After fading into obscurity for more than a decade, the iconic flag on the R24 has been brought back to life through passion, teamwork and a deep love for this country.

Johannesburg, South Africa (23 November 2025) – This week, the RSA Flag Restoration Project was officially completed, bringing back to life the massive South African “Highway” flag that lines the road from OR Tambo International Airport.

The same flag that once welcomed the world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup… and then slowly faded away.

Until now.

But the restoration didn’t come from a government directive or a big municipal plan. It came from heart. From community. From corporate goodwill. From people who still believe in the power of pride and colour and effort.

South Africa Day, Plascon and Alan Ford Agency and Productions teamed up to repaint and restore the iconic symbol, using an incredible 4,000 litres of paint, so that every person landing in our country for the upcoming G20 Summit (and long after that) is greeted with something unmistakably South African.

But this wasn’t a rush job for an international event. This was about home.

Speaking to Good Things Guy, Alan Ford was clear: this was never just a G20 makeover.

“This wasn’t just done for G20, it was done as it is so beautiful, and what a way to welcome people to South Africa,” he explained.

He remembers the pride of 2010 like it was yesterday.

His social media post, which is going viral, captured it perfectly:

“I was so proud in 2010 (with the World Cup Soccer) to see the South African Flag painted on pebbles on the highway as you left OR Tambo International Airport. It was short-lived, and became an utter mess and kind of disappeared! So ‘South Africa Day Project’, ‘Plascon’ and ‘Alan Ford Productions’ decided to clean it up, and bring it back to life, with durable Plascon Paint (4000 litres to be exact)!!”

“As thousands of international dignitaries, heads of state and visitors leave the airport on the R24 towards Johannesburg (Africa’s Financial and Economic Hub), they get to see this, and we proudly brought it back!”

“We didn’t rely on government to make this happen, but a corporate, aka PLASCON, and proud South Africans, like myself, and others simply just did it!”

“We are proud of our flag, our country and wanted to show it off in this manner.”

“We need to stop depending on government to clean up things and make us proud!!! Hope this inspires you!!!”

And judging by the reaction, it already has.

Barend Le Grange, Convenor of the Dialogue of Action Network, shared why the initiative carries so much weight.

“In 2010, in preparation for the soccer World Cup, the Parks Department of Johannesburg actually created this flag, and now, in 2025, with the G20 coming up, we have decided that we are going to restore this flag again. Not only for 2025 but also for the future. This is the way that we, as South Africans, must welcome visitors to South Africa.”

It’s not just new paint. It’s a message stitched into the ground.

A reminder of unity.

A reminder of pride.

A reminder of what we can achieve when we stop waiting for someone else to do the work.

Bheki Shongwe, CEO of South Africa Day, captured that perfectly, “It’s something that signifies who we are as South Africans because this flag unites all of us. And this is how it should be. And that’s the country that we want. One that is united in diversity. Working together to rebuild this country to become stronger and to be successful.”

Plascon didn’t hesitate when the call came.

“We’ve done this by staying true to our mission, which is to enable and inspire the community and the customers in which we operate and this is an example of that where we’ve undertaken an initiative that inspires the country and makes South Africa proud of our flag and our heritage,” Leslie Frank, Head of Marketing Decorative Paint, explained.

“At Plascon, we say ‘together we’ve got this’, and our flag manifests that unity and coming together, so South Africa, together with Plascon, you’ve got this.”

When asked what this project means to him, Alan said something quietly powerful.

“We can’t rely on the government to fix the things around us that are broken. So if you can make a change, within civil society yourself, or as a human being… and want to change something around you and make something pretty around you… you can do it! It’s like mowing the lawn outside your house, even though it’s government land, you can do it.”

And he’s right.

“It’s often the role of the individual South African to get their hands dirty and do things to make this a better country and that’s what you’re all about.”

“But it’s also great when corporate South Africa get involved, like in this case, Plascon, who provided 4000 litres of paint to do the project. We all need to play our part.”

Sometimes all it takes is a splash of colour on the side of the road to remind us that people still care. That unity is not an old slogan but something you can see from the sky. That pride doesn’t have to wait for permission. And that hope… bright, bold, stitched in red, blue, green, yellow, black and white, can be painted back into the landscape whenever we choose.

South Africa… look what we can do when we decide to do it together.

