The Pothole Patrol team have filled over 200,000 potholes since 2021 all thanks to the collaboration of big business and residents of Johannesburg.

South Africa (04 March 2024) – Living in South Africa means one becomes more than acquainted with the numerous potholes that are found along the daily commute. There are many communities that take matters into their own hands, to combat the worst of the worst. Now there is a new team on the road called the “Pothole Patrol”.

Starting in 2023, 18 people were enrolled in a pilot training programme and it was a huge success. Launching in February this year, students will now be earning an NQF Level 3 qualification after 12 months of practical training and studies. The pilot programme has since seen a further 24 learners enrolled in 2024.

“In its first official year, which kicked off on 1 February 2024, the Academy is providing classroom and on-the job-training to 24 learners through EduWize, an accredited learnership and skills development provider.

Participants are men and women aged 22 to 34 from previously disadvantaged communities and will obtain a National Certificate in Roadworks Construction upon completion. The aim of the programme is to equip participants with road construction skills and the confidence to start their own business one day.”

The programme is being run by Discovery in partnership with various stakeholders. With support from the City of Johannesburg, over 200,000 potholes have been repaired on major Johannesburg roads. The initiative’s initial target was to repair 1,000 potholes a week – which has been exceeded by 25%.

The best part is if you have a pothole in your area (specifically in Johannesburg areas), you can report it for free using the Discovery Pothole Patrol mobile app (available for iOS and Android). You just have to register, and then upload a picture or capture the pothole’s location.

There are parameters to what can be repaired by the Pothole Patrol. The team can only work on potholes measuring a maximum size of 1m by 1m. Anything bigger or deeper than 3cm, has to be handled by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). However, the Pothole Patrol will escalate the “reinstatements” to the authorities.

“Reinstatements, road excavations, deep trenches or cracks are caused by entities and other service providers, either repairing or installing their services and are not classified as potholes.” – Discovery Pothole Patrol

The efforts of the Pothole Patrol are helping work through the backlog of repairs needed in Johannesburg. Thanks to the collaboration of big business, the city and residents who report potholes, a change is happening!

Sources: Discovery

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An app developed by tech startup Vambo Technologies, co-founded by Chido Dzinotyiwei and Isheanesu Misi, stands as a pioneering language accessibility platform. It aims to empower users to seamlessly communicate, learn, and create content in various African languages, fostering cultural inclusivity and breaking linguistic barriers.

South Africa (04 March 2024) – When Chido Dzinotyiwei moved to South Africa from Zimbabwe as a child, language became both an obstacle and an opportunity for change. Her primary concern as an adult was children struggling with their mother tongue in new environments, facing challenges in pronouncing names, and finding it difficult to connect with the languages spoken in their surroundings.

Fast forward to today, the entrepreneur and Mandela-Rhodes Scholar, now based in Johannesburg, is on a mission with her business, Vambo Academy and project, Vambo AI, to address the vital language needs of African communities.

“Having moved to another country in my early schooling years, I had to learn a language in order to succeed at school and I had to learn other languages in order to make friends. I ended up having to repeat grade 4 because the only language I was fluent in at the time was my mother tongue [ChiShona] which was neither the local language nor the language of instruction”, she shared, detailing her own struggles with language barriers.

Vambo Academy, created in 2019, was initially a private language tutoring service conducted in people’s homes. It became a thriving endeavour until the pandemic abruptly halted the business. Faced with this challenge, Dzinotyiwei made a crucial decision for the continuity of the business by exploring the integration of technology into language education.

The same year Vambo Academy was created, Dzinotyiwei met her now co-founder, Isheanesu Misi, when he participated in a business pitch competition which she was hosting, called YouthSolve, aimed at solving unemployment. Although they initially lost touch, they reconnected three years later through social media, where Misi engaged with Dzinotyiwei’s content on language learning and technology.

Their shared ambition to build language tech led them to join forces and create Vambo AI. Derived from the ChiShona language, Vambo means ‘Origin’ or ‘Beginning.

