Good Things Guy [2018 - 2021 episodes]

Imagine being newly matriculated and going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica with world-renowned global explorer, Riaan Manser? For five matrics, this will become a reality in January. The 'Matrics in Antarctica' competition provided every single matric student in South Africa with the chance to enter to become one of the five lucky matriculants to go on a five-day scientific adventure to Antarctica. On entry, participants had to answer the question: “What will exploration of the Antarctic continent do to help us preserve a greener, more sustainable existence on our planet?” The study tour will be led by Manser and a distinguished team of professors from the University of Stellenbosch. Manser joins Brent Lindeque to talk about the exciting programme, what the participants can look forward to and how to apply next year. Website

Are they a real production company? No. Have they made a documentary before? No. Are they prepared to drive 2 Tuk-Tuks from the Equator to Cape Town?… Ummm, that would be a 'No' as well. Having spent time making videos in some of Kenya’s incredible wild spaces Robbie, Ivo, Jasper and Josh realised the people protecting these spaces were struggling. The Rangers. These heroes help maintain the balance between communities and wildlife but as the tourism industry has taken a hit due to the pandemic, so has their funding. Armed with only filming equipment and a microphone, how could they help? The answer was clear. Spend the last of their savings on two tuk-tuks, cover them in sponsorship stickers and make a documentary driving from Kenya to Cape Town in these ridiculous three-wheeled machines. This interview will leave you in stitches… and totally inspired. Tuk South website · Donate for rangers

When you give someone your word, do you truly mean it? "That is powerful, that you do what you say you're going to do," says radio & TV celebrity Psychologist, TV presenter Charissa Bloomberg - who is a renowned Integrity Leadership specialist, and an accredited Emotional Intelligence facilitator. She joins Brent Lindeque to discuss “raising the integrity meter” in South Africa. Charissa has a Masters in Psychology, as well as a Psychodrama and Group Dynamics qualification from Oxford University, and the Capetonian brings 20 years of extensive international experience into the Psychologist space.

Small businesses are the backbone of South Africa’s economy. They have an enormous impact, providing a livelihood for many while advancing financial inclusion to reduce poverty and boost prosperity. Covid-19 has had an adverse effect on small businesses and business owners have been left either having to shut down operations or adapt to the new normal. SME’s have been the hardest hit since the pandemic and have had to pivot their business approaches and adjust to the new normal, with many having to go digital. For many SME’s moving businesses operations online has been a lifeline to retaining staff and continuing to operate. Mastercard has teamed up with PayFast to launch a “shop local” campaign that aims to elevate SMEs and their ingenuity, inspiring South Africans to get behind local businesses through safe and convenient online shopping. And to discuss this today, Brent Lindeque is joined by Kamini Redhi, who is the Marketing and Communications Director at Mastercard Southern Africa, as well as Colleen Harrison who the Head of Marketing at PayFast.

Early Childhood Development remains a fundamental driver in improving the personal and interpersonal development of any child. In light of this, in just over a year, Builders and MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet partnered to help South Africans make their contribution towards the development of children. The partnership supports early learning by building and revamping school spaces, equipping classrooms and training teachers. To chat about this incredible campaign, Roshana Burnette from Builders and Helene Brand from MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet join Brent Lindeque to chat about how much South African shoppers have raised and donated to this cause. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet website

You know we're all about the good things on this channel and you should also know that I am all about good TV and doccies. That is why this week I am bringing you front row seats - actually a more behind the scenes look at the newest streaming service that has landed on South African shores. Yup, Avid South African TV fans can now binge-watch the best of British programming all in one place as subscription video-on-demand service BritBox has launched locally as of 6 August, with new and exclusive titles such as Line of Duty season 6, Professor T and Wedding of the Century, plus thousands of hours of classic content and family favourites. After taking the United States, UK, Canada and Australia by storm and with over two million global subscriptions, BritBox is bringing local consumers a wide range of top-quality viewing, including the biggest collection of British box sets, courtesy of a joint venture between British television powerhouses BBC and ITV, responsible for some of TV’s most iconic moments. To chat about this incredible new streaming service, we’re joined by Neale Dennett - the New Markets Launch Director for BritBox International and Kent Gavin - a British photojournalist who met Princess Diana on numerous occasions and whose images have featured consistently on newspaper and magazine covers throughout the world. Britbox website

We are well into Women’s Month, a time where we celebrate all the women who are at the forefront of making a difference in South Africa as well as organisations that are helping women to reach their full potential. Mastercard is one of these organisations that is deeply committed to gender equality and has been investing significantly in various initiatives – including women’s rugby. Now, I am a huge rugby fan and am really excited to talk about some of the challenges and opportunities for women, and how Mastercard is helping to advance the women’s game. Today, Brent is joined by Kamini Redhi, who is the Marketing and Communications Director at Mastercard Southern Africa, as well as Piwokuhle Nyanda - affectionately known as "Piwo," - who is a South African and Golden Lions Women’s Rugby player, as well as a Mastercard women’s rugby ambassador. Listen to the full show here.

