When people ask you what superpower you would want, you might think of flying or reading minds. But there’s one superpower that doesn’t live in science-fiction books, and it might just be one of the most empowering everyday superpowers around:

Global (03 March 2024) — One of the most uncomfortable lessons we learn over and over again in life is coping with things not turning out the way we wanted them to. But the more doors we knock on, the more opportunities we are likely going to be invited into. What holds us back from knocking, of course, is the same thing that teaches us to cope with disappointment—rejection!

So, what if we could make being comfortable with rejection a superpower?

Rejection takes many shapes and forms. We can experience social rejection, competence rejection, perceived rejection and rejection sensitivity among many other kinds. None of these sound like a good time because none of them are at first glance. But what if the actual rejection part of the narrative isn’t as problematic as our responses to these perceived threats?

Anxiety, blame, negative self-talk, aggression and even depression can all surface from scenarios where our minds have interpreted an experience to encompass rejection. We’re social creations who want to belong, want things to go the way we intend, and want to avoid pain at all costs.

But these integral parts of us aren’t always our friends, and can actually stand in the way of us even trying to put ourselves in a position that might be the best risk we ever take, simply because we might be rejected.

So what can we do about it?

We need to make being comfortable with rejection a superpower. And this starts with understanding that rejection is only as meaningful as it is perceived to be.

We, society and influences allocate meaning to our experiences; experiences do not allocate meaning to themselves. So, here are 3 simple ways to turn the narrative on rejection:

This is Happening for Me, Not to Me

Shift that victim mindset! If we train our minds to believe that things are happening for us, not to us, we are more likely to find the positive in the experience. So the girl you asked out on a date said no. Well, maybe you dodged a bullet you’ll only see with hindsight. Or maybe you got fired from a job you loved, only to discover that a better opportunity did become available when you had the time to look for it.

Every Rejection Holds a Lesson

There are few things as powerful as seeing tough experiences as lessons. But when we do, we are in a better standing to consciously take notes from it.

This takes a willingness to separate yourself and your emotions from the experience. Maybe you were underprepared for that job interview. Or maybe the conversation topics you brought to the dinner conversation with new people were not something everyone could talk on; which led to people changing the subject and you feeling ‘dismissed’.

When we think about situations objectively, we empower ourselves to be critical constructively.

It Was Good for the Plot

One of my personal favourites. Rejection isn’t easy, but maybe the risk you took was really good for the plot that is your life’s story. You did something bold, and it didn’t go as planned. But if you were a character and your life’s story was a book, maybe that’s exactly the moment of character development you needed to be braver. Or maybe it’ll make a really funny story that will become your kid’s favourite ‘when I was young’ tale one day.

I have a friend who once almost made the provincial team for a sport because she decided to take a risk. She’d only been playing it for a few months and decided one day to do something bold when the string of trials came around, despite being severely underqualified. Guess what? She made it all the way to the finals of trials. Yes, she did get rejected in the end, but she went way further than she’d ever imagined. And that confidence boost was worth its weight in accolades.

See, rejection isn’t always a negative thing. And it isn’t always a positive thing. It’s okay to feel disappointed and discouraged—just not for too long. But when being comfortable with this sensation our brains have dramatised becomes your superpower, you’ll find yourself building a story of your life where you aren’t insecure about what could go wrong, but secure in knowing that you’ll find a way to be alright.

Sources:  GTG

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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 Free Therapy Sundays: Why Being Comfortable with Rejection is a Super Power  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Here’s a guide to discerning truth from fiction amidst the flood of AI-fuelled “breaking news,” empowering you with five key strategies to unveil the veil of deceit.

Johannesburg, South Africa (03 March 2024) – AI-generated content is taking over the internet, blurring the lines between reality and fabrication, and it seems even our most cherished news stories may not be what they seem. Brace yourselves, Good Things Guy family, for the snow in Durban, the sharks in Port Elizabeth, and those jaw-dropping beach sculptures are not as real as some of you once believed.

I can hardly fathom having to relay this message, but it’s a truth we can no longer ignore. Even though some of you may see through AI-generated content, the heartbreaking reality is that countless individuals are falling victim to the allure of fake photos masquerading as sensational “breaking news.”

