While on a trip to the Northern Cape to admire wildflowers, Juanita Aitkenhead and her friends had a deeply moving experience with a group of impoverished kids that was arguably more beautiful than any flower that day.
Northern Cape, South Africa (01 September 2025) – While out searching for wildflowers, Juanita Aitkenhead didn’t anticipate her heart melting over more than just beautiful flora during a recent visit to the Northern Cape.
She had been travelling with loved ones when she saw a group of children on the outskirts of their small village.
“We knew they were going to ask for money, but we kept quiet as we got out of the car to go see what needed to be seen at this spot,” Juanita shares in a post.
She could hear the children whispering among themselves, not to disturb the visitors and to wait until they were done.
When Juanita and her friends returned to their car, they decided on how much they would donate. They hid the money in their pockets, and as the children approached them, the unexpected happened.
The children greeted and politely asked to sing for them!
“Ja sing asb, ons will graag hoor,” Juanita shares, quoting one of the children.
“They huddled together and started. The poor baby got left in the front, all alone. It was hot and dry. They started: “Suikerbossie, ek wil jou hê’. Out of tune, but they did it.”
Moved by their heartfelt performance, Juanita admits that she couldn’t bear to listen to the whole song. Not because of their singing skills, but because she empathised with their innocence and struggles.
“Instead of begging, they chose to earn their money. We handed the money to them and left.”
Juanita adds that she and her friends were well aware of the poverty experienced by many of the families in the surrounding area where they would be visiting and had collected clothes to assist them four weeks prior.
“We collected over 10 full black bags of donations. Some were handed in to the school and church, and some to the community near where we stayed.”
In thanking those who donated, Juanita shared about her special encounter with the children and the clothing drive on the Wild Flowers of South Africa Facebook group, hoping it would inspire others to spread a little kindness if they ever plan to visit the area.
“This is not about what we did, but more about hoping that this will be a motivation to the rest of us. When you know that you are heading to the Northern Cape, please consider taking along some unwanted items to share with the people. They really do struggle, and I know, it is not possible to move away, unless you can ever afford to move away. That day of affordability hardly ever comes for many,” she appeals.
Her post has resonated with many social media users, who gushed at the young singers and praised Juanita and her friends’ heartwarming impact.
Sources: Juanita Aitkenhead
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.
Comments are closed.