Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Andile Dyalvane – A Ceramist from Imiso Ceramics. Andile co-owns Imiso with three other young people. Started in 2006 the company has grown tremendously. They are now exporting pieces to Paris, New York, Austria and to the anthropology shops in USA. Andile shared the motivation behind his artwork. To see some of the amazing pieces that he makes go to www.imisoceramics.co.za or contact their offices on (021) 447 2627, their studios are at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. PIC:by Busi Mtabane

We were also joined on the line by Ohayv – Vocalist for Usiba noncwadi. Usiba noncwadi is a 4-piece band, comprising of a pianist, acoustic guitarist, bassist and drummer, describes its sound as "acoustic soul". Well known in Port Elizabeth for their live performances and musically powerful, original compositions, Usiba noncwadi is in Cape Town and tomorrow they will be performing KwaLanga at Guga S’thebe between 2 - 6PM, Be there or be squared!!! The band recently released their debut album called “ncwadification.alive” which was recorded live in front of an audience at the Opera House. For more information about Usiba noncwadi or to order a copy of their album go to www.intungo.co.za PIC: taken from www.intungo.co.za

We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update and closed off with an interview with Claire Phillips – award winning vocalist and songwriter. Claire’s vocal range complements a repertoire which spans from jazz, funk, soul and folk. She will be performing at this year’s Artscape Women Festival. For more information about the Artscape Women Festival, go to www.artscape.co.za PIC: by Busi Mtabane

In today's show we were joined by Clarence Mvunge – Marketing Manager at Siyakhanyisa Project. The Siyakhanyisa Projects launched a computer centre, where 15 computers are set up as a computer lab within a refurbished shipping container, aimed at equipping the Fisantekraal farming community with IT skills. It is said that over 45% of the population in Fisantekraal near Durbanville, are under 19 years old, unemployed and very few have a high school education. Over 50 people have already enrolled for the first computer courses which will start this month but Clarence explained more. They would like the members of the community to assist whether by volunteering or through funding. For more information contact him on 082 412 5830 or Zolani Mafuya, Director of the Siyakhanyisa Project on 073 546 9300 alternatively Lukamile Lugwali, Project Coordinator on 071 935 4727. PIC: by Busi Mtabane

In today's show we were joined Instudio by Willard Kambeza and Tony – Member of the Getup Standup Campaign. The Campaign is a movement that is working towards a borderless Africa and the removal of illegal colonial and artificial borders, physically, culturally, spiritually and economically. We were talking about a Getup Standup against Xenophobia event they will be hosting in Du Noon on the 1st of August 2009 from 10AM. For more information contact 078 927 4738 or 078 227 6008 or 078 209 4704. PIC: by Busi Mtabane

We closed off with an interview with Mzwandile Phanziso – 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 Mzwandile explained more about the work they do. If you want more information about the organisation, you can contact him on 076 084 4269 or visit www.napwa.org.za but that website is still under construction.

In today’s show, we spoke to Carla Johnson - National Organiser for the Association for Voluntary Sterilisation of South Africa. This week is Sterilization Week and aims to inform and educate men and women on the benefits of Sterilization as a final method of contraception. We were talking about Voluntary Sterilization. According to the association, Voluntary Sterilization is a positive step taken by responsible men and women who want to take charge of their lives to uplift themselves and their families by choosing this form of permanent contraception. For more information contact your nearest clinic or the Association for Voluntary Sterilization of South Africa on (021) 531 1665.

