De Berg Nature Reserve, another one of South Africa’s wonderful wetland hotspots, now has the world’s caring eyes on it after being named a site of International Importance:

De Berg Nature Reserve (05 February 2024)—On 2 February last week, World Wetlands Day was celebrated as an ode to the world’s wetlands and their unsung importance in the health of habitats and humans.

Wetlands can sometimes get overlooked in comparison to other areas of environmental focus, like our oceans and marine ecosystems. But, as United Nations Environment Programme Director Inger Andersen indicates regarding the importance of wetlands, “our wellbeing depends on these amazing, vital and absolutely phenomenal systems.”

Wetlands mean water. Life. Reflections of the health of the ecosystems that depend on them. And if we are to take care of our planet as best as possible, wetland conservation needs to be a bigger part of the conversation.

On World Wetlands Day, South Africa announced some good news for the wetlands of our country. Additionally, one of our nature reserves was declared as a Wetland of International Importance, making it South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site.

Ramsar sites reflect areas of focus in line with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty striving to conserve the world’s wetlands. Being recognised as a Wetland of International Importance is a big deal, both for what this means when it comes to opportunities for more international support, and as a signal of our country’s natural treasures being highly regarded for their environmental significance.

De Berg Nature Reserve was added to the tally for its big role in biodiversity. Situated in Mpumalanga, it has an elevation of more than 2300 metres (above sea level) and has “the highest altitude wetlands” in the province as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE) shares.

“The Ramsar site, which is a biodiversity hotspot, not only supports numerous pristine headwater wetlands but also supports numerous threatened, critically endangered, and vulnerable species of plants and animals,” shares the Department. 

“This site also has 18 species of frogs, 71 reptile species, 432 bird species and a 120 mammal species, including Vandam’s girdled lizard (Smaug vandami), various crane species such as blue crane and grey-crowned crane and mountain reedbuck. Many of these species are also rare and vulnerable species and include flocks of up to 30 of the vulnerable Southern Bald Ibis which roosts on the cliffs above Ibis Falls, one of 10 iconic waterfalls which can be found at the site,” it adds.

Of positive news for wetland rehabilitation in South Africa, R1.4 billion has reportedly been invested into the work by the DFFE, through the Working for Wetlands Programme. This has also created over 43,600 jobs.

Considering South Africa has 30 wetlands of International Importance, what rings loud and clear is that we have a lot to be proud of, but also a lot to protect.

Sources: Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment

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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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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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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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Nelspruit SPCA volunteer Denise Mates de Villiers has been using veggie bags as stuffing to make easily washable pet beds.

Mbombela, South Africa (11 January 2024) – The Nelspruit SPCA took to Facebook to highlight the pet beds one of their amazing volunteers makes, using veggie bags as stuffing. They are hoping to help collect more of the bags, which will enable Denise Mates de Villiers to fill more beds.

There are several benefits to using the veggie bags as stuffing. Firstly, it prevents them from ending up in landfills and secondly, as they are plastic, they do not retain water – meaning beds are easily washed and will dry quickly.

The SPCA hopes to collect more and has encouraged its supporters to please keep the veggie bags aside and to hand in when there is a good deal.

“Please do not dispose of these fruit and vegetable mesh bags, but kindly donate it to us. Our amazing volunteer Denise Mates de Villiers makes these lovely beds for our dogs and cats, and these bags are wonderful for stuffing as it can be washed easily and dry very quickly.”

These veggie bags often contain your typical long-storage vegetables as well as fruits and ginger or garlic. They can be quite pesky but when buying bulk veg, they are almost always present.

Having a unique and useful way to dispose of them is a wonderful alternative to them ending up in landfills. Denise’s pet beds are changing so many lives. And we love that!

You can reach out the the Nelspruit SPCA here should you want more information.

Sources: Nelspruit SPCA

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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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Virginia and Nzima Mlangeni renewed their vows for their 10th wedding anniversary, Geraldine Doyle was passing by and offered to take their photos but she forgot to get their details, so she took to Facebook to track the couple down.

