Despite calling herself an ‘ordinary woman’, Leanne Maiden has done a most extraordinary thing. She has officially completed the World’s Toughest Row and become the first South African woman to do it!

Global (19 February 2024) — Leanne Maiden can cast any notions of her being an ‘ordinary woman’ out the porthole because she has successfully completed the World’s Toughest Row and become the first South African woman to finish the 3000 mile journey, ever!

An achievement that’s made history, Leanne took something of a midlife crisis spurred by lockdown and turned it into an incredible adventure where she sailed the waves of resilience, isolation, bravery, pressure and dreams across the Atlantic on her boat, Rieka.

Leanne boasted her South African flag on Saturday 17 February when she celebrated the end of the nearly 5000 kilometre odyssey she hoped would help charities in need, and inspire minds in need of inspiration.

The row took her 66 days and 5 hours from La Gomera to Antigua. On the water, December to February became a lifetime.

At times (especially when the canned peaches were running low) she was not sure if she could do it. There were salty tears and quiet moments of appreciation, like seeing a signal of land and being enveloped in the warmth of support from friends, family and strangers when the journey seemed cold (not least because Leanne ran out of hot water). The doubt of such a daunting task may have washed over Leanne from time to time, but she chose to row on anyway. And the real magic of her row lies in this sentiment.

To embark on an endurance challenge of this magnitude takes an extraordinary kind of willpower. To do something despite the doubt is what puts the extra to the ordinary. Above preparations, weather conditions and other side effects that come with living on your own on a boat for so long, nothing will make or break your experience quite like willpower—and in that, Leanne has taught anyone who has ever thought they were not special enough to do something, a life lesson worth a treasure chest.

Because maybe being extraordinary is a choice. Maybe deciding to do something crazy and ambitious and actually doing it, is possible for anyone, from anywhere. Leanne is a mother, a wife, a sister and a daughter with a South African heart and a Scottish home. She may not be someone who has done crazy, ambitious things all her life, but she still conquered one of the craziest most ambitious things of a lifetime. How inspiring is that?

A certified South African hero, Mzansi salutes you!

Sources: Leanne Maiden 

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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 Leanne Maiden: The First South African Woman to Conquer the World’s Toughest Row appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Pola Maneli, a Gqeberha artist got his big break unexpectedly. Now, his work has graced the cover of  New York’s most famous magazine and was sold to an Oscar-winning director!

Global (09 February 2024) — Pola Maneli’s work has travelled a long way from the Eastern Cape. For the Gqeberha artist who decided to post some of his university work on social media, what would come thereafter was a whirlwind of unexpected moments.

After the Qqeberha artist shared an editorial illustration project that he did for his degree on Instagram, the ‘calls’ from New York came.

“I got a random email from the New Yorker for an illustration for a piece in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in 2020 in the US,” Pola shared in speaking to his former University, Nelson Mandela University.

The New Yorker (New York City’s most famous magazine) loved what he created, and soon more illustration opportunities came, including the biggest yet.

In 2023, the artist got the chance to be part of creating one of the most iconic magazine covers, which featured Dr Martin Luther King for the annual MLK edition. A ton of thoughts surrounding socio-political discourse went into the creation, but Pola chose to spotlight a very important side to the historical figure that isn’t always spotlighted: that of being a father and a husband. A human.

 

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A post shared by pola maneli (@polamaneli)

Not only was the cover a big success, but it also caught the attention of THE Spike Lee. The oscar-winning director ended up calling Pola in what he describes to have been a “wild, wild, experience.”

“He told me that he’d like to purchase the original drawing of the cover.” 

Not to mention, Spike Lee also went on to put Pola’s work into an art exhibition in Brooklyn.

 

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A post shared by pola maneli (@polamaneli)

Of his interaction with Spike Lee and gratitude to The New Yorker, Pola shared:

“We spoke about Johannesburg, art, politics, Brooklyn, and his ties to Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s family and his love for Morehouse College. Later, he purchased the original pen and graphite drawing of my New Yorker Cover, and i was content for that to be the end of the story.

“But, in keeping with his generous spirit, he’s included that piece in his Brooklyn museum exhibition, ‘creative sources’, a look into his history, passions, and sources of inspiration. insane. grateful beyond words to spike, the Brooklyn Museum, and the folks over at the New Yorker Magazine’s art department for the countless opportunities.”

