Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show we were joined instudio by Ongama Mona and Wandile Zintwana – members of Warongx. This duo from Khayelitsha will blow you away with their mixture of Afro-Pop and Jazz music. They say their aim is to make music that reminds them of their roots. If you want to see them perform live and hear some of their mesmerizing melodies, you can go to venues like the Zula Bar in Long Street, Bra-Joes eGugs and other venues. For more information contact Ongama 083 374 6510. We also spoke to Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update in and around the city. 28 February – Labour Today we spoke to Mary-Joe Emde – CEO of Results Workplace Coaching SA. We were talking about workplace coaching. According to Results Workplace Coaching International - External coaching for executives is rapidly being accepted worldwide as one of the most effective ways of improving workplace performance. Mary-Joe explained what the coach's job is and the importance of a workplace coach. For more information co...

In today’s show we spoke to Commissioner Yvette Abrahams – From the Commission on Gender Equality. The Commission will host a press conference in order to give a response on the tabling of the report of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the Chapter 9 and Associated institutions. The commission is also a chapter 9 institution. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 426 4080/3 or visit their website at www.cge.org.za We were also joined on the line by Candice Jansen – A photographer. We will be talking to her about some of the challenges she faces as a photographer and what inspires her work. Candice’s work is currently on display at Don Pedro in Woodstock as part of the Month of People’s Photography’s Home Sweet Street Exhibition. For more information you can contact her on 083 453 9647 or visit their website at www.mopp.org.za We also spoke to Pearl Motolwana – Board Member from the Abigail Women’s Movement. The Abigail Women’s Movement is a serv...

Today we spoke to Elma Geswindt – Cosatu Provincial Administer. Last week Western Cape Senior Citizens marched to the Provincial Government in a bid to express their unhappiness against the low pension rate. The march was organised by the Congress of South African Trade Unions, Cosatu. Elma explained more about the senior citizens grievances. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 448-0045 / 6 or email her to elma@cosatu.org.za We were also joined instudio by Hassan Khan – CEO of the Haven Night Shelter to talk about the shelter and the services that they provide for adult people living on the streets. One of their missions is to promote community awareness of the social problems arising out of destitution and to encourage the participation of the public in the alleviation of such problems. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 461 7830 alternatively visit their website at www.haven.org.za . Our last interview was with Veronica and Charles Nic...

The Tik Epidemic has taken over Cape Town communities, children as young as 15 years old are addicted to this dangerous drug. TIK induces psychotic symptoms, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, and violence. According to users, the drug gives an immediate, extremely pleasurable rush or “flush”. The rush only lasts a few seconds, but is followed by euphoria (a high) which lasts for several hours. In today’s show we were joined on the line by Grant Jardine – Director of the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre to talk about the long term effects of this drug. What does it do to one’s brains – Once you stop using can you fully recover. TIK is a highly addictive, if you are using it and would like to quit contact the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre at (021) 447 8026 or visit www.drugcentre.org.za for more information. We have started again with the series of interviews brought to you by the National Department of Health and Funded by the European Union and this week we w...

Today we spoke to Ravi Naidoo – Founder and Host of the Design Indaba. This event will be taking over Cape Town's International Convention Centre from tomorrow till next Friday the 29th of February. The Indaba is a hive of creative energy, attracting leading designers and students from around South Africa and the world. Speakers from past indabas have included over 250 industry leaders from the fields of product design, fashion, architecture, interiors, graphic design, trend forecasting and new media. For more information visit www.designindaba.com or contact their offices at (021) 465 9966. We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update in and around the city. We closed off the show with an interview with Francois Rauben heimer – from the Month of People's Photography. We spoke to him about their annual free exhibition that aims to exhibit pictures taken by photographers from all walks of life. This year they encourage people to bring their own photographs to the gr...

In today’s show, we spoke to Seth Tladi – Director of Development and Research from the Triple Trust Organisation. The organisation acts as a market development facilitator and designs and manages projects that will enable poor communities to meaningfully participate in markets. Seth will tell us more about their programmes. For more information visit www.tto.org.za or call (021) 689 6000. PIC: www.tto.org.za We were also joined on the line by Eric Ntabazalila – spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Public Works, Marius Fransman. We were talking about the study bursaries that the minister will be awarding this afternoon to more than 124 students studying engineering and other scarce skills. This is part of the Masakh’ iSizwe Programme which was coined by the Minister about two-and-a-half years ago. For more information you can contact the Bursaries Programme Manager at (021) 483 5851 alternatively send him an email to javeeden@pgwc.gov.za . And last but not least we were joined...

