Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we spoke to Lucretia Petersen – from UCT’s Audiology department we were talking about hearing loss. This week is the Deaf Awareness Week and it is dedicated to educating the public about hearing loss, Deafness, Deaf Culture and Sign Language. The aim is to ensure that hearing people understand Deafness and the culture of the Deaf Community. Remember to always remain positive and relaxed when communicating with the Deaf. Show that you care – your attitude can build confidence. Please contact the Audiology department at your local hospital for further assistance.

We also spoke to Mark van der Heever - Provincial Health Department spokesperson. According to the department the H1N1 Influenza pandemic has placed major pressures at hospitals within the Province. We were talking about how H1N1 has impacted the hospitals and staff and the Department's strategy in place for H1N1 infected patients as well as its other patients. According to media reports the World Health Organization, has called on the governments to immunize health care workers “to protect the essential health care infrastructure. For more information contact 0860 142 142.

On Sakhisizwe today we spoke to Mr. Isaac Aggrey – Chairperson of the Cape ICT Society. The Cape ICT Society focuses on providing unique and a high profile business information and communication to our communities and schools to meet the rapidly changing technologies and complexities of new technologies. We were talking about the future of ICT in South Africa. For more information about the Cape ICT Society contact their offices on (021) 906 4032.

In today's show we joined on the line by Major General Ntsiki Memela-Motumi – Chief Director Transformation Management at the Department of Defence. We were talking about the annual Department of Defence Gender Conference happening from today to Friday the 28th of August. The conference aims to assess progress achieved, and challenges experienced in the implementation of the DOD Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and has adopted the theme "Inspired, and Empowered to advance Gender Equity in the DOD” but Major General Memela-Motumi explained more.

We closed off the show with an interview with Nombeko Mlambo Chairperson of the Western Cape Women Investment Forum. The forum consists of 360 women members who have shares in various companies including the Sasol Inzalo BEE transaction. Mrs Mlambo explained more about the vision of the forum. For more information contact her on 082 682 7324.

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined on the line by Lukhanyo Mangona – Reseacher at Equal Education. Equal Education works with school educators and learners in communities as well as academics and activists to address inequality in South Africa's public education system. We all know education is a basic human right. We were talking about the Campaign for School Libraries. This campaign is to get the government to implement the National Policy on School Libraries. According to the organisation since 1994 there had been five drafts of this document, but still no agreed policy. Lukhanyo explained more about this campaign. On the 22nd of Sept 2009 the youth of Cape Town will take part in Equal Education Walk for School Libraries. They will meet at 3:30pm on at Salt River High School, Join Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and the united youth of Equal Education in driving home the message of the campaign: 1 school 1 library 1 librarian. If you would like to find out more about this march contac...

In today’s show, we spoke to Philippa Douglas - Executive Director of the Organ Donor Foundation. According to the Foundation, Currently there are over 3,500 South Africans waiting for organ and tissue transplants. Sadly, as a result of this critical shortage less than 1,000 of them will receive a transplant and the "Gift of Life" this year. If you would like more information on how you can become an organ donor contact the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 or check www.odf.org.za

We closed off with an interview with Hilary Lane – CEO of the Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association. This week is the Cerebral Palsy Week and they are trying to raise more awareness about this condition and on Wednesday they will be hosting a Workshop as part of the awareness activities. Hilary explained more about cerebral palsy and the available help. For more information contact the association on (021) 685 4150.

In today's show we played an interview I had with Petra Vandecasteele – from Kids of Nature. Kids of Nature is an organisation that addresses the problem of Nature Deficit Disorder, which means the alienation of children from their natural environment, which could result in emotional imbalance, violence, mismanagement of natural resources and climate change. They contribute to building a generation of well-balanced and globally responsible decision makers. For more information you can contact her on (021) 856 5683 or send an email to petra@kidsofnature.org alternatively visit www.kidsofnature.org

