Organisations like Waves for Change have been using surf therapy as an essential tool to help at-risk youth heal and better their lives and a peer-reviewed paper has confirmed this!

South Africa (22 October 2024) — For over 10 years, the non-profit Waves for Change has taken quite a unique route to bettering the lives of young people from underserved and violent communities. Surf therapy isn’t what most people think of when they think of tackling the big blows that impact our young people, but Waves for Change (W4C) is proving how it can. And they’ve got the evidence to back it up.

A peer-reviewed paper has given their program the stamp of approval, confirming that surf therapy does benefit and impact at-risk youth positively in more ways than simply bringing good vibes into their lives.

The peer-reviewed paper entitled “The Impact of Surf Therapy on Risk-Taking and Interpersonal Closeness Among Violence-Exposed Youth” was published in the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice.

“The paper’s findings suggest that W4C provides a community-based intervention that strengthens self-regulation and social cohesion in an under-resourced setting,” explains W4C’s Tania Bailey, Relationships and Event Manager.

The surf therapy programme combines surfing with structured psycho-social support and is provided to 2,500 children weekly from 43 communities in the Western and Eastern Cape.

The paper revealed encouraging results, taking a comparative look at participants who were either enrolled in surf therapy or on the waitlist.

The participants (all of whom had witnessed violence and a majority of 98.2% who experienced violence directly) completed self-report assessments of matters like perceived stress, sensation-seeking and interpersonal closeness, as well as behavioural measures of risk-taking and self-esteem. Data was clocked at two-time points that were six months apart.

Here are the findings:

• Participants felt significantly closer to people in their lives after the programme.
• Those who have experienced at least seven weeks in the program exhibited significantly lower risk-taking behaviour.
• There was a noteworthy reduction in reported sensation seeking, too.

“We often speak about Waves for Change’s ‘evidence-based’ Surf Therapy,” says W4C Director, Nicola Van der Merwe.

“The organisation places significant value on ensuring that its programme has a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of the participating children. We insist that our work ‘does what it says on the box’. Especially as we work with vulnerable and at-risk youth. The results of the program evaluation highlight how W4C’s surf therapy can be an effective psycho-social-educational intervention in a high-stress environment for children and adolescents exposed to violence.”

In supporting W4C’s mission to heal the next generation in the short term, a big comedy night is on the cards featuring the likes of Nik Rabinowitz, Kagiso KG Mokgadi and Mel Jones.

For Mokgadi, it’s an amazing mission to help support.

“I know what it is not to have tools for life,” says Mokgadi. “The fact that there are people out there giving kids tools to thrive from an early stage is amazing to me. That’s why I am participating in the Laughs for Change fundraising show.”

You can have a laugh for a good cause here.

Sources: 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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In an ever-changing, tough job market, ‘After School Programmes’ across the country are holding down the fort to help young South Africans level the playing field and access opportunities!

South Africa (16 October 2024) — The pressure of matric finals’ is weighted enough as it is. But it’s also one of many other pressures young South Africans face today. At the top of the pressure list is the big question: ‘What happens next?’ To which an infamously tough job market in our country stares back, often blankly.

Inflation, a recovering post-Covid market, technological advances replacing traditional jobs and a multitude of other reasons have all contributed to the bleakness of the job market for young people.

And the evidence is in the stats and social landscape of our country. South Africa has a ridiculously high unemployment rate of 32.9%. An under-resourced school system that doesn’t focus enough on bridging educational gaps that are often very wide due to underprivileged circumstances and, of course, the disproportional spread of opportunities.

But in the midst of the bleak picture is a light with huge potential to expand. That light lies in After-School Programmes (ASP) that are emerging as something of a hopeline for thousands of South Africa’s most vulnerable youth; providing them with imperative upskilling measures!

This year, the fifth annual Lights On After School campaign was launched; a campaign that’s about sharing and showcasing what ASPs are capable of. Led by non-profit The Learning Trust in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport Youth Office, ASPs are proving to be a source of empowerment in the face of the tough job market; all while equipping future generations with resources to become adults they are proud of.