There are various reasons that motivate the use of AI-generated photos from clickbait tactics to driving more social media engagement (this is usually a big influence), to spreading real misinformation and sometimes it’s all just in the name of fun.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s high time we confronted this AI-fuelled digital deception head-on because it can be incredibly problematic should the user not know that the images are, in fact, not breaking news. You see, these ideas then become a person’s belief – where a joke has now evolved to a fact in someone’s mind.

And yes, we know that distinguishing fact from fiction can be daunting but we’ve put together five telltale signs to help you discern AI-fuelled fabrications:

• Unrealistic Detail: AI-generated images often exhibit an uncanny level of detail that surpasses reality. Look closely for inconsistencies or hyper-realistic elements that seem too perfect to be true.
• Lack of Context: Authentic breaking news photographs typically come with accompanying context or corroborating reports. If an image surfaces without supporting information or credible sources, proceed with scepticism.
• Identical Images: AI algorithms have limitations, leading to the replication of certain features across multiple images. If you stumble upon identical or nearly identical photographs depicting different events, it’s a red flag signalling potential manipulation.
• Unlikely Scenarios: Trust your instincts when assessing the plausibility of the depicted scenario. Outlandish events or occurrences that defy logic should prompt further investigation into the image’s authenticity.
• Reverse Image Search: Leverage online tools such as reverse image search engines to trace the origins of the photograph. If the image has been widely circulated or appears across various unrelated contexts, exercise caution before accepting its legitimacy.

It comes down to knowing – when we know better, we do better. And then we can help others too.

How do we do that? Well, if you see an AI-generated piece of “Breaking News”, call it out in the comments so others won’t be fooled. Even if the photos are “just for fun”, help others navigate the AI-generated noise.

And then we can all laugh at the photos together.

Snow on the beaches of Durban. Have you ever? LOL.

Sources: Social Media | Opinion Piece 

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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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Automated External Defibrillators and simple airway devices can be used by bystanders to help victims of cardiac arrest and drowning

Cape Town, South Africa (01 March 2024) — Recent deaths on popular Cape Town beaches point to the need for defibrillators and simple airway devices which can be used by bystanders. On busy beaches like Mnandi, Strandfontein and Clifton, the easy-to-use Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could save lives.

Most mornings after sunrise, you see them on certain Cape Town beaches: men and women, young and old, all shapes and sizes, plunging into the frigid Atlantic waters. Three months ago, crossing the beach on one of those mornings, you would have seen a small group of people taking turns to do chest compressions on a fellow swimmer lying near the water’s edge. He had been assisted out of the water, in distress, then experienced a cardiac arrest – his heart stopped. His comrades immediately went into action with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to try to save his life.

Chest compressions were done for about 30 minutes before paramedics arrived with equipment, including AED, in hand. But sadly, efforts to save the 57-year-old man were unsuccessful.

A hundred fellow swimmers and friends gathered next morning at the beach to remember him, a person who loved being part of the vibrant Atlantic seaboard aquatic community.

About two months later, another dramatic scene at the same beach: a woman was found floating face down in the water by other swimmers about 20 metres offshore. She was brought back to the beach by a swimmer who fortunately had a flotation device with him and knew the correct method for doing this safely. Attempts were made to revive her. But in spite of 40 minutes of resuscitation, including mouth-to-mouth breaths, and attention from five paramedic crews who responded to the call for help, the drowning victim, also in her 50s, died too.

What to do when someone’s heart stops

Promptly recognising a cardiac arrest (sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing), is key. When confirmed, the rescuer should follow with chest compressions, with the victim lying flat on a hard surface.

Doing compressions is hard work but if done effectively (pushing the chest down at least 2 inches (5cm)) and continuously (100 times per minute), enough blood goes to vital organs (brain and heart) to sustain life until the heart can be restarted.

Rescuers first need to make sure of their own safety. And call for help.

When paramedics arrive, they bring more specialised items – bags, masks, tubes, scopes (airway visualising devices) – to support breathing while chest compressions continue.

Crucially, their kit includes a defibrillator, a battery-powered device that administers electric shocks through the chest wall to the heart. If the heart has stopped because of a rhythm disturbance (fibrillation), an electric shock may restart it; chest compressions alone cannot do this.

