The arts are an integral part of South African culture, meshing our past, present and future into a single medium. At the recent Canvas and Community celebration, we got to imagine a South Africa that does better for the art economy.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) — Art is an integral part of South African culture. For our country, it’s a story-telling medium that often merges commentary on our socio-political, history, heritage and questions of who we could be as a nation. It’s also how we honour our unique relationship with wildlife and our natural surroundings while visualising the problems these cherished parts of our environment face. And, of course, it’s a means to inject pride into our communities through murals and public art of different mediums. It’s our past, present and future meshed into a single field.

So, if art has such an important role to play across different borders of the South African experience, the question persists: how is South Africa supporting our artists? And, are we doing enough?

Canvas and Community: An Example of an Artistically Inclusive South Africa

Recently, I attended an evening dubbed Canvas and Community as hosted by the Century City Conference Centre, writes GTG’s Ashleigh. It was an evening any art lover would’ve adored; spoiled with excellent music (from a staff member who got to perform opera to the brilliant classical trio The Muses and Cape Town’s ever-talented Jimmy Nevis), secret ‘fashion shows’ and, of course, a lot of local art.

Fadiel Herman’s street-art-infused paintings, Jaret Loggenberg’s powerful portrayals of the female form and Logan Marlon’s designs were all on full display amongst other talents. The spirit of Soweto was ever present thanks to Moeketsi Moahloli’s mixed media works, while Sarah Danes Jarrett’s portraits left mouths agape (and not just on the paintings).

It was thrilling to see so many different art forms sharing a single space outside of a designated gallery, exhibition or traditional arts festival.

I couldn’t ignore the thought that this is how more South African spaces can and should honour the arts to whom we all owe such a big thank you for preserving and pushing our culture forward.

Local Businesses, it’s Time to Step Up.

Because local art is the tangible mix that’s produced once the South African melting pot is poured out, it only makes sense that it should be shared and appreciated in more spaces beyond those traditionally designated for the arts. There are, after all, only so many galleries and so many residencies available. But how do we grow the space?

One way to do this is for more businesses, especially those up the tourism and hospitality alleys, to invest in our local artists. This isn’t just a means for aesthetic value and measure; it’s a gateway for the world to see who we are.

When businesses become platforms for creative development, wonderful things can happen. Just look at the likes of Karabo Poppy, who is a master at merging her art with branding alignments.

Plug the Art Drain

Just as it is with many students part of South Africa’s ‘brain drain’ dilemma, many of our artists are forced to travel outside of our country in hopes that they’ll get better opportunities. The Free State Art Collective rightly shared that there is a big gap in support for local artists in communities like theirs, while showcases like Alchemy aptly indicated that local artists should be given the chance to claim the spotlight before they go overseas.

The bottom line is that if South Africa wants to boost our art economy, there needs to be a push to carve out spaces for it in other avenues of business. Whether that means from a showcasing and collection curating perspective, creative connection events perspective, brand and partnership efforts, or initiatives that beautify our spaces whilst giving artists a boost.

It matters, as so fashionably highlighted at Canvas and Community, because our culture does. Because we cannot be proudly South African without the arts. And we cannot have a thriving arts economy without South African businesses proudly making room for the patrons of our culture.

Sources: GTG

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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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October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the experts look at mental health in the workplace; the reality is that we spend a large amount of our time at work, so understanding the good and bad is essential!

South Africa (17 October 2024) – Work can be a significant source of stress and poor mental health, but “good” work can contribute to better mental health, and the workplace itself can play a positive role in improving access to treatment.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks depression as the leading cause^[i] of disability and ill-health worldwide. A 2016 study found that lost productivity due to depression-related absenteeism and presenteeism costs the South African economy an estimated R232 billion a year, or 5.7% of GDP (in 2016 terms), ^[ii] while the WHO estimates the global economic cost of untreated depression at US$1 trillion annually.^[iii]

With at least one in three South African adults^[iv] likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetimes and employed people spending the bulk of their waking hours at work, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has highlighted that the workplace plays a key role in mental health.

“Good, meaningful work and mentally healthy work environments are beneficial for protecting mental health as well as aiding recovery from mental illness. Prioritising mental health in the workplace not only improves individual employees’ wellbeing but supports organisational performance and economic growth,” SASOP member and psychiatrist Dr Siki Gwanya-Mdletye said.