“Language is part of our origin story as Africans, which is why we decided to build the “Origin” Academy and now “Origin” AI,” Dzinotyiwei said.

The shift towards technology was a natural progression for Vambo Academy, which promotes African languages through technical solutions. In 2023, Vambo AI emerged as an organic discovery for the co-founders while they were engaged in the development of a new app and feature, utilising the data from Vambo Academy.

“It was important to create Vambo Academy to curate a space where people – young and old – could reconnect with their roots through language, culture and heritage,” Dzinotyiwei expressed.

She then added, “the AI component allows us to do this in a different paradigm and reach more people through the use of technology that will ensure that Africa remains abreast with modern technology.”

Vambo AI, a multilingual generative AI platform, works by understanding multiple languages, including uncommon pairs, and being generative for content creation. Its goal is to empower Africans to engage in their languages, fostering a connection with the continent’s diverse linguistic landscape.

For example, a user can type in a question in Zulu and have it translated into Amharic.

With a strategic approach, the co-founders handpicked languages close to their hearts, starting with their mother tongue and broadening the spectrum based on valuable user feedback. Users can explore ten dynamic languages including Afrikaans, Amharic, ChiShona, English, French, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Kinyarwanda, kiSwahili, and Portuguese facilitated through www.app.vambo.ai.

Beyond language exploration, the nature of their work necessitates collaboration with a diverse array of individuals, including native speakers, academics, translators, creatives, and more. This has not only broadened their horizons but also forged impactful collaborations, particularly with schools seeking knowledge and language support.

However, the duo faced their fair share of challenges during the strategic planning and platform development phase.

“First, we found that there are limited resources available in Africa for building AI solutions. This includes data, infrastructure, and funding opportunities. We also realised that AI was more of an abstract concept to some of the people we were looking to serve. As a result, we had to rethink our approach and cater to our target market, enabling them to access the innovative and leading aspects of our solution,” Dzinotyiwei elaborated.

“Second, we had to apply our minds and think about how best to build the experience for our target users. One key lightbulb moment we had was when we realised that people are far better at recognizing languages within neighbouring communities or similar language groups than languages that were further removed,” she added.

For instance, a person whose native language is IsiXhosa is better at deciphering and understanding IsiZulu or Sesotho than they would be at doing the same for languages in other regions. To address this, Dzinotyiwei and Misi made it easier for the Vambo system to recognize languages through a free language detection software called Lingoscan by Vambo AI.

“Our model and any other models using that API can easily determine language and better cater to their users,” Dzinotyiwei said.

The co-founders discovered that establishing a company in language tech demands meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to building supporting infrastructure, particularly when aiming for accuracy and excellence.

Through feedback, users of Vambo AI, which is currently available for free, actively contribute to platform improvement.

“With our initial release, users would share examples that didn’t meet their expectations, and we would actively improve it. Now, users are not only using the platform for its initial purpose, but they are also creating and sharing new use cases within tourism, finance, immigration, enhancing what they are building.”

Dzinotyiwei shared an example of one user, Harvey Binamu, Director at Belenga Dev, a data researcher who utilised Vambo AI’s technology to integrate the plug-in to an SMS API allowing it to be used via text messages in the native language, unlocking another level of accessibility for the platform.

Vambo AI is in its beta phase at the moment and undergoing improvements.

However, to keep up with cutting-edge research in the field and actively address existing gaps, Dzinotyiwei and Misi consistently network with other stakeholders, forming a community to collaboratively solve common problems. Among them is their Responsible AI Advisor, Jonas Kgomo, who provides support and guidance, ensuring the development of AI that is safe for users and platforms while upholding the integrity of the languages offered by their business.

As the landscape of AI in Africa continues to evolve, it becomes imperative to examine the potential and challenges facing the industry. Taking this into account, Jonas Kgomo, the Responsible AI Advisor for Vambo AI, shared his perspective.

“Africa is home to a wealth of talent and innovation, and I believe that AI can be a powerful tool for solving some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. There remain global deliberation and democratic challenges ahead. I see opportunities for AI to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion. However, there are also challenges that need addressing, such as the lack of access to data, data sovereignty, and the need for oversight across AI applications.”

