31 January - Labour

In today’s show we caught up with one of the Bush Radio Reporter’s Tina George who attended the South African Municipal Workers Union March in the Cape Town. The striking members marched through the city centre from Keizergracht in District Six to the Civic Centre to hand over a memorandum. They were striking against job restructuring, after harsh criticism from Mayor Helen Zille in her council address on Tuesday. We also spoke to Lance Veotte, Chairperson of SAMWU who was there at the march. We tried to get hold of Charles Cooper from the City of Cape Town, but he was unavailable for comment. For more information you can call Samwu on (021) 697 1147.

We then speak to Ebrahim Peters, the Senior Manager of Engineering Studies for Northlink College. We discussed some of the new study programmes they have to offer. For more information you can contact their Central Office number is 021 930 0957. The Belhar Campus which focuses on construction is (021) 952 2113 and the Bellville Campus which concentrates on boiler making and welding at (021) 951 2231 and the Wingfield campus’s number is (021) 591 9207. They extended their applications until 1 February 2008.



The college operates on 8 campuses in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, with the Central Office located in De Tiger Office Park. Each campus specialises in specific programs:Belhar Campus: Building, Civil Engineering & Electrical CoursesBellville Campus: Automotive Repair, Auto Electrician, Panel Beating, Boilermaking, Fitting & Machining, Motor/Diesel Mechanic and Welding Courses. Goodwood Campus: Fitting & Machining, Heavy & Light Current, & Motor Diesel Mechanics Courses. Parow Campus: Early Childhood Development, Hair Care, Cosmetology, Management and Secretarial Courses Protea Campus: Hospitality Services, Clothing Production and Management Courses. Table Bay Campus: Maritime Courses.Tygerberg Campus: English Language School, Management, Information Technology, Hotel Management, Chef, Tourism, Sport, Golf, Part-time Studies and Drama Courses. Our International Office is also situated on this campus. Wingfield Campus: Practical Workshop Courses.

And to end off the show we were joined in the studio by Harry May from the Surplus People’s Project. SPP is a leading land reform and rural development NGO with a history of working with communities in the West and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa. The SPP focuses on ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of land and development of an effective and sustainable community land use and management. For more information you can contact (021) 448 5605 or Email: spp@spp.org.za, alternatively visit their website: www.spp.prg.za.

Pic: www.cosatu.org.za
www.northlink.co.za
www.spp.prg.za

30 January - Gender

In today's show we spoke to Dr Steven Pretorius - Founder of Fathers-4-Justice South Africa. Fathers4Justice is a pressure group of aggrieved fathers who are denied access to their children. They are campaigning for justice and equality in family law for children, their parents and grandparents who spend thousands of rands in their quest to become hands-on dads. Dr Pretorius told us more about the organisation. For more information you can contact Dr Pretorius at 083 790 0911 or visit www.fathers-4-justice.co.za

PIC:www.fathers-4-justice.co.za

Our last Interview was with Meaka Biggs – Advocacy Coordinator at Rape crisis. We were talking about male rape. According to reports, there are many male rape victims, but stereotyping often prevents them from reporting these offences to the police. Just this past week, we read a sad story of a 20-year-old male hitchhiker who was raped by three women after catching a lift in a car they were travelling in with two other male passangers driving towards Mupumalanga. The man reported the incident to police but Police spokesperson Constable Mzwandile Nyambi says it is the first time that the Tonga police station has had to attend to this kind of case. They don't even know whether to call it rape or indecent assault. Meaka explained more to us – in terms of male rape – what steps can one take in making sure that the perpetrators are brought to book. For more information you can contact (021) 447 1467, or the Mannenberg Office at (021) 633 5287, or Khayelitsha at (021) 361 9228 alternatively visit www.rapecrisis.org.za

29 January - Human RIghts

In today’s show we spoke to Dougie Oakes – From the Department of Transport and Public Works. We spoke about the 15 Million rand Rehab Centre to be built in Kensington. The Western Cape’s Public Works Department is building a modern, rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in the Cape Flats suburb of Kensington. According to Transport and Public Works MEC Marius Fransman Drug-taking, as well as the selling of drugs is a big problem in this suburb. Police figures showed that there were 369 instances of drug-related crime in Kensington up to March last year – an increase of more than 65 percent.
Pic: www.lib.uct.ac.za

We were also be joined by Leonora Sefoor – Project Manager of the South African Youth Ministers Project in the Western Cape. The young generation is often perceived as having no interest in the government and the country’s politics but there is a new movement among the South African youth who not only show a growing interest in governance but want to get involved. This project is a national initiative, with schools from the Western Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga participating with the aims of showing the youth how government works, how policy affects them and how they have a role to play in the future of politics in this country. For more information call (021) 535 4056.

