Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we were joined by Amaru – Chairperson of the DJ Black Coffee foundation. The Foundation was launched by DJ and Producer extraordinaire Black Coffee in a bid to help disabled people in South Africa. Amaru explained more. If there is anyone who wishes to make a donation, please do not hesitate to contact Amaru on (011) 477 9685 or 082 633 6392. Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city.

We closed off the show with an interview with Carol Thorns – South Africa’s leadin g electric cellist. Carol, founding member of well known band CODA, launched her debut solo album yesterday called ‘Fireflies in the Rain’. The album consists of 11 tracks, 10 of which have no vocals. The music is composed and arranged by Helmut Meijer. Carol explained more about her music and what influence its unique style. The CD is available in stores or you can buy it online but for more information visit www.carolthorns.co.za pic taken from: www.carolthorns.co.za

In today's show we heard from William Bent – Project Coordinator for the Feel Good Store. The Feel Good Project is a partnership between the Foschini Group and Learn to Earn that aims to fight poverty by training unemployed people in skills relevant to the retail supply chain. It is reported that since its launch in May 2009, the project has provided an opportunity to the unemployed to acquire skills with the aim of enabling them to find formal employment or to become entrepreneurs. William explained more. If you want to find out more about the Feel Good Project contact Learn to Earn on (021) 361 5972.

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Mary Ovenstone - who will be facilitating a workshop about 21st Century Relationship on Saturday in Rondebosch. Mary and her panel of experts will facilitate the day-long workshop to understand emotional, financial and legal aspects for optimizing intimate relationships and partnerships. She explained more about what kind of challenges do 21st Century relationships face and what could be the contributing factors. The workshop will be on Saturday the 31st at Diocesan College (Bishops) in Campground Road, Rondebosch between 8h30 - 18h00PM and it costs R1200 per person and R2000 per couple, so a friendly advice drag your partner along even if it’s your ex coz you will pay less. Mary will also be running 4 2hr evening sessions with specific skills training, practical exercises and group discussions in November. If you want more information or for bookings you can contact Simone on (021) 761 8312 or send an email to mary@maryovenstone.com

In today’s show, we spoke to Dorita Karriem – from the Rocklands Victim Support Forum. They offer practical and emotional support provided by victim support's trained volunteers who provide a listening ear and an opportunity to talk openly in a secure environment. They work hand in hand with the Mitchell's Plain Police. Mrs Karriem explained more about their activities. For more information contact her on (021) 391 3559 or 072 202 0768.

In today’s show, we heard from Dr Corné van Graan – Specialist Urologist. We were talking about Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Chronic pelvic pain is pain that is steady, worsens, or keeps coming back for at least six months. It may also be pain that does not go away for at least three months. The pain is bad enough to cause problems with your daily activities. It may affect your physical, mental, or social well being. Dr van Graan explained more about the causes and the available treatment. For more information send an email to bladder@medicineandyou.co.za or visit www.ichealth.org

We were also joined on the line by Catherine Alexander – Chairperson of the Psoriasis Association. We were talking about Psoriasis because on Thursday the 29th of October is World Psoriasis Day which aims to raise more awareness about this condition. Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder and it affects one to two percent of the population. Unfortunately there is no cure for Psoriasis, but many different treatments, both topical (on the skin) and systemic (throughout the body), can clear psoriasis for periods of time. On Saturday the 31st of October they will be hosting a fun walk at the V&A Waterfront from 10AM. For more information you can contact the Psoriasis Association at (021) 981 1650.

We closed off the show with an interview with Leila Benelli – A Motivational Speaker and Talk Show Host who lives with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADH D and Dave Pughe-Parry founder of Living Addventure and Attention Deficit Disorder coach. It is reported that Attention deficit disorder is complex and the diagnosis is based on a specific and thorough medical examination and evaluation. ADD and ADHD are about chemical imbalances in the brain that have to be adjusted. The complex diagnosis cannot be made by a clinical psychologist or teacher alone. Leading experts working with this neurological condition will be partaking in a talk show helping parents understand what exactly they are dealing with when their child is diagnosed with ADHD on Saturday 31st of October in Milnerton at Milnerton Auditorium, Milnerton Library, Pienaar Street between 09h00AM till 12h00PM. To be part of this event will cost you R120 per person and you can bring a friend for only R80 extra. For boo...