Source: Interview with Alan Ford 

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 and 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 and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post This Restored “Highway” Flag Proves What South Africans Can Do Together appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Key Developments

IMF: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Economy to Grow by 4.0% in 2025, Adding $3.6 Billion in Output

• 
  
  
  
  August 6, 2025
  

| Article

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its July 2025 update on the global economy. For Africa, the outlook is cautiously optimistic.

Despite global headwinds, Sub-Saharan Africa is set to post stronger-than-expected growth.

This presents a clear signal to business executives and investors that the region’s economic fundamentals remain intact.

Africa’s Upgraded Forecast: Key Data Points

According to the IMF:

• Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP is expected to grow by 4.0% in 2025 (revised upward by 0.2 percentage points from April 2025).

• Growth will further accelerate to 4.3% in 2026 (up by 0.1 percentage point).

• These revisions add $3.6 billion in output to the region’s economy in 2025 alone.

Compared to global projections:

• World GDP is forecast at 3.0% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026.

• Emerging markets and developing economies are projected to grow at 4.1% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026.

• Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth exceeds the global average and remains among the strongest regional performers.

Country Breakdown: Nigeria and South Africa

Nigeria

• 2023: 2.9%

• 2024: 3.4%

• 2025: 3.4% (+0.4% revision)

• 2026: 3.2% (+0.5% revision)

South Africa

• 2023: 0.8%

• 2024: 0.5%

• 2025: 1.0% (no revision)

• 2026: 1.3% (no revision)

Nigeria’s upward revision reflects improving fundamentals and possible benefits from global capital flows and energy demand.

South Africa’s flat revision indicates continued structural constraints but shows moderate progress.

What’s Driving the Change?

Front-Loaded Global Trade

• Global firms are accelerating trade flows due to tariff uncertainty.

• The world trade volume has been revised up by 0.9 percentage points for 2025, benefiting export-oriented regions like Africa.

Weaker US Dollar & Eased Financial Conditions

• The US dollar has depreciated considerably, easing import costs for African economies.

• Capital inflows to emerging markets have resumed, supported by falling interest rates and lower global inflation.

Inflation Trends

• Consumer price inflation in emerging markets and developing economies is projected at:

  • 5.4% in 2025

  • 4.5% in 2026

• These levels are falling, providing monetary policy space for African central banks.

Global Pressures That Could Disrupt the Outlook

• Tariff Risks: The IMF notes that if US tariffs revert to levels proposed earlier this year (up to 50% on key commodities like copper), global growth could drop by 0.2 percentage points.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Escalation in the Middle East or Ukraine could increase energy prices and disrupt trade.

• Inventory Overhang: Global stockpiling in early 2025 could reduce demand for imports later in the year.

• Fiscal Stress: Global fiscal deficits remain high. A sudden increase in long-term interest rates could restrict financing conditions for African economies.

 

Find more on the World Economic Outlook Update, July 2025 Here

Share :

You may also like…

First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest, and Knife Capital Honored for Pioneering Support of African Startups at Oxford VC Awards

Three African venture capital (VC) fund managers—First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest, and Knife Capital—have been honored with prestigious awards for their exceptional efforts in supporting entrepreneurs and startups across the continent.

Read More »

September 27, 2024

CityBlue Hotels Invests in Sustainable Agtech Startup Farm to Feed

CityBlue Hotels, a leading African hospitality chain, has announced a strategic investment in Farm to Feed, a B2B platform tackling food waste in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Read More »

July 3, 2024

Egyptian AI recruitment startup Talents Arena secures $750K in Pre-Seed funding

Egyptian AI-driven recruitment platform Talents Arena has raised $750,000 in pre-seed funding.

Read More »

August 9, 2023

The post IMF: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Economy to Grow by 4.0% in 2025, Adding $3.6 Billion in Output appeared first on Empower Africa.

Aid is a lifeline. A promise. A contract signed in agreement that in a world of need, we help those left behind, particularly the most vulnerable. When that lifeline is suspended with minimal transition planning, what follows isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. 

What follows are systemic disruptions and humanitarian challenges. And that’s exactly what unfolded across Africa when a stop work order on all U.S. foreign assistance was issued. 

Across Africa, the stop work order led to far-reaching disruptions in life-saving programs, health services, humanitarian assistance, economic challenges, and security. Projections estimate that the aid freeze will push an additional 5.7 million Africans below the extreme poverty line within the first 12 months, and grow to affect 19 million more by 2030. That’s not all. It is also estimated that the cuts will shrink the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa by $4.6 billion over the next five years.

