The Good Newspaper

30/11/2025

Thank you to every reader, supporter, contributor and friend of The Good Newspaper. Your support, kindness and encouragement have meant more than you know.

We are taking a step back so that we can take a step forward in the new year. This is not a goodbye; it is a moment to realign our mission and rebuild as we prepare for 2026. During this time, we are developing a new platform that will have a more tangible impact within South African communities. 🇿🇦

We still have a few lovely initiatives to share with you until the launch of our new platform and will be back soon. Thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you all a lovely December, make it so!

With love,
Daniel Roos 🧡

24/11/2025

Clover Mama Afrika hosted a four-day Sew Fancy course, bringing together ten Mamas from across South Africa. 🇿🇦

The course offered an opportunity for women to explore new techniques, refine their skills and connect with fellow participants from different regions. Under the guidance of sewing expert Linda Venter, the Mamas worked on a diverse range of projects including golf club covers, 4 bottle wine totes, book covers, aprons, tablet stands, fabric plant holders and car rubbish baggies. Each project encouraging ingenuity, and adaptability while developing confidence to create items that could support small businesses and personal enterprises.

By the conclusion of the four days, the women were not only skilled in their craft but also inspired to turn their creativity into income-generating opportunities. The course illustrated the importance of collaboration, showing how focused training can empower women to contribute meaningfully to their communities while nurturing entrepreneurship. 🧡

19/11/2025

Saint Gobain Africa and Saint Gobain Ireland have partnered with Mellon Educate to deliver a major school building initiative in Lwandle, Western Cape. More than four hundred volunteers from Europe, America, and South Africa are working together this week to upgrade A C J Phakade Primary School and Simanyene High School. The project is supported by a seventy five thousand euro contribution from the Saint Gobain Foundation in Paris, reinforcing Saint Gobain Africa’s Make it in Africa to Build Africa commitment. 🏫

The Building Blitz will provide new Grade R classrooms, a literacy hub, a feeding kitchen, additional learning spaces, and a playground at A C J Phakade Primary School, while Simanyene High School will receive ten new classrooms, covered canopies, an outdoor gym, a feeding kitchen, and a new toilet block. Mellon Educate’s Community Literacy Programme continues to make a meaningful difference, supporting three thousand four hundred children every week across sixteen Western Cape schools. 📚

This initiative marks Saint Gobain’s sixth major community project in South Africa and commemorates their long term commitment to building beyond bricks and supporting the next generation. 🧡

Get the full scoop, link in bio:

By Flux CommunicationsSaint-Gobain Africa and Ireland have joined forces with the Mellon Educate School Building Project to transform education infrastructure at two local schools in the township of Lwandle, Western Cape. Over 400 volunteers from Europe, America, and South Africa are coming together...

18/11/2025

Boys in South Africa are still taught to hide sadness, bury fear and face life alone. Outdated ideas of “strength” push silence, dominance and aggression onto them, shaping generations of boys into men who struggle to cope and often carry emotional pain that harms both themselves and their communities. 🇿🇦

The Character Company is challenging this harmful “boy code” by pairing fatherless boys with committed male role models. Through mentorship, nature experiences and safe spaces, boys are shown that their emotions can be tools for connection and responsible masculinity.

When boys grow up believing that sadness is weakness or fear is shameful, they withdraw from support and internalise their struggles. This contributes to the stark reality that South African men are four to five times more likely to die by su***de than women, with untreated emotional distress often leading to long-term mental health challenges, substance abuse or violence.

Founder Jaco van Schalkwyk emphasises that real strength lies in gentleness, empathy and emotional accountability. Boys need men who model compassion, responsibility and emotional literacy so they can break the cycle of harm passed down through generations.

Raising emotionally healthy boys requires safe spaces, intentional mentorship, new language and a collective willingness to challenge damaging expectations. In doing so, boys can grow into men who strengthen their families, uplift their communities, and help rewrite a healthier future for masculinity in South Africa. 🧡

Get the full scoop, link in bio:

By The Character CompanyAcross South African cultures, boys are still being taught that the right way to be a boy is to suppress emotions like sadness and fear, mask their pain and grapple with life’s challenges all by themselves. This is integral to the traditional ideology of masculinity which r...

17/11/2025

During a recent visit to the Northern Drakensberg, we spent time with Thobani Ndlovu at the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust, a non-profit organisation that exists thanks to the vision and support of The Cavern Resort Drakensberg, Montusi Mountain Lodge, Sungubala Eco Camp. The Carte Collection laid the groundwork for an educational initiative that continues to make a difference in the lives of children and families across the Northern Drakensberg. Despite limited resources, long travel distances, and the daily challenges of poverty and isolation, there is a clear determination among the locals to make education work.

