Good Things Guy

23/11/2025

Ann and John Flanigan have been married nearly 60 years adventurers, ocean lovers, and the heart of the Topaz Swim Buddies community.

John, once told he wouldn’t survive the cold due to a rare lung disease, now swims in the Atlantic every day… and he’s planning something extraordinary: an 80th-birthday swim from Robben Island to Blouberg to raise funds for Down Syndrome research.

What began as two retirees “just bobbing around” has become a story of healing, friendship, courage and community.

Proof that it’s never too late to start or to inspire.

https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/john-and-ann-flanigan-the-couple-bringing-blouberg-together-through-the-sea/

23/11/2025

Nothing, not pain, not paralysis, not even amputation, has dimmed the light of Sean “Gammie on the Go” Clarke.

After finally saying goodbye to his leg, Sean has stepped into a new chapter with joy, humour and a courage that leaves you breathless.

This week, he swam for the first time post-amputation smiling, laughing and embracing every strange new sensation.

He’s run Comrades, cycled Joburg to Cape Town, hiked the Otter, completed an IRONMAN… and now, he’s simply choosing life all over again.
A reminder that resilience isn’t loud it’s steady, brave, and full of heart.

https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/sean-clarke-lives-life-fullest/

23/11/2025

South Africa is celebrating a true icon.

Dr Esther Mahlangu has turned 90, with 80 years spent illuminating the world with Ndebele art, global firsts, history-making collaborations, and a legacy that continues to lift African artists today.

From the BMW Art Car to her sold-out retrospective and now a new exhibition honouring her brilliance, Dr Esther still shows up for her culture, her craft and her country.

A living legend. A matriarch of creativity. And a reminder that African art belongs at the centre of the global stage.

https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/dr-esther-mahlangu-turns-90/

23/11/2025

For more than 50 years, Professor Crewe has been listening to one of nature’s most important conversations the chemical “language” of honey bees.

His pioneering research has shaped our understanding of how bees communicate, survive and keep our food systems alive.

This week, he received the Academy’s highest honour a tribute to a lifetime spent protecting the pollinators our world depends on.

It’s a reminder that when we save the bees, we’re really saving ourselves.

https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/prof-robin-crewe-honey-bees-honour/

23/11/2025

South Africa’s citizen scientists did a good job at recording species in this year’s Great Southern BioBlitz!

South Africa's citizen scientists did a great job at recording species in this year’s Great Southern BioBlitz.

23/11/2025

Inspired by the life-changing freedom and independence her guide dog Jaydee provides, Angela Blackwell is fundraising to ensure other visually impaired individuals can experience the bond and safety that she now enjoys.

Angela and Jaydee are raising funds so that others can enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with owning a Guide dog.

23/11/2025

We all know a yapper. We all love our yappers. Jacqueline’s yapper of 28 years, Hanro, could win an Olympic medal for yapping. And Jacqueline could scoop the Pulitzer for her retelling of it…

We all know a yapper. We all love our yappers. Jacqueline’s yapper of 28 years, Hanro, could win an olympic medal for yapping. And Jacqueline could scoop the Pulitzer for her retelling of it…

23/11/2025

This week, the RSA Flag Restoration Project was officially completed, bringing back to life the massive South African "Highway" flag that lines the road from OR Tambo International Airport.

The same flag that once welcomed the world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup… and then slowly faded away.

Until now.

But the restoration didn’t come from a government directive or a big municipal plan. It came from heart. From community. From corporate goodwill. From people who still believe in the power of pride and colour and effort.

South Africa Day, Plascon and Alan Ford Agency and Productions teamed up to repaint and restore the iconic symbol, using an incredible 4,000 litres of paint, so that every person landing in our country for the upcoming G20 Summit (and long after that) is greeted with something unmistakably South African.

But this wasn’t a rush job for an international event. This was about home.

Speaking to Good Things Guy, Alan Ford was clear: this was never just a G20 makeover.

“This wasn’t just done for G20, it was done as it is so beautiful, and what a way to welcome people to South Africa,” he explained.

Get all the details and watch the video here:

After fading into obscurity for more than a decade, the iconic flag on the R24 has been brought back to life through passion and a deep love

23/11/2025

Linden is prepping for a community-wide creative effort as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Linden is prepping for a community-wide creative effort as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

23/11/2025

After completing their podium training, South Africa’s junior gymnasts and their coaches compete in Manila, flying the flag high at one of the sport’s biggest international stages.

After completing their podium training, South Africa’s junior gymnasts and their coaches are ready to compete in Manila flying the flag high at one of the sport’s biggest international stages

23/11/2025

There’s a certain electricity that runs through this country when the Springboks do something special. That "stronger together" vibe is real. And on Saturday, under the Dublin lights, they brought it... and then some.

Thirteen years of frustration were shaken off with a performance that showed why this team keeps capturing the hearts of millions.

South Africa’s 24-13 victory over Ireland was a moment that pulled people together. Rugby fans, casual viewers, even those who usually avoid the stress of watching the Boks… everyone felt this one. It was powerful, it was gritty and it was beautifully South African.

Watch the highlights here:

With guts, grit and a scrum that simply refused to move backwards, the Springboks pulled off a memorable 24-13 victory that broke Ireland’s