

Says Giffy:

“I thought this animal would make a beautiful mural, and hopefully spark some curiosity and conversation on the ocean and it’s part in our lives and how we depend on it for clean air and a multitude of other ways we need it.

“An intelligent objective we should aim for is to consume less seafood, since most deep water line and net fishing is not good for the oceans and results in a lot of [discarded] fishing material. Line fishing is non-selective and a lot of bycatch is putting our shared Ocean at great risk of being completely overfished. If you would like to eat seafood there are ways to source it from spear fisherman, which is a far cleaner source of this resource.

“Each of our actions makes a difference and the collective change is what makes a large impact.”

Sources: Giffy Duminy 

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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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World Brain Day puts the spotlight on our brilliant but not invincible brains. With neurological diseases impacting so many people, we have some good news: they can be prevented and here’s how!

Global (21 July 2024) — Our brains are complicated places, and with so many terms related to them entering mainstream discourse, it can be overwhelming to make sense of what brain-related concerns are in our control and which aren’t. From mental well-being to neurodivergence and neurological diseases, there are key differences in what many minds go through. In honour of World Brain Day, we’re taking a look at where we can serve our brains better—starting with the complex world of neurological diseases.

What You Need to Know

• More than 70% of neurological diseases are prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries and are the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9 million deaths per year.
• Additionally, neurological diseases are the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
• In South Africa, it’s understood that 1 in every 100 people [iii] is affected by epilepsy, 2 South Africans suffer a stroke every 10 minutes (of every day) [iv] and around 4-8% of people suffer from dementia [v]
• But, up to 80% of strokes [i], 40% of dementia cases [ii] and 25% of epilepsies can actually be prevented!

Experts Weigh In

Dr Patty Francis, the President of the Neurological Association of South Africa, says neurological disorders are preventable in two key ways: early detection and effective management. So what stands in the way? Not all patients have equal access to these resources.

“Socioeconomic status or geographic location should not be barriers to prevention. In South Africa, the treatment gap is exasperated by severe staff and resource shortages. The ratio of neurologists to the population in South Africa is 1 per 500 000, compared to 35 per 500 000 population in high-income countries, limiting access to medication, knowledge and preventative care programmes which leads to misperceptions, stigma, lowered living standards and preventable death,” says Dr Francis.

“Healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers play pivotal roles in addressing the global neurological needs. Recognising brain health as a fundamental human right is at the core of our and World Brain Day mission.”

As Dr Francis explains, in children and adolescents, headache disorders and Meningitis are among the top ten causes of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and within the top three causes for girls aged 10-24.

Additionally, women, older people and those living in poverty are also said to be disproportionately affected.

Managing Neurological Diseases

“The most important aspect of managing neurological diseases is our choice of lifestyle. By prioritising a healthy lifestyle, people can protect their brain health which is essential for healthy cognitive, emotional and social skills. Optimising brain health ought to begin early in life and remain a focal health priority throughout one’s entire life,” says Dr Francis. 

“Inactivity, alcohol intake, smoking, and diets high in fat and processed foods, and lack of sleep, increase our risk. Almost everyone can protect themselves from the devastating impact of neurological disease by making small improvements.”

How to Best Protect Your Brain

Dr Francis suggests the following tips to best protect your brain:

• Stay socially connected – maintain strong social ties (in person, not online) to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.
• Avoid alcohol and stop smoking – smoking damages neurons (brain cells) and alcohol consumption can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly – physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes new brain cell growth and enhances cognitive function
• Prioritise sleep – aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support memory consolidation, information processing and toxin removal in the brain.
• Eat a balanced diet – fuel your brain with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats for optimal cognitive function.
• Manage stress – practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, contemplation, prayer and daily periods of “no screen time”.
• Breathe clean air – minimise, as far as possible, time spent in highly polluted environments. By simply taking a 15-20 minute walk in fresh air fulfills many of the brain-effective recommendations listed above.

