Brent Lindeque: Changing South Africa, One Story at a Time
In a world consumed by doomscrolling, wars, protests, political outrage and crisis fatigue, Brent Lindeque is the bright, unwavering light cutting through the noise. His de-light-fil approach emanates not only from his gorgeous smile and infectious laughter that, from the get-go, beamed through the behind-the-scenes set. No, it also comes from his deep understanding of the inherent goodness of human nature. That’s what affectionately made him known across South Africa (and the world) as The Good Things Guy, and it couldn’t be more apt, or authentic.
Breaking The Mould
From the individual team hugs received on arrival to his signed second-edition book, Only Good Things, we were gifted with on departure, we were left hopeful, inspired and, admittedly, a little infatuated. We all felt as if we were better people, simply for having met Brent. He’s got that ineffable X-factor that makes a video go viral or gets an idea to pass what Malcom Gladwell calls the “tipping point” and that’s what gives this endlessly energetic, fast-talking, quick-thinking, 40-year-old the ability to capture the hearts and minds of South Africans and break the mould of news stereotypes across the world. In the last 10 years, Brent has built an entire media platform – a veritable movement of tens of millions of followers – on one simple belief: good news matters.
It all began with a single act of kindness. In 2014, when the world was going crazy over the ‘NekNomination’ drinking challenge, Brent – compelled to do something more meaningful with social media – filmed himself handing a sandwich and a cold drink to a stranger, instead of taking part in the reckless online challenge. It was his first YouTube video that he ever posted and it instantly went viral, racking up millions of views and, more importantly, sparking a wave of random acts of kindness and paying it forward across the country. He was featured on CNN, BBC and Sky News to name a few and, looking back, Brent says: “It all started and ended there – I began living my life in purpose and on purpose.”
Building the Good Name Brand
Brent didn’t stop there. Having seen the potential of this positivity, he began getting involved with charities and NGOs, through which he instantly noticed that South Africa was filled with an inordinate number of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. “It was the first time in my life I felt that South Africa wasn’t falling over, and I wanted other South Africans to feel the same.”
As a self-confessed marketing dropout in varsity, he quips that he had some skills that helped him launch “this little media platform.” Some of his previous jobs include being a carni (carnival set-up DIY guy) in America, a Formula 3 corporate roadie and an event and brand activation marketing specialist to a company that he helped build and which is still thriving. His honorary doctorate will come later, we laughed.
Today, the goodthingsguy.com publishes over 100 articles a week and gets 3.5 million plus monthly visits. His podcast gets half a million streams per episode; his social media platforms run off the charts with thousands of daily likes, shares and forwards; and his videos reach 30 million South Africans each month. “It’s crazy,” he says. “I’m so incredibly blessed.”
A Space Where Hope Thrives
But, it’s not about the clicks, Brent explains. “The Good Things Guy was created to give South Africans a more balanced view of the world; to inspire its citizens and make them proudly South African.” While negative news makes top headlines, his team aspires to share stories of hope and human kindness. “South Africa is a phenomenal place. We are one of the best countries in the world because of our people. Despite the robots not working, the potholes, the crime and government corruption, the people are what make South Africa work. And then there are all the extras like our beautiful land and nature,” he passionately imparts.
At the time when it started, Brent didn’t realise what they were doing was called constructive journalism. There’s telling the bad news if there is that, but then there is also waiting an hour or two to find that there’s a helper, or a person who turns the whole story around. The best thing, he says, is how to get involved and make a difference.
“If one person reads a story and they see the world differently, then our job is done. Nelson Mandela’s famous quote, where he says that he hopes we live our lives where all our choices are reflected in our hopes and not our fears, really resonates with me. We make very different decisions when we are in our fearful brains. When we are hopeful, we have different answers and solutions.”
Pouring from a Full Cup
Whether he’s spotlighting a rural schoolgirl’s science fair victory or a Joburg café feeding the homeless, Brent tells stories with warmth, respect and genuine pride. Does he ever have a bad day or feel hopeless sometimes? Jokingly, he says that he must have a chemical imbalance, because out of 365 days, he has at least 340 good days. “I’m very thankful for that,” he smiles, adding that when he does have bad days, he knows how to fill his cup. “I play Playstation and play with my dogs and sometimes I go ‘day drinking’ and I see my family and friends and maybe sleep on the couch, or watch series, or read. You must learn to hold that ‘badness’ with kindness.”
In a week where no two days are the same, comprising radio features, keynote addresses – at least two to five a week around the country – and all the business management in between, Brent says waking up before sunrise to plan his diary and write his personal social media posts that express his creativity and inspire him to dig deeper, really helps. He also incorporates fitness into his daily life – even an unstrenuous walk with the dogs. Daily movement, he says, is a staple that keeps him grounded.
Having a deep love for travel and having visited over 34 countries, Brent recalls his first overseas trip at 18. Standing in Times Square, New York, he thought of how much more of the world there was than just Alberton (where he grew up) and there and then he took a vow to see as much of the world as he could. “I’m lucky to see the world through work – and hard work. Travel gives you great perspective of where you come from and where you are going.”
Green Flags Mean Go
With the privilege of sitting in rooms alongside very important people in this country, he promises that there are good people doing good things in every facet of our country. It’s the bad headlines, he says, that don’t allow the light to shine through. “When you engage with the bad stuff, your news feed algorithm is sending you what it thinks you want to see.”
Reiterating that the best part of his job is meeting the people who are doing the coolest things, Brent says: “They are not doing it for a pat on the back or looking to be featured in a magazine. They are doing it because it’s what they do and who they are.”
Believing that there is a Godliness in doing good, he admits to having a sometimes “tumultuous,” but “wonderful” relationship with God. “There are some people who believed that I don’t belong in a church because I am gay and for them it is quite difficult, but I still am a Christian and a spiritual guy. When I kissed my fiancé during a cooking reality show, the outpouring from straight men was fantastic. South Africa – in so many ways – has come a long, long way.”
In an age where negativity often makes the loudest noise, Brent Lindeque is proof that optimism isn’t naïve – it’s radical. “Kindness can save a person’s life, and I have seen it.”
And, as he would say…Okay Love You, Bye.
