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Guest : Ashley Newell Food Flow is a new initiative pioneered during this crisis in Cape Town – with donations they buy produce from small-scale farmers who would usually supply the restaurant business – to make up essential vegetable boxes to distribute to communities facing food insecurity.   Thus, protecting the supply chain for the future, keeping small farmers afloat – Food Flow shifts the flow of produce coming from farms to those most vulnerable.      FoodFlow then matches the farmer with a community organization in their vicinity who distributes harvest bags or cooks a meal for their beneficiaries. FoodFlow works to sustain food livelihoods, enabling farmers to continue sustaining their business despite the loss of restaurant, hotel and market clients and ensures fresh nutritious food keeps flowing to those who are most impacted by food insecurity

https://www.beautifulnews.com/show-will-go-pioneering-virtual-transformation-africas-largest-arts-festival https://www.beautifulnews.com/protect-his-parents-12-year-old-invented-life-saving-tool-against-covid-19 https://www.beautifulnews.com/covid-19-sowed-seeds-disorder-farmers-solution-they-cultivated https://www.beautifulnews.com/these-flying-foxes-build-australias-forests-while-you-sleep 

Guest : Costa Carastavrakis

First up: https://www.beautifulnews.com/our-homes-are-their-hope-how-120-rescuesmade-it-through-crisis At the TEARS Animal Rescue centre in Cape Town, every morning starts with a symphony of excitement. First comes the percussion. Paws pound against metal mesh to form the beat. Next, a choir of howls. Pit bulls, tiny lap dogs, and pavement specials all bay in varied intonations, sounding the arrival of potential forever families. But when COVID-19 spread across South Africa, the shelter sank into a deafening silence. Fearing the dogs would spend weeks without human contact, TEARS marketing coordinator Luke Kruyt and his team hatched a plan to keep tails wagging. Next: https://www.beautifulnews.com/bust-move-go-beyond-pain-how-choreographyour-destiny Dancing is freedom made physical. Every jump, twist, and shake embodies the liberation people feel when they express themselves through their bodies. For Kyle Grant, Gugu Mofokeng, and Cathrine Mathebe, dance has taken them even further – it’s choreographed their destinies. Third story: https://www.beautifulnews.com/triathlete-going-distance-destigmatiseaddiction Going for a Sunday morning run is nothing short of remarkable for Costa Carastavrakis. For years, he spent most weekends in the throes of depression after nights out fuelled by drugs and alcohol. His days were permeated with shame. But today, Carastavrakis has been sober for over a decade. He’s now on track to fighting the stigma around addiction, proving it’s possible to turn your life around.

Guest : Georgia McTaggart | Founder at Help Up | Help Up, an initiative in Cape Town, has consistently been cleaning up the Black River Raapenberg channel, already clearing 4,000 bags of garbage that would have ended up in the ocean. They use volunteers and employ Avatars, homeless and formally unemployed folk, to clean up and collect tons of waste. But they are also proposing solutions.

Guest : Matthew Griffiths | writer and illustrator at The Inside Book |  Explaining the nationwide lockdown to the little ones can be somewhat of a feat for parents. Luckily for those struggling to put the situation into words, writer and illustrator Matthew Griffiths has created the perfect tool. Titled, ‘The Inside Book’, Griffiths’ children’s book aims to explain the lockdown and the coronavirus situation at large in terms that are easily understood by children. https://mattcgriffiths.com/

WHICH STORY GETS YOUR PICK? Whatsapp us now with your preferred selection. Your top suggestion will be selected as a live interview on Wednesday. https://www.beautifulnews.com/busting-taboos-and-portraying-purity-breastfeedingmothers https://www.beautifulnews.com/theres-nothing-conventional-about-class-here-kidsmove-their-own-beat https://www.beautifulnews.com/your-bravery-can-move-mountains

Guest :  Charlotte Raubenheimer

1) Saving lives, designing feasts, and dancing in the spotlight. This is the power of a dream 2) 800 masterpieces from maple. Meet the luthier whose legacy will play on 3) Lockdown couldn’t stop this Iron Mom. She blazed through Ironman – in her backyard https://www.beautifulnews.com/saving-lives-designing-feasts-and-dancing-spotlightpower- dream https://www.beautifulnews.com/800-masterpieces-maple-meet-luthier-whose-legacywill- play https://www.beautifulnews.com/lockdown-couldnt-stop-iron-mom-she-blazed-throughironman- her-backyard

WHICH STORY GETS YOUR PICK? Whatsapp us now with your preferred selection. Your top pick will be selected as a live interview on Wednesday.