Here’s How ASPs Help

Critical Intervention

“ASPs act as critical interventions that can safeguard South Africa’s youth against significant barriers to economic participation. These programmes are stepping in to equip learners with digital literacy, technical skills and critical soft skills like problem-solving and emotional intelligence to thrive in a future workforce,” explains Charlene Petersen Voss, the Executive Director at the Learning Trust.

A Bridge for New Opportunities

While ASPs can be a bridge for educational gaps, they also act as a path for future opportunities largely through mentorship.

“The ASP sector is essential in levelling the playing field by providing access to mentorship, job shadowing, and other opportunities that are typically out of reach for marginalised youth,” Charlene says. 

For Sophumelela Ketelo, the Chairperson of the Sophumelela Youth Development Programme, an ASP in the Eastern Cape, it’s a matter of meeting young people where they’re at and bridging off from that place.

Sophumelela says that he doesn’t blame the youth for being underprepared for the ever-changing job market.

“We often expect learners to be ready for the workplace while treating them like children, which delays their growth and readiness. In some cases, everything is done for them, making it difficult for them to appreciate the efforts of those supporting them. After school prgroammes are essential in adressing this gap, offering more than just academic support. They help build the confidence, literacy and life skills that learners need to succeed in an ever-changing world,” he says.

Guiding the Youth

ASP’s roles are heavily to do with guiding young people, especially those who cannot afford tertiary education, as Louise Retief, Programme Manager for the Rogz Academy shares. Rogz, who focus on Youth Development largely through its YearBeyond Programme in partnership with the Boost Africa Foundation, have been a part of helping guide many young people toward new avenues of hope.

The YearBeyond Programme helps Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) members of the youth with over 3500 opportunities annually.  The youth are then able to support over 60,000 learners across the Eastern and Western Cape.

Expanding Access

Further opportunities for youth are created by The Learning Trust’s Catch-up Coalition, which forms part of the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Funded by the Public Employment Stimulus (PES) through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the SEF addresses both unemployment and education at the same time by employing young people in roles that directly enhance educational outcomes.

Through partnerships with over 50 community-based organisations, SEF has helped create more than 10,000 paid work opportunities, benefiting over 180,000 children and youth!

“In the last year of SEF, we have seen 52% of youth exiting to permanent employment, with 44% pursuing further studies,” says Petersen Voss.

“We continue to advocate for government funding for initiatives like the Social Employment Fund and National Youth Service, which not only creates job opportunities and workplace experience for young people but also addresses our education crisis.”

You can find out more about The Learning Trust here.

Sources: Supplied; The Learning Trust

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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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Cataracts cause blindness, but they are also completely preventable. In an effort to give more people their sight back, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust will perform more than 1,000 free cataract surgeries throughout the year with just over 700 conducted in October!

South Africa (13 October 2024) — Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally despite being completely preventable. In South Africa, an estimated 250,000 people are blind due to untreated cataracts.

Even though cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective medical interventions, between 40-60% of those suffering from visual impairment experience vision loss directly due to cataracts, with a detrimental effect on the overall social, psychological and financial well-being of individuals and their family members.

According to Dr Bayanda Mbambisa, Chairperson of the Right to Sight Trust, the non-profit initiative of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), although cataracts develop gradually after the age of 40 due to normal eye changes experienced, accelerated vision loss is found in younger patients or those diagnosed with diabetes.

She says in South Africa, access to care remains a major challenge for patients due to many public hospitals that lack ophthalmologists, necessary equipment, or even the consumables required for surgery, resulting in an ever-growing backlog of patients, with some waiting more than a year for surgery.

Combatting Preventable Blindness

To combat this preventable cause of blindness, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust will perform more than 1,000 free cataract surgeries throughout the year, with just over 700 conducted in October as part of its commitment to offer the precious gift of sight to those in need.

One hundred nine ophthalmologists in private practice across the country have generously donated their skills and time to assist financially disadvantaged patients who are either partially sighted or blind due to untreated cataracts.

Their efforts are supported by 35 private hospitals that provide free theatre time and essential services. Funding partners, individual donors, and medical device companies contribute lenses and surgical consumables to make these surgeries possible. Members of the public and organisations can contribute their financial contribution by supporting their efforts to give sight to many in need.