Today, Pola celebrates having been in multiple publications including The Atlantic and the New York Times, as well as a ‘Google Doodle’. Despite his work being all over the world, he still calls Gqeberha home and has made his university, community and young artists from South Africa looking up to him, incredibly proud.

Moral of the story? Do not be afraid to post your work on social media—you never know where it might take you!

You can keep up with Pola’s art here.

Sources: Nelson Mandela University 

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

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

The post How Gqeberha Artist Pola Maneli’s Work Made its Way to the World appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A simple idea to connect students facing challenges with those who can help has become one of the most inspiring examples of real-life magic. Behind it all, is the UWC Fairy Godmother:

Western Cape, South Africa (30 January 2024) — Wondering what life would be like if a genie or fairy godmother was on your side is probably a thought anyone who loves a good fairytale has wondered at one point or another. But in the Western Cape, magic like this does exist. And it has its own Facebook page: UWC Fairy Godmother.

Taking the task of fairy godmother very literally, the UWC Fairy Godmother is committed to solving small problems that students at the University of the Western Cape are dealing with, which results in big, dignity-restoring impact. How? By being the middle-magic between those who need help, and those who can help.

Take last week, for example, when a student needed help with groceries. Through the UWC Fairy Godmother and her call to the community made sure this problem would not persist. Then there was a student who needed taxi money to get to her holiday job. Another who needed help with rent. And another who needed a bus ticket to get to their big break. The circumstances vary, but the impact of kindness is consistent.

There’s a reason people like Briony Chisholm have dedicated entire campaigns to keep the impact flowing.

Many stories have been told on the Facebook page. But, we thought it was time to share that of the human behind it all!

Speaking to Good Things Guy, here’s what the UWC Fairy Godmother (who we’ll refer to as J’ shared:

What Inspired the UWC Fairy Godmother to Get Started?

“I started the page when I came across an application to write a special exam.  The student had missed the exam because he simply didn’t have the R60 he needed to travel to campus on the day of the exam.  I thought to myself, ‘I wish I had known before — I would have given him the 60 bucks in a heartbeat’, and I was convinced many other people would have done the same too. 

“Turns out I was right   This student was lucky to find a monthly funder who covered his entire taxi fare costs for the remainder of his degree. Today he holds an LLB and is completing his articles.”

Since then, the granting of wishes has blown J away.

What Have Some Heartwarming Highlights of the Journey Been?

“There have been very many astounding moments to celebrate since starting the page.  But the one that is forefront in my mind is the young woman who so enjoyed the experience of wheeling a trolley around Checkers after receiving grocery funding.  She had never ever in her life prior had enough grocery money to warrant a trolley — only ever a basket for a handful of items — and it was an experience she relished, while it’s something so many of us take for granted or even treat as a chore.”

A Deep Wellspring of Unshakeable Hope for SA:

“We currently have an overseas visitor in the household, and I’ve been hearing a lot of negativity about SA. I want to set the record straight. I work with our next generation. I know them, I see them, I teach them, I listen to them.  And because of this I have a deep wellspring of unshakeable hope for SA.

“Our kids are bright, competent, polite, kind, decent people. But they face many challenges, which are often invisible to us. We need to make sure that we invest in the good people of SA so that we can stop the shit from floating to the top in government. And I can assure you that there is no shortage of good young people in our country.  There are plenty, and they just need a hand to get going.”

You can keep up with the page here.

Sources: GTG Interview

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

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

The post The Magic of Kindness: Meet the UWC Fairy Godmother  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

An Uber driver unknowingly saved a passenger’s life when he showed her an act of great kindness. Natasha never forgot Bartho, and recently set out to find and thank him:

Gqeberha, South Africa (25 January 2024) — Natasha Mulusa had kept the pictures of an Uber driver who unknowingly saved her life for nearly four years in hopes that she would one day be able to find and thank him.

It had been a long time since that day in 2020 when what began as a simple drive from one point to another became something that would indirectly turn her life around for the unforgettable.

Natasha was finally ready to tell the story of how Bartho Dick (her then Uber driver’s) simple act of kindness pulled her from depression and even thoughts of taking her own life. It took many years of building up the courage to share a story like this. But, its sharing was important; not only in finding Bartho, but reminding everyone how far kindness can travel.