Guest : Sarah Robyn Farrell | Founder at TransparenCI ZA | At the heart of the universe there is music. The call of a bird, the rustle of leaves and the crash of waves all culminate to compose nature’s symphony. But the noise of destruction makes Mother Earth’s songs difficult to hear. So how do you get people to listen? Environmentalist Sarah Farrell’s solution is to sing a new tune for the future. From rampant consumerism to the extinction of species, her songs highlight pressing issues around the globe while providing sustainable solutions and cathartic release.

Guest : Stuart Jones | Head at Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC) | The Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change, at UCT has launched a six-month project that will use social media analytics and advocacy to combat the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus in South Africa and beyond. The project aims to combat the spread of fake news about the COVID-19.

Guest : Solomon Mugutso Where do you belong? Solomon Mugutso, a 42-year-old artist, was forced to leave his home in Zimbabwe. When he relocated to South Africa, he struggled to find a space that welcomed him. He felt displaced. But soon enough, he discovered more people like him. Using art, Mugutso began creating a space where people could explore their backgrounds and connect with each other. Mugutso has exhibited in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and even across the seas in Sweden. In 2019, he was the Most Recommended Artist at the Rosebank Rotary Arts Festival.

Guest : Vuyani Parafini | cricket coach at Gary Kirsten Foundation |

Guest : Charmaine Mouton | Owner at La Chocolaterie Rococo |

Guest : Suraya Williams

Guest : Tracy Starke | animal rescuer at Squirrel Rescue & Rehab Western Cape |

Guest : Lizl Naude | Founder at Lilly Loompa |

Guest : Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu | Co-Founder at Sibahle Collection |

Guest : Xolani Maseko | Tour guide at Uthando Tours Maseko is a guide for Uthando Tours, a non-profit travel agency who offers authentic experiences of almost all the townships in Cape Town. The money made from the tours funds over 40 community projects in every corner of the Mother City. This ranges from communal gardens, to education facilities, skills development workshops, and music and dance classes. Tourists get to visit these programmes to gain a deeper insight into these investments and the people behind them. Since he began leading tours in 2012, Maseko has improved his knowledge, skills, and understanding of the world, as well as his family’s financial situation. Now, he seeks to do the same for others. Maseko aids in expanding tourist’s perspectives while showcasing the cultural diversity and natural beauty of our country

Guest : Karien de Waal | Founder at Join Bands, Not Gangs| In the Cape Flats, rival gangs are experiencing unexpected harmony. While violence has infiltrated many of the neighbourhoods, composer and music director Karien de Waal is offering these communities an alternative. JOIN BANDS, NOT GANGS is an initiative that empowers the youth to make music instead of giving in to the violent call of gang affiliation. Music has the power to change lives

Guest : Zolile Tyson Makhayakude

Guest : Danielle Moosajie What do you give a child who has nothing? Social worker Danielle Moosajie starts with love. In the suburb of Heideveld, where she’s based, the community’s high levels of unemployment directly impact the youth. For the past 12 years, Danielle has created avenues to help people grow. Her philosophy is simple: younger generations must come first. Danielle is the director of Arise, an award-winning NGO dedicated to bolstering families and ceasing the challenges they pass down. . To build a stable environment for all, Moosajie offers support groups and individual counselling. Under her guidance, families in the Cape Flats are uplifted together. Through school programmes, holiday clubs, and home visits, Moosajie guides them toward a path of healing. Her dedication provides hope for people fighting social challenges.

Guest : Unathi Dyubula

Guest : Genevieve Chisholm It was a little after midnight. Genevieve Chisholm rubbed her eyes and headed out to check on the rescued horse. He was severely malnourished. Feeding him meant waking up every two hours just so that he could keep up his strength. But saving animals is what Chisholm does. She has 1 260 animals in her care – and the number doesn’t stop growing. At Flag Animal Farm, a rescue centre in Durban, creatures from tiny hamsters to abandoned rabbits are left on Chisholm’s doorstep every day. Often, they’re from people who no longer want their pets or who’ve neglected them. “We have saved just over 14 and a half thousand lives,” Chisholm says. Her on-site vet attends to every animal when they arrive. For any wild creature that comes to the farm, Chisholm works closely with the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife to release them. As much as she can, she chooses not to send a rescue away. “I don’t believe in rehoming,” Chisholm says. “An animal at Flag Farm is safe for the rest of their lives.” Despite the large number of creatures under Chisholm’s care, she gives each one a name and an equal amount of love. “The animals that come here all become part of my family,” she says. With blind ponies, a three-legged cat, and more than a hundred bunnies among the cows and goats, she’s created a haven for every type of animal. “Where there’s breath, there’s hope,” Chisholm says. “And we will fight until the last breath.”

