31 March - Human Rights

In today’s show we spoke to Zelda Holtzman – A consultant for the department of community safety and security, dealing with civilian oversight and social crime prevention. We will be talking about the Community Safety Capacity Building Workshop that was hosted yesterday evening. Cape Town communities are becoming more and more prone to violence, drugs and gangsterism. This is a major concern especially for parents and care givers who are raising children. In many communities it is no longer safe even for children to play in the road. Thus the Department of community safety and security arranged a meeting to address these concerns. Zelda explained more about the outcome of the workshop. For more information on such workshops contact (021) 483 8657.

We also played an interview I had with Nikki Arendse - from the National Institute for crime prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders or NICRO. This national non-profit organisation regards crime as a threat to democracy and individual rights. Through people centered development and services to victims, offenders and communities, NICRO strengthens a human rights culture and a safer South Africa. The organisation aims to build and strengthen a democratic society, based on human rights principles through crime prevention and development. We spoke about the diversion programs run to make it possible for troubled teens to be reintegrated into society. For more info contact them on (021) 944 3980 – Bellville Office, (021) 397 6060 Mitchell’s Plain OR the Cape Town office on (021) 422 1690 alternatively their website on http://www.nicro.org.za/

We closed off the show with an interview with Damaris Fritz - Chairperson of the Community Health Forum. Community health centres have been heavily criticised in recent weeks, following numerous incidents of people being turned away from health facilities in the City. In one incident, a grand mother carrying her sick grandson on her back was turned away from no less than 3 health care facilities. In another incident, a woman was left to give birth on a pavement, after being turned away from a public hospital. Damaris explained more about people’s right to basic health care in public hospitals. For more information contact the department of health on (021) 483 2726 or the Community Health Forum on 076 813 9706.

30 March - Health

Today we were joined on the line by Dr Flip Nel – a General Practitioner. We were talking about Croup. With winter around the corner, children will be exposed to the rainy and cold weather. At this time of the year, it is common for children to contract illnesses such as colds and flu. But one illness many parents do not know about is one that shares similar symptoms to asthma. It’s called croup. Dr Nel explained more about croup and how it can be treated. For more information contact your nearest health care centre.

We also heard from Dr Peter De Jong a gynecologist we were talking about Endometriosis. It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is also found elsewhere in the body, mainly in the abdominal cavity. The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain is often with menstruation; however a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain at other times during her monthly cycle. Another symptoms is infertility, and some women with endometriosis also experience severe fatigue. Endometriosis can affect women from all walks of life ranging from adolescence to post-menopause, and be so painful as to render a woman or girl unable to go about her normal routine. March is International Endometriosis Awareness Month in honour of all those affected by the disease. For more information go to http://www.endometriosis.org/ or contact him on (021) 422 3290 he is based at Chris Bernard Memorial Hospital.

We closed off the show with an interview with Dr Izak Joubert, from the Travel Safe Clinic - An expert in travel medicine. We were talking about Travel Medicine. Travel Medicine is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on the needs of travellers, particularly those who travel to other countries but Dr Joubert explained more on issues like how far ahead of your trip should you get your shots and all the vaccinations that you might need. For more information on Travel Medicine call 0860 1000 72 or email doctor@travelsafeclinic.co.za. Alternatively you can go to your nearest health care centre or visit www.travelsafeclinic.co.za. That interview was brought to you by the National Department of Health and Funded by the European Union.

26 March - Labour

In today’s show we heard from Thembinkosi Siganda, Director of Economic Development for the City of Cape Town. With the tough financial situation South Africans are experiencing, many small businesses have suffered as a result of the financial melt down. But the City of Cape Town has partnered up with the University of the Witwatersrand Business School and MIT Boston to better the situation faced by entrepreneurs. We spoke about the conference that aims to bring entrepreneurs from across the world together to discuss ways to better entrepreneurship. For more information you can call (021) 469 3600.