Our last interview was with Sophia Warner a founder, trustee and trainer of the Pebbles project. They were established in 2004 to offer support to children with special educational needs, particularly those whose lives are affected by alcohol in some way, in the Western Cape. Their vision is to enrich the lives of children with special educational needs, particularly those affected by alcohol, through the provision of a training network and community support. For more information contact Sophia on 072 472 2797 or email her on sophia@pebblesproject.co.za, alternatively visit their website at www.pebblesproject.co.za.
Pic: www.pebblsproject.co.za

28 January - Health

Today we spoke to Lironne Cohen – A Physiotherapist. Physical therapy (or physiotherapy) is a healthcare profession concerned with prevention and management of movement disorders arising from conditions and diseases occurring throughout the lifespan. Lironne explained more about the importance of physiotherapy in managing a patient's condition. If you sit behind the computer all day like the people in the picture on the left, Lironne advises one to do some exercise like bending your neck to your right for 30 seconds and to the left for 30 seconds again. For more information contact (021) 424 1398 or visit www.physiotheraphy.co.za
PIC:courtesy of Bush Radio

24 November – Arts, Culture and Environment

Today we were joined by David Johnson. David plays the prince of Morocco in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice which is currently on in Maynardville. The production is set in Musolini’s Italy in 1943, just pre the Nazi arrival. Directed by Roy Sargeant, the production is said to be worth seeing. Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a captivating mix of tragedy and comedy. The production is at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, in Wynberg till February 16th. Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat at (021) 421 7695.

We also spoke to Lindie Buirski – Environmental Education Coodinator. We were talking about the City of Cape Town’s Youth Environmental School Wetlands Awareness Programme. The programme will be running from the 28th of January to the 8th of February. The programme’s aim is to emphasise that the strong relationship between healthy functioning wetland ecosystems and human health underlines the importance of management strategies that support both the health of wetland ecosystems and the health of humans. For more information cantact Lindie on (021) 487 2353.

Nigel Vermaas was in for the Arts update in and around the city.

We closed off the show with an interview with Pernille Stallema – Abazobi Project Manager, together with Lee-Ann January and Mawande Zenzile. Lee-Ann and Mawande have been selected for a prestigious programme in Norway to train under the world-renowned artist, Kjell Nupen. Together with young artists from all over the world, they will be tutored for three months by Nupen, a prominent contemporary artist with 30 years of experience. They will also link up with other professional artists and be given a rare opportunity to showcase their works in an international arena. Their participation was made possible by the Abazobi project, which is sponsored by the City of Cape Town in partnership with the Stiftelsen Arkivet cultural organisation of Norway, and Robben Island Museum. Pernille told us more about the Abazobi Project. For more contact Pernille at 078 389 3010.
PIC: Mawande, Lee-Ann and Pernille
Taken by:Busisiwe Mtabane

24 January – Labour

In today’s we were joined by Dawn Jackson – from You and Your money. This is the only non profit organisation in the country that is solely dedicated to fighting problems associated with household and personal debt. They guide groups and individuals towards control of their personal debt and towards gaining financial dignity. If you want more information about their programs you can call their offices on (021) 762 3287 or visit www.youandyourmoney.org.za

PIC: www.reducedebts.co.uk

We also spoke to Clement Herandien – Regional Organiser of the National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa. It is reported that Unions are in talks with 500 companies who are forced to adjust working hours and shifts due to load shedding. According to newspaper reports, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa has sent recommendations that management in this industry should pay workers for a minimum of four hours if they were forced to send them home due to power cuts. Clement explained more on what they and employers have agreed on. Our attempts to get SEIFSA’s representatives failed. For more information you can contact NUMSA Western Cape at (021) 945 1784 or visit www.labourprotect.co.za to get the employer’s side of the story go to www.seifsa.co.za or contact (021) 425 2627.

Our last interview was with Lance Veotte - Cape Town Branch Chairperson of the South African Municipal Workers Union. The union will embark on a strike action as from next week Monday the 28th and various strike actions will be happening till the 31st. On the 31st there will be a mass march on the Civic Centre followed by a stay away and a mass meeting of all workers on the 1st of February. Lance explained more about the worker’s grievances. The city of Cape Town declined to be part of the conversation. They faxed us this letter stating their reasons for declining the offer to give us their side of the story. If you would like more information contact SAMWU’s offices at (021) 697 1147.