“On the 08. 02. 2020, I was in deep depression. You know that moment in your life where nothing makes sense, I was at the lowest moments of my life,” she wrote. 

“When I got into the Uber I tried to pretend like I was all good but deep down all I wanted to do was scream my lungs out and cry.” 

She continued:

“I remember this Uber driver asking me, “how are you?” And mahn I don’t know what happened that day but I just burst into the loudest cry.

Bartho kindly asked Natasha if he could stop somewhere, to which Natasha trusted her gut, explaining that “something in [her] spirit could feel that he was God sent”.

“He stopped the car at a very random place, got out the car and asked me to also come out of the car. He gave me a very warm hug.”

The hug made Natasha cry even more as she had been holding her tears back for so long. Despite not knowing her or her situation, Bartho made sure he could at least let her know she wasn’t alone.

“He may not know it but on that day I was ready to commit suicide. I was ready to end it all and just throw in the towel…Thank you Bartho, it’s taken me years to do this but I guess, better late than never. Words or any gift will never match what you did for my life that day. I know God placed you in my life that day to save me. Here are you flowers while you are still alive.”

Bartho eventually came across the post, and this time he was the one in tears.

Taking to TikTok, he shared a heartwarming response. “A big man like me, I’ve been crying the whole day.” He added that he often thought about Natasha whenever he drove by the place he picked her up that day and wondered how she was doing.

“I never knew I saved her life I was just there to give her a hug as I knew she’s not okay,” he shared. 

@barthodick3 #SAMA28 #savedsomoneslife#neverknewsuicideisnotthewayout ♬ original sound – the Uber driver

The pair later reunited on a video call.

“We video called, cried and laughed,” Natasha shared.

Sources: Natasha Mulusa; Bartho Dick 

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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.

saved

The post All the Feels: An Uber Driver Saved a Woman’s Life With a Hug appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The beach lover and ‘rockstar’ of Sea Point’s Sunset Beach has been revealed thanks to Good Things Guy readers!

Sea Point, South Africa (21 January 2024)—Recently, the Good Things Guy team were on the lookout for the rockstar of Sea Point, who has been leaving one Sunset Beach (just before Saunders) a little lovelier every evening.

In case you missed it, the mystery rockstar has been creating regular visual love letters to the seaside suburb using rocks to make heartwarming formations. More often than not, there’s a massive heart to marvel at.

As one of our readers shared:

“I don’t know who the Rockstar is but I walk along the beach front as often as I can and I am amazed at the creative hearts that appear on that stretch of sandy beach…I sometimes managed to take a picture before the creation gets replaced. In a world that is often so cruel…there’s still love and plenty to be grateful for.” 

After the community had been privy to the love enough times, the search for the beachgoer behind them was on.

Many of our readers knew exactly who the rockstar was. Some had spent time learning about his life. Others had shared meals with him before. Several readers revealed that he is homeless. And, that he has a big heart.

He is referred to as Simba.

“Simba cares for Sunset Beach, the environment and sealife with so much love and such wonderful positive energy,” a different reader tells Good Things Guy.

“He is a lovely person, always smiling and friendly,” another added.

“I was as amazed to see the care that has gone into each and every creation. Fortunately, I got to meet Simba, the artist. A warm and charismatic guy. Whenever we see each other, his eyes light up and we have a lovely chat before we continue, each with our self-appointed task,” were the insights of another Simba fan.

It’s safe to say that Simba has won over much of Sea Point, so much so that one of our readers has mentioned getting some more books together for him (Simba is said to love Lucinda Riley’s Seven Sisters books).

Anyone who might have these books or others that they’d like to share with Simba can contact info@goodthingsguy.com.

Sources: GTG

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.

The post The Rockstar of Sea Point Revealed! Meet Simba  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Barber Keolan Hewitt knows that it’s tough being born in Janu-worry. So, for his birthday, he decided he wanted to bet on a different kind of wish list. Earlier this month as the new school year loomed, he decided to offer free haircuts to children in his neighbourhood with a wish to bring about change one fresh cut at a time. The result was joy for hundreds:

Eastern Cape, South Africa (19 January 2024) — As parents and children get back into the swing of school and many celebrate their first day as done and dusted, one barber made sure that over a hundred children got to attend school looking their very best at no cost to their parents.

