Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

Today on Sakhisizwe we were joined by Jonathan Munnik - a well known artist a nd sculptor who is the curator of The Love Day Gallery at the Upper East Side art gallery in Upper Woodstock. The Love Day Gallery will be a space for established artists and will also be available as a work and exhibition space for emerging artists. Munnik is currently constructing a 14 – 15 meter high permanent feature that will form a central focal point and backdrop to the Upper East Side development’s amphitheatre, which will host events and function as an outdoor meeting place for the residents. For more information about The Love Day Gallery call Jonathan via email automanik@ovation.co.za Zenobia Kloppers who stars in Broadway Babies which is a musical show that is currently showing at On Broadway came to tell us about the highly acclaimed musical show. Broadway Babies is directed by Fred Abrahamse, scripted by Marcel Meyer and will be running till the 12th of January next year. Zenobia is well known f...

Today we had an interview with Heidi Volkwijn from the League of Friends of the Blind or LOFOB, which is a NGO that is based in Grassy Park and provides a wide range of independence development services to partially sighted and blind people. We spoke to her about their current need for volunteers to assist with driving blind people at night and over weekends. If you want more information or you are interested you can call their offices on (021) 705 3753 or visit their website www.lofob.org.za We also had Colin Nyoni – Owner of Nyoni’s Kraal which is a restaurant that is said to be a true representation of something that is genuinely South African. Given the latest accolade that he received - it is evidently clear that Colin is on the road to success. Colin has scooped up South Africa’s top award for emerging tourism entrepreneurs. The awards are about recognizing small to medium businesses in tourism and play a major role in job creation. It is the first time that the emerging tourism ...

Today on Sakhisizwe we spoke to Marlow Valentine – from Triangle Project. Marlow spoke to Bush Radio listeners about the 777 campaign. This campaign was inspired by the ongoing discrimination, abuse, killings and attacks on gays and lesbians specifically black lesbians in townships and rural communities. Marlow explained more about how they are highlighting this plight. For more information you can contact their offices on (021) 448 3812 or send Marlow an e-mail to marlow@triangle.org.za Picture: www.triangleproject.org.za Matilda Matthews a Bus Driver spoke to us about what it is like for her to w ork in a male dominated industry as it would not be easy for any woman - but there are some that endure the pressure that comes with this and Matilda is one of them. Matilda told us about some of her highs and lows of working within a male dominated industry. Golden Arrow is currently looking for bus drivers, so female drivers out there, this is your chance. For more information you can cont...

Today we spoke to Siyabonga Heleba – from the Community Law Centre. We were talking about the Socio-Economic Rights Project that was formed in 1997 with the aim of promoting the effective implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the socio-economic rights enshrined in our Bill of Rights. For more information or if you want assistance in any way you can contact their offices at (021) 959 3708 or visit www.communitylawcentre.org.za We also spoke to Jennifer Preiss – Deputy Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance. Their function is to mediate in disputes between subscribing members of the long-term insurance industry and policyholders regarding insurance contracts. We were talking about Long-term insurance policies. For more information or if you want to make a complaint can contact their offices at 086 010 3236 alternatively visit their website at www.ombud.co.za

Today on Sakhisizwe we spoke to Delia Engel the Department of Health’s Child Health Manager. She told us about health and hygiene. According to the World Health Organisation, the global estimates are that about 1.8 million people die every year from diarrhoeal disease and 90% are children under 5, mostly in developing countries. The fraction of diarrhoeal disease is attributed to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene. If you would like more information about the topic call (021) 918 1579 or visit www.childsafe.org.za Cheryl Vermeulen – Chairperson of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of South Africa j oined us in studio to tell us what Cystic Fibrosis is all about. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disorder that affects the lungs and the digestive system. Cheryl who is also a sufferer of Cystic Fibrosis explained more. For more information you can contact the Cystic Fibrosis Association of South Africa on (021) 557-0323 or (011) 294-3849. You can also visit their website at www.sacfa.org.z...

Today on Sakhisizwe we were joined by Yasmina Charles – from the New Africa Theatre Association. Their mission is to provide access to the best education, training, and employment in Performing Arts to talented but disadvantaged young adults who would otherwise be unable to pursue such education or skilled work. Yasmina brought along some of the young people who trained with them, Thabo Mxotwa (who plays Socks Williams in the television drama series Shooting Stars), Tracy Lee Thomas (who is currently busy withthe circus training project) and Zinzisa Kente ( a current student, also a top 30 finalist in the 2007 Idols Competition). They told us a bit more about the training they received at New Africa and how it has paved their way to greater heights. New Afrika will be showcasing a student production called uMzantsi Afrika omtsha from the 26 -30th of November. If you are interested in attending give Yasmina a call on (021) 696 2392 or visit www.newafricatheatre.org PIC: Zinzisa, Thabo, ...