AEDs – Automated External Defibrillators – are resuscitation assistants. The voice instructs the rescuer to call for emergency medical help and how to correctly place pads on the chest, and analyses the heart rhythm. If a life-threatening rhythm disturbance is present the AED can automatically give a shock or tell the rescuer when to press the button. Untrained bystanders can easily and successfully use an AED.

With good chest compressions and early defibrillation, survival from cardiac arrest is possible but each minute of delay seriously reduces the odds.

Around the world, survival from cardiac arrest is low, about 7-8%. To change this, defibrillators are sited in public places – Australian beaches, for example – and made easily accessible. Their prompt use at least doubles the odds of survival.

Devices cost about R30,000, though less expensive versions are coming on the market. The concern in South Africa is that AEDs not stored securely will be stolen, as has sadly happened with Pink Rescue Buoys placed by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to prevent drownings.

But there are ways to prevent this. For instance, the NSRI has installed boxes containing a first aid kit for shark attacks which can be opened with a PIN code obtained by calling a 24-hour number. AEDs could be placed securely in a similar way.

Life-saving equipment in a box

Other items such as pocket masks and face shields, which cost only a few rands, could also be placed in boxes. These are essential on a beach, where drowning may be more likely than cardiac arrest, and rescue breaths need to be given. (Clearing the airway and giving five rescue breaths is vital if drowning has occurred, but is no longer recommended for a cardiac arrest unless an airway device is available.)

Pocket masks and face shields allow a bystander to give breaths without direct mouth-to-mouth contact. One-way valves prevent the rescuer from inhaling the victim’s exhaled air and minimise the risk of contamination. Both items are compact and portable, easy to carry and use in emergencies.

Regular swimmers could also obtain their own and take them down to the beach, just in case.

About 1,500 people die of drowning on our beaches each year. With sensible precautions these deaths are largely preventable. Bystanders who see a swimmer in trouble can save a life by calling for help (112 for emergency services) and taking action if they know first aid and CPR.

Making defibrillators, airway devices and other key rescue items available in public places, such as local businesses, along with community awareness and user knowledge can create safer spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Cape Town beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay that are well resourced, visited by tourists, and surrounded by affluent communities will find it easier to make AEDs and airway devices more available. But the need is as great or greater at popular beaches like Mnandi, Alpha, and Nine Miles which also have dedicated volunteer lifesaving clubs.

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone – not just older people doing challenging outdoor things but young athletes. Prompt recognition and defibrillation are the only way these lives can be saved.

Tragic deaths from drowning on public beaches in summer are common and bystanders can make a difference by giving rescue breaths safely using inexpensive masks or face shields.

A successful resuscitation is a celebration. It has profound effects not only on people who are brought back to life but on people who gave them that gift.
Dr Kantor is an anaesthesiologist and healthcare industry consultant.
Views expressed are not necessarily those of GroundUp.

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.

The post Rescue on the Beach: Easy-to-Use Devices Placed on Popular Beaches Could Save Lives appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) shares how pet owners can help curb the spread of Zoonotic Diseases in South Africa.

South Africa (29 February 2024) – Humans and animals share a special and close bond, especially when it comes to our beloved pets and our livestock. But think twice before giving your parakeet an affectionate peck on the beak, letting your dog lick your face or cuddling up with your new kitten until it’s received a clean bill of health from an animal healthcare professional.

Why? Well, your cute pets or farm animals might just be harbouring a zoonotic disease, which is an infection that is transferred between animals and humans. And be aware that there are some diseases that we can transmit to our beloved animals, too.

“The best-known zoonotic disease is rabies, which is transmitted from an infected mammal – usually a dog – to humans, and can be fatal if not treated immediately. So, avoid stray dogs and those exhibiting erratic behaviour,” says Dr Nandipha Ndudane, the president of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). Tick bite fever is another well-known zoonotic disease that is prevalent in Southern Africa.

In the home, kittens and puppies can carry ringworm that poses a danger to immunocompromised pet owners. Also, birds such as budgies and parrots can transmit psittacosis – or parrot fever – to humans, resulting in flu-like symptoms or severe pneumonia.

