South Africa is uniting for one of our strongest warriors, Alison Botha, who recently underwent a brain aneurysm—The same Alison who survived the unsurvivable after two men brutally raped her and left her for dead with more wounds than doctors could count. Now, all those she has inspired are standing behind her as she climbs this medical mountain!

Cape Town, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Alison Botha’s story is one many South Africans have shed tears over, felt indescribable rage about, and become inspired by—often in one sitting. Now, as Alison faces a medical mountain, South Africa and people across the world are uniting to help her push onward and upward.

Alison is known across the world as someone who went from survivor to warrior. In 1994, she faced unimaginable horrors when one December night changed her life forever.

Two men abducted Alison and took her to the outskirts of Port Elizabeth. She was raped violently, stabbed over 30 times, and left with her throat slit from ear to ear in the bushes, where she was as good as dead.

Except, Alison didn’t die. With every last ounce of strength she had left, Alison dragged herself to the road where a passing car found her. When she eventually received medical help, she had so many wounds doctors could not count them.

Alison’s decision in that moment was to deny death and to continue pushing on day after day, not simply as a survivor, but as a source of immense strength for countless women.

No one would’ve blamed Alison for losing herself to trauma. But, she chose a new life; one where she would help so many other women become warriors instead by seeing the power of choice to triumph over life’s hardships.

Today, Alison is a champion for GBV victims. Her book, I Have a Life—Alison’s Journey became a best-seller and the epitome of courage. She inspired WomanInpowered—an initiative that helps women protect themselves and won the Rotarian Paul Harris Award for ‘Courage Beyond the Norm’ among many other accolades.

While she might be a formidable warrior, Alison is also a human. And right now, her body is in a terrible predicament.

As her collaborating ghostwriter, Marianne Thamm, explains per Daily Maverick, Alison endured an aneurysm in late September where bleeding on the brain ensued.

She underwent surgery to stop the haemorrhage in Cape Town and is currently in and out of consciousness. Today, she is scheduled to undergo brain surgery to help with the fluid that has built up.

But, as Lynette Oxley of Girls On Fire explains, Alison does not have the medical aid to cover all this.

As such, her legal team have stepped forward to help Alison climb this medical mountain via a trust fund, and the support has been significant!

People from all over the world and country have sent their support, love and contributions. Alison has touched so many lives, and now people are paying it forward to ensure this battle is one she won’t go through alone.

Everyone who wishes to support this incredible South African can do so via the following:

Trust Details

Tania Koen Attorneys
Nedbank Trust Account No. 1302230492
International donations include SWIFT code NEDSZAJJ
Tania Koen (Legal Representative) tkatt@mweb.co.za

Sources: 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.

The post South Africa Unites for Alison Botha as She Undergoes Brain Surgery  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Jean du Plessis cycled up to the King’s Blockhouse on the slopes of Table Mountain every day for 200 days as an act of solidarity for a GBV survivor. Now, his effort has become an entire movement known as Blocktober.

Cape Town, South Africa (07 October 2024) — Back in 2020, Jean du Plessis made it his mission to ride up to the King’s Blockhouse every single day for the better part of a year—200 days. Tackling Table Mountain’s slopes and the great climb up to the Blockhouse via bike was not just a means to put his wheel to the test but Jean’s way of showing solidarity with a gender-based violence survivor. However, this slow-burn solidarity didn’t end in 2020. Instead, it has inspired the growing movement known as Blocktober.

What is Blocktober?

Jean’s journey has moved old and new friends alike. Year after year, as October rolls in, people have come together to trek up to Blockhouse in their own ways to show their solidarity—be it walking, jogging or riding up the slopes.

Unlike many endurance efforts that speak to individual goals and metrics, Blocktober speaks simply to solidarity.

The steep climb that people tackle is a metaphor for the mental hills survivors climb daily. Just as a climb can be anxiety-inducing, painful and a real test of one’s strength, so it is with the healing journey after immense trauma.

But, as all South Africans know well, we are stronger together. As such, Blocktober’s incredible effort toward solidarity is a reminder that even when circumstances have made you feel more isolated than you ever thought possible, there are people who care more than you know and who are willing to go to great lengths to show it.

How to Get Involved

Every Sunday for the month of October, everyone who wishes to show their support through movement is encouraged to head to the mountain to join a group solidarity walk. Find the group here.