Today we spoke to Toni Wilcox. Toni is from Build Adult Learning Co-operative or Balco. Balco is a self-regulating development organisation which aims to empower those from deprived communities by building Community Learning Centres. BALCO strives to eliminate illiteracy and unemployment. They have community learning centre in different areas like Lavender Hill, Kraaifontein, and Khayelitsha to Steenberg. If you want more information about the Balco you can call their offices (021) 706 2261 or email them at balco-abet@mweb.co.za We also spoke to Jan Truter – an attorney from Labourwise. We were talking about Employment Equity Act. The Act allows the promotion of equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and by implementing affirmative action methods in order to allow equal opportunity. For more information about Labour Protect you can contact (021) 852 3499 or visit www.labourprotect.co.za that interview followed a short interv...

Today we played a feature produced by Nadia Samie focusing on Gender Stereotyping of women in Mainstream Media. From rap music to dishwasher advertisements, women are always portrayed in a certain way, either as subservient to men, or as less important individuals. The feature takes a closer look at this dangerous stereotyping. We also spoke to Bernedette Muthien – director of Engender. Engender is an organisation that is devoted to tactical ways of dealing with issues of gender and sexualities, human rights and conflict resolution to help bring about a better South Africa. Engender has worked on various projects in relation to gender based violence . For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 448 2112 or visit their website at www.engender.org.za PIC: www.engender.org.za We closed off the show with an interview with Kubi Rama - Chief Executive Officer of the Gender and Media Southern African Network. GEMSA is an umbrella organisation of indi vidual and institutions w...

Today we spoke to Dr Michael Phillips – from the Likhona Ithemba. Likhona Ithemb a, meaning “There is Hope” is a non-profitable organisation based in Delft that deals with people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization has a soup kitchen. At Likhona Ithemba they strive to support needy families with food, clothing and blanket parcels. For more information or if you want to assist in any way you can, contact Dr Phillips at 083 372 6814 or email him to tphillips@telkomsa.net PIC: www.time.com We also spoke to Vincent Moaga from the South African Human Rights Commis sion. The South African constitution states that everyone has the right to access to adequate housing, and that no-one can be evicted from their home or have it demolished without a court order after considering all the relevant circumstances. Vincent explained more to us about our rights when it comes to housing evictions and also the right we have of access to adequate housing. For more information you can contact...

Today on Sakhisizwe we spoke to Nelmarie Du Toit – Assistant Director at the Child Prevention Foundation at the Red Cross Hospital. She told us a bit more about drowning prevention. Its summer time, the holidays are around the corner, the children will be roaming around beaches. A research conducted by the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System (NIMSS) indicates that there are 229 deaths resulting from drowning. The research was conducted in four metropolitan areas. Nelmarie told us more about the preventative measures. For more information contact (021) 685 5208 or visit www.childsafe.org.za TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT DROWNING · Never leave a child unsupervised near water as it only takes 30 seconds for a small child to drown in 5cm water. · There must always be safety nets covering swimming pools. Safety nets, fences and tubes are not necessarily life saving but can be helpful with adult supervision. · Do not swim on beaches where no lifesavers are on duty. · Never swim under the...

Today we played an interview that Sakhisizwe Producer Rhodé Marshall had with Councilor James Vos – Chairperson for the City of Cape Town’s Health Portfolio Committee. They were talking about air pollution. Air pollution in our communities is not taken as seriously as it should. It can have various hazardous effects on the lives and health of others. However the City of Cape Town has started a portfolio committee to head up projects to try and eradicate this problem within our communities. For more information call the City of Cape Town Air Pollution Task Team at (021) 590 1419. PIC: www.istockphoto.com We also spoke to Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update in and around the city. We closed off the show with an interview with Khanyi “Mintho” Mbongwa and Zipho Dayile from Gugulective. Gugulective is a collective of seven artists based in Gugulethu, Langa and Khayelitsha. They recently exhibited their work called Untitled that featured feature a collaborative installation by the collective ...