We also heard Eva Grotzinger - Manager at the Cape Town SAE Institute. SAE is the world's largest creative media college. SAE Institute Cape Town offers courses in Audio Engineering, Animation, Interactive Media Design and Film, training creative professionals through innovative teaching techniques and state of the art equipment. The creative industries are the best performing sectors in many economies. We were discussing the local industry and ways to improve it so that it can be more viable destination for both local and foreign investment. On Saturday the 28th of March the Institute will have an open day from 2pm, so if you are interested you can go view their world-class facilities, meet their teaching staff and get all the details on their pioneering creative courses. For more information you can call the SAE institute on (021) 425 7111 or visit http://www.sae.edu/

25 March - Gender

Today we heard from Jennifer Williams – Director at the Women’s Legal Centre. We were talking about the Muslim Marriages Bill. It is reported in the media that the department of Justice will present the Bill to a cabinet subcommittee for consideration. The Bill once passed will protect Moslem women from being treated like second class citizens. The Women’s Legal Centre has launched a constitutional court application against government for failing to fulfill its obligation to equality by not passing legislation that recognises Muslim Marriages. For more information about the services that they provide contact their offices on (021) 424 5660 or go to http://www.wlce.co.za/

We also heard from Robin Booth - From the Synergy Schooling. We were talking about the Siblings without Rivalry Parenting Workshop. Sibling rivalry is one of humanity's oldest problems. While many kids are lucky enough to become the best of friends with their siblings, it's very common for brothers and sisters to fight. The most important factor, however, is parental attitude. Robin explained some do's and don'ts that may be helpful in dampening down sibling rivalry within a family. For more information, contact Robin on (021) 785 5500 alternatively you can visit their website www.robinbooth.co.za/training/rivalry

24 March - Human Rights

In today’s show we heard from Manala Botolo – From the National Credit Regulator. We were talking about Consumers Rights. On the 15th of March the World commemorated the World Consumer Rights Day which is an annual occasion for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. More importantly it is a time for promoting the basic rights of all consumers, for demanding that those rights are respected and protected, and for protesting the market abuses and social injustices which undermine them. Manala explained more about how us consumers can stand up for our rights. For more information about the National Credit Regulator visit http://www.ncr.org.za/ or contact them on 0860 627 627 or (011) 554 2724.

Denise Jansen – from the Khanyisa School for Supportive Education was also part of today’s show. They are a special needs school based in Plumstead, and serve many underpriveleged children with learning disabilities that cannot be met by remedial intervention alone. They assist these children to receive the specialised and individualised education that they would otherwise not be able to afford. They fundraise 60% of their costs from overseas and the greater SA community, receiving some contributions from Europe, and local sponsors, local foundations and corporations. They constantly however need to increase their donor base and seek new donors, as their funding is never guaranteed. They are appealing to local individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations for their support. More information on the school is available on their website http://www.khanyisaschool.co.za/ or contact Denise on (021) 761 1709 during office hours. Alternatively you can send an e-mail to denise@khanyisaschool.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Iveda Smith – from the South African Council for Social Service Professions. We were talking about the role that social workers play in our society. Last week Tuesday was the World Social Work Day and the theme was Social Work and Social Development: The Agenda. The Day was declared by the International Federation of Social Workers to honour the millions of social workers, across the globe, who dedicates themselves with passion to making a difference in our world. Iveda explained more. For more information contact the South African Council for Social Service Professions on (021) 356 9940.

23 March - Health

Today we heard from Nonkosi Dyakala – From the department of Health’s Health promotions to talk about Healthy Lifestyle for women. Research has shown that South Africa, like other developing countries, is experiencing an increase in the burden of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. These conditions are also link to obesity. The reason behind the increasing numbers is that people are living a desk-bound lifestyle. According to experts women who are obese often suffer from irregularities in the menstrual cycles and infertility. If a woman is obese during pregnancy it increases the risk of death of both the mother and the child. It also leads to an increase the risk of maternal high blood pressure by 10 times. Nonkosi our expert on the subject explained more about the benefits of healthy lifestyle. For more information contact your nearest clinic or hospital. That Interview was brought to you by the National Department of Health and Funded by the European Union

