23 April - Labour
We also spoke to Peter Jacops – Chairperson of Whisper Boat Building Academy. This is a non-profit organization created in 2004, which aims to teach previously disadvantaged deaf students the art of boat building. Their school is situated in Khayelitsha but they also run a yard in Paarden Eiland. The Whisper Boat Building Academy is financed by the Provincial government, sponsorship from corporates and by the sales of their boats. Unfortunately, the credit crunch is now challenging their programme due to cuts in government funding, sponsorship and a reduction in the sale of their boats. In an ultimate attempt to save their school they came up with a design called “Whisper Floating soccer balls” intended as a branding vehicle for big sporting events, he explained more about that initiative. For more info go to www.whispersoccerballs.webs.com or www.wbba.co.za alternatively give him a call on 072 776 8508.
We closed off the show with an interview with Mario Jacobs – SAMWU Provincial Organiser. Last week a group of approximately 100 SAMWU Members gathered outside of the Civic Centre in protest against what they call blatant undermining of workers’ rights. They say the city management’s conduct is tantamount to old Apartheid style management tactics. They further claim that the DA led Administration has done nothing to improve the working life of municipal workers and as SAMWU they shall continue to fight such practices. Unfortunately the City is not willing to be part of this interview. I received a response from Kylie Hatton - City of Cape Town’s Media Manager and it says “Unfortunately, a representative from the City will not be available to participate in your on-air debate today. City representatives met with members of the South African Municipal Workers Union on Tuesday and both parties have agreed to go back to their relevant organizations. Due to these discussions happening we would prefer not to participate in the on-air debate. The City is willing to respond to enquiries as further information is available”. For more information on SAMWU you can visit www.samwu.org.za or contact their offices on (021) 697 1147.
Pic: by Yamkela Xhaso
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