Workers pic: www.labournet.net

23 January – Gender

Today we were joined by Madelein Mkunu – CEO of Feminar Business Network. We were talking about the Leading Businesswomen of Africa Forum due to take place from the 18th to the 21st of May here in Cape Town. The first forum is targeting to unite economic women leaders and role players from private and public sectors from all regions of Africa with a particular focus on the most twenty (20) economic Leading Countries. The theme is “Women, Africa Economic Growth Reserves”. For more information or to get a registration form visit their website at www.leadingwomenofafrica.com or you can contact Madelein on 084 919 3398.
PIC: www.feminar.co.za

We also spoke to Dalene Van Staden – from FAMSA. We were talking about the Divorce Counselling that FAMSA provides for members of the public. According to FAMSA as the strain of the daily life takes its toll on people, the resulting stress impacts negatively on their relationships. The divorce rate has reached a record high with the children involved often having behavioural problems and without intervention these negative cycles are perpetuated in their adult lives. Dalene told us how they assist families and those around them to deal with life and society's pressures. If you want more information, maybe you would like to attend their counselling sessions contact their offices at: OBSERVATORY (021) 447 7951
TYGERBERG (021) 946 4744
KHAYELITSHA (021) 361 9098
MITCHELLS PLAIN (021) 372 0022
PIC: www.famsawc.org.za

22 January - Human Rights

In today’s show we spoke to Brian Isaacs – Principal of South Peninsula High School. Mr Isaacs has dug in his heels and refused to accept five "disruptive" schoolchildren for the New Year, saying he was prepared to lose his job in order to instil discipline at his school but his action have been received with mixed reactions. The Western Cape Education department has given a verbal warning to Mr Isaacs saying principals don't have the right to ban learners, but Unions have come out in support of Mr Isaacs’ action. Western Cape SADTU chairperson Sabelo Mali said the department needed to give more support and assistance to teachers in their dealing with discipline at schools. He says “Principals are facing numerous challenges, one of them being discipline. This is where district officials, like circuit managers, should be supporting and assisting teachers”. We were talking to Mr Isaacs about the rules and conduct regulations he has at his school. For more information you can contact the school at (021) 021 712 9318.
PIC: www.khanya.co.za

Our last interview was with Ann Steyn she is a olunteer and International President of Reach for Recovery. Reach for Recovery is a free and voluntary support group. It is a self help group based on the premise that former breast cancer patients, now physically and emotionally healthy can relate in a unique and positive way to new patients with breast cancer. The group’s service is available with her doctor’s approval, or to any women who requests it. For more information you can contact Hannalie at 083 336 8695 or Michelle 083 306 1941 or email her westerncape@reach4recovery.org.za alternatively visit www.reach4recovery.org.za
PIC: www.reach4recovery.org.za

21 January – Health

Today we spoke to Erika Ketterer – A Dietician from the Heart and stroke foundation of South Africa. We were talking about heart attacks and strokes. When arteries become too narrow or a clot forms, it restricts blood flow to the heart; the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and a heart attack occurs. The severity of the attack depends on the extent of the damage to the heart muscle. Erika explained 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 their call-share line where you’ll get a dietician for a free nutrition advice on 0860 223 222 alternatively visit their website at www.heartfoundation.co.za

We also spoke to Dorothy Du Plooy – Regional manager of the Cancer Association of South Africa. We were talking about Breast Cancer. According to reports, in South Africa up to 4000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and about 40 percent of them will die from the disease. A new research has shown that survival rates are higher for those women who detect the tumour early, and for those with smaller tumours. But Dorothy explained more on how one can check for the tumours on their breasts and what to do if you have identified one. For more information you can contact the Cancer Association of South Africa at 0800 22 66 22 or visit their website at www.cansa.org.za
PIC: www.health.iafrica.com

18 January - Arts, Culture and Environment

On today’s show, we spoke to Keith Pitout the owner of the Fogeys Railway House Restaurant (Upstairs Station Building Main Road Muizenberg) that is having a dance instructor that is available for Latin ballroom classes on Thursdays between 8 and 9pm. The number to contact for more information is (021) 788 3252 alternatively visit their website on www.fogeys.co.za or e-mail them on info@fogeys.co.za

And we also had an interview with Royston Stoffels and Paul Savage who is staging a musical production called on that note. The musical production is based on their lives. The musical presentation will be at Barons Theatre Restaurant. The show is currently on the circuit until the 2 February at 9pm. Tickets cost R70 and R150 with a meal.

