Surviving the pandemic
A shout-out for the things that have been getting us through
What is it?
Good Things Guy is a goodnews site started by Brent Lindeque: “It’s a feel-good place for people to find hope and inspiration and proudly South African stories. Even though it was created by me, it doesn’t belong to me. I’m just a mouthpiece for good news stories of things that ordinary South Africans are doing.”
What inspired you to start it?
It’s been going for almost seven years now. I decided to start it because at the time you couldn’t find good news anywhere — at least I couldn’t find a place that had a portal where you could just find good news. Also, I wanted to create a balance for South Africans to know what’s going on in our country but at the same time have some perspective.
Has it been difficult to find good news stories since Covid arrived?
Not at all. [US TV host]Fred Rogers said: “In times of tragedy always look for the helpers,” and I think now that’s become prevalent. There are helpers everywhere —p eople doing extraordinary things and helping each other, uplifting each other in communities and feeding schemes.
Do you still find stories that inspire you?
100% yes. That’s what keeps me going and makes this thing that I’ve created so worthwhile. I wrote a story this morning about a pay-it-forward scheme in Fourways. If you read the background about how it started and how the community keep the kindness going, it’s truly inspirational.
How do you stay motivated and positive?
Pre-Covid I thought I had to keeppositive and motivated. My Facebook and Tweets had to be only about good things. Then Covid hit and I had to face the reality that not every day is a good day and you don’t have to be OK every day – it’s OK not to be OK. That was a learning [curve]: I’m allowed to have off days and speak about those off days as well.It’s vitally important for people to know that I’m human —I ’m not this robot that’s happy all the time.
What role does humour play in the way you tell your stories?
In SA it’s the way we get through traumatic situations —b y laughing at the thing that’s happening or by bringing laughter to the table.South African humour is unique .I found TikTok during lockdown.I’m quite funny on my TikTok account, that’s where I celebrate my humour.
A message to South Africans?
Don’t lose hope.I know it’s tough,I know it’s tragic,I know that every day is another trauma and I know that we’re all fighting battles we don’t talk about.Because what’s the first rule ofFight Club? We don’t talk about Fight Club. We don’t talk about the things that are bothering us the most.But don’t lose hope – it will get better. Tomorrow will come — we need to hold onto the light and hope. We need to keep checking in with each other and keep spreading hope among each other.