In today’s show, we were joined by Amanda Nodada – from the Cape Cultural Collective. The Cape Cultural Collective is an inter-generational, non-sexist, non-racist volunteer cultural group that promotes social activism. Late today they will be hosting an event at the District Six Museum to reflect on the critical environmental challenges facing us, through music, poetry, dance and art. The event will feature poets and musicians like CCC poets, Roma, Mbali Vilakazi, The Independent Theatre Movement, Khoi Khonnexion, The Road Less Travelled, Sakhile Moleshe, Daniel Bloem and many more. It starts at 7PM till 21h30PM at the District Six Museum number 25A Buitekant Street in Cape Town. For more information contact Zenariah Barends of the Cape Cultural Collective on 082 441 0433 or zenariah@greymatterfinch.com or Mandy Sanger from the District Six Museum on (021) 466 7200 or mandy@districtsix.co.za Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city.

We closed off the show with an interview with Claire Homewood – from Communitree. Communitree is a creative collective of artists, healers and workshop facilitators, working in a shared space in Muizenberg. It provides a nurturing environment in which the unfurling potential of each individual can reveal themselves in a celebration of creativity. We were talking about International Day of Climate Action which is tomorrow the 24th of October. The intention for this event day is to create a fun, lively street community feel with the added focus of seeing what’s happening with participating projects and individuals who are working towards sustainable positive change. For more information check out their blog at www.communitree.blogspot.com or send an email to communitreemuizenberg@gmail.com alternatively visit www.350.org

In today’s show, we heard from Kennedy Ngaye – from the Western Cape Provincial Treasury. The Provincial Treasury is offering full-time bursaries as part of its initiative to assist talented students, those willing to work hard and especially those who are financially stressed so as to make a meaningful contribution in addressing the skills shortages in order to meet future demands and to provide an opportunity for qualifying students to pursue their studies. Mr Gaye explained more on the requirements. Among the requirements, applicants must be a South African youth between 17-35 years of age, preferably reside in the Western Cape, obtained an average of 60% or higher for the previous year of study at high school, university or technikon. Postgraduate applicants should already have obtained a B. degree within one or more of the fields indicated above. Differently abled persons are welcome to apply. Application forms are available on www.capegateway.gov.za through the Provincial Treas...

We also spoke to Nelson Lamityi - South African Transport and Allied Workers Union Deputy General Secretary. Last week the Union hosted a National Young Workers Conference. The conference was informed by the National Congress resolution that was took in 2006, which explicitly mandated the Union to develop a platform for the advancement of Young Workers issues of interest as well as to develop a tool to recruit them to the Union structures. Nelson explained more about some of the issues they tackled. For more information on SATAWU contact (011) 333 6127 or visit www.satawu.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Michael Sieff - National Director of ORT SA – an International skills development organisation. We were talking about their Geared for Life programme. This programme will allow high school pupils to obtain qualifications though an extra-curricular programme. The Geared for Life programme gives Grade 10 pupils the opportunity to attend extra-curricular classes that run parallel with their normal school academic learning right up to Grade 12. Mr Sieff explained more. If you want to find out more about the programme you can visit www.ortsa.org.za or send an email to info@ortsa.org.za alternatively contact (011) 728 7154.

