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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Play It Forward Jozi is breaking the mould for a good cause, helping an Eastern Cape school collect soccer kits – all made possible thanks to the delivery being covered.

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 March 2024) – “Play It Forward Jozi” is a student-founded organisation collecting sporting equipment for underprivileged children and teens. Ross Garrett teamed up with his school friends in 2018 to make a difference in underprivileged communities when he was in primary school. They set up Play It Forward Jozi to make a difference in South Africa.

The then-boys decided to collect second-hand sporting equipment that could be sent to underprivileged children, schools and sporting clubs. They started collecting takkies and sports shoes, racquets, bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, gloves and balls.

Recently, a school in the Eastern Cape looking to fully kit out its soccer team, reached out for help in making that happen. The team needs soccer goals and other soccer-related equipment to help with the after-school activities.

Usually, Play It Forward Jozi only works in the Gauteng region, but thanks to a generous donation, the cost of the delivery of the kit to the Eastern Cape has been covered, making this collection possible. Alison Garrett, mom to Ross, shared that her employer has offered to cover the cost of delivery, so that the soccer team can get kit.

“We in collaboration with Robin Baird Wright Insurance Brokers are hoping to assist this little rural school in the Eastern Cape with soccer goals and any other soccer equipment we can.

Whilst we don’t usually venture beyond Gauteng, the transport costs to get kit to the school have been covered. We would really appreciate any donations”

If you have any soccer kit or equipment to donate, you can reach out to the organisation here. Take a look at the amazing school that will be the recipient of the donation.

Sources: Play It Forward Jozi 

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The Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s annual charity dog walk is finally back after a three-year break; it’s time to dress up with your pooches and have a fun day out!

Sea Point, South Africa (05 March 2024) – Humans and four-legged friends are invited to strut their stuff at the sixth Paws on the Promenade – a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha. After a three-year break due to Covid-19 and venue issues, the event is back by pawpular demand.

The event was due to take place in October 2023 but was postponed to this year. What was meant to be a Halloween walk, is still going to be a fun event where pets and owners can dress up and have fun.

The dog walk will take place on Sunday the 17th of March at 9 am. Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometre route will extend to the Sea Point swimming pool and back. Shorter turnaround points for old, tired and injured pets (or humans) will also be available.

“Our 2020 Paws on the Promenade was a great success with an attendance of 352 dogs. On a budget of just R3,500 we raised R48,400. We hope to raise even more funds with this year’s event. This, however, all depends on how many wonderful dogs and humans join us for the walk,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive and event organiser.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is an NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha township serving up to 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and homeless pet shelter. They also set a priority on community empowerment and education to ensure people become responsible pet ownership into the future.

“Our budget keeps growing year on year due to the demand for our services. It is essential for us to diversify our fundraising. Paws on the Promenade is a great fundraiser but also a magnificent fun filled event for the whole family,” says du Plessis.

Expect to see dogs of all shapes and sizes. “People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes,” says du Plessis. There will be Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds in hot dog outfits and Pomeranians with bow ties.

“For the past six years Vondi’s has partnered with Mdzananda in making this event possible. It is one of our highlights of the year,” says Cindy Jacobson, manager of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition. “The route is one of the most scenic routes in Cape Town making it a wonderful walk for dogs and owners alike. We support Mdzananda because of their excellent professionalism and the impact they make in the Khayelitsha community, educating pet owners and treating sick pets that would otherwise have little to no help.”

Everyone is invited – humans without four-legged friends are welcome too.

Tickets cost R50 per person, R50 per dog and R25 for kids under 12. These are available from Quicket www.qkt.io/pawsonprom2024 or on the day from 08:00.

Raffle prizes, product sales, delicious coffee, food and crafts will entertain you on the day. The first 100 dogs to arrive will also receive a free goodie bag.

All pet owners are encouraged to dress up in a dog outfit or to wear something orange, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic brand.

For more information visit www.mdzananda.co.za or join our Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/983664270137129

Sources: Mdzananda – Supplied

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For children who have never had pizza or have only enjoyed it once before, the surprise township pizza party couldn’t have been more of a treat. Thanks to Joburgers near and far, delivery after delivery rolled in until there was a bakkie load of boxes ready to give the children a party they’ll remember forever:

Johannesburg, South Africa (04 March 2024) — It was a weekend filled with love and loads of pizza for the children that Charity Begins With Me (CBWM) looks after. After the decision to trade an outing adventure for a surprise township pizza party was made (a treat all its own, considering many of the children had only ever had pizza once before), it was time to get planning to pull it all off.