Today on Sakhisizwe we spoke to Lesiba Seshoka from the National Union of Mineworkers or NUM who told listeners a bit more about the on going 2010 strike dispute. Just this week workers at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban decided to down tools if construction companies failed to agree with their wage demands. The demands of the workers include better safety conditions and that the sub-contractors would adhere to the agreement which requires workers to be paid a minimum wage of R11.90 an hour. Sakhisizwe contacted WBHO - one of the construction companies but they were not able to join the discussion. Picture above: 2010 Stadium under construction www.kickoff.com Picture on the right: Nelson Mandela with the Soccer World Cup www.bbc.co.uk We also had Themba Mandindi from the Jobstart Training Centre who explained their skills development centre that offers skills training and job placements to unemployed and previously disadvantaged people. Courses offered include: Housekeeping, Food...

In today’s edition of Sakhisizwe we were joined by Mishka Alexander from Sisters Incorporated which is a shelter for abused women, their children and young and single pregnant women who are considering putting their babies up for adoption. Sisters Incorporated aims to help heal these women physically, emotionally and spiritually. For more information you can call Sisters Incorporated on 021 797 4190 or visit their website on www.sisters.org.za PIC : www.houseoftracygold.co.za We also spoke to Leanne Keet from Masikhule Childcare which is a non-profit organization committed to the training of unemployed women, domestic workers and crèche workers in the community, because of the desperate need for skills training and job creation for unemployed women. If you would like to know more about Masikhule Childcare – you can contact them on 021 855 4520 or on 083 415 6703. And then we closed off the show with The Women’s Lifestyle World which was launched in 2006 by Monique Metzler after she had...

Today we were joined by to Karen Allen and Bukelwa Voqo (pictured on the right) from the Alliance for Children’s Entitlement to Social Security or ACESS. They told listeners a bit more about what to do and the procedure to be followed when applying for a Social Security Grant. The Alliance for Children’s Entitlement to Social Security that is made up of various children’s sector organizations made a submission that makes a number of recommendations concerning the use of the Foster Care system to provide support for Orphaned and Vulnerable children. ACESS is committed to finding a comprehensive social security system which is steered to ensure the survival of all children which will help with their development. For more information you can contact the ACESS offices on (021) 761 0117 or visit their website at www.acess.org.za Sonja Botha and Dick Turpin (pictured below) – from the Education Alive Programme spoke to us about their Academy. Education Alive is a public benefit organisatio...

Today we had an interview with Dr. Krish Vallabhjee who told us a bit more about Extreme Drug Resistant (XDR) TB. TB is a major problem in South Africa. It is killing more South Africans than in any other time in our history. This should actually not be the case as TB is a completely curable disease. Some believe that TB only occurs in poor communities – but this is not true as anyone can get TB. For more information you can contact the Department of Health’s Communication department on 021 483 3235. Eric Ruerts the General Manager of Novo Nordisk joined us to speak about the recent launch of The Changing Diabetes Bus which is visiting different areas in the country to educate peopl e about diabetes. The Changing Diabetes Bus is currently in Cape Town and the vi sit of the bus also coincides with the World Diabetes Day which is this Thursday. They will be offering free Diabetes screening that will include on the spot blood glucose testing, blood pressure checking and waist circumferenc...

Today on Sakhisizwe we spoke to Teboho Maidza from The Rudimentals who will be performing at the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the SS Mendi Tragedy to be held at the Grand Parade. On the 21st of February 1917, six hundred and seventeen South Africans who were members of the 50th Battalion of the South African Native Labour Corps, lost their lives when the ship they boarded in Cape Town, the SS Mendi, collided with the SS Daro in the English Channel. The South Africans lost their lives on their way to France to be part of the Allied Forces during the First World War. Over the weekend the soldiers who lost their lives will be commemorated. Also as part of the commemoration the SAS Mendi will be open for public viewing at the Waterfront. For more information go to the Department of Arts and Culture’s website on www.dac.gov.za Pic: www.wessexarch.co.uk On Sunday at Ignite in Camps Bay three of Cape Town’s best bands will be holding a charity performance in support of African T...

