After a 19-year-old stunt biker went to collect takeout, he suffered a terrible accident that fractured many bones in his face. This could’ve left him with permanent damage for the rest of his life if it wasn’t for a community of Good Samaritans who made his urgent surgery possible in the nick of time!

Vereeniging, South Africa (06 March 2024) — Aidan Roos, a 19-year-old from Three Rivers, Vereeniging, and a promising stunt biker with aspirations to showcase his skills in China, suffered a life-altering accident last month.

A seemingly routine outing for takeout took a disastrous turn when he slipped on a wet floor, and his face collided with a balustrade, causing severe facial injuries that abruptly halted his dreams.

But, in an incredible turn for Aidan and his family, his broader community came together just in time to help Aidan get the urgent surgery he needs; setting him on the road to both recovery and his dreams.

A series of initial misfortunes led to Aidan being unable to get his treatment sooner. Initially, he was sent home by the hospital as they were unable to proceed with the operation due to swelling. This led to medical aid opting not to cover his plight as they only cover up to 24 hours after a trauma, according to his Aunt Lynette Smith.

Everything changed for Aidan after that. His mom, Roeline Botha expressed that it has “brought  his bright future to a standstill.”

While his mom tried other means to raise funds, Aunt Lynette took to share Aidan’s story and create a crowdfunding campaign dubbed ‘Aidan needs surgery’ on 13 February.

“We urgently need to raise R100 000 for Aidan to have surgery on his face, because the surgery needs to be done by no later than 19 February, otherwise he will be left with permanent damage for the rest of his life,” Lynette wrote.

In timing that can only be described as miraculous, funds poured in in the thousands and the initial target was met!

Thanks to this mind-blowing display of community kindness, Aidan was able to receive surgery to address the fractures in his facial bones. Considering that his face was broken in five places, this marked a pivotal moment in his journey to recovery.

With follow-up scans, MRIs, and aftercare afoot, the Good Samaritan community is still rallying for Aidan. R119,000 has been raised toward the fundraising target of R160,000, and hopes are incredibly high that the young stunt biker will have his life back soon.

Aidan’s mother, Roeline, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “From the bottom of my heart, I just want to thank everyone for their generosity, love, and support, and most of all, for everyone’s prayers.” The funds raised have already made a significant impact, securing Aidan’s chance at a healthy, normal life.

You can help Aidan and his family conquer the rest of the target via BackaBuddy!

Sources: Supplied; Zane Groenewald

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

The post Community Make Urgent Surgery Possible for Young Stunt Biker! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After facing brutal flooding and life’s hardships, hundreds from the Fairbreeze community were invited to a Mahala Market which is exactly what it sounds like—a free market where they could get many essential items!

Fairbreeze, South Africa (26 February 2024) — Ever gone to the grocery store and wondered what it would be like if all those essential items were just free? For many of us, that would be a treat. But for others, it would be a lifeline. And a lifeline is exactly what was cast last week in KwaZulu-Natal, where a little ‘Mahala Market’  popped up in the right place at the right time for a community in Tongaat.

To paint the picture of context, the Fairbreeze community have experienced a lot. From brutal and life-taking floods many of us saw on the news to water shortages, unemployment and other hardship-baring daily struggles struggles we don’t always see; times have been incredibly tough.

In an effort to boost the community’s morale and give them hope in a very practical way, the Robin Hood Foundation sat down and came up with a plan of action. For months, they have had their sights set on making a difference in the Fairbreeze community, and finally, it was time to shine.

RHF’s Mahala Markets are about restoring dignity through choice. Where essential goodies and items such as handouts do have their place in making a big difference for so many facing life’s toughest cards, the opportunity to go to a market, shop freely, and choose your own essentials similarly makes a huge difference with the added bonus of choice-led empowerment.

300 people benefited from the Mahala Market, which ran for several hours. Meals, clothing pieces, shoes grocery items and even toys were all available thanks to donations from individuals, families and businesses. Set up like a traditional market, the initiative makes the concept of ‘taking what you need’ that much more comfortable for those who are hesitant.

The relief on many community member’s faces is absolutely heartwarming, and we can’t help but wonder what life would be like if there were more Mahala Markets to go around.

Sources: The Robin Hood 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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The Keiskamma Covid Resilience Tapestry is coming to Noordhoek; a reminder of the resilience and community that held people together through the toughest time:

Noordhoek, South Africa (20 February 2024) — Noordhoek Art Point Gallery is set to open its doors on Thursday, 29th February for a remarkable one-day exhibition where the esteemed Keiskamma Covid Resilience Tapestry will be featured.