“Vambo AI’s focus on linguistic diversity and cultural inclusivity is essential for creating AI solutions that are relevant and useful to people across the continent. I’m excited to see what Vambo AI accomplishes in the years to come, especially in unearthing qualities of indigenous knowledge and reconciling the techno-linguistic gap,” Kgomo added.

Dzinotyiwei and Misi might be innovative in their own right, however, they are part of a cohort of African youth who are looking to AI to change the language landscape on the continent. One example is that of Ghanaian Danny Manu, a serial entrepreneur, designer and manufacturer of live translation earbuds that help individuals and companies break language barriers with their inventions.

Manu’s earbuds are available for purchase on Amazon and offer translation for 37+ languages.

Looking ahead, Vambo AI aims to expand its features, making the platform multimodal with voice capabilities, Internet search, and additional languages. The journey of language tech, as outlined by the co-founders, is a testament to the potential of African-led AI solutions.

Sources: Bird / Vambo / Kabod Group

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Desi Koolen has partnered with Volvo Trucks to promote road safety through their ‘Stop, Look, and Wave’ campaign.

Johannesburg, South Africa (02 March 2024) – Desmond (Desi) Koolen, the young South African sensation who captured hearts globally with his infectious charm and remarkable talent, is once again making waves, but this time, it’s not just with his soulful voice.

Partnering with Volvo Trucks, Desi is amplifying a message of safety and awareness on the roads through their new campaign: “Stop, Look, and Wave.”

You may remember Desi from his viral rendition of James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good),” which catapulted him to internet stardom, even catching the attention of Hollywood’s elite like Wayne Brady, Keri Hilson, and Will Smith. Originally shared by his proud mother, Adele Koolen, the video quickly garnered over 1.2 million views, spreading joy and positivity across the digital landscape.

Desi’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Good Things Guy, known for spotlighting inspiring stories of hope and goodness, was the first to share Desi’s story with the world. Since then, his infectious energy and undeniable talent have graced the pages of numerous local and global publications, even affording him the opportunity to rub shoulders with the esteemed Springbok rugby team.

Now, Desi is harnessing his influence for an even greater cause – road safety. Teaming up with Volvo Trucks for their innovative “Stop, Look, and Wave” campaign, Desi is using his platform to educate both children and parents on the importance of vigilance when sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

The essence of the campaign is simple yet profound: instead of merely glancing left and right, individuals are encouraged to STOP, LOOK, and WAVE. By taking these extra precautions, they not only ensure their own safety but also enhance visibility for truck drivers, who often have a higher vantage point on the road.

Watch the video below and remember, the next time you find yourself at an intersection, think of Desi’s message: Stop, Look, and Wave.

Sources: Desi Koolen | Volvo Trucks 

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South Africa’s Impofu wind farms, the largest private renewable energy project, set for construction after years of planning and community collaboration.

South Africa (29 February 2024) – In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, South Africa’s landscape is set to embrace its largest private renewable energy plant yet.

The Impofu wind farms, nestled in the picturesque Kouga region of the Eastern Cape, have been granted the green light for construction, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s renewable energy journey.

Scheduled to commence in March 2024, the construction of three 110-megawatt (MW) wind farms signifies a monumental leap towards a greener, more sustainable energy future. The project, spearheaded by Red Cap Energy, not only highlights the commitment to renewable resources but also represents a collaborative effort between stakeholders and the local community.

Jadon Schmidt, the Business Development Manager at Red Cap Energy, reflects on the journey leading to this milestone, saying, “Since 2013, we’ve signed up 87 separate parcels of land for the powerline and spent years negotiating with farmers to lease land on which to build wind turbines.”

Local landowners have played a pivotal role in the development process, showcasing a remarkable spirit of cooperation and foresight. Vernon Basson, owner of Vergaderingskraal, recounts his involvement, emphasizing the importance of leveraging local knowledge to navigate the intricacies of the landscape.