In our conversation with Thobani Ndlovu, it became evident how his humility, understanding, and insight of local challenges shape the Trust’s work. While RDET provides books, training, facilities, and learning materials, Thobani emphasised that the greatest impact comes from fostering confidence, and a sense of possibility in each child. Thobani’s leadership is profoundly people-centred, shaped by listening, collaboration, and respect, and it is through his commitment that the Trust has successfully expanded programmes to include mentorship, teacher development, and initiatives that respond to the broader social needs of the Northern Drakensberg.

If you enjoy seeing and hearing about those who are going out of their way to benefit their community, those making positive changes in the world, or are simply interested in the incredible work being done in the Drakensberg area, this is the interview for you! 🧡

See the full interview, link in bio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrnTALXz9x0&t=29s 🎙

You can support their work by registering Royal Drakensberg Education Trust as your beneficiary on Supporta, and by visiting The Carte Collection to see the impact of their initiatives in the Drakensberg firsthand.

Video credit: Grant Pitcher

Video credit: Grant PitcherHost: Colin BirchIn the remote communities of the Northern Drakensberg, schools face countless challenges, from limited access to ...

12/11/2025

Unlike conventional lodges, Sungubala Eco Camp is designed to have minimal impact on the environment. All power is solar, gas is used for cooking and heating, and the cottages, A-frames, and rondavels blend naturally into the landscape. Megan Bedingham explained that the camp was deliberately structured for self-catering, allowing guests to feel independent while still having access to shared communal spaces for gathering, meals, and socialising.

The activities at Sungubala Eco Camp are deeply tied to the landscape itself. Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and birdwatching are part of the everyday experience, giving guests an opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the Northern Drakensberg. Megan illustrated that the camp also partners with local guides and schools, supporting the community while educating visitors on the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

During our conversation, hosted by Colin Birch, Megan shared how Sungubala is part of the Carte Collection, yet she has steered this particular project toward sustainability, self-sufficiency, and adventure-focused tourism. Megan emphasised that every decision, from the placement of the units to the design of the trails, is made with care for the land, demonstrating that eco-tourism can be both responsible and rewarding. 🌿

See our full interview, link in bio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkH7M_bOCzw&t=1240s🎙🧡

Video credit: 📹

Video credit: Grant PitcherHost: Colin BirchUnlike conventional lodges, Sungubala is designed to have minimal impact on the environment. All power is solar, ...

12/11/2025

The Two Oceans Aquarium marks its 30th birthday this November and you are invited to celebrate at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. 🐠

On 13 November, enjoy a day of ocean-themed fun and surprises. Take a selfie at the legacy photo wall, enjoy a 30th birthday coffee, or try your luck at winning a penguin plushie during feeding times. 🐧

Watch the divers mark the occasion with a banner dive in the I&J Ocean Exhibit. Children can enjoy puppet shows, crafts, and birthday-themed activities at the Children’s Play Centre. 🪸

Daily feeding times give visitors the chance to see penguins, sharks, and the kelp forest come alive. If you miss the main event, the 30th birthday Trash Bash on 15 November at Lagoon Beach offers a hands-on way to care for the oceans. 🌊

Since opening in 1995, the Aquarium has welcomed over ten million visitors, shared the wonders of marine life, and supported important conservation and research work. It is a place where science and storytelling meet, reminding everyone that the oceans’ future depends on all of us. 🧡

Get the full scoop, link in bio:

By Two Oceans AquariumSTART The Two Oceans Aquarium turns the big three-oh this November and they want you to share in their celebrations of the Aquarium’s 30th Birthday legacy. On 13 November 2025, come and visit, buy your entrance ticket to join in the festivities.Snap that perfect selfie at the...

11/11/2025

In this episode of The Good Interview, we spoke with Lindsay Du Plessis, Director of Montusi Mountain Lodge, located in the Northern Drakensberg. Montusi is a family-run lodge known for its personalised hospitality, striking mountain views, and commitment to both the environment and the local community. Lindsay shared how she and her family have continued the vision of her parents while navigating the demands of modern eco-tourism. 🏞️

During our visit, we toured the lodge’s cottages, walking trails, and communal areas, all designed with a balance of comfort, sustainability, and practicality. Lindsay explained the lodge’s conservation efforts, support for local schools, and community initiatives, showing how Montusi Mountain Lodge operates as a responsible presence in the Northern Drakensberg region. 🌿

In our conversation, hosted by Colin Birch, Lindsay spoke about the lodge’s history, the importance of family legacy, and how has evolved over the years. She shared examples of the lodge’s impact on guests and the surrounding community, emphasising that success is measured not only in hospitality but also in the contributions made to local people and the environment. 🏡

Lindsay’s commitment to both the lodge’s history and the surrounding environment is clear, and it shows in how Montusi runs as a thoughtful and responsible operation. Montusi Mountain Lodge isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a family-run lodge that values sustainability, heritage, and its connection to the local community.

See the full interview, link in bio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1vWOPjgswQ&t=372s 🎙🧡

Video credit: Grant Pitcher 📹

Video credit: Grant PitcherHost: Colin BirchIn this episode of The Good Interview, we spoke with Lindsay Du Plessis, Director of Montusi Mountain Lodge, loca...