Speaking ahead of World Mental Health Day which was hosted on 10 October, Dr Gwanya-Mdletye said that strengthening the mental health aspect of workplace health services could also offer an innovative solution to the country’s large mental health treatment gap, which sees 75% of those with common mental health disorders^[v] such as depression and anxiety going untreated.

The theme of World Mental Health Day this year was “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”.

“The workplace can contribute both positively and negatively to mental health. Work can provide not only a livelihood but meaning, purpose and satisfaction, while unhealthy organisational cultures or exposure to trauma in the workplace can worsen mental illness for vulnerable individuals.

“Given South Africa’s high prevalence of mental illness and the substantial treatment gap, the workplace can also provide a good location for structured interventions to supplement the under-resourced community level of mental healthcare.

“Such interventions need to go beyond feel-good pamper sessions and spa-days at work, as lovely as these may be,” she said.

Dr Gwanya-Mdletye said that a greater mental health focus in employee wellness programmes and workplace-based healthcare services held a number of benefits, starting with early detection and referral for treatment.

Early referral for primary-level treatment had been shown to shorten the duration of illness and improve long-term health outcomes, as well as reducing the need for costly specialist care or hospitalisation, she said.

Locating mental health interventions in the workplace also has the benefit of consistency in treatment, since workers go to work most days of the week and workplace health services would be an “ally in treatment adherence”, as lack of adherence to treatment is a major challenge in successfully treating mental illness.

“This approach also retains the mental health benefits of engaging in meaningful work, and enables those with a mental health condition to continue earning a living, remaining a productive member of society and maintaining independence and dignity.

“Given South Africa’s high unemployment rate, there are significant limitations in a unilateral focus on employees. Ideally, responsible work-based mental health interventions should broaden their reach at the very least to the families of the employees they serve, and possibly to their immediate communities if resources allow,” she said.

REFERENCES

[i] World Health Organisation (WHO). 2017. “Depression: let’s talk” says WHO, as depression tops list of causes of ill health. https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2017–depression-let-s-talk-says-who-as-depression-tops-list-of-causes-of-ill-health

[ii] Evans-Lacko, S., Knapp, M. Global patterns of workplace productivity for people with depression: absenteeism and presenteeism costs across eight diverse countries. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 51, 1525–1537 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1278-4

[iii] WHO. Mental health at work. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace

[iv] Herman AA, et al. The South African Stress and Health (SASH) Study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders. SA Medical Journal, Vol 99, No. 5. 2009. http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/3374

[v] Sorsdahl K, et al. A reflection of the current status of the mental healthcare system in South Africa. SSM – Mental Health, Volume 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100247

Source: Supplied

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Education has the power to change lives, and for the learners at Lavela Secondary School in Soweto, that transformation just got a major boost—thanks to Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s donation of a brand-new library and learning centre, opening doors to limitless opportunities for over 800 students.

Soweto, South Africa (17 October 2024) – Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. This timeless wisdom by Nelson Mandela has come to life in Soweto, where the learners of Lavela Secondary School have received a tremendous gift that will impact their future for generations.

Thanks to Hyundai Automotive South Africa, Lavela now has a brand-new library and learning centre, one of the latest milestones in Hyundai’s ongoing mission to support education across the country.

Hyundai Automotive South Africa, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company in Korea and the DP World Motus Community Trust, has proudly handed over its 22nd library to Lavela Secondary School. This project is part of the company’s long-standing corporate social investment programme, which began in 2013 and has already brought essential learning resources to many schools in previously disadvantaged communities. This brand-new facility will empower more than 800 learners at Lavela Secondary, giving them the tools and knowledge to unlock their potential.

At the handover event, the excitement and joy was palpable. Lavela’s principal, Neo Sithole, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hyundai, committing to making the most of the new resource.

He passionately remarked, “We pledge to use it effectively and efficiently, and in our purpose as educators to accompany our learners to responsible adulthood, to produce refined and cultured adults. The library, the resource centre will contribute to that.”

But this isn’t just a donation of books and shelves; it’s an investment in the future. Hyundai’s generous sponsorship also includes the salary of a trained librarian, ensuring that the resource centre will be managed professionally and maintained as a place of learning and growth for years to come. This holistic approach highlights Hyundai’s dedication to making a sustainable difference in these communities.

So why is this such a good thing? Because education is the foundation of progress. It is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal improvement. Libraries like these open up a world of possibilities for young learners. They are a gateway to knowledge, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Hyundai’s initiative provides students with the resources to read, learn, and ultimately take control of their future.

Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, spoke about the importance of education during the event, encouraging students to seize the opportunities before them.

“The Hyundai library legacy commemorates our values and corporate investment initiatives. We pride ourselves in giving back to the community that lives among us. We believe in education as a sustainable way to change lives for the better.”

“You are deserving recipients and should all be very proud of yourselves,” he said, adding that the library represents the company’s values and commitment to community upliftment.

His inspirational words painted a vivid picture of what this initiative is all about.

“Today is like giving your school an airplane. Some of you will be scared to use it, some of you will just be passengers on the ride. But there is an opportunity for everyone to learn to become the pilot on this airplane.”

Van Rensburg also emphasised that the key to success in today’s world is understanding what you read. With technological advancements like artificial intelligence rapidly changing how we live and work, the ability to comprehend information critically is more important than ever.

This new library will equip Lavela’s students with the necessary skills to thrive in a world that values knowledge and adaptability.

“You need to be able to read with comprehension to understand. The world is evolving; we see it every day in our business. Artificial intelligence is taking over. The internet is the place where everybody goes. But the basis of all of this is you need to be able to read and understand what you read so when people tell you a story you can verify that it is the truth.”

Through its continued dedication to education, Hyundai is enriching the lives of learners and also investing in the future of South Africa. Over the past decade, the company has invested over R31,5 million in creating 22 libraries, proving that true change starts with opportunity.

This library is more than just a building filled with books—it’s a door to a world of possibilities. And as the learners of Lavela Secondary step through it, they will be empowered to change not just their lives, but the world.

Sources: Hyundai

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The circular economy has created boundless opportunities for many South Africans who were at once down on their luck!

South Africa (16 October 2024) — The circular economy is a pretty hot topic in today’s terms. Not only is it one of our biggest assets in the fight to curb environmental damage caused by traditional capitalist waste, it’s also something that’s created an entirely new revenue stream for many previously disadvantaged communities; making it a win-win for socio-ecological upliftment!

What is the Circular Economy?

In a nutshell, the circular economy refers to cleverly reusing and regenerating products and materials, often in new ways, preventing items that otherwise would have ended up in landfills from getting there. These refurbished or upcycled products can then be sold to help people put food on the table and range across waste sectors—from the fashion industry’s waste to eWaste.

Upcycling-focused businesses like Bin to Beauty (who turn waste from wrappers and packets into accessories), organisations like Shoose Life, who create school shoes for students in need from waste materials and communities like Re.Bag.Re.Use who turn what were once plastic bags into fashion are fantastic examples of local upcycling legends.

Uplifting South Africans Through the Circular Economy

In addition to the above, there’s Taking Care of Business; an ever-growing social enterprise that shows us how much is possible when you put people and the planet first.

While they primarily work in fashion-focused fields, repairing and refurbishing electronic items is also a big part of their circular economy.

TCB works by empowering struggling South Africans (many of whom are unemployed mothers) to become their own bosses by facilitating not just technical skills but business and life skills.

They largely use donated retail waste items as stock for their different programmes—Resell, Repair and Remake. Participants are then trained as part of a two-year programme and thereafter, are equipped to start their own businesses!

TCB’s work is a testament to how the circular economy has uplifted struggling South Africans. Looking at figures from the past financial year, the overall picture starts to look a lot like hope:

• 2,276,542 ‘waste’ items were donated to TCB programmes
• 905 unemployed people were recruited into these programmes
• 1188 participants are active in the two-year programmes
• 986 programme graduates still access and sell the stock
• R71,8million is the estimated profits made by participants and graduates
• 86,3 tons of e-waste has been received

eWaste

Just yesterday, National eWaste Day was acknowledged—a time when eco-savvy communities reflect on the fact that more needs to be done to tackle the stream of waste that stems from our electronic devices.

eWaste is a pretty tough nut in the bigger barrel of environmental problems. Unlike fashion, the skills to repair electronic devices can be much harder to access.

But, TCB has created a model that works through its Repair Programme.

“In this programme, participants (mostly men) are taught how to repair damaged appliances for resale. They also resell cell phones and other mechanical items that would have been thrown away. His year, TCB’s Repair programme has already processed 104 tons of potential eWaste. The majority of these items have been repaired and repurposed, preventing them from ending up in landfill. A victory for eWaste management!” Shares co-founder Tracey Gilmore.