“The whole process has been pretty smooth,” says Basson, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to sustainable development.

The Impofu project’s significance extends beyond energy production, fostering economic growth and sustainability within local communities. Xolile Peter Lamani, Chairperson of the Reebok Rant Worker’s Trust, speaks of the tangible benefits derived from the project.

“The extra income from the turbines is going to help us keep our livestock healthy and deal with drought during the summer,” says Lamani, highlighting the transformative impact on livelihoods and agricultural resilience.

Despite encountering challenges along the way, including environmental considerations and logistical hurdles, Red Cap Energy’s unwavering commitment to sustainability has remained steadfast.

Red Cap Energy’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy development have set a precedent for future projects, reinforcing their commitment to driving positive change in the energy landscape. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast dedication to sustainability, Red Cap Energy and many other incredible Renewable Energy projects in South Africa continue to pave the way towards a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Sources: Red Cap 

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Standard Bank’s Achieva Exchange empowers first-time job starters by sharing essential resources and experiences.

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 February 2024) – In a bid to uplift communities and celebrate personal milestones, Standard Bank has initiated a groundbreaking movement called Achieva Exchange.

This innovative endeavour aims to redefine how we support one another, particularly during significant life transitions. The initiative encourages individuals across Gauteng to contribute items that have assisted them in their initial forays into the workforce, thereby empowering others embarking on similar journeys.

Scheduled for Saturday, 02 March 2024, at Soweto’s Maponya Mall, Achieva Exchange promises to be a transformative event. Unlike traditional market gatherings, this initiative transcends mere commerce, embodying the essence of communal support and collective advancement.

With unemployment rates hovering at over 40% in South Africa, the need for initiatives like Achieva Exchange has never been more pressing. Standard Bank recognises this challenge and seeks to address it by providing practical assistance to future job seekers through this commendable initiative.

Under the overarching theme of “First Job,” Achieva Exchange invites contributions that cater to the essential needs of individuals embarking on their inaugural employment experiences. From clothing and electronic devices to stationery and laptop bags, all donations are welcome as long as they are clean, presentable, and functional.

Drop-off points have been established at various Standard Bank branches across Gauteng, including prominent locations such as Johannesburg’s CBD (5 Simmonds Steet, Selby, Johannesburg), Fourways Mall, and Sandton City Mall, among others. These branches serve as convenient collection points for donations leading up to the event.

Motlatsi Mkalala, Head of Middle Market at Standard Bank, expresses the institution’s enthusiasm for the incredible initiative: “Achieva Exchange offers a fresh perspective on celebrating personal milestones. Empowering others through the symbolic sharing of personal milestones, participants go beyond their individual journeys to enrich and uplift others.”

Mkalala extends a warm invitation to all members of the community, regardless of their banking affiliations, emphasising the initiative’s aim to foster a spirit of collective impact and shared growth.

The launch of Achieva Exchange builds upon the success of Achieva, Standard Bank’s middle-market offering introduced last year.

This comprehensive suite of solutions and services is designed to accompany customers through life’s significant milestones, from acquiring that first degree to purchasing a home or car and beyond.

“As a bank, our aim is to enable our customers to continually improve their life circumstances, enabling every generation to live better than the last,” affirms Mkalala. “With Achieva Exchange, Standard Bank underscores its commitment to empowering individuals on their life journeys, turning dreams into tangible realities.”

For more information on Standard Bank’s Achieva offering and Achieva Exchange, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.standardbank.co.za/achieva.

Standard Bank’s unveiling of Achieva Exchange marks a significant step toward creating a more supportive and empowered society. By encouraging the sharing of resources and experiences, this initiative embodies the spirit of community upliftment and solidarity, setting a commendable example for others to follow.

As individuals come together to celebrate their achievements and support one another, the ripple effects of this movement is poised to make a lasting and positive impact on countless lives.

Sources: Standard Bank 

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The Ladles of Love team set up a Gauteng HQ and the warehouse has been busy – they are inviting people to join for team building events.