A 2.5m high and 7.5m wide masterpiece valued at just under R1 million, the tapestry is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring power of art amidst adversity. Crafted over the course of two years, the work threads together the collective experiences and emotions of individuals navigating the tumultuous landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic—a reminder of how we came together.

“We are ecstatic to have been chosen to show this incredible piece for the day,” says Noordhoek Art Point Gallery co-owner, founder and curator, Aimee Kruger. “It is an honour to show a piece like this and show the true spirit that art is able to bring to communities!”

For more than two decades, the Keiskamma Art Project has been a beacon of creativity and empowerment for the communities residing alongside the Keiskamma River in the Eastern Cape. From monumental, embroidered artworks like the Keiskamma Tapestry and Keiskamma Altarpiece to the evocative Keiskamma Guernica, the project has garnered global recognition and accolades. Beyond its artistic merit, the Keiskamma Art Project also serves as a vital economic lifeline that provides dignified employment opportunities in an otherwise marginalised region of South Africa.

Why the Covid Resilience Tapestry is so Special

The Covid Resilience Tapestry emerged amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic-induced lockdown, offering artists a means of sustenance and expression during challenging times. Each intricate illustration within the tapestry was meticulously embroidered by artists, often working from home or under restricted conditions, before being seamlessly integrated into the larger fabric of the artwork. Spanning twelve months from February 2020 to January 2021, the tapestry chronicles the emotional ebbs and flows experienced throughout the pandemic year.

Central to the tapestry’s narrative is the depiction of a winter tree, symbolizing the sacred fig (umkhiwane), a potent emblem of life awaiting rejuvenation. Against the backdrop of this arboreal motif, Xhosa proverbs and ‘word images’ are intricately woven into the fabric, capturing the collective consciousness of the community during a period of unprecedented challenge. Images of adversity and resilience intertwine beneath the branches of the sacred tree, serving as a poignant reminder of the strength found in unity and shared experience.

The decision to showcase the Keiskamma Covid Resilience Tapestry at the Noordhoek Art Point Gallery underscores the significance of art as a conduit for healing, reflection, and societal transformation. As visitors engage with this remarkable artwork, they are invited to embark on a journey through time, witnessing the indomitable human spirit manifested in thread and stitch. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the tapestry serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity to transcend adversity and foster communal resilience.

Showing alongside the tapestry will be works from the talented students at the Masi Sports and Art, exhibiting pieces that they have been working on, expressing their local creative spirit.

Admission to the experience is free, and everyone is welcome to experience the beauty and resilience captured within this iconic artwork.

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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Thomas has turned his life around from being homeless to a life where he is a ray of hope for those who are currently fighting the battles of life he once fought. Now, he’s on a mission to support more struggling lives not just through his own experience but education, with hopes to study further!

Cape Town, South Africa (01 February 2024) — Not long ago, life looked very different for Thomas Willimas.

Once homeless, Thomas mustered up enough courage and hope in his heart to get himself back on track. Not only has he celebrated 10 months of sobriety, he is also no longer homeless. Better yet, he’s now in a position where he actively supports the homeless community and stands as a ray of hope for so many who find themselves in one of life’s most hopeless places.

How did he do it?

Thomas joined the Secret Love Project and Streetscapes. If homelessness were a dark road, these two organisations and their initiatives are the streetlights guiding you back to yourself, and to better opportunities. Where streetscapes create work opportunities for the homeless (from cleaning up the streets to gardening and farming), the Secret Love Project focuses on the LOVEconomy. Through this, destitute people sell heart stickers instead of begging.

As Streetscapes’ shares, “Thomas Willaims joined Streetscapes as a client, battling all the issues that pull down the unhomed. During the ensuing years, Tom has repeatedly overcome and prevailed, becoming a highly valued member of our Peer Support Group.” 

Thomas works now as a peer support worker at Streetscapes where he helps others as part of the holistic approach the organisation takes to getting lives out of the gutter. He also works at the Secret Love Project every Friday.

But his dream now is to touch more lives while being armed with as much helpful information as possible. Thomas is rallying to study further and hopes to become well-versed in Social Auxiliary Work!

Completing the course would help him help others not only from a place of experience but knowledge.

