Thanks to an old, discarded coffee machine, Lisette and Sanele, the recycler, had the fortune of crossing paths. But this was not any friendship. For Sanele, it meant having someone to believe in him and in turn, inspire him to get off the streets—which he did! All the feels:

Johannesburg, South Africa (07 March 2024) — For Sanele Tolashe, a fortuitous friendship with Lisette Datnow did not just mean having a new person to call a friend. Sanele credits Lisette as the reason his life changed, and the reason he is no longer a street recycler.

Sanele and Lisette met thanks to an old coffee machine that Lisette’s son Michael had discarded back in 2020’s early lockdown.

“Somehow it was fortuitous that I saw [Sanele] pick the machine up and he said he was going to have coffee every morning like normal people,” Lisette recalls.

Every Tuesday, Lisette, Sanele and his late friend Lucky would chat when they came by to recycle items. Lisette began helping with cardboard collections from her office.

When the community worked on an upgrade project across the road, Sanele was in on the helpful action. This led to Lisette and her friends collecting new T-shirts, industrial safety boots and gloves for him, and at the handover, he and his friends and Lisette and her friends all sat in the park and talked. People from completely different worlds, weaved together with kindness and respect.

“These were people who were down on their luck, but good, decent people,” says Lisette. 

The friendship continued from there, and Lisette learned more about Sanele’s life, slowly becoming more than a friend, but someone who encouraged him with unwavering determination.

Sanele had a good life growing up in Carletonville but shares that things changed after his father and mother died. Despite going to school, he wasn’t able to finish his diploma due to financial reasons. After he found work, things changed again when the company closed. This led him to recycling, the streets and eventually, to ‘Miss Liz” as he affectionately calls Lisette.

“That’s when my life changed, because she saw me as a person with potential to change my life around and by that she always encouraged [me] to never give up and always hope for the better,” says Sanele. 

He adds that after spending time with her, he became inspired to get off the streets.

“I packed my things and told myself I’m not gonna live the rest of my life living in the streets.”

Sanele moved in with one of his brothers and got a job as a cashier—the beginning of many more moments he is proud of.

“I was delighted and have followed his progress since,” Lisette shared, adding that they are still very mouch in touch. 

Lisette was key in rallying for Sanele to further his studies (the same momentum Liz had shown before for Sandisiwe who needed spectacles for her studies). Despite the fundraising not panning out, Sanele is now happily working at a construction company.

“I’m grateful to have met Miss Liz because without her, maybe I would still be living in the streets eating unhealthy food from the bins. That’s why I love her has my mother.” 

Lisette’s message to others is to show up with kindness, avoid being presumptuous about others’ circumstances and help where you can—even if it’s striking up a conversation or giving a recycler a colourful bin so the sorting process is easier.

“Only in South Africa can you get this type of friendship. To ask people to “BE KIND” and treat everyone with respect. You don’t know their story or their struggles. Recyclers are trying to make an honest living…if everyone can just be kind, this world would be a better place.”—Lisette Datnow. 

Sources: GTG Interview 

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

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

The post How a Fortuitous Friendship Helped Change Sanele the Recycler’s Life  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The University of Johannesburg has announced a new scholarship, the Mpedi Neurodiversity Scholarship which will help make research in a very underserved field more accessible!

Johannesburg, South Africa (06 March 2024) — In an effort to further research in the field of Neurodiversity Studies, the University of Johannesburg has initiated its Mpedi Neurodiversity Scholarship thanks to UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi and his family!

Professor Mpedi is a parent to a neurodivergent son. From his son, the professor has witnessed both the unique intelligence and systemic challenges neurodivergent people face. Knowing that learning more is the first step to creating a more fitting society, the Neurodiversity Scholarship hopes to help more students who want to explore the largely untapped topic a Master’s level, with a emphasis on the neuro-develeopmental learning needs of children and youth.

This will hopefully play an important role paving the way to a South Africa that shifts to help neurodivergent people flourish instead of them having to simply make their way through a society that by systemic design, often doesn’t consider them.

UJ shares:

“The scholarship represents more than a financial aid program. It symbolises the commitment by UJ to address global challenges in the field of neurodiversity. The scholarship aims to facilitate meaningful research that contributes to a more inclusive and understanding society.”

For Mpedi, there are many areas where the system does not serve neurodivergent people. Legal systems do not safeguard their rights enough, policies are not centred around inclusivity and nurturing environments where neurodivergent people’s perspectives and capabilities are not acknowleged enough.