Furthermore, cattle tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium bovis) can be transmitted between humans and animals – through unpasteurised milk, infected animal carcasses or meat that hasn’t been cooked properly. Another zoonotic disease is brucellosis, a bacterial infection causing flu-like symptoms that affects not only livestock but also humans who are in contact with infected animals and contaminated animal products or who consume unpasteurised milk from infected livestock. Unlike flu, however, brucellosis can become chronic and debilitating if not diagnosed and treated timeously.

We also need to prevent the spread of disease from humans to animals – for example, human tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) can be transmitted to other mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife such as primates. If you have an illness that can affect animals, take special precautions to keep them safe.

Dr Ndudane says it’s imperative for farmers, people who work with animals and members of the public to know more about the close relationship between human, animal and environmental health – also known as “One Health” – to prevent zoonotic diseases from spreading.

The SAVC also hopes to raise awareness about the vital role veterinary and para-veterinary professionals play in curbing disease outbreaks, thereby contributing to public health and food security.

“We urge pet owners to educate themselves about the symptoms of important zoonotic diseases, and mention them to your doctor if you suspect they might be relevant when you are feeling ill. Wash your hands thoroughly after playing with pets or handling animals, and ensure your children do so, too. Clean your pet’s litter box and living quarters regularly. Do not touch or interact with wild animals, as they might be carrying an infection you don’t know about,” advises Dr Ndudane.

Zoonoses also pose an economic threat to farmers – including subsistence, small-scale and emerging farmers – and agricultural workers, making preventative measures vital, says Dr Ndudane.

“Most of our farmers are aware that healthy herds and flocks mean healthy products and profits, but education about animal health and food safety needs to be an ongoing process,” she says. Here, para-veterinary professionals and community animal health workers who are trained in primary animal healthcare can show farmers how to protect their herds through vaccination and other biosecurity measures.

“For anyone working in meat and dairy production, it’s vital to take precautionary measures when handling animals, as well as animal products and by-products. Educate yourself as to what is normal and abnormal animal behaviour so you can recognise when they are unwell, and of course always practise good basic hygiene and wear gloves, masks and overalls.”

Certain animal diseases, such as rabies, are controlled through national legislation. Controlled and notifiable diseases must be reported to the state so that the government veterinary services can intervene to halt an outbreak – and, if it’s a zoonotic disease, prevent a spillover to humans as well.

“It’s important to view the health of humans, animals and the environment as closely interlinked,” says Dr Ndudane. “We need to reassess how human activities are disrupting how we engage with animals and the environment, because new zoonotic diseases are emerging that pose a serious risk to public health.

“For example, the Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease that affects livestock and humans, is thought to have originated because of fruit bats being displaced from their natural forest habitat due to agricultural expansion in Asia.”

She says it’s therefore vital to find a better balance in how humans engage with wildlife, production animals, pets and the environment – because we are dependent on each other for our common health and well-being.

“Most importantly, be switched on and be aware. And remember to take your animals for regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to ensure their optimal health – and yours. We applaud South Africa’s veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals for rendering a valuable public health service in ensuring our animals are healthy and our food is safe to eat.”

Other zoonotic diseases to be aware of:

• Rift Valley fever is transmitted mainly via mosquitoes to livestock or to humans (humans can also be exposed to it indirectly through infected animal carcasses)
• Salmonellosis (caused by the Salmonella bacterium) can be transmitted to humans via contaminated poultry or dairy products, or to workers in contact with infected animals
• Anthrax is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from infected livestock or wildlife to humans – by law, all cattle have to be vaccinated against anthrax in South Africa
• Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that can be transmitted to humans, especially those working in animal production, through infected poultry or other birds, including pet birds
• Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium that is transmitted to farmworkers by cattle, sheep and goats
• Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be contracted through contact with cat faeces, and is particularly dangerous to pregnant women
• Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal condition caused by a parasite living in the intestines of humans and pets, and is spread through contact with infected stools
• Cat-scratch fever is a bacterial infection that can be passed to humans through a cat scratch or bite
• The herpes B virus (which often manifests in fever blisters) can be transmitted from macaque monkeys to humans via a bite or a scratch

Useful resources

• National Institute for Communicable Diseases
• Resources | Global Alliance for Rabies Control
• Controlled and Notifiable Diseases – NAHF
• Afrivet – disease identification and treatment
• Zoonoses: Animal Diseases and Man (book and website)

Sources: South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)

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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 From Cows to Kittens – How to Curb the Spread of Zoonotic Diseases appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Little Eden and Special Olympics South Africa are joining forces to honour their beneficiaries for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

South Africa (27 February 2024) – March 1st to March 31st marks Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month, dedicated to reaffirming the worth, rights, and aspirations of individuals with IDD. Despite progress, individuals with IDD still face barriers such as exclusion, social isolation, and mistreatment in various spheres of life, including schools, workplaces, and communities.