His campaign has already raised over R10,000, with the most inspiring notes of support from so many donors. You can support Thomas (and all those he will undoubtedly help on their own hopeful journeys from the streets) here.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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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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Vuyokazi was living off a few slices of bread to sustain her day in and day out after she lost her job and couldn’t find work again. But thanks to small acts of kindness and an opportunity she refused to miss, she soon found herself changing her life. Today, she is a proud businesswoman. This is her story:

Kraaifontein, South Africa (01 February 2024) — As the person in her family that so many depended on, Vuyokazi Majali had the weight of the world on her shoulders after she lost her insurance company job. At that time, becoming a proud businesswoman seemed like someone else’s dream. Little did she know then that her stars were still aligning.

Her two children were living in Johannesburg while she stayed in Cape Town. Providing for them was impossible because she could not provide for herself. Vuyokazi would be unemployed for two years; unable to find work largely on account of being older.

“I learnt exactly how many slices of bread was in half a loaf of bread…I needed to divide the half a loaf for the day. Living off a few slices of bread for breakfast, lunch and supper. I had a little bit of sunlight soap which I used to bath with and use as toothpaste. Then, eventually, I went 2 days without bathing. When I didn’t have toiletries then I knew it was getting worse.”—Vuyokazi Majali.

Everything changed when one fateful day, she happened across an ad from Taking Care of Business inviting people to an Open Day.

TCB, started by Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore, is a non-profit organisation that was created exactly with stories like Vuyokazi’s in mind. Through their experience in the retail industry, they knew that the high volumes of fashion waste could be put to better use; especially for unemployed women.

Through different programmes, TCB helps women not only get the stock they need for their future businesses but also management skills and community support.

Vuyokazi made it to the Open day on account of someone offering up kindness to pay for her transport. A security guard also paid her way home. Those encounters and the opportunity for a new life would shift not only her outer world and path to becoming a proud businesswoman but also her relationship with herself.

“Before joining TCB I was a very shy and angry person because of my upbringing. My self-esteem was very low because I couldn’t afford to pay for anything,” Vuyokazi reminisces. 

She joined TCB and soon bettered herself on so many fronts, from new business skills to inner development thanks to TCB’s mentors.

In a full-circle moment, when she was able to purchase stock, the first thing she did was give shirts as gifts to those who helped her on that fateful Open Day.

With hard work, skills sharpening, learning how to start and manage a business and learning how to love herself, Vuyokazi stands tall today as a businesswoman with her own shop (a registered business named V&M boutique) and two stalls.

But she hasn’t forgotten her tough times and uses them as an empathy point to help others. Today, she has a monthly outreach programme where she makes sure she puts away funds for toiletries so that she can gift sanitary pads, roll-on and other essentials to girls who need them, knowing full well what it is like to go without.

Sources: Taking Care of Business 

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

The post From Living Off Bread Slices to Becoming a Proud Business Woman: Vuyokazi’s Story appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Talk about a birthday gift to top them all! Just before her 36th birthday, Leandré got a gift like no other—a life-changing chance thanks to a kidney donation!

Cape Town, South Africa (03 January 2024) — In a strike of incredible timing, Leandré Wiltshire got the birthday gift of a lifetime recently thanks to the heroes of Groote Schuur Hospital and a present from her partner that neither of them will likely forget in birthdays to come.

Not flowers, perfume, cake, or anything that can be unwrapped, Leandré’s gift came in the form of a life-changing chance. For her, it’s something that could only be described as “the best birthday present ever”. After all, it was another shot at life with a functioning kidney.

Having been on kidney dialysis for the past five years, Leandré had long awaited the moment when she could return to a sense of normalcy through a transplant.

But, like any story where organ donation plays a role, the road to transplant day is long and winding. Groote Schuur Hospital performed 60 kidney transplants in 2023, which, despite reflecting the highest number of living donors since 2009, still indicates how tough life is on the waiting list. As Leandré didn’t have functioning kidneys at all, life on the list meant dialysis three times every week.

But, as her 36th birthday loomed, her biggest gift would come from none other than the father of her children and her partner in life—Mr Mervyn Peterson.

After finding out he was a match for her in more ways than one, the Groote Schuur team began planning for the big transplant day. The procedure was declared a big success just the day before her birthday.

“This was the best gift that I could have given her,” Mervyn said of the big moment.

“Thank you to Mervyn, who helped me through this whole journey. He provided tremendous support to our four children in order for me to continue my treatment and life-changing procedure,” said Leandré.

Sources: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness 

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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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Malefetsane Letsika’s mother worked as a clothes hawker to pay his way to education. Later, he’d work in a pizza shop to survive poverty. Life threw him many potholes on his road to graduation, but this master’s graduate proved them wrong:

Cape Town, South Africa (12 December 2023) — Malefetsane Letsika’s road to graduating with a Master’s in Structural Engineering did not come without its potholes.