Mpumalanga, South Africa (09 January 2024) – Geraldine Prinsloo Doyle was on holiday from Cape Town, visiting the Sudwala Lodge in Mpumalanga. While there, she bumped into a couple and their son who were taking photos after renewing their vows. She could see they were struggling so she offered to help them.

Geraldine did an entire photo shoot for the couple. She learned that they were renewing their vows after 10 years of marriage. The couple were over the moon, but then, as everyone went their separate way, Geraldine realised she had not got the couple’s contact information to be able to send them the photos.

Geraldine took to Facebook on the 16th of December 2023, sharing an image of the couple and asking for help in finding them, so she could send them the photos.

The search started and people were sharing her post, all in the hope of finding the married couple. After two weeks of waiting, Geraldine finally got the message she had been waiting for. The couple had been found! She was able to send them the photos, giving them the best gift for the New Year.

Speaking to Virginia and Nzima Mlangeni, we learned that they were over the moon when Geraldine approached them to take their photos.

Virginia shared that her wedding hadn’t gone to plan 10 years ago and this was her redo. The dress, the very same one she wore 10 years ago, finally fit just right.

“When I got married I never had a chance to enjoy, I was worried about the decor, my in-laws travelling from Gauteng to North West, the words, bridesmaids, my dress was small the night before, luckily my late mom was a dressmaker and she worked the magic”

The vows renewal was their chance to enjoy the day and soak in all the love without any of the stresses. The only hiccup was not having a photographer. They got their son to help out but being only 10 years old, they all struggled to make the photos special. Geraldine’s eye for photography made all the difference.

Virginia said she instantly connected with Geraldine as if they had been friends forever. They were comfortable and it shows in how beautiful the photos came out.

“Words could not explain, that there are people with good hearts out there, well I am people’s person, so I clicked with Geraldine like we have know each other for years.” – Virginia Mlangeni

We asked the couple to share some of their favourite pictures with us. Both Virginia and Nzima had their picks so we have added them to the gallery below.

The one thing we all have the power to do is spread kindness. Whether that’s offering to take someone’s photo and sending it to them, or just telling a bride she looks beautiful on her big day. Kindness makes the world a better place and thanks to Geraldine, the Mlangeni’s will have memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.

Sources: GTG Interviews

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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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Ntshemba was found covered in painful mange, starved and abused, she was rescued and taken in by the Khumba Ncila Animal Welfare Clinic, and today her story inspires hope.

Mpumalanga, South Africa (11 December 2023) – Good Things Guy got the opportunity to visit the Khumba Ncila project based in Lilydale, bordering the Sabi Sands, to see how the newly opened animal welfare clinic is aiding the surrounding community. While there, we met Ntshemba and heard her story, which is inspiring hope.

Khumba Ncila, meaning Touching Tales in Shangaan, helps a total of eight communities bordering the Sabi Sands, including Justicia, Lilydale, Mabarhule, Belfast, Somerset and Huntington. Funded by the Savanna Trust and various sponsors, the newly built animal clinic in Lilydale, sits on land donated to the cause by the community. It is positioned to become a hub for animal welfare as it has been built to house surgical wards, veterinary consulting rooms and isolation areas for any sickly animals and cattle, and it even boasts a charity shop.

Since starting this community project in 2019, the Savanna Trust has seen it grow and be welcomed by the community.

The official opening of the new animal clinic took place on the 10th of November, 2023, and the community came together to cater the event and host all the visitors arriving at the clinic. Their involvement in this project has been the most profound, working to help build up this much-needed facility within their region.

Good Things Guy arrived at the clinic on one of its spay and neuter days in late November. These days are finely tuned exercises that help spay and neuter community dogs to help manage the population of unwanted litters. The days are made possible thanks to volunteer veterinary students working on their hours, donors funding the sundries needed for sterilisation and the community showing up to have their dogs fixed.

“The focus is helping the neighbouring community and their animals by giving support, education and care for all their livestock and pets, as well as aiding homeless animals in need.

We are working with their pets and livestock.