Today we heard an inspiring story of how a shelter has contributed in changing the lives of previously destitude and homeless women. Dorothy Du plooy – Director of St. Annes Home joined Sakhisizwe on the line to talk about the work they do. The organisation’s vision is to see women with children living free from abuse, poverty and discrimination by offering the world a model of care and social empowerment. Dorothy told us more about their programme. Dorothy has called on the members of the public to donate baby formula, clothes and toys for the shelter. For more information you can contact (021) 448 6792 /488 8513 or visit http://www.stanneshomes.org.za/ We were also joined by Lindie Buirski – City of Cape Town’s Environmental Educationn Coordinator. We were talking about the Women Orchid Legacy Project. The project was founded with the purpose and aim of offering unemployed women training in how to grow orchids and run a nursery. The city of Cape Town is the co-founder of the project....

In today's show we spoke to Mark Lawrence – chairman of the Children's Protection Fund of South Africa. The organisation provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of South Africa who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. They pay particular attention to the needs of poor, underprivileged and abused children and those with disabilities. Mark told us how they have made a difference since the start of the organisation. On the 24 May 2008 the CPFSA will be hosting an event and welcomes any form of donation. For more information you can contact Mark on 082 9354910 or alternatively email them at marglor@telkomsa.net . And our last interview was with Vivian Budaza – Executive Director of Grandmothers against Poverty and Aids - GAPA. This is a voluntary organisation that aims to build capacity and empower grandmothers to overcome the effects of HIV/AIDS in their families. They do this through a growing network of grandmothers who all are affected by the pandemic. GA...

Today we were joined on the line by Azola Goqwana and Thami Nkosi – From the Sonke Gender Justice Network. The Sonke Gender Justice Network will be launching a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) awareness raising campaign event in Gugulethu, at Yona taxi rank on the 22nd of February, from 11AM. Their Peer educators will be educating commuters about STI’s, HIV/AIDS and gender based violence. Your partnership in this initiative will be highly appreciated. Their slogan is “Lets work together to raise awareness about gender based violence and prevent HIV in our communities”. For more information contact their offices at (021) 423 7088 or visit www.genderjustice.org.za This week is the Teen Suicide Prevention Week and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group will be focusing on educating the public about the serious issue of teen suicide. In South Africa, suicide is said to be the second leading cause of death in the 15 – 24 age group. It is vital to address feelings of depres...

Today we spoke to Brent Meistre. Meistre is a photographer and academic living and w orking in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. We were talking to him about his photographic exhibition titled Class currently on at the Photographers Gallery in town. The exhibition is running till the 5th of March. To see Brent’s work visit the Photographers Gallery at 63 Shortmarket Street in Cape Town or call (021) 422 2762 or visit www.erdmanncontemporary.co.za PICS: schoolfest.foundation.org.za / www.erdmanncontemporary.co.za Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city. The Baxter Theatre Centre is calling for applications from young South African actors who will be under 30 years old in June this year, who wish to audition for the Brett Goldin Bursary for 2008. Auditions will take place at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town during the week of 25 February with the finals on 7 and 8 March. The closing date for applications is Friday, 22 February at 5PM. The organiser...

In today’s show we were joined by the Director and Project Manager of the WorkNow – Ronald Bownes. WorkNow is a non profit organization, funded by the Department of S ocial Services. Their aim is to help low to medium skilled workers find employment. Ronald explained more about the organisation. For more information you can visit their website at www.cei.org.za or call (021) 790 1539. Pic of WorkNow team: www.cei.org.za We also spoke to Dr Sidney Luckett from the Western Cape department of transport and Public Works. The d epartment initiated a programme that will see 69 young graduates entering the scarce skills job market over the next few months. The programme called Masakh’ iSizwe has provided bursaries for about 640 engineering students, most of them from poor backgrounds, since its launch about two-and-a-half years ago. Dr Luckett explained more about the programme. For more information you can contact the Bursaries Programme Manager at (021) 483 5851 alternatively send him an e...

Today we spoke to Fundiswa Zenzile. Fundiswa has been volunteering her services in building low cost houses through out the province and was recently sent to do training on building houses and she hopes to start her own building project in the near future. She is currently busy with the 1000 Volunteer Housing Programme in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein whereby community members are invited to take part and build 100-150 houses in 3 month for communities in identified area as part of People Housing Processes. For more information you can contact her at 083 318 5055.

Today we spoke to Thulani Dasa - Fieldwork Coordinator from Uthango Social Investments. Uthango is a unique investment and development company with a special focus on bridging the digital divide, micro-enterprise development, intercultural dialogue, crime prevention, community mental health and most importantly, infrastructure development. They specialize in social innovation to implement best practices in sustainable development. Thulani explained more about the services they provide. If you want more information about uthango you can contact their offices at (021) 7832363 or 0827881115 alternatively visit www.uthango.org Our last interview was this Andy Du Plessis – Director of Peninsula School Feeding Association. The Association has been providing meals to hungry children in primary schools and other educational institutions since 1958. Their mission is to combat the prevalence of hunger in children attending schools or other educational institutions in the Western Cape, through ...

