Beautiful News

16/07/2025

One of South Africa’s most impactful food charity organisations, Ladles of Love, will be dishing out more than just soup to marginalised people this Mandela Day. Since being founded in 2014 by Danny Diliberto, the NPO has grown to serve love, respect, hope, and nearly a million meals a month in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Gauteng. With two events organised at the Kyalami Convention Centre, Johannesburg and the DHL Stadium, Cape Town on 18 July, Ladles of Love aims to bring together more than 10 000 volunteers to make a difference.

To participate, individuals or teams can purchase a ticket to either event, the proceeds of which enables Ladles of Love to feed a child two nutritious meals a day for a month. Your ticket allows you to book a two-hour time slot between 9am and 5pm at one of a series of four activation stations.

At the ‘MAKE’ station, you’ll put together buckets of dry goods to make soup, pack boxes of essential groceries, and make sandwiches for little kids and their carers – all of which you can package and label with notes of love. If you choose ‘GROW’, you’ll be packing soil, seeds, and instructions to make edible garden kits that provide long-term sustenance and teach valuable gardening skills.

At the ‘CREATE’ station, you can contribute to early childhood development by making educational posters and colouring-in books for preschool children and teachers, while at ‘CRAFT’, you’ll learn how to make different types of dolls as well as toy cars, taxis, and buses so little ones can treasure their own unique gift.

Whichever you choose, you’re bound to have fun and leave fulfilled. Last year, Ladles of Love united a record-breaking 12 267 volunteers on Mandela Day 2024. If you think you can help them beat this number and make a lasting difference in someone’s life this year, visit ladlesoflove.org.za/mandela-day/ to book your space.

Ladles of Love

12/07/2025

No parent should ever have to experience violence as senseless as the murder of their child. When Avril Andrews lost her son, Alcardo, to gang violence in Hanover Park, the pain was amplified by the fact that Alcardo, just 27 at the time, had actively been working with his local community and encouraging gang members to transform their lives for the better. Avril was determined that his dream wouldn’t die with him.

Guided by love, Avril founded the Alcardo Andrews Foundation to continue her son’s activism in the Cape Flats. One of its programmes is Moms Move for Justice, which brings together parents who have been affected by gang violence. With Avril’s guidance, even those who desire revenge realise that healing is the only way forward. Together they’re joining forces with authorities to end criminal activity, offering families a chance to heal, and giving hope to the next generation.

The Alcardo Andrews Foundation

There’s more to Hanover Park than gang violence. Alcardo Andrews was certain of that. Although decades of tyranny from mobsters left his community frustrated...

10/07/2025

The Durban International Film Festival, the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa, kicks off in a week, and among the global screenings is award-winning local filmmaker Jordy Sank’s ‘Fleas’. The fictional film about a young Zimbabwean boy living in a South African township, fearing xenophobic mobs, is one of Jordy’s grittier films. The founder of Sanktuary Films is known for his moving documentary, ‘I am Here’ featuring Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal, as well as his recent heartwarming comedy, ‘Die Kwiksilwers’.

“I’m always looking to take on projects that are catalysts for important conversations,” Jordy says. “Unfortunately xenophobia in South Africa keeps presenting itself. I live close to an area in Johannesburg where I’ve seen hostility to foreign shop owners, and witnessed the aftermath of a foreign marketplace that was burnt down by vigilantes.” While it’s easy to turn away when not directly affected, Jordy believes we should be raising our voices for those who aren’t seen and heard. “Most of the time, xenophobia doesn’t even make the news, that’s how accustomed we’ve become to it. So we need to start having conversations,” he says.

And for Jordy, his way of speaking up is through film. From the start, his team was determined to ensure the authenticity of the film. “I worked with a human rights activist in doing the research and got him and other Zimbabweans who’d experienced xenophobia to read the script and give commentary,” Jordy explains. “I’m also not fluent in Shona, so we had an actress fluent in Shona assist the children with their performances.”

