Suzelle DIY has always been about doing things yourself, but at SANCCOB, she discovered how powerful it can be to do things together.
Western Cape, South Africa (22 December 2025) – This festive season, beloved internet personality Suzelle DIY and her bestie Mariaane took a break from glue guns, life hacks and laugh-out-loud commentary to spend time with some very special residents along the coast… the endangered African penguins at SANCCOB.
If you’ve spent any time online over the past decade, you’ll know Suzelle DIY as the straight-talking, hilariously honest woman who taught us how to survive adulting with duct tape, determination and a healthy dose of laughter. From her early DIY parody videos to viral moments about braai pies, teaching us how to peel a lot of apples and checking if your batteries are dead or alive, Suzelle has taught us what it really means to “do it yourself” and has built a loyal following by being unapologetically real. Her content is funny, yes, but it’s also rooted in relatability, warmth and heart, which made this visit feel especially fitting.
This festive season, Suzelle and Mariaane headed to SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds), a world-class seabird rehabilitation centre based in Cape Town.
SANCCOB plays a critical role in saving endangered seabirds, particularly the African penguin, whose population has declined at a devastating rate due to factors like overfishing, oil spills and habitat loss. Every rescue, every rehabilitation and every release matters. And the work done behind the scenes is nothing short of extraordinary.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Suzelle shared why this visit felt so important to her.
“I couldn’t believe this amazing facility and all the wonderful work they do for all the endangered sea birds. It’s such a wonderful place to visit right on our doorstep!”
Mariaane didn’t say much in our interview (but her eyes did… of course), and for both of them, the experience went far beyond a casual visit. It became personal, meaningful and deeply moving.
“My favourite part was meeting the people who are so passionate and Marianne and I even adopted a penguin! (You can’t take them home guys) but it was so special to know that we played a small part in protecting this amazing species. It’s so easy to get involved and a little goes a long way!”
Her video from the visit struck a chord online, with viewers praising her for using her platform to shine a light on conservation and hope.
“Thank you for giving much-needed exposure to SANCCOB, Suzelle! Such a noble use of your celebrity status! Well done!” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “Its not too late to save the African Penguin! Thank you Suzelle DIY for standing with SANCCOB in preventing extinction.”
What Suzelle’s visit made clear is that saving the African penguin isn’t reserved for scientists or conservationists alone. It’s something anyone can be part of. Whether through learning, visiting, donating or adopting a penguin (just not taking them home), SANCCOB offers a way for every South African to turn concern into meaningful action.
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