Others are embarking on slow-burn solidarity rides every day for the entire month, while those who may not be able to contribute their time are encouraged to pledge a donation or sponsor a rider.

Donations go to the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children (SBC) in Manenberg, and this year, the goal is R100,000 (last year, Blocktober raised over R50,000!).

Plans are also being made to develop an education support project for children of residents who pass through the SBC during their last three years at school to help them prepare for matric finals and even tertiary studies.

As for Jean, his plans for this year’s Blocktober are as follows:

“I have committed to ride up everyday from the Newlands side, come rain or shine. If I manage to achieve this goal, I will by end October have climbed over 17 000 metres (the height of two Mt. Everests) and travelled over 600km.”

Aiming for the same goal is Dawie Bosch from Vredehoek. Together, the two have pledged to sponsor themselves at R100 each per their ascents!

“[Blocktober] is a humbling privilege, a deeply instructive way of identifying with survivors of gender-based violence, says Jean in explaining the consistency of the initative. “It is a case of ‘choosing not to have a choice’, and gives one an inkling (just an inkling) of what it must be like to be a survivor who has no choice but to get up and face every day with the nightmarish memory of an event or events of sexual violence.”

You can find out more about Blocktober here and contribute donations to this exceptional cause here.

Sources: Email Submission

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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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The annual event celebrating recovery from substance use started in 2015

Cape Flats, South Africa (03 October 2024) — Hundreds of people participated in the 10th annual Recovery Walk on Saturday to counter stigmas about recovery from substance use and mental illness. In the wind and rain, they walked five kilometres from Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital through Mitchell’s Plain, carrying signs. Some read: “I am a recovery superhero” and “I love the person I’ve become”.

There was some unexpected drama when the walk was interrupted about an hour in. A passerby was hit by a vehicle on Highlands Drive. She suffered a broken leg, one event organiser said. Emergency personnel came, and the walk resumed.

Warren Cornelius, from the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Cape Town, said as many as 1.5 million people – about 20% of the Western Cape’s population – have a substance use disorder, yet less than 4,000 access treatment each year.

Cornelius, who began his recovery in 2011, said “open recovery” inspires others to start on their own healing journey. “It’s not just about recovery,” he said. “It’s about instilling hope in people.”

Participants included those recovering from addiction, those with family members affected by addiction, and patients from Lentegeur Hospital.

Cornelius said the Recovery Walk has “really evolved” since the first one in 2015 in the city centre.

Juliet Yates, who is on the organising committee, participated for the fourth time. She said being open about recovery has been the “best thing” for her progress.

Marcellus Pather, who is in his first year of recovery after 40 years of substance use, said he has lost two brothers to mental illness and substance use.

“I’m grateful for my recovery,” said Pather. “Grateful, definitely, and the fact that I’m in my kids’ lives now.”

Sources: GroundUp

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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 biggest virtual event in South Africa is just around the corner thanks to ILoveBoobies Imagine Challenge! Not only a fantastic reason to get active, participants will also be making a big difference in making breast cancer screenings free for underprivileged women:

South Africa (01 October 2024) — As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, breast cancer charity, ILoveBoobies are inviting everyone to join in on the biggest virtual event on the calendar in South Africa—the Imagine Challenge!

Now in its 5th year, the Imagine Challenge is back once more to provide free breast cancer screenings for disadvantaged women, all while raising awareness and support.

A month-long initiative, the Imagine Challenge is a virtual event that gives participants the option of embarking on a challenge of their choice, no matter where they are (hence the virtual element).

You Can Tackle:

• 42.2 kilometres of Running
• 500 kilometres of Cycling
• 10 kilometres of Swimming
• 24 hours of Gym/CrossFit

However, you can also add your own twist to these options. Make a triathlon out of the options, throw a different sport into the mix, choose to do the distances in one go (Cape Town Marathon, anyone?) or spread them out over the entire month—whatever you do adds up!

When you purchase your entry, you’re directly supporting more breast cancer screenings for women who most need it. Why do screenings matter? Well, considering that breast cancer affects 1 in 27 women in South Africa and 23% of all cancers diagnosed, early detection is imperative.

As Dr Peter Schoub Chair of BISSA shared:

“One of the most significant challenges in South Africa is the late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer when the cancer is advanced, reducing the chances of successful treatment. This late diagnosis is often due to a lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare facilities, and socioeconomic inequalities.”