 “TCB is actively adding value by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and repurposing supply chain waste. What we absolutely can’t use, is recycled. It is a mutually beneficial situation since waste is being turned into economic value while reducing the burden on scarce natural resources. TCB collects, debrands and redistributes this excess merchandise and retail waste without additional costs to the supply partner. These donated items have a social impact by supporting unemployed South Africans on their journey to self-employment and social and financial independence. It’s a win-win,” she says.

To keep the programme going strong, businesses and even individuals are urged to make donations of ‘stock’ to TCB. From appliances that just don’t work like they used to or old clothes that need new life, everything has a place in their ecosystem.

You can find out more about donationshere.

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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When litter cast a not-so-lekker shadow on Riebeek Valley, Nico Rens decided to do something pretty creative. What began as an experiment to turn plastic bottles and tops into chandeliers and lights has become a whole movement!

Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa (15 October 2024) — When artist Nico Rens moved to the Riebeek Valley several years ago, he couldn’t ignore the duality of the area. On the one hand, there were charming villages against great backdrops of natural beauty. On the other, plastic and waste seemingly grew from the ground; ruining precious parts of the Valley with litter galore.

With a background in architecture and interior design, Nico was no stranger to coming up with clever solutions creatively. Seeing the litter problem as something bigger, he decided to begin experimenting; tinkering with the idea that if the waste was simply remodelled, it might become something fantastic.

 

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Nico began making chandeliers by reworking plastic bottles, containers and lids as part of the design. But, he was just one person and the waste problem needed a lot more hands on deck. So, he decided to launch a plastic waste collection program amongst the local youth.

Many of the young people were interested in how he transformed the plastic. Nico realised that he could tackle the environmental problems and problems related to social upliftment, and soon, a new project was born!

In collaboration with FOR Life Centre, a Non-Profit Organisation that fosters social upliftment, development and reconciliation through community arts programs in the Valley, the new project offered a way to equip people with a means not just to tackle waste but to transform it.

It provided workshops around waste management and collection, recycling, design, construction, and ultimately upcycling!

When Megan Wilson, an acclaimed theatre director, producer and actor among many other titles, learned of the project, she saw its potential for even more good.

What if it could become something that spreads awareness about environmental issues and the means to empower oneself by tackling them? What if it could offer sustainable employment and training to uplift the local community and extend further into the Western Cape? The lightbulb moment had hit, and it wasn’t long until Africa Illumination was born!

 

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Just like Nico’s original work, Africa Illumination creates lighting from upcycled materials. With four community members employed, the idea has already helped people not only give back to their environment and put food on the table, but connect to a greater sense of purpose.

In fact, team leader Johannes Dirks shares that it is work that is “food for his soul”.

With help from Nico’s brother, Gerhard Rens, a retired engineer, the designs have only gotten more functional.

The team is small, but the spotlight on them is enlarging. They have already participated in Solo Studios—Intimate Art Encounters 2024 in Riebeek Kasteel, as well as the Stanford in Bloom festival. Not to mention some features on TV and customers who have purchased the creations from as far as Canada!

These Riebeek Valley locals are showing us that a little extra care and a lot of creative juices can go a long way, and in more directions than just sustainable living. You can check out their goods at the square in Riebeek-Kasteel or right here.

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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Antonio Iozzo faced one of the most gripping addictions, which he shared in his memoir ‘Slaying the Dragon’, all to get back to his former self; in the process, he found understanding for people with mental illness and addiction.

South Africa (14 October 2024) – Antonio Iozzo spent five years ‘Slaying the Dragon’ of drug addiction. Like many people in his shoes, he was prescribed strong pain meds to help after a massive accident nearly left him paralysed and unknown to him; they were extremely addictive. Before long, he found himself in a battle for his life, trying to get back to the man he was before his beloved bike crashed into him and fractured his spine.

Antonio candidly shares his experience and how his life changed in an instant in his new business memoir. The read is easy but gripping and details his addiction before moving through his early life and career accomplishments. All his hard work becomes the fight he needs to overcome the life-altering opioid addiction.

Having been such a hard worker, Antonio never understood people who faced addiction or endured the battles of mental illness, but he found understanding in his own experience; which has since softened his opinions and helped him connect with people who face these struggles. He now sees that anyone can become an addict and battle mental health and depression.