It is split into three parts;

• Dipping and home visits,

• Veterinary care and sterilization days,

• puppy classes with the focus on education.

To address animal welfare issues in the community, through educating the people on proper animal care, enabling a better quality of life for these animals.

To provide vet care throughout the communities for vaccinations, sterilizations and any health issues found, such as injuries, septic wounds, mange, tick infestations and diseases.”

Upon arriving, we met Ntshemba and her carer (and clinic manager) Karen Matsane – both pictured above. Ntshemba was found in an awful state, covered in painful mange and terrified of humans. She was taken to the Khumba Ncila and, within just a few weeks, has made leaps and bounds in her recovery and in trusting humans again.

Already, she has gained a substantial amount of weight back, her fur is slowly growing back in and when she sees humans, she wags her tail and even lets you pet her. The team at Khumba Ncila have adopted her, Ntshemba will become the mascot for all the rescues and animals that pass through the clinic. Inspiring hope and showing what second chances look like.

Khumba Ncila will continue working within each community as well as running the animal clinic in Lilydale. They are there within the community, making a difference. Where resources are limited, they make sure to give what is needed.

The team welcome donations for the animal clinic, things like dog food, dog blankets, bowls, collars and leads are the most needed as these are regularly handed out to families that need them.

If you would like to get involved, or make donations, you can reach out to Natasha Whyte via email here. You can also follow along with the work being done in each of the communities via the Facebook page here.

Sources: Good Things Guy / Savanna Trust

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

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In another win for South Africa, the World Gold Panning Championships hosted on home soil saw South Africans win gold for their gold!

Pilgrim’s Rest, South Africa (12 November 2023) — As we celebrate an abundance of proudly South African achievements for the year so far, yet another has hopped onto our radars, this time for a competition so unique, it’s only fitting that it’s all about gold. The World Gold Panning Championships hosted on home soil saw South Africans win gold for their golden skills!

It was a week of family fun for participants who came from all around the world to compete earlier this year and competed in various events.

For those who aren’t in the loop, the World Gold Panning Championships are a unique sport in which participants use the skills used by gold prospectors of days gone by.

“The aim of the sport is to find, in the fastest time, the undisclosed number of gold pieces in your bucket of gravel and sand,” explains the SA Gold Panning Association. 

There are various rules applied, and time penalties are allocated for any pieces lost.

Overall, the 2023 edition of the competition, hosted in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, saw 356 competitors go for gold, with 87 representing 16 foreign countries.

South Africa were crowned the overall winners of the National Teams, with Judith Mason, Linda Traill, Dix van Dam, Coen Vermaak and Sonja Vermaak taking the throne.

In other South African wins, the proficient Women award went to Sonja Vermaak, Surprise Mdluli won the Traditional Klondike while Coen Vermaak took home the Veterans win with Pholosho Mogane earning the Children’s victory.

Sources: South African Gold Panning Association

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For years, beloved bushveld guide and game ranger Lucas Chauke has been known not only for his expertise as a brilliant guide and creator of magic memories but also for his warmth and endless joy. When he faced the possibility of not being able to walk again, little did he know of the joy waiting in the wings from all the lives he touched:

Mpumalanga, South Africa (23 October 2023) — Beloved bushveld guide and game ranger Lucas Chauke isn’t just in the business of guiding people on great wildlife adventures or playing a critical role in wildlife prosperity as a game ranger. Beyond his expertise, Lucas is known for radiating warmth, kindness and joy to any and all who explore under his guidance—efforts and qualities that have earned him a place in many traveller’s memories.

This has been his path for over 30 years, which means many years of lives touched by positivity. Lucas has also become something of a celebrity of wholesome vibes at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, embodying the definition of going above and beyond in your line of work.

Why does this all matter so much? Because you never know how much of an impact your warmth can make on another’s life, or how much of an impact that recognition will make on yours.

A few months ago, the roles reversed for Lucas. Instead of leading the path for others, Lucas needed to be led by them after his hip took something of a hit.

Lucas had suffered an accident 25 years ago which led to a hip replacement. As the years passed, the hip replacement wore weaker and soon he stood at the precipice of what could’ve been terrible news for him.

