Latest news with #GoodThingsGuy
IOL News
15-07-2025
- IOL News
Euro Envy: 10 things we really should import to South Africa
There's something about travel that opens your eyes to how other people live, and makes you quietly question why we aren't doing things the same way back home. South Africans are resilient, warm, and inventive, but it's always fun to dream about ways we could make everyday life just a little bit better. Whether it's sipping an espresso at 10pm in Italy, napping after lunch in Spain, or enjoying a city where bicycles and dogs are welcomed just about everywhere, it's hard not to come back from Europe with a bit of lifestyle envy. Brent Lindeque from Good Things Guy recently took to social media to list 10 things he'd love to bring back to South Africa from his European travels, and honestly, I'm right there with him. Here's what made his list: 1. Weekly markets that bring suburbs to life In small towns across France, local markets roll into a new village each day of the week like clockwork. Locals plan their shopping, social lives and even their lunches around market day. From farm-fresh produce to handmade clothes and pet toys, it's a beautiful blend of community and commerce. The markets wrap up by midday, just in time to settle in at a café for lunch. 2. Proper bicycle lanes Safe, extensive bike lanes are a city game-changer. They make commuting, exercising, and meeting friends a breeze. And in a place with our sunshine and mild winters? Cycling should be a no-brainer. 3. Lime Bikes and electric scooters If you've ever zipped around Paris or Berlin on a Lime scooter, you'll know the joy. They're fast, fun, and perfect for short city hops. Picture this: brunch in Parkhurst, a stroll at The Wilds, then a zip over to Rosebank. All without starting your car once. We're ready. 4. Fruit trees on every street In Monaco, the streets are lined with orange trees - and you can just help yourself. Not only does it reduce hunger, it literally beautifies the city. Johannesburg's climate is perfect for this. Let's plant apple, peach, and plum trees in every suburb. Feeding people and making the city more lush? That's a win-win. 5. Afternoon naps In parts of Spain and France, everything shuts down in the heat of the afternoon for 'la sieste'. Between 2:30 and 6:30pm, shops close and people rest. No emails. No meetings. Just proper downtime. Imagine the mood improvement across South Africa if this was standard!
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Who needs the northern lights when Mzansi has its own?
Travellers to European countries like Iceland or Norway have long been fascinated by the northern lights phenomenon that takes place from September to March. However, Mzansi's night skies are expecting their own colourful spectacle this month. Known as Aurora Australis, the southern lights come after a coronal mass ejection struck Earth's magnetic field in Tuesday morning. This is how the colourful effect is created in the skies. Who will see it According to the George Herald, the light show will be visible in some parts of South Africa — particularly in the far south of the country, although some KZN residents were lucky enough to witness it last year when it occurred. How it happens The South African National Space Agency explains that geomagnetic storms — caused by charged particles from the sun — are measured on a scale starting with G: 'It is denoted by a G followed by a number from one to five, with one being a minor event and five being an extreme event.' How to see it For those taking pictures on the day, Good Things Guy shared tips from We Are South Africans Facebook page that suggested camera users (DSLR or otherwise) should try to use an ISO of 1600–3200, an aperture of f/2.8, and shutter speed of 10–30 seconds — a slower shutter speed is able to catch the colours in the night sky.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
South African Rayno Nel makes history as 'World's Strongest Man'
South Africa has a new sporting hero. Rayno Nel, a 30-year-old former rugby player from Bloemfontein, has just been crowned the World's Strongest Man. This victory marks a historic first—not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent and the southern hemisphere. Nel's triumph in Sacramento stunned the strongman world. In his debut at the World's Strongest Man final, he edged out defending champion Tom Stoltman by a razor-thin margin of just 0.5 points. The final event, the legendary Atlas Stones, saw Nel load the fourth stone mere fractions of a second ahead of his rivals, according to Good Things Guy. This clutch performance sealed his victory with a final score of 47 to Stoltman's 46.5. Canada's Mitchell Hooper finished third with 43.5 points. Nel's journey to global dominance is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Upington and raised in the rugby heartland of Bloemfontein, he played rugby for the Central University of Technology and the Free State Cheetahs. After retiring from rugby in 2019 to work as an electrical engineer, Nel discovered strongman competitions in 2023. He quickly made his mark, winning South Africa's Strongest Man twice and claiming Africa's Strongest Man titles in 2023 and 2024. He also dominated the 2024 Strongman Champions League season, becoming the world series champion. At the 2025 World's Strongest Man finals, Nel wasted no time making his presence felt. On Day 1, he won the opening KNAACK Carry & Hoist and placed second in both the 18-inch deadlift and the Hercules Hold. These results gave