The result is a visually striking, deeply moving portrayal of life in South Africa for some foreign nationals. “I hope that this film will give people a new understanding of what innocent victims of xenophobia experience,” Jordy says.

South Africa is brimming with artistic talent, and driving it is a sense of purpose to build a better country for all. By sparking dialogue, encouraging understanding, and promoting unity, Jordy’s film is contributing to the fight against the fear and hatred of those perceived as different.

Images supplied with credit to Jordy Sank and Sanktuary Films.

Jordy Sank | Sanktuary Films | Durban International Film Festival

05/07/2025

The implementation of bird-scaring lines – vividly coloured ropes at the rear of fishing vessels that deter birds from baited hooks – has shown the ability to reduce seabird deaths by 90%. But are all fishing boats using them at all times? While human observers can only monitor a small percentage of fishing activities, one South African has come up with a way to ensure compliance to save our birds.

The Albatross Task Force team and BirdLife SA have partnered with Imvelo Blue Environment and its founder Sihle Ngcongo, who invented an electronic monitoring device for the lines. By directly attaching to the bird-scaring line which drags through the water, the device records the tension produced by the pull of the line alongside the date and time, which is then compared to the logbook of fishing operations which should always correlate. The recording of the tension is important to differentiate between proper usage versus boats simply keeping the lines onboard.

Sihle’s device is the first of its kind and is enhancing the efficiency of bird conservation worldwide. “The device now forms part of international best-practice tools to reduce the threat of seabird bycatch and aid the recovery of endangered petrel and albatross populations worldwide,” Andrea Angel, manager of the Albatross Task Force, says. “Full compliance with bird-scaring lines throughout the fleet saves close to 10,000 seabirds annually, 7,600 of which are albatrosses, and contributes significantly to population recoveries of these magnificent species.”



BirdLife South Africa

Some of these images have been supplied, with credit to BirdLife South Africa.

04/07/2025

Migratory seabirds, such as albatrosses and swift terns, travel thousands of kilometres across the oceans in their search for food, crossing paths with fish hooked on longline trawlers. The birds cannot detect these baited lines, and as a result, it’s estimated that approximately 100 000 birds are killed or injured each year due to commercial fishing gear. Andrea Angel, the Albatross Task Force, and BirdLife South Africa work hand-in-hand with local fishers to implement techniques that can prevent this. “Since implementing the bird scaring line in the trawl fishery in South Africa, seabird deaths have been reduced by 90% and albatross deaths by 99%,” Andrea says. However, these lines are dependent on fishers committing to using them. Later on Beautiful News, Andrea shares how they’re further pioneering ways to ensure compliance in fishing boats, so that we can save our seabirds without impacting livelihoods or the country's food supply.

BirdLife South Africa

Footage by Otto Whitehead was used in the creation of this film.

Have you ever considered the hidden cost of that delicious seafood platter? Behind every net of freshly-caught fish is a trail of birds sacrificing their liv...

30/06/2025

Yet again, South Africans are making history. At just 14 years old, Renier Janse Van Rensburg is the world’s youngest cricket umpire. Hailing from Bellville, Western Cape, Renier began playing cricket when he was just five and continued to invest in the sport. Upon recently discovering that the umpiring record was held by an Australian teen, he decided to waste no time in trying to beat that.

At exactly 14 years and 89 days old, Renier was recognised by the WP Cricket Umpires Association as a level 2-qualified umpire and verified by the Guinness Book of World Records. This is just the beginning for the young sportsman. With such high standards and ambitions this early on, Renier is poised for cricketing greatness.

Image credit: Ciska Keyser

26/06/2025

When you have just 43 seconds to save a life, time and communication are key. That’s how long it takes to bring the blades of a wind turbine to a complete stop, and indicates how far in advance a bird at risk of collision must be spotted. That’s why, come rain, cold, or extreme heat, you’ll find Clarissa Mars outdoors, scanning the horizon.

