Ethan Frosler joins the University Sports South Africa national side at the African Games in Ghana this month and it’s a dream turned reality!

Gqeberha, South Africa (07 March 2024) – Rising cricket star Ethan Frosler aims to keep things simple when he strides out onto the oval for the University Sports South Africa national side at the African Games in Ghana this month.

The continental showpiece takes place in Accra from March 8 to 23 and the fast-bowling all-rounder from the Bay believes an uncluttered head will stand him in good stead with bat and ball.

Frosler was one of the Madibaz students who stuck up their hands to be counted at last year’s USSA tournament.

His five-wicket haul against the University of Johannesburg, a match-winning effort, was particularly impressive.

It had been all about rising to the occasion in Cape Town for the 21-year-old.

“The week for the team was tough and we did not get the results we wanted,” Frosler admitted.

“But whenever the team needed me to step up and deliver with the ball, I just tried to give it my all.”

His efforts were recognised by the selection committee and his inclusion in the SA team ultimately left him “shocked and excited”.

“Walking to the stage I think I just smiled all the way because it meant so much to me.”

The mechanical engineering student from Gqeberha, who will be capped next month, bowled his first ball in anger for the Madibaz in 2021.

“My modus operandi at that stage was to learn from the senior players and soak up as much information as I could. This led to my game gradually maturing over the years.

“One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that keeping it simple is better than trying to overthink and complicate things.”

Focusing on lapping up the moment and not trying to think of outcomes is the mindset he hopes will serve him well in Ghana.

His selection has motivated him to give his cricket career a go and therefore he sees the Games as a stepping stone to bigger things.

“Receiving this sort of recognition has definitely spurred me on because it has pushed me to work [even] harder. I think I speak for all sportsmen and women when I say it’s amazing when the hard work pays off.”

With the ability to introduce variety into his bowling while producing yorkers, seemingly at will, Frosler has a knack for bowling at the back end of limited overs matches.

“But I also know that I need to find greater consistency with the new ball at the start of the innings, so those are the sorts of things I will continue to work on.”

For now, the soon-to-be graduate wants to stroke the ball to all four corners of the field while troubling the very best batsmen with his nippy deliveries at the African Games.

As simple as it gets.

Sources: Full Stop Communications

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Footprints 4 Sam recently helped makeover the Paediatric Outpatient Department at the Rahima Moosa  Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 March 2024) – It’s a well-known fact that the best way to feel good about yourself is to help others. Melissa and Fred Platt turned their personal tragedy into a way to touch and change lives in a positive way. Recently, they helped makeover the Rahima Moosa Paediatric Outpatient Department.

When their son Sam passed away in 2016 at just 15 and a half months, after spending his entire short life in hospital, they founded Footprints 4 Sam, a charitable trust committed to making a meaningful difference in paediatric healthcare in South Africa.

“Our goal was to ensure that his bravery and fighting spirit lives on touching hearts and lives and bringing hope, kindness, humanity and dignity into the wards of paediatric healthcare,” says the couple.

One of their most recent projects was the upgrade of the Paediatric Outpatient Department (POPD) at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) in Johannesburg. This vital department treats around 60-80 children from the local community every day, but the building was in a dire state due to poor maintenance. The walls were peeling, toilets were broken, and ceilings were collapsing.

This is where the Footprints 4 Sam team stepped in.

“What was meant to be a simple paint job to improve the surroundings ended up being close to a renovation,” recalls Melissa. “We had to scrape down the walls and replaster some of them before we could paint. We also sanded down the benches in the waiting area and made the reception more welcoming.”

A cleaning team was brought in to deep-clean the consulting rooms. The floors were stripped and sealed and the bathrooms repaired and cleaned.

“We’re also planning on adding some vibrant pictures and signage, as well as interactive play areas to keep the little ones busy while they wait to see a doctor,” says Melissa.

After two long months of hard work and dedication, the results are amazing. Dr Tyla Malherbe expressed her gratitude to Footprints 4 Sam.