By partaking in the Imagine Challenge, you get to be a part of making a valuable resource accessible; saving countless lives down the line! In addition, you’ll be doing your body a fantastic service while standing (or moving, rather) in solidarity with the charity.

Participation Outline

• Register via the ILoveBoobies website. This year, the charity has an app especially for the challenge which you’ll get access to. Find out more, here.
• Entry will contribute towards the free screening, as well as goodies including Super Power Socks and some surprise gifts.
• Track your activity stats on your own accord and join Strava to stay in touch with other participants.
• There is also a chance to win a lucky draw!
• You can find answers to all Imagine Challenge questions here, and entry information, here. 

Sources: ILoveBoobies 

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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 ILoveBoobies Ramps Up for 5th Imagine Challenge! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

We all rejoice when there’s good news for our country’s natural heritage. But who are the boots on the ground making this possible? The spotlight is bright, and it is on the SANParks Women Honorary Rangers!

South Africa (07 August 2024) — It takes a lot of boots on the ground to protect something as important and vast as South Africa’s natural heritage. Scores of South African rangers have dedicated their lives to the task (and risked them) in the pursuit of wildlife protection. Scores more volunteer to help in the places traditional rangers can’t always get to. Both of these classes of hero are exactly that—heroes. And many of them are women and Women Honorary Rangers.

Many of us might know of the legendary Black Mambas—South Africa’s all-female anti-poaching squad. But not as many may know of the other heroines working tirelessly to give our natural heritage lines of defence, care and help.

South African National Parks (SANParks) recently began spotlighting the women part of the Honorary Rangers team who are making a difference across the country. Considering that the ranger’s pursuit is still largely a male-dominated space, naming and faming the women taking the reigns in the protection of our natural heritage not only helps break the stereotype, but also encourages more women to be inspired to be the boots on the ground!

“I’ve always had a heart for conservation,” says Honorary Ranger Brenda Huntley who is based in Pietermaritzburg joined the team three years ago.

“Over the years I have loved every minute I have spent in any of our National Parks. I joined [SANParks Honorary Rangers] after I retired from my full-time job, as I knew I had the time and energy. I care about our wildlife heritage, and believe we need to work together to ensure that SANParks will be here for our children’s children’s.”

Val Stephens, Honorary Rangers Regional Vice Chair who has lived in South Africa but lives in the UK and has been an Honorary Ranger virtually since 2012.

Her tasks across the pond have been a huge support to the Honorary Rangers on the ground in big ways like fundraising, giving members information and now assists the Chairperson in every respect.

“I consider myself very privileged to serve SANParks ‘virtually’ and hope to continue doing so for many years to come. It is especially important for me, as over the years I have developed poor mobility, so the time spent behind my computer gives me tremendous self worth,” says Val.

Newcomers Siddika from the Johannesburg South region is on her way to becoming a fully-fledged Honorary Ranger.

She has helped in educational activities and waits in anticipation to perform important tasks like snare removals in the Kruger National Park.

“Just knowing that me, a someone on planet Earth, from billions of humans, can make a difference—to some it may be insignificant…but to me I am making my print and giving back to my country, our conservation and the world.”—Siddika.

Sources: SANParks 

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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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Gamers across South Africa will be leveraging their passionate communities to unite as a formidable force against one of South Africa’s biggest plights—gender-based violence:

South Africa (02 August 2024) — Gamers across South Africa are once again rallying together against gender-based violence for a change-sparking initiative, Gamers Against GBV.

While Women’s Month in South Africa earmarks a time to celebrate the many formidable females making South Africa immensely proud, August is also a month where inequalities, glass-ceilings yet to be broken and societal injustices that impact our women the most are rightly spotlighted.

One of the biggest injustices we face as South Africans is gender-based violence, something the TEARS Foundation works tirelessly to change, all while acting as an incredible resource of support for all genders who face sexual violence.

For years, TEARS has taken on the task of offering immediate and long-term support to survivors (a space the government should be doing much more in). But they cannot do this alone.

Teaming up with TEARS, gamers are set to take a stand against harassment and GBV in honour of survivors and a South Africa where GBV is a thing of the past.

“Gaming is often stereotyped as male, but the number of South African girls and women in the video gaming community is rapidly growing. There is a pressing need for increased awareness and robust responses to sexual violence and harassment, both online and offline,” says Mara Glenn, Founder and CEO of TEARS.