Over 4000 Free Cataract Surgeries in Under a Decade

Over the past nine years, the OSSA Right to Sight Trust has successfully performed 4,446 free cataract surgeries, equating to more than R124 million worth of medical services dedicated to preventing avoidable blindness.

“Our mission is to restore not only sight but also hope and dignity to patients. Based on a conservative estimate, for every individual impacted by cataract surgery, six other people in their household are positively affected. This means that over 26,000 people have indirectly benefited from our work,” Dr Mbambisa explained.

She says the positive ripple effect is undeniable. “Families, who previously had to provide constant care, are freed from this burden, allowing them to resume educational, employment, and social activities. These changes contribute to greater economic and social stability within communities.”

What Causes Cataracts?

Dr Mbambisa says cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down, causing the lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurred, hazy vision and diminished colour perception. Over time, cataracts can lead to complete vision loss if left untreated.

“The most significant contributing factors for cataracts include, smoking, eye injuries or surgery, and long-term exposure to sun without UV sunglasses. Regardless of the type of cataract you have, you will need surgery to treat it.”

The signs of cataract are:

• Having blurry or clouded vision as if looking through a dirty window
• Trouble seeing at night
• Seeing halos around lights
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Seeing double or a ghosted image
• Double vision
• Requiring brighter light for reading
• Having trouble seeing well at night
• Seeing bright colours as faded or yellow instead

Dr Mbambisa urges everyone to take care of their eye health by:

• Having an annual eye exam for those older than 65, or every two years if younger.
• Protecting their eyes from UV light by wearing a hat and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent UV.
• Quitting smoking
• Make eye-healthy food choices, but eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
• Using brighter lights for reading or a magnifying glass
• Limiting driving at night once night vision, halos or glare becomes a problem
• Managing other health problems, such as diabetes
• Immediately visit an eye care specialist if vision loss impacts one’s regular activities.

Visit www.righttosight.org to support the Trust in reaching more patients during Eye Care Awareness Month in October.

Sources: 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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Far too many babies are born into the world too soon or too small. The University of Pretoria’s Professor Ute Feucht’s research underscores the urgent need for improved maternal and child health interventions to ensure a healthier future for all.

Pretoria, South Africa (11 October 2024) – The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial to its health, growth and development. A lot of what happens from the moment of conception to the child’s second birthday determines just how well he or she will thrive in the future. This is according to Professor Ute Feucht, a leading expert in maternal and child health based at the University of Pretoria (UP).

She shared a wealth of knowledge about how placental function, maternal health and early childhood factors influence lifelong health outcomes.

The impact of placental insufficiency

In her inaugural address, Feucht, who is the Director of UP’s Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategies, shared how foetal growth restriction, caused by complications with placental function, can lead to serious consequences such as stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and long-term health issues like diabetes and hypertension.

Prof Feucht added that data from the South African mortality auditing programmes in the public sector health facilities shows that most stillbirths occur mainly in apparently low-risk pregnancies and are coded as “unexplained stillbirths”.

In addition, most stillbirths are antenatal, not intrapartum, and thus not linked to the quality of care the mother receives during delivery.

The influence of maternal HIV

Feucht also drew data from the Siyakhula study, which examined HIV-exposed uninfected infants in South Africa.

The study found that even when children remain uninfected with HIV, maternal HIV infection can negatively impact their growth and development due to changes inside the uterus.

“The Umbiflow studies, which used Doppler ultrasound technology to assess placental blood flow, showed the potential for this technology to prevent stillbirths and identify at-risk pregnancies,” Prof Feucht said.

“The studies, conducted across South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries, revealed alarming rates of placental insufficiency in seemingly healthy women. The prevalence of abnormal Dopplers – indicating insufficient blood flow to the foetus – was found to be 10 times higher in these low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income settings.”

The first 1,000 days

Prof. Feucht stated that 80% of a baby’s brain growth takes place within the first 1,000 days, which is the period from conception to the child’s second birthday.