We also spoke to Judy Boddy – from the Arthritis Foundation of South Africa. We were talking about Osteoarthritis. Today is a national Osteoarthritis Day, so the aim of this interview was to raise more awareness about this condition. It is reported that Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects up to 10% of the world's population. According to experts, most people don't feel the symptoms of Osteoarthritis before age 40. Judy explained more about those symptoms and whether it is treatable or not. For more information contact the foundation on (021) 425 4738 or their toll_free number 0861 30 30 30 alternatively visit www.arthritis.co.za

In today's show we were joined on the line by Nicodémus Olivier – coordinator for the Kaap-Rapport Choir Competition 2010. They are looking for choirs for the 5th annual Choir Competition 2010. This is an inclusive Afrikaans choir competition which brings choirs together over geographic, cultural and language barriers to celebrate choir music. They are currently looking for small groups, community choirs, church choirs and farm choirs to enter the competition. Interested choirs can enter the following categories : Small groups with 4 to 12 members Community choirs with 13 to 60 members Church choirs with 13 to 60 members Farm choirs with 13 to 60 members. The preliminaries for the Small groups and the Community choirs takes place on Saturday 30th of January 2010 and the preliminaries for the Church choirs and the Farm choirs on Sunday 31st of January 2010. The winner in each of the 4 categories receives the exclusive opportunity to perform at the annual Suidooster Concert on Sunday...

We were also joined Instudio by Mbali Vilakazi – a poet to talk about the Urban Voices International Arts Festival 2009. This year’s festival will feature dance, song and performance poetry eclectically influenced from Ghana, USA, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and South Africa. Talented young and emerging South African poets from the three cities will show their mettle on stage and proudly display the diversity that has become synonymous with our country’s image. The festival will be on Sunday 26th of July at the Baxter Theatre at 8pm. Tickets costs R150. Bookings can be made at Computicket or at the Door. For further information go to www.artsexchange.co.za The line up includes several acclaimed local and international poets including Staceyann Chin – Jamaica, Marc Bamuthi Joseph USA, Abena Koomson – USA/Ghana, Willie Perdomo- New York. Be there or be squared!!! Pic & Video: by Busi Mtabane

Today we spoke to Peter Greyling – from the United Transport and Allied Trade Union or Utatu. It is reported that United Transport and Allied Trade Union and South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union members at Metrorail plan to down tools on Monday. In a joint statement, the two unions said Metrorail will be served with a strike notice on Friday which could leave two million commuters stranded, as all commuter rail operations would be non-operational. Mr Greyling explained more. Unfortunately our efforts to get a comment from Metrorail failed. For more information contact the union offices on (011) 728 0120 or visit www.utatu.org.za

We closed off with an interview Arthie Moore – General Manager of Teambuilding in South Africa. We were talking about the importance of team building. Team building is essentially a process involving participation, collaboration and nurturing of team spirit amongst the team members. Team building is required in most of the organized group activity, even as the modern work sphere is increasingly getting specialized with division of labor and the global market is powered by communication revolution. But the question is should companies cut team building during a recession well according to experts, during a recession, team building is even more important than during good times. Arthie explained why. For more about the services they provide visit www.africa-dreams.com or http://celebratinghumanity.ning.com alternatively call her on 082 774 5521.

In Sakhisizwe today we spoke to Marlene Le Roux – Director of Artscape Audience Development and Education. We were talking about the Artscape Women’s Festival that was launched earlier today. The theme this year is Women Speak. If you want more information contact (021) 410 9800 or go to www.artscape.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Waheeda Amien – Member of the Recognition of Muslim Marriages Forum. We were talking about recognising Muslim Marriages. A recent Constitutional Court ruling enabling widows of polygamous marriages to inherit a share of their deceased husbands’ estates has been lauded by the Muslim community. This ruling said to be a great victory for women in totality as so many women have been denied their rights to inheritance, even though they were married according to religious rites. Waheeda and I discussed the significance this ruling might have to women in similar circumstances. For more information about the forum contact her on (021) 650 5885.