We closed off the show with an interview with Emmarenthia van Breda – from the City Health. We were talking about TB. Tomorrow is World TB Day and the South African theme is “Stop TB… complete your treatment”. The campaign is aimed at educating the communities about TB and also stresses the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own health and doing something to fight the spread of TB. Emmarenthia explained more about the importance of completing your treatment. Remember, TB is curable if you take your medication correctly for the full duration. If you feel better after taking medication continue until the nurse tells you to stop. TB is dangerous if one doesn’t comply to medication and can lead to even more serious complications like MDR and XDR and even death. If you have been in contact with MDR or XDR TB patient it is possible to get the disease as it is. You must go to the clinic for TB screening and testing. That Interview was also brought to you by the National Department of Health and Funded by the European Union.

PIC: By Cindy Witten

20 March - Arts, Culture and Environmental

On today’s show, we were joined on the line by Melanie Davids – from the Amy Biel Foundation. We were talking about the Township Jazz Festival that they will be hosting tomorrow in Gugulethu kwa_Tankiso e_NY1 from 11AM till 3PM. The festival will feature bands like the Amy Biel Youth Band, CODA, the Milton Academy Jazz Band from Boston in the US and entrance is free – Mahala. If you want any additional information about the festival contact Yandiswa on (021) 462 5052 or send an email to yandiswa@amy-biehl.co.za

We also heard from Kerry Kirkpatrick – from the Cape Film Commission. We were talking about the Imbongi Awards. The Cape Film Commission is looking to recognize those individuals and companies within the Western Cape`s film industry for their hard work and professional approach that this industry has become renowned for. Awards are open to individuals within the Film, TV, Stills, Animation, Documentaries, Corporate and Promotional Video and Advertising sectors. The award categories includes: The Chairman’s Award, Best Contribution to marketing Cape Town and the Western Cape through Film, best Line Producer, best Locations Professional, Excellence in VFX & Animation, Post Producers, and Service Provider of the year, unfortunately the closing date for Nominations is tomorrow the 21st of March. TO obtain the Nominations Form or for more information contact their offices on (021) 483 9070 alternatively go to www.capefilmcommission.co.za The Awards Ceremony will be on the 25th of April at the Cape Town ICC Ballroom.

Nigel Vermaas – Our Arts fundi was here to tell us what’s hot and what’s not in the art sector.

We also joined on the line by Anita Rowland- producer of a show called Which Way. Which Way is an interactive kids travelling show which explores South Africa’s history, environment and rich cultures through the eyes of teenagers. For more information you may contact Anita on (021) 447 2911 or visit their website www.okuhle.co.za or join their Facebook group by searching Which Way.

We closed off the show with an interview with Maurice Ashley - the first and only black International Grandmaster of Chess. He is in the country to motivate the benefits of chess to children primarily from underprivileged backgrounds and to inspire players and non-players alike. Maurice is the guest of Chess for Change South Africa, which teaches chess to more than 4000 children a week. It is reported that according to research learning the game of chess enhances creativity, problem solving, memory, concentration, intellectual maturity, and self esteem – essential qualities for success. Tomorrow he is going to be part of the Chess 4 Change Maurice Ashley Tournament in Canal Walk. Maurice has been an ardent spokesman and advocate of the intellectual and character building effects of chess in young people for over 15 years to read more about his work go to www.mauriceashley.com

19 March - Labour

On today’s show, we heard from Madge Gibson – a Partner at Jack Hammer Executive Headhunters. According to an article in this week’s Career Times, even though women constitute 52% of South Africa’s adult population, they make up only 41% of the working population. The article further states that gender representation in state-owned enterprises is better compared to listed companies. Madge’s firm statistics shows that over the past three years, only one in three new positions was being filled by women. Madge explained more about contributing factors and the way forward. For more information about Jack Hammer Executive Headhunters visit www.jhammer.co.za