Today we spoke to Dahlia Lichtenstein – Labour Law Expert from Bagraims Attorneys. We were talking about unfair dismissals. According to a new Constitutional Ruling, Employers must ensure dismissal is fair. It is reported that Commissioners are now to assess whether a dismissal is fair and employers have to exercise fair and reasonable disciplinary hearings. Michael Bagraim from Bagraims Attorneys will be holding a workshop on November 14th and the workshop will be focusing on dismissals. For more information contact Leigh Oosthuizen on 083 261 1201 or send an email to leigho@telkomsa.net We also spoke to Peter Human – Director of Labourwise. We were talking about Working Hours. Basic Conditions of Employment laws set maximum working hours and minimum rest and break periods for workers. The law states that workers may not work more than – an average of 45 hours a week. But Mr Human explained more about the basics of working hours. For more information about Labourwise you can contact ...

Today we spoke to Roleen Kaplan – A motivational Speaker and founder of RoKap In ternational Global Performance Solutions. She was one of the nominees for the 2007 Shoprite / Checkers Women of the Year Award. She is also a Research Sport Psychologist and an International Conference Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and Transformation life coach. We were talking about “The Power of Being a Woman”. For more information you can contact (011) 656 6008 or visit www.rokapi.co.za PIC : www.absolutewoman.co.za We also spoke to Professor Rachel Jewkes – Director of the Medical Research Council’s G ender and Health Research Unit. The Research Unit was established in 2001 from the Women’s Health Division of the Centre for Epidemiological Research in Southern Africa and its goal is to improve the health status and quality of life of women through high quality scientific research on gender and health. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 938 0445 or visit their website at www.mrc...

In today’s edition of Sakhisizwe we were joined by a group of vibrant young people who are part of the Peace Jam Foundation. Patience Lunika, Salatiso Gunguluzi and Nomhle Kh alipa joined us to tell listeners a little bit more about the foundation. The Peace Jam Foundation is an international education program that is built around using Nobel Peace Laureates to inspire, lead and pass on their spirit, skills and wisdom to young people. Their goal is to inspire a new generation of peacemakers who will transform our communities, themselves and the world. On the 10th and 11th of this month they will be hosting their annual Conference whereby Iranian Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi will be the guest speaker. To be part of the conference it will cost you R30. Lunch and Transport will be provided. For more information you can contact Patience at (021) 466 7100 or 072 777 2111 alternatively visit www.peacejam.org PIC: www.parstimes.com We also spoke to Thabo Leholo from the Independent Complaints ...

Today we spoke to Dr Benny Steyn – Psychiatrist at the University of Stellenbosch. And the topic we were focusing on was suicide prevention. According to reports in the past 25 years, while the general incidence of suicide has decreased, the rate for those between 15 and 24 has tripled. It is generally considered to be the second or third most common cause of death among adolescents, even though it is seriously underreported. Dr Steyn told us more about the causes and how it can be prevented. Remember half of all children who have made one suicide attempt will make another, sometimes as many as two a year until they succeed. The majority of suicide attempts are expressions of extreme distress and not just harmless bids for attention. For more information contact the Mental Health Resources Center on (021) 938 9121 alternative contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group National Toll Free Suicide Crisis Line at (011) 783 1474/6 or visit their website at www.sadag.co.za or th...

Today we had an interesting variety of information on Sakhisizwe. Listeners were encouraged by an interview Sakhisizwe Producer Rhodé Marshall had with The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds or SANCCOB’s CEO, Alan Jardine to help save penguin chicks through their Rescue Campaign. They discussed how SANCCOB is helping 396 orphaned penguins they have received from Dyer Island. These specific penguins become orphaned when their parents go into moult or to get new feathers while they still have dependent young penguins. Alan spoke to us about how they are trying to save and conserve this vulnerable species. SANCCOB is appealing to the community to help save the chicks through donations or even by adopting a penguin – and no you won’t be able to take the chick home. If you are interested feel free to visit their website on www.sanccob.co.za or call (021) 557 6155. PIC Courtesy of: www.sanccob.co.za Sophie Peters a remarkable woman and renowned printmaker and pai...

Today on Sakhisizwe we spoke to Dr. Raymond Patel CEO of the Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Seta who is also part of the committee running the Artisan training program. According to reports there is an immense skills shortage within the Metal and Engineering industry in the Western Cape. But that will be a thing of the past thanks to a pilot project that was launched to provide skills for 150 new apprentices through an artisan training project. If you would like to know more about the training program send your questions to info@merceta.co.za or call (011) 484 9310 Advocate Ardiel Theunissen who is a Debt Counsellor from Credit Matters explained to listeners what debt counselling is all about and also why so many people are caught up in debt. It has recently been reported that household debt in South Africa takes up to 76.8% of ones income, this means that out of every R100 spent, R76.80 goes towards paying debt. What have recently been implemented are people who are t...