With 21 people employed and 659 potholes fixed (and that’s just the start), it is safe to say Better Bedfordview is making a difference for the community – these are their successes from the past 18 months.

Bedfordview, South Africa (26 January 2024) – Community clean-up non-profit organisation (NPO) Better Bedfordview has big plans for 2024, including making an impact in more South African suburbs through its Better Neighbourhoods initiative.

The volunteers behind Better Bedfordview launched the Better Neighbourhoods concept last year and it is gaining momentum. According to Better Bedfordview chairperson Marina Constas, it is key to realising the NPO’s vision to “harness the collective power of engaged citizens to improve our neighbourhoods and ultimately South Africa, one suburb at a time”.

She says that the team is delighted with the growing interest in Better Neighbourhoods and the chance to share Better Bedfordview’s recipe for success with other suburbs. In 2023, Better Senderwood and Better Primrose joined the Better Neighbourhoods fold and Constas says that Better Fourways will come on board soon.

“In an era marked by the decline of municipalities and local governments globally, private organisations like Better Bedfordview are increasingly taking on crucial roles in maintaining neighbourhoods and developing and uniting communities. By actively engaging with residents and collaborating with local authorities, Better Bedfordview is creating a model for community empowerment and neighbourhood upliftment,” she says.

659 potholes fixed

In the 18 months since it was officially launched as an apolitical, registered NPO, Better Bedfordview has fixed 659 potholes, to make roads safer. The organisation has planted and maintained pretty roadside gardens. It has cleaned, weeded and repaired pavements. All of Bedfordview’s main roads are cleaned by Better Bedfordview, and speedbumps and kerbs are painted. The organisation depends on funding and support from residents and businesses.

21 people employed

Better Bedfordview provides employment for 21 previously unemployed people in its cleanup team. Some of them are currently funded by a business as part of its B-BBEE programme, through the Yes4Youth programme.

Uplifting the town hall precinct

One of Better Bedfordview’s key projects in 2024 is collaborating with the City of Ekurhuleni’s Real Estate Department to uplift the shabby and neglected precinct around the Bedfordview town hall. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the local authorities to transform this space into an attractive, vibrant hub that reflects the pride and identity of the community,” explained Constas.

Better entrances

She says that all of the entrances into Bedfordview will also be revitalised by Better Bedfordview this year. “We want to ensure that the entrances into our suburb are always clean, neat, attractive and well-maintained, to create a welcoming and uplifting environment for residents and visitors alike. It will set the tone for the entire neighbourhood and inspire other suburbs.”

Adopt-A-Pavement

Better Bedfordview plans to drive its Adopt-A-Pavement initiative this year. To date, three businesses, Insurance Zone, Bitventure and Bedford Centre, have partnered with Better Bedfordview to clean and maintain the pavements near their premises. Constas reports that this is making a huge difference.

You can find out more about Better Bedfordview and Better Neighbourhoods by visiting the Better Bedfordview website, following them on Facebook or emailing info@betterbedfordview.org.za

Sources: Better Bedfordview – Supplied

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

The post Better Bedfordview Celebrates 18-Months of Community Work appeared first on Good Things Guy.

There are many shelters filled with senior dogs just waiting for the perfect retirement homes; Durban dogs have found peace at the Silver Paws Senior Sanctuary.

Durban, South Africa (26 January 2024) – The Silver Paws Senior Sanctuary is home to a pack of golden oldies, living out the best of the rest of their lives! The heartwarming charity is a kennel-free retirement sanctuary that takes in senior dogs who need a quiet place to spend the remaining years of their lives.

Salome Meyer-Louwrens and her husband Gerrie founded the sanctuary in 2018 after purchasing a large property and establishing their home.

There are no kennels on the property, instead, there are cosy dog beds scattered around the house and the dogs each have their favourite spots (even a few spots in the human’s bed).

Many of the senior dogs receive medical treatment for heart conditions and arthritis, but regular deworming and flea and tick treatments, along with vaccinations, are standard at the sanctuary too.

Each of the sliver-pawed pooches that arrive at the sanctuary is welcomed with open arms. Many of these seniors would otherwise be euthanised.

Salome offers love and affection to each of her retirees and when they cross the rainbow bridge, she is right there holding their paws. The Silver Paws Senior Sanctuary Facebook page is filled with memorial posts of the dogs that have lived out their lives and left a big space in Salome and Gerrie’s hearts.