“This is a time of tremendous potential and enormous vulnerability, where the foundation for future health, growth and neurodevelopment is laid,” she said.

“Poor foetal growth and development during these early stages, particularly due to conditions like foetal growth restriction, can lead to life-long disadvantages.”

Prof Feucht went on to draw attention to the developmental origins of the health and disease hypothesis, which suggests that a foetus makes genetic adaptations in response to its environment.

These adaptations, while initially protective, may predispose an individual to chronic diseases in adulthood if the predicted environment doesn’t match reality.

When it comes to postnatal care, particularly for vulnerable infants born to mothers living with HIV, or those experiencing placental insufficiency, Professor Feucht shared findings from the UmbiBaby and UmbiGodisa studies.

These studies found that children exposed to both HIV and placental insufficiency were at significantly higher risk for stunted growth and cognitive delays.

Going forward

To identify and address these risks, Prof Feucht called for better integration of care for mothers and infants in South Africa’s healthcare system.

“Streamlined, holistic care for both mother and child at primary healthcare centres would reduce the number of visits needed for family planning, HIV-related care and routine infant check-ups and immunizations, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for both,” she said.

Professor Feucht closed her lecture by quoting a recent Lancet report, which stated:

“The fact that every fourth baby in the world is born too soon or born too small is a concern for human rights, public health, the national economy and development.” Addressing this issue, she added, is vital for ensuring a healthier future for all.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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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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Armchair therapists might not have bad intentions, but they can certainly stand in the way of actual progress. This World Mental Health Day, we take a dive into the world of armchair therapy.

Global (10 October 2024) — Until social media became an obscenely popular form of connection, casual talk about mental health was largely reserved for a therapy session, ‘woke’ media publications and (if you were lucky) a group of non-judgemental friends.

Thankfully, a lot has changed in a short space of time for humanity, to the point where (at least if you’re living in a liberal part of the world) you could freely tell someone you’re feeling anxious without the stomach-clenching fear that they’d think you crazy and try to pack you off to an asylum.

In fact, talking about mental health has become so popular, there are entire pages dedicated to the topic that have millions of followers, podcasts boasting just as impressive numbers and entirely new shoots of education dedicated to important fields within mental health.

It’s a positive change we’ve seen in our lifetime, one that’s taken us closer to empathy and further from disconnection. But, as we celebrate World Mental Health Day, there’s also a glaring elephant in the room: a lot of us are unknowingly becoming armchair therapists.

What is an Armchair Therapist?

Armchair therapists are people who are typically interested in psychology (or those who have even dealt with mental illness themselves) who then use their knowledge in ways that can become problematic, like diagnosing someone with no grounds to do so, accusing people of exhibiting certain traits without merit, or incorrectly giving advice on one mental health condition based on another. According to BetterHelp, these opinions largely come from the ‘logic and introspection of an untrained layperson’. Additionally, they can be guilty of misdiagnosing themselves.

‘That’s not me or anyone I know!’ You might think. But are you so sure?

How many times have you called an act ‘gaslighting’ without really understanding the term? Or deemed someone a narcissist simply because they talked about themselves a little too much? Heard someone jump to the conclusion that a person has an avoidant attachment style because they take yonks to respond, or told you that they probably have ADHD because they simply cannot tell a story chronologically? Ever diagnosed yourself based on a hunch?

Maybe you haven’t. But there are a lot of us who unknowingly have. And it’s a pretty big elephant in the room that stands in the way of mental health progress.

Why Armchair Therapists Aren’t Necessarily a Friend to Progress

It’s wonderful to be informed on a topic. In fact, it’s critical! But, when you start taking on a role you’re not qualified for (like a psychologist or psychiatrist is), things can get sticky.

Never mind the way it can lead us to become more biased and stereotypical of others; it can also give us a pseudo-sense of authority when it comes to our own mental health. Not to mention, not all armchair therapists are as informed as they claim to be, which means a lot of misinformation can be spread to trusting people.

The problematic part doesn’t just come in that you or someone you know might not actually have a certain disorder at all and are treating the case as such.  It also isn’t just that you might be acting as a bandaid of support for someone you care about when, in reality, they need professional care.