We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update. And last but not least we closed off the show with an interview with Veronica Blaine – from UCA Gallery. We were talking about an Exhibition titled Elysian Fields that will be o pening on the 26th of August, running till the 18th of September. Elysian Fields is a collaboration between selected artists and the UCA GALLERY to produce a show of works that present the public with the dual nature of reality. The Elysian Fields is a place existing outside of time and space from where the artist often draws his/her inspiration from. The exhibition features Nicholas Hales, Katharine Jacobs, Liezel Prins, Marlise Keith, Colleen Alborough and Rat Western. For more information contact the Gallery on (021) 447 4132 or 072 720 6606 alternatively visit www.ucagallery.com

In today's show we were joined by Colleen Brennon – From False Bay College. The College is running an assessment month that will help students with a quick evaluation to test your level of: Language • Maths Literacy • Career Interest and they will be also hosting the annual open day on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September 2009 from 9am till 2pm. FET colleges strive to provide high-quality education and training to help you equip yourself with the qualifications and skills you need to start out on a chosen career path. We were talking about the courses that are offered at the Colleges because having just a matric means nothing these days, so it is important to get further training. For more information about the Open Day and the College call (021) 788 1711, Alternatively you can visit their website at www.falsebaycollege.co.za

In today’s show, we heard from Shanaaz Mathews – From the Gender and Health Research Unit at the Medical Research Center. The Medical Research Council’s Gender and Health Research Unit conducted a study on the role of alcohol use on female homicide cases in the Western Cape. The study was conducted amongst female homicide victims, 14 years and older, who were admitted to a mortuary within a year. Their blood alcohol consumption levels (BAC), below legal alcohol limit and above legal alcohol limit for driving in South Africa, were measured at their time of death. It is reported that South Africa has one of the highest levels of absolute alcohol consumption per drinker in the world with 20.1liters per adult per year. Coincidently, South Africa has one of the highest levels of violent crimes in the world, with the leading cause of death being interpersonal violence. Shanaaz explained more about the results. To read more about the results go to www.mrc.ac.za

We also heard from Ms Rhulani Makhubela – Chief Director of Diversity Management for the Department of Public Service and Administration. We were talking about the 2nd Public Service Gender Indaba to be hosted by the department tomorrow and Friday. The objective of the Gender Indaba is to create a platform for DGs and HODs to reflect on their role in contributing towards the achievement of women's empowerment and Gender Equality. The Department of Public Service and Administration contributed in the past two years to the success of the women's month by hosting a High-level Round-Table event in 2007, on "Gender Mainstreaming in the Public Service: Challenges and Barriers Faced". The 2nd Gender Indaba will provide an opportunity for departments to track progress in the implementation since the launch in 2007. For more information about the Indaba, you can visit their website www.dpsa.gov.za

In today's show we were joined on the line by Felix Furtak – Chairperson of the Woodstock Village Forum. The Woodstock Village Forum will be hosting an Imbizo tonight at 7PM at St Agnes Primary School. The Imbizo will give the Woodstock Village community an opportunity to raise their concerns regarding crime and other related issues. All residents, Business People and other Role Players are invited. For more information visit http://village.woodstock.za.org

We closed off with an interview Sakhisizwe co-producer Chelsea Moore had with Eric Harper – from the Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Task Force or Sweat. Sweat is a non profit organization that works with sex workers around issues concerning health and human rights. In addition, sweat lobbies and advocates for the decriminalization of adult sex work in South Africa. In April this year the organization won an interdict in the high court in Cape Town, which prohibits the arrest of sex workers for an ulterior purpose. Recently Eric helped to author a submission to the South Africa Law Reform Commission on sexual offences: adult prostitution. For more information on SWEAT go to www.sweat.org.za or contact their offices on (021) 448 7875.