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Kevin Rutter – Founder of Fathers.co.za. This is a non-profit research and education organization whose mission is to champion the role of responsible fatherhood by inspiring and equipping men to be more engaged in the lives of children. We will be talking about their Asset Building project. Through this project they are inviting men to make a difference in community by investing developmental assets into the lives of men and children. Kevin explained more about the project. For more information you can visit their website at www.fathers.co.za or email kevin@fathers.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Rose Horne – Land and Housing Coordinator from Women on Farms Project. We were talking about the Southern African Regional Rural Women Summit that will be held in Limpopo next week Wednesday. The primary objective of the summit is to facilitate exchanges and create linkages between rural women from different countries in the region as a basis for strengthening rural women’s movement. Rose explained more. If you would like any information about the Women on Farms Project, you can visit their website www.wfp.org.za or call (021) 887 2960.

In today's edition of Sakhisizwe we spoke to Rudolf Kay – Coordinator of the Western Cape Older Person’s Forum. Their mission is to identify and articulate the concerns and needs of older persons and to ensure that these needs are addressed in legislation, services and programs. Rudolf explained more on their activities. They will be hosting their first Annual General Meeting on the 24th of November at 10:00AM at the Cape Town Ritz Hotel in Sea Point. Older Persons and their organisation are invited to nominate people to serve on its Board of Management. This is a voluntary position and no fees or stipends will be paid. Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.saopf.org.za/wcopf.html or contact (021) 461 6976 for more information. Closing date is on the 31st of October. To report cases of Elder abuse contact the Halt Elder Abuse Helpline on 0800 00 30 81.

We closed off the show with an interview with Ras Vusi Memela, Bonisile Masiza, Ntsikelelo Mvubu and Nozizwe Xotongo – they from the Philippi East Community Crime Forum and the Philippi neighbourhood watch. This neighbourhood watch was formed about two weeks ago aimed at achieving more effective crime control, reduce fears of crime, improved police service and police legitimacy, through a proactive reliance on community resources that seeks to change crime causing conditions with the help of Captain Alroy Levendal of the Philippi East police station. Contact Mr Monde Dyosi, the Chairman of the Forum on (021) 372 3806 if you are interested in joining the neighborhood watch to help fight crime.

In today’s show, we spoke to Dr Nils Bergman - Kangaroo Mother Care pioneer. Dr Bergman was accompanied by Jayson Philander, Joslyn Polansky, Manesty Marshall, Ian Petersen and Thomas Petersen – they are students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology who are involved in the Kangaroo Mother Care project. Through this project they promote the spread and implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care as the standard method of care for all newborn babies, both premature and full term. Dr Bergman explained more on the benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care. For more information visit www.kangaroomothercare.com

We closed off the show with an interview Tereza Hough – CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. It is a condition in which bone tissue is reduced and the micro-architecture of bone is disrupted. This leads to an increased risk of fracture which usually involves the spine, hip or wrist. It is called the silent disease because it progresses undetected for many years and the first sign of this disease is usually a fracture. According to reports, more than one-third of women over the age of 50 and nearly half of those over age 70 are affected by this disease. Osteoporosis in men is on the increase, and one in 5 men will develop this disease. Tomorrow is the World Osteoporosis Day and we were talking about the importance of Vitamin D in the development and maintenance of bones. It is reported that in many cases calcium has been highlighted as the most important factor for increasing bone density, thus preventing fractures and Osteoporosis. Ter...

In today’s show, we were joined by Jackie Manyaapelo – Artistic Director at Jazzart and Chuma Sopotela – Lead Actress in – in Partly God, a Jazzart Production. The producti on encompasses a landscape of reality and violence as well as a dreamscape, a magic space, where anything is possible. The narrative is seen through the spirit of a boy soldier who befriends a young man who is searching for his father. Their relationship is co-dependent and delicate and the boy finally offers a path to enlightenment. It opens at Artscape tonight. It’s directed by Lara Foot, choreographed by Alfred Hinkel, Ina Wichterich-Mogane, Ananda Fuchs, Sbonakaliso Ndaba, John Linden & Jackie Manyaapelo to music composed & performed by Neo Muyanga. It’s designed by Craig Leo. Tickets cost R60 or R30 for block booking of 20 tickets or more Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on (021) 421 7695. This production will run till the 25th of October. For further information go to Jazzart’s website on w...