Johannesburg, South Africa (26 February 2024) – While Ladles of Love may have been started in the Western Cape, it now has a branch in Gauteng too, and the team has been busy!

Ladles of Love has fed millions of South Africans and will continue to do so for years to come. In July 2014, Danny Diliberto, with the help of a chef and some volunteers, started cooking pots of soup every Tuesday from the restaurant he co-founded, Doppio Zero in St Georges Mall.

Over the following five years, the organisation grew. With the help of schools and other soup kitchens, food was served four times a week in the city centre. By March 2020, Ladles served about 14,000 meals a month. And then Covid-19 hit.

The organisation ramped up efforts to help feed as many people as possible. The pandemic left thousands of people without food. Ladles of Love started collecting food for soup kitchens, making sandwiches and breaking world records for canned food.

Since its founding, Ladles of Love has grown substantially. They opened the Gauteng branch to help reach more people.

They are hoping to connect with individuals and businesses to set up team-building events that will help with food packing and getting ready to make a difference in the community.

“Embrace the spirit of giving and make a meaningful impact. We invite your company to join us for a unique team-building experience that not only strengthens bonds but also contributes to our mission of feeding souls. Discover the joy of making a difference”

For more information on how to organise a team build email: info@ladlesoflove.org.za or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.ladlesoflove.org.za”

Sources: Ladles of Love

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In an effort to tackle unemployment, the Leva Foundation has been running a work readiness initiative to help people looking for jobs.

Gqeberha, South Africa (26 February 2024) – With the latest unemployment rate in South Africa now over the 40% threshold, hope is often a scarce commodity in our local communities.

However, challenging a poverty and entitlement mindset with hope is exactly what Work 4 a Living Facilitator Grace Chirwa, enjoys doing.

She has been part of the Leva Work 4 a Living Centre, based at Fathers House Church in Gqeberha, for the past ten years where she now heads up the centre.

“We train our students to have a strong work ethic, take ownership of their lives and to be financially savvy. The most satisfying part of the job is when we see a student breaking the poverty mindset and becoming free, and shortly after this financial independence follows,” said Chirwa.

The Leva Work 4 a Living Centre is a project of the Leva Foundation in partnership with Siya Sebenza. The 14-day job-readiness workshop provides practical training and a positive framework from which individuals can find employment.

“We have seen over and over again that Work 4 a Living is a powerful way to start the journey of entering the economy. After Work 4 a Living, people follow a vertical career path and break free from poverty,” said Leva Foundation CEO Ryan le Roux.

Some training offered in the job-readiness workshop includes compiling a CV, financial literacy, how to conduct yourself in the workplace and more.

Once successfully completed, students move on to Phase 2 skills courses. An assortment of training is offered like Computer Literacy, Advanced Computer Skills, Office Administration, and Social Media Marketing – to name a few.

While the focus of the Leva Work 4 a Living Centre is on job-readiness training, employers also contact the centre to offer work opportunities to some of the top students who have completed the programme.

“These are normally the students who have excellent time-management skills and have a good attitude and character towards their work. Many get promoted within a short period of time, once they are given an employment opportunity,” said Chirwa.

She said a student who worked at a Summerstrand hotel in Gqeberha impressed a patron of the hotel so much, that the patron contacted the Work 4 a Living facilitators to train her employees in Grahamstown.

Another successful student, who is employed as a Care Worker in Jeffreys Bay, has become so valuable to her employers that they paid for her Learner’s Licence, Driving Lessons and Driver’s Test.

Thando Mlambo, who completed the Work 4 a Living programme in 2022, said she received a call for a job on the very day she graduated from the programme.

“I started off working on weekends as a casual, and now I am the primary carer of a 95-year-old woman, whom I call Ouma. Before the programme my life was in stagnation – it had a big influence on where I am today. When I started in the Work 4 a Living programme Mama Grace (Chirwa) told me that I had what it takes to be employed within 3 months,” said Mlambo, who is a mother of three.

Tino Hofisi, another successful Work 4 a Living graduate, showed a love for all things IT during his training and eventually taught IT Skills in the programme.

