Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we spoke to Peter Barends – Cape Town Cultural Extravaganza Project Coordinator. They have two events to educate communities about different cultures within our province. Today they have a youth concert that will focus on cultural diversity and acceptance and there is another event tomorrow. For more information about the Cape Town Cultural Extravaganza you can contact Peter on (021) 761 2140. We also had an interview with George Werner and the Little Giant Members. We were talking about the Little Giants Concert that will take place on the 6th of October at St Cyprian’s High School in George Road, Gardens. Tickets costs R50 per person. For more information about the concert or to make bookings you can contact Ruwayda on 083 235 5977 or (021) 705 4694. We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update in and around the city and played a feature on Global Warming done by Tina George. We closed off the show with an interview with Mario Wanza – Chairperson of the P...

In today’s show, we spoke to Euginia - from the Building Construction and Allied Workers Union. We spoke about the strike action by the workers of the Green Point stadium construction site. Last week workers downed tools, bringing construction at the stadium to a standstill. Well, at the moment it looks like workers have settled their dispute and the work is set to start today. For more information you can contact the union at (021) 425 9145. We were also joined in the studio by Bruce Dawson – owner of Dawson Automative Engineering Company or Daeco. Daeco is the only engineering company in Athlone. Mr Dawson loves being able to offer people jobs as he sees the need of people who live on the streets. For more information you contact Mr Dawson on (021) 637 6300. We also spoke to Lushinka Louw – project coordinator from Realcor Cape Property Development and Construction Company. Realcor is wholly owned by women. The company develops commercial, industrial and residential property. Empowe...

Today we spoke to Reinette Evans – Director of Rape Crisis Helderberg. Rape Crisis is committed to help survivors of rape and abuse, overcome their trauma through counseling and they will be starting their next crisis intervention course on the 15th of October and are inviting members of the community to be part of the course. For more information about the course you can contact Reinette on 083 484 9409 or visit www.crisiscentre.org.za We also spoke to Nondumiso Nsibande – a Paralegal Manager from Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre. The Centre was established in 1996 to eradicate the victimization of women by the legal system, and to make the law a vehicle of social change for women. For more information you can contact their offices at (011) 403 8230 or visit www.tlac.org.za

Today we spoke to Leslie Van Minnen – Chairperson of the Rail Commuter Action Group. The Action Group represents 51 commuters injured in railway accidents in a class action lawsuit against Metrorail, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe and other authorities. More than 50 people have been injured, disfigured and killed while traveling on Metrorail in the last seven years in the Western Cape. But who should take responsibility – As commuter it is our right to be safe while travelling in trains, is it not. Leslie’s son was stabbed and killed while travelling in a train and that is when he decided to challenge the safety and security provided by Metrorail. Leslie told us how far they have come with their battle. If you support their cause and you want to know how to be apart of the Action Group then you can contact Mr Van Minnen on this number (021) 785 2508. We also spoke to Norma Troutman –Director from the Pregnancy Health Centre. We were talking about the legalization of Abortion. Is this a...

Today we spoke to Carl Delport - from Student Music and Arts Challenge, a youth initiative whose purpose is to address the rampant drug problem and other social ills in our society. They are currently looking for young people between the ages of 14 to 21 who can sing, dance or act to enter their Student Music and Arts Challenge. If you are interested give them a call 084 269 2600 or fax them to 086 603 2129 or visit www.smaq.co.za . We also had an interview with Rodney Leak – Chief executive Officer of the Fairest Cape Association. Their mission is to create public awareness of the consequences of poorly managed waste and the benefits of integrated waste management. Last week the Fairest Cape Association took part in the National Coastal Cleaning Day and this and next week will be doing clean ups as part of our contribution to both Heritage Day and Clean Up the World Day in schools and in communities. For more information about organisation you can contact their offices at (021) 462 20...

We also spoke to Tsepang Telite – Marketing Manager of the Eziko Cooking and Catering Training Centre. Their mission is to address the unemployment that strikes the township communities which is not fully solved by formal education. Students are carefully selected and begin their training at the Eziko Cooking and Catering Training Centre where they gain some basic experience in the Eziko Restaurant. They then are placed in one of the sponsoring catering establishments for an intensive 6-month programme. For more information you can contact you can contact (021) 694 0434 or send an email to eziko@tiscali.co.za . Our last interview was with Professor Barney Jordaan – Director of Labour wise. We were talking about Racial Discrimination in the workplace. It is by now well established that an employer may be held liable for acts of discrimination committed by the business owner, managers or employees in the course and scope of their duties. Labourwise is an on-line labour relations service...