One of the major underlying tones he sets, and while he never says it outright, he consistently talks about doing research when it comes to medical practices. Read up on meds, and ask your doctor questions. Find out whatever you can before saying yes to procedures or taking prescribed medication. Assess the risks and be informed!

He reiterated in the book how he often didn’t know why things were done or what operations were meant to be doing, but in advocating for himself, he was finally able to find his way out of the addictions he faced.

While Antonio has had a wonderfully successful career and family life, his personal struggles are what connected me most to his story. Finding hope in the darkest part of his life and drawing on every experience to fight it is inspiring. He continues to share that he knows his privilege is what helped him get through it and that many people do not have the means to fight an addiction of this nature. But one thing we all have is courage. You just need to dig down and grasp it – and then refuse to ever let it go.

Antonio’s memoir is the perfect read for those needing an inspiring read before taking on a big fight, whether in business or one’s personal life. The honesty in his retelling of his life makes one feel they are sitting around the braai, listening to the story in person.

Please note that we have not named the specific drugs as this type of content is often flagged online, but Antonio shares all the specifics in his book and what he did to overcome his struggles.

Back of the Book

In 2018, Antonio Iozzo, the CEO and visionary leader of IUM, Africa’s leading independently-owned Cell Captive UMA, has a near-death accident when he comes off his Ducati Panigale superbike at breakneck speed, racing around Cape Town’s notoriously dangerous Killarney Motor Raceway. Despite sustaining significant injuries, including a shattered T7 vertebra, 14 broken ribs, and punctured lungs, medical professionals are amazed that Antonio has not been left paralysed.

Antonio undergoes a series of operations in both South Africa and the United States. Throughout his ordeal, he’s prescribed a painkiller commonly used in the US, where it’s been linked to millions of overdose-related deaths. No one in the medical fraternity warns Antonio of its highly addictive nature, and so his five-year addiction nightmare unfolds.

While managing a R600 million building project, launching a cutting-edge 5,000m² health and wellness facility, and overseeing his billion-rand insurance enterprise, this highly driven businessman grapples with a dual existence. His once magnificent life, built from rags to riches, begins to unravel. He consumes copious amounts of pain meds to manage his debilitating back pain, alternating it with an even more addictive withdrawal drug.

As he expands his multibillion-rand business empire, Antonio finds it increasingly challenging to conceal his inner turmoil. He becomes fixated on the clock, obsessed with when he can take his next fix.

Finally, in a mammoth surge of determination and willpower, Antonio goes to battle with the dragon, resolved to wean himself off every last milligram of the drug.

If you would like to learn more about this book, visit its website here. It is also available at all major literary retailers and online.

Interested in more proudly South African books? You can find more of our book reviews here.

Sources: Book Supplied for Review

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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

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

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Sometimes giving something ‘one last shot’ is the best shot you end up taking. For Bin to Beauty a wildcard of kindness, deciding it ain’t over ‘till it’s over’ and determination have all turned things around for the small upcycling business, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 October 2024) — Ever felt down on your luck? Like you’ve got this great idea but just seem to be in the wrong place for it to really take off? Considered that your business might end up less of a dream and more of a memory? Kudakwashe Chigariro knows the feeling. In fact, just a few short months ago, she and her small upcycling business, Bin to Beauty, faced all of the above.

Things weren’t looking good for Kuda’s dream. In fact, at the end of July, she had to tell her team that it was time to close shop for good after 5 years of hard work.

It was a heartbreaking moment. Bin to Beauty was the bread and butter for the women part of the team. Together, they were all dedicated to upcycling recyclable materials into fabulous new products like purses, backpacks and accessories. It helped them help the environment and put food on the table. But at the time, it seemed like a breakthrough for the business was becoming impossible, and the business could no longer afford to keep going.

‘But upcycling is all the rage!’ You might protest. While it might be true that sustainable fashion (of which upcycling is a big part) has taken the world by storm, it’s also important to consider that when your resources are limited, so too can be your reach.

Despite coming to terms with the end of Bin to Beauty, life had other plans for Kuda and her team.

Dana Druion from the Rosebank Sunday Market learned of Kuda’s story and immediately knew she needed to get involved.

Dana gave Kuda her ‘last shot’ by offering her a free stall at one of Joburg’s top markets. Beyond this, Dana went above and beyond in trying to connect businesses that produce wrapper waste to Kuda.

When Good Things Guy shared the news of the relaunch, we were all at the edge of our seats.

As Kuda told us at the time, “We are just praying that we have been in the wrong place and praying that we are going to the right place.”