Guests : Husnaa Adams |                 Bala Gangiah |

Guest : Rebecca Nyangaresi-Gatang’i | Founder at Ketsh Up ZA | It is an initiative that aims to motivate more women from all walks of life (particularly African women) to acquire cycling and swimming skills in order to destroy stereotypes and diversify the triathlon scene. Ketsh Up, was started in 2016 in PE by Rebecca Nyangaresi-Gatang’I and her friend Bianca Reichelt as a fitness movement to encourage women from all walks of life to join them in taking up running, swimming, and cycling. Since then, the NPO has grown into a sizeable club of over 100 women whose members swim, cycle and run in triathlon events

Guest : Barbara Kingsley Who finds out they have HIV and then starts running ultra marathons? An accomplished athlete, maybe. But Barbara Kingsley had never run before testing positive almost two decades ago. Coming to terms with her diagnosis proved to be the motivation the paralegal secretary needed to complete both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Kingsley discovered she was HIV positive in 2000, a time when information was scarce but stigma was rife. Despite thinking she would die soon after, she showed no sign of illness for eight years. Her initial good health fuelled her denial and refusal of medication. But in 2008, her CD4 count plummeted to 86 and she had to be hospitalised. Barely able to move, Kingsley finally began taking ARVs. Within two weeks, her strength grew and she couldn’t wait to start doing the things she had previously taken for granted. Running from one lamp pole to the next, she built up the strides until she reached the fivekilometre mark. Then 10 kilometres. Then 15. Since coming out of denial and working with her status, Kingsley’s physical and emotional health has improved. Living openly as an HIV-positive person, she runs as part of the Positive Heroes team to raise awareness. As the world acknowledges World AIDS Day, Kingsley remains proof of the importance of getting tested, starting treatment and realising your potential to live a full life.

