News24 readers react with all the April feels to News24’s ‘Good News Day’.

• For the past five years on 1 April, News24 hosts ‘Good News Day’ to celebrate inspiring stories of hope from across SA.
• News24’s Good News editor, Paul Herman, and his fellow News24 journos have curated a selection of 10 fresh and heartwarming stories to share.
• News24 subscribers have been sharing their feelings of relief and joy over News24’s Good News Day in the comments sections.

At News24, we don’t joke around when it comes to good news – which is why, every year for the past five years, we’ve been sharing a trove of inspiring, heartwarming, and incredible local stories on the first of April for Good News Day.

Or as we like to sometimes call it – April Feels Day.

The initiative, spearheaded by editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson and managed by Good News editor Paul Herman, involves a carefully curated range of stories, shared throughout the day, from our various news sections that are rich in inspiration.

From tales of triumph, entrepreneurial bravado, and selfless acts of giving back – News24 readers and subscribers are treated with joy rather than jests on 1 April each year.

This year, as the editorial team kept the stream of positive and uplifting news stories flowing through the day, News24 subscribers were logging in and chiming in to share their gratitude and thoughts across the stories shared for this year’s Good News Day.

A triumphant salt mom and a ballet delight

The feedback flurrying in has been a swell of gratitude, intrigue, and celebratory praises as subscribers welcomed the good news, in an otherwise dim global atmosphere, with eager and open arms.

The story that garnered the most attention was taken with a pinch of salt and seasoned with praise – that’s right, it’s the tale of the Oryx salt brand founder, Samantha Skyring. Subscribers rushed to the comments to share their thoughts, salt-industry conspiracy theories, and praises – with some eager to dive deeper into the chemical creation of salt.

User646868 left the story feeling not only inspired but informed…

Regular Oryx salt buyer, everhopeful, said that they were fascinated by the read and wished Skyring luck with her business. “I bought matching Oryx salt and pepper pots because I liked the look of them – had no idea about the back story,” they enthused.

User424675 echoed everhopeful’s sentiments and noted that the Oryx Chilli Salt is their seasoning of choice from the brand.

While subscribers like Mel H felt moved to make the switch to Oryx Salt after the profile, fellow commenter Concerned citizen SA is hoping to convince the rest of their family to make the switch to Oryx.

Commenter user139105 shared a sweet memory of finding the local condiment while travelling abroad. “I was pleasantly surprised and very proud when I saw Oryx in Portugal some years ago. Well done, lovely journey!”

Dancing her way into South Africa’s heart, the tale of Mbalenhle Mkhatshwa, who founded a ballet studio for girls in her grandmother’s backyard, grabbed readers’ attention and praise. And some commenters even called out the president to take notes from her.

Other readers praised the initiative, like commenter Educator, who said, “Everyone should have the opportunity to dance!” While Janthegran hoped to let Mkhatshwa know she’s ‘just what South Africa needs’. Bgoeieman.bg, a parent of a young ballet dancer, shared that they’d love to visit the school someday.

Praises were also sung for fitness coach Leroy Maluka, who took underprivileged children to see Bafana Bafana live in action, for Makida Kumalo for her UAE crisis ubuntu spirit, as well as for Fikile Zungu, whose inspiring tale from domestic worker to business owner moved readers.

One thing is for sure: the people are yearning for good news – for nuggets of hope that make the heavy news and headlines dominating our feeds a little less overwhelming. And News24 will be there to help bring those stories to light – lighting a path forward to each Good News Day with tales of resilience, compassion, and victory.

Revisit the stories from this year here.

If you’d like to get in touch, email [email protected].