We also spoke to Marie van Schalkwyk – New Africa Theatre Academy Principal. The New Africa Theatre Academy is a one-year, full-time accredited certificate programme in Performing Arts. Their programme combines theory with strong practical emphasis. Together with classroom activities, learners engage in a number of Theatre in Education performances and tours. Students from all backgrounds and economic levels are encouraged to audition. Marie explained more about the auditioning process. Auditions are held in December and January of each year but the application forms for next year must be in before the 31st of October. For more information you can visit their website www.newafricatheatre.org or contact (021) 696 2392. Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city.

We closed off the show with an interview with Ludwe Mbhele – Project Coordinator at Sustainable Energy Africa or SEA. Sustainable Energy Africa promotes sustainable energy approaches and practices in the development of South Africa and Africa. They do this through research, capacity building, information dissemination, project implementation, lobbying and networking. Ludwe explained more about what we can do . For more information on SEA visit www.sustainable.org.za or www.cityenergysolutions.co.za alternatively contact their offices on (021) 702 3622.

In today’s show, we heard from Simon Vilakazi – from the Economic Justice Network. The Economic Justice Network and partner organizations are marching on parliament for the right to food security on Sunday the 18th of October. Sunday, is the last day of a Global Week of Action on Food Security so they want to use it to make their concerns about the current food crisis known to the world and the South African government. The picket will start at 11H00 in Parliament's Main Gate on Plein and Roeland Streets and will be done at 12H30. For Further information please contact him on (021) 424 9563 or COSATU’s Mike Louw on (021) 448 0044.

In today's show we were joined Instudio by Phumzile Nywagi and Basil Mtungane – from Khululeka Men’s Support Group. This is a support group for HIV-positive men who are on antiretroviral treatment. Their aim is to promote gender equality and use their platform to fight for a transforma tion of male sexuality in ways that ensure that women have more control over negotiating sexual relationships. They do this through its exclusive support for men, believing that if men are able to open up to each other in the all-male support group, then they will be more likely to reflect on and reconsider their own ideas about masculinity and sexuality. We are also joined by Eric Bafo and Phathisizwe Bheshenga – Coordinators 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 powerfu...

In today’s show, we spoke to Heini Odendal – From the Provincial Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. We were talking about a simulated evacuation exercise that will be held on the 15th of October to commemorate the United Nation’s International Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction Week. Mr Anton Bredell, Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, together with Mr Theuns Botha, Provincial Minister of Health, will be present on the day. The Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre will evacuate 140 patients as part of a bomb explosion evacuation exercise. This campaign aims to ensure health facilities are functional during and in the aftermath of disasters. It will identify vulnerability and gaps in the health systems. This exercise will further highlight the preparedness for the upcoming 2010 World Cup. If you want more information contact Heini on (021) 483 2820.

Shamielah Dollie – From the Ottery Community Advice Office also joined us on the line. We were talking about the services they provide at the office. The advice office provides the previously communities and organisations with advice, advocacy help and help with issues such as Human Rights, family and labour law, accessing government social grants, environmental problems and youth issues. The aim of the office is to create more awareness in the community on their rights and wants people to develop skills to improve their quality of life. For more information contact the Ottery Community Advice Office on (021) 703 3533 or Shamielah on (021) 704 4310.