The obvious make-or-break element of this party was whether there would be enough pizza to go around. But as it so often is for CBWM, the call for support was met with great hearts and an even greater willingness from Joburgers near and far, and it wasn’t long until the pizza deliveries started roaring in.

We all know how excited we get when our takeaway deliveries arrive warm and ready to be devoured. Now just imagine that simple joy, crank it up a few notches and you have something of an idea as to how Stephan Ferreira felt as delivery after delivery popped up.

With a sturdy pizza tower ready to challenge the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it was time to get to the kids. Chartering all 130 pizzas meant a bakkie was loaded to the brim for the ultimate delivery of the day.

The children had no idea there would be any pizzas headed their way, let alone enough pizzas to make any child’s wildest dreams come true.

Needless to say, the township pizza party was the kind of day that’ll go down in wholesome legend.

Reflecting on it all, Stephan shared:

“I spend a lot of my time with children living in informal settlements and the one thing I wish I could give all of them is the same experiences so many other children take for granted. They never eat junk food. I am sure most of them have never had pizza.

“I had a plan and with the help of so many amazing pizza the UberEats deliveries showed up one by one today. Each delivering a little bit of love…” 

“…We are so grateful for every single person who contributed to this project. Thank you!! The kids had no idea they were getting pizza today and when they saw all the boxes they were so happy and excited.”

Sources: Charity Begins with Me

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This World Wildlife Day, we look at how South Africans can join in the fight to save our beautiful country’s wildlife.

South Africa (03 March 2024) – World Wildlife Day is an annual event observed on March 3rd that aims to raise awareness about the world’s wild animals and plants and the need to protect them. If you live in a city far from natural wildlife, you can still be a part of celebrating and acknowledging this special day. Here are a few ways how.

Educate yourself

Taking the time to learn about different species of wildlife and their challenges is key to driving change. Raise your voice in support of wildlife!

Support conservation efforts

Often even supporting just one species will have a ripple effect. For example, the rhino, which is known as an ‘umbrella species’, represents much more to the environment than just being a member of the Big Five. It forms an integral part of an entire habitat that supports many different creatures, from insects to the symbiotic relationship the rhino has with, for example, the Oxpecker.

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) needs support of its efforts to ensure the continued survival of an animal that remains the target of poachers for its most valuable asset – its horns. They fundraise to raise awareness and educate communities about rhino poaching, and assist teams from the EWT involved in anti-poaching efforts across the country. This includes their K9 unit which deploys detection and anti-poaching dogs to trouble zones to assist rangers and other enforcement teams in their work to try and prevent poaching incidents.

How you can help rhinos

One means to support rhino conservation is through Relate Bracelets, which is a non-profit that raises funds to support charitable causes by selling themed bracelets, and offers regular people an opportunity to support the conservation of these animals by buying themed bracelets. Relate Bracelets’ CEO, Dalit Shekel says: “It’s not enough simply to make and sell something without meaning or context.”

“You can also make a real difference as an individual by advocating for policy change. Get involved in advocating for policies that protect wildlife and their habitats. This can involve writing to elected officials, signing petitions, or participating in campaigns organised by conservation organisations,” says Shekel.

Teach children about wildlife conservation

Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, which is a wildlife orphanage and environmental education centre, places a strong emphasis on children’s education about wildlife. The Hoedspruit-based non-profit recognises the vital role of educating youth in ensuring a sustainable future, and actively involves children in their wildlife education programmes.

Michele Merifield, Co-Founder of Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage says: “Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a generation that is conscious and committed to preserving nature. This gives local children access to their rich natural heritage. We encourage others to join the mission to raise a generation of passionate ecologists and to make South Africa a better place for all.”

Through the combination of the bush school and the wildlife orphanage, Daktari has developed an immersive educational experience for local children to learn about the wildlife around them, the environment, anti-poaching initiatives, and a wide variety of other issues, right in the middle of the bush. The work extends into the local community through ECO Club at the secondary schools, outreach campaigning in several schools, and other community development projects.

Elephants need our help too

Elephants are recognised as a “keystone species” meaning that they define the entire ecosystem they are a part of. If the species were to disappear, no other species would be able to fill the ecological niche left behind. Best case scenario, the entire ecosystem would be forced to change in dramatic ways or worst case, cease to exist altogether.

These are some of the elephants’ contributions to the overarching ecosystems:

One single African Forest Elephant is estimated to be worth more than US$ 1.75 million in carbon offsets. This means that a single African Forest Elephant is effectively undoing emissions from 2,047 petrol cars for one year! Adding to this, African Savannah Elephants may distribute seeds farther than any other land mammal (up to 65km), they also play a significant role in maintaining tree diversity and seed banks across the landscape.

