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Showing posts from September, 2009

25 September - Arts, Culture & Environment - Vote for Table Mountain!!!

In today’s show, we were joined by Collette Van Aswegen - Table Mountain National Park Marketing Manager. Table Mountain is one of 28 sites from around the globe competing for a spot in the New7Wonders of Nature contest and they are asking South Africans to vote for Table Mountain in order make it through to the final list. The campaign is run by the New7Wonders Foundation which is based in Zurich, Switzerland and works to document conservation efforts and monuments worldwide. The New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign aims to raise awareness of the incredible variety and beauty of nature around us. Collette explained more on how we can go about in casting our votes. To vote for Table Mountain visit www.votefortablemountain.com or call 00413490255148 and vote for 7725. For information contact the Cableway on (021) 424 0015 or visit www.votefortablemountain.com Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city.

23 September - Gender - Intersexuality

In today's show we spoke to Sally Gross – from Intersex South Africa. We were talking about being an intersex. Intersexuality is a general term that can relate to various conditions. Many intersexed people are born with ambiguous genitalia, or sex organs that are not clearly female or male. According to experts, intersex is not an identity category. While some intersex people do reclaim "intersex" as part of their identity, most regard it as a medical condition, or just a unique physical state. Most intersex people identify and live as ordinary men and women, and are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight, Sally explained more about being intersex. For more information you can contact Intersex South Africa’s offices on (021) 447 6290 or go to www.intersex.org.za

22 September - Human Rights - Dlala for Peace All Nations Invitational World Cup

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In today’s show, we spoke to Kieran King – Project Leader at the South African Peace Alliance. This is a registered non-profit organization that empowers individuals to proactively claim their human right to Peace and Unity by nurturing peaceenabling environments. W e will be talking about the Dlala for Peace All Nations Invitational World Cup that will be hosted on Heritage Day in St. Joseph’s Marist College, Rondebosch. This Tournament will use the proven ability of soccer to bridge deep social divides and stimulate friendship between citizens of Cape Town’s global community but Kieran explained more. The entire spectrum of Cape Town’s diverse community will be participating in the day with over 150 players plus youth from SHAWCO, musicians from the Amy Biehl Foundation and many more contributing to day filled with Soccer, Smiles, Music, Guest Speakers,Creative Demonstrations and more. Come along and be a part of this fun and important event, or if you'd like to get more involved...

Investing in kids future through Stars In Their Eyes!!!

We closed off the show with an interview with Elton Hart – Managing Director of Stars In Their Eyes. This is a Dutch NPO that is working with South Africans to educate and train youngsters in disadvantaged and rural communities. Their programmes also integrates extensive life skills training in its processes, such as Anti-alcohol and drug abuse, HIV-Aids awareness and ‘Say NO to crime and violence’, Mr Hart explained more. For more information contact him on 082 671 3448 or send an email elton@starsintheireyes.nl

21 September - Health - Eye Care Awareness!!!

In today’s show, we spoke to Sanjay Singh - CEO of Bonang Eye Care. From today till the 19th of October is the Eye Care Awareness Month. The purpose of this initiative is to inform the public as to the ways and means of preserving eye health as well as creating public awareness. Last year’s theme was “Eyes on the future – fighting vision impairment in later life”. Bonang Eye Care was established in 2003 as an initiative of the South African Optometric association to function as an independent Incorporated Company with the aim of providing eye care services at a low cost to the economically compromised community members who do not have the support of a Medical aid. Mr Singh explained more about their services. If you want more information you can contact their offices, they based at Karl Bremer Hospital on (021) 918 1733 or the Retreat centre on (021) 712 1493 alternatively send an sms to 083 775 8273.

The truth about Incontinence during Continence Awareness Month

We also spoke to Mariette Pitlo – a physiotherapist. We were talking about Incontinence. This month is the Continence Awareness Month. It is reported that although it’s a common condition, fewer than 40 percent of incontinent individuals seek medical advice. Rather than seek treatment, the vast majority adapt to their “problem” by altering their lifestyle. Reasons for failing to report symptoms include the perception that incontinence is “normal” with advancing age or that symptoms are not severe enough to treat. Mrs Pitlo explained more about the available treatment. For more information contact her on (021) 531 7279 or the Continence Association of South Africa’s Help line number on 072 210 8769 alternatively visit www.incontinencesa.org