In today's we spoke to Ilchen Retief - From the Amy Biehl Foundation. We were talking about the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award. Members of the community are invited to nominate young people between the ages of 14 and 19 who are making a difference in their communities or the world at large. Nominations are based on evidence of the nominee’s initiative and dedication in service to others. The winner will receive a prize worth R25 000 and the organisation supported by the winner, the school the winner attends and the winner’s nominator will each receive a prize. The deadline for the Nominations is Friday, the 31st of July. Nomination packs will be distributed to all schools and can also be collected from the Amy Biehl Foundation’s offices at number 1 Plein Street in Cape Town on 7th floor. If you want more information contact (021) 462 5052 or visit www.amybiehl.co.za

In today's show we heard from Dr Tony Hawkeridge – from the Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation. We were talking about a new collaboration to study TB Vaccines in people living with HIV in South Africa. It is reported that TB is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV in Africa and Asia. An effective and affordable TB vaccine is needed to reverse the TB epidemic. The Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation (Aeras) and the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) of the University of Cape Town are leading players in the global initiative to find new vaccines to prevent all forms of TB. The Aurum Institute has now joined these efforts to stop TB. They met today at the Cape Town Convention Centre to discuss ways of finding a new and effective vaccine that is safe for people of all ages as well as those living with HIV. For more information visit www.satvi.uct.ac.za or www.aeras.org alternatively go to www.auruminstitute.org

In today's show we were joined on the line by Thozama Sphondo - Chairperson of the Imizamo Yethu Waste Task Team. Imizamo Yethu is celebrating Nelson Mandela's 91st Birthday tomorrow with a Mass Cleanup and are inviting the rest of Hout Bay to do the same in their areas. Their message is "Team up to Clean up!" in honour of Tata Madiba. The clean up will start and finish with the sound of bells, gongs and hooters at 12h00 -13h07. For more information contact her on 082 747 3142 or Bronwen Lankers-Byrne - Coordinator 3Rs Hout Bay on (021) 790 7226 or 082 318 3308.

We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update, yep he is back from the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. So he shared some of the highlights about the festival. We closed off with an interview with Bea Abrahams – Implementing Partner for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Programme to Promote Social Cohesion in partnership with the Institute for Healing of Memories; the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture; Africa Unite; the Whole World Women Association and the Alliance for Refugees in South Africa, will host a community conversation in Khayelitsha tomorrow. The occasion will also mark Nelson Mandela’s birthday and the international launch of Mandela Day – a call to rebuilding communities. They will be meeting from 09h30 to 13h30 at the Khayelitsha Community Hall, in Site C opposite the railway station and the taxi rank and behind the Fire Station. For more information contact Bea on 073 666 0256 or 079 245 3409.

We also heard from Dr Mark Sonderup - Western Cape chairperson for the South African Medical Association. Doctors who were on strike last month agreed to go back to work about two weeks ago but there are some reports that they might down tools again in July 25. The South African Medical Association held secret ballots last week to determine whether its members should accept a revised wage offer by the government. Dr Sonderup explained more

In today’s show, we were joined instudio by Wewe Sokoyi and Karl Boysey – from Soccer 4 Hope. Soccer 4 Hope provides sustainable and innovative programmes for the empowerment and upliftment of female youth in disadvantaged communities through soccer based education, health, and skills for life programs. Wewe and Karl explained more about their programmes. Today they are hosting a soccer tournament in Site C, Khayelitsha. If you want more information about Soccer 4 Hope contact (021) 461 8338 or send an email to soccer4hope@gmail.com

We were also joined by Ayla Hill – from Women in Film and Television South Africa or WIFTSA. WIFTSA is looking for films, documentaries and public service announcements by and about South African women in any South African language. The films will be showcased at WIFTSA Film Festival to be held in August in celebrating women’s Month. Preference will be given to shorter pieces so as to accommodate as many as possible, but longer-length formats are also welcome. Entries up until the 31st of July will be accepted (as postmarked). As only WIFTSA members are eligible for entry, potential submitters are encouraged to join the organization by applying on the web www.wiftsa.org.za Membership fees are R50 per person. Any further enquiries please contact Ayla on ayla.hill@hotmail.com or info@wiftsa.org.za All pics: by Busi Mtabane

In today’s show, we spoke to Marlene Windberg - African Co-ordinator for the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child. We ere talking about the Child rights Hero of the decade. Twenty-two million children in 50,000 schools in 94 countries are behind the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child (WCPRC). This year the prize will be awarded for the tenth time. The 13 prize candidates include Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel, and the late Nkosi Johnson. Millions of children will participate in this year’s Global Vote to decide who will be the Decade Child Rights Hero. Two million children in South Africa are expected to vote. On the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 20 November, the children will reveal their chosen decade prize laureate. Marlene explained more. To register your school contact the Children's World offices on (021)788 5888 or visit their website at www.childrensworld.org for more details.