He desperately needed a hip revision operation; one he couldn’t afford to omit as this would mean the risk of not being able to walk again. Without medical aid to support this, making the operation happen became the mission of the Reserve’s Eagle Owl Camp Team.

The team took to create a crowdfund for the beloved Bushveld guide, and soon it was ignited with positive feedback.

‘Legs for Lucas’ (the campaign’s name) became a meeting place of well wishes, donations big and small and a series of thanks for the memories Lucas helped make treasured as people united to make the mission a success.

In a matter of under two months, Lucas’ crowdfunding goal was achieved—a lesson in warmth begetting warmth!

Earlier this month, Lucas underwent his hip revision surgery (a long stem prosthesis of the femur) that will allow for walking without constant pain, prevent damage to his right hip and will reduce the risk of losing his ability to walk.

As he recovers, Lucas gets to look forward to so much: a future ahead of him without pain—which, as a game ranger who is often on his feet, makes this even more incredible—the opportunity to continue doing what he loves, and the extraordinary knowledge that he lived the definition of joy coming back around.

Sources: BackaBuddy 

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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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BirdLife South Africa is celebrating the news of the Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment being expanded, which will make a massive difference to wildlife.

Lankenvlei, South Africa (06 September 2023) – The Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment (GLPE) was established in 2017 covering an area of 14,305 hectares and comprising 66 properties. These properties cover high-elevation wetlands and near-pristine grasslands on the Steenkampsberg Plateau between eMakhazeni (Belfast) and Dullstroom in northern Mpumalanga Province. This includes Steenkampsberg Montane Grassland, which is categorised as poorly protected within the province, and Dullstroom Plateau Grasslands, an Endangered Ecosystem as listed in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004. The Protected Environment safeguards important water resources of the Olifants and Crocodile Catchments, thereby contributing to provincial and national targets for water conservation.

The Lakenvlei itself is a vast ancient wetland system, dated at 9 255 – 9 415 years BP (before present), with a peat layer depth of over 2 m; thus protecting water-related and carbon sequestration ecosystem services that benefit local and global communities.

The GLPE is administered by the Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment Landowners Association (GLPELA) with committee representatives including local landowners, provincial government and NGOs. Since its declaration, the GLPELA has consistently sought to protect its wetlands from threats including prospecting and mining. The committee also plays an important role in facilitating communication among community members, and sharing information about conservation and wetland rehabilitation initiatives. Such benefits arising from the biodiversity stewardship model have attracted the interests of neighbouring landowners who have wanted to join the GLPE.

With the support of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) the GLPELA began approaching interested landowners in early 2021. BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust completed in-field site assessments and landowner interviews for each property to determine if its habitat and management practices were suitable for declaration. As of 1 September 2023, the Protect Environment now spans an additional 7,448 ha from 32 properties (Mpu. Prov. Gazette No. 3569, Notice 344). Included in the expansion is a part of the Mpumalanga-Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area, which are areas that contribute to 50% of South Africa’s water production. The public participation process that formed part of the motivation for the expansion elicited 415 letters of support submitted by the public and there were no objections.

The expanded GLPE will encourage the sustainable management of natural habitat and conserve numerous threatened species such as the Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi), Vulnerable Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus), Endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), Vulnerable near-endemic Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus), endemic Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris), Near-Threatened Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami), and Endangered Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius).

For BirdLife South Africa, protected environments provide a platform to engage with committed landowners for post-declaration support. Stewardship projects that BirdLife South Africa are developing for the GLPE include the drafting of best practice guidelines for habitat management, establishing financial incentives through ecotourism like the Steenkampsberg Birding Routes, attracting rehabilitation implementing parties, introduction of remote-sensing technology to inform and learn from management practices, mapping of alien invasive plants, and much more.

We would like to thank and acknowledge Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, the Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment Landowners Association (particularly chair Bruce Boshoff and secretary Peter Arderne), and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Sources: Press Release

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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 city of Mbombela has become home to the 9th FoodForward distribution centre that will now help 150 organisations in the Mpumalanga province.