Guests :  Rebecca Nyangaresi-Gatang’i More and more people are trying to catch up with Rebecca Nyangaresi-Gatang’i. She’s a fitness fanatic who often participates in triathlons, despite only learning to swim and cycle a few years ago. In addition to these sporting events still being male-dominated, there are also misconceptions about people of colour which can hold many back. Nyangaresi-Gatang’i is leading the race to get more women involved in sport – and smashing stereotypes along the way. In 2016, she began Ketsh Up with her friend Bianca Reichelt. Based in Port Elizabeth, the NPO encourages women from all walks of life to join them in taking up running, swimming, and cycling. Offering beginners’ lessons, training sessions and coaching, they’re giving future triathletes a head start. Over 100 women have since joined the club, which has no membership fees. “We are an inspired group who are determined to conquer our fears,” Nyangaresi-Gatang’i says. Beginning a new activity can be scary. But together, these women are pushing their limits and succeeding. “You’re a winner no matter what,” Nyangaresi-Gatang’i says. Rika du Plessis The Clanwilliam cedar is one of the few trees to have survived the Ice Age. Endemic to South Africa, they’re the namesake of the beloved Cederberg mountain range. Standing tall across the Karoo plains, the trees support an ecology known only to this region. But today, there are only about 13 000 left in the wilderness, earning their place on the IUCN Red List. Fortunately, their plight is being met by Rika du Plessis, a Cape Nature Conservation Manager working to restore their population. “The Clanwilliam cedar is part of our heritage,” Du Plessis says. But it faces many threats. The hardy wood and bark make for appealing construction material, leading to an uproar in deforestation. Their thriving nature is a catch 22 – the trees need fire to ignite their growth, but recent outbreaks have burnt them to their core. Global warming is hampering the natural fertilisation of spores that already take over 30 years to grow. With so many factors against them, Du Plessis is germinating as many Clanwilliam cedars as she can. Animals are not the only species that need to be protected. “Without any trees in the world, there won’t be any life,” Du Plessis says. “We can never have enough voices to promote and speak out for nature because nature can’t speak for itself.” There is still hope for the Clanwilliam cedar, rooted in those ensuring the planet succeeds. Tom Vilakazi Skateboarding is beneficial for dogs – just ask Tom Vilakazi. His canine companion often tries his paws at skating. The hound isn’t always successful, but he doesn’t need to be as Vilakazi is the one using his board to make a difference. “I skate to save dogs,” he says. By harnessing his passion for the sport, Vilakazi is creating a better life for the animals in his community. This year, Vilakazi began UThando Lwenja, which means “for the love of dogs”. He provides skateboarding lessons to kids in Sweetwaters, KwaZulu- Natal and uses the profits to help animals in rural areas receive medical attention. “Dogs are far more than just protection,” Vilakazi says. “They have feelings too and they need to be loved.” Having learnt to value them through Funda Nenja, he’s now passing on his knowledge and experience to other youth. “Improving the life of dogs makes me feel like I’m contributing to society,” Vilakazi says. “I’ve realised that we are nothing without animals in this world.” With each trick on a skateboard, happier days are guaranteed for these dogs. Dudu Ramorwalo If you contracted HIV, who would you turn to? Discovering your status is life-changing. But disclosing it can make the situation more complex. Those who test positive still have to brave stigma and some may even refuse treatment to avoid being victimised. Dudu Ramorwalo initially responded to her diagnosis with disbelief. When she shared the news with her family, their reassurance helped her adjust. But at her local clinic in Johannesburg, Ramorwalo noted that other HIV-positive people had no support. “Most people living with HIV were scared that they would be rejected,” she says. To ease their fears and isolation, she founded the Asibambaneni Support Group in 2014. Charlie Jacobs, a Mr Gay South Africa finalist, was also in denial until he realised the pageant could be a chance to inspire others. “I started the Change the Stigma Project after I saw the opportunity to show that ordinary people are actually living extraordinary lives,” he says. One such person is Saidy Brown, who discovered she was HIV-positive at the age of 14. She chose to share this in a tweet. “I could never have imagined the reaction I have gotten simply by posting my status on Twitter,” she says. “We live in a generation where people are more open to talking about these things.” Activists such as Ramorwalo, Brown and Jacobs are changing perceptions about HIV within the communities they’ve built. “Everyone deserves a chance in life to live without being judged or discriminated,” Jacobs says.