The sanctuary is supported by donors who want to give these silver-pawed pooches a comfortable retirement. At the time of writing this, the Kloof Pick n Pay has a trolly where people can place food donations for the home. If you would like to find out how else to get involved, you can find out more via Facebook here.

Sources: Silver Paws Sanctuary

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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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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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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

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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

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

Grade 1 got off to a rocky start for little Lindokuhle Ntsethe after he accidentally took the wrong taxi home. Luckily, this story has a happy ending!

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (18 January 2024) — The first day of school is a daunting time all on its own. But for Grade 1 Lindokuhle Ntsethe, that daunting feeling only became amplified after the little learner accidentally took the wrong taxi home.

17 January was his very first time attending Sydenham Primary School; a time filled with newness, big emotions and a lot of things to remember as first days often are. But, when school was reportedly closed early because of hectic weather (intense rainfall), home time would take Lindokuhle a little longer than expected.

Lindokuhle’s mom, Olwethu, became very worried about her child when he didn’t come home, not knowing at the time that her little one had taken the wrong taxi. After many visits to the authorities, Olwethu eventually called on the public to help her find her son through the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, Sydenham SAPs and social media.

Luckily, the search is over as Lindokuhle was reunited with his mom this morning back at school. According to Dasen Thathiah of eNCA, a woman had reportedly kept Lindokuhle overnight and brought him back to the Primary School in the morning.

Lindokuhle is now said to be safe and sound. What a first day!

2/2
3. She assumed he got into taxi. A Burnwood Secondary pupil had already found him walking alone outside the school. She took him home.
4. Lindokuhle is completely oblivious to the worry and panic his disappearance caused.
5. He is excited to go back to school tomorrow.

— Nivashni Nair (@NivashniNair) January 18, 2024

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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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 Grade 1 Reunited with Mom After a Very Tough First Day of School  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.

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The lay-by initiative is enabling compassionate South Africans to help struggling families purchase essential school items by contributing funds towards their outstanding balances.

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 January 2024) – Paying for someone’s lay-by leading up to the opening of schools was a concept that started going viral in January 2021 and the initiative assisted so many families, that year alone over R330,000 was paid off by kind South Africans who wanted to help parents in need.

And it is happening again in 2024. Various Good Things Guy readers have contacted us to ask us to remind South Africa how easy it is to give back and help a stranger this January.

The idea is to visit a local store (Pep, one of the very few retailers still providing lay-by options) and ask for a lay-by that contains school uniforms and supplies. You then pay for all or a portion of the lay-by. The customer is then notified their lay-by amount has been updated or paid in full. If it is paid in full, they are asked to come and collect their items.

“This morning I went to my nearest Pep store and spoke to the manager and she brought out a bag of 7-8-year-old school clothes and I paid for it. It was such a simple thing to do. I don’t know who it was for and they will never know who paid for it but it will make a difference to someone. I left feeling really emotional knowing that I helped someone. I would encourage people who can afford it to do this. It’s so easy and so special,” Sandi Martin Bradley shared with Good Things Guy.

A tragic reality is that many parents in South Africa have had to put school uniforms on lay-by – this has been done because money is incredibly tight at the moment.

Lay-by allows a person to purchase items they need and pay them off over a period. This method is a safer way to pay something off than to put it on credit. Not many stores allow lay-by these days, but Pep Stores still offer the service.

So if you want to help a mother clothe her child, that is the concept. You just pop into your local Pep (or other stores) and pay towards someone’s lay-by.

One mom from Paarl shared that someone had paid her lay-by in full. She had rushed to the store to get the uniforms she needed before everything sold out and not even a few hours later, she was called to be notified that her lay-by was ready for collection.

“I couldn’t believe it.. my year starts right with a big Blessing… to the person who did this, thank you very much, I know right that God will see you even more… there are still good people in the world” – *Audelle

You can also support your local charity by purchasing schooling items such as stationary, shoes, clothing, school bags, books or any school-related items.

It is that time of year when parents start to panic about how they will cover the costs of getting their children to school. If you have a donation drive, reach out via email to let us know.

*Name has been changed to ensure the family’s privacy.

Sources: Good Things Guy 

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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 Lay-Buy Initiative: Kind Strangers Are Helping Parents in Need! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Fourways resident Genevieve Creamer raised an astounding R481,000 for Woodrock Animal Rescue and the 1st for Women Foundation through her ‘Going on 21’ birthday campaign.