In a resolute call for societal change, Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) and Little Eden have come together for a collaborative alliance to champion the cause of individuals with IDD throughout South Africa. Together, they aim to raise awareness and illuminate the remarkable capabilities and distinct challenges faced by individuals with IDD.

As part of their joint efforts, SOSA and Little Eden proudly announce a joyous celebration to be hosted at Little Eden in Edenvale on the 1st of March 2024, where beneficiaries will be honoured and celebrated.

For SOSA this event also serves as a follow-up to a successful training session that was held at Little Eden as part of the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP).

The SOSA MATP is specially designed for beneficiaries facing severe challenges in participating in traditional sport due to their skill and/or functional abilities. The program focuses on preparing beneficiaries with severe intellectual and physical disabilities for physical activities tailored to their unique abilities.

Little Eden will also host their groundbreaking CEO’s Wheelchair Challenge; this initiative challenges business leaders to step beyond their comfort zones and experience firsthand the daily realities faced by individuals with IDD in wheelchairs by spending one of their workdays in a wheelchair. For the beneficiaries of Little Eden, and our other beneficiaries who rely on wheelchairs for mobility, this initiative serves to raise awareness of the challenges they face on a daily basis.

During IDD month, SOSA and Little Eden are also planning other activities to continue raising awareness of IDD, including a medical screening of the beneficiaries.

Join in as they unite in embracing diversity, foster inclusion, empower individuals with IDD and endeavour to construct a society where every individual, irrespective of ability, is valued, respected, and enabled to contribute fully to our collective future. Join the Inclusion Revolution!

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.

The post Celebrating the Different Faces of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities appeared first on Good Things Guy.

With election day freshly announced and some taking it on simply as another public holiday, we thought we’d share the informed scoop on why voting (and not voting) matters a lot more than you might think!

South Africa (23 February 2024) — With the official Election Day finally announced (29 May and it’s a public holiday!), we thought we’d give you or anyone who doesn’t think their vote actually counts, a little reminder as to how much our votes matter.

Many South Africans and even expats have pleaded with their friends and family to vote. To show up. To not treat 29 May like any other public holiday. Heck, some people like Keith Boyd are even running across the continent to inspire more people to vote!

Election season usually reveals the hopefuls and the cynics in any democracy. For the cynics, we know what you’re thinking. There’s nothing ground-breaking about the phrase ‘your vote counts’. You’ve heard it a score of times. But, if we push the cynicism to the side just for a moment, you might just find there actually are a few noteworthy connotations to the phrase!

Now who is a Good News Journalist you’ve never met to tell you that you should vote? Well, for starters, I have a degree in Political Science (which means I committed many years to understanding what happens when people decide their vote doesn’t count), and I am a Good News journalist (which means my job is to cover how much change can happen when people make decisions beyond themselves). 

With that being said, here’s the informed scoop on what not voting actually means, and why voting matters!

First, Why Does Voter Apathy Happen?

Not voting is a big problem South Africa continues to face across the board of municipal and national elections. Many people (especially the youth) choose not to vote because they do not believe tangible change is possible, do not agree with the political parties on the menu, or simply because they do not understand what voting means for our political system. But, not voting still has consequences.

Not Voting is Still a Kind of Vote

Not voting doesn’t mean not participating in the way you think. Because you are directly and indirectly part of the political process (whether you like it or not), you will always be impacted by the political decisions made. I.e., even if you don’t want to impact the system, the system will still impact you. So, not voting then, is its own kind of vote. A vote that allows others (those who are voting) to push decisions.

Few things skew democracy as much as voter apathy, but because the will of the people prevails in this kind of system, your decision not to vote still contributes to it.

When You Vote, You Start a Chain Reaction of Impact

South Africa is a representational democracy, which means the people are in charge of who represents us at different levels of authority. Because we have so many people, our system uses representatives to make decisions on our behalf. (Imagine if all of us had to sit casting ballots for every single decision!). 