At the core, the issue is in really knowing what exactly you’re dealing with when it comes to the beautiful and complex beast that is your brain. Because if you don’t, or stand in the way of someone else getting support, healing and coping becomes a helluva lot harder.

Why the Armchair Therapy Phenomenon

We’re all inundated with content in the Age of Socials (which is its own Pandora’s Box of mental health concerns—yes, we’re looking at you Digital Addiction). So, it’s not surprising that we’re dealing with the Armchair Therapy movement.

And the algorithms feed this. Google whether you have an anxiety disorder just once, and suddenly your TikTok feed brims with anxiety-related content. Let’s not forget ChatGPT. Pretty soon, it’s turtles all the way down.

Additionally, because many psychological challenges share similarities—it’s very easy to confuse one for another when you are untrained. A great example that’s widely spoken about in psychological literature is the similarities between ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (which can both be present at the same time). Or confusing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with social anxiety and vice versa.

Another reason it becomes easy to play Armchair Therapist is that a lot of symptoms of mental health conditions are things most of us have experienced at one point or another, which creates a false sense of relatability. Think about it this way: we all need to use the toilet as humans. It’s something we can all relate to. But, if you need to go 40 times a day, every single day, something is probably afoot.

We Owe it to Ourselves and Those We Love to Point Them in the Right Direction.

As we take time to reflect on World Mental Health Day, it’s worth considering that openness and room to talk are the first step, but not the end of the journey. Just as it is with any medical condition, healing can’t really start until the actual cause is understood.

Seeking professional support is imperative in many mental health journeys, and the more armchair therapists who turn into allies and point their loved ones in the right, expert-approved direction, the more hope we have for a world filled with healthier and happier minds.

Sources: GTG; Various (Linked Above)

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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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Africa’s only penguin needs our help. But why are these seabirds facing extinction and what can we actually do to give them a boost? Is there anything? The answer is yes! Here’s what you need to know:

Cape Town, South Africa (10 October 2024) — With International African Penguin Awareness Day celebrated just yesterday, African Penguins are front of mind for many South Africans. But, we do have many questions. Are the measures attempting to protect the seabird from extinction effective? Or do they need a boost? Is enough being done? And how can we, as the public, actually make an effective change?

Need to Knows

• The species has already lost 97% of its population
• African Penguins are down to less than 10,000 breeding pairs
• Estimations point to its extinction in the wild as soon as 2035

What’s Caused This?

The African penguin has faced numerous threats. But, a primary cause of the seabird’s decline is a lack of available food due to competition from commercial purse-seine small—pelagic fishing around its breeding colonies.

As CEO of Blue Marine, Clare Brook puts it succinctly:

“It would be a tragedy if we lost these wonderful iconic birds. And all because of greedy, thoughtless overfishing.”

What Are The Measures in Place to Fix The Penguin’s Plight?

Currently, no-take zones do exist (spots where fishing is prohibited to help restore fish populations for the penguins’ food source), but research by ornithologists has found that these zones are ineffective for penguin conservation.

Based on a recent study that evaluated different no-take zone scenarios around six major penguin colonies (that together support 76% of the global African Penguin population), it has been found that the majority of no-take zones are problematic. This is because they reportedly only restrict fishing in less than 50% of the penguins’ main feeding areas—meaning that the areas counting the most are not being protected effectively.

This essentially means that fisheries are still benefiting while the penguins suffer—not exactly great for the mood in the world of penguin conservation.

Giving Protective Measures a Boost

Scientists, including BirdLife South Africa’s Dr Alistair McInnes and the University of Exeter’s Dr Richard Sherley, have recommended alternative and achievable limits that provide better prospects for the penguins that won’t cause disproportionately high costs to the purse-seine fishing industry.

So, the main matter is one of litigation.

SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa have united to take legal action to enforce greater protection of the species. The two non-profits instituted against the office of the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to challenge the Minister’s ‘biologically meaningless’ island closures to purse-seine fishing around key African Penguin colonies.

Essentially, the legal work is trying to change the no-take zones for alternative zones that are better aligned to the important feeding areas.

