Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we played a feature produced by Tina George. On Wednesday Tina and I attended the Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s ‘Free Community Concert’ at the Greenmarket Square. Hundreds of jazz lovers made their way to the concert where they were entertained by the likes of the UCT Big Band, Jonathan Rubain and the Well-known Jimmy Dludlu. In the feature we heard what the attendants thought of the concert which was staged a day prior to the main festival. We also spoke to Philip de Villiers - Award-winning singer-songwriter and directo r of Vivacious Voice. Philip formed South Africa’s first Songwriting Academy in the Western Cape with “The Songwriter’s Toolkit” course, which empowers songwriters creatively and financially. He will conduct workshops at the Katilist Theatre in Observatory. The workshop is tonight at 7:30 pm and admission costs R30. For more information and for bookings contact the Katilist on (021) 447 0710 or 076 314 6529 alternatively email katilist@gmai

In today’s show, we spoke to Lesiba Seshoka – National Spokesperson for National Union of Mineworkers. According to the Union, Mine fatalities are on the rise in South African mines. Recently the decomposed body of a mineworker was exhumed after 20 days after being trapped in Goldfields‘s Beatrix mine near Welkom. Along with that a total of nine mineworkers died in the past two weeks. NUM says they urge the employers to review the manner in which rescue teams are remunerated, so that there could be a sense of urgency when such incident occurs. For more information about NUM contact (011) 377 2042 or visit www.num.org.za

In today’s show we were joined Instudio by Stacey, Samantha, Lucia and Elise from the Children’s Resource centre’s Circle of sisterhood. Today children, especially y oung girls are faced with many challenges. Many girls are being left to bear the responsibility of having to head up a household, having to drop out of school in order to take care of their household. The children’s resource centre, a girl movement aims to build an organisation through which children can help build a better world for children. In the movement the “circle of Sisterhood” is a group of girls who address issues facing young girls of our society today. For more information about the Children’s Resource centre’s Circle of sisterhood call (021) 686 6898 or visit www.childrensmovement.org.za PIC:by Tina George We also spoke to Mary Hames – Director for the UWC’s Gender Equity Unit. We will be talking about a theatre piece called Reclaiming the P…word. “Reclaiming the P… Word” is a theatre piece developed by the Ge

In today’s show we played a feature produced by Tina George. Last week Thursday, People Against Suffering Suppression Oppression and Poverty or PASSOP members from the townships, Somalians, Congolese, and Zimbabweans were protesting against the victimisation of Somalians in front of Parliament. They say they are completely against the continued attacks on immigrants in the townships, particularly the Somali community. If you want more information about PASSOP you can contact Braam Hanekom on 083 256 1140 or visit www.passop.co.za We also spoke to Charles Cooper – from the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town has issued a warning to Householders to be vigilant about visits from bogus City officials. The City has been receiving reports of criminals posing as City Electricity Services workers to gain access to various homes. Mr Cooper explained more on how can residents identify genuine city officials. To verify city officials call 0860 103 054 for Water, 0800 220 440 for Electricity

In today’s show we played an interview conducted by Sakhisizwe’s Producer Tina George. She spoke to Jenni Kerswil - owner of family first. They are looking for au-pairs, nannies and housekeepers who are interested in working for Family First. If you are interested or for more information contact (021) 794 6275/ 084 475 2605. We were also joined on the line by Fred Guest - a Registered Industrial Psychologist and Chairperson for the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa. We were talking about Job rejection. It can be completely disheartening to lose out on a job, especially if you are desperate. It’s hard to accept that rejections are a part of the job search. But Fred explained on how to deal with Job Rejection. For more tips on how to better prepare for an assessment visit www.shldirect.com And last but not least we were joined by Anna Majavu – From the South African Municipal Workers Union. The union is to embark on a nationwide strike in two months'

Today we spoke to Tineka Boshoff - from the Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape. We were talking about Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different. Tineke explained more about this condition. For more information you can contact the Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape on (021) 919-8533 or visit www.downsyndrome.org.za We were also joined by Sister Rasieda Samai – from the Kidney Foundation of South Africa. We were talking about kidneys. Last week Thursday was the World Kidney Day. The theme for this year’s campaign is the same as last year’s “ARE YOUR KIDNEYS OK?” It is reported that 1 out of 10 adults in the world has some form of kidney damage. It is therefore crucial that we learn how important our