Inside Nigeria’s Aid Shock: A Close Look at SCIDaR’s Struggle and Shift

In Nigeria, foreign aid has been crucial in the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, providing humanitarian assistance, and improving maternal and child healthcare for vulnerable communities. However, funding cuts have disrupted several crucial initiatives, including Solina Centre for International Development and Research’s (SCIDaR) HIV programming, workforce development, and services that are inclusive and equity focused.

Here is a closer look at how deep the cuts have gone.

SCIDaR is a Nigeria-based nonprofit organization focused on improving health and development outcomes through evidence-based implementation, policy advocacy, and systems strengthening in Africa. 

Through the USAID-funded ASPIRE program, SCIDaR provided essential HIV services such as testing, treatment, and maternal care to underserved populations in rural areas across Abuja (Federal Capital Territory) , Nasarawa, Rivers, and other Nigerian states.
SCIDaR tested over 81,000 individuals for HIV in 2024 alone, linking 98% of those who tested positive to treatment. Viral load coverage reached 92%, with suppression rates exceeding 90%  — indicating positive outcomes of both program reach and treatment quality. More than 11,000 pregnant women were tested during antenatal care, and over 1,000 women living with HIV received cervical cancer screening. 

One of the beneficiaries of this program is Grace, a 30-year-old expectant mother in Abuja (FCT). When funding was frozen, Grace’s access to those services was abruptly disrupted, and her baby’s care was thrown into uncertainty. 

That’s not all. Nearly 2,000 frontline health workers and technical roles tied to the program were reassigned or phased out, while critical components like logistics, training sessions, mentorship, and accreditation support were delayed or canceled. As a result, the workforce essential to sustaining rural health services was significantly weakened.

With Aid Gone, What’s Next for SCIDaR?

With the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. financial support to the program, SCIDaR was thrust into a situation that demanded a fundamental shift in its role within Nigeria’s broader health ecosystem and a move toward greater financial self-reliance. 

The organization deepened its collaboration with federal and state governments, embedding technical support within public institutions and co-financing key interventions. By aligning its work with national priorities such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), SCIDaR reduced its dependence on foreign aid and reinforced the foundation for long-term health system reform. At the policy level, the organization continues to advocate for increased domestic investment in health, maternal care, and workforce development.

To lead this transformation, SCIDaR launched an internal Innovation Office tasked with designing scalable, grassroots-anchored solutions that are more resilient when compared to the typical donor funding cycle. This shift included investments in digitizing human resources and health planning with tools such as the Integrated Human Resource Information System (iHRIS 5.0) for workforce planning, and the expansion of community-led models like Community Reorientation Women’s Network (CRoWN), which strengthen local accountability and service continuity even in resource-constrained settings.

In parallel, SCIDaR started exploring alternative financing pathways through partnerships with private sector actors. Collaborations with financial institutions such as Wema Bank and Access Bank led to the development of access-to-finance platforms and tailored loan products for local health-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through initiatives like Promoting Accreditation for Community Health Services (PACS) and Smiles for Mothers, over 200,000 providers received business support and credit, sustaining frontline care where traditional aid had withdrawn. SCIDaR also piloted blended financing models alongside state governments and private actors to fund digital tools and health workforce systems. Through the i3 Africa initiative, it supported African health-tech innovators, unlocking over $11 million in contracts to scale grassroots solutions.

In the communities served by SCIDaR, there is a clear demand for continuity. Community members have shown resilience and a desire to protect the gains made by the organization’s initiatives. For instance, in Ngbo, a rural area that benefited from health workforce optimization, community members and local leaders rallied to protect the gains in their training institutions. While concerns over the continuity of HIV care and maternal health remain — particularly among pregnant women, youth, and caregivers — advocacy for sustained support is growing louder. 

SCIDaR’s Evolution Mirrors a Continental Awakening

SCIDaR’s transformation is not happening in isolation. Across Africa, a growing number of impact-led organizations are confronting the same hard truth: the era of relying on traditional aid models is no longer sustainable, and the pivot from dependence to building resilience has become urgent.

Abrupt donor withdrawals have triggered widespread program disruption and data vacuum across the continent, forcing these organizations to rethink how impact is financed, owned, and sustained. The systems that once made consistent, reliable impact tracking possible are either underfunded or gone entirely. During a Devex briefing on Testing Africa’s Health Independence, Africa CDC’s Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya called out the widening data gap, and the need for Africa to build a data management system to track progress.  