Mastercard has launched a Priceless Cause that enables consumers to be a force for good, make a difference, and give back to those who need it most. With the need to support South African communities increasing daily due to COVID-19, it's important for organisations to take a stand and extend a helping hand, and Mastercard has made it easier than ever to assist. Each time a Mastercard cardholder “Taps to Pay” with their Mastercard contactless card or “Scans to Pay” with their Masterpass app or any other Masterpass-enabled Scan to Pay banking app, at the till point at any Shoprite or Checkers stores, Mastercard will donate R1 to the Gift of the Givers Foundation. Brent Lindeque finds out more from Kamini Redhi, Director of Marketing and Communications at Mastercard, South Africa and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers Foundation.

Bridging the unemployment gap and teaching young South African women key fundamental entrepreneurship skills. Mastercard has teamed up with Junior Achievement South Africa to help bridge the unemployment gap and teach young South African women key fundamental entrepreneurship skills to equip them in running, managing and maintaining successful businesses. It is no secret that the South African labour force has been struggling and has experienced more woes due to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As it stands statistics show that the unemployment rate is currently 32,6% and 46,4% of the population referred to in this statistic are actually young people aged 15 –35. A serious cause for concern. Brent Lindeque is joined today by Kamini Redhi, who is the Marketing and Communications Director at Mastercard Southern Africa alongside Nelly Mofokeng, Managing Director at JASA to discuss how the two organisations have teamed up to be a force for good, helping young women entrepreneurs open and grow their small businesses.

It's been over two weeks since Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal faced devastating social unrest that brought both fear and more uncertainty. This at a time when the country's still battling a pandemic and trying to revive its battered economy. But at the same time, we saw the tide turning as South Africans did what they know best - joined hands to clean up and rebuild what had been destroyed by the unrest. Inspired by their spirit of generosity, Ubuntu, South Africans stood together against a force that threatened to destroy everything they stand for. A simple Facebook post created a beautiful idea that reverberated around the country and started a movement to Rebuild SA! We chat to the three co-founders of this incredible initiative - Emelda Masango, Mbali Ndhlovu and Natalie Church. Facebook page

"We are going to sue the South African Government collectively. Did I get your attention? Well, it's time to make our government accountable for their crimes!" That was a post Brent put up in February 2020, and a little over a year later a group of passionate South Africans is doing just that. Herman Mashaba - president of ActionSA - and Advocate Gillian Benson join Brent to talk about action after the recent violence riots in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

It’s been over 440 days since the pandemic really took hold in South Africa. Yes, that’s how long it has been since the country went into the initial lockdown. Crazy just saying that out loud. But we have made massive strides and are now in the second phase of the vaccine program in South Africa. For me vaccinations are the next step in getting back to some sort of normal. But some are still quite sceptical, so I’ve invited Dr Saul Johnson to join us in a discussion about vaccines. Dr Johnson has a medical degree from the Wits, and a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from Columbia University in New York. He lectures extensively on epidemiology and research methodology and has worked as a doctor, epidemiologist, researcher and project manager in various African countries.

Today, people are rethinking their relationship with nature. As the effects of climate change ravage many parts of the world and we experience some of the most extreme weather events on record, we must urgently think of innovative ways to inspire collective action to address climate change. The latest sustainability research commissioned by Mastercard has shown a marked increase in consumer passion for the environment, as personal attitudes toward the environment evolve. The study revealed that 98% of adults in South Africa are willing to take personal action on sustainability issues. In light of this and ahead of World Environmental Day on 5 June, Mark Elliott, Division President of Mastercard South Africa and Peter Ndunda, Kenya Country Lead at Global Restoration Initiative, joined Brent to discuss the Mastercard Priceless Coalition and sustainability efforts in being a force for good.