In today’s show, we spoke to Mandla Yeki - spokesperson of the MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, MEC Whitey Jacobs. His department launched the Easter sport and cultural festival yesterday. According to the department, the festival was conceived as a strategic intervention to ensure the youth participate in arts, culture and sports activities and that there are sufficient alternatives to keep them occupied during the entire Easter Weekend. For more information check your local newspapers like the City Vision, Tygerburger, Plainsman etc. We were also joined by Lonwabo Kilani – an Artist. Lonwabo is a young artist who has received numerous awards for his work including the Adult Learning Conference - Gold M edal for "Most Dedicated Artist" in 2001. He is a former member of the Gugulective – a collective of young artists based in Gugulethu, Langa and Khayelitsha. Lonwabo exhibits regularly at the Everard Read Gallery at the Waterfront. To see his work visit the Gallery at numb

In today's we were joined byArchie Hearne – from the South African Municipal Workers Union. On Monday morning 30 workers at the Bellville Nursery went to work only to find that their workplace had been completely shutdown. The union says they view this sudden and unilateral closure of the Bellville Nursery to be an illegal lockout. Archie explained to us about the plans to take any action to challenge this. For more information call 076 896 7288. We also spoke to Lillian Helleman – Owner of Au Pair @ Home. Lillian has been involved in the au pair placement field since early 1993. According to her Au Pair @ Home have the special knowledge, understanding and experience to assess the family's needs and the ability to match these to the ideal au pair. For more information call (021) 683 7776 or visit www.aupairathome.co.za Pearle George - Course facilitator from the Professional Liaison Academy also joined us on the line to talk about the academy. The Academy was started in 2007 as

In today's show we were joined by Bronwyn Van Graan – ex_Sakhisizwe presenter and award winning Actress. Bronwyn who has participated in a number of theatre productions like Angels Everywhere, Jack and the Beanstalk, Alice in Christmas Wonderland and Stoutgatpassie was awarded with the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role/Cameo: Play or Musical last week, for her performance in Shirley, Goodness and Mercy. We spoke to her about the award and also some of the ups and down of her career as an actress. We also played a feature in response to the recent attacks on two women by taxi drivers for wearing miniskirts. The two incidents happened in two different provinces but that made me think as a woman first and as a taxi commuter – what if this barbaric act had happened here in Cape Town and happened to me. Majority of the taxi drivers I spoke to strongly condemn what happened saying such act will never happened here. Well I take their word for it

Today we spoke to Mzawanele Zulu – From the Joe Slovo task team. Yesterday the Cape High court ruled that more than 4000 dwellers at the Joe Slovo informal settlement in Langa vacate the area. The piece of land that they are living on is earmarked for the second phase of the N2 Gateway Housing Project. This comes after numerous and sometimes violent protests by the residents who were against the relocation. It is reported that the community will appeal the matter on Thursday in the Cape High Court before making any other plans. According to Mzwanele, they are currently seeking legal advice on what action to take but will not divulge about Thursday's appeal. If you want more information you can contact him on 076 385 2369. And our last interview was with Dessie – from the Pink Ladies. The Pink Ladi es is an independent group of volunteers, across South Africa, who shares the same objective of reuniting missing and endangered children and loved ones with their families and/or caregiv

Today we spoke to Dr Johan Nel – From Tygerberg Hospital’s Renal Unit. We were talking about kidney disease. Thursday is the World Kidney Day and the theme is Early Detection and Prevention. It is reported that the majority of individuals with early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease go undiagnosed, particularly in the developing world. The early detection of kidney impairment is essential and allows suitable treatment before kidney damage or deterioration manifests itself through other complications. Dr Nel explained more on how you can check if your kidneys are in good condition. For more information contact The National Kidney Foundation of SA at (011) 447-2531 or visit www.nkf.co.za We were also joined by Nonkosi Dyakala – From the department of Health to talk about Healthy Lifestyle for women. Research has shown that South Africa, like other developing countries, is experiencing an increase in the burden of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as heart disease, high blood pressure and