For him, it is about seeing the differences that neurodivergence entails not through the lens that paints them as defective, but as a variation of the human experience.

Students have already been awarded the scholarship. Nthabiseng Molebatsi, Ntokozo Zwane, and Mohamed Mosala are all researching topics related to Down Syndrome. Each is examining different topics, including parents’ experiences in providing support and transitioning from home to school.

Sources: University of Johannesburg 

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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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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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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 team of mainly female patrollers are putting the work in to restore a sense of safety in Melville!

Melville, South Africa (03 March 2024) — When strong and determined women come together, incredible things can happen. Just think of South Africa’s incredible Black Mambas all-female ranger squad! In a different way and place, women are making a difference with the goal of bringing a sense of safety to Melville in mind. Initially, volunteers, these Community Blue Patrollers are giving their time to the suburb in a way that Joburg can be so proud of.

As vetted Community Policing Forum Patrollers, the Community Blue Patrollers know that change comes from being willing to do something about the ills that plague people—like crime.

Their function is to be the eyes and ears of parts of Melville who will report any behaviour that isn’t very ‘I Love Melville’ or illegal to the authorities.

“Their primary goal is to serve as a visible deterrent in the 7th Street and 4th Ave business areas, ensuring the safety of both staff and visitors,” shared the Melville Security Initiative. 

“As the project expands, resources will be allocated to cover other critical areas, such as the main road and the Koppies project.” 

The brave women reportedly share great pride in being able to help change Melville’s narrative around safety and began their activities on 1 February.

According to the Initiative, plans to get the lady’s office resources have been underway, with them extending the invitation to the larger Melville community to help with everything from a microwave to sugar and mugs.

The Blue Patrollers are one of many ways Melville and its people are working to uplift their historic suburb; with other ways focusing on beautifying the Joburg gem.

Those who want to contribute donations to the Blue Patrollers or learn more can get in touch via brixtonsector1scf@gmail.com.

Sources: Melville Security Initiative

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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 helpers and heroes need helpers and heroes too. And in Benoni and Boksburg, that’s exactly where the Humanity Foundation plays an incredible role of kindness, from helping feeding schemes with food to organising handiwork for shelters and making the Benoekie (Benoni’s giant koekie) fundraiser a success!

Ekurhuleni, South Africa (29 February 2024) — Making the Ekurhuleni community’s burdens lighter one challenge at a time are a special group of people who are in the business of leaving people better than when they found them. For many organisations in Boksburg and Benoni, non-profit company the Humanity Foundation are the glove that soften the blow of life’s toughest curveballs—from paying for a plumber at a children’s home to providing food for feeding schemes.

The Humanity Foundation is the glue that sticks the hopes and dreams of many charities together by calling on their own network and getting to work to make these ambitions possible. In this way, they are the helpers to the helpers—a role they serve proudly!

Says founding member and Chairperson Pierre Marneweck:

“We are a community-based organisation that works with friendly hearts for every single individual or group of individuals in need, in and around the Ekurhuleni Community…we are not afraid of getting our hands dirty, getting down on our knees and raising funds, including awareness campaigns/drives and advocacy. We are willing to work for and with any individual or group to ensure that we make a lasting difference in the lives of others.” 

And a lasting impact is exactly what they’ve made already, which is pretty remarkable considering the Humanity Foundation’s story only really began in 2022.

Then, founding members decided it was time to start a community organisation that would put its energy into working with charities and NPOs who focus on:

• Gender-based Violence
• Early Childhood Development
• Child and Youth Care Centres
• Rehabilitation
• Community Safety and
• Community Health

“We help them so that they can help those they serve,” Pierre shares.

Some of the Humanity Foundation’s most imapctful moments in its young life have been making sure feeding schemes like Urban Ruins and Canaan Organisation have food to share (and that Canaan had the operational equipment neccessary to feed hungry tummies). And making birthday parties possible for the Matthew 25 Project. Not to mention, their involvement in helping the community when the Gas Tanker Explosion devastated a portion of Boksburg and Tambo Memorial Hospital—which is now an official Friend of the Humanity Foundation thanks to their help.

When it comes to individual impact, the Humanity Foundation takes a holistic approach seriously. As Pierre explains, “[We] will engage with individuals and try to establish the reason for them possibly being ‘down and out’, this could be because of spousal abuse, neglect, or addication. We try to get to the root cause, and then direct individuals to our partners,” he says of getting people to the centres and shelters that best fits them.