18 September - Arts, Culture & Environment - Tri Continental Film Festival opens tonight

Today we were joined on the line by Karam Singh – Tricontinental Film Festival Director. Films that present a broader spectrum of diversity and plurality of voice than is generally seen on commercial TV will be seen at this year’s Tri Continental Film Festival, which runs between today and the 27th of September at Cinema Nouveau in the V&A Waterfront. The festival organisers specifically use films to open up discussion and debate on important issues, thereby deepening democracy. Karam told us more about the festival. The screening is at Cinema Nouveau at the V&A Waterfront till the 27th of September. Thereafter, the film festival travels to Pretoria’s Brooklyn Nouveau from the 1st till the 5th of October, and wraps up at Durban - Ster Kinekor, Musgrave Mall between the 8th and the 12th of October 2009. Tickets cost R30. Go to www.3continentsfestival.co.za for the full festival line-up.

Fezeka’s Voice World Premiere at the Tri Continental Film Festival

We also spoke to Holly Lubbock - Director of Fezeka’s Voice. Fezeka’s Voice is a feature film about one man’s inspirational mission to spread hope and confidence amongst township children, and will have its World Premiere at the Tri Continental Film Festival. It was filmed in Gugulethu and it highlights Home Affairs bureaucracy, as teens from Fezeka High school struggle to get the required identification for their debut at a prestigious international festival in the UK. Holly explained more. The film will be screened on tomorrow at 2 and again at 5PM at Cine 4. For more information you can visit www.3continentsfestival.co.za

Arts Update and PANSA's 48HourFestival

Nigel Vermaas was Instudo for this week's Arts Update. We closed off the show with an interview with Nono Base - Performing Arts Network of South Africa 48HourFestival Co-ordinator. Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) inebhongo ngokunazisa nge48 Hour Festival will host a first Xhosa between the 2-4 October from the Theatre in the District. For more information about the festival contact Nono Base on (021) 448 3513 or Ntombi Makhutshi on 072 825 3258.

17 September - Labour - SACTWU analysing revised wage offer

In today's show we heard from André Kriel - General Secretary for SACTWU. On Tuesday the clothing industry came to a standstill as tens of thousands of members of the Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union embarked on a national wage strike in support of their wage demands but the clothing employers met at a national meeting of their negotiating team on the same day and yesterday morning submitted a written revised wage offer to the trade union. Yesterday morning SACTWU was in the process of analysing the detail of the employers' revised offer but he explained why they have not yet accepted the offer. For more information go to www.sactwu.org.za or contact their offices (021) 447 4570.

Understanding debt and financial Management

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We were also joined Instudio by Levin Born – National Marketing and Sales Manager for Debt Help Financial Services. We were talking about understanding debt and fin ancial Management. If you are struggling to pay your debts, you can approach a debt counsellor and ask him or her to review your situation. This procedure is provided for in the National Credit Act, which became fully effective in June 2007, and applies to credit agreements entered into before and after that date. Debt counselling is expected to offer people who are over-indebted a way to negotiate a more affordable repayment plan with their creditors. Debt Help Financial Services aims at increasing consumer awareness of the debt management and financial services industries to maintain credibility and dignity of these respective industries and help alleviate opportunistic illegal credit rescuers especially now as we face financial meltdown. Levin explained more. If you want to find out more about Debt Help Financial Service...

Unions signs wage agreement with SARS

We closed off with an interview with Dirk Matthysen – National Chairperson for the Public Servants Association. We were talking about the South African Revenue Service workers strike. SARS employees went on strike on Monday over wages. According to media reports, the workers are demanding a 12.8 percent increase while SARS is offering between 9.9 and 11 percent. It is reported that yesterday the Unions signed a salary increase agreement of between 9 percent and 11 percent, putting an end to the 10 day strike two days before the filing season deadline. For more information you can contact the Union on (021) 409 7360 or visit www.psa.co.za

16 September - Gender - supporting the Brothers for Life Campaign

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In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Patrick Godana – From Sonke Gender Justice. We were talking about the Brothers for Life Campaign. This is a National Campaign targeting men over the age of 30. The initiative has been initiated by Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa, Sonke Gender Justice, South African National Aids Council and other key stakeholders. It is aimed at addressing the risks associated with having multiple and concurrent partnerships, men’s limited involvement in fatherhood, lack of knowledge of HIV status by many, low levels of testing and disclosure, and insufficient health seeking behaviours but uBhut’ Patrick explained more about this campaign. If you want more information contact their offices on (021) 423 7088 or visit www.genderjustice.org.za alternatively www.brothersforlife.org