Hlubi Mboya sits down with Brent Lindeque to chat about her new movie, COVID-19 and what's next for the South African actress. Human trafficking is an extremely tough subject to bring to life on film, but Hlubi Mboya does the role justice in "I Am All Girls", and the international community is in agreement that this proudly South African film is a must-see. The film follows the story of how a special crimes investigator forms an unlikely bond with a serial killer to bring down a global child sex trafficking syndicate. Some parts are loosely based on a real South African story. After premiering on 14 May 2021, the proudly South African movie moved up the ranks on "What's on Netflix" to the number 2 spot before settling in at number 9 for the past week. Mboya sat down with the Brent Lindeque to chat about the film; COVID-19 and what's next for her.

It took just six months for Joburger Sean Williams and his team to collect and recycle over 50,000 bags of trash to celebrate his 50th birthday! But the story behind Sean and his incredible clean-up initiative, started with Lovemore Robson, is also one of friendship, determination and good things. The environmentalists have become heroes in the north of Johannesburg as the team leading a clean-up revolution while saving our environment, one piece of trash at a time! Together, the two environmentalists have started a clean-up business – Live Life Always (LLA) – that has employed over 20 Diepsloot residents who help keep the entire Fourways, Jukskei River and surrounds clean. Good Things Guy Brent Lindeque talks to Sean about the project and how it all got started.

Shan Visser’s story is both heartbreaking and incredibly powerful. A mongoose bit the South African, and after having four limbs amputated and over 65 operations to save her life, the local survivor and warrior has just launched The Shan Show! Shan has joined Good Things Guy Brent Lindeque today to chat about her journey and how she has remained so positive. Watch the videos here

Imagined Earth is a revolutionary company which has introduced reverse vending machines into South Africa which effectively pay you to recycle! The world generates at least 3.5 million tons of plastic and other solid waste a day, 10 times the amount it did a century ago. Fortunately, there's a growing number of people and businesses who're starting to support the zero-waste movement, and this App is not only helping South Africa get there, but it’s paying us too. Good Things Guy Brent Lindeque chats to Imagine Earth's Joshua Nuttall about what they're doing; about 'waste-preneurs' and about how you can get involved. Check out their website

We’ve just marked a year of the lockdown in South Africa and what a year it's been. What we have been through - and are still going through is absolutely tragic. This thing can feel so overwhelming and incredibly traumatic. The last year has been filled with so much grief. We have lost loved ones, businesses, incomes, health and every ounce of what we used to call normal. It’s been really tough but as I always say… in times of tragedy, always look for the helpers as they will always be there and they are the heroes we need to celebrate. And my guest today is not only a hero but someone who many look up to. She helped draft the final constitution of South Africa in 1996. She was the Public Protector of South Africa for over 7 years, she was named one of TIME 100’s most influential people in the world and is now holding a chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University. Advocate and Professor Thuli Madonsela has pushed for the last year to make sure that no one gets left behind, as the country works on a recovery plan post COVID. And the Prof has joined Brent Lindeque to chat about her social justice journey and what she is currently busy with. Follow Thuli Madonsela on Twitter

If you have always had a love for DIY projects or you developed a love during the lockdown, you will agree that walking into a store dedicated to DIY projects is like being a kid in a candy store. The pandemic inspired so many people to take up projects in their homes, from redecorating rooms and revamping the garden to repurposing rooms into offices, schools and gyms. We were told to stay home, and so we made our homes useful to our needs. The need for DIY-related shopping was at an all-time high, so it was no surprise when we learned that a new store was opening for residents of Northern Johannesburg and its surrounds. Leroy Merlin's newest store will be hosting its grand opening in Fourways on 26 March, to the sheer delight of local DIYers! Leroy Merlin Fourways is the 4th of its kind in Johannesburg. It specialises in construction, hardware, kitchen, bathroom, home decor and garden products, 65% of which are locally sourced. The incredible new brand has opened up many employment options as well as a new awesome project to help a community centre in the area! Cedric Sennepin - CEO of Leroy Merlin South Africa, joined Brent Lindeque to chat about the global brand.

Clive Vanderwagen-Julicher and Brent Lindeque chat about Mental Wellness and why our mindsets matter so much, especially right now! Clive is trained in Transactional Analysis (TA) and is also a member of the South African Transactional Analysis Association. TA is like an operating system for how humans interact, and this is used powerfully in his training sessions. “I draw on a broad range of industry experience – I've seen it all. I train using practical examples that are relevant to the company I'm working with for effective behaviour change. I teach people to consciously respond, rather than to react, to the situations they face, whether it be with customers or internal stakeholders,” he says. Listen to the podcast here.