In today's show we heard from Dr Sindeep Bhana - An Endocrinologist at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. He was talking about Male Menopause and the “Restore the Man” Campaign that aims to provide innovative and holistic solutions that promote men’s health. Men’s health is more than ever in the focus of the public discussion. But according to experts it needs an even more proactive approach to discuss with men specific health issues. ‘Restore the Man’ encourages healthcare providers, men together with their partners, to recognize that “Male” health issues such as erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency syndrome share common underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, abdominal obesity and hypertension. Dr Bhana explained more about the “Restore the Man” Campaign. For more information contact (011) 465 3596 or email questions and comments to men@medicineandyou.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Sharon Levin - Head of the Fibromyalgia Support Network of Southern Africa. We were talking about Fibromyalgia. This is a condition that causes pain in the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. The pain occurs in areas called tender points. Common tender points are the front of the knees, the elbows, the hip joints and around the neck. It is said that Fibromyalgia affects up to 5% of the population, including children. Sharon explained more about the possible causes and the available treatment. On Thursday the 20th of August is the Fibromyalgia Day which aims to raise more awareness about this condition. For more information contact Sharon on (011) 485 5848 or send her an email to fmssha@ibi.co.za alternatively visit www.fibromyalgiasa.co.za

In today's show we were joined on the line by Pumeza Mekuto – the woman behind Black Coal. Pumeza will showcase her summer range at this year's Arise Cape Town Fashion Week next Thursday, the 20th of August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. She says the Black Coal range for summer is about women wearing vintage fashion interpreted into modern contemporary ladies wear. It’s a combination of rare colour blocking and soft denim range with highlights of contrast colours. For more information contact about the Arise Cape Town Fashion Week go to www.africanfashionint.com/ctfw This year’s event will feature designers like Craig Port, Dax Martin, Doreen Southwood, Gavin Rajah, Malick, Misfit and many more. Tickets costs R50 per show, or R150 for a day pass available from Computicket.

We were also joined on the line by Ruth Nugent - from the Epilepsy South Africa. Epilepsy South Africa is an organization providing developmental services nationally to promote equal opportunities for people with epilepsy and other disabilities. The are currently running on an art competition open to people with Epilepsy. Ruth explained more about the criteria. To enter in the competition you can post your artwork to P.O. Box 24573 Lansdowne, 7779 or hand deliver it to their offices in Lansdowne road Wetton, alternatively you can contact Ruth on (021) 703 9420 for further information.

We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update. We closed off with an interview with Nkosikhona Ngcobo – An Artist/ Graphic designer/ Photographer and Writer. We were talking about his book titled: Son of the Soil. In this book Nkosikhona highlights and addresses some of the pressing issues that his peers face, while they try to carve a career in the uncertain cultural and creative industries. He explained more about the inspiration behind the book. The cost price for the book R 210.00, but there is a special price for the first 350 copies for R150!!! You can order by sending an e-mail to info@sonofthesoil.co.za or call 072 122 5231, for more information go to www.sonofthesoil.co.za

In today's show we heard from Alaric Jacobs and Rukaya – representing the College of Cape Town. The College of Cape Town is running an assessment month that will help students with a quick evaluation to test your level of: Language • Maths Literacy • Career Interest and they will be also hosting the annual open day on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September 2009 from 9am till 2pm. During this Open Day, prospective students and their parents are invited to converge on the various campuses to participate in a daylong programme of information sharing and guidance. For more information about the Open Day and the Assessment Month call 086 010 3682 Alternatively you can visit our website at www.cct.edu.za PIC:by Busisiwe Mtabane

We closed off the show with an interview with Julayga Alfred – Director for the Activists networking against the exploitation of child domestic workers or Anex CDW. This is an organization that focuses on the eradication of the exploitation of children who are involved in cheap labour or domestic trafficking from rural areas to urban areas. Recently Anex CDW authored a submission to the South Africa Law Reform Commission in regards to the publication of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill, a bill that incorporates the Children’s Act of 2005 as well as the Sexual Offences Act of 2007. Julayga explained more about the submission. For more information contact their offices on (021) 683 5520 or visit www.anexcdw.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Julayga Alfred – Director for the Activists networking against the exploitation of child domestic workers or Anex CDW. This is an organization that focuses on the eradication of the exploitation of children who are involved in cheap labour or domestic trafficking from rural areas to urban areas. Recently Anex CDW authored a submission to the South Africa Law Reform Commission in regards to the publication of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill, a bill that incorporates the Children’s Act of 2005 as well as the Sexual Offences Act of 2007. Julayga explained more about the submission. For more information contact their offices on (021) 683 5520 or visit www.anexcdw.org.za

Today we heard from Soraya Elloker – spokesperson for the City Health. The City of Cape Town is offering free Pap smear tests at 98 of its health care facilities to mark the start of Women’s Month. It is reported that 3 400 South African women die annually from cervical cancer which is a treatable and preventable disease with early detection. Soraya explained more about the importance of Pap smear tests. For details of your nearest clinic, contact Soraya on (021) 391 5012 or 084 222 1478.