Elephants are the architects and ecosystem engineers of the African wilderness. As Africa’s largest land mammal, they help to conserve large areas of landscape by forging corridors between islands of wildlife safe havens. We can’t afford to lose them, or the habitats they need to thrive. Elephant conservation is not an African issue, it is a worldwide issue.

Elephants Alive has identified several landscape-planning elephants. These trailblazers connect four countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini. Some elephants travelled from the Kruger National Park in South Africa all the way through southern Mozambique and back into Tembe National Park in South Africa, through Eswatini, before finally returning to Kruger! Others went East towards the Futi corridor and to Maputo Special Reserve on the south-eastern coast of Mozambique.

Travelling close to 3000km, these elephants have indicated a major natural migratory route in need of protection. Without this corridor, the nature reserves would be mere isolated islands. It also indicated potential high-conflict zones where the elephant corridors overlap with densely populated human settlements.

Dr. Michelle Henley, CEO of Elephants Alive: “These elephants’ movements are our call to action to not only understand their spatial requirements but to urgently work towards ways to make people’s livelihoods compatible with conservation outcomes so that coexistence and connected landscapes can prevail.”

Elephants Alive works together with rural communities to develop and implement solutions to turn human-elephant conflict into co-existence, by ensuring people’s safety and food security in areas where elephants are moving outside of nature reserves and creating linkages between Protected Areas.

Remember, every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in protecting and conserving wildlife for future generations.

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 donation of R1 million has been given to Goodbye Malaria in an effort to combat the deadly disease in Southern Africa.

Cape Town, South Africa (01 March 2024) – Relate Bracelets, a dedicated non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, is happy to announce a significant milestone with a donation of R1,000,000 to Goodbye Malaria, marking another step forward in the relentless fight against this deadly disease. Since its inception, Relate Bracelets has proudly raised just under R14 million for this cause, showcasing the collective power of the community and commitment to making a tangible difference in fighting this disease.

Relate Bracelets is a proudly 100% not-for-profit social enterprise which makes and sells handmade beaded products to raise money for charities globally, while creating jobs for people in low income communities. The non-profit is a social enterprise, which works towards providing solutions to some of the biggest problems in South Africa. It’s a business and does not rely on donations, but raises money for charitable causes.

Goodbye Malaria is an initiative to eliminate malaria, a preventable disease that kills a child every two minutes in Africa.

CEO of Relate Bracelets, Dalit Shekel says, “Malaria accounts for one in twelve global deaths in children under the age of five. Eighty percent of annual malaria deaths are among African children under five. The scourge continues to be a significant health concern for Africa, with the region accounting for 95% of global malaria cases and 96% of all malaria deaths.”

The partnership with Goodbye Malaria aids in accelerating interventions and innovations to malaria elimination in Southern East Africa. During the 2022/23 campaign, integrated vector management was conducted in a total of 22 districts in 3 provinces in Southern Mozambique, with an additional 8 mobile surveillance units positioned at key eastern border regions of South Africa. The results include over 4.2 million lives protected from malaria in the MOSASWA (Mozambique, South Africa and eSwatini) region.

Shekel says, “It is an honour and joy to collaborate with Goodbye Malaria, uniting our efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly women and young children, from this deadly disease. While we are celebrating this milestone, we’re also filled with anticipation for the greater impact we aim to achieve in the coming year. Our partnership embodies our shared commitment to turning the tide against malaria, and I’m profoundly inspired by the difference we’re making together”

Goodbye Malaria is the brainchild of passionate and concerned African entrepreneurs who’d seen the devastation of the disease on the continent. The social benefit organisation collaborates with world-class partners to end Malaria, including the Global Fund, private organisations, and the governments of Mozambique, South Africa and eSwatini.

Goodbye Malaria’s Marketing Manager, Kiri Rundle says, ‘Malaria holds back economies, communities, and families, with women and girls bearing the brunt of this impact. When we fight to eliminate malaria, we improve economic growth, advance gender equality, and bend the curve of poverty’.

‘The only way to combat this disease is together, this innovative partnership allows us to make an impactful difference on the ground and in malaria endemic communities, while driving societal transformation and empowering the crafters behind each bracelet’, Rundle adds.

Sources:  Relate

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

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After losing her beloved cat, Di Kendall founded a Pet Grief Support Group to help other pet owners cope with the loss of their own pets.

South Africa (01 March 2024) – Losing a pet is as devastating as losing a family member because they really are part of the family! The loss is often overlooked but thanks to Di Kendall, there is now a Pet Grief Support Group aimed at helping people cope with the loss of a beloved pet.