However, the representational democratic system doesn’t come without challenges when public participation is minimal. Whether you vote or don’t vote, you might think it is one simple decision. But actually, it’s a chain reaction of impact.

Voting can mean a bigger sense of accountability in relation to the government, which can make you a more active citizen. Now what if you inspire others to do the same with this energy? And what if the others you inspire, inspire others? See the chain reaction starting to form?

In the same way, your apathy can inspire more apathy. Which in turn can lead to an unrealistic reflection of who South Africans wish to serve us.

Your Vote Impacts More Than You

In the same way that not voting impacts more than just you! If you can’t think of your vote for yourself, think of it in terms of how it will impact your community and their futures. At least, their futures for the next few years. If enough people thought of voting this way, they drop in the ocean analogy starts to look a lot more hopeful.

If we look at history and what happens when groups of people do not have the right to vote, it becomes clearer why being a drop in an endless ocean actually adds up. Because participating isn’t just for the drop; it’s an act to be part of the ocean.

If You’re Confused About The Upcoming Elections

For national and provincial levels, South Africa has a Proportional Representation electoral system, which essentially means the public vote for the party, not the president directly. The parties with the most votes get divided up into seats to make up parliament as a reflection of the voting percentages and (theoretically) the will of the people. Which means voting for a political party matters significantly, as we are not directly making many big decisions ourselves!

The upcoming elections are the General National and Provincial Elections; which means you will be casting a vote that impacts both the country at large and your province. And if you believe that South Afri-CAN, we’ll see you on voting day!

Sources: GTG

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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 Share This With Someone Who Doesn’t Think Their Vote Counts! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: GroundUp

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 Shack Dwellers Hope for Subsidised Solar Power appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Marion Wagner shares an opinion piece on social justice in South Africa and how her team at Breadline Africa are working to make a difference.

South Africa (21 February 2024) – The 25^th anniversary of World Day of Social Justice is commemorated on 20 February – a United Nations (UN) day of observance that focuses on the plight of billions of people who still suffer under social injustices around the world. Not only does World Day of Social Justice turn the spotlight onto issues such as poverty, exclusion, employment, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice, but it also calls on the world to actively drive solutions and press for improvement for the benefit of all.

Addressing the issues around social injustices requires the participation of corporates, individuals and governments who need to take a stand, prioritising service delivery to the communities in which they operate. When considering the concept of “a society for all,” equity and equality should form the basis of social justice and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes tackling issues head on at a national, regional, and international level.

Closer to home, the 1.2 billion people who call Africa home continue to fight various social injustices on a daily basis – and this often means fighting for their lives. Currently, 31.9% of South Africans are without jobs or a stable income. KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North-West and Mpumalanga were hit the hardest by an increase in unemployment rates in 2023, with our country’s youth making up 4.6 million of the unemployed population. These figures exacerbate hunger, poverty, inequity and inequality, and in turn, the dignity of our people.

When speaking about dignity and social justice, we must consider the very factors that impact on a person’s confidence that they are safe and protected. This includes the knowledge that they live in a world free of bias and stigma, and that they have access to basic human rights such as health, food, water, electricity, education and safe sanitation. The latter remains a pressing issue in our country, as pit toilets are still used in many schools, affecting teachers and learners especially. In the Eastern Cape alone, 427 schools use these structures, affecting 113,041 children. Not only do pit toilets pose health and safety risks to individuals and communities, but they have claimed the lives of many over the last decades.

South African public benefit organisation (PBO), Breadline Africa, has actively been fighting South Africa’s pit toilet crisis since 2023. Through our Flush Challenge, which enjoys the support of a wide range corporate partners and sponsors, we have set out to raise R156-million towards the cause over the next two years. Through this, our goal is to positively impact on 120,000 children at 240 schools with pit toilets in South Africa.

Since June 2023, Breadline Africa has invested R7-million at primary schools alone, installing 200 facilities across nine schools located in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, changing the lives of 3,000 learners. Apart from giving these learners the confidence that they are safe and secure when using bathroom facilities, access to safe toilets significantly reduces learners’ and teachers’ absenteeism, which has a direct impact on their education. Our pit toilet replacement campaign is also directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (Target 6.2): “providing access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and to end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and those in vulnerable situations.”