Then we were then joined by Nigel Vermaas who filled us in on everything that is happening in the arts world around Cape Town.

Our last interview is with Gavin Rain an artist – and his Translation exhibition is starting next week Tuesday 5 February 2008 at 6:00pm.
His new body of work is an investigation into some of the founding ideas behind his art. Going right back to the concepts that began his career, Gavin explores the notions of form and message. Through nudes, portraits and landscapes, Gavin challenges our senses: “when something is right in front of us, we never really notice it” the exhibition closes 12 February 2008 at the VEO gallery at 33 Long Street Cape Town the number to call is 021 423 7069.

27 January - Labour

Just a recap of today’s show, we were joined by Thembeka Majali and Mzimasi Mngeni – from the Alternative Information and Development Centre. We were talking about the right to work campaign. Thembeka is the co-ordinator of that campaign. Through this campaign they are trying to force the government to constitutionalise the Right to Work. They will be having a meeting on the 24th of January 2008 from 1pm until 4pm, everybody is welcome. For more information about the campaign or if you would like to join them contact (021) 447 5770 or visit www.aidc.org.za

16 January – Gender

Today we spoke to Christeen Erwee – Project Manager of Women in IT. Women in IT is a bursary and mentorship programme that aims to create insight, opportunity, growth and development for women within the information technology sector. The programme creates formal and informal networks between women IT students, tertiary institutions, South African IT professionals and corporates. Christeen explained more about the programme. For more information or to apply for the bursary you can contact Christeen at (011) 467 7171 or visit their website

Above: Nokukhanya Sigasa and Kgaugelo Maila, 2007 bursary winners.

PICS: http://www.womeninit.co.za/

15 January – Human Rights

In today’s show we were joined by Jenny Bergstedt – Education Facilitator from Sent to Serve Community Development. We were talking about High School preparation workshops that she facilitates. The workshop will assist new grade 8's to adjust to their new environment; deal with peer-pressure and bullying; have a success-mentality; deal with test and exam anxiety; manage time effectively; use their mind-power and have a fulfilling and balanced high-school experience. Jenny is a qualified psychologist. The classes are at Kuilsriver Library between 9H00 - 12H00 and costs R100. If you want more information about the workshops you can contact at (021) 903 4256 or Jenny at 082 632 2353 alternatively visit www.sent2serve.co.za
PIC: www.sent2serve.co.za

Freddy Jeneke and Patrick Andries – from Feedback Food Redistribution were also guests in the show to talk about their organisation and the work that they do. Feedback is a registered Non Profit Organisation, committed to community development in South Africa through food redistribution. The organisation meets beneficiaries' urgent food needs while encouraging them to become self-sufficient in food provision. This is done through a process which includes workshops and the introduction of independent food sources such as vegetable gardens. The two gentlemen told us more about some of their projects. If you want more information contact (021) 685 0484 or visit www.feedback.org.za
PIC: www.feedback.org.za

14 January - Health

Our first interview we were joined by Lynn Erasmus – Public Relations Officer from the Western Cape Blood Transfusion Services. The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service has issued a call to all Capetonians to help alleviate pressure on the province's blood supply by attending donation clinics. According to the WPBTS, the Western Cape’s blood supply has improved tremendously since their first call for donations in the beginning of December 2007 but the province’s blood supply is still under pressure and their challenge is now to increase and sustain blood stock levels for the O blood group to ensure that they fully recover from the current shortage. For more information or if you want to donate contact their offices at (021) 507 6300/6364 or visit their website www.wpblood.org.za.

pic: www.wpblood.org.za

And we also spoke to Nicole Masureik – From the Support group for parents who have suffered a stillbirth or neonatal death. A stillbirth, occurs when a fetus which has died in the uterus or during labour or delivery exits a woman's body. The term is often used in distinction to live birth or miscarriage. Most stillbirths occur in full term pregnancies. Nicole explained more about the support service they provide. For more information or if you want to join the support group you can contact Nicole at 084 5241 541 alternatively email her on bornsleeping@gmail.com.

