Very sad photo and story, hope there is a GS (or any) rescue in the SA area that can save him if he is not adopted.
I did three weekend foster for a GS in a similar situation last year. He was so frightened he would not eat and had to be carried out to the vehicle from the shelter. When I got him from the rescue’s kennel he hid in a corner so I slept in the room with him. By the next day he was so calm he was following the other dogs around and wagging his tail. Also found out he was housebroken.
What a nice person you are! I like hearing happy endings like that!!