Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today's show, we were joined Instudio by Mark Oglivie – from the Cape Town Environment Education Trust. One of their primary objectives is to provide quality, affordable Environmental Education Programmes to youth from all communities in the Cape Metropolitan Area. Mark explained more about those educational programmes. For more information contact mark at 072 183 3772 or (021) 706 8523 or visit http://www.zeep.co.za/ We also heard from Mbulelo Samby – from the Artscape. We were talking about one of the major production running during the 4th Artscape Spring Drama Season. The play titled The Return is written by one of South Africa’s leading playwrights, Fatima Dike. It is a project of the Artscape New Writing Programme and explores some of the difficult issues facing South Africa’s cotemporary Black society. The production is directed by leading director and theatre producer, Roy Sargeant. The cast stars famed veteran actress Nomhle Nkonyeni, Mzwakhe Mdidimba, Roshina Ratnam ...

In today’s show, we heard from Richard Hoffman – a senior consultant at Labour Justice. We were talking about workplace discipline focusing on Disciplinary procedures, Grievance procedures, Disciplinary hearings & Warnings. Richard designs and drafts specialized Codes for Discipline and Companies and presides at hearings. For more information about Labour Justice go to www.labourjustice.com or contact their office on (021) 511-6385. We also heard from Sizwe Pamla – From the National Education Health & Allied Workers Union or NEHAWU. NEHAWU claims that their members, 52 security personnel were suspended by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) for alleged incitement and promotion of an illegal industrial action. According to the union, ACSA found some of their members guilty in absentia during a hearing without affording them an opportunity to answer for themselves or get representation from union officials. Sizwe explained more about those allegations, unfortunately No...

In toda y's show,we spoke to Cynthia Mbuyazwe – from Women of Steel. Their mission is to create self sustaining income primarily for unemployed women in poorer communities. This is achieved by setting them up in their own business then training and supporting them and their business. Cynthia explained more on how they operate. For more information contact her on 082 357 0462 or Lizeka Rhali on 082 423 0188 We also heard from Shaun Phillips – from Hearts of Men. Hearts of Men striv es to provide mentoring, educational and social guidance to young people at risk in order for them to become community builders contributing to sustainable peace and crime prevention. Shaun explained more about other services. For more information contact Shaun on 073 411 3783 or (021) 845 5325 or send an email to sharp@africamail.com We clo sed off the show with an interview with Jean Beukes – an activist. A group of South African feminists have joined Zimbabwean sisters to say enough is enough. They s...

In today's show,we were joined by Anaclet Mbayagu – From the African Disabled Refugee Organisation. Adro provides advocacy, material and moral assistance to disabled refugees or asylum seekers. Anaclet explained more about other services they provide. If you want more information about the organisation, you can contact him on 073 195 0594 or send a fax to (021) 421 7105 alternatively send an email to adro@webmail.co.za We heard from Lezete Engelbrecht – Home Care Director at the Highway Home Project. This is an organisation that offers care to abandoned, abused and neglected children, who are referred to them by welfare agencies and some who have been on the street. Their mission is to provide a safe residential care facility, offering opportunities for the healthy development of children, combined with effective community service and family support programmes, contributing to family reconciliation, reunification and preservation. Lezet explained more about other services that they...

In today's show, we were joined on the line by Katherine Alexander – Vice Chairperson of Psoriasis Association. We were talking about Psoriasis as today it is World Psoriasis Day which aims to raise more awareness about this condition. Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder and it affects one to two percent of the population. Unfortunately there is no cure for Psoriasis, but many different treatments, both topical (on the skin) and systemic (throughout the body), can clear psoriasis for periods of time. For more information you can contact the Psoriasis Association at (021) 556 1141 (all hours)or (021) 981 1650 or visit the website at www.psoriasis.org.za send an email to psoriasis@blaauwberg.net . We were also joined by Stanley Nondo – from the Department of Health. We were talking about promoting good water, food and sanitation related diseases. According to the World Health Organisation, the global estimates are that about 1.8 million people die every year from diarrhoeal ...

In today's edition of Sakhisizwe we were joined Instudio by Tambu Sibanda and Thijs Boer – from Greatmore Art Studios. In celebrating their tenth birthday, Greatm ore Studios will be hosting an exclusive art raffle. The raffle comprises of selected work on paper from a collection of images donated by local and international artists. Artists who will be featured include David Koloane, Cecil Skotnes, Sue Williamson, William Kentridge, Tyrone Appolis, David Goldblatt, Helen Sebidi, Peter Clarke and more. By buying a raffle ticket for R1 600 you stand a chance to win one of over 112 Artworks generously donated by artists that have been associated with Greatmore in the past ten years. The number of tickets sold have been limited to 224 to ensure ticket holders have a 50% chance of winning an original artwork. The final draw will take place at Greatmore Studios on Friday the 14th of November. You can view 112 artworks being raffled at www.greatmoreart.org/catalogue_01.htm or contact (02...