These alternatives would hopefully give penguins a boost, reducing feeding competition and allowing fish stocks to be replenished!

In line with this SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa and the Blue Marine Foundation recently launched a campaign focused on saving the African Penguin. A big part of it is a petition calling on the South African government to make the change! You can sign the petition here.

Ocean Heroes Unite

International action is needed from marine life lovers and ocean heroes around the world. South African free diver and social activist Zandi Ndhlovu (Zandi the Mermaid), for one, has launched an initiative to highlight the plight of the African Penguin in support of the petition and is the narrator of the new campaign video.

As Zandi says: “I urge the international community to sign our petition today to create a catalyst for immediate action—the South African government needs to take action now, before Africa’s only penguin is lost forever.”

Sources: 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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Today marks a special day for South Africa’s VIP seabirds, the African Penguin! A time where penguin pals from all over the country unite to raise awareness for the species at risk of extinction, here are fun ways you can add your support:

South Africa (10 October 2024) — Today, South Africa’s VIP seabirds, the ever-fascinating African Penguin, are fully in the spotlight thanks to International African Penguin Awareness Day celebrations. Not just a time to enjoy cute penguin pics or a visit to Boulders Beach; this week is a pretty big one in the world of worldwide penguin welfare as penguin pals from all over the country unite to raise awareness for the species’ plight.

The Penguin’s Plight

To cut to the chase, the African Penguin is at risk of extinction. For the first time ever, we are at less than 10,000 breeding pairs—a huge wake-up call for the severity of the situation.

This doesn’t just mean that Africa’s only penguin species might not be around in 10 years (which, for most people, is heartbreaking enough); it also means marine ecosystems will face challenges impacting everything from seals to different species of fish.

With this threat in mind, penguin heroes like SANCCOB and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation are doing all they can to raise as much awareness as possible, as often as possible. In fact, over 13,000 people have signed the petition to nudge the government into taking far more action for our famed seabird!

Change is Not a Pipe Dream

This week, there are a lot of events on the cards across the country aimed at raising awareness, funds, and solidarity among VIP seabirds. The more people who decide that the penguin’s plight is the Earth’s plight, the more change can be made.

Lend a Flipper!

Muizenberg | The Penguin Waddle

On Saturday, 12 October, the African Penguin’s pals are going to be waddling from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town—the home of South Africa’s most famous penguin colony.

• When: 12 October
• Where: Muizenberg (Long Beach for the short waddle (11:00 am) and Surfer’s Corner for the long waddle from 8:30 am
• Length: 4km short route and 16km for the long route
• Need to know: Come dressed in black and white, and don’t forget to create an awareness sign!
• RSVP: Here 

Table View | African Penguin Awareness Day

A day set to be filled with fun and information at SANCCOB Table View, with options to tour their facilities, including the seabird hospital.  There will be games, activities, food and like-minded company.

• When: 12 October from 9 am
• Where:22 Pentz Drive SANCCOB Table View
• Cost: R10 per person; R40 for the tour
• Book: education@sanccob.co.za

Gqeberha | Another Penguin Waddle!

If you can’t make Muizenberg’s waddle, don’t worry! Another Penguin Waddle hosted by SANCCOB is happening in Gqeberha for a cool 5 km.

• When: Saturday 12 October; Register at 7 am and waddle starts at 8
• Where: SANCCOB Gqeberha, Marine Drive, Cape Recife
• Length: 5km
• Cost: R60 for adults, R30 for children and R300 for a group of 6 (groups get a free penguin adoption too!)
• Book:  jessicavd@sanccob.co.za

Gqeberha | Penguin Flipper Fest

A celebration of African Penguin Awareness Day by SANCCOB featuring performances by Lucas Rising, Ben du Toit, Deon and Michelle and Written in Scarlet is happening this Saturday. If you love music and penguins, this event has your name written all over it.

• When: Saturday 12 October
• Where: Ziggy’s Reggae Bar, Pine Lodge, Gqeberha
• Cost: R100 entry donation
• Book: At Ziggys

Betty’s Bay | Penguin Palooza

An epic opportunity to see rehabilitated penguins venture back home into the wild is set to take place later this month as part of the annual Penguin Palooza.