Bio2Biz conference to loo at the role of women in science

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We also h eard from Karen Eksteen - Human Capital Development Manager at Cape Biotech. We were talking about the upcoming Bio2Biz conference and the role of women in science. This is one of the topics to top the agenda at the conference taking place in Durban from September the 20th to the 23rd. The conference is a workshop involving some of the country’s leading bioscience & biotechnology brains together with business leaders who will be looking at ways to develop partnerships between these two worlds. Organising organisations include the Innovation Fund, BioPAD, Cape Biotech, eGoliBIO, LIFElab and PlantBio. For more information contact (021) 442 3780 or visit www.capebiotech.co.za to register for the conference go to www.bio2biz.org

Out In Africa, South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival currently on at the Nu Metro!!!

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We closed off the show with an interview with Arthur Mataruse - Production Assistant for the Out In Africa, South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. The Annual f estival was set out to address the lack of visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex individuals in South African social and cultural life after decades of apartheid repression and to counter negative images of LGBTIs that prevail in traditional and religious communities as well as to serve as a platform for discussion and debate about the situation of LGBTIs in a newly founded democracy. According to media reports 700 posters advertising the festival were removed from City lamp posts over a two-day period. The festival organizers have lodged a case of malicious damage to property with the Cape Town police. Arthur explained more about this year's festival. This year celebrates the 16th year of Gay cinema in South Africa. It is happening at Nu Metro Cinema at the V&A Waterfront, started last w...

15 September - Human Rights - Presidential hotline up and running!!!

In today's show we heard from Vusi Mona – head of communications in the presidency. We were talking about the Presidential Hotline that was launched on Monday. President Jacob Zuma promised the hotline during his state of the nation address in June. The hotline is meant to be a tool to allow disgruntled citizens to communicate directly with the presidency about service delivery issues. The number is 17737 and is toll-free.

14 September - Health - Stroke and Heart Awareness

In today's show we spoke to Erica Ketterer – A Dietician from the Health & Stroke Foundation. We were talking about Stroke and Heart Awareness. This week is a National Stroke Week and forms the basis for supporting public education about stroke awareness and prevention in the community. It is reported that currently about 195 South Africans – or 13 minibus loads – die each day, usuku ngalunye, elke dag, letsatsi ka le tsatsi from heart disease. Of these, heart attacks are responsible for about 33 deaths per day and are twice as prevalent among men as in women, while about 60 people die a day due to strokes and about 37 due to heart failure. Erica explained more on what preventative measures we need to take. “Work with Heart” is the message for this year’s awareness. The Foundation urges South Africans to wake up to the fact that they should assess their risk of heart disease, have a good look at their diet and lifestyle and maybe make necessary changes. During September, Heart ...

Schools Aids Month targets primary schools

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We also spoke to Loretta Erasmus and Nceba Jalamba - from the department of education. Loretta and Mr Jalamba are HIV and AIDS district coordinators. The Department of Education has declared the September month as “Life Skills: HIV and AIDS Month.” Annually, during this period, the Department of Education conducts social mobilisation campaigns in all educational institutions through life skills, HIV and AIDS activities. This month is dedicated to educating primary school children about the HIV and AIDS virus. We were talking about the program and awareness campaigns arranged by the department. For more information on Schools HIV and AIDS month, you can call the department on (021) 659 4300.

Health of the Nation challenge - giving young South Africans a Sporting Chance!!!

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We closed off the show with an interview with Brad Bing - MD of Sporting Chance and Mark Khoabane - WP under 15 cricket coach. Sporting Chance is a South African youth sports development or ganisation that has been coaching and promoting sport to South Africa’s youth, particularly those in disadvantaged areas around the Western Cape. We were talking about the Health of the Nation challenge was started by Sporting Chance in 2006 as a solution to the growing trend of childhood obesity in South Africa. According to the Health of the Nation research project, undertaken by Sporting Chance, South Africa children were showing the same obesity trends seen in developing countries 10 years earlier. The study showed that 14% of boys and 18% of girls were overweight and that more that 3% of boys and almost 5% of girls were obese. Brad explained more on this study. Sporting Chance will be hosting the Health of the Nation challenge at the Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch from Friday the 1...