We closed off the show with an interview with Susan Harris Jones – from Simply Energetic Healing. We were talking about holistic healing. According to Sue this will strengthen your Energetic & Immune System and increase your vitality for everyday living. It can also help you overcome Physical and Emotional trauma. For more information contact her on (021) 557 9390 or 082 575 4065 alternatively you can email her on simplyenergetic@xsinet.co.za.

Pic: www.healing.about.com

11 January – Arts, Culture and Environment

Today we spoke to Kevin Momberg – Director of the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association. Every year on the 2nd of January at Cape Town City Center the Cape Malay Minstrels troupes take to the streets in the celebration of the "Tweede Nuwejaar" carnival parade. It is said that the annual colourful spectacle originated when the slaves of the l8th century were granted a day off by their masters. While the minstrels’ parade is the highlight of the year for thousands of Cape Flats families others often express shock and horror at the idea that there is a cultural tradition that still identifies with the "coon" image. Mr Momberg explained the origins of the carnival and why we should embrace it as part of the Cape Culture. The minstrels’ competition is currently running at Athlone Stadium every Saturday from 2PM till the 9th of February when the winner for 2008 will be announced.

PIC:www.athlone.co.za

We also spoke to Berco Wilsenach – winner of the prestigious Absa l’Atelier Award 2005. Berco is exhibiting his new work as part of a comprehensive “Project for a blind astronomer”. In this exhibition Wilsenach examines the inaccessibility of language as a medium. The exhibition is at Bell-Roberts Contemporary Gallery, 89 Bree St, Cape Town. Up from the 12th of Jan till the 2nd of Feb 2008. For more information contact (021) 422 1100.

We were also joined by Nicky Slavis – from the South African National Circus School. The Circus School is giving training to those who are interested in joining the circus industry and the training is provided for free. They will have some equipment up at the Sea Point Promenade for public participation. For more information about the circus school contact (021) 692 4287 or send an email to sacircus@mweb.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Alan Jardine – CEO of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds or SANCCOB. SANCCOB received over 400 orphaned African penguin chicks from Cape Nature’s Dyer Island at the end of October. The chicks will be hand-reared by SANCCOB over the next three months, and then released back into the wild. SANCCOB is appealing to the community to help save the chicks through donations towards SANCCOB’s Rescue Campaign, Mr Jardine explanied more about that campaign. For more information about SANCCOB’s “Rescue Campaign” contact Monique on (021) 557 6155 or visit www.sanccob.co.za

PICS:www.sanccob.co.za

10 January – Labour

Today we spoke to Marius Naudè – Director of Employment Solutions or Empsol. EMPSOL is a well established recruitment company doing recruitment of Permanent and Contract staff in all industries. We were talking about the company and the future of staff recruitment in South Africa. According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released last month, South Africa is among the top countries with the strongest first quarter hiring prospects for 2008. While hiring expectations were 4% down from the fourth quarter of 2007, the survey shows that 27% of employers in South Africa expect to add employees in the first quarter of 2008. So if you are looking for a job don’t lose hope because the future looks promising. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 948 8290 or visit www.empsol.co.za

PIC:www.everyculture.com

08 January - Human Rights

Welomce back to 2008. New beginnings, new goals but here on Sakhisizwe we continue with our aims of building the nation. In today's show we spoke to Castro Ngobese – National Spokesperson for the Young Communist League. The League is commemorating the 13th anniversary of the SACP National Chairperson Joe Slovo’s death by launching the Joe Slovo Right to Learn Campaign. The YCL says the purpose of the campaign will be to draw all actors in education to ensure that we have a smooth school re – opening programme. This will further accord administrators in schools to ensure there is effective and speedy registration, proper information for parents and learners who cannot afford and access learning for all. A detailed programme will be unveiled during the week. If you want more information you can contact Castro on (011) 339 3621.

We were also joined by Ashraaf Cassiem – Chairperson of the Western Cape Anti-Eviction Campaign, Mushiefah - from the Delft Symphony Anti-Eviction Campaign and Prince Xhanti Sigcawu – from the State property developer, Thubelisha Homes. We were discussing the situation at the N2 Gateway houses in Delft. Just before Christmas more than 1000 backyarders from Delft and other areas of Cape Town, occupied the N2 Gateway houses in Delft that were earmarked for beneficiaries from Joe Slovo in Langa. The developer, Thubelisha Homes, was instructed by the national Housing Department to evict illegal occupants immediately but the evictions were said to be illegal. If you want more information about the current situation you can contact Ashraaf on 076 186 1408 or Thubelisha Homes on (021) 487 9200 or visit www.thubelisha.co.za