Shaun struggled with lost opportunities, Keketso was desperate to rewrite his matric, and Jabulani needed assistance in obtaining his ID. Despite facing significant setbacks, they were each able to turn their lives around for the better with a hand up from the One Small Act of Kindness angels.
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 September 2025) – Though we come into this world alone. The truth is, we need a community to help, guide, support and lift us. For three men, One SMALL Act of Kindness (OSAOK) provided that community when life had thrown them one too many curveballs, throwing them off course.
Shaun once had big plans, but when the world pushed him down, he struggled to get back up. He found himself on the streets, carrying not only the weight of survival but also the burden of lost opportunities.
He joined OSAOK’s men’s shelter some time ago, and during that time played a key role in lending a helping hand where it was needed and volunteered in community cleanups.
“For the last two months, we have assisted in getting his PDP, license renewed, and past fines paid up to help his new venture get on track,” OSAOK shares.
The outcome? Today, Shaun has his very own car through a popular e-hailing service provider and begins his journey as a driver. What’s more, at the end of this month, he will be moving into his very own place!
Another touching testimony is of Keketso, who wanted more than anything to rewrite his matric, knowing he could get better results than those he’d achieved back in high school.
Through support received from OSAOK, he was able to realise this goal and received his new and improved national senior certificate recently.
“This is what happens when people believe in you,” a proud Keketso said.
OSAOK also assisted a gentleman known as Jabulani to obtain his ID, a crucial document for accessing and obtaining just about anything in life.
A grateful Jabulani collected his new ID smart card this week and didn’t hesitate to go book a test for his learner’s license immediately after – an opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible before.
This is the power of having a community that recognises and believes in your ability, drive and will to do better.
These three men’s journeys are beautiful reminders that with support, dignity, and belief in second chances, lives can be rebuilt! We wish them all the best on their new chapters and applaud OSAOK for giving them a hand up.
Sources: One SMALL Act of Kindness
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 