In today’s show we spoke to Bryan Hansen – Director of the Men’s Trust Organisation. MensTrust assists men to move beyond stereotypes and discover their own uniqueness. They offer workshops in relationships and self improvement. For more information about Mens Trust you can contact Bryan at (021) 448 2175 or visit www.menstrust.org.za

Today we spoke to Leana Olivier – from the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research. We were talking about the Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAS is a permanent condition that ranges from intellectual disability and behavioural problems to more serious brain damage, physical deformities and stunted growth. It is largely a consequence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. If you would like more information you can contact the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research at (021) 686 2646 or visit www.nofas.org We also spoke to Lucille Kennedy – a youth development worker from the Community Corrections and Care Organisation. The Community Corrections and Care Organisation was initiated due to the challenges that are being faced by civil society in the transformation process in our country. They have been working closely with the Department of Correctional Services and the Department of Social Development, with the emphasis on working with inmates, probations, their families and substance abuse an...

Just a recap of today’s show, we spoke to Erika Ketterer – a Dietician from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa.As we know that this week is the Stroke Awareness Week. A stroke occurs when an artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain bursts or becomes blocked by a blood clot And it requires immediate medical treatment when symptoms are noticed. Erika told us more about preventative measures that one can take in order to stay healthy. For more information you can contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa at (021) 447 4222 or the share call line at 0860 223 222or visit their website at www.heartfoundation.co.za And we also spoke to Dr David Gotlieb – A Rheumatologist. We were talking about Gout, one of the most painful rheumatic diseases. Gout accounts for approximately 5 percent of all cases of arthritis. Dr Gotlieb told us more about the causes and that it is treatable. Gout has been known for more than 2000 years. It can affect men of any age. It is...

Today we spoke to Dathini Mzayiya – a young artist who has been chosen to create the murals at the lower cable station by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company. Dathini’s work has been displayed in different countries like Ethiopia, Switzerland and Germany. They will be starting with the mural next week. For more information about Dathini’s work visit www.asai.co.za We also spoke to Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update in and around the city and played a feature on Steve Bantu Biko done by Rhode Marshal as we are aware that 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Steven Bantu Biko, who died in police custody 30 years ago. Biko is considered as one of South Africa's great leaders, his bold ideas on race and African identity are said to have helped recuperate the anti-apartheid movement in the 1970s. We closed off the show with an interview with Dr Shadrack Chirikure – Archaeometallurgist from UCT. We were talking about the African Origins Month. Dr Chirikure will be presen...

In today’s show, we spoke to Veda Raubenheimer - Executive Manager of the Cape Town Boatbuilding and Technology Initiative. We were talking about the Jumpstart Programme that is aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and also to assist and “coach” new entrants to the Boating Industry in the Western Cape and then put them on centre stage at the annual Cape Town International Boat show. For more information about the programme you can contact (021) 418 6134. We also spoke to the CEO of the International Computer Driving Licence, Jenny van Niek erk and Phumelelo Zonela - from Inkululeko Technologies. Inkululeko is one of South Africa's leading open source ICT Solution Providers in the Education and Development Sectors. We spoke about their Prisons Education Project where offenders participated in an open source based skill and certification education program. ICDL is a non-profit organisation established by the Computer Society of South Africa to promote and administer the ICDL. For more i...

Today we spoke to Marvelyn Brown – Aids Activist. Marvelyn is HIV Positive and is helping young people get all the information and motivation they need to stay HIV free. She has spoken at over 50 colleges and universities in America to raise awareness about the issue of HIV/AIDS. She is currently visiting Cape Town to spread the message amongst young South Africans. For more information about Marvelyn’s work you can visit her website at www.marvelynbrown.com PICS: www.marvelynbrown.com We also spoke to Kathy Hartley – from Ubunye Woman Centre in Du Noon. Du Noon is one of the very impoverished Communities in Cape Town. Unemployment levels are high, with many of those who are being employed being domestic workers in the nearby affluent areas. The centre has different projects that help the women in the community. If you want to volunteer your services or you want make donations, contact Kathy at (021) 553 1331.

Today we spoke to Jan Webster – Director of ComaCare. This is an initiative by concerned health and human rights professionals, care givers and family members moved to improve and enhance the current provision of coma care in our society. It is inspired by the belief that people in coma are in meaningful life processes. If you would like more information you can contact their offices at (021) 797 9995 or visit www.comacare.com We also spoke to Rosa Scheepers – counselor at Options Care Centre. They offer free pregnancy testing and counseling. This is a pregnancy Crisis Centre so they offer advice to the mothers to be about the options that are available for them. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 552 5632 or send an email to optionscape@kinglsey.co.za And our last interview was with Sandra Ambrose – National Coordinator of the Disabled Children’s Action Group. The work that they do in terms of addressing issues of children with disabilities has been recognised...