South Africa (06 January 2023) – Genevieve Creamer, a Fourways resident whose recent 42nd birthday celebration has not only left a lasting memory but has also generated an astonishing R481,000 for two noteworthy causes: Woodrock Animal Rescue and the 1st for Women Foundation.

But this is not the first time the South African has used her birthday to give back! Two years ago, she marked her 40th birthday with a charity run in Durban that raised an impressive R450,000.

“Two years ago, I decided to enter my 40s with purpose by doing something that would connect my passion for running with a greater good,” Genevieve fondly recalls.

Encouraged by the overwhelming support she received, she was spurred on to launch another impactful campaign in 2023. The fundraising extravaganza, dubbed “Going on 21,” took place amidst the picturesque backdrop of Steyn City. Over 180 enthusiastic participants laced up their running shoes and tackled either a 21km or 10km route through the estate’s verdant parklands, culminating their journey at a breathtaking 300m lagoon.

The success of “Going on 21” was not just a result of the scenic location but was largely attributable to the remarkable generosity displayed by participants, sponsors, and supporters alike. Funds poured in through entry fees, donations, and a spirited auction held on the day of the event. The proceeds were then allocated equally between Woodrock Animal Rescue and the 1st for Women Foundation.

Woodrock Animal Rescue, a revered non-profit organisation, stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of animals in need.

Estelle Meldau, the founder, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Securing our animal rescue centre with a perimeter wall has been our number one fundraising focus this year. Genevieve’s ‘Going on 21’ campaign has made our goal a reality.”

The 1st for Women Foundation, another beneficiary of Genevieve’s commendable efforts, focuses on uplifting communities by providing education and support to survivors of abuse.

Seugnette van Wyngaard elaborates, “This donation allows us to continue giving hope, light, and courage to countless victims and survivors of abuse.”

Genevieve is quick to acknowledge that her accomplishments would not have been possible without the unwavering support of sponsors and participants.

“Without ‘Going on 21’s’ incredible sponsors and supporters, this achievement would not have been possible,” she states emphatically. “It reaffirms that when a group of people come together, they can make a huge difference. I am honoured to be able to facilitate this difference.”

Sources: GTG Interview 

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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 A Birthday to Remember: Fourways Resident Raises Nearly Half a Million Rand for Charity! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The Black Mambas continue to inspire and redefine the realm of anti poaching; two inspiring new rangers are being fully trained for the roles of conservation heroes.

South Africa (30 October 2023) – In 2023, South Africa experienced a significant reduction in rhino poaching cases. In the first six months of the year, 231 rhinos fell victim to poachers, marking an 11% decrease compared to the previous year. While this decrease is a positive sign, the fact that more than one rhino continues to be killed per day calls for continued vigilance and action.

The Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit formed in 2013, have been a longstanding source of inspiration to their communities. These fearless women have defied initial scepticism, operating without firearms to protect wildlife, and have successfully saved numerous animals from the deadly snares of poachers.

EcoTraining, a renowned organisation with a 30-year legacy of reconnecting people with nature, exploring the African bush, and promoting conservation, has played a vital role in empowering the Black Mambas. Over the past three years, EcoTraining has trained two members of this remarkable unit annually, equipping them with essential skills to enhance their daily work.

“Being able to support and align with this incredible group of women, being a part of their training journey and knowing it will improve their daily operations is an absolute honour for EcoTraining” said EcoTraining Managing Director, Anton Lategan.

For Goodness Mhlanga and Felicia Letong Mogokane, their current training with EcoTraining has been transformative, and they are commited to sharing their newfound knowledge with their colleagues and communities.

“This training is a game-changer for me. As a guide, I’ve been trained in understanding the Big 5, animal behaviours, and all aspects of trees and birds. It’s shaping me to develop a deep connection with wildlife, and I’m eager to pass on this knowledge to others,” said Goodness Mhlanga.

“I was inspired to work in the bush because my father was a ranger in Kruger National Park, and we often accompanied him during school holidays. I couldn’t afford to atend college to follow in his footsteps, but I was fortunate to join the Black Mambas. Now, with the EcoTraining 55-Day Field Guiding course, I’ve gained valuable insights and can continue to grow both personally and professionally. Working in nature every day is a privilege,” said Felicia Letong Mogokane.

The knowledge acquired through this training will undoubtedly enhance their understanding of the environment, enabling them to make more informed decisions when encountering animals and nature.

Through this training initiative, the Black Mambas have also been empowered to lead “Bush Babies Bush Camps”, a camp where they teach children about the bush within the bush environment.