him a commanding lead of roughly seven points going into Day 2. Although Stoltman fought back with wins in the later events, Nel's early cushion proved decisive. Nel said, 'To represent South Africa in any way whatsoever feels surreal. We're a small country with many struggles, so this means so much to my people.' He added with a smile, 'I couldn't enjoy my favourite Black Label lager here in California, so I'll have to try American beer tonight.' The reaction back home was electric. South Africans from Cape Town to Johannesburg flooded social media with pride. The official South African Government Twitter account congratulated Nel, tweeting: 'HISTORY MADE! Congratulations to Rayno Nel, Africa's first-ever World's Strongest Man champion!' Nel's win is more than just a personal achievement. It's a beacon of hope and a symbol of possibility for South Africa's 'rainbow nation.' He is proof that with determination and hard work, even the strongest titles in sport are within reach. Nel remains humble and hungry. 'My strength came up fast, and I'm still improving,' he said. South Africa can now celebrate not just a champion, but a legend in the making. The world has taken notice—and so has the whole of Mzansi. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Proudly South African
Brent Lindeque, the guy behind 'Good Things Guy', South Africa's top good news platform on social media, shared this statement: Here are five things that happened this past week that should make you feel proud to be South African. 1. Akani Simbine and SA's men's 4x100m relay team sprinted their way into history, beating the USA and Canada, while our 4x400m men's and women's teams also won! 2. A 16-year-old from Limpopo (Bohlale Mphahlele) is going viral again for creating an earpiece (that looks like jewellery) to help fight GBV by taking pics of attackers and sending real-time alerts. 3. A proudly South African olive oil has just been named the best in the world. 4. 84 vultures have been rescued in Kruger thanks to quick-thinking heroes who jumped into action after a poisoning incident. 5. Our SA accent has been voted the 2nd sexiest in the world. Again. Ja, I know about the 'other' news that dominates our headlines. I see it too. I read the same stories. I feel the same frustration. And I carry the same heaviness that so many South Africans do. I'm not blind to our reality… the potholes, the politics, and the pain. But alongside all of that, there are good things. There is magic in our people. Brilliance in our youth. Courage in our communities. And hope… real, stubborn, beautiful hope in every corner of this country At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
18-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
'Good Morning Angels' rally behind 10 year old Eben Beukes
The spirit of community shone brightly this week as Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' initiative stepped up to support 10-year-old Eben Beukes. Euben is a young boy whose life was turned upside down by multiple strokes. Eben suffered severe cerebral damage after a viral infection triggered Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) and a secondary streptococcal infection. The boy is now blind, unable to walk or speak, and requires full-time care, according to Good Things Guy. EBEN'S STORY Eben's story is one of heartbreak and resilience. In December 2024, what began as a routine illness rapidly escalated into a life-threatening condition. The strokes left Eben with severe disabilities, mirroring the tragic loss of his mother, who passed away from strokes two years prior. Now, Eben lives with his father Hendrik and 15-year-old sister Ané, with Hendrik carrying the heavy responsibility of caring for his children alone. Faced with overwhelming medical and homecare costs, the family reached out to Good Morning Angels. The response from the community was swift and generous. Round Table Pretoria donated R50,000. Caring Daisies matched this with another R50,000. Corestruc contributed R30,000, and the Good Morning Angels Fund NPC pledged R30,000, bringing the total to R160,000. Martin Bester, host of Jacaranda FM's Breakfast with Martin Bester , expressed the collective sentiment. 'No 10-year-old should have to go through what Eben is going through – and no father should have to do it alone. 'Good Morning Angels' is about giving families like the Beukes family the support they need when life becomes too much to carry on their own. We're proud to stand with them.' The funds will be used to equip Eben's home with specialised medical equipment, including beds and therapy tools. To ease the financial strain on Hendrik as he prepares to care for Eben full-time once he returns from rehabilitation. This remarkable show of solidarity highlights the power of community in South Africa. From school friends to local organisations, South Africans have rallied to give Eben and his family hope amid their darkest days. As one donor shared, 'From one parent to another, we're with you.' Good Morning Angels has been changing lives since 2005, offering a hand-up rather than a hand-out to those facing hardship. Eben's story is a poignant reminder of the initiative's impact and the kindness that thrives in South African hearts. In a country where community spirit often makes the impossible possible, Eben's journey is a testament to the strength found in unity and compassion. Together, South Africans are lighting the way for this brave young boy and his family. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