Resources:

[i] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/stroke/index.html

[ii] Favas TT, Dev P, Chaurasia RN, et al. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions. Neurological Sciences. 2020. Abdullahi A, Candan SA, Abba MA, et al. Neurological and musculoskeletal features of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology. 2020.

[iii] 002-Brochure-Facts-about-Epilepsy.pdf

[iv] Heart and Stroke Foundation, South Africa. https://www.heartfoundation.co.za/

[iv] World Health Organization, Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022-2031, Available from, https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/intersectoral-global-action-plan-on-eepilepsy-and-other-neurologi cal-disorders-2022-2031, 2022.

[v] Dementia Prevalence in a Rural Region of South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Community Study, Celeste A. de Jager,a,* William Msemburi,b Katy Pepper,c and Marc I. Combrincka, J Alzheimers Dis. 2017; 60(3): 1087–1096.

Sources: Supplied

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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 World Brain Day! Neurological Diseases CAN be Prevented  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Mandela Month may make us all think about the ways we can serve our communities better, but it also makes us think about the ways our leaders can serve better. How can we take Mandela Month beyond July and what makes a good leader? People serving vulnerable communities weigh in:

Johannesburg, South Africa (18 July 2024) — Today is Nelson Mandela Day while July marks Mandela Month. People across South Africa will be doing their part to pour a little good into communities who need it most in all kinds of wonderful ways that many organisations couldn’t be more grateful for. But what happens after today and after July? And how can we embrace the underpinnings of Mandela Day more frequently? Maybe, it starts with us seeing ourselves as more powerful than we think we are. Seeing ourselves as leaders capable of embodying Madiba’s lessons all the time wherever we have the opportunity to do so. Maybe it starts with asking ourselves what makes a good leader, and following that roadmap.

Rural education NGO The Good Work Foundation asked their young leaders and older denizens about their views on leadership as people who serve their communities all the time. A lot of what they said boiled down to the concept of  something known as ‘servant leadership’—AKA, leading from the back.

What is Servant Leadership?

Espoused by author Robert Greenleaf, the seven principles of servant leadership are:

• Authenticity
• Strong communication
• Integrity
• Compassion
• Empowerment
• Continuous improvement
• Putting others first.

A strong believer in ‘servant leadership’, GWF ‘wisdom counsel’ and former teacher Maureen ‘Gogo Mo’ echoes the words of President Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison when thinking about good leadership aloud: “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people.”

For Gogo Mo, a good leader is a student of their community. Learning from members young and old alike.

“I came [into GWF] thinking, ‘Hey I’ve been in education for decades and I’ll be able to help people in the rural areas’. And then suddenly I realised that no, I knew very little. So I went and met people, built relationships and listened. I learned the collective wisdom from sangomas and trackers and others in the community; they were my teachers,” she says.

“Why do we always think we learn only at our elders’ feet? No, we can learn so much from children, young people and communities, too.” 

Gogo Mo recalls a time when she was especially inspired by the youth, recounting the story of a young paraplegic schoolboy who did not have a wheelchair which made getting to the computer classes at GWF difficult. 

“One day I walked in and honestly, the tears flowed. There were two of his friends who’d made him a seat with their hands, and they carried him into the classroom so he could sit down and learn. Well, that young boy has now grown up and got a job working in computers, on a service desk.

“…I’ve truthfully learned so much from children. It’s a privilege to work with young people. Their courage and resilience really blows me away.”

For Gogo Mo, two exceptional young GWF leaders are well-worth spotlighting for their showcase of servant leadership: Hazyview Digital Learning Campus manager Fumani Mathumbu and Bridging Year Academy manager Ntsako Jane Mandlazi.

Fumani and Ntsako both believe that what makes a good leader has a lot to do with the way people become empowered through their efforts.

“For me, a good leader is someone who constantly wants to empower others by transferring knowledge and skills,” says Fumani. “It’s about giving selflessly, being open to continuous learning and always seeking improvement.

Ntsako adds:

“I see leadership as an opportunity to guide others towards a common goal while being humble enough to remember that you serve the community, and are not above or more important than its members. It’s about you creating a space where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best.