Keolan Hewitt’s free haircut initiative was his birthday gift to the children of South Africa. Without bows or wrapping paper, his gift made 150 children smile, gave hundreds of parents relief, and inspired even more members of his community with his kindness.

“We live in the kasi, so there’s a lot of money shortages and people can’t always afford to pay for things such as haircuts as it is an unnecessary expense to some, but living in 2024, it takes a mental toll on most underprivileged children,” Keolan tells Good Things Guy. 

“My birthday was on 7 January, and I wanted to celebrate it a bit different. People always expect gifts, and birthday wishes, but I was born in a month where money wasn’t always around.

“I always thought that birthday gifts come in boxes and packages, but I didn’t know that it comes with being alive, being grateful, and being aware of one’s blessings. I looked around my room and saw that I have a roof over my head, not a lot of food to eat but there are those with less. Clothes on my body. I suddenly became more gateful and then had this idea—that instead of expecting things from people, let me do something nice for someone.

I immediately thought of cutting hair, but I had to write down the idea to make it stick. I quickly grabbed my phone and didn’t think twice to post of Facebook and invite 150 kids from my neighbourhood to come to my house a day after my birthday and get a free haircut. I was very determined and sure the job could be done, but what I didn’t expect was my post going viral. This was genuinely just a selfless act, and a lesson as well.”

Keolan reached out for assistance from other local barbers—Liam, Duwaine, Robyn and Kylo— who didn’t hesitate to help and shared Keolan’s excitement.

“It was astonishing how many kids really needed a haircut,” he adds. 

Soon, Trinity Baptist Church was brimming with excitement from both the kids, families and barbers.

“I told my mom, ‘Ma, I think God might be using me to do something here, I can feel it,” Keolan recalls. 

For the barber, preparing children to lead the future proudly and confidently can start with something as empowering as a haircut. Because when you look your best, you feel your best.

But, there was also another gift present that day; something Keolan refers to as a lesson that didn’t just impact him, but thousands o people.

“The lesson was ‘give, without expecting’.” 

Overall, 800 children’s hair was cut. 400 girls got their hair done in plats thanks to Theoline Rulf and other helpful hands. A huge difference was made. And all it took was one selfless decision.

Keolan has since founded Guardians of The Youth, where selfless acts are growing and any day is an opportunity to give someone a gift of kindness that money can’t buy.

Sources: GTG Interview

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

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

The post Barber Cuts Over 800 Kids’ Hair for Free as Selfless Birthday Gift appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After a motorcyclist found himself in an accident, a Good Samaritan chose not to look on, but to step in and become a friend. Shereen went above and beyond to make sure this stranger would get home safely to his daughters and made all the difference when it mattered most:

Gauteng, South Africa (17 January 2024) — Thanks to Shereen Michelle Hunter, an unfortunate situation turned for the better (and safer) after a motorcyclist found himself in an accident without a friend nearby — or so he thought.

Despite not knowing Ryk Buys from a bar of soap, Shereen was determined that the motorcyclist would not stay alone of the side of the highway after an incident like that and stepped up as a friend.

Shereen made sure there was someone (her) to talk to the police and the paramedics. To sign the documents and make the process as smooth as possible. As anyone who has ever been in an accident knows, it’s a traumatic time as is. And a little help from a friend goes a long way.

“They asked who I was and I said that I was Ryk’s friend (he looked shocked but just smiled and just let me sign for him…that’s what friends do right?”—Shereen.

But, Shereen didn’t stop at the paperwork. She also knew that no one should be left alone in this state, and opted to get Ryk to safety.

“Cops didn’t know me, Paramedics didn’t know me, Ryk didn’t know me…he just got in my car after I told him I’m not letting [him] get back on his own bike…I’m sure he was thinking “who the heck is this woman!?” she shared of the moment.

While stranger danger is a real thing, Shereen’s ‘kidnapping for kindness’ moment would later mean that Ryk could contact his family from a safe space—her own home—while making sure his bike would also be taken care of.

Thanks to a man referred to as Lionel from the Christian Biker Association and Shereen, Ryk’s bike along with its driver did not lay at the mercy of highway onlookers, but got to her house safely

“Today he did not have to phone them whilst laying on the side of the highway with cars passing by and his bike being stolen hoping someone will call police or an ambulance. Because that is what happens, A lot of people see an accident and they don’t stop and they don’t help,” she said. 

