[category]
[title]
Johannesburg is a city built on people helping people, whether it’s sharing a meal, recommending a WhatsApp group, or pointing someone in the direction of help when things get tough. A new digital platform called The Helpers is tapping into that spirit, making it easier for Joburgers (and South Africans more broadly) to give support, or find it when it’s needed most.
Created by the team behind Good Things Guy, The Helpers brings together verified charitable organisations from across the country into one central, searchable directory. Think of it as a practical, bookmark-worthy resource for navigating support in a big, busy city where knowing where to turn can make all the difference.
Why it matters in Joburg
From rising living costs to stretched services, many Joburgers find themselves needing support at some point, whether it’s food assistance, mental health care, help for animals, or legal advice. At the same time, there’s no shortage of people who want to give back but don’t always know where to start.
The Helpers connects the two. Users can search by location, type of support or cause, making it easier to find relevant help in your area, or to support organisations working in your neighbourhood.
Born out of crisis, built for community
While The Helpers officially launched in January 2026, its roots stretch back to the most uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown, the Good Things Guy team noticed a shift in their inbox.
“People weren’t just sharing stories anymore, they were asking for help,” says founder Brent Lindeque. “Food, shelter, safety from abuse, help for animals. The need was urgent and constant. That’s when we realised good news alone wasn’t enough, people needed a way to find help fast.”
What started as a small charity section on the Good Things Guy website, curated by editor Tyler Leigh Vivier, quietly became a vital resource. Now, that idea has evolved into The Helpers: a fully fledged, user-first charity directory built to scale.
What kind of help will you find?
The Helpers already spans dozens of categories, including:
- Food security and community kitchens,
- Education and literacy programmes,
- Mental health support
- Animal welfare,
- Gender-based violence support,
- Legal aid,
- Disaster relief,
- Environmental action and
- LGBTQIA+ services.
All listed organisations are reviewed to ensure credibility and real-world impact.
“It’s a space for everyone,” says Lindeque. “For people needing help. For people wanting to help. And for South Africans who still believe in the power of showing up for one another.”
Powered by people, not profit
While the Good Things Guy team built the platform, The Helpers is designed to be community-powered. Verified organisations can register and list themselves for free, ensuring accessibility for both grassroots initiatives and established NGOs.
“The Helpers isn’t about us,” says Vivier. “It’s about the heroes on the ground doing the work, and the people they serve every day.”
The platform was also built pro bono by the team at Druff Interactive, who partnered on the project to help bring the idea to life.
How to get involved
Whether you want to give back, find support, or share a resource that could help someone else, The Helpers is now live and growing.
- Visit thehelpers.co.za
- Search for an organisation or register one.
- Share the platform with anyone who may need it.
In a city and a country built on community, The Helpers is a timely reminder that help is often closer than we think.
RECOMMENDED:
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!