A few months later and the verdict was in: the tables had turned!

“We have been in the wrong place,” Kuda informed us. Those words alone were enough to make our team’s hearts sing.

Kuda added that her client base has expanded to other parts of South Africa thanks to people who learnt about her business through Good Things Guy, and further, that getting to operate at the market is “like a dream”.

While the journey continues for the little business that could, several lessons shine through for all of us: don’t count yourself out until the curtains have truly closed. Be ready to take help when it is given, and if you’re given a ‘last shot’, make it the best damn shot of them all.

Life can certainly feel like being inside a bin at time, but it can also very quickly turn to a thing of beauty.

You can support Bin to Beauty here, or at the Rosebank Market.

Sources: Email Submission

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Many feel powerless, but Inpowered is on a mission to change that – and on 21st November 2024, they’re about to make history by breaking a world record and empowering thousands of South Africans to realise just how strong they truly are.

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 October 2024) – Many may feel vulnerable and powerless, but one organisation is shaking things up, empowering South Africans to realise just how strong they truly are – both mentally and physically. Get ready, because Inpowered is gearing up for its most significant event yet, and it’s set to make history on the 21st of November 2024!

Founded by Mark Grobbelaar, Inpowered has made it its mission to teach life-saving self-defence skills, instil confidence, and empower participants to reclaim control of their lives. This powerful organisation runs courses designed to help people – from school children to CEOs – understand the true power they hold within. But it’s not just about the training; it’s about showing participants what they are truly capable of, and what better way to do that than breaking a wooden board at the end of the course? It’s a moment of triumph, a visual reminder of the strength that lies within.

On 21st November 2024, Inpowered is taking this empowering tradition to the next level with its most ambitious event to date – a world record attempt! The goal? To break the record for the most wooden boards broken in a single day. It’s a bold endeavour that will make the history books and also leave thousands of South Africans feeling more powerful than ever.

“I believe that every single person has the ability to stand up for themselves, no matter the circumstances,” says Mark Grobbelaar, founder of Inpowered.

“We’re not just teaching self-defence. We’re showing people how strong they truly are.”

Mark’s story with Inpowered starts decades ago, back in 1990, when he was travelling through London. That’s where he first met Alison – a chance encounter that would later spark a global movement. But at that time, life took them in different directions. When Mark returned to South Africa, they had lost contact, and the days before the internet meant that he had no way to find her. Fast forward to 18th December 1994, Alison was abducted, raped, and left for dead in one of the most horrifying attacks the country had ever seen.

Against all odds, she survived, and it was that will to live that became the foundation for Inpowered.

Mark and Alison reconnected in April 2000 after he read about her ordeal in You magazine. As a fifth dan in Karate, Mark had been contemplating the subject of self-defence for a long time, and after hearing Alison’s story in detail, he realised that many of her decisions had been based on not knowing better. Inspired, he wrote his thesis, Girl Power – Self Defence for Women, which would later evolve into the foundation for Inpowered.

When Alison read his thesis, she made a statement that changed everything: “Had I known this, my ordeal would never have happened.”

In 2012, Mark left corporate life to start Woman INpowered (WIP) full-time. He had one goal: to empower women by sharing self-defence techniques that truly work. In 2016, Mark realised that men, too, needed similar empowerment, and that’s when Guy Responsibly INpowered (GRIP) was born. These two programmes came together under the umbrella of Inpowered, and the organisation now works with people all around the world, from factory workers to Miss Universe.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mark joined us on the Good Things Guy podcast to share more about his journey, the upcoming record-breaking event and the incredible impact Inpowered is having on communities everywhere.

You can listen to that interview here:

If there’s one thing this story shows, it’s that strength isn’t always about physical power – it’s about resilience, determination, and the will to rise above. Mark Grobbelaar and his team are inspiring thousands to realise their true potential.

So, get ready, South Africa – history is about to be made, and lives are about to be changed!

Sources: Mark Grobbelaar | Inpowered

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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 Breaking Barriers: Inpowered Set to Shatter World Record and Empower Thousands appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Rocky Peak Spur in Alberton is not just serving meals, it’s serving up opportunities—offering special needs learners the chance to gain valuable job experience and life skills, proving that inclusivity isn’t just a goal, it’s a commitment.