11/11/2025

The Empathy in Action Humane Education Project is creating new hope by connecting the care of children and animals. 🐾

Earlier this month, the project hosted two workshops that brought together professionals from animal welfare, child protection and early childhood development. Participants explored how empathy can be nurtured and practised, sharing ideas, strategies and creative approaches that strengthen the wellbeing of both children and animals.👶🐕

During the workshops, facilitators guided participants through interactive sessions on humane education, empathy development and community-based solutions. Attendees reflected on how teaching compassion can transform relationships, build safer communities and help children grow into empathetic citizens.

The project has now expanded online, offering an accessible course for educators, caregivers and organisations across South Africa and beyond. The course provides practical tools and resources to bring compassion into daily learning and care, no matter where participants are located.

See the full story, link in bio, for more on the workshops, the online course and how Ezrah Community Training and Development initiative is helping to build a kinder South Africa for children and animals. 🧡

By EzrahIn a world that needs more kindness, our Empathy in Action: Humane Education Project is creating hope - bringing together people who care deeply about both children and animals. Through compassion-based learning and collaboration, we’re helping build communities where empathy is not just t...

10/11/2025

The Cavern, a family-run resort established in 1941 in the Northern Drakensberg, offers a captivating glimpse into a place where history, nature, and hospitality converge. It was a privilege to follow this with a conversation with Megan Bedingham, the resort’s Director, to hear firsthand about the vision and legacy that have guided the establishment for over eighty years.

The tour itself was a introduction to the character of The Cavern Resort Drakensberg, where sweeping views of the Drakensberg mountains frame charming cottages and meticulously maintained gardens. Every space, from the main lodge and dining areas to the hiking trails and recreational facilities, is designed with both comfort and environmental stewardship in mind, reflecting a careful balance between luxury and sustainability. 🌿

During the interview, hosted by Colin Birch, Megan spoke at length about the origins of The Cavern, the principles of family, legacy, and community that underpin its operation, and the ways in which the resort has adapted to embrace modern eco-tourism and sustainability practices without losing the warmth and welcoming atmosphere that draws guests back year after year. Megan also shared insights into the resort’s engagement with the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust, illustrating how tourism can be leveraged as a force for positive community impact.

We further spoke about the ongoing efforts that make The Cavern a contributor to its surroundings, covering initiatives that involve supporting local artisans, encouraging guest participation in conservation, and fostering community projects that preserve both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Megan left a lasting impression with her reflections on the values that guide her work, urging us to approach life with curiosity, kindness, and respect for both people and the planet, and reminding us that by cultivating these qualities, we not only enrich our own experiences but also make a tangible difference in the lives of others and in the preservation of the environments we inhabit.

See the full interview, link in bio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMy1WFWT6SE 🎙🧡

Video credit: 📹

Video credit: Grant PitcherHost: Colin BirchThe Cavern, the family-run resort established in 1941 in the Northern Drakensberg, offers a captivating glimpse i...

06/11/2025

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Catherine Swanepoel, co-founder of BackaBuddy, to talk about their latest initiative, ! Over the years, Catherine has dedicated herself to helping South Africans give in ways that really make a difference, beyond one-off donations. In this week's episode of The Good Interview hosted by Colin Birch, our conversation explored the vision behind and how it supports non-profits in building sustainable funding. 🇿🇦

During our conversation, Catherine shared the challenges of sustainable giving in South Africa and why small, regular contributions can add up, and make all the difference. We also unpacked how BackaBuddy helps non-profits grow in practical ways and the role donors play in long-term impact, showing how provides real, hands-on support for organisations looking to build sustainable support. See how Catherine Swanepoel and her team are changing the way South Africans think about giving. 🧡

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x-dZnIHF_c

04/11/2025

Big wave champion, adventurer and ocean advocate Chris Bertish has kicked off his Super Stoked! South African book tour at the Sentinel Ocean Alliance in Hout Bay. The first Super Stoked! Community Hero, recognised through The Chris Bertish Foundation, is Kholofelo Sethebe, a Marine Biologist and Educator who runs the Parley Ocean School.

Originally from Limpopo, Kholofelo discovered the ocean on a school trip to Cape Town. Today she inspires young people from under-resourced communities to care for and protect the sea, proving that making waves comes from passion, purpose and determination, not privilege. 🌊🏄‍♀️

Chris is travelling the country to celebrate people like Kholofelo, whose work is shaping the next generation of ocean advocates. 🧡

Get the full scoop, link in bio:

By Flux Communications On Friday, 31 October, big wave champion, adventurer, and ocean advocate Chris Bertish kicked off his Super Stoked! South African book tour at the Sentinel Ocean Alliance in Hout Bay - and in true Bertish style, the focus wasn’t on him, but on someone who embodies the spirit...