“The POPD is our home away from home and now it’s a brighter and happier space for our young patients and their families, as well as for the amazing doctors who work here.”

Over the years, Footprints 4 Sam has also completed other key rooms and wards in the hospital and in the last financial year, two registrar rooms at RMMCH, a safe space for young healthcare professionals to rest and recharge in the hospital were beautifully renovated.

“We believe that supporting the well-being of patients, parents and healthcare professionals is vital. A well-rested and emotionally supported healthcare professional is better equipped to look after their young charges, and by enabling self-care, we can support improved patient outcomes,” explains Melissa.

The completed rooms offer two sleeping areas, study spaces, individual kitchenettes and a shared bathroom with a shower.

This year Footprints 4 Sam continues with its ambitious goal of realising its Dare to Dream campaign. Footprints 4 Sam has been actively working towards raising the funds needed to renovate the neonatal ICU at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in commemoration of the hospital’s 80 years of service. Their goal… R80 Million.

“This crumbling old lady is the only mother-and-child hospital in the country,” says Melissa. “We want to restore her to her former glory and to make a difference to the lives of the people who work here and the children who are treated here. We know that with the support of caring South Africans we can continue to grow our initiatives and touch many more lives in meaningful and tangible ways.”

How can you help? Donate your time, skills, money, and sporting abilities to leave footprints for Sam.

“Each footprint is an imprint of change in precious lives and we encourage and appeal to all donors and suppliers to choose a project that speaks to their hearts and to consider allocating their financial contributions or time to a selected project,” concludes Melissa.

For more information visit footprints4sam.org and click on the donate buttons.

Sources: Supplied

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An incredible show of sportsmanship was placed on full display in a recent cricket match between Rondebosch Boys and Bishops.

Cape Town, South Africa (06 March 2024) – A recent school cricket match ended in a very great result for all; the draw may have been an even split, but it was the sportsmanship that was the win for the day.

Parent Tori Hoffmann contacted Good Things Guy to share a beautiful act of sportsmanship she witnessed over the weekend. She joked that having watched school cricket for the past 5 years, she still doesn’t understand the sport but there was no mistaking what took place at the end of the match.

“On Saturday, I witnessed something that I understood clearly – an “incredible act of sportsmanship by the keeper of the Bishops team,” as stated by Stephen Gersowksky on the Bishops Diocesan Facebook page. While rival school Bishops and Rondebosch Boys’ 2nd XI team were playing against each other on the Cricket A field at Rondebosch Boys High School in the Southern Suburbs, Stephen’s son (who was batting for RBHS at the time) was the recipient of the wicket keeper’s remarkable act of kindness.” – Tori Hoffmann

Stephen commented that his son was on the verge of hitting a century but at 98, he was on the final ball and only managed to get one run.

“He was on 98 not out with the last ball of the day to be bowled, hit the ball to midd off for one and turned for the second run when half way back for the second run the keeper gathered the ball and instead of removing the bails, he allowed my son to get back and get his 100” – Stephen Gersowksky

Stephen watched on as his son ran the final run, getting his 100 for the day – all thanks to the kindness and good sportsmanship of the opposing team’s wicketkeeper.

“This young man’s act should be celebrated and acknowledged as much as the 100. You are a true gentleman young man and thank you on behalf of my son and I for your act of human kindness”

Jane Vincent responded to Stephen’s comment to let him know that her son had performed this act of kindness.

“Thanks so much for acknowledging our son sportsmanship!

He is an incredible young boy that we so proud of especially his amazing sportsmanship and passion for cricket thanks and well done on 100″ – Jane Vincent

Stephen managed to capture the moment on camera and shared it on the Facebook thread here. The most heartwarming part of all was the two young men hugging at the end of the match.

Sources: Tori Hoffmann / Bishops Diocesan College

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A Grade 9 Kingswood College pupil snapped a photo in Port Alfred that’s left South Africans in awe. The heartwarming part? People loved it so much they are encouraging her to enter it into competitions!