Today we spoke to Dr Prithy Ramlachan - from the Southern African Sexual Health Association. We were talking about Sexual Health as this week is the Sexual Health Awareness Week. The Southern African Sexual Health Association’s mission is to provide credible information and education on sexual health issues from a multidisciplinary perspective for the general public, the media and healthcare professionals. Dr Ramlachan told us the aims of having Sexual Health Awareness Week. To get help if you experience a sexual problem you can phone their helpline from Mon to Fri from 09h00 to 17h00 on 0860 10 02 62 or visit www.sexualhealth.co.za We were also joined by to Jan Webster – Director of Comacare. They take care of p eople who are comatised. At Comacare they believe that people in coma are working to be more aware of potentially meaningful experiences and can often be reached through special communication methods. Jan explained to us how they work. For more information or maybe if you have...

In today’s show we were joined by Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update in and around the city. Nigel mentioned that the very popular teenager life-skills theatre programme Sithi@baxter kicks off its first cycle for 2008 on Friday, 22 February, and interested young enthusiasts are invited to apply immediately. It’s aimed at teaching young people life-skills through the medium of theatre. Sithi@baxter is for interested teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18, and applications to join the programme should be sent to the Project Manager, Nicolette Moses, on (021) 680 3964 or via email to nicolette.moses@uct.ac.za . Fatima Dike, Fikile Mahola and Morena Medi were our guests in studio. We were ta lking about a play called Woza Albert. Fatima is the Director of the play. Fikile and Morena are lead actors. This classic play is about people under oppression who in their darkest moments are given hope by their faith in God. Woza Albert is presented by Siyasanga Cape Town Theatre Company in associ...

Today we spoke to Oliver Gartner - Owner & Managing Director of the Medical Education Center. We were talking about the Basic Fire Fighting training course they provide. Their courses are conducted strictly according to the guidelines of the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa. If you want more information you can call their toll free number at 0800 70 1000 or visit www.medicaleducation.co.za We also spoke to Deline Van Boom – Director of the Volunteer Centre. The Volunteer Center is an organisation that mobilizes and places volunteers in organizations. They also provide training in Effective Volunteer Management for organizations utilizing volunteers or for individuals interested in working with or managing volunteers. Deline explained more on steps that one can take in being part of their volunteering team. If you would like more information contact (021) 674 -5338 or visit www.volcent.co.za

We had an interview with Riaan van der Merwe the coach of a women’s rugby team, the Tukkies womens rugby team. According to tuksrugby.co.za women are being oppressed in such a male dominated sport for more information contact Riaan at 083 310 3972 alternatively visit www.tuksrugby.co.za .

Today we had an interview with Jeff Burton about The Carpenters Shop. The school of industry, originally brought into being with a grant of 500 pounds from Lady Catherine Bell, closed in 1975 after being in existence for 133 years. After lying insolvent and somewhat derelict for five years, the Trustees granted the use of this large building to The Carpenter’s Shop. They aim to provide daytime accommodation for those otherwise without any prospect of regular employment they also develop the trainees existing skills as well as teaching them new skills. Lastly they assist the trainees in finding their way back into society with regular employment. For more information you can contact them at (021) 461 5508/8766.

On today's show we had an interview with Louise Goosen from milk matters. Milk Matters is a Cape Town based charity organisation that collects donated breastmilk and supplies it to babies deprived of their mothers’ own milk, giving them the best possible start in life. To contact them you can email them on info@milkmatters.org . Alternatively contact Jenny Wright 083 771 6230 or Louise Goosen, Linda Glynn on 021 659 5599. Visit their website:www.milkmatters.org. Our last interview was with Dr. E.V Rapiti a family physician who discussed dying and dealing with death. Losing someone is a powerful, life-changing experience that most people find overwhelming the first time. Although grief is a natural process of human life, most of us are not able to deal with it alone. At the same time, others are often unable to provide aid or insight because of discomfort with the situation and the desire to avoid making things worse. If anybody needs any help or counselling you can contact Dr. Rapi...

Today on the show we had an interview with Guy Buttery a musician who recently returned home from Australia and will be performing three shows in and around Cape Town. You can catch him on the 7th at the Zula Sound Bar – Long Street then on the 9th he’ll be at Capri Cottage Club –Noordhoek and on the 10th of February he’ll perform at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Obz. For more information you can contact 082 361 0615 or email him on buttery@iafrica.com , and further information you can visit www.myspace.com/guybuttery . After that we have a feature on the Spiere's Poetry Festival that Busisiwe Mtabane attended on Wednesday. We also spoke to Fritz Marx from the City of Cape Town on the launch of a photo exhibition for models with disabilities. Under the theme ‘Aesthetic and Disability’, the exhibition takes place from February 2 to 29, at the Cape Town Civic Centre. Entrance is free. For more information you can contact (021) 400 1302. Nigel Vermaas was in updating us about ev...