11 September - Arts, Culture & Environment - Spier Contemporary 2010 call for Submissions!!

In today’s show, we heard from Farzanah Badsha – Spier Contemporary 2010 Project Manager. The Spier Contemporary 2010, the largest biennale art competition and exhibition in South Africa has opened its call to all artists living in South Africa to begin thinking about how they would like to reflect their experiences, aspirations and visions through new work submitted to this competition/exhibition. The submission deadline is the 30th of October. Ms Badsha explained more on the requirements. Artists can submit any new creative work in any medium. This includes animation, graphic design, illustration and product design. The curatorial team will select up to 100 artists and selected artists will each receive a fee of R4000. For more information, please visit www.spiercontemporary2010.co.za or contact 0860 111 458. Submission deadline is the 30th of October.

Arts Update and Changing Traditions Project Competition

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We were joined Instudio by Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update. We also spoke to Kopano Ratele – from UNISA’s Institute for Social and Health Sciences. We were talking about the Changing Traditions Project Competition. This competition is opened to primary and high school learners. Check the flayer below for more information.

Exploring indigenous music through Seedrekodz!!!

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We closed off with an interview with Pumelele Lavisa and Luyolo Lenga – Founders of Seedrekodz. Seedrekodz is an Eastern Cape based record label established in 2005. Both the founders were involved in performing arts and have since realised the need for independence in the music industry. They produce original and rooted sounds from hip hop, traditional, and jazz fusion. Their production includes Izithunywa Zohlanga, Umnombo kaNtu indigenous ensemble, uMyalezo and umThwakazi. They explained more about their vision in this industry. The guys are presently working towards a promotional national tour for 4 of their current projects, so keep an eye for that. You can catch them perfoming live at the Africa Centre tomorrow from 19h00PM and between the 1st and the 3rd of October they will be part of the Pan African Space Station Festival. If you want more information about Seedrekodz go to www.myspace/seedrekodz.com Pic & Videos by: Busi Mtabane

10 September - Labour - SARS employees continue with the strike

Today we spoke to Suraya Jawoodeen - Nehawu provincial secretary. We were talking about the South African Revenue Service workers strike. SARS employees went on strike on Monday over wages. According to media reports, the workers are demanding a 12.8 percent increase while SARS is offering between 9.9 and 11 percent. Suraya explained more on the current situation. Unfortunately our efforts to get a comment from SARS failed. For more information you can contact the Union on (021) 424 4580 or visit www.nehawu.org.za

NEDLAC to host 14th Annual Summit

We closed off the show with an interview with Herbert Mkhize - Executive Director of the National Economic Development and Labour Council or Nedlac. On Saturday Nedlac will host their 14th Annual Summit that will look at the World Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Growth and Development. According to reports, the African, Caribbean and Pacific states are amongst those hard hit by the crisis and want solutions to focus on countering the effects of the crisis. The report furthers state that since the crisis started, these states have experienced major falls in their export earnings; foreign direct investment has slowed down, official development aid declined and remittance flows have shrunken. The summit will be addressed by the Leadership of Organised Business, Organised Labour and the Nedlac Community Constituency. Mr Mkhize explained more. If you want to find out more about Nedlac you can visit www.nedlac.org.za or contact (011) 328 4200.

09 September - Gender - changing perspectives through Abalingani Gender Programme

In today's show we were joined on the line by Eric Balfour – Coordinator of the Abalingani Gender Programme at the Olive Leaf Foundation. The Abalingani Gender Programme addresses the issues of poverty, HIV and violence from both a man and woman's perspective, empowering South African men and women to overcome their challenges and become powerful participants in their communities. This programme is committed to educating men and women across the country on gender issues and developing the roles which men play in society. Mr Balfour explained more. If you want more information contact their offices on (021) 361 8158 or visit www.olf.org.za

Promoting Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women!!!

We also heard from Doreen Solomons – from the Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women. The association has members in every continent of the world, in over 40 countries. Its primary aim is to support and bring together women around the world working in the fields of physical education and sport. They also aim to represent and promote the interests of girls and women at all levels and in all areas of physical education and sport. Doreen explained more about their activities here in South Africa. For more information you can contact 079 622 9047 or go to www.iapesgw.org

US Women Legislators visits Provincial Parliament

We closed off the show with an interview with the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Speaker Shahid Esau. The Western Cape Provincial Parliament is hosting a delegation of United States Women Legislators as part of the U.S. National Conference of State Legislatures which is currently administering a programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, entitled “Active and Responsible Citizenship: Empowering Women Policymakers in South Africa”. Mr Esau explained more about this visit.