Initially begun during the lockdown when GBV incidents increased, the Gamers Against GBV initiative connected a close-knit and passionate community to unite for the worthy cause. In its 4th iteration, the initiative will feature daily livestreams hosted by over 30 streamers nationwide. These streamers will mobilise their communities to support the cause through donations on their streams and will share relevant content to raise awareness. On Women’s Day (9 August), the gamers will culminate in a marathon stream in an epic call for change.

All donations received during the campaign will be processed through a crowdfunding campaign; directly supporting TEARS

What the TEARS Foundation Helps With:

• Referral to Individual counselling
• Referral to Individual, group and couples counselling
• Referral to Support groups
• Volunteer opportunities
• Linking victims to emergency shelters
• Referring victims to medical facilities for medical attention for access to:
  • Antiretroviral (ARVs) treatment
  • The morning-after pill to avoid unwanted pregnancy
  • Antibiotics for possible Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  • Blood tests
  • Internal medical examinations
  • A J88 for court purposes
• Following up with the police on behalf of victims who have case numbers
• Giving survivors advice on how to apply for a protection order
• Referring child victims to child-friendly facilities and Social Workers
• Guiding women and men on how to leave abusive relationships

The free, 24/7 USSD helpline number can be used by dialling  *134*7355# or 010 590 5920.

You can find more information about the initiative here, and more information about the TEARS Foundation 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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Sock savants, champions of collective change or anyone who needs no excuse to get funky for a good cause, get ready to sock and roll because Funky Sock Day is on the way!

South Africa (31 July 2024) — Whether you’re a sock savant or a lover of getting funky for a good cause, a big day is just around the corner for South Africa: Funky Sock Day!

What is Funky Sock Day?

Every year, Funky Sock Day stands out on the calendar as the kind of day when something as simple as a pair of socks, stickers, or both can make a massive difference for the children of South Africa.

FSD is a nationwide initiative that aims to unite South Africans through the love of small acts for a big cause in a collective effort to raise funds to support our youngest and most vulnerable South Africans.

With Breadline Africa at the helm of the ship of this initiative, FSD plays a big role in helping children across the country get the early childhood development resources they need. Last year, R 1-million was raised which helped build pre-schools and improve early childhood education and development in the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape!

Why Early Childhood Development and Education?

Because so much of a child’s brain develops in their formative years, the care they receive before the age of 5 is essential to their cognitive, social and emotional growth. For vulnerable children from impoverished communities however, this often requires intervention, which is exactly where Funky Socks Day steps in.

Switching Things Up

Building on the success of last year, this year’s aim is to get even funkier and fundraise even more to reach children across the whole country and even in Namibia by providing resource-rich educational school packs, supporting the children in the schools built and beyond.

How to Get Involved

For every million rand raised, Breadline Africa can help fifty local pre-schools in need. All it takes is buying an R10 sticker from PNA and wearing your funkiest socks on Funky Sock Day, penciled in for 13 September. Tell your friends, your neighbours, your friend’s neighbours, and your neighbour’s friends!

Feel free to jazz your socks up as much as you’d like, but don’t forget to make those stickers count.

The Sock Doctor has pledged to contribute 100% of the sales from two specific designs in their range to Breadline, with 3000 pairs available—so keep an eye out while getting your stickers.

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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The Benoni Taxi Association are doing incredible work to beautify the town in more ways than one. From teaming up with Clean Projects to make sure the area is tidy to conducting patrols and doing community work of their own accord, a big round of applause is in order!

Benoni, South Africa (25 July 2024) – In Benoni, people from all walks of life continue to band together to better their town. From community eco-activists to the taxi association taking on heartwarming acts to make residents feel safer and proud of their home, Benoni is slowly but surely earning Her stripes back as a jewel of Gauteng.

Recently, Alison Etherington of Clean Projects spotlighted the unsung heroes of the good work being done in Benoni—the Benoni Taxi Association on a mission to turn the town around.

The taxi association had spotted the work Clean Projects were doing at the beginning of their journey as a community clean-up organisation, and wanted to learn more.

“They have assisted us since then in monitoring certain areas where there is a lot of illegal dumping and activity,” Alison tells Good Things Guy. 

In April, the taxi association played a big role on Earth Day, where they united with the organisation to get stuck in and clean up the areas that needed a helping hand.