In fact, for someone with a different perspective, the entire road could’ve seemed like a no-go. But, this is not a story about someone who only looked as far as the eye can see. In fact, according to his university, the University of Cape Town, it’s a story about someone who latched to his vision like a bulldog and refused to let go.

Malefetsane’s youth in Lesotho was tough from the offset. His mother, Agatha, endured abuse from his father. Then, when she remarried, Malefetsane’s second dad later passed away while Malefetsane was still a child.

Agatha’s resilience became a source of inspiration for her son. A clothes hawker, she had a plan to get her children the best education she could afford; a promise she delivered by paying for his school fees at a private boarding school in the Free State—an accomplishment he is still inspired by.

After her death, poverty fell upon the family. Electricity had become a luxury, as had food and clothes without holes.

Malefetsane stuck to his promise of making education a priority, and worked at pizza franchise where he cleaned and prepared dough to both pay the registration fee for his first tertiary education opportunity and his entire livelihood.

Because of his hard work in his academics and his impressive commitment, he received a bursary to become a Civil Engineer at UCT. Money might not have been flowing, but that was just another pothole the student had learned to navigate.

Today, after years of work, learning, struggling, and most importantly, sticking the course, Malefetsane will graduate as a Structural Engineer with a master’s degree. He’s got a job at a consulting engineering firm, and his future is one he knows his mother would be so proud of.

Malefetsane attributes his success to his ability to look at circumstances unconventionally. When life’s potholes told him to stop, he found a new way of going around them.

“I’ve been able to see outside the box when tackling difficult life situations. Life has trained me, and engineering also teaches that,” he shares of his roadmap.

Paying it forward for others who may be going through similar circumstances and need some extra learning resources, he started a YouTube channel to help other students on their paths.

He will graduate later this week!

Sources: UCT

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When devastating floods hit parts of South Africa earlier this year, the spark that keeps so many communities (like that of Stanford) going, had almost been washed out. It was a time to band together like never before. Now, their Christmas market stands as a testament to the spark that couldn’t be put out:

Stanford, South Africa (28 November 2023) — While South Africans anticipated a weather change as we transitioned into spring, many communities were met with a far fiercer force of nature.

Floods in several parts of the country devastated communities as cars became sinking ships and homes became water-locked.

One of the worst-impacted villages was that of Stanford in the Western Cape, which, at the time required floating stretchers and many hands on deck from helpers like the NSRI just to get to safety.

From roads to homes, the community’s very livelihood was caught in the eye of the storm. The recovery from an event like that takes a village.

Their spark might have been dulled, but it certainly wasn’t out. People clung onto each other during the floods and long after the aftermath. Residents in nearby towns like Hermanus have shared their admiration for the people of Stanford, and very quickly, the news of their Christmas Market became not just another event, but a symbol of a spark that couldn’t be put out.

The first Starry Night and Stanford Sunset Market happened on 24 November. If overcoming adversity was a picture, it was all those dazzling lights and the smiles of people who knew this was not about music or good food or even a good Friday night out, but about a community that had overcome.

The second market on 15 December will no doubt share the same spectacle that not even loadshedding can dull.

As we gear up for more festive marvels and appreciate everyone who has gone the extra mile to make the season magic, we’re reminded that every bright light and message of encouragement holds a promise of togetherness, of overcoming and of celebrating the sparks that didn’t go out.

Sources: GTG

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Miracle in Motion! This inspiring 17-year-old from Kempton Park learned to walk again after a life-threatening brain condition left her mobility at risk. Her resilience throughout this challenge has since walked wonders into her life:

Kempton Park, South Africa (23 November 2023) — At just 17 years old, Kylie Rossouw from Kempton Park, Johannesburg, faced a formidable challenge that tested her strength and determination.

Diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) at the age of 15, a complex and life-threatening condition affecting the blood vessels in her brain, Kylie embarked on a courageous journey to reclaim her life.

Given the gravity of her situation, Kylie had to make a life-altering decision at a tender age – undergo a risky operation with a 4% chance of complications or live a life marked by constraints and uncertainties. Opting for the former, Kylie’s resolve was put to the ultimate test during the surgery on March 7, 2022, when unforeseen complications led to an intraoperative haemorrhage, putting her in a two-day medically induced coma.

The harrowing experience left Kylie’s parents, Angelique and Tertius, grappling with a torrent of emotions.

Angelique shares, “How do you stay positive when your heart is broken into a million pieces? These and a million other questions were racing through our minds.”