In 2024, the Humanity Foundation kicked off with a CANSAShavathon event where they engaged the community to get involved; raising R10 000 for CANSA. In a true reflection of their impact across all spheres, they are also working on a unique project called the Benoekie (Benoni Koekie), a huge cookie bake for important causes.The Humanity Foundation helped raise R7000 split amongst three charities—Clean Projects, Huis Charis and House Thandi.

In a nutshell, the Humanity Foundation are showing their community that there is a beautiful method to the madness of helping out wherever you can. And with enough friendly hearts taking the sentiment of helpers’ heroes seriously enough, we have a feeling there will be an abundance of more good news to share.

You can keep up with the Humanity Foundation here!

Sources: GTG Interview 

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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 Melville community are rising to the occasion of suburb appreciation by working hard to beautify their gem of a home! From rubbish bins getting a makeover to new public art, the biggest celebration of Melville will be taking place over the weekend:

Melville, South Africa (28 February 2024) — Melville has long been associated with art, culture, quirky shops and even quirkier people. If Joburg was a reality show, Melville is the alternative and mysterious cast member who is unapologetically authentic. Heck, one of its streets was even ranked as one of the coolest in the world!

But, like many other parts of Johannesburg, Melville has faced its fair share of community stress. Beloved areas degrading, crime, and inefficient service delivery have all played their part in residents’ frustrations.

Here’s what makes Melville and its people as cool as their suburb’s reputation! Instead of waiting for someone else to remind them how special their piece of Joburg is, the Melville community have banded together to beautify, better and bolster the love for Melville. And in true Melville fashion, they’ve let their creativity guide them.

Street pillars became canvases, new pieces of public artwork are on display, graffiti has gotten a makeover and even dustbins have got their own sprinkle of art.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by I Love Melville (@ilovemelville)

 

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A post shared by I Love Melville (@ilovemelville)

A creative community volunteer day was even held in anticipation of The Happening—Melville’s upcoming celebration of passions and people.

Think of the Happening as the city version of AfrikBurn. On Saturday 2 March, the ethos of community will take centre stage to the point where there will even be a gifting economy present, just like Burn. This essentially means that instead of paying for some items, people will be gifted them, reaffirming the awesome sense of uBuntu, Melville is curating.

No sponsorships are accepted, and everyone is welcome to share their craft with their community. And no disrespect for the event or the suburb will be tolerated; especially when it comes to litter.

For residents in Melville, the act of beautifying their suburb and gathering in this energy of effort is an act of community love.

Says Melville resident and artistic entrepreneur Edward Wakefield, “Melville has long been known as an artistic space in Joburg, although the scene has fluctuated over the years. I think this is a great opportunity for the community to revive its artistic heritage.”

The Happening will be taking place on 7th Street and a portion of 4th Avenue.

Sources: The Happening; Edward Wakefield 

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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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Grade Rs and the Rainbows and Smiles team made the oncology ward a happy place thanks to sweet surprises, personalised wishes and homemade meals!

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 February 2024) — In a dose of wholesome news for children in a Johannesburg oncology ward, several surprises made their way to the kids thanks to Grade Rs from Constantia Kloof Primary School.

Personalised sweet gifts stopped by on Monday, 26 February accompanied with loving notes and special wishes for the children in heart shapes for the brave hearts. Not only did the thoughtfulness of the sweets bring the children some much-needed cheer (and belated Valentine’s Day love), but the Rainbows and Smiles team also got to give the kids a taste of home by preparing their meals and a little break from the hospital food.

The team got special permission to prepare meals, which might sound like a simple pleasure, but can mean the most to those who do not have a caregiver.

Rainbows and Smiles, a charitable organisation focused on supporting childhood cancer fighters and their families, recently celebrated its 13th birthday—a teenage milestone of all their years pouring hope and a sense of community into a battle that can often feel so isolated.

Of the recent surprises, Rainbows and Smiles shared,”It’s moments like these that remind us of the simply joys that can bring light into challenging times. Thank you for your beautiful hearts Grade R’s.”

Meanwhile in other news where community kindness is making a difference for young people fighting cancer, Durban has rallied for Hayley Carmen Johnson and her family to help her fund her battle against Ewing Sarcoma.

Hayley is just 15 years old and fighting the fight of a lifetime. But, with an army of determined people who want to see her beat this battle, hopes are high that Hayley will leave Ewing Sarcoma in the dust!

Sources: Rainbows and Smiles 

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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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Actors are getting school children to think about what leadership entails

Hillbrow, South Africa (28 February 2024) — Ahead of the national elections, a young, Hillbrow-based theatre company is using performance skills to encourage teenagers to participate in South Africa’s democracy.