These inspiratoonal women remain unwavering in their commitment to eradicating poaching and serve as role models not only within their community but also to all of us, encouraging us to be guardians of nature.

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.

The post Black Mambas Continue to Inspire and Redefine Anti Poaching appeared first on Good Things Guy.

In a rain-soaked Paris, the Springboks won their second consecutive Webb Ellis Cup with a 12-11 victory, celebrating their fourth Rugby World Cup title in front of a nation of 62 million.

France (29 October 2023) – On a wet and windy Parisian night, the Springboks exploded heat, light and joy to a nation of 62 million as they courageously claimed a second successive Webb Ellis Cup with a 12-11 victory (halftime 12-6) at a mesmerised Stade de France on Saturday night.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi thanked South Africa for inspiring them to overcome the All Blacks to record a third successive nail-biting one-point victory in the playoffs on their way to a record-breaking fourth Rugby World Cup title.

“This is for our fans and for South Africa,” said Nienaber after the 12-11 victory.

“I wish I could show you the amount of messages and videos of what was going on in South Africa. I think there was 62 million people that united behind us.

“The farming communities opening up to allow people to watch, paying an entrance fee of whatever they wanted to donate. People have bought green T-shirts for everyone. We felt every single bit of energy they gave us and in the last three games, all one-point victories, that drove us and we needed it.”

Kolisi said: “At the last World Cup the country was hopeful that maybe there was a chance we could win it and what transpired afterwards was the belief between this team.

“There is not a lot of things going right in our country and we have the privilege to be able to do what we love and inspire people in life, not just sports people.

“There’s no ways where I come from I could have dreamed to be here today. I couldn’t even dream I could be here today. We come from different walks of life. I had my own goals and ambitions.

“I want to look after my family, I want to give back to my community because without them I wouldn’t be here. But once we come together for a common goal nothing can stop us.

“What brings is together is our country. What brings us together is the Springbok and South Africa and what drives us. I can’t explain it to you, you need to come and see South Africa to understand. Once we come together nothing can stop us, not just in sport but also in life.”

It took a monumental effort to resist an All Black team that was reduced to 14-men in the 28th minute following the red carding of their captain Sam Cane, but which held the Springboks scoreless in the second half.

Nienaber said: “Relief is probably the first word that comes to mind, in the sense of the special group of players we have. As a management and leadership group we always thought ‘we can’t mess this up’.

“From 2018 we thought we had the ability to win the 2023 World Cup. [The Rugby World Cup win in] 2019 was probably something that hopped up along the way, but it is relief for the players, they were good enough to do that.”

The Boks had to overcome the loss of hooker Bongi Mbonambi to achieve it in only the third minute. Nienaber said: “If you’d asked me which injuries we wouldn’t like early on, it would be Bongi and Faf [de Klerk]. But that’s the decision we made with the squad we selected. There is always risk involved but we mitigated that.

“I don’t know how many lineouts we lost but with Deon Fourie, if there are maybe 16 lineouts in a game, there are 120, 150 rucks in a game, and he makes 20 tackles. Sometimes the lineouts he loses, he makes up for it in other ways. At whatever age he is – 37 – to put in a shift like that is special. I have coached Deon since he was 20 years old and I always knew he had that dog in him.”

Man of the match Pieter Steph du Toit turned in a herculean effort making 28 tackles and received high praise from Nienaber.

“He was phenomenal. Defence is my department and he was exceptional. I must say in the last couple of games, he wanted it desperately. Not only him, but everyone wanted it desperately.

“He put himself in the right positions. I always joke that if there’s a white plastic bag that blows over the field, he would probably chase that down as well. ‘The Malmesbury Missile’, he was like a machine.”

Kolisi said: “Coach Rassie [Erasmus] said great things are never achieved in ideal conditions, and this wasn’t ideal conditions for us as a group. Playing the home team in their home country was one of the hardest things to do and obviously when we played the last game against England, which was tight, we had to fight and today as well, no different.

“The motivation was everything from home and our families. The coaches created an environment for us where we can be with our families no matter where we are, it feels like we are home. There are 15 to 20 kids running round the hotel. It’s one of the greatest things they could have done for us.

“People also from South Africa, some of our friends, they’ve used their savings to come and watch us.

“For me not to give my 100 per cent on the field would be cheating all those people and that’s what the coaches always remind us of. The motivations for us, we don’t have to look far.”

Sources: GTG Interview

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