As the Senior Biodiversity Team lead for Engie, which manages the Excelsior and Golden Valley wind energy programmes, Clarissa is the first person in South Africa to lead a Shutdown on Demand protocol. Since 2020, her surveillance programme has been monitoring the movement and flight paths of priority species. When a bird is spotted within two kilometres and approaching, she instructs control room operators to temporarily halt one or more turbines to prevent contact.

Situated in Swellendam, Excelsior has 13 turbines and plays a key role in supplying renewable energy. But the farm is also in close proximity to critical breeding habitats of some of South Africa’s vulnerable and endangered avian species. “We do not choose between clean energy and protecting wildlife,” Clarissa says. “We're not here to just install turbines and walk away. We are here to care about the environment too. It's all about accountability.”

By leading a team of trained observers, Clarissa can improve the accuracy of their sightings and the speed at which they respond. “A big part of my job is mentorship,” she says. Working with people from the local community, Clarissa is developing their conservation and fieldwork skills, as well as instilling a love for South Africa’s birds. In particular, they’re on the lookout for Cape vultures, Verreaux's eagles, martial eagles, black harriers, white storks, and our national birds – blue cranes.

“The best part of my job is when I go home knowing that there weren't any fatalities that day and also that my team is learning to become experts in what they do,” Clarissa says. “What we do here on site has a bigger purpose, and that's protecting wildlife for the next generation.”

25/06/2025

In the bid to secure sustainable clean energy, wind turbines offer a valuable solution. But what happens to birds that cross paths with the spinning blades? Clarissa Mars, biodiversity team lead at Excelsior Wind Farm, shares how her team is balancing renewable energy needs with conservation efforts to mitigate bird collisions and protect some of South Africa’s most at-risk species, including Cape vultures, Verreaux's eagles, martial eagles, black harriers, blue cranes, and white storks.

In the bid to secure sustainable clean energy, wind turbines offer a valuable solution. But what happens to birds that cross paths with the spinning blades? ...

22/06/2025

Water is one of our most precious resources, and how we use it can transform entire communities. Ben Getz began Urban Harvest to construct edible gardens that could align food production with conservation. “One of the biggest challenges is water consumption,” he says. “Our solution is rainwater harvest and greywater recycling, coupled with natural farming techniques.”

Ben and his team have since designed, installed, and supported over 600 organic food gardens across South Africa, while also providing support to community projects, working closely with schools, old-age homes, and under-resourced communities to mentor locals, offer practical training, and provide ongoing resource support. “Not only have our projects created immediate food for communities but also an opportunity for people to feel transformed,” Ben says.

Urban Harvest has also installed rainwater harvest systems, which include tanks, filtration, and handwashing stations, in more than 120 schools in drought-stricken areas. Ben’s work proves the simplicity of efficient water conservation and sustainable agriculture. “A healthy individual and thriving environment create a happy society,” he says. “The potential for well-being lies right in your backyard.”

Urban Harvest Edible Gardens

How can we grow food without water? Between 2015 and 2018, dams in the Western Cape came close to rock bottom. When farms in the province had no produce to h...

18/06/2025

As temperatures drop across South Africa, these seniors are using what little they have to spread love and warmth. The Buzzy Bees are a group of knitters residing in FG Lowe Village, an independent living centre for the elderly in Hanover Park, Cape Town. Facilitated by volunteer Melanie Lippert, the group meets weekly to transform donated wool and scraps into necessary items such as scarves, beanies, and blankets.

The group first got together in 2022. “Just out of lockdown, the seniors were isolated in their own living spaces,” Melanie explains. “The weekly knitting club has brought in connection with other clubs and organisations outside of FG Lowe Village and Hanover Park.” Beyond this sense of community and belonging, knitting has also empowered the group and given them purpose. Members are rediscovering long-forgotten skills and learning new ones, while others are taking charge of different aspects of their projects such as yarn distribution, quality control, team encouragement, and deadline management. “Melanie’s group shows that creative purpose doesn’t retire,” FG Lowe Village Chairperson Reuben Kadalie says. “It stitches dignity back into lives, one row at a time.”