In today’s show, we played an interview I had with George Pambason - Director of the Alliance for refugees. The alliance was established in 2005 by George and other refugees from different African countries living in Cape Town, with a shared vision of uplifting the lives of refugees and making them an asset rather than a liability to the host Nation by engaging them in socio-economic and cultural activities. If you want more information contact the Alliance on (021) 421 2348 or visit www.afrisa.org.za We also heard from John Peters – Regional Manager for Small Enterprise Development Agency or SEDA. We were talking about Entrepreneurship. SEDA in partnership with the Department of Trade & Industry hosted the first Entrepreneurs Day in Cape Town yesterday. The aim of the event is to reach mainly pre-start up as well as existing enterprises that have been in operation for less than two years, providing information, advice and networking opportunities. John explained more about the fut...

Today on the show, we spoke to Rachel Georgia - Communication & Project Officer at the National Community Radio Forum or NCRF. The NCRF in partnership with Constitution Hill will be hosting a dialogue on Women in Media on the 11th of November. Women in Media will be represented by various sectors within media; this is part of teaching and encouraging young females to become involved in the different sectors within media. Rachel explained more about the objectives of the dialogue. For more information to go www.ncrf.org.za or contact (011) 403 4336. We also heard from Pam Jackson – Director of Ons Plek. Ons Plek is the only intake shelter for girls in Cape Town tomorrow they will be launching a book on the work of Ons Plek with girls in need. According to Pam the book has a unique and easy-to-read approach to the subject of girls living on the street, focuses on the daily realities of providing a full range of structured therapeutic and development opportunities for the children. ...

Today we spoke to Noluvo Rhasmeni – Western Cape Coordinator of the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS or NAPWA. NAPWA is a national organization that co-ordinates the needs and resources of all people living with HIV/AIDS. One of their objectives is to ensure that the human rights of all infected and affected people are recognized and upheld. But Noluvo explained more about the work they do. If you want more information about the organisation, you can contact their offices on (021) 425 6860 or visit www.napwa.org.za but that website is still under construction. We heard from Elroy Paulus – Advocacy program manager at Black Sash. Black Sash in partnership with other Human Rights organisations will hand over a petition to parliament today, signed by over 12 000 supporters, appealing that the age limit of children eligible for child support grants be extended to 18 years old. Elroy explained more about that call. For more info contact them on (021) 4617804 alternatively...

Today we spoke to Dr Cleeve Robertson - Provincial Director of Emergency Medical Services. We were talking about Trauma. Trauma is defined as any body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury as from accident, injury or impact. According to research deaths from physical trauma decline where there are organized trauma systems. Dr Robertson told us more about trauma. That interview was brought to you by the department of Health and funded by the European Union. We also spoke to Tereza Hough – CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. It is a condition in which bone tissue is reduced and the micro-architecture of bone is disrupted. This leads to an increased risk of fracture which usually involves the spine, hip or wrist. It is called the silent disease because it progresses undetected for many years and the first sign of this disease is usually a fracture. According to reports, more than one-third of women over the age of 50 and near...

In today’s show, we were joined by Twinky Laubscher – An Artist. According to write ups about the artist, Twinky has the ability to fill a space in an amazing way. We were talking about her exhibition titled “Colours”. The exhibition reflects universal concepts in an abstract, yet obvious manner. In placement of form, determination of shape, size and selections of line, colour is presented in a playful manner. The exhibition can be viewed at Café Manhattan, until the end of October. For more information you can call the gallery on (021) 421 6666. We also heard from Michael Pettit, an internationally acclaimed and professional artist. His work has been exhibited widely over many years, as well as being published in many books and magazines. Michael has a very unique way of painting which can be seen in his latest works namely figurative paintings and lyrical abstracts. We spoke about his double exhibition to be displayed at the AVA gallery as well as the Jao Ferreria art gallery up unti...