Johannesburg, South Africa (08 October) – It’s often said that society’s true strength lies in how it treats those who are the most vulnerable. Mahatma Gandhi once reflected on this idea, reminding us that “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” It’s not just a matter of philosophy but a call to action for communities and businesses alike to make a real difference where it counts most. For individuals with special needs, opportunities for personal and professional growth are not always readily available. Yet, these individuals deserve the chance to thrive, just like everyone else.

Enter Optim-Ed Learning Centre, a place of opportunity nestled in the heart of Alberton, South Africa.

Optim-Ed is not just a school but a place where children and young adults with special needs are equipped with skills to navigate life beyond the classroom. Through dedicated teaching and specialised programs, Optim-Ed works tirelessly to ensure that every learner reaches their full potential. But sometimes, that potential needs a little help from the community to truly flourish.

This is where Rocky Peak Spur in Brackenhurst, Alberton, stepped up in the most remarkable way. Recognising the importance of job experience for the older learners at Optim-Ed, Rocky Peak Spur has opened its doors to give them a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and gain confidence in the workplace.

Bonny Botha, co-owner and principal of Optim-Ed Learning Centre, reached out to share this heartwarming story with Good Things Guy, who is eager to express her gratitude.

“I just want to give a huge shout-out to Rocky Peak Spur in Brackenhurst Alberton,” she said.

“We are a special needs school, and we try to give our older learners job experience and teach them important life skills. As you can imagine, approaching companies to accommodate our learners is a huge task, and they often are not keen. Rocky Peak Spur has allowed our learners the opportunity to job shadow at their restaurant every Friday morning. They even went as far as to make them shirts so that they feel part of the team. This is true inclusivity, and I feel that they need all the praise and attention they can get.”

It’s not just about the opportunity to job shadow but how Rocky Peak Spur has embraced these young adults as part of its team. The learners don’t just walk into a restaurant—they walk into a community that values and supports them.

This act of kindness from Rocky Peak Spur speaks volumes about the power of inclusivity and the willingness of businesses to play a positive role in the lives of those with special needs. It’s about more than just giving back—it’s about investing in a future where everyone has a chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances.

When communities come together, magic happens. Thank you, Rocky Peak Spur, for showing us all that when inclusivity is embraced, everyone wins!

Sources: Bonny Botha | Optim-Ed Learning Centre | Rocky Peak Spur Alberton 

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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 SA Business Transforms Lives by Empowering Special Needs Learners appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Bouwer Bosch and Themba Robin are back with more hilarity, this time for a series of adverts with Payflex, and it took more than “phree” takes to get it right.

South Africa (03 October 2024) – Friends and comedy duo Bouwer Bosch and Themba Robin just keep bringing the funny! They have teamed up with Payflex to promote the new ‘Pay in 3’ campaign, but Bouwer really struggled to get his pronunciations right. The hilarious duo took their friendship to a new level, and it left us giggling!

To promote the launch of Pay in 3, Payflex worked with South Africa’s much-loved comedy duo to explain how Payflex Pay in 3 works.

Payflex is South Africa’s largest independent Buy Now Pay Later provider; it enables shoppers to get what they want now and pay later, interest and fee-free. With Pay Now, Pay in 4, and the newly launched Pay in 3, they have become SA’s most flexible payment provider.

To get the message out there, Payflex has shared a creative advert series that has South Africa laughing. From the first take to the last, Bouwer gave them all grey hairs. However, the outcome is beautiful!

Take one; Bouwer tries to explain that Pay in 3 allows online shoppers to split their purchase payments into three interest-free payments. Let’s just say the take really tests Themba’s patience.

Realising the struggles Bouwer was facing, Themba got creative for take two, drawing up a few ‘sub-titles’ to help advert viewers get the message.

And finally, we have a winner! Sort of…

The concept of Buy Now, Pay Later is still relatively new to the South African market. Payflex shares that it differs from traditional payment options such as credit cards and lay-bys as it has shorter repayment periods without the hefty interest rates and fees like conventional credit models; in fact, there are no interest fees at all!

How does Pay in 3 work?

First, you’ll need a Payflex account. The good news is that it only takes 2 minutes to set up. Registering for Payflex only requires a South African ID number and a valid bank account.

You can then shop online at stores such as Takealot or Superbalist and make your payment in three interest-free instalments.

It’s a no-brainer. Instead of paying for an item in full and upfront, you can split your payments and have extra cash available for life’s other pleasures.

You can sign up for your Payflex account here.

Sources: Payflex

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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

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

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