• When: 26 October from 10 am
• Where: Stony Point Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay
• Entrance: Free

Sources: SANCCOB; Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation 

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Holy Rosary School for Girls began the year with a successful ‘phone-free’ campaign to combat digital addiction. Keeping the momentum going, they followed this challenge with another time-warping mission: giving their students old-school phones to live like it’s 1999!

Johannesburg, South Africa (09 October 2024) — It’s hardly surprising anymore to see a tiny tot—barely capable of stringing together a coherent sentence—glued to a smartphone or iPad. It’s a reflection of the world we live in today, one filled with relentless and seemingly unapologetic digital addictions. From toddlers to school students and many, many adults, digital addiction is both the most obvious addiction and the most overlooked. But is anyone doing anything about it? And what can actually be done?

Digital Detox Challenge

Holy Rosary School for Girls has been on a mission in 2024 to combat digital addiction in a hands-on fashion. Beginning the year with their successful ‘Phone-Free 40 Days Campaign’, the school knew that even if the results from that effort were positive (and they were), they needed to keep the momentum going.

In another bold move to combat digital addiction, delay smartphone ownership and build healthier mental health habits, the school decided on another challenge—80-Days: Phone like its 1999 Smartphone-Free Challenge!

Phone Like It’s 1999

Beginning in May, primary and high school students, as well as staff members, surrendered their smartphones to the school. In exchange, they received ‘feature phones’ (AKA, old school phones) to take them back in time to the 90s, when cell phones were primarily used for, well, phone calls!

Because the devices have limited functionality (calls, SMSes and maybe a few extremely basic games), they directly combat accessing social media—the biggest fueler of digital addiction. At the same time, they still allow for communication with parents and family members.

The challenge was driven by Principal Natalie Meerholz, who shared that the second challenge yielded positive results. 

“We are exceptionally proud of everyone who took part in our second challenge. Some of our girls have completed both challenges and been without their phones for 120 days, which is really impressive, proving it’s possible to break free from the digital trap. We were exceptionally excited that despite major fear of missing out and plenty of peer pressure, eight of our participants were in matric.”

Nearly 89% of participants completed the challenge in full.

The Positives

Both challenges have been part of a bigger mission for the school, which is dubbed The Smart Age for Smartphone initiative.

Principal Meerholz also participated in the challenge. “Navigating my own digital detox journey as an adult has proven challenging but I feel more focused, less distracted, and have tried out a range of new activities.”

For the kids, the benefits were similar. Some reported much better sleep, feeling less distracted and feeling more present.

A big win for everyone who participated was the sensation of feeling as though they had more free time. This helped prop up the other legs of the challenge, which included community service. Several fundraising events were integrated into the challenge, including a massive crocheting charity event that drew over 6,000 attendees and raised R60,000 to contribute to paediatric cardiac surgery.

Becoming a Movement

Other educational institutions have also started drawing inspiration from the initiatives in a bid to seek guidance on implementing similar campaigns of their own.

“Our ‘Phone-Free 40 Days’ and ’80 Days: Phone Like It’s 1999’ challenges are more than just school initiatives—they’re catalysts for a broader movement,” Principal Meerholz says.

Principal Meerholz deems it “a collective awakening,” adding that the link to the deteriorating mental and physical well-being of today’s young people has become irrefutable.

“By encouraging our pupils to disconnect from their devices and engage with the world around them, we’re nurturing the growth of capable, confident and happy adults.”

Sources: Email Submission

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Pretoria and Jacarandas go hand-in-hand! And, as the city turns purple once more, we’re sharing the history of the iconic trees that (spoiler alert) begins in Brazil!

Pretoria, South Africa (03 October 2024) — For as long as most South Africans can remember, spring tends to officially be in session when the Jacarandas in Pretoria start to bloom, turning the city purple due to the number of these trees.