We also heard from Steven Ngobeni – from the South African Human Rights Commission and Damaris Fritz – from the People’s Health Movement was instudio. We were discussing the doctor’s right to strike versus the patient’s right of access to health care. Government employed doctors’ downed tools in protest over salaries and poor working conditions. But their action was met with mixed feelings, some people support their action whereas others feel that they have abandoned their patients and the oath they undertook to put patients first when entering the medical field. For more information about the People’s Health Movement contact (021) 447 2024 or the South African Human Rights Commission on (021) 426 2277 alternativly visit www.sahrc.org.za

We closed off with an interview with Pat Cunningham – Executive Director for the South African Fraud Prevention Services. It has been recently reported that Consumers are not obliged to let retailers copy their ID documents and by doing so, you’re making yourself vulnerable to identity theft. According to Mr. Cunningham, there is no legislated requirement for an organisation to take or make a copy of a person’s ID book, but unfortunately it has become common practice in South Africa for this to be done by retailers and other organisations, Mr. Cunningham explained more. If you’ve lost your ID document or had it stolen from you and you want to avoid becoming a victim of ID fraud, contact the SA Fraud Prevention Service on (011) 869 6460 or visit www.safps.org.za

In today's show we were joined Instudio by Mrs. Neamaat Joseph. We were talking about a health booster called WondaHelp. She claims that this mixture is scientifically proven to help with Diabetes, Abdominal Cancers, Liver problems and more conditions but Mrs Joseph explained more. To find out more about the WondaHelp contact her on 082 521 9815. PIC:by Busi Mtabane

We also spoke to Genie Rowson – a Natural Health Practitioner. We were talking about Corporate Wellness. Last week was the Corporate Wellness Week, with the aims of encouraging employees to live a healthy lifestyle, provide corporations with information to improve the health of their staff. It is reported that poor health of employees has a devastating impact on the revenue of a company as it reduces productivity. As a result, many companies have fostered a new approach to employee health with the implementation of Corporate Wellness Programmes. These Programmes effectively manage employee health and productivity at a corporate level. Genie who gives regular talks at companies explained more about Homeopathic remedies. Genie’s book titled “There's a remedy for that!” is available from Exclusive, Wordsworth and Kalahari.net or if you would like more information contact 082 568 0908 or visit website www.theresaremedyforthat.com

We closed off with Dr Karen Cohen – A Psychologist to talk about Panic Disorders. Last week Friday, it was the Panic Disorder Awareness Day. According to experts, Panic Disorder is a serious condition that around one out of every 75 people might experience. It usually appears during the teens or early adulthood, and while the exact causes are unclear, there does seem to be a connection with major life transitions that are potentially stressful: graduating from college, getting married, having a first child, and so on but Dr Cohen explained more. For more information on Panic Disorders contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group (SADAG), they have a free 24 hour support line that is manned by counsellors on 0800 567 567 or (011) 262 6396 alternatively visit www.sadag.co.za

In today's show we were joined Instudio by three members of Abavuki, a group of young musicians from Langa that was formed towards the end of 2001 and began creating their unique brand of African Jazz. They are using marimbas, percussion, brass instruments and even an operatic trained voice, weaving traditional African rhythms and melodies into a contemporary format, which is highly danceable. They have a new CD out titled: Africa Got Soul and the CD is on sale. If you want more information on Abavuki or you would like to book them for a performance, go to www.abavuki.com alternatively contact (021) 434 2123.