We also heard from Tendai Sean Joe – Biker, Streets Activist, Former Street kid, Motivational Speaker, Hip hop Artist and Author. We were talking about Trail of Hope. This is a three-month motorbike journey that he plans to take through Africa and Europe to raise awareness of the plight of children. The journey will start in Cape Town, and progressed through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, France and Germany before ending in England. The road trip is planned to end with two fundraising concerts in Berlin and London with the hope of raising R10 million for a children's project. Tendai explained more about this journey. For more information on Trail of Hope or for donation queries please visit www.trailofhope.co.za or http://trailofhope.blogspot.com

We closed off the show with an interview with Rashaad Allan – Chairperson for the Foundation for Positive Change. The Foundation for Positive Change is runned by ex-convicts and helps young people with information that is fundamental in achieving their personal development goals. Rashaad explained more on some of the programmes they run. On the 16th of October they will be hosting a talent show in Steenberg High from 18H00PM and on the 21st and 22nd of October will be the finals at the Baxter Theatre. For more information about the tickets contact him on 076 467 4912.

In today's show we spoke to we spoke to Terry del Fabbro – 5-a-Day Trustee. We were talking about Nutrition. From the 9th – 19th of October is the Nutrition Awareness Week. It is reported that more than half of South Africa’s children under the age of nine are deficient in Vitamin A with more than one in ten being iron deficient, affecting their growth, development and school performance and according to the National Food Consumption Survey released last year, South African children suffer from stunted growth as a result of malnutrition while 10 percent of all youngsters across the country can be classified as overweight. The chosen theme, Healthy Eating for Children, forms part of the larger Department of Health’s, Healthy Lifestyle campaign and the three key messages to be highlighted during this campaign are enjoy a variety of foods, drink lots of clean safe water and be active. Terry eplained more about the nutrients that play an important role in the health and well-being of t...

We heard from Judy Body - From the Arthritis Foundation of South Africa. Today marks the International arthritis awareness day and seeing as many people are unaware of the details about the disease, we though it best to call in the experts to talk to us about arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation of South Africa aims to help those suffering from arthritis to achieve a better life by providing education and offering support. The Arthritis Foundation of South Africa is the only body in our country providing non-medical support for arthritis patients, their families and carers. For more information you can call the arthritis foundation of South Africa on (021) 425 2344 or visit their website www.arthritis.org.za

We also heard from Christoff Smit – A Physiotherapist. We were talking about Rotator cuff disease/dysfunction and shoulder problems in general. It is reported that shoulder injuries are fairly common, especially for people who tend to exercise a lot. Some of the most common shoulder injuries are called “rotator cuff” injuries. Christoff helped us better understand rotator cuff injuries, how to prevent them and how they can be treated. For more information you can contact him on (021) 886 9899 or visit www.omptg.co.za to find an Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group physiotherapist in your area.

We closed off the show with an interview with Charlene Goosen - A Registered Dietician from the Nutrition Information Centre at the University of Stellenbosch. This week is the Obesity and Nutrition Week. According to reports, Obesity is now recognised as a major public health problem in many countries like Australia, America, UK, Mexico, Brazil as well as South Africa. Worldwide statistics show that 22 million children under the age of five are overweight. We spoke to Charlene about what causes obesity and the risks associated with being obese. For more information you can contact the Nutrition Information Centre at the University of Stellenbosch on (021) 933 1408 or send an email to nicus@sun.ac.za

In today’s show, we were joined by Sarah Struys - Events & Centre Manager at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. We were talking about the Chelsea Flower Show exhibit. The exhibit features four of the National Botanical Gardens of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) from the following areas; Kirstenbosch (Cape Town), Hantam (Nieuwoudtville), Lowveld (Nelspruit) and Walter Sisulu (Roodepoort), the quadrants represent the vista of the region in a postage stamp styled photograph with the unique flora of the specific area growing out of the picture. It will be on till Sunday the 11th of October. This is an opportunity for the whole family to spend a relaxed day at the glorious Botanical Garden to see floral art, botanical art, gardening talks as well as special offers to get you and your garden in trim. The Garden is open from 08:00am till 19:00pm. The entrance fee is R35 for adults and R20 for South African students with student ID cards. Fees for school ...