Port Alfred, South Africa (06 March 2024) — A Grade 9 Kingswood College pupil has left South Africans in awe after she captured Mother Nature at her finest in the Eastern Cape’s Port Alfred.

Shared by her school, Siré Schoncken’s photo captures a bolt of lightning, rolling waves and a looming grey cloud on a deserted part of the beach.

Beyond the breathtaking photo, there’s heart to this story in just how encouraging South Africans were in their responses to the budding photographer’s moment in the lightning light. On social media, comments ranged from backing Siré to enter her work into a competition all the way to nods of agreement that this student has a future in photography.

Siré’s mom Desica shared that her daughter is “beyond excited about the reaction of her photo.”

Captured on a Samsung phone camera, locals can’t wait to see what this budding photographer might be capable of with professional gear.

In any creative field (especially for young creatives), encouragement can be the difference between giving your talents a go or pushing them to the side. And seeing how many strangers were so kind to a young talent made our hearts very warm today.

Sources: Kingswood College

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500 people, including 200 children, got the chance to have their hearing tested recently for World Hearing Day.

Atteridgeville, South Africa (06 March 2024) – The collaborative efforts of the University of Pretoria, hearX Foundation, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and hearX Group brought about a highly successful World Hearing Day event in Atteridgeville, marking a significant milestone in community health involvement.

Drawing over 500 community members, including over 200 young children who received hearing screenings, the event underscored the critical necessity for accessible ear and hearing care. It also showcased the power of collaborative effort in addressing global health challenges.

Prof De Wet Swanepoel from the University of Pretoria, alongside Tersia de Kock from the hearX Foundation, set the stage with insightful addresses that emphasized the importance of healthy hearing and its foundational role in fostering communication, relationships, and overall quality of life. The high participation rate mirrored WHO’s concerning estimates that one in five people are currently affected by hearing loss, a figure expected to rise to one in four by 2050. This stark reality underscores the urgency of scaling up ear and hearing care services globally, especially in underserved communities like Atteridgeville.

The University of Pretoria students, supported by volunteers from the hearX Group, were instrumental in the day’s success, providing screenings that not only identified those with potential hearing loss but also offered a gateway to further care and support. This initiative not only served as an educational platform for the students involved but also as a testament to the impactful outcomes that can be achieved through the synergy of academic knowledge and practical application.

Tucker Bbosa from CHAI illuminated the significance of the new partnership project aimed at integrating hearing screenings in early childhood development centres, highlighting the critical role of early detection in mitigating the long-term effects of hearing loss. This initiative, among others presented during the day, illustrates a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, where prevention and early intervention are prioritised.

The event centred on the theme “Changing Mindsets” with the aimed to dismantle the stigma around hearing aids and promote a more inclusive understanding of hearing care. In highlighting the reluctance commonly linked with hearing aids and comparing it to the more readily accepted use of glasses, the speakers advocated for a shift in perception that recognises hearing aids as essential tools for enhancing life quality.

The involvement of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Health, and the Kalafong Hospital Audiology Department, further emphasized the collaborative approach to healthcare advocacy and service provision. Their presence was not just ceremonial but a pledge of ongoing support and commitment to hearing health initiatives.

Reflecting on the event’s success, it was evident that the concerted efforts of the University of Pretoria, hearX Foundation, CHAI, and the hearX Group have not only raised awareness about the importance of ear and hearing care but also laid the groundwork for sustainable health interventions in the community. The overwhelming turnout and the proactive engagement of the community members served as a powerful reminder of the latent demand for such essential health services.

Looking to the future, the Atteridgeville event on World Hearing Day has set a benchmark for community-driven health initiatives, proving that with the right partnerships and community involvement, it’s possible to overcome the barriers to accessible healthcare. This model of collaboration, education, and action provides a blueprint for addressing not only hearing health but also other pressing global health challenges, demonstrating that change is possible when communities, professionals, and organisations unite towards a common goal.

Sources: UP – Supplied

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

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The Elsen Academy started a Kindness Rocks project and students are loving the chance to share messages of kindness.