In addition to installing low-flush and safe dry toilet solutions, Breadline Africa also addresses many adjacent needs that schools have, such as access to handwashing facilities, plumbing and sanitaryware, and the demolition of the old pit toilets and unsafe structures. This means that the schools are equipped with new toilets that are easy to maintain, eco-friendly, economical and sustainable. To date, the feedback from the schools’ principals, teachers, learners and the community at large has been nothing but positive, with many individuals reiterating that access to these new facilities has been nothing short of life-changing.

This World Day of Social Justice we want to implore all South Africans to take a stand with Breadline Africa, and the government, as we continue to fight the pit toilet crisis in our country. When you support this worthy cause – co-creating “a society for all” – you are not only giving thousands of individuals access to one of life’s most basic necessities, but you are also helping to shape the future of our country’s next generation of leaders.

Support this life-saving campaign on World Day of Social Justice by making a donation. Contact Breadline Africa at operations@breadlineafrica.org today. Qualifying donations are tax deductible, and the organisation is a level one BBBEE socio-economic development partner. You can also visit www.breadlineafrica.org, and find Breadline Africa on social media @BreadlineAfrica on Twitter, @breadlineafrica on Instagram and Breadline Africa on Facebook.

Sources: Supplied

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 Op-ed: World Day of Social Justice – Working Towards a Society for All appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Yesterday was World Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day pretty significant for the GTG team. If you don’t know where to get involved or what to do, start by looking at the kindness all around you:

Global (18 February 2024)— Yesterday was World Random Acts of Kindness Day, and as always, it got the Good Things Guy team hoping even more kindness would be sparked in our country.

Humanity is little without kindness. When we are kind, we are choosing to be bigger than every reason life has shown us not to be that way. We are choosing someone else’s joy and, in turn, playing our small part in contributing to the joy of the world. Because joy and gratitude have chain-reaction effects. When someone makes your day, you’re more likely to consider doing the same for someone else. And you never know quite how far that domino effect can reach.

Well actually, we’ll give you a pretty good idea of how far it can reach. In case you didn’t know, Good Things Guy wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for a random act of kindness by none other than Brent Lindeque. Our platform’s genesis was his random act of kindness that very well could’ve just stayed another neknomination but instead went much, much further than a hangover:

My job at Good Things Guy is to tell the good news stories that happen all around us, all the time, writes GTG’s Ashleigh Nefdt. Sometimes, these stories are very big moments that have inspired and uplifted us as an entire country. Sometimes, they are little moments that mean just as much to the one or few they impact.

Like the rest of the Good Things Guy team, my eyes are always peeled for the good things, so I happen to take note of them wherever I go—even if they don’t end up becoming a fully-fledged story. For this RAK Day, I thought I’d share a few moments that stuck with me, and might inspire you:

A few Recent Random Acts of Kindness That Made My Heart Warm

• The lady who quietly left a bag of groceries where the homeless man sits near our neighbourhood. We smiled at each other because we both knew it would make his day.
• The begging man who gave me directions when I was very lost. I had nothing to give you at the time, but despite that, you went out of your way to help me.
• The young boys who helped a woman coming out of the gym when her car stopped randomly in the road. I have no idea if they knew what they were doing, but they were so eager just to help.
• The petrol attendant who helped with the petrol for the car before me (don’t worry, we paid it forward for him).
• The employees at my local corner shop who always, always offer to walk me to my next stop so I don’t feel unsafe if I’m walking alone.
• The ladies at another table at a painting cafe who went out of their way to tell everyone how nice their artworks were.
• The friend who paid for his group’s table in secret because he could see his one friend was stressed about money and didn’t want to single him out by paying just for him.
• The local helping a random tourist with their struggling Afrikaans pronunciation so they could impress their friends.

These are a few of so, so many. But making personal lists like these are so important, and I encourage you to start with one of your own. When you see good, you want to do good. And you might just be inspired to help someone with their petrol, pronunciation or a much-needed meal.

To quote an iconic line from a great film:

“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

And what is kindness if not the softest form of love?

Sources: GTG

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 Random Acts of Kindness Make the World Go Round appeared first on Good Things Guy.