Despite her own household’s shock to see a bleeding man walk the front door with her and the later array of biker friends who would come by to help the motorcyclist (who no doubt added to the household’s surprises), a father got to get back home safely.

“My heart is full,” the Good Samaritan concluded. As are ours!

Sources: Shereen Michelle Hunter 

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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 Good Samaritan Makes Sure Motorcyclist Gets Home to His Daughters  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After helping a motorist out with petrol money, Cynthia the petrol attendant would show her kindness yet again by making a little boy’s birthday incredibly special by giving him the gift of a lifetime:

Middleburg, South Africa (16 January 2024) — A petrol attendant and resident good human known as Cynthia has the internet smiling after she restored even the grumpiest social media user’s faith in humanity recently.

Like another petrol attendant and everyday hero, Nkhosikho Mbele, Cynthia’s kindness made a big impression in the way that the most selfless acts often do. Not only was Cynthia Zanje Faure’s saving grace when she helped her out with money for petrol, but she also took the time to make little Livan’s birthday extra special when she and Zanje reunited at the Midwater Engen once again.

Whilst on the way to Livan’s birthday celebrations, Zanje made a pitstop for petrol. There, she unexpectedly reunited with Cynthia who made no fuss or even mention of the time she had helped the motorist out with petrol money before—something Zanje will never forget.

Commenting on her friendliness, young Livan was drawn to the petrol attendant and wanted to share that it was his birthday with her.

In true Cynthia fashion, she wished him a hearty happy birthday and began brewing a plan for a surprise.

As Zanje reflected on the last time the two had met and the petrol filled up, Cynthia came back with the card machine and some kindness disguised as spare change.

Through the window, she popped in an R20 as a little gift for Livan, noting that it was all she had to give.

Livan, at first, didn’t accept the money but eventually came around. He soon repaid his unexpected gift with the warmest thank you. The birthday boy got out of the car and made sure to give her a big hug. And as the two smiled and laughed together—they went from strangers to two people who would forever be bonded by kindness.

According to Zanje, Livan got teary later on; having experienced someone giving him all they had to give— an experience that marks itself as the gift of a lifetime.

Determined to pay it forward for Cynthia, Zanje decided it was time to rally selflessness in her favour. Calling on her friends and followers, she set out to raise money for the Good Samaritan in a petrol attendant’s uniform.

And we’re thrilled to report that R2,000 was raised for Cynthia!

You can watch her heartwarming reaction here:

Yes. We’re all chopping onions unashamedly!

Sources: Zanje Faure 

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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 Cynthia the Petrol Attendant Makes the Internet Smile with Her Incredible Kindness appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Two coworkers and close friends shared the trip of a lifetime after Lakiwe invited Monique to her home village, Qokolweni, for the December holidays. Their adventure in the traditional Xhosa community has gone viral!

Qokolweni, South Africa (10 January 2024) — Over the December holidays, two coworkers decided to take their friendship to the next level by sharing a holiday together.

Monique Weich (crowdfunding institution BackaBuddy’s Donor Retention Coordinator) and Lakiwe Blekiwe (the Head of Charities) headed to the Eastern Cape’s rural village of Qokolweni, where an unforgettable holiday would unfold.

Qokolweni is Lakiwe’s village. A place of family, tradition and Xhosa culture; inviting Monique was not just an invitation to a unique getaway in a picturesque village, but an extension of one the most significant parts of Xhosa culture—the Mgidi celebration (a young man’s transition into adulthood, which Lakiwe’s nephew was celebrating).

@qokolweni_mlungu Theres an Mlungu on my stoep! #easterncape #Qokolweni #village #culture #heritage #khosa #friendship #love #tradition #blackgirlmagic #fyp #cultureshock #afrikaans #southafrican @Lakiwe Blekiwe ♬ original sound – Qokolweni_Mlungu

The duo, who have been friends for five years, believe their friendship works as well as it does because of the mutual respect they have for each other and each other’s cultural underpinnings.

On this holiday, Monique, the ‘Mlungu’ of the trip and the village got to fully immerse herself in a cultural experience outside of her own. In the same breath, Lakiwe got to share some of the most personal and special parts of her life with a friend. The act of experiencing Monique’s wonder and curiosity incited even more cultural pride in Lakiwe, as well as a lot of laughs for the both of them as Monique discovered the ropes of village life.