Gqeberha, South Africa (06 March 2024) – Ms Leigh Septoo and Mr Klaas Kingma at Elsen Academy started the Kindness Rocks project to give students a heartwarming project to work on that spreads kindness to others.

The school helps children with learning disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia and other social barriers. The school provides a safe learning space for grades 1 to 12.

The Kindness Rocks project is based on the painted rock trend that is seen throughout the world. Finding a painted rock is supposed to inspire kindness and hope. The idea is to spread a little piece of joy to an unknown stranger. Finding a rock is often a little gift you never knew you wanted.

The hope is that having these rocks spread around the school, will inspire kindness!

“Imagine finding a beautifully painted rock hidden around the school, carrying a message of kindness inspired by our core values: Honesty, Empathy, Acceptance, and Respect (H.E.A.R.).

That’s the magic Ms. Septoo and Mr. Kingma have unleashed! They’ve collaborated with learners across all grades, igniting their creativity and spreading kindness through painted rocks scattered throughout Elsen Academy.

These unique gems hold the power to brighten someone’s day, whether it’s a student, staff member, or even a parent in need of a pick-me-up. So, keep your eyes peeled! You might just stumble upon a hidden masterpiece, reminding you of the simple yet powerful impact of kindness.

Consider doing something similar where you work. Don’t underestimate the power of surprises and messages of kindness.” – Elsen Academy

Rock finders are encouraged to either place the rock back, take it along their travels or keep it and share a rock of their own. We recently saw a rock and noticed several people stopping to peek at it and quickly moving along, not knowing what the rock meant.

There are many groups in South Africa that share this art form, so if you would enjoy it, you can find a list of groups to join here.

Sources: Elsen Academy – Supplied

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When an elderly tourist from the Netherlands was about to fly home, the swelling in his hand couldn’t be ignored. After having to disembark, he found himself in a city full of strangers and completely reliant on the kindness of others. Thanks to two very special South Africans, he got all the help he needed!

Johannesburg, South Africa (06 March 2024) — What was meant to be a simple trip back to the Netherlands turned into a series of complicated events for one Abraham van Roijen, an elderly tourist in his late 80s, who was visiting South Africa, last December.

When it came time for his visit to end, Abraham started to notice that something wasn’t exactly right with his left hand.

Swollen and in pain, the elderly tourist figured that he would sort it out when he got back to the Netherlands. However, a doctor aboard his flight advised Abraham not to fly with a hand that swollen, and encouraged him to get off the plane.

Without family or friends anywhere near OR Tambo, Abraham became completely reliant on the kindness of South Africans. In the early hours of the morning as his plane flew overhead, Abraham checked into a hotel near the airport, but couldn’t sleep due to to the pain of his hand.

At the reception desk, he met the incredibly compassionate Jani Ligthelm, the hotel’s general manager. Jani kindly helped him contact a family member from her phone as his baggage, containing his phone, was still with the airline. With his niece, Mariska Spoonmaker, worried about the state of his hand and unable to do anything from the Eastern Cape, Abraham’s ‘first responders’ became Jani and Andrew Nkosizile Mtshali – a diligent taxi driver.

Abraham was determined to get on the next flight, so Jani made the choice to trust the elderly tourist, but only under the caring eyes of Andrew the taxi driver, who became something of a knight in shining armour for Abraham.

Andrew made sure Abraham got to the airport safely. When the airline counter turned out to be closed, he was the one to insist on taking Abraham to a medical centre in Kempton Park.

Andrew contacted Abraham’s son Bram to ensure Abraham could chat with his son during the hospital’s visiting hours. The situation with his hand turned out to be urgent, and without Andrew offering his phone and time, Abraham wouldn’t have been able to keep his family in the loop or sort out his medical insurance.

After two medical procedures were underway, Andrew even made sure Bram was updated throughout the process with photos.