Upon awakening, Kylie confronted the stark reality of losing feeling and mobility on her left side, challenging not only her physical well-being but also the realization that her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon might be in jeopardy.

Her mother reflects on the scariest moment, “It was the scariest moment of our lives, watching her get taken into theatre. When the doctors decided to wake Kylie and within an instant, our lives changed forever.”

However, Kylie was undeterred. Her resilience shone through as she embarked on an arduous road to recovery.

It took nearly three weeks in the hospital, followed by five weeks of intense therapy in a rehabilitation facility in Pretoria. Despite the setback, Kylie’s determination led her back to mobility. Soon, she was walking unassisted upon her discharge in late April 2022.

Choosing to take a hiatus from school in 2022 to focus entirely on rehabilitation was a difficult decision for Kylie.

Despite challenges such as difficulty focusing and limited hand mobility, Kylie still keeps her dreams big and aims to pursue Neuropsychology after high school, adapting her aspirations to the new circumstances.

Kylie’s father expresses unwavering faith in her recovery, stating, “Nothing is impossible when she puts her mind to it. She will get better; she is my daughter. I will keep on pushing her to get better.”

Yet, the journey is not without financial hurdles. Kylie’s family faces mounting medical expenses due to her medical aid provider’s reluctance to cover essential costs. To bridge this gap, the Rossouw family initiated a crowdfunding campaign which has seen immense support.

Kylie’s Resilience Walks Wonders into Her Life

The campaign and Kylie’s resilience have walked wonders into the teenager’s life; securing vital therapies, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, botox treatments, and essential medical expenses. Over R96,000 has been raised towards the R150,000 target; a testament to the generosity of family, friends, and a growing community of supporters.

Expressing gratitude, Kylie acknowledges, “Thank you to all the donors who donated to my BackaBuddy campaign. Your belief in me has given me renewed hope and motivation to keep pushing forward.”

Her parents emphasize that Kylie has always been exceptional, a few steps ahead of the average teen, taking responsibility seriously. They reflect, “Being a parent to Kylie is the greatest gift.”

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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After the pandemic, Fish Hoek-based Glenn and Kyleigh Rousseau’s savings ran dry. The home renovator and entrepreneur-duo faced what they could’ve never imagined for their ‘Golden Years’—a life on the street followed by immense health complications. But, hope did not forget them:

Fish Hoek, South Africa (22 November 2023) — Glenn and Kyleigh Rousseau have had a hugely challenging couple of years.

Before the pandemic, the Rousseau’s life had been dramatically different. Glenn (65) had been a home renovator and Kyleigh (58) enjoyed various career experiences, from owning coffee shops to restoring antiques and collectibles and rehabilitating wildlife animals thanks to her degree in zoology.

A life on the streets seemed a far-cry away, but in 2021 it became a grueling reality.

The financial devastation of 2020 set the change in motion for the pair. By early 2021, their savings were no more, and paying rent wasn’t an option. Without another option, they became homeless—a long five months that no one is ever prepared for.

After finally finding refuge in a shelter in Fish Hoek, a glimmer of hope emerged when Glenn was asked to work through the Expanded Public Works Programme in restoring the Fish Hoek Garden of Remembrance.

But, this was only a small breath of relief in what was to follow as Glenn’s health took a hectic turn.

Glenn had a heart aneurysm, which had complications following his operation. Of all the other complications that set in, the worst was his legs locking as a result of him not having post-op physio. This meant he lost his ability to walk.

Although family helped them secure a rental, they weren’t out of the clear. Kyleigh began begging to pay their way; unable to take any work due to Glenn needing constant care.

This story is enough to make anyone’s heart break, but it also isn’t over.

Last month, Kyleigh caught the attention of Good Samaritan Chris Botha who saw her at an intersection. After offering to buy her a coffee, he listened to the couple’s story and knew he needed to do something.

He began a crowdfunding campaign asking for a few thousand rands to help the couple along. With the knowledge that Glenn’s condition can come right with expensive medical care, Chris understood that the first point of order would be giving them the financial stability they desperately needed.

The crowdfunding campaign caught the attention of many. As Sam Widelski, who put the story on GTG’s radar shared:

“It’s the story that so many of us can relate to, the sheer strength the have, the lengths they have had to go to, to keep fighting.”

Others felt the same way and were touched by the pair’s resilience. As such, the campaign has raked in more than a few thousand as intended, but over R70,000 at the time of this article’s writing.

While the fight for stability and survival isn’t over, it is this abundance of hope that has shifted the trajectory of their story from adversity to one en-route to triumph.

Sources: Website Submission; Various (Linked Above)

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