SCIDaR’s pivot toward innovation, government alignment, collaborations, and alternative financing stands out as a compelling blueprint for navigating this new reality. But to achieve this vision, SCICaR and other similar African-led organizations need catalytic support from partners willing to invest not just in programs, but in the long-term capacity, digital infrastructure, and local knowledge to create efficient health systems. It is organizations like this that bridge the last mile, translating resources into measurable outcomes while building systems that endure.

Aid may be gone, but the mission is far from over. In fact, it’s entering a new chapter — one rooted in African leadership, defined by African solutions.
 

Key Developments

IMF: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Economy to Grow by 4.0% in 2025, Adding $3.6 Billion in Output

• 
  
  
  
  August 6, 2025
  

| Article

Visa, a global payments powerhouse, has selected 22 fintech startups to join the fourth edition of its Africa Fintech Accelerator.

This 12‑week initiative, first launched in mid‑2023, offers intensive support through mentorship, product training, networking, and investor access.

The accelerator is part of Visa’s broader strategy to invest US $1 billion in Africa by 2027 to drive financial inclusion and strengthen the continent’s digital economy.

To date, 64 startups across the first three cohorts from 17 countries have participated, with a combined estimated portfolio value of US $1.1 billion.

Nearly two‑thirds (62 %) of those startups had women in leadership roles. Under the program, fintechs added over US $3 million in revenue during their training period, and alumni have since raised more than US $55 million in follow‑on funding.

Visa has already invested directly in several graduates from the first cohort, including Ghana’s Oze and Tunisia’s Konnect Networks.

Selected companies in cohort four address a range of fintech themes, including SME digitization, lending, cross‑border payments, payroll, B2B payments, AI‑driven transactions, social commerce, climate insurance, and neo‑banking.

The startups hail from 12 countries, led by Kenya (5), Nigeria (4), Egypt (2), Morocco (2), Zimbabwe (2), and one each from Ghana, Uganda, Mauritius, DRC, Botswana, Ivory Coast, and South Africa.

Cohort 4 startups include:

• BigDot.ai (Zimbabwe): – helping SMEs reduce reliance on cash via digital blockchain‑based checkouts

• ChatCash (Zimbabwe): – AI‑powered tool enabling sales and payments through messaging apps

• Credify Africa (Uganda): – bridging trade finance gaps with access to capital, logistics, and payments

• Flend (Egypt): – tech‑driven non‑bank finance solutions for SMEs

• Hsabati (Morocco): – collecting operational data to support SMEs in securing bank financing

• IPT Africa (Mauritius): – same‑day bulk and payroll payments with real‑time FX visibility

• Lemonade Payments (Kenya): – white‑label blockchain wallets that protect user data

• Maishapay (DRC): – provides payroll, digital payments, and POS services to B2B clients

• MNZL (Egypt): – asset‑backed lending using home and auto equity

• Motito (Ghana): – asset‑financing marketplace offering alternative payment plans

• Muda (Kenya): – cross‑border asset exchange and stablecoin liquidity platform

• mystocks.africa (Botswana): – unified trading across African stock exchanges

• OKO Finance Ltd (Ivory Coast): – automated climate insurance for agribusiness risk reduction

• PressPayNg (Nigeria): – offering banking, financing, savings, and insurance for education

• Sevi (Kenya): – streamlining B2B payments and stock financing for small retailers

• Shiga Digital Inc (Nigeria): – decentralized finance tools designed for African users

• ShopOkoa (Kenya): – AI credit and payment platform for micro‑enterprises including savings and cashflow analytics

• Startbutton (Nigeria): – merchant‑of‑record platform enabling compliant currency payments across borders

• Twiva (Kenya): – social commerce enabling sellers to market via influencers

• Vittas (Nigeria): – tailored finance and payment toolset for healthcare providers

• Woliz (Morocco): – transforming nano‑stores into digital hubs with loyalty, payments, and AI operations

• Zazu (South Africa): – a neobank offering business accounts, expense tracking, invoicing, and bookkeeping

This selection underlines Visa’s commitment to empowering fintech innovation across diverse solutions and geographies, building on the strong foundations laid by previous cohorts.

Visa continues to deliver tailored training, exposure to its global network, and the potential for direct investment or follow‑on capital via Demo Day.

Applications for the 2025 edition of the accelerator opened in early 2025 and remained open until March 15, 2025.

The hybrid program targets Seed to Series A startups with an operational MVP, traction in their markets, and either existing operations in Africa or plans to scale across the region.

Share :

You may also like…

Norfund Commits $20 Million to Boost Fintech Growth in Emerging Markets

Norfund, a Norwegian investment management company focused on developing markets, announced a $20 million commitment to the Apis Growth Markets Fund III.