We also joined Instudio by 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 talking about Corrective Rape/Hate Rape. According to a report on ActionAid – an international anti-poverty agency - Lesbian women in South Africa are being raped by men who believe it will “cure” them of their sexual orientation. The report further states that one lesbian and gay support group says it is dealing with 10 new cases of lesbian women being targeted for "corrective" rape every week in Cape Town alone. Sharon and Marlow explained more on how widespread is it and what action can the society take in ending this sick act. For more information about the Triangle Project, you can visit their website www.triangle.org.za or call them on (021) 448 3812.

Bush Radio 89.5 FM, Africa's oldest community radio station project isoffering local internships in its programming department for trainee producers. The internships run from September 2009 - January 2010 and are fulltime. No formal qualifications are required but the candidates must be computerliterate and understand, write and read English and one other indigenous language. The internship is voluntary with NO stipend/salary. The internship provides opportunities for the candidates to develop skillsin media with a specific focus on radio broadcasting but will includeareas of new media and television. Applications should include the following: 1. Motivation letter 2. CV with at least 2 contactable references 3. Any documentation (certificates/portfolio etc) to assist application. All applications to ideas@bushradio.co.za Deadline: 21 August 2009. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview process. Job description for trainee producer:. Generate interview ideas...

In today's show we spoke to Sikelela Zokufa – from the GCIS. On Saturday they hosted a Youth Summit on Gangsterism in conjunction with the Gugulethu Youth Development Council. Sikelela explained more about the outcome of the summit.

We also heard from Mr Erhard Wolf – Chairperson of the Western Cape Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools. The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools is planning a series of training sessions so that schools’ governing bodies know exactly what is expected of them. A training session lasts a day and there will be one in George on the 4th of September, Vredendal on Thursday in September 10th and in Stellenbosch on September 11th. For more information please contact Ryan Hart on 078 451 8133 or visit www.fedsas.org.za

In today’s show, we heard from Renita Fehrsen-Du Toit – a physiotherapist. We were talking about Posture. Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or laying down. Good posture involves training the body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments. According to experts, Most people do not realize how important posture is. Posture related pain ranges from the most common low back pain, shoulder and neck pain to frequent headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Renita explained more on how to maintain a good posture. For more information contact the South African Society for Physiotherapy on (021) 531 2717 or visit www.omptg.co.za for a nearest physiotherapist.

We were also joined on the line by Hélène Rossouw – from the Provincial Department of Health. We were talking about the H1N1 virus or Swine Flu. About an hour ago, Western Cape Ministers of Health, Education and Social Development briefed the media on the latest developments and status with regard to the H1N1 virus or Swine Flu. Authorities have pleaded with the public not to panic after South Africa's first H1N1-related death was announced last week Monday. According to the latest figures from the country's National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the number of tested cases is at 480, but these figures are only an indication of tests and not of those potentially infected. Hélène explained more about the H1N1 virus and precautions that people can take. Try and get as much information as you can. For more information visit www.nicd.ac.za

In today's show were also joined Instudio by Lungile Jacobs – Organiser of the UCT Alumni Concert. The UCT Alumni Concert was initiated three years ago to honour the South African College of Music graduates and raise funds for the music bursaries. Selaelo Selota, Judith Sephuma, Sibongile Mngoma and Francios Du Toit performed at the previous concerts. This year’s celebration features UCT graduates and multi-award winning musicians like Jimmy Dludlu, Nina Schumann, Melanie Scholtz, Mike Campbell and Pretty Yende. The concert is on Thursday the13th of August at the Baxter Concert Hall from 8pm. Tickets cost R120. Book through the Baxter Box Office on (021) 685 7880, Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers, Pick 'n Pay outlets and on line www.computicket.com UCT Staff, Students & Alumni Graduates pay R100 and may only be booked at the Baxter Box Office. For more information go to www.baxter.co.za PIC:by Busi Mtabane