Today we spoke to Vivien Lourens – a foster mother to an 11-year-old girl who has Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. We were talking about the effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAS is the most serious set of permanent physical and mental birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Yesterday was the World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day. This day is held each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month to draw attention to the fact that women should not drink alcohol for nine months whilst pregnant. For more information you can visit your nearest health care centre or contact (021) 531 3256 or visit www.nofas.org . Our last interview was with Claire Louw – a Physiotherapist. We were talking about the Physiotherapy Back Week. This is an initiative by the society that aims to raise awareness of the back and how to manage back pain for overall health at work, at home and at play. For more information you can contact Claire at (021) 671 4534 your ne...

Today we spoke to Mr Rashied Khan – Regional Director of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. We were talking about the events that the department has hosted for the Arbor Week, ngesiZulu bathi “Iviki Lezihlahla”. The National Arbor Week serves to promote awareness for the need to plant and maintain indigenous trees throughout South Africa, especially for the many disadvantaged communities who often live in barren areas. Nawe ke you can contribute in protecting our environment by planting a tree. Trees are among the earth’s most useful and beautiful products of nature. For more information you can contact the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry at (021) 950 7100. PIC: Mr Khan planting a tree at the Moravian Primary School taken from www.navy.mil.za And we also had an interview with Khanyiswa Zangqa and Lindela Mjenxane – from the Beyond Expectation Environmental Project. Lindela saw a need for education about the environment and began overnight camps for primary and high ...

Today we spoke to David Essau – Business Union Manager of Inspection and Enforcement from the Labour Department. The Labour Inspectors are busy inspecting construction sites and Private Security Sector nationwide to check if the employers are upholding occupational health and safety measures and sound working conditions in these sectors. For more information or to report an employer who is not upholding safety measures at the workplace please contact (021) 460 5911. We also spoke to Amelia Jansen – UIF Supervisor from the Department of Labour. We were talking about the Unemployment Insurance Fund. According to the Labour Law All employers, including employers of domestic and farm workers, must register themselves and their workers with the Unemployment Insurance Fund or UIF. This fund will pay workers or their families when the worker: becomes unemployed cannot work due to illness is on maternity leave is on adoption leave Passes away. For more information you can contact you can cont...

Today we spoke to Romy Saitowitz – Founder and Director of Positive Moms Foundation. The Foundation was established to help HIV-positive mothers in South Africa to access life-saving treatment and medical care. They have different projects to ensure that their mission is fulfilled. They would really appreciate donation from the members of the public. If you would like to make donations or for more information you can visit www.positivemoms.org or send an email to info@postivemoms.org PIC: www.positivemoms.org

In today’s show we spoke to Mark Esbin-Project coordinator for the Centre for the Book.This week is the Adult Literacy Week and it aims to promote literacy among old people like the Adult Basic Education. According to UNESCO, in the world today there are about 1billion non-literate adults. This 1billion is approximately 26 percent of the world’s adult population, 98 percent of all non-literates live in developing countries. In the least developed countries, the overall literacy rate is 49 percent. If you would like more information about the Centre you can contact their offices at (021) 423 2669 or visit www.bdf.org.za . We also spoke to Bongiwe Gambu-Media Officer from the National Credit Regulator. The National Credit Regulator has been running a campaign to educate consumers about section 73 and the amnesty that the NCA is offering. For more information you can contact their tollfree number at 0860 627 627 or visit www.ncr.org.za Our last interview was with Rosy Jacobs from Dea...

Today we spoke to Win van de Bergh - Chairperson of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa. The term muscular dystrophy describes a disorder that affects the muscles, resulting in progressive wasting and weakness of the muscle. There is no cure to date. Physiotherapy is very important. Exercise programmes and orthopedic devices can alleviate some of the discomfort experienced, in some cases medication and surgery may help. For more information contact (021) 592 7306 or visit www.mdsa.org.za We also spoke to Riaaz Ahmed - National Treasurer of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. We dealt with pharmaceutical issues. The society is running a campaign to curb health care costs. As the cost of living continues to rise, health care costs are making dents in the pockets of medical schemes and private patients. For more information you can contact your nearest pharmacist or visit www.pssa.org.za We also spoke to Richard Burselman - Reproductive Health Manager. We looked into...