“By uplifting others, we ensure that the legacy of great leaders like Tata Mandela continues. We especially want to see those who come after us taking charge and helping to create a better future for the coming generations.”

Head of Development Gemma Thompson believes good leadership has a lot to do with a sense of social justice, inspired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Taking all this into consideration, it becomes clear that most of us have the capacity to become good leaders and spread the essence of Mandela Day further than a 24-hour period.

We all have the ability to listen to our communities needs. To empower another person through knowledge or skills we might have, and to be considerate of others’ needs. While we might not be able to run a food drive or organise a clean-up event every month, the principles of servant leadership cost nothing.

And maybe if we integrated this kind of forward-thinking into our daily lives, we might just get a lot closer to the South Africa we all want to be a part of. After all, what is Mandela Day if not testament to the power of small actions adding up?

Sources: GTG; GWF

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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 What Makes a Good Leader? People Serving Communities Weigh In! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Artificial Intelligence has all of us on the edge of our seats as developments continue to surprise, inspire and concern the world. But, more of the world’s people needs more say, which is why academics are fighting for the inclusion of African languages in AI!

Pretoria, South Africa (11 July 2024) — As most of us are well aware, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a part of how much of the world are acquiring and using knowledge in a myriad of weird, wonderful and sometimes worrying, ways.

What AI is capable of—both good and concerning—is at the hands of the prompter in most cases. For the everyday person, it can cook up visuals showcasing hilarious scenarios (like the Cape Town version of the Avengers), but it can also produce deceptive work that masquerades as news. It can help turn hard-to-digest information into an easy read, but it can also replicate the hard work of very real people.

But there’s another side to the ever-unfolding story of AI, and it’s to do with something almost as old as human history—language.

Just as language is an essential part of coding, it’s also an essential part that makes us who we are. And in the AI race, some academics are concerned that certain languages like African languages, are getting left behind.

“The creation of knowledge can be traced back as far as the beginnings of humanity. Computers are now in use, but in order to make progress, we must create [AI technology] that makes use of our languages, or else some of our cultures will disappear from history. A language that continues to be unwritten and unused in a written form is likely to die in 100 years,” said Professor Kwesi Kwaa Prah, a sociology professor and the founder and Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society.

Professor Prah shared these thoughts at a recent meeting at the Pretoria Design Justice AI Institute hosed by the University of Pretoria; an institute supported by various humanities centres that’s exploring “community-centred, humanistic, interdisciplinary engagement of generative AI.”

“Our languages are what make us…it is not our colour that determines who we are—it is our cultures. And when you think about culture, the main feature is language. That is the distinguishing feature between us and other animals—human beings create culture.”

Prof Prah is one of many academics around the world hoping to encourage AI developers and users to think bigger than their screens. For many, this means language and cultural preservation—something deemed entirely possible as many African languages share dialects (meaning they can be translated in a way that can be understood by many communities.”

Shared UP Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Themba Mosia:

“The mathematical underpinnings of AI not only risk exacerbating existing inequalities and discrimination, but also present significant challenges related to manipulation and the spread of misinformation…Safeguarding human rights, including privacy and equality, as well as civil liberties such as education and cultural rights, demands rigorous attention throughout the design, development, deployment and use of AI technology. This responsibility primarily falls on professionals in the humanities, supported by colleagues in computer science, data science, statistics and legal disciplines.”

Sources: Supplied—University of Pretoria 

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Giving a gift that keeps on giving is not as difficult as you think, and can go further than you ever imagined!

Alexandra, South Africa (14 December 2023) — While many South Africans are anxiously awaiting the December holidays to come into full swing, there are unfathomable amounts of people and children who can’t say the same.

Children are especially vulnerable at this time of the year as safe havens like schools close and worries about food become even more painstaking than usual. This is something many of us might know, but perhaps haven’t really digested. It’s also something that the non-profit organisation Rays of Hope understands better than most.