We were also joined on the line by be talking about uBuntu Festival. The aim of the inaugural Ubuntu Festival is to create massive awareness around the adoption of an ‘ubuntu' code of conduct as a solution to the intolerance and ignorance which exists amongst many people. Andrew will explain more about some of the activities planned for the festival. The festival will start on the 13th till the 18th of July. Festivities in Town begin on the weekend of the 18th and 19th July, when St Georges Mall and ChurchStreet become the hub of the free Ubuntu Festival with celebratory events scheduled between ten and six o’clock. For more information log on to www.saubuntu.co.za or contact (021) 481 4000 alternatively send email to resman@mandelarhodesplace.co.za

We also heard from Mishkah Anthony with this week Arts update. We closed off with an interview with Gugulethu Tenors. The quartet consist s of Mpendulo Yawa, Siyabulela Gqola, Xolani November and Loyiso Dlova. These self-taught vocalists were selected from Fezeka High School in Gugulethu to enter a music competition called the Prompt Voice Search. They won first place for the best group category and have never looked back. Their ambition goes beyond success as performers – collectively they aim to be role models for South Africa’s youth and, through their singing, to showcase the richness and diversity of South Africa’s cultural heritage. The long-awaited demo CD, O Afrika!, is now available for purchase. Order Online now by visiting www.gugstenors.co.za or for bookings contact 0860 110 309. PIC & VIDEO: by Busi Mtabane

In today's show we spoke to Sharon Snell – Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority or INSETA. According to INSETA performance information released this week, the training body has exceeded the targets set by the Department of Labour for training people with disabilities by 299% during the past financial year. Sharon says they have been very successful during the past year in marketing their learnerships, particularly to disabled learners and workers. For more information contact (011) 544 2025 alternatively go to www.inseta.org.za

We also heard from Hamieda Ghaniem – Manager of the Azaad Youth Organisation. This is a non- profit organisation that works in the Ravensmead, Uitsig and Belhar communities. Their programs are specifically aimed at the development of the youth. They currently offer various learnership programs to over 500 youth who are also trained to be mentors to the younger generation in their communities. Hamieda explained more. For more information contact her (021) 462 6195 or 073 192 2469.

We closed off the show with an interview with Nikki Soboil – National Director of the SACTWU Worker Health Programme. The programme is about HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness among the Union members. It aims to empower them to make decisions about their own health but Nikki explained more. For more information contact Nikki on (021) 448 5263. PIC:by Busi Mtabane

In today's show we heard from Nadeema Musthan – from the Public Participation Education Network. The Public Participation in Education Network is a non-partisan network of concerned citizens committed to high quality public education for all of our children. According to the Network, South Africa has made some important progress since its first elections in 1994 to equalize the system of education but despite a number of policy efforts motivated for redress, the system of education continues to be painfully divided so they are encouraging people to take action to improve education, and to encourage public commitment to reading, writing and the love of learning. You can get involved by signing your name to ‘stand up’ for Education Campaign or other activities by SMSing PPEN to 32858 and that will you cost you R1. For more information go to www.ppen.org.za or you can contact Nadeema on (021) 650 4013 alternatively send her an email to nadeema.musthan@uct.ac.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Sasha Fisher, Willard Kambeza and other members of the Getup Standup Campaign. The Campaign is a movement that is working towards a borderless Africa and the removal of illegal colonial and artificial borders, physically, culturally, spiritually and economically. For more information go to www.getupstandupcampaign.blogspot.com or send an email to getupstandupcampaign@gmail.com

In todays show we heard from Kurt Schoonraad – Founder of the Jou Ma Se Comedy Club. Jou Ma se Comedy Club is a Comedy evening that runs every Thursday at the Albert Hall in Woodstock where you can join Kurt and his stand-up comedy friends for an evening filled with laughter. The Comedy Club was started to develop the skills of new and upcoming stand-up comedians and this also provides the rookies with a chance to learn more from established acts like Marc Lottering, Stuart Taylor, Ndumiso Lindi, and many more. You can see some of Cape Town’s best comedians at Albert Hall, in Woodstock, every Thursdays @ 8:30pm. It will cost you R70. Remember booking is essential. For more information, contact (021) 447 7237.