National Epilepsy Week runs from the 13th to the 20th of February 2024, and this year, the aim is to break the stigma.

South Africa (13 February 2024) –  In recognition of National Epilepsy Week (13-20 February 2024), the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA) is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding epilepsy and creating an understanding of the condition affecting approximately 1 in 100 South Africans.

About 1 in 26 South Africans will develop epilepsy and 1 in 10 will experience an epileptic seizure during their lifetime.

Shockingly, much of their suffering is not inflicted by the condition, but rather by the perceptions of those who have not had epileptic seizures. This unnecessary stigmatisation is rooted in profound, widespread ignorance about the condition and the harm caused is incalculable.

Dr James Butler, specialist neurologist and executive board member of NASA says epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by brief, excessive electrical activity in the brain. This can happen to anyone at any age and nobody is immune to it.

“Epilepsy is a medical condition, in principle no different to high blood pressure, arthritis, migraine or asthma. Like migraines, it is episodic and occurs in the brain. Its duration is shorter than the common migraine and both are neurological conditions. Contrary to prevalent myths, epileptic seizures are not caused by a psychiatric disorder, demonic possession, ancestral displeasure, or hormonal dysfunction. The condition is not infectious nor contagious.”

“Dealing with prejudice and discrimination, based on myths about the condition, is one of the greatest struggles for a person with epilepsy. This understandably often results in social withdrawal, rejection and social isolation. Children with the condition are often teased or bullied. Adults are unnecessarily and unfairly denied acceptance for work, especially when competing with others. Others are illegally dismissed or demoted once the condition becomes apparent. Unfair psychosocial disadvantage accumulates as the years pass.”

Dr Butler says there are many causes for epileptic seizures.

“Most often the causes are trivial and include tiny birthmarks in the brain or combinations of genes. These causes often do not affect intellect or neurological functioning in any other ways.”

“Due to the relatively high incidence of motor vehicle accidents, brain injuries and brain infections, epilepsy may be more common in South Africa than in developed countries. Amongst the different causes for epilepsy, a small percentage relate to previous infections in the brain, such as HIV, tuberculosis and cysticercosis (tapeworm).”

He explains that seizures are the result of excessive electrical discharges in the brain, varying from a brief strange feeling or experience, a brief lapse of attention or muscle twitch, to more severe seizures, where people fall and shake. The frequency differs from person to person, with some having many seizures in a single day, to weekly, monthly or yearly whilst some have only a handful over many decades.

“Epilepsy is treatable and most people become seizure-free when they are adequately managed. Most types of epilepsy are easy to control with medication, usually a single medication. The anti-seizure medication is used as a preventative measure, reducing the excitability of the affected brain cells of the patient,” Dr Butler says.

“For those whose seizures do not stop while using medication, surgery requires strong consideration. To prevent accumulating psychosocial disadvantage, this needs to be considered if seizures do not stop on medication within two years of onset.”

Dr Butler says cannabis has been touted incorrectly in the media as a treatment for epilepsy.

“While there is good scientific evidence that a pure extract of cannabis, known as cannabidiol, consistently used at precise doses every day is effective, no such evidence exists for cannabis consumed socially. Furthermore, cannabis that is consumed socially contains innumerable compounds that have not been studied in people with epilepsy and some of these compounds may be harmful for seizures.”

While the risk of death during a seizure is small, seeking medical treatment and adhering to prescribed medication is crucial for preventing such outcomes.

“Yearly  1 in 1100 adults and 1 in 4500 children with epilepsy will die during a seizure. This is usually due to cessation of the control of breathing within the brain, occurring just after the end of the seizure. The goal of medical management is to restore individuals to their previous level of functioning, allowing them to contribute as productive members of their family and society.”

Dr Butler emphasises that people often mistakenly think that epileptic seizures are a sign of intellectual impairment, which is certainly not the case.

“The majority do not have an intellectual disability. People with intellectual impairment are at increased risk of epileptic seizures, but they must also be treated on merit. They are no less loved by their family members and they too should not be discriminated against.”

For more information or to seek help visit your General Health Practitioner, or nearest Clinic, or consult www.epilepsy.org.za online.

Sources: Supplied

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 Epilepsy Week – Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Epilepsy in SA appeared first on Good Things Guy.