In today’s show, we spoke to Phillip Magcobo – Manager of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), as well as the project manager of a Service Delivery Jamboree to take place in Langa this week. It is a well known fact that many of the residents from poorer communities in the province do not have Identity documents or even birth certificates. This makes it almost impossible for such people to find employment, and better their standard of living. The Western Cape Provincial Government will be hosting the Service Delivery Jamboree, focussing on the communities of Langa and Bonteheuwel. The Jamboree will see departments such as Home Affairs take on applications for ID’s, birth certificates, while SASSA will administer to community members who would like to apply for grants such as pensions, child support grant and disability grant. We spoke about the impact this jamboree will have on the lives of these residents. The Jamboree starts on today and runs until Saturday afternoon the1...

In today’s show, we spoke to Clive Human – Spokesperson for Standing Together to Oppose Pornography or STOP. Their mission is to promote a society in which children are nurtured in an environment of sound family values and in which women and children in particular are protected from sexual crime, sexual exploitation, abuse and violence in accordance with their constitutional rights. Clive explained more on how the organisation was formed and how they are opposing the widespread pornography in our society. If you are also concerned about the escalation of pornography and child pornography on the Internet, Television or Magazines then complain and speak out against such offensive material or join STOP. For more information to go www.stop.org.za or contact Clive on (021) 715 3216. We also heard from Sharon Cox and Marlow Valentine from the Triangle Project. Their mission is to contribute towards eradicating discrimination against and within the LGBT community. We were speaking about bis...

In today’s show, we were joined by Ashraaf Cassiem and Evelyn Mokoena - from the Western Cape Anti- Eviction Campaign. Two weeks ago an incident took place at a home in Symphony way where it is alleged that about 15 police officers illegally invaded a resident’s home, destroying the property in the process. According to the Anti-Eviction Campaign, the officers were unable to provide a copy of a court order or proof of permission from the City. We spoke discussed the incident in depth. We were also joined on the line by Steve Hayward - Project Manager for the City of Cape Town's Informal Settlement Management to tell us their side of the story. If you want more information about the Anti-Eviction Campaign, you can contact Ashraf on 076 186 1408. We heard from Nikki Arendse - from the National Institute for crime prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders or NICRO. This national non-profit organisation regards crime as a threat to democracy and individual rights. Through people ce...

In today’s show, we spoke to Ayesha Seedat – A Dietician from the Heart and Heart Stroke Foundation of South Africa. This week is the Obesity and Nutrition Week. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, Obesity is now recognised as a major public health problem in many countries like Australia, America, UK, Mexico, Brazil as well as South Africa. Worldwide statistics show that 22 million children under the age of five are overweight. We spoke to Ayesha about what causes obesity and the risks associated with being obese. Remember, balance an active lifestyle for your child with a healthy diet - by limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. Teach children healthy eating habits that will last their entire lifetime! For more details and nutritional advice from registered dieticians, contact the Heart Mark Diet Line on 0860 223 222 during office hours, or visit www.heartfoundation.co.za The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, has a School Tuck Shop Prog...

In today’s show, I played an interview I had with the Essop twin brothers Hassan and Hussain – they are photographers. In their work they repeat their own images in digitally enhanced photographic mise en scenes exploring their life-issues in Cape Town with an emphasis on their experiences as Muslims. They are Art South Africa's tenth Bright Young Thing for 2008. They explained more about what influences their work. Some of their work can be viewed at the Goodman Gallery Cape. They are invited to participate on the tenth Havana Biennial in Cuba (March 27 – April 20, 2009). For more contact the Goodman Gallery Cape on (021) 462 7573 / 4 or visit http://www.goodmangallerycape.com/ . We also heard from Natalia Da Rocha - one of South Africa’s renowned pioneers in the arts and entertainment industry. She joined us to talk about Applauz Arts Initiative. Through this initiative Natalia is uplifting South African youth in disadvantaged communities and turning them into up and coming artis...

In today’s show, we spoke to Salim Patel – Director of Labour Research Service. It is a non-profit company that provides support to trade unions and allied organisation in South Africa. This is done by providing information, education and research to trade unions. Mr Patel explained more about LRS. For more information call their offices on (021) 447 1677 or visit www.lrs.org.za Marlese Vanbroembsen - Architect and convenor of the new programme entitled Masters in Social Justice, soon to be launched by the University of Cape Town joined us on the line to talk more about the Programme. UCT is launching this landmark programme to breathe new life into efforts to empower the poor and marginalised in South Africa. The launch of Masters in Social Justice is a first for the country as UCT is the only university in South Africa running a programme of its kind. Run by the Institute of Development and Labour Law, the program combines law, social justice and development. Major local legal and de...