We were also joined Instudio by Teba Shumba – Hip-Hop Connected 2009 Artistic Director. It’s the fifth year that Hip-Hop Connected show organizers return to the theatre to present Hip-Hop passion. This theatre production is part of Artscape Theatre’s Winter Showcase. The 2009 production showcases local Hip Hop groups which have made an impact on the Hip Hop scene over the years. Hip-Hop Connected 2009 will be at Artscape Theatre on July 10 @ 20:00 and July 11 @14:00.Tickets will cost you only R35. For block bookings you get 10% discount on 10 tickets or more. For more information log on to www.artscape.co.za and computicket for ticket bookings. PIC:by Busi Mtabane

We also heard from Mikhaila Crowie with this week Arts update. We closed off with an interview with Helgard Muller – Deputy Director General at the Department of Water and Environment Affairs. The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs has warned that, unless the city starts using less water, it could face heavy shortages and restrictions of water. According to reports if rainfall cycles are favourable, the availability of water could sustain the city from 2012 and possibly, until 2016 but Mr Muller explained more on what we can do in saving water.

On Sakhisizwe today we spoke to we spoke to Advocate Jasper Noeth – the Chairman of the Council for Debt Collectors. The Council exercise control over the occupation of debt collectors. Any member of the public may lodge with the Council a complaint of improper conduct against a debt collector. There have been some reports about bogus debt collectors who contravene the Debt Collectors Act. The Act provides for the exercise of control over the occupation of debt collectors and legalizes the recovery of fees or remuneration by registered debt collectors. The overall goal with the Act is to transform the debt collection system in South Africa by monitoring the conduct and professionalism of debt collectors and promoting a culture of good governance within the profession, thus contributing to protecting the public at large, as well as creditors. Just yesterday a Pretoria based firm of debt collectors and two of its directors were fined for improper conduct, Advocate Noeth explained more o...

We also heard from Lizo Ntloko – from the South African Saving Institute. The South African Savings Institute or SASI is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to developing a robust culture of saving in South Africa. SASI declared July as the National Savings Month to promote financial literacy. Previously, the Institute called on South Africans to put on their savings shoes and ride the rainbow to reach the proverbial Pot of Gold. This year, realising that more and more people’s expenditure baskets continue to be dominated by consumption, they are inspired to tell South Africans to “Tighten your Savings Belt”. Mr Ntloko explained more on the objectives of the National Savings Month. For more information visit www.savingsinstitute.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Bobbie Fitchen – from Eclipse Skillmatters. Eclipse Skillmatters will be offering the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations or QCTO workshop next week Friday. The workshop will explain in detail the structure and functions of the QCTO, as well as how the council will affect the lives of employers, practitioners and providers. The workshop is opened to Employers, Skills Development Practitioners and Training Providers. It will be held at the Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town on the 10th of July, from 08h30 - 16h30PM and costs about R2,100.00 per delegate and lunch & parking is provided. For more information contact Lauren on (021) 685 0451 or fax to (021) 685 0454 alternatively email her to lauren@eclipse1.co.za PIC:by Busi Mtabane

Today we were joined Instudio by Liane Ponton – Lifestyle and Image Consultant. We were talking about the Amazing 40's Workshop that Liane will be hosting next week W ednesday. This workshop deals with a lot of the pressures that the beauty industry and society places on us women once we turn 40. It’s about taking “me-time” and pampering yourself for a change. Instead of buying into the fear trap peddled by the anti-ageing brigade, choose to enhance the quality of your life dramatically by taking part in this wonderful workshop. The workshop will take place in River Café at Constantia Uitsig from 09H45 - 12H15PM and it will cost you R285.00 per person. Delegates will receive a Goody Bag as well as a chance to win some lovely prizes. To book yourself and/or a group, please call Jenny le Roux on (021) 794 3010 or visit www.bodyandself.co.za to read up more on Liane’s workshops. PIC:by Busi Mtabane