Eventually, with Abraham finally on the road to recovery, Bram was able to fly in to assist his father. Andrew, of course, was waiting in the wings to unite them both and drove Bram from the airport to be with his dad during the scary time.

As it turned out, Abraham may have been bitten by a spider, which could’ve led to terrible consequences had Abraham’s new South African friends not stepped in to help. Several days later, the tourist made it back to the Netherlands, where doctors would look after him.

Freelance journalist and niece Mariska Spoonmaker shared this story of the small, but incredibly impactful kindness with Good Things Guy.

“I look back in gratitude at Jani and Andrew – two caring people who went way further than the extra mile to assist an 87-year-old in need. Everything could have gone so wrong. But it didn’t. Because two South Africans cared enough to help. Nkosi.”

Sources: Mariska Spoormaker

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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 Cape Leopard Trust is turning its attentions to the Eastern Cape to study the free roaming predators in the province and they need help!

South Africa (06 March 2024) — The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is calling on residents of the Eastern Cape to help them start monitoring wild leopards in the province. They are even hosting a competition to boost engagement.

The Trust is a non-profit that has worked hard to conserve the wild spaces these free-roaming predators call home, working with farmers and the public to ensure their safety.

The leopard is the last large predator and the last member of the Big 5 to still roam free in the Cape provinces. The species faces multiple threats, including limited and fragmented habitat, reduction in prey numbers and high levels of conflict with people.

“Have you ever seen a leopard or any field signs of leopards in the Eastern Cape? We’d love to hear from you if you have – you’ll be contributing to important leopard research and you stand a chance of winning some awesome prizes to boot!”

The CLT leopard database collects information on leopard activity and threats to leopards from across the Cape provinces. Over the past 3 years, this database has collated thousands of records – thanks to fantastic contributions from citizen scientists, researchers, and partner organisations. Currently, most data points are from the Western Cape, but in 2024 the Trust is setting its sights on expanding leopard knowledge in the Eastern Cape.

In 2023, the Cape Leopard Trust partnered with Jamma International, Panthera, and Nelson Mandela University to support PhD student Silindokuhle Tokota. His work focuses on the status of and threats facing leopard populations in the Eastern Cape. Over the next couple of months, the CLT invites leopard records from across the Eastern Cape to be submitted to our database. These points will contribute to Silindokuhle’s research and shed light on an understudied area for leopards within South Africa.

What exactly is CLT looking for?

They are seeking all verifiable observations of leopards and their field signs in the Eastern Cape from 2010 onwards.

Leopard sighting records can consist of camera trap photos, photos of leopard signs (i.e. spoor/tracks, scats/droppings, scratch marks on trees, feeding sites) and photos of direct leopard observations (i.e. visual sightings).

The team needs a photo, date as well as a location point for each record.

How to submit your records and enter the competition:

Go to app.capeleopard.org.za and follow the steps to create an account.

Each data point must be submitted individually to the online portal, so if you have multiple observations to share or prefer to contribute via email, please contact research@capeleopard.org.za

You can find all the details about the competition via the Cape Leopard Trust website.

Sources: Cape Leopard Trust – Linked Above

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Danie van Heerden is flying the South African flag on a new fighting stage; he is representing South Africa in Power Slap.

South Africa (05 March 2024) — A fairly new sport is growing in popularity on the global stage. It’s called ‘Power Slap’, and it is pretty much exactly what it states: a competition dedicated to the power of slapping a person. It may not be every person’s cup of tea, and that is okay! We are highlighting the sport as it recently saw the introduction of South African heavyweight Danie van Heerden, who is making a name for himself – fast!

Meet Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden, from Pretoria, who has been competing on the international stage. Flying the South African flag in the hopes of becoming a World Champion. He spent his early career, focussing on boxing and wrestling and has now rejoined the fighting ring as a Power Slap competitor.

Founded by Dana White, the President of UFC, Power Slap has taken the world by storm. Danie shared that he became hooked on the sport after the first match was hosted in South Africa in 2022. Having faced some dark times, tragically losing his father and overcoming suicidal thoughts, Danie has found a passion for Power Slap and is on his way to the top!