In today’s show, we spoke to Nikki Newman - Board Member at the Women in Film and Television SA as well as Calvyn Du Toit - from Visual Impact. WIFTSA is a network of women dedicated to advancing the professional development and empowerment of women working in the film and television industry. WIFTSA is an inclusive organization for women of all backgrounds. Its members work at all levels of the industry - from the owners of production companies to directors, entertainment lawyers, actresses, camerawomen, make-up artists and students. Women in Film and Television SA, in partnership with Visual Impact present a workshop called Get Technical to discuss the future of High Definition that will be happening on the Thursday the 16th of October. We were talking about the workshop and how women will be empowered through the skills taught. The workshop will discuss the future of High Definition (HD) and give participants a chance to “get technical” with a range of video equipment. It will be h...

In today’s show, we were joined instudio by Ruth Martin - from Child Line Western Cape. In the dangerous and crime ridden society we live in and the soaring rape and abuse statistics in the country, children can be assured that help is out there. Life Line Western Cape aims to offer a safe space and emotional support for troubled children and teens. The organisation provides accessible confidential and non-directive counselling services 24 hours a day. They provide skills training for volunteers and staff as well as working with various non-profit organisations to enhance their community service. We spoke about the organisation and the service that they provide. To report abuse contact childline's tollfree on 0800 55 555 or For more information contact them on (021) 461 1113 or go to www.lifelinewc.org,.za We also heard from Lucille Kennedy - from the community corrections and care organisation. For many ex- prisoners, there are few opportunities to be successfully reintegrated int...

In today’s show, we spoke to Dr Ziskend – An Ophthalmologist from the University of Stellenboch. This week is the Eye Care Awareness Week and annually during this period eye specialists normally perform free cataract operations as part of an annual nationwide programme to restore the sight of people suffering from cataracts. Last year the attention was on the prevention of childhood blindness in support of the World Sight Day that is on Saturday the 11th of October. Dr Ziskend explained more on what measures we can take in order to prevent eye infections that can lead to permanent Blindness. Visit the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa’s website at www.ossa.co.za for more information on eye diseases and conditions and to find an ophthalmologist in your area. We heard from Professor Dennis Viljoen – from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch. We spoke about Inherited Disorders. Last week Wednesday the 1st of October was the National Inherited Disorders...

In today’s show, we were joined by Paul Weinberg - Founder and Member of Afrapix photographic agency. Paul is a photographer and is very committed to photographing South Africa and exploring it’s people, life, culture and environment. He has been involved with various non-governmental organisations and was a founder member of New Ground Magazine where he serves as a photographer and picture editor. Over the years Paul has also curated many exhibitions. We spoke about Changing Perspectives that will be on exhibition until the 24th of October at CAPE, number 10 Spin Street, Cape Town. If you want more information about the exhibition, you can call (021) 480 7151. We also heard from Jay, Messenger, Lucifer, Pharmacist and more – from the Black Ink Art Movement. They are a group of theatre performers, from the community for the community; based in Du Noon community this vibrant and talented group fuses acting, singing and dancing (mainly hip-hop) while they integrate visual art with poetr...

In today’s show, we spoke to Zimbini Mangele – Project Manager at Ikhaya Trust Centre. The centre situated in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, was established in 2002, when a small group of residents saw a need in the community. Ikhaya Trust Centre is owned by the Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust and aims to bridge the division between various communities in the greater Stellenbosch district. The trust focuses on sustainable projects in cultural and artistic development, educational sponsorship for children, and developing entrepreneurial skills and self-sufficiency for Kayamandi residents. We spoke about the Ikhaya Trust Centre and how they intend on empowering residents in becoming self sufficient. For more information visit their website on http://www.ikhayatrust.co.za/ or call the centre on (021) 889 8774. We also heard from Advocate Murray Zimbla – from the Institute for Best Employment Practise. The practice is contracted by Labour protect, which is an organisation that provides i...

In today’s show, we heard from Trudy Stegmann – a councillor for La Leche League. The aim of La Leche League is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. We spoke about the support groups run for new mothers as well as how the woman go about providing support groups. If you would like any information, you can visit their website on http://www.llli.org/ . We were also joined on the line by Graham Roman – Volunteer Worker at Geneva Crisis Centre. Situated in Eerste River in the Northern Suburbs, the centre strives to help people better their lives. The Crisis Centre accepts all people, all races. The centre has links internationally, as there are many women and children from African countries. Geneva Crisis Centre is a place of living, shelter, hope and a place for all. We spoke about th...