08 September - Human Rights - Mobilising the community to fight against Alcohol and Drug Abuse!!!

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On Sakhisizwe today we were joined Instudio by Mona Miller and Andre Africa - Alcohol and Drugs Concerns Field Workers. Alcohol and Drugs Concerns is a non- profit c o mmunity based organization working towards educating communities about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. They are doing substance abuse programmes with schools, churches, community events, sports groups and other like minded organisations within the greater Western Cape. Through these programmes are encouraging people to live a responsible life. If you would like to find out more about Alcohol and Drugs Concerns contact their offices on (021) 797 0583 or send an email to adccape@telkomsa.net

Free legal access during National Attorneys Week

We also heard from Ms Thoba Poyo-Dlwati - Co-Chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa. We were talking about the National Attorneys Week during which members of the public can make an appointment with an attorney participating for one free consultation on any legal problem. The National Attorneys Week is a joint initiative of the Law Society of South Africa and its six constituent members: this includes the Black Lawyers Association, the Cape Law Society, the Law Society of the Free State, the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society, the Law Society of the Northern Provinces and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers. The aim of National Attorneys Week is to assist members of the public who would not normally make use of the services of an attorney, to approach an attorney for a free consultation. Legal advice will be provided in the following areas: • Buying and selling a house • Divorce • Maintenance and custody • Wills and estates • Family violence matters • Criminal matters • Motor...

Housing MEC launches a Rental Housing Tribunal "Know Your Rights Campaign"

Our last interview was with Western Cape Housing MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela. Yesterday the MEC launched a Rental Housing Tribunal "Know Your Rights Campaign" that is aimed at informing tenants and landlords of their rights and responsibilities as well as the services offered by the Rental Housing Tribunal. According to media reports, the Western Cape Housing Department says it is dealing with over 1200 cases of disputes between tenants and landlords which is a clear indication that both tenants and property owners did not know their rights as set out in the 1999 Rental Housing Act. MEC Madikizela explained more on this campaign. If you would like more information contact the Rental Housing Tribunal offices on 086 010 6166 or (021) 483 8974, (021) 483 6495 alternatively (021) 483 2342.

07 September - Health - observing Pharmacy week

In today’s show, we spoke to Mr. Gary Black – Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. The society aims to uphold and assist in the promotion and maintenance of the health of the people of South Africa through the provision of a safe dependable pharmaceutical service. In today’s show, as it is the Pharmacy week we were talking about medication disposal and how to store medication properly, I know medication can be very expensive so some people tend to keep it way over their sell by date. Mr. Black explained more about the dangers of using old medication. So please get rid of those expired aspirins even though they only expired yesterday. For more information you can contact the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa on (021) 683 7313 or visit their website www.pssa.org.za

World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day

We also heard from Vivien Lourens – a foster mother to a 13-year-old girl who has Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. We were talking about effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAS is the most serious set of permanent physical and mental birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. On Wednesday is the World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day. This day is held each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month to draw attention to the fact that women should not drink alcohol for nine months whilst pregnant. They will be hosting an even at St Georges Cathedral. For more information you can visit your nearest health care centre or contact Vivien on 082 509 9530 alternatively visit www.nofas.org

04 September - Arts, Culture & Environment - Speak the Mind Poetry Session!!!

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In today’s show, we heard from Teba Shumba – Cape Town Producer of the Speak the Mind Poetry Session. We were talking about the Speak the Mind Poetry Session, which is presented by LMN Entertainment and the Artscape. “What Are Your Words Worth” is the theme this year and promises another dynamic line-up of poets and performance artists from the Cape, Johannesburg and Nigeria. Tonight there is a Theatrical Poetry Perfomance by Ewoke “Spit Fire” from 19:30 PM at Artscape Arena and entrance is only R50 and tomorrow night is the main event also at 19:00 PM Featuring poets like Mak Manaka, Napo Masheane, Sage Has.son (Nigeria), Nobuhle Ketelo, Kanyi Mavi, Ronelda Kamfer, Jon-Arthur Lewis, Sjaka September, Melisizwe Moni, Dajavu Tafari and the great Madala Kunene. Block bookings for 20 or more, Pensioners, Students cost R30 and Schools per group of 60 learners R25 each. Book now through Computicket outlets, Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, Pick’n Pay, Checkers and Shoprite outlets. Or on l...

Melanie's debut solo exhibition, titled The Hero Within

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We were also joined Instudio by Melanie Cleary – A photographer. We were talking about her debut solo ex hibition, titled The Hero Within that is opening tomorrow the 5th till the 26th of September at the Photographers Gallery in Shortmarket St opp On Broadway. Cleary’s exhibition is to offer the viewer a glimpse into the world of bodybuilding. She spent the past three years following and photographing natural bodybuilding competitions in and around the Cape Peninsula. Cleary has plans to attend the World Championship, scheduled to take place in Cape Town later this year, to extend her series. If you want more information about the exhibition, you can call the Photographers Gallery on (021) 422 2762 or go to www .photographersgalleryza.co.za

Arts update and In Medea Res!!!