Read More »

July 5, 2024

Nigeria’s Zebra CropBank Secures Investment to Empower Africa’s Smallholder Farmers

Nigerian agritech startup Zebra CropBank has secured a significant investment to boost its mission of transforming the lives of smallholder farmers across Africa.

Read More »

January 10, 2024

Proparco Invests $5 Million in Equator Africa Fund to Boost Climate Tech Start-ups in Sub-Saharan Africa

Proparco has announced a $5 million investment in the Equator Africa Fund through its FISEA+ facility to accelerate climate-focused innovation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read More »

December 17, 2024

The post Visa Selects 22 African Fintechs for its Fourth Africa Fintech Accelerator Cohort appeared first on Empower Africa.

Afrobeats superstar Davido has once again shown his generous heart, stepping in with a life-changing donation that brought hope to a desperate LASU graduate in need of urgent medical help.

Nigerian music superstar Davido has once again proven that his influence extends far beyond the stage. Davido stepped in at a critical moment to support a young Lagos State University (LASU) graduate and social media influencer known online as Baddy of Lagos, who was in urgent need of spinal correction surgery.

Baddy, who had been battling a severe spinal condition, had launched an online crowdfunding campaign to raise ₦18.3 million for the life-changing procedure in India. As time ran out and desperation grew, he continued to share his plea across social media platforms, drawing attention from Nigerians home and abroad.

The turning point came on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, when Baddy took to X (formerly Twitter) with a tearful and thankful announcement: Davido had donated ₦3 million towards the surgery. “Jesus @davido sent me 3m for my correctional surgery, God bless you sir… my idolo,” he wrote, clearly overwhelmed by the gesture.

The contribution wasn’t just symbolic, it was decisive. With Davido’s donation, the campaign not only reached its target but surpassed it. The total funds raised reportedly crossed ₦22 million, enough to cover the surgery, travel, and all post-operative care.

Obi-Dickson, who coordinated the fundraising efforts, also shared his excitement and gratitude on X:
“Omo, I just saw OBO in my DM right now. @davido dropped N3m. We now have more than we need for the surgery. Thank you, Baddest!”

Social media has since been flooded with praise for Davido, with fans and well-wishers applauding his consistent commitment to using his platform for good.

This latest act adds to the long list of charitable efforts by the singer, who is often celebrated not just for his music, but for his kindness and support for people in need.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Notjustok.com (@notjustok)

Jesus @davido sent me 3m for my correctional Surgery, God bless you sir.. my idolo

— Baddy of Lagos (@_belikebaddy) August 4, 2025

Omo, I just saw OBO in my DM right now. @davido dropped N3m. We now have more than we need for the surgery.

Thank you, Baddest https://t.co/P4J1b8UauH pic.twitter.com/jCv5CbfNoM

— Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) August 4, 2025

Get Fresh updates from NotJustOk as they drop via X and Facebook

The post Davido’s surprise move leaves struggling LASU graduate in tears appeared first on NotjustOk.

Johannesburg’s Steyn City will host Africa’s first-ever LIV Golf tournament in March 2026, bringing world-class players and festival vibes.

Johannesburg, South Africa (31 July 2025) – South Africa is about to take a historic swing on the world stage. For the very first time, the world-famous LIV Golf League will tee off on African soil, and the honour of hosting this debut belongs to Johannesburg’s breathtaking Steyn City from 20 to 22 March 2026.

It is a huge moment for local sport. True to LIV Golf’s global reputation, the event will be more than just a tournament. LIV Golf has already taken its high-energy tournaments across the globe, lighting up courses and thrilling fans with its festival-like vibes. LIV Golf is known for blending golf with entertainment.  Now, the global stage comes to Mzansi, proving once again that when it comes to hosting world-class events, South Africa knows how to deliver.

Steyn City is not just any golf course; it is a natural wonderland where impalas and porcupines usually roam. In 2026, it will welcome the best golfers in the world, all chasing glory on its championship course designed by Nicklaus Design.

Adding even more excitement for local fans, South Africa’s own Stinger GC will be in the spotlight. Led by 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, and joined by Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel, the team will be hunting victory on home turf. All to be cheered on by a proudly South African crowd.

On top of that, this promises a major tourism boost, jobs, and another reason for the world to see South Africa as Africa’s sporting heartbeat.

Sources: LIV Golf 

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.

The post South Africa to Host Africa’s First LIV Golf Tournament appeared first on Good Things Guy.