We were also joined by Mark Shelton – An entertainer. According to Clowns.co.za Mark has been a performing artist for most of his life. He began performing at only nine years old, when together with his Mom, a singer and actress; he featured in a Stage Musical "South Pacific". Mark has written volumes of serious, comic and kid’s poetry as well as a number of songs which e performs on guitar. He is currently working with a school in Old Crossroads. For more information about Mark go to www.clowns.co.za or contact him on 084 422 8238 alternatively email him to balloonzoo@gmail.com for a booking. PIC: by Busi Mtabane We closed off with an interview with Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

Today we heard from Lesiba Seshoka – spokesperson for the National Union of Mineworkers. We were talking about workers’ safety. One mine worker died yesterday and five others were injured when a platform on which workers were both working on collapsed. The mine is a Vametco vanadium mine owned by the Strategic Minerals Coporation, located just outside Brits in the North Western Province. It it reported that South Africa has the world’s deepest mines and one of the highest rates of work related mine deaths. A safety audit earlier this year stated that mind safety compliance in South Africa was below target at 66%. In 2008, 168 mining deaths were reported and in just this July 9 workers tragically died when the ground fell in a Rustenburg mine. Lesiba explained more on workers’ safety. For more information the National Union of Mineworkers is available on (011) 377 2047 or (021) 948 6367 alternatively visit www.num.org.za

Today we heard from Kathleen Day – from the Rape Crisis. We will be talking about the 1,000 hearts campaign. South Africa found that 1 in 4 men admitted to having raped someone. Nearly half of the men admitted to more than one attack, and 1 in 20 men surveyed said they had committed rape in the past year. In the face of these shocking and disheartening statistics it is important to look to the community of men and women who are speaking out against rape, and offering imperative services to survivors of rape. Through the 1,000 hearts campaign they are looking for a thousand people willing to give just R100 a month so that they carry on doing it. For more information go to www.rapecrisis.org.za or contact their offices on (021) 447 1467 or the Manenberg office on (021) 633 5287 alternatively the Khayelitsha office on (021) 361 9228.

We closed off with an interview with Professor Amanda Gouws about an article she wrote for gender links. In the article Professor Gouws is asking whether the media is part of the problem or solution when it comes to reporting about rape. According to Professor Gouws some reporting normalises violence and makes it seem that rape is simply another daily occurrence in the lives of women in South Africa.

In today's show we were joined on the line by Sunita Potgieter – a dietician from the Nutrition Information Centre at the University of Stellenbosch. We were talking about Breastfeeding. This week we are celebrating the World Breastfeeding Week and the theme for this year is: Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. It is reported that Breastmilk is the best food for a baby. Babies do not need any other foods or water, except breast milk until they are 6 months old but Sunita explained more. For more information contact NICUS on (021) 933 1408 or send an email to nicus@sun.ac.za alternatively contact Milk Matters, a registered Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation that feels very strongly about informing the public and all related parties of the advantages of breastfeeding on (021) 659 5599 or visit www.milkmatters.org.za

We also heard from Adeliah Jacobs – from the Cancer Association of South Africa. This week is also the Cancer Prevention week and the Cancer Association of South Africa calls all South Africans to join the fight against cancer. Adeliah explained more about some of the measures that we can take in preventing cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer may be difficult to handle. People involved may experience different and sometimes confusing emotions but the good news is that some cancers are preventable like Skin Cancer. If you want to know more about CANSA services or would like to volunteer or support CANSA in the fight against cancer, visit www.cansa.org.za email: info@cansa.org.za or call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 during office hours.

We also joined Instudio by Margaret von Zeil – A Pharmacist from the City Health. We were talking about Immunisation as it is an Immunisation Awareness Week. Remember Immunisation is an effective, safe and free way to protect your child against disease. Margaret explained more about the importance of completing the full course of immunisations. For more information contact the City Health on (021) 400 2100 or the department of health’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation on (021) 483 5691 / 3156.