Buzzy Bees have since made blankets for Mandela Day, and even met the Stormers after knitting a large rugby field-themed blanket. Recently, they donated colourful beanies to Moosa Ismail – the guard who makes sandwiches at his security hut and feeds hungry children on their way to school – to distribute to the learners. Thanks to the group’s efforts, Moosa can ensure the kids are not just fed, but also warm this winter.

“The knitting group proves that small, consistent acts of craft can transform an entire community,” Reuben says. “FG Lowe Village may be home to senior citizens, but thanks to Melanie and her team of determined knitters, its spirit remains refreshingly young.”

Images: supplied by Melanie Lippert with credit to Buzzy Bees.

Melanie Lippert

13/06/2025

Pit bulls are loving, loyal companions. But a lack of training and understanding of their needs perpetuates misconceptions about this already misunderstood breed. Pit Pals is working to change that.

Co-founded in 2016 by Robyn Bronkhorst, the Cape Town-based rescue centre takes in abused and abandoned pit bulls and other power breeds. The team provides sterilisation, essential medical care, and behavioural training, ensuring that they are not only physically rehabilitating the dogs but also improving their emotional wellbeing to prepare them for re-adoption.

Historically, these breeds were selected for traits like animal aggression, which unfortunately made them ideal for dog fighting. As a result, they are not naturally friendly toward other animals.

Crucial to finding a loving home is ensuring that potential owners understand the breed’s genetics and specific needs. “Do your research before bringing one into your life,” Robyn advises. Pit bulls are affectionate to humans, and do well with proper socialisation and positive reinforcement training. “They love with their whole hearts,” Robyn says. “They would literally jump into a pit for their person – that’s how deep their loyalty runs.”

Since beginning Pit Pals, Robyn and her team have successfully rehomed nearly 900 dogs, not all of which are Pit bulls. “Pit bulls just need a chance,” she says. “Come down to the kennels, meet the rescues, and learn what this breed is truly about. Their love is unconditional. Their love is like no other.”

Pit Pals

07/06/2025

Tomorrow, thousands of runners will take on Comrades, the ultimate human race. Many will conquer the gruelling ultramarathon, but none will do it quite like Marissa Groenewald who will skip all 89km.

A road and trail runner, Marissa began skipping to recover from a hip injury – but soon got bored. Out of that boredom came the idea to combine the two, and the rest was history. In February, Marissa became the first person to complete a marathon while skipping, then took on the 56km Two Oceans Ultra, becoming known as the ‘Rope Runner’ along the way.

Should she succeed tomorrow, Marissa will yet again become the only one to have ever done so. Her name will be etched in history books, but none of it will be for clout or personal gain. With every skip, Marissa is running for Love Justice International – a global NGO that protects people against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Many women and children who are reported missing, kidnapped, or trafficked are never seen again. Love Justice International works to monitor and intercept traffickers in transit, rescuing victims before they have already crossed international borders and bringing them back to safety. Their rescue missions also enable them to collect data on trafficking networks, which have helped authorities to arrest more than 1 800 suspects so far. “Their innovative approach has saved thousands of lives, and I am honored to be partnering with them,” Marissa says.

The runner’s fight against this scourge was inspired by her mother, who had dedicated herself to assisting women trafficked in Asia. Closer to home, Marissa’s initiative will ensure that women and children in South Africa stand a better chance of being safe. As Marissa defies the odds and skips closer to the finish line, she shows that no matter what it takes, no matter how challenging the journey, it will all be worth it to save a life.

TheRoperunner Marissa | Love Justice International | ComradesMarathon