“Once I started doing some of the assignments, I realised that it wasn’t that hard and that I actually have a love for computers. The programme helped me to grow in confidence – there are so many opportunities out there, and it is important to believe in yourself. I currently work for an internet service provider in Mpumalanga,” said Hofisi.

He wholeheartedly recommends the Work 4 a Living programme to young, unemployed adults since it prepares them for what to expect in the workplace, how to manage their finances and – perhaps most important of all – to have a positive mindset.

“Many young people will think ‘this is it; this is as far as I can go in life – I will continue to do what my parents have done’. But they need to think out of the box and open their eyes to all the opportunities around them – where they can grow and upskill themselves”.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the Work 4 a Living programme can email info@levafoundation.org.

Sources: Cindy Preller – Supplied

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The City of Cape Town is considering partnering with alternative energy providers for informal settlements.

Cape Town, South Africa (22 February 2024) – It’s supper time at Siqalo informal settlement near Mitchells Plain and Nobubele Sizakhele fires up her paraffin stove. A single mother, she supports her two children by working odd jobs and doing domestic work.

Hers is one of about 200 shacks with a solar panel installed by the iShack Project, set up to develop a model for “free-basic”, off-grid solar electricity service for poor households that do not yet have formal grid access. Except Sizakhele can no longer afford the fees and she is currently disconnected.

Most of the shacks in the settlement of 2,000 families are connected illegally to electrical poles along Jakes Gerwel Drive. The land is mostly privately owned, limiting what services the City of Cape Town can provide.

The iShack Project operates in nine informal settlements across Cape Town. In a few cases, where grants or donations have been provided, it has been possible to reduce the fees. But most people have to pay the full cost, and for households without a consistent income, like Sizakhele’s, making those monthly payments is a challenge.

Sizakhele’s solar panel generates enough energy to power lights, a television and charge phones. Her home was lit with electricity through the solar panel last winter, but now iShack has switched off the solar panel as she has failed to pay for three months.

“Living without electricity is hell because we cannot buy electrical appliances. Even though we are in an urban area, it is no different from living in a village. Life here is tough and this is not a place to raise children,” said Sizakhele.

The iShack Project has found that only 10% of the shack dwellers are able to afford to pay for the panels.

Last week, the City of Cape Town announced that its Urban Energy Poverty Programme would look into alternative energy solutions, like the iShack Project, for informal settlements where grid-connected electrification is not possible.

Siqalo community leader Sakhumzi Kakaza, who also has a solar panel on his home, hopes the City will subsidise the iShack Project initiative.

“We used to experience shack fires but recently the number has dropped,” said Kakaza. “We are happy the City is interested in this initiative because it is going to change the lives of people for the better. We buy our own solar energy and would be happy should the City subsidise this initiative,” he said.

“Even though we can’t cook with solar power, it makes a huge difference,” he said.

iShack Project director Damian Conway said, “Without subsidy funding, the project is unable to cover its costs unless it charges fees for the service which start at R200 a month for a full Solar Home System. These fees are not indefinite and the project hands over ownership after three years, after which there are no more fixed fees.”

“We hope that the City will trail blaze a truly market-making policy that enables the poorest households to access the admittedly limited funds for free basic energy.”

Mayco Member for Energy Beverley van Reenen said the City was currently researching possibilities and investigating the implementation of free basic alternative energy for non-grid connected informal households, and piloting alternative public lighting solutions for unelectrified settlements.

Sources: GroundUp

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Teens from high schools in Atlantis, where opportunities are limited, got to experience a super practical initiative where they were taught and experienced running their own businesses! In South Africa where the job market is straggling on, knowing how to run a business is one of the most important lessons our youth can be taught:

Atlantis, South Africa (21 February 2024) — Learners from high schools in Atlantis got to be part of the Loshkin Economiz initiative—a chance to dip their toes in the world of entrepreneurship!

Developed by the non-profit enterprise Taking Care of Business and iKamva Youth as well as volunteers who have experience in the finance industry, the programme ran over 8 months, and the business bug certainly bit the young cohort.