We also spoke to Brian Moore - key founder and creator of the Celebrating Humanity Programmes. We were talking about cultural diversity. Brian speaks several languages fluently, especially Zulu. He currently greets in more than 60 other languages. He received a Community Builder Award from Archbishop Desmond Tutu for his contribution to bringing peace to the once troubled Dusi Canoe Marathon. For more information you can visit their website celebratinghumanity.ning.com or www.africa-dreams.com Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city.

In today’s show, we heard from Gretchen Humphries – from Federation of Unions of South Africa or FEDUSA. We were talking about the World Day for Decent Work which was celebrated yesterday the 7th of October. This year’s theme was the economic crisis and the fact that most of the world is experiencing big job losses at the same time. They say the economic crisis threatens jobs, homes and futures of billions of human beings – those who never drew profit from the years of excess, whose work has been underpaid and degraded and who bear no responsibility for what is now happening. Gretchen explained why decent work is a key part of the solution to the global crisis. If you want to find out more about FEDUSA you can visit www.fedusa.org.za or contact (021) 422 1610.

We were also joined Instudio by Julayga Alfred - Director for the Activists networking against the exploitat ion 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. This week marks the commemoration of Human Trafficking Week which aims to create awareness of what human trafficking is, inform on child Labour and forced Labour. In addition, the week also aims to inform community members of the human trafficking helpline that exists, how to identify victims etc. 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 human trafficking. For more information contact Anex CDW on (021) 683 ...

We closed off the show with an interview with Patrick Craven - National Spokesperson for the Congress of South African Trade Unions and Albert Schuitmaker - Executive Director at the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We were talking about Labour Brokering. COSATU affiliates protested against Labour brokering across the country yesterday, according to the confederation Labour brokers are the main drivers of the casualisation of labour as they have driven down workers’ wages and conditions of employment. COSATU claims that Labour brokers do not create any jobs but sponge off the labour of others and replace secure jobs with temporary and casual forms of employment. Meanwhile the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the business case for the use of agencies to supply specialist services is not being heard and Mr Schuitmaker explained more on that. If you want to find out more about the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry you can visit...

Today on Sakhisizwe, we spoke to Ann-Margret Berndt – Public Relations & Fundraising Administrator for the South African Riding for the Disabled Association or SARDA. SARDA provide the opportunity of therapeutic and recreational horse riding for disabled people so that they might benefit in all aspects of their mental, physical and social lives. End of this month they will be hosting a charity race that consists of nine races. The race will take place at the Kenilworth Race-course starting at noon and ending at 5PM. Ann-Margret explained more on how one can be of that race. For more information contact her on (021) 794 4393 Monday to Friday from 8am to 1:30pm alternatively visit their website at www.sarda.co.za

We also heard from Nicolene Visser - Vodacom Group Limited Executive Head of Corporate Communications. We were talking about the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act or RICA. The Act, which came into effect on July first this year, requires mobile operators, service providers and sellers to register on secure databases the identities, physical address and cellular phone numbers of new and existing customers who buy SIM cards. Nicolene explained more about this act and what will happen to subscribers that fail to comply with RICA within the specified time period. Unfortunately SIM cards of subscribers that fail to comply with RICA within the specified time period will be deactivated. For more information, contact your cellular network’s Customer Care Centre or visit their website. If you are with Vodacom visit www.vodacom.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Themba Ndhlovu – Stakeholder Relations Manager at the South African Council for Educators. The Council aims to enhance the status of the teaching profession, and to promote the development of educators and their professional conduct. We were talking about the World Teachers’ Day which was celebrated yesterday under the theme “Build the Future: Invest in Teachers now”. Every year on the 05th October the world celebrates teachers for their dedication to the teaching profession and the valuable role they play in shaping lives. Meanwhile, the South African Council for Educators or SACE recognizes October as Teachers’ Month and calls upon the nation to celebrate and appreciate teachers in different ways throughout the month. Mr Ndhlovu explained more. For more information contact SACE on (012) 663 9517 or 086 1007 223 alternatively visit www.sace.org.za