It’s a breathtaking sight that brings with it a sense of soft hope for better times, especially after the gruelling winters Pretoria often faces. For some, like students at the University of Pretoria, Jacarandas signal good luck (if a Jacaranda flower falls on your head, you’re more likely to pass your test as the myth goes). For others, it’s a signal that it’s time to whip out the shorts and slops again. But for most, it’s simply a picturesque experience that makes you feel as if you’re strolling through a fever dream.

But what’s the actual story behind these pretty trees?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Jacarandas are indigenous to South Africa, but you’d also be wrong. Yes, there are a ton of cultural ties we have to the trees and the city that’s known for turning purple. Heck, we even have a local radio station named after the purple blooms! But the beginning of this story is actually rooted in Brazil.

As Brazilian trees named by a French botanist (Antoine de Jussea), Jacarandas were always destined to explore the world. It was in the 1800s that they’d adventure to South Africa ,with the first planting of the purple beauty taking place not in Pretoria as most of us would assume, but in Joburg’s Dorrnfontein.

Some also set their roots down in KwaZulu-Natal before reaching Pretoli!

However, it wasn’t long until a travelling nurseryman known as Templeton saw the opportunity to sell some Jacaranda seeds to Gauteng’s other rapidly growing city. Templeton had two seedlings and wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer. But, it seemingly didn’t take a lot of negotiating to get JD Cilliers on board. Soon, two trees were planted in Sunnyside—marking the beginning of an era.

But, it was actually thanks to a man named Frank Jameson (known as Jacaranda Jim) that Pretoria boasts so many of these trees. Jacaranda Jim was well known for planting a lot of Jacarandas in the early 20th century—many of which we still see today (jacarandas can live until the age of 200!).

While the trees are alien and planting more of them won’t make you a friend of the law, they’re certainly appreciated as honourary South Africans!

Sources: Friends of Tshwane Heritage Research Centre; University of Pretoria 

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A new docu-series dubbed ‘Called by Birds’ is celebrating a unique aspect of South Africa’s heritage by exploring our long and rich connection to birds:

South Africa (03 October 2024) — Wildlife filmmaker Johan Vermeulen is celebrating South Africa’s cultural heritage in a way feathered South Africans, and those fascinated by them will greatly appreciate, thanks to his new docu-series, ‘Called by Birds’.

In the series endorsed by Birdlife SA, Johan takes us into the curious and captivating world of South Africa’s birdlife, which—spoiler alert—extends far beyond the skies.

There’s a lot of local history to do with our birds, and often in unexpected places. For example, as ‘Called by Birds’ showcases, in a cave deep in the Cape Fold Mountains, a hidden history with birds at the heart, unfolds.

Here, there are rock art depictions of how our ancestors revered birds as symbols of spirituality and a connection to the natural world.

Further down the historic line, there’s bird folklore and all the fascinating stories so rich in symbolism and tradition that connect us to birds and form a part of our heritage.

Not to mention the sheer beauty of the rulers of our skies (and mornings in the case of the humble Hadeda).

Says Johan:

“Birds have always been an integral part of South African culture, symbolising everything from good fortune to spiritual connections. Through this series, I hope to not only showcase the beauty of birds but also highlight their significance in our cultural heritage, and importance in our everyday lives.”

Johan shares that the development of the series started with a simple curiosity when he got his hands on a signed, first-edition copy of ‘The Birds of South Africa’ by Dr. Austin Roberts.

“A simple curiosity soon became a magical journey of discovery into South Africa’s birding history and the people drawn to our cheerful, feathered friends. There was a story to tell. A story that goes back way further than the 1940 Roberts bird book. Stories of early naturalists driven by adventure and discovery, and an obvious obsession with South Africa’s diverse and intriguing birdlife.

But there was more to discover. Long before bird books, South Africa was full of colourful stories of beliefs, omens, and superstitions, a beautiful collage of bird folklore across cultures,” Johan shares.

Every episode of Called by Birds gives a glimpse into this culmination of beauty and storytelling; with stunning cinematography to boast. Above and beyond igniting connection and curiosity, Johan shares that he hopes Called by Birds will help people reconnect with nature.

“If we can love birds, we can love the environment, and if we can love the environment, the world will be a much better place,” Johan concludes. 

You can watch the first episode here.

Sources: Johan Vermeulen

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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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