Today's show was very interesting, we spoke to Albert Ashraf Webster – From the City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Unit, Mandisi – chairperson of the Cape Town High Schools Programme and Katlego. They were here to talk about a musical play that is focusing on life skills, substance abuse and other challenges faced daily by the youth. The play was conceptualised and developed by the participants of the Cape Town High Schools Programme, funded by the city. The New Africa Theatre Association will stage this original play at the Artscape Arena from the 7th of March till the 9th. There will only be four performances. A donation of R20 will be required. A contribution of the proceedings will be going to a selected rehabilitation centre. Albert says schools who are intersted in booking a perfomance to educate their learners about the dangers of substance abuse can do so. If you want more information about the play or you would like to book a perfomance contact Albert on (021) 400 4573.

Today we spoke to Ines Meyer – from Community Connections. The organisation provides training in community development, non-profit legislation, fundraising and report writing, and administration and financial management, as well as computer literacy classes to other NGO’s in the province. For more information call (021) 371 2986 or send an email to info@connectionsafrica.org.za We also spoke to Vuyo Ngaye – from The Business Place Philippi. The centre offers a free walk-in-business support service and basic training for entrepreneus. They also have workshops on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are located at the Cnr of New Eisleben and Lansdowne Rds. For more information you can contact their offices at (021) 371 3350. We closed off the show with an interview with Lesiba Seshoka – National spokesperson for the National Union of Mineworkers. The National Union of Mineworkers has remained adamant that they will not discuss retrenchment with any particular comapnay which argues p

Today we joined by Zoliswa Gila – A Crane Operator at the Green Point stadium. This 31-year old mother of one, who was unemployed for five years, operates one of the 17 state of the art, tower cranes shipped to South Africa from Germany. Gila’s office is 80m above ground, where she towers over the site and has a bird eye’s view of Table Mountain. She has defied the male-dominated field and believes that she is the only female crane operator in the province. We wish her all the best with what she does; hopefully more women will venture in this field. We also spoke to Rashieda Ebrahim – from the Farm Ladies Club. The aim of the club is to empower women in the community of Montrose Park. They invite all women who are in arts and crafts, baking, sewing and more. Other women in the club are unemployed and do the crafts to generate an extra income but Rashieda told us more about the club. If you are interested in joining the club or for more information you can contact Rashieda at (021) 376

In today’s show we played a feature produced by Chanel September. Education Minister Naledi Pandor last week unveiled a pledge that government would like all school learners to recite during their morning assemblies. The pledge is based on the preamble of the South African Constitution, and concerns have been raised by opposition parties, questioning the political motive behind it. The department has however published the pledge for public comment for a period of 30 days, with the hope of formally introducing it in schools around March 21st, on Human Rights Day. Chanel took a look at the issue around the new schools pledge and also spoke to the Deputy Minister of Education Mr Enver Surty. We also had an interview with Michael Roodt – Co founder of the Future Factory. A large number of learners in South Africa are using and abusing alcohol. Future factory a youth awareness project is urging learners to think before they drink. They run different projects that highlight the dangers of

Today we were joined by Dr James Nuttall – Pediatric Infectious disease specialist from the Red Cross Hospital. We were talking about a new vaccine called Diftavax (Td). The Depart ment of Health has added this new vaccine to the Childhood Immunisation Schedule as from the 1st of February 2008. Td is administered to children at the age of 6 and 12 years. Td replaces tetanus diphtheria (TD) vaccine, which was previously administered to children at 5 years. Dr Nuttall explained more about the new vaccine and why the department decided on changing the vaccines. For more information contact your nearest clinic or hospital. That Interview was brought to you by the National Department of Health and Funded by the European Union. PIC: www.commons.wikimedia.org And we also spoke to Win Van der Berg – Chairperson of the Western Cape Muscular Dystrophy Fo undation of South Africa. We were talking about Muscular Dystrophy and the work that they do as the Foundation. The Muscular Dystrophy Foundat