For young people in Atlantis, where unemployment is major and crime is prevalent, providing young people with practical skills to break out of tough life cycles before they get into them is all important. As such, the initiative played a very big role in teaching the learners all the basics they needed to know about starting their own businesses as well as other skills essential for any active member of the economy: ethics, self-identity, presentation skills and money management.

Taking Care of Businesses that have helped shape many lives for the better, donated clothing, jewellery and accessories from their Resell Programme for the groups of learners to sell. The money they raised soon became seed money to help them start their own businesses!

TCB’s Nicky Edwards shared that she was delighted with the transformation she saw in the learners. “During this programme, I saw these learners blossom. They went from timid or disinterested to engaged, confident and open to learning.”

The groups of learners were in the running for a big prize based on their entrepreneurial achievements. Team ‘The Money Chasers’ made an impressive profit of R1655 selling popcorn, scrunchies, water bottles, mugs and biltong, while ‘The Multi-taskers’ Team earned a profit of R2915 selling muffins, biscuits, popcorn and lemon squares.

They got to go to the Ferris Wheel at the Waterfront, enjoyed a shopping spree at Taking Care of Business and ventured from Sea Point to Hout Bay, topped with a prized fish and chips lunch.

“The learners were very grateful for the outing and for exposing them to things they were not used to or would not have had the opportunity to enjoy,” shared Nicky. 

Hopes are high that the teams will continue to flex their business savvy muscles, as many of the teams from previous runs have. According to Celeste Erasmus (one of the programme trainers) who commented on how many learners part of the 2022 cohort are still running their businesses, it comes down to the valuable skills shared.

“Learners are realising that they don’t have to wait around for a job to come along or rely on handouts. When you are self-employed you can care for yourself. The power is in their hands to run a successful business and to provide for themselves.”

Sources: Supplied 

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

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A corporate Valentine showdown went viral on X (Twitter) earlier today and before long, R100,000 was raised to provide school lunches for South African children in need.

South Africa (14 February 2024) – We all want to hear that oh so romantic “will you be my Valentine” question from the ones we love (or from the one we want to love us) and when it happens, it’s goosebumps and butterflies! That was the case for Liberty, who asked the question and got a big YES!

This morning, Liberty, which is running the #DriveHope campaign, used their online presence to see if they could help more South Africans, in the name of love – of course. They X’d (or tweeted – we never know) at KFC drawing attention to their similarities, in the hope of connecting and sharing the love with South Africa.

The Liberty team asked the KFC team, if they could be Valentine sweethearts and if KFC said yes, Liberty would donate R50,000 towards a cause of their choice.

Dearest @KFCSA, we’re both obsessed with Hope, which makes us the perfect pair. ​

Will you be our Valentine? ​

Say yes and we’ll send R50 000 to your nominated foundation. ​

Let us know and we’ll set up the date. ​#DriveHope #AddHope​ #InitWithYou pic.twitter.com/FtTscMXKSN

— Liberty Group SA (@LibertyGroupSA) February 14, 2024

Naturally, KFC came back with a YES and a loving gift to give in return. They offered to match Liberty’s donation which is set to be sent to the Peninsula School Feeding Association. That is an outstanding R100,000 which will be used to help feed school children in need!

Libby baby, yes, 50 000 times, YES Let’s go 50/50 on our first date I’m matching your R50k donation to @SchoolFeeding for #AddHope this Valentine’s Day

Mzansi, spread the love this V-Day by Adding Hope and donating your R2

— KFC South Africa (@KFCSA) February 14, 2024

This is the perfect example of when corporates get it right! And funny enough, it’s not the first time we have seen showdowns like this on social media. Remember the time when Burger King SA gave McDonalds SA a Christmas gift? Or the time Woolworths was blackmailed into donating to charity?

Is it clever marketing? Maybe. But that’s R100,000 worth of full bellies in South Africa – so it’s really the children who win in the end. Whether it’s Driving Hope or Adding Hope, it’s inspiring hope in South Africa that matters most.

Love it!

Sources: X – 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.

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