Mbombela, South Africa (27 August 2023) – Registered food redistribution non-profit, FoodForward SA (FFSA), is proud to announce the opening of its ninth and newest warehouse in Mbombela, Mpumalanga – signalling the final milestone of its mission to establish a branch in every South African province.

The Mbombela warehouse will grow to serve as a vital hub for food distribution to around 150 beneficiary organisations, delivering life-saving services in the province. These organisations include those focussing on affordable healthcare, orphans and vulnerable children, care for women, skills development for unemployed youth, the elderly and people with disabilities.

“As the cost-of-living crisis intensifies, and food prices escalate, more people are needing the vital services of NPOs, including nutritious meals. This is where we are best able to assist,” says Du Plessis.

FFSA has meticulously vetted all beneficiary organisations in Mpumalanga, ensuring that they are recognised NPOs committed to making a positive impact in underserved communities.

“We are grateful to have a warehouse in each province across South Africa,” says Andy Du Plessis, FFSA managing director.

“Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic caused devastating scenes of acute food insecurity, we made it our mission to rapidly scale our operations. This strategic expansion has been realised with the long-awaited opening of our Mpumalanga warehouse.”



To further enhance accessibility and reach across the province, FFSA’s mobile rural depot (MRD) programme plays a crucial role. Through the MRD programme, monthly food provisions are delivered to centrally located rural depots, eliminating the need for NPOs to travel to the main warehouse in Mbombela. Mobile rural depots in Dullstroom, Goba, Embalenhle and Witbank currently serve 5,300 vulnerable people on a daily basis.

“Food banking is crucial for resilient communities and for the betterment of our food systems. We have seen heroic efforts from food banks to get food to those who need it most, and we are proud to support FoodForward SA as they continue to expand their reach and impact to serve more people facing hunger in South Africa,” says Lisa Moon, president and CEO, The Global FoodBanking Network. 


Sources: Press Release 

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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 Power8000 was first launched, the community removed 10 truckloads of rubbish from their local park, today all the parks have been rehabilitated.

White River, South Africa (07 May 2023) – Around 8000 ratepayers live in White River, Mpumalanga and they are uniting to take back their town, clean the parks and make the area look beautiful again. This mission inspired the creation of Power 8000, a non-profit community-run group, is dedicated to beautifying and uplifting White River.

The Power of 8000 (TPO8000) grew organically from a group of concerned residents doing informal clean-ups, to a fully registered NPO. The residents started small, focusing efforts on one community park called the Ronnie Bester Park.

The park had become overgrown, a haven for dumping, drug use and prostitution. The then team rallied community resources to clean up the park and create a space where people can now walk their dogs, have picnics, host family get-togethers and practice soccer.

Initially, it took about 10 truckloads to remove dumped rubble, alien vegetation and rubbish from the park. The team put in hundreds of hours of work. What started as a small team, grew as more residents saw the progress being made and wanted to lend a helping hand. Today the park is a beautiful green space for the community.

“Ronnie Bester Park was the first of many, and now all the parks in the town have been rehabilitated and are kept tidy in association with the municipal parks team.

TPO8000 has also placed and maintains rubbish bins all over the town, significantly reducing litter on the ground.  Other projects include cleaning streets, verges and gutters, thereby improving pedestrian and road safety.”

What the team has seen and loved most, is that people are taking responsibility in their own streets. Keeping the curbs near their homes tidy and working together on bigger projects.

The project is run by Rhodes Abell, Pierre du Preez and Lisa Gordon-Davis. Chairman and founder Rhodes shared that more and more, people call to compliment the work being done in the town.

Working purely on donations from residents and businesses, they teamed up with the White River Youth Forum, a group of unemployed youth living in town, in cleaning up the nature reserve and other neglected areas of town. The community volunteers time to the cause and now, the town is able to stay maintained.

You can find out more about Power8000 via Facebook here. Should you wish to get involved, you can email Rhodes, Pierre or Lisa.

Source: Power8000 – Supplied

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