‘Tis the season to celebrate the GOOD in South Africa!

Photo Cred: On File | Supplied

Twelve of the happiest feel-good stories of 2019.

Johannesburg, South Africa – In 2019, South Africa won the Rugby World Cup. The Blitzbokke took the World Sevens Series title, the Ndlovu Youth choir was signed by global super-producer Simon Cowell and our very own Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe. Good news stories abound in South Africa, and Sanlam believes it is time for us to give them a lot more airtime.

Sydney Mbhele, Chief Executive of Sanlam Brand, says all too often, our news feeds are dominated by negativity in our country.

“It is easy to miss how much good happens here every day. We believe there has never been a better time for South Africans to help each other by doing good, celebrating good and sharing the good. Positivity is key to securing a great future for our nation.”

Mbhele says Sanlam has invested R540 million into communities in South Africa over the past decade. “We are looking forward to doing a lot more good as we enter the 20s.”

Sanlam has selected 12 of the most positive stories from South Africa this year to close out 2019 on a happy note.

When a name meaning “To do Good” (Enzokuhle) became the most popular name for both boys and girls in South Africa for two years in a row. A powerful symbol of positivity in South Africa.
When seven-year-old Omphile Mabitsela was so saddened by seeing people living on the street that he started his own business in order to create jobs for the unemployed.
When 11-year-old Othembele Dyantyi became an activist for climate change as part of the Extinction Rebellion. Dyantyi and her army of youth activists are spreading awareness about the causes and severity of the climate crisis.
When a South African named Teddy Nzama beat 15 000 Starbucks employees to be crowned top Starbucks barista for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
When Soweto-woman Nokuthula Fihla started her own washing powder business, Gogo’s Washing Powder at the ‘tender’ age” of 50!
When 20-year-old Mokgadi Machaba built his own car from scrap parts that he found in his village of Ga-Rammutla.
When the Mother City was voted the best city in the world for the 7th time.
When the National Department of South Africa certified the country polio-free.
When Yococo (a dairy-free ice-cream brand) founded by Sinenhlanhla Ndlela, made it on to the Mail & Guardian Top 200 list.
When 9 of South Africa’s 23 universities were ranked in the top 4% of the 20 000 registered universities worldwide, and 11 were in the top 8%.
When South African maths students performed exceptionally well at The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
When Dr Debra Roberts was named one of the world’s most influential people in setting global climate-change policies.

In line with its commitment to a positive future, Sanlam has launched a new social initiative aimed specifically at celebrating the good that is done by South Africans on a daily basis. #NeverBeenABetterTime celebrates acts of good in South Africa and will be led by Sanlam’s own acts in this area.

The first #NeverBeenABetterTime initiative was inspired by good news story 1, the name Enzokuhle. Sanlam is challenging South Africans to analyse the meaning of their name and to commit to living up to this meaning. It is clear that our parents had the very best intentions when naming us, now let’s collectively live up to our names and do good.

To enter, visit Sanlam’s social channels and explain what your name means and how you’ll live up to it using #NeverBeenABetterTime. The prize on offer is R10 000 for the charity of the winner’s choice. T&Cs apply.

To follow and join the conversation, visit: neverbeenabettertime.co.za