“This is sports on a world-class platform and you’re never too old or heavy for anything. I want to prove to myself that whatever I put my mind to, I can and will come out on top.” – Danie van Heerden

Danie popped onto our radar after a TikTok went viral sharing the news about his “Klapping” power. It highlights his booming career so far and what people can look forward to for the year of 2024.

@coolstorybru_ Danie van Heerden is a South African man competing in Power Slap All the individuals in this video are professionals and are safe! #southafrica #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktoksouthafrica ♬ original sound – Cool Story Bru!

How does the sport work?

A coin toss decides which competitor goes first. They are known as the “first striker.” They have 60 seconds to deliver a slap to the opponent’s face. A qualifying slap must be open-handed and land below the eye and above the chin.

There are a few technical points, such as the whole hand must connect with the face at the same time, one cannot lead with the palm first.

The opponents may not flinch, raise shoulders or tuck their chins. They have 60 seconds to recover and return to their standing position otherwise the slap is considered a knockout.

Fights that don’t end in a knockout, go for three rounds and the winner is decided by the judges. They use a 10-point system, with judging based on the effectiveness of the slap, and the slap receivers’ reaction and recovery time.

The sport has faced some serious criticism, and we hear it! It is conducted by trained professionals, and events are carefully managed to ensure the safety of competitors. It is best to leave this sport to the professionals.

We wish Danie all the best in his journey to hopefully become a World Champion! You can follow his progress via Facebook or Instagram.

Danie may be the next South African bringing home a championship belt – so stay tuned!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danie van Heerden (@daniepitbull)

Sources: Power Slap / Wikipedia / Danie van Heerden – Linked Above

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The World Aquatics Masters Championships have concluded, with South African swimmers and water wonders setting multiple world records, winning almost 20 gold medals, and placing on many other podiums!

Global (05 March 2024) — The 2024 World Aquatics Masters Championships saw an abundance of good news for South Africa thanks to an epic performance from the swimmers representing the Rainbow Nation in Doha. Together, these swimmers raked in 17 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals, while setting new local, competition, and world records!

Ingrid Trusler started off the victory path after she placed first in the 65-69 age group in water swimming before setting a South African and Masters Championship Record when she came first in the ladies’ 800m.

SA scooped a few bronze positions in various heats alongside a dazzling first place from Marc Allen in the Men 100m Freestyle in the 45-49 division. Tim Shead, who also set a competition record, earned gold in the 100m Breastroke (70-74 division).

Tim didn’t slow down there, and neither did Ingrid. Both swimmers added more gold to their tallies in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke and Women’s 400m Freestyle, respectively. Not to mention, Ingrid made a mighty splash with another South African Record AND a Championship Record!

But this was only the beginning of the victory laps. Greg McLeroth and Sally Ralfe scored silver, while Tim, Calvin Maughan, and Marc shone brightly in first place in the gold lane.

Marc’s win in the Men 100m Butterfly saw him set both a World Record and a Competition Record.

In the relay races, South African teams earned medals across the board. The Mixed freestyle Relay CTMSC team even set a World Record and a Competition Record while the Mixed Medley Relay matched that energy and made the same records. A special shoutout to the CTMSC Men’s Freestyle Relay team whose first place saw them set a Competition Record!

By Day 6, Tim had set yet another Competition Record for the Men 200m Breaststroke while Harald Ruck joined the Competition Record rockers for his 50m Backstroke.

Marc went on to set another World Record on day 7 for the Men 50m Butterfly while other swimmers earned gold (Ingrid Trusler and Cecilia Stanford) and bronze for their efforts.

“South Africa, you totally rocked the pool with your talent, showing the world what you’re made of. You’ve inspired us all with your dedication and spirit,” shared Melanie Van Wyk. 

All in all, the Masters Championships saw SA relish in:

• 17 Gold wins
• 7 Silver wins
• 17 Bronze wins

An outstanding achievement!

Sources: Swimming South Africa

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