Guests :  Othembele Dyantyi What are you doing for the earth in this time of crisis? Our planet is facing an environmental emergency which authorities are doing little to halt. Many of these disasters, such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, are the result of processes generated by major corporations. They’re issues that can be dealt with. Yet the situation gets worse every day. Eleven-year-old Othembele Dyantyi is raising her voice to encourage a union of action against this unprecedented climate injustice. Dyantyi is part of Extinction Rebellion, a global socio-political movement to drive government action to prevent the planet’s breakdown. At the forefront of the South African resistance, Dyantyi and her army of youth activists are spreading awareness about the causes and severity of the climate crisis. Together, they’re calling for the protection of endangered ecological systems and challenging the government to invest in renewable energy. Julie Kynaston Julie Kynaston’s children didn’t grow in her belly. She calls herself a ‘heart mama’ – a reference to where her love for them burgeoned. When Kynaston and her husband, Ryan, decided to start a family, they were determined to adopt. But during the process, they encountered a distinct lack of information online. It didn’t deter Kynaston from making the fulfilling choice. Now, she’s using her words to close the gaps and help other South Africans. With Heart Mama Blog, Kynaston speaks openly about the joys and difficulties of having an adoptive family and being a parent. Here, people can share their stories of what it’s like to adopt, or to have been adopted. Adoption, especially multi-racial adoption, comes with a slew of challenges. Her site includes useful resources for those interested in adopting within South Africa. As Kynaston creates a safe space to educate, she’s changing perceptions. For many children, adoption can be rooted in trauma or loss. Her own family is testament to the love that comes with adoption. With her kids Ilan, Kira and Judah, they show there’s no one way of being a family. Moerieda Joubert Moerieda Joubert’s mother understood the importance of connecting with people. And what better way to do that than by sharing a meal? Even though she had Parkinson’s, she would prepare food for the local old-age home out of her own pocket. After her passing, Joubert has proved the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Imprinted with a sense of goodwill, Joubert founded Statice Square Senior in Cape Town to build a community from companionship and love. For the past 15 years, she’s been providing scrumptious five-course meals and organising entertainment for the elderly. A pensioner herself, Joubert uses her limited funds to continue her mother’s legacy. Going beyond her means, Joubert is nourishing people with kindness and creating priceless opportunities to break bread with others. Patrick Seruwu Streaks of colour drip down the canvas as the image of a woman begins to take shape. Patrick Seruwu alternates between slathers and dabs of acrylic paint. Despite the delicate details, his portraits are emotionally-charged and rooted in a heavy reality. Representative of women who’ve been abused and fear speaking out, the artworks convey their trauma. Before the Ugandan-born, Johannesburg-based contemporary artist began painting, he used to braid women’s hair for a living. This, combined with his upbringing alongside three sisters and a single mother, influenced Seruwu thematically. To fairly depict their experiences, he bases his paintings on conversations where women dictate their own stories. One of the questions Seruwu often asks, “Are you safe at home?” reveals an unfortunate reality – many women aren’t. His multimedia works serve as a powerful statement. Though he’s only been painting for two years, Seruwu’s pieces have exhibited at the Turbine Art Fair and the ABSA Gallery in Johannesburg. With his art, he’s furthering the conversation on gender-based violence, reminding people of women’s struggles, and celebrating their resilience. Fanie Viljoen Your body is yours. Yet a 2016 Optimus Study reveals that a third of adolescents in South Africa have been sexually abused at some point in their lives. This is an extreme violation, the effects of which can last a lifetime. In an attempt to prevent this exploitation, Fanie Viljoen has written a book that’s educating children and adults in the face of violence. In 2019, Viljoen published The Day the Dragon Came, a children’s story about sexual abuse in the home committed by a ‘dragon’. He has written different versions of the book for boys and girls, which include illustrations by Tumi K. Steyn. Viljoen explains in simple to understand, child-friendly ways the difference between safe and unsafe touch, and what to do if you’re being harmed. The books also contain information for parents, guardians, and teachers on how to recognise abuse and take appropriate measures. “Some things are uncomfortable to speak about but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be addressed,” Viljoen says. Teaching children about consent can protect them from dragons that come their way, even in adulthood. But it’s listening to kids and taking action that ends the cycle of abuse.

Guest : Lookout Sibanda Lookout Sibanda is a man of few words. Instead, he prefers to craft his expression through art. Sibanda’s creative flair sparked in high school when his friends taught him to paint. So when he couldn’t afford to study after matric, he chose to pursue his passion by decorating ceramics with brushes of colour. But adding the final touches wasn’t enough. Sibanda felt compelled to learn pottery from inception. Working for established ceramists Elza van Dijk and Nicole Kingston exposed Sibanda to their techniques. Even without formal classes, he learnt to produce pots, bowls, and plates. Soon, Sibanda started promoting his wares at markets and exhibitions in Port Elizabeth, building a reputation under the name Lookout Ceramics. Today, Sibanda holds success in the palm of his hand. His signature work features abstract and geometric patterns, with vivid colours inspired by the blankets his grandmother used to make. In 2018, knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo chose to mentor Sibanda as a result of his talent. Despite his accomplishments, Sibanda is conscious of the challenging course it’s taken for him to get here. That’s why he hopes to share his skills by tutoring potential students For this potter, passion is the tool to triumph.