Di was inspired to start the group after her own cat had passed away. She said that the moment left her absolutely shattered. She launched the STIG Foundation with the support of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and runs two Pet Grief Support Groups.

“In realising that there is really not much support out there specifically designed for pet parents, I reached out to SADAG about my idea of a foundation, having resources, and listing support groups for pet parents. As a support group leader for SADAG, I have received so much support from them, and my journey as a support group leader has been amazing. I now have three groups of my own, an anxiety and depression support group and two pet parent support groups. The newest group launches on the 1st of March 2024.

Any pet bereavement groups we list will be SADAG based, and any trainee support group leaders will be supported and trained by SADAG.”

STIG stands for Support Through Immense Grief and is being embraced by the community with open arms. It is a much-needed support group that is helping change how we look at pet bereavement.

“The name was coined by one of my support group members who recently lost a very special boy too. I created the space to share resources specifically for pet bereavement so anyone who has lost a pet can feel seen and heard.”

While it is still early days for the support group, Di hopes to expand and offer support to people who are losing their pets over long periods due to illness.

“Once our organisation is established we will assist with end of life veterinary care and creations to help pet parents through an immensely difficult time with their fur baby, especially those who are not financially able to care for their fur baby at the end of their life.”

If you or someone you know needs a Pet Grief Support Group, they can find all the information via the website or Facebook page. There are also posters below detailing information regarding monthly meetings and WhatsApp groups.

Sources:  Di Kendell

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Since being rescued from Boksburg, the two tigers have started settling in at their new home and the game plan is weight loss!

Free State, South Africa (29 February 2024) – Two tigers were rescued from a private residence in Boksburg earlier this month by the NSPCA. They have since been moved to the Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary in Fouriesburg, Free State.

The sanctuary is NSPCA accredited, and will be home to the pair for the rest of their lives. Speaking to Ansa Gerber, the founding Director, she shared that the pair are currently in a small holding enclosure so they can adjust to a natural environment and after a few months, and with the sign-off of NSPCA veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell, they will move into their perminant space.

“We relocated them to our sanctuary on 20 February. They were released into a smaller holding enclosure where they will learn to adjust to life in a natural environment and where it is easier for us to observe them. In 3-4 months from now, depending on the veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell’s recommendation, they will then be moved to a one hectare enclosure where they will then stay permanently. All our enclosures are designed to cater for the needs of our animals and to allow them unending views of the valley and mountains in the distance, creating the illusion of even more space.”

Both tigers are overweight so they are currently on a diet to help them get back to the powerful predators they should be. The diet plan will be about a year long, to help them gradually lose the weight.

“As they are extremely overweight they are on a tailored diet to help them lose weight very gradually over a period of a year or more. The special diet as well as space to play, explore and exercise will also assist in slimming them down. They have settled down well and enjoy exploring especially after sunset.”

Not only were these two rescued, the sanctuary also helpedwith the rescue of a young Bengal tiger from Pakistan.

“This young tiger was rescued from the exotic pet trade in Pakistan and in dire condition with multiple bone fractures when he was found by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) at a local veterinarian office. Under the care of IWMB and Second Chance Wildlife (SCW) in Pakistan after consultation with South African specialist veterinarian, Dr Peter Caldwell, he was nursed back to health.

In a joint operation with The Aspinall Foundation, IWMB and SCW this young tiger were flown to South Africa and released at our sanctuary on 14 February 2024. He is a lively young tiger enjoying his new life in the Eastern Free State.”

Sources: Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary

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Three conservation heroes share their hopes of getting more children involved with nature, creating a generation that is hooked on nature.

South Africa (29 February 2024) – When Patlego Machete lived with her grandmother in rural Mpumalanga, she couldn’t wait to escape to the bright city lights. It was only years later that she realised the bush had always been calling her back – and now she is imparting this rekindled passion for nature to children as a conservation facilitator at Good Work Foundation (GWF).

As we celebrate World Wildlife Day on 3 March, Patlego and other young conservation champions wish to drive home the importance of educating children – as future custodians of our natural heritage – about conserving wildlife and caring for the environment.

Patlego’s journey may have since come full circle but, as a young village girl, “I wanted a different kind of life – I envied the city life. I needed to go and find myself,” she reminisces.

After matriculating, she had hoped to become a chartered accountant but was not accepted into college. Then she heard about GWF’s Conservation Academy and decided to enrol, not really knowing what it was all about.

“Three months down the line, I fell in love with nature – it was insane!” laughs Patlego. She would stop to identify rocks as she walked home, eliciting curious stares – “and that’s when I realised this is for me”. Accounting was history!

