By Darren Gilbert

Can you please tell us about Beautiful News? What is its aim?

Beautiful News was created by Adrian Steirn, also the creator of 21 Icons, and is produced by Ginkgo Agency in partnership with our sponsor, Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

It shares one uplifting story every day at 16:14, with the aim of celebrating the South African spirit and its people. 

It is a reminder that, as bad as things can get, the world is full of incredible people doing remarkable things – that, in the words of Desmond Tutu, “We are made for goodness.”

Why launch Beautiful News?

The hope is that Beautiful News creates positive conversations that bring people together. It strives to remind everyone on a daily basis that South Africa is full of remarkable stories and incredible potential.

The world often feels chaotic and out of control; the aim of Beautiful News is not to ignore or disregard this, but to remind us all that despite this, we are surrounded by good people doing extraordinary things.

How does Beautiful News work? Do people pitch their feel-good stories to you? Or do you go out searching for them?

Stories are everywhere, and come from many different sources – South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world, a melting pot for ideas and stories. We have a team of researchers whose job is to search for stories every day.

We also invite our audience to share their Beautiful News, and receive submissions every day.

Since launching, what has the reaction to Beautiful News been?

Overwhelmingly positive. It has been extremely heartwarming to see people responding to these stories in such an affirming way. The subjects of our stories have benefited from the positive exposure thanks to improved business and new opportunities.

By way of example, Bongo Mahambehlala, the entrepreneur who founded Tekkie Wash, benefited from a significant upturn in business after his story was published, and Boeta Phyf, an artist and designer, sold out his work after Beautiful News profiled him. While Aunty Ingrid, who has dedicated her life to helping the animals in her community, received offers of support from as far afield as New Zealand. 

What does the future hold for Beautiful News?

Beautiful News will continue to share positivity daily, while focusing on growing and supporting our community. Pioneered in South Africa, Beautiful News will roll out globally, region by region.

For more information, visit the website. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Instagram using the #BNMoments hashtag.