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We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update. We closed off with an interview with Awelani Moyo - In Medea Res Assistant Director. Written and Directed by Aja Marneweck this production of In Medea Res will preview at the Arena Theatre from the 8th till the 12th of September in Cape Town before heading on tour to France and Belgium in September. Using their signature mix of puppetry, multimedia and story-telling, The Paper Body Collective have created In Medea Res which tells the story of Leto, a beautiful Goddess cast out of heaven after an illicit love affair with Zeus and her amazing adventure into exile. Awelani explained more about the story. In Medea Res runs for five nights from the 8th till the 12th of September @ 19:00 in Cape Town at the Arena theatre and tickets are a low R40 for adults, R20 for students. Block bookings and schools bookings also qualify for this discount. Tickets can be booked on (021) 462 5811 weekdays from 10am-12pm. All Pics: by Busi Mtaban...

03 September - Labour - Health and Safety Representative course

On Sakhisizwe today we spoke to Tinus Boshoff – Director of Labourguide. On the 08th of September Tinus will facilitate a course for the Health and Safety representatives and the responsibilities of Management. This course will empower learners to be able to perform safety, health and environmental representation activities and to know health and safety legislation relevant to the functions, duties and responsibilities of a Health and Safety Representative at a working place. The Occupational Health and Safety Act was introduced to provide for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery. Tinus will explain about the importance of legal compliance and fundamental elements of effective safety management. The workshop will be at the Southern Sun: Century City in Canal Walk. It costs R890 per delegate. The price includes course material, certificates, legislation and catering/ refreshments and Safe and ...

02 September - Gender - Defining 'Abuse'

In today's show, we heard from Charmaine Williamson – Chairperson of the board of the Advice Desk for Abused Women. Williamson says women need to educate themselves on the definition of ‘abuse’. Recent statistics reveals that one in every four women in South Africa is abused. Charmaine explained more on why women should be fully aware of the definition and scope of abuse. For assistance, contact the organization on its hotline on 0800 204 321 or during office hours on (031) 262 9679/3.

Hijab: Unveiling Queer Muslim Lives - a groundbreaking anthology of queer Muslim stories

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We were also joined Instudio by Pepe Hendricks, Branden Grant and Qiyaam. We were talking about a book they recently launched titled: Hijab: Unveiling Queer Muslim Lives. The book is said to be a groundbreaking anthology of queer Muslim stories. It represents a set of voices from various backgrounds and generations whose stories are said to be true. It also explores and addresses, through these personal accounts, the fear and isolation of being gay and Muslim as well as the triumphs despite a largely homophobic society. They explained more on the book and general issues regarding the challenges that Muslim gays and lesbians face in South Africa. The book is available at R120, for more information go to www.theinnercircle.org.za or contact (021) 761 0037.

01 September - Human Rights - Deaf Awareness Week!!!

In today's edition of Sakhisizwe we were joined on the line by Inge Kritzinger – a teacher at Carel du Toit Centre. The Carel du Toit Centre is an early intervention and a foundation phase school that teaches DEAF children to speak. We were talking about their services and the activities they have planned this week as we observe Deaf Awareness Week. If you would like to find out more about this march contact their offices on (021) 938 5303 or visit www.careldutoit.co.za

The importance of deaf awareness week

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We were also joined Instudio by Rosy Jacobs – from Deaf Education and Support Services. We were talking about the rights of deaf people, and about the importance of deaf awareness week in general. Deaf adults today are still very much illiterate and unemployed in Cape Town. Deaf schools still employs qualified teachers with no requirements for SL-efficiency. If you want more information you can contact the Deaf Community of Cape Town on (021) 671 6385.

Celebrating Adult Literacy Week

We closed off with an interview with Lin Helme – from Shear Adult Education Centre. We will be talking about Adult Literacy. This week is the Adult Literacy Week and it aims to promote literacy among old people like the Adult Basic Education. According to UNESCO, in the world today there are about 1billion non-literate adults. This 1billion is approximately 26 percent of the world’s adult population.98 percent of all non-literates live in developing countries. In the least developed countries, the overall literacy rate is 49 percent. If you would like more information about the Centre you can contact their offices at (021) 851 1427.