Commissioned by the Windybrow Arts Centre in association with the National Children’s Theatre, the interactive play Vote for Me aims to get high school learners thinking about their role and their influence in the democratic process, including their influence on their family.

The production, by Windybrow Arts Centre’s resident Kwasha! Theatre Company, gets the audience involved in questioning what it means to be a leader, and asking how we can get the leaders we want.

Written by Ameera Patel and directed by Lesedi Job, the play also explores issues of trust between the generations.

On 20 February an audience of grade six and seven learners – a younger audience than intended – was reserved at first but became increasingly eager to participate in the games the five Kwasha! performers presented.

Performer Xhamla Zaza Samsam said contributing to educating young people about democracy and voting was rewarding. “For us as actors it was a mental switch to say ‘how can we package the depth of what is happening in the country for people who care but don’t really understand the depth of it?,” said Samsam.

He said the play was about learning what leadership is, not who to vote for.

Director Lesedi Job said she had listened to many conversations about South Africa and the overarching theme was a lack of leadership. But Vote for Me was not about past or present leadership, she said, but about asking: “What now, and where to from here?”

Job said the production departed from conventional theatre forms in its interactivity and inclusion of the actors’ personal stories.

National Children’s Theatre CEO Tamara Guhrs said one of the most important points of the play is the influence teenagers have in their own right.

Guhrs said the Windybrow Arts Centre and the National Children’s Theatre had shared values. “We both work with young people and teenagers, and we both have a deep commitment to the city and what the creative arts can do to regenerate the city and create safe spaces for children.”

Vote for Me is showing at National Children’s Theatre in Parktown till 15 March. Tickets are available on Quicket from R100.

Sources: GroundUp

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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 Midrand SPCA have been going through some of the toughest hardships in the world of animal heroes. So when Tina Nobre’s pizza surprise came knocking, it provided a much-needed reason to smile for the staff!

Midrand, South Africa (27 February 2024) — The SPCA Midrand staff recently got a delicious taste of public appreciation after they were treated to a pizza surprise thanks to a Good Samaritan.

Last week, staff were surprised with a generous score of pizza boxes simply because one Tina Nobre wanted to do something wholesome. Thanks to her pizza surprise, any hint of Monday blues were quickly squashed! Not to mention, the special effort came at just the right time, too, as the SPCA Midrand had experienced harrowing experiences over the past few weeks.

“Our Inspectors have witnessed some of the worst cases of cruelty that they have ever encountered in their 20+ years,” shared the Midrand SPCA of their past few weeks.

But, as is the nature of being an animal hero, the inspector team had to push their broken hearts aside and continue with the very hard work of opening case dockets, attending to cruelty complaints, inspecting homes for adoptions and rescuing strays.

“The Midrand SPCA staff deserve to be spoilt just as much as the animals do. The amount of abuse and absolute heartache they deal with on a daily basis, a little kindness like pizzas goes a long way!” the SPCA added.

Meanwhile in other surprises that made hard times that much easier, the Robin Hood Foundation’s recent Mahala Market was a big hit with the Fairbreeze community who have been subject to brutal flooding, rife unemployment rates and life’s hardships. This market, where essential items were absolutely free for the taking made a big difference!

Sources: SPCA Midrand 

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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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It was a shining first-time experience for South Africa’s Yane van der Merwe at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix after she not only scored silver but simultaneously broke an African record!

Dubai, UAE (19 February 2024) — Yane van der Merwe made her first time at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix count in a big way with a stellar silver debut experience that’s added another record-breaking moment to South Africa’s tally.

Representing the country and her University (the University of Johannesburg) Yane who is a Sports Science Master’s student, made her wish to earn a podium placement come true while setting a new African record in the process.

During the discus class F44 (lower limb deficiency category), Yane made her power throw a star of the show with a whopping 31.88 metres. Despite narrowly missing the gold medal to Norway, Yane’s silver came with its own epic bonus—the new African record.

Although the result was not entirely what the para athlete wanted (as it is for any serious athlete where gold tends to be first prize) her University, city and country are incredibly proud of her achievement that has us even more excited for the Paralympic Games.

Yane has a powerful record of proud moments, including finishing in the top ten positions in shotput and discus in the World Championships last year as well as being part of the cohort who represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

She is also the African record holder in the T44 discus throw with 31.66m and the captain of the UJ Sports for Students with Disabilities Team.

Says Yane humbly: “I can only go up from here. I’m looking forward to this year’s Paralympic Games in Paris, France.”

Sources: University of Johannesburg 

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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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