Guests :  Will Ronquest-Ross Glittering sunlight beckons at the end of the cobalt tunnel. Glide across the water’s surface, dance with the sway of the board, and feel the rush of the wave collapsing. Surfing is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the ocean. But it’s expensive. The cost of the sport, from lessons to surfboards and wetsuits, keeps many people onshore. Luckily, nine-year-old Will Ronquest-Ross is helping other kids catch their big break. Ronquest-Ross comes from a family of passionate surfers, which is how he began navigating the waves at the age of five. Wanting to share this phenomena with friends, he went door-to-door in Hout Bay asking children to join. That’s when he realised that even those living in close proximity to the beach were unable to afford the magic of surf. So began his quest for equality. Ronquest-Ross started a BackaBuddy campaign, which raised enough money for him to give others an opportunity to learn. Coached by the Cape Town School of Surfing, Ronquest-Ross practises with kids from Imizamo Yethu. His proudest moment has been hearing his friends speak excitedly about their first time riding a wave. By sharing what he loves, Ronquest-Ross is making surfing an accessible sport for all. Yazdaan Ally Shoneez Ganie had a difficult pregnancy. Her son, Yazdaan Ally, was born prematurely and doctors didn’t give him long to live. But Ally survived. At the age of six, he was diagnosed with autism. Not understanding the neurobehavioral condition, his mother struggled at first.After extensive research, she learnt how to stand alongside Ally as he creatively conquers life. Children with autism may experience a range of challenges. In Ally’s case, he battles with writing, speaking, and muscle coordination. With his mother’s encouragement, Ally uses art as a form of release and expression. Ally’s colourful pictures depict sunny days, soccer games, and even include an impressive portrayal of Bigfoot. These illustrations allow Ally’s mother to understand his world. Together with the right knowledge and tools, she’s helping him excel. With faith, determination, and unconditional love, they’re demonstrating that the idea of normal is only relative. Nelisiwe Zuma. Things were looking up for Nelisiwe Zuma. The Durbanite had just been offered a job in California. Unable to contain her excitement, Zuma joined her friends to celebrate her big break. But on her way home, their car flew off the road. Zuma woke up three weeks after the crash in ICU. Her friend who’d been driving didn’t make it. The emotional and physical trauma seemed insurmountable. In the months that followed, Zuma had to undergo multiple surgeries, including a spinal fusion and a skin graft on her stomach. She was also dependent on a colostomy bag. As her body changed, Zuma became increasingly depressed. But in the process of recuperating, she began to realise how incredible it was to have survived. Her scars were a symbol of life, a reminder to cherish her body and her second chance. Today, Zuma advocates for people to accept themselves, blemishes and all. She models with her scars on show, an image of resilience. With her site, Madame Blogger, Zuma offers an honest account of her experiences and creates a space for others to share theirs. While she still has bad days, Zuma is embracing her path of healing. Along this journey, she’s found a greater purpose. Lookout Sibanda Lookout Sibanda is a man of few words. Instead, he prefers to craft his expression through art. Sibanda’s creative flair sparked in high school when his friends taught him to paint. So when he couldn’t afford to study after matric, he chose to pursue his passion by decorating ceramics with brushes of colour. But adding the final touches wasn’t enough. Sibanda felt compelled to learn pottery from inception. Working for established ceramists Elza van Dijk and Nicole Kingston exposed Sibanda to their techniques. Even without formal classes, he learnt to produce pots, bowls, and plates. Soon, Sibanda started promoting his wares at markets and exhibitions in Port Elizabeth, building a reputation under the name Lookout Ceramics. Today, Sibanda holds success in the palm of his hand. His signature work features abstract and geometric patterns, with vivid colours inspired by the blankets his grandmother used to make. In 2018, knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo chose to mentor Sibanda as a result of his talent. Despite his accomplishments, Sibanda is conscious of the challenging course it’s taken for him to get here. That’s why he hopes to share his skills by tutoring potential students.For this potter, passion is the tool to triumph.

Guest : Krish Lewis Did you know there are large, unexplained swarms of jellyfish along South Africa’s coastlines? Most beachgoers know little about these sea creatures other than their ability to sting. Their misunderstood nature makes it difficult to appreciate and protect them. The rich diversity of jellies swimming around remain largely unacknowledged and unstudied. Krish Lewis, known as the “jelly guy”, is on a mission to discover more. The marine biologist works at the Two Oceans Aquarium, where the jellyfish exhibit is his focus. Lewis cares for a range of species, including the rare pink meanie jellyfish, named for its colouring and love for eating other jellyfish. But his favourite is the Benguela compass jelly, which is endemic to South Africa. Since 1997, scientists have been trying to grow the species through all life stages in labs. Lewis became the first to close the life cycle – a huge feat in cnidology. Since 2012, he has been growing jellyfish from polyps – a stalk that develops from fertilised eggs, then attaches to coastal reefs and pops off baby jellies. Lewis notes that the most rewarding part of his job is watching them change physically. South Africa is home to 20 species of ‘true’ jellyfish, which make up 10% of the global total. Many of these remain misclassified. “In order to conserve and understand them, we need to find out what we have,” Lewis says. By studying these life forms, we can ensure a balanced ecosystem. The bubble-like organisms support a large diversity of underwater fauna and flora, which we’re extremely lucky to have. Dedicated aquarists such as Lewis are revealing their value and uncovering the mysteries of jellyfish.