Today, Patlego is a qualified GWF conservation facilitator who loves taking schoolchildren into the bush on educational game drives. She says they get so excited seeing lions, zebras, wildebeest and elephants for the first time – even though they live close enough to these wild spaces to throw a stone in there, most have never had the opportunity to visit a game reserve because of affordability.

“If you have a dream, it’s better to go for it than to just do nothing and feel sorry for yourself. My dream came true, and I’m grateful for the risks I took and the people who helped me along the way.”

Neo finds her groove as a game ranger

Neo Mnisi, another GWF conservation graduate who works as a ranger and guide at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, was hooked on the great outdoors from an early age.

Neo grew up with her grandmother in rural Bushbuckridge, where life was tough. “When the rivers were full [and impassable], there was no going to school, even though I was a top student, getting 100% for my Natural Sciences tests. Sometimes, I would go to school with no lunch.”

Her career aspirations were put on hold when she fell pregnant at 18. To make ends meet, she took a job packing macadamia nuts on a farm. Years later, a glimmer of hope arose when she moved to Tshabalala village near Hazyview and learned of the opportunities offered at GWF.

Despite a decade having passed since school, Neo took the plunge and enrolled at the education non-profit’s Bridging Year Academy in 2020, and after that its Conservation Academy. “I’ve always loved reading and learning, so for me it was easy to go back to school,” she declares. “And I love nature.”

Thanks to GWF’s network of hospitality contacts, Neo landed a job as a transfer driver at Sabi Sabi. “They gave me a chance, enabling me to gain confidence as a driver. My driving improved a LOT in those first three months!” Neo then became a trainee ranger and, in February 2024, she qualified as a ranger.

“I get goosebumps when I think how much I love my job – it’s so amazing to see the faces of guests when they see an elephant for the first time in real life, not on TV. Some of them start crying,” she says, adding that she enjoys teaching children in her village about different bird calls and the importance of not harming wildlife.

“We should respect nature, and nature will respect us. Animals are dying because we are building everywhere and limiting their movement. We need to protect nature and wildlife and preserve it for future generations, otherwise they won’t know about their natural heritage.”

A conservation hero who never rests

Zuzumuzi Gumede, a facilitator at GWF’s Conservation Academy who has also worked at the Open Learning Academy, is a natural teacher who thrives on activity. “My favourite animal is an elephant – because elephants are always busy, moving around and doing something. They seldom rest.”

This animal lover was named a conservation hero during last year’s Extra Mile trail run (an initiative of the More Community Foundation) that passes the GWF’s campus in Huntington village – small wonder, as his passion for bringing conservation to life for young people is plain for all to see.

“There are a lot of issues related to human conflict with the natural environment, like poaching,” he says, explaining his passion for kindling a love of nature in young people.

“The natural environment is part of us as human beings – without it, we are nothing. It’s our duty to protect and sustain it. If we damage our ecosystems, humans are the next to be damaged. So we should learn to conserve our environment so it can sustain itself,” says Zuzumuzi.

Sources: The Good Work Foundation

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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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Oldie Duke arrived at the Boksburg SPCA having clearly lived a very tough life so the team sent out a plea for help making his golden years the comfiest.

Boksburg, South Africa (28 February 2024) – The Boksburg SPCA were left shocked when oldie Duke was led into the SPCA having been found abandoned at the front gate. It was evident that he was an ex-hunting dog, covered in many old scars and suffering from several broken toes that healed badly. His old body has taken a lot of strain.

Several people suggested Duke get a comfy new bed and donated towards one. Duke’s tired body has several pressure sores, showing that he has spent many long, cold nights on hard surfaces. But not anymore!

The Boksburg SPCA shared the happy update that donors had made sure every night from now on, is a comfortable, warm one. He got a snazzy new bed filled with cosy blankets and cushions, and he is sporting a warm jersey to boot!

“Gentle Duke cannot get enough of his soft, warm bed!

His face says it all … the sheer pleasure of being in soft bed, warm & cozy … probably for the first time in his life! Its the simple things in life that bring happiness …. To look at his body, this fellow’s has a tough time!

Duke loves his food & is loving life with us!
Thank you for helping us, help Duke!”

Duke has earned himself a bevvy of fans who are rooting for him to enjoy his retirement. He is currently at the Boksburg SPCA so if you would like to find out more about his healing journey, check them out here.

Sources: Boksburg SPCA 1 / 2 / 3

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

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

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

The post Boksburg SPCA Oldie Duke Gets Delightfully Cosy Bed Donation for Winter appeared first on Good Things Guy.