The adventure was documented on TikTok and has, unsurprisingly gone viral.

From spotlighting South Africa’s cultural riches to sharing a tapestry of unity through differences with the most important ingredient (friendship) at the centre, Monique and Lakiwe’s adventure has tugged at the hearts of the world.

Coming home and off the high of the trip wasn’t easy for either of them, with Monique sharing that the experience had a profound impact on her. In fact, she was even given her own tradition Xhosa name ‘Nomathamsanqa’.

On her perspective of the experience, Lakiwe shared:

“From pit toilets to ‘Vaskom’ baths, fermented porridge mornings, and even accepting unreliable transport as normal. What bonded us even more was her love for Mama’s steamed bread and soup – that, [Monique] truly cherished,” Lakiwe commented.

The coworkers have reminded us that sometimes walking a mile in someone else’s shoes can be one of the most enriching parts of the journey, while letting someone into yours is as empowering as it is exciting.

Sources: Zane Greenwald; Simbulele Jezile 

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After almost one year since her first try doing something no swimmer had ever done before, Kim Prytz has set not one, but two Robben Island records!

Cape Town, South Africa (09 January 2024) — Cape Town adventure swimmer Kim Prytz (49) bravely took the water path less-travelled. It was a plunge no swimmer had ever attempted before, not least in the swimming style Kim chose.

One year after her first attempt tackling the Robben Island Return Crossing, Kim has successfully become the first person ever to swim Lagoon Beach-Robben Island-Big Bay—a new record! Not only did she successfully show others that it could be done, she also did it swimming breast stroke—another record for Kim!

The swim, dubbed ‘Reconciliation Swim’ by the swimmer herself saw Kim venture some 19.8kms in 14 hours, 13 minutes and 3 seconds in waters as chilled as 12.8 degrees. Kim also did the entire swim without a wetsuit (yes, we’re shaking too!).

Of her remarkable first, she eloquently shared:

“In the darkness before the dawn and with the boat crew acting as ‘midwives’ I entered the inky depths of the icy ocean and began the long journey to rebirth, following the light that was showing me the way.”

On explaining why she chose to name the swim as such, Kim adds: “I was immersed in the ocean and experienced what flow felt like as I followed the light beam of my boat crew. I just let my thoughts go –  a lesson we can all take away with us, to let attachments to people, thoughts and things completely drop off in the flow.  There was greater surrender in my spirit for this swim than I can ever remember. A deep acceptance of whether nature would allow me into her midst or not and I believe this total surrender is what finally allowed me to be one with the ocean and succeed. Sometimes we have to let go to have it all.” — Kim Prytrz.

Adding further depth to her dive, Reconciliation Swim was not just a testament to Kim’s ability to push her limits but also acted as a line of support for the Goedgecht Trust, which you can find out more about here.

“We are delighted that Kim chose Goedgedacht as her charity of choice,” shared Valerie Govender of the Trust. “Our Path onto Prosperity centres are not just beacons of hope in the rural communities of the Swartland, but catalysts for a brighter future too. 

The result of not giving up, Reconciliation Swim saw three attempts from the adventure swimmer before it was a success. Remarking on the difficulty and moments of relief, Kim said:

“I’ve never loved kelp so much entering Robben island’s shores and getting to the designated 10 minutes rest you’re allowed after 9 hours of swimming.”

The strong swimmer then remarked on on how the last stretch on the homeward trip took all her strength, as everything had taken a toll from the tiredness to nausea.

“The most onerous part of the swim was from 2 kms to the final – there was an interminable period where I couldn’t believe I was moving. The final push, just like giving birth, was excruciating due to the currents and just to having swum for more than 14 hours,” she explained.

This isn’t Kim’s first time doing something that’ll go down in global history books, either. Last year, she was also the first person to swim across the Sound of Iona in Scotland where the water’s temperature sat cooly at just 10 degrees.

When she’s not taking a deep dive into new experiences and inspiring us all, Kim is a music teacher, an avid karate practitioner and karate instructor.

Sources: Supplied 

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

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

The post Kim Prytz Sets Two New Robben Island Records with Epic Swim appeared first on Good Things Guy.