“This is the reality for many children in Alexandra Township who rely on the meals and snacks they receive at school and learning centres for their daily sustenance, since many come from homes where parents struggle to put food on the table,” says Muziwethu Zwane, Rays of Hope CEO.

“The problem is exacerbated during the December holidays when schools close. So not only are they deprived of a festive and special Christmas…but they are also deprived of the basic human necessity of a nourishing meal every day.”

But, true to its name, Rays of Hope shares that there are ways to give a gift that keeps on giving; not just to the children of Alex, but for the people of our country’s future.

The Gift of Good Lessons This December

“Parents have an important role to play in both teaching children about the value of giving back, especially as we approach a time of year that is focused on consumerism. While one child may have a Christmas wish list filled with toys and other items for parents to purchase for them, others can only dream of what it’s like to receive a gift on Christmas day,” Muziwethu shares.

Teaching children about giving back can start with something as simple as a conversation, he adds, with parents reminding children that not all young people are in their shoes. It’s both a lesson of gratitude and one of empathy.

When mindsets of gratitude and gentle doses of reality are nudged, hearts filled with understanding become possible. And without understanding, there is hardly room for any growth.

Once the seed of good lessons is planted, parents can also encourage their kids to help make the holidays special for underprivileged children by making giving back a key theme of the season. This could look like spending time together making meals and distributing them to the homeless, those in shelters and orphanages. Or searching through old clothes, blankets and toys to find ones suitable for donation; because the joy of sharing these gifts with others is a lesson worth so many riches.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

“This year has been tough for all South Africans, and I am sure most of us have felt the pinch caused by an ailing economy,” Muziwethu adds, before mentioning that people in places like Alexandra are far from exempt from this.

The Sponsor a Child programme is Rays of Hope’s way of bridging the gap between those who have enough to give and those who have nothing to give to their own families. The programme is all about taking care of a child in Alex’s basic needs—nutritional, educational, physical, emotional and psycho-social.

“Whether you choose to sponsor a child on behalf of someone as a special and heart-warming gift that keeps on giving or decide as a family to forgo one or two items this holiday in the name of making this a more special time for someone else, there are plenty of ways that families can help,” he encourages. 

You can find out more about Rays of Hope, here.

Sources: Kgothatso Tema

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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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A few days before their wedding day, a Gauteng couple faced a frightening fork in the road when the soon-to-be husband was in a car accident. Determined to honour their promise of commitment to one another, the pair got the hospital’s ward to play host to a wedding:

Springs, South Africa (14 December 2023) — Hospitals have almost always been a space of paradoxes. Health and hope battle illness and fear. And stress and relief live in the same rooms. But, they’re also usually a place—alongside airports—where love can be so abundantly evident. The latter was the case for a couple from Daveyton who decided to choose commitment over ceremony and opted to marry on the day they had promised to each other.

Godfrey Maboi and Paulinah Moghale had arranged their wedding date for 10 December 2023. It was a day they’d both been looking forward to as they finally geared up to take their biggest steps as a couple together after a 28-year-long love story.

But on 02 December, Godfrey was rushed to hospital after a terrible car accident. Bedridden and in a bad way, he would’ve missed the day he and Paulinah had been planning for ages.

Then something really special happened. The Far East Rand Hospital in Springs decided that they could have their wedding in Godfrey’s ward (largely thanks to the couple’s determination to see their wedding day through).

Instead of best men and women, they had hospital staff members. Instead of their family and friends smiling faces in person, they got to see it all through video calls. Instead of ceremony being the main focus, commitment was.

Even MECs like Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko caught wind of the special gesture, and shared that the couple’s is a story of inspiration for others who face unforeseen challenges. She added that “irrespective of the obstacles one encounters in life, there is always a way.”

In a world where so many are more focused on how their wedding will look on Instagram than the actual commitment of the affair, this Gauteng couple reminded South Africans that a little substance and sticking to a commitment is the most important ingredient to any real love story. And indeed, that where there is love, there is always a way.

Sources: Gauteng Health Department 

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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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