In a video shared by EWN, the taxi drivers shared the other kinds of work they had been doing beyond the eyes, spotting illegal and eco-counterproductive activities, including taking on patrols for community safety, helping the homeless find shelter and connecting children with social workers.

“We are a family and we respect each other,” Rufus the taxi driver shared of their drive to make change. 

Come Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July, the taxi association and Clean Projects celebrated by addressing a big area of concern—the area around the Benoni taxi rank and, specifically, the bridge going over the freeway.

“The Benoni Taxi Association was instrumental in informing their passengers about what was happening on this very busy bridge. After their morning rush hours they then came to assist with the physical clean up of the bridge. Picking up litter and clearing grass and sand off the kerbing and road. Jerry and George head up the group and have such encouraging attitudes about our town.”

Sources: Email Submission

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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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Oftentimes, the best way to help others is by equipping them to help themselves! This is the mission of a special organisation that helps unemployed mothers and underprivileged individuals’ entrepreneurial and lifeline dreams come true; all of us can get involved in writing their success stories!

South Africa (07 July 2024) — For many individuals hailing from underserved backgrounds and limited opportunities in our country, entrepreneurial dreams are lifeline dreams.

Unlike those in fairytales, it’s support rather than genie lamps that makes these kinds of dreams come true, and the best kind of support for dreams where the stakes are this high (lifeline dreams) is the kind that helps one learn exactly how to help themselves as a successful and educated entrepreneur.

Focused on this and the great need in our country to help more people empower themselves and their families by becoming business-savvy boss ladies in a sustainable way, is Taking Care of Business (TCB).

Their track record of struggle to success stories is as heartwarming as it is impressive, reminding us that sometimes all it takes is a fairy godmother of guidance to make magic happen in real life.

TCB lays the foundation for success via different programmes, including the Remake and Repair programmes where women are supported with supplies (like appliances or good quality clothing) and entrepreneurial training to change their lives.

Though their work is a year-round story, Nelson Mandela Day (18 July) offers an opportunity for the public to help them as they help others’ dreams come true. But, you don’t need to wait for Madiba’s Day to get involved!

Here’s How You Can Be a Hero to These Dreamers

1. Run a Collection Drive for resources that’ll help disadvantaged individuals run a business of their own with good-condition clothing items, sewing machines or small appliances. You can find a branch here.
2. Donate toward their entrepreneurial journeys and contribute to the Remake or Repair programme or the educational courses (which also include computer skills training for interns and graduates who need the extra boost).
3. Spread the word of TCB’s work to those you think could either benefit from all they offer, or someone who could support their endeavours in a big way!

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.

The post Help Entrepreneurs Lifeline Dreams Come True in 3 Easy Ways appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Outside the Bowl Africa and Samaritans Feet SA have teamed up for a big initiative that aims to help 67 000 children with toe-to-tummy essentials! Meet the “Food for Soles” Project:

South Africa (28 June 2024) — NGO Outside the Bowl Africa and Samaritans Feet SA have united for an epic collaboration—the “Food for Soles” initiative set to launch on Mandela Day this year!

With Samaritans Feet’s passion to ensure more children have footwear and the dignity that comes with it alongside Outside the Bowl’s determination to feed the next generation, the project is tackling two challenges in one ambitious shot.

“Food for Soles” aims to address the needs of homeless and underprivileged youth across South Africa by providing 67 000 vulnerable children with toe-to-tummy essentials, including shoes, socks, and access to nutritious meals.

“The need for this project is urgent and profound,” says Loren Erasmus, the Executive Director at Outside the Bowl Africa.

“In South Africa, many children walk long distances to school, often without proper footwear, which affects their health, education and overall well-being. Lack of nutritious food further exacerbates their struggles, leading to issues such as malnutrition, stunted growth, and impaired cognitive development. By addressing these basic needs, the Food for Soles project hopes to create a foundation for these children to build better futures.”

So, what will it take to achieve the ambitious goal? The teams behind the initiative believe that with enough collective effort, awareness, and R67 donations, 67,000 children will certainly feel the positive impact that will last them far beyond Mandela Day on 18 July.

Additionally, if corporates are looking to get involved, their support would be warmly welcomed.

The call for community kindness is on, and you can make donations either here or here with your reference as ‘[your name] 67k’.

Looking for more ways to do some good this Mandela Day? You can check out our growing list of initiatives here.

Sources: Supplied 

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