Lastly we heard from Laurence Mitchell – from the Cape Film Commission. We were talking about the Animation Industry Development Initiative. The Cape Film Commission and the film industry in the Western Cape Province have committed themselves to create a strong animation and new media industry and they have pledged their support to help facilitate the creation of 10 000 jobs by 2020 within the Animation Industry. The first of several community Awareness Workshops commenced on the 17th March. Laurence explained more about the workshops. The workshops will specifically target candidates from Previously Disadvantaged communities who can demonstrate a command of the English language, is computer literate, have some form of Art, Drawing and Design (Visual Literacy) skills, and those that have Mathematical Literacy and possess Creative and Storytelling abilities. So if you are interested, today they are in Tafelsig Community Centre in Mitchells Plain, tomorrow they are in Site B Hall in Khayelitsha and on Saturday the 21st of March they will be in False Bay College, in Mew Way, Khayelitsha. For more information contact their offices on (021) 483 9070 alternatively go to www.flrc.co.za
Picture By: Sasha Forbes

18 March - Gender

On today’s show with an interview with Professor Jane Bennett – Head of the African Gender Institute. We were talking about the institute. The African Gender Institute develops theoretical and practical understandings of gender and its importance in the process of social transformation in Africa. For more information you can contact (021) 650 2970.

17 March - Human Rights

In today’s show, we heard from Maurita Weissenberg - founder and director of the Shine Centre. Speaking to Cindy Witten about the Centre, what they do and how the Centre aims to better children’s reading skills through the workshops run. The Shine Centre is a non-governmental organisation that aims to raise literacy levels among children in grade two and three who are experiencing difficulty in language and reading. The project targets schools that offer a sound infrastructure, committed teachers and a safe environment, The Shine Centre is looking to attract volunteers, book donations and funding for the programme. With a successful programme also running at Claremont Primary, plans are to launch the next Shine Centre at St Agnes Primary in Woodstock , Good Hope Seminary in the city bowl and Rosemead Primary School in Claremont . For more information, please visit www.theshinecentre.org.za. To sign up to volunteer contact Leigh-Ann on 078 3496752.

Kristine Pearson – from the Freeplay Foundation was also part of today’s show. We were talking about the services they provide. Freeplay Foundation is an internationally acclaimed humanitarian organisation that aims to facilitate sustained access to information and education for the poorest of the poor, especially children, women, refugees and the disabled. Kristine explained more. For more information contact her on (011) 783 1050 or visit www.freeplayfoundation.org

We closed off the show with an interview Sasha Forbes had with Stephne Fain, from the Rural Educational Development Corporation. Rural Educational Development Corporation is an organisation that works towards building partnerships and initiating projects that demonstrate a future vision for economic and community sustainability. For more information you can call the Rural Educational Development Corporation on (021) 783 4007 or visit their website www.sustainable-future.com

16 March - Health

Today we heard from Dr Ellen Ancker – An Eye Specialist. We were talking about Glaucoma. Last week Thursday was the World Glaucoma Day. This is a joint global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association to raise awareness of glaucoma, what it does to sight and how it might affect you. Glaucoma is a progressive disease that causes irreversible visual loss due to an elevation in pressure inside the eye caused by a build-up of excess fluid. There is no cure for glaucoma; however it is treatable if it is detected early but Dr Ancker explained more about the treatment. For more information contact her on (021) 426 2200 or visit the South African Glaucoma Society’s website to locate a doctor at www.sags.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Tineke Boshoff - from the Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape. We were talking about Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different. Tineke explained more about this condition. For more information you can contact the Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape on (021) 919 8533 or visit www.downsyndrome.org.za

13 March - Arts, Culture and Environmental

On today’s show, we heard from Lindela Mjenxane- from Beyond Expectation Environmental Project (BEEP). BEEP is a Non Profit Organisation that conducts workshops for school learners in a tranquil and relaxed environment, to expose them to a variety of subjects relevant to their lives. For more information you can contact them on (021) 372 6848 / 083 429 7064 or visit their website www.beyondexpectation.co.za

12 March - Labour

On today’s show, we were also joined on the line by Colette Fransolet – from Disability Workshop Development Enterprise. Colette told us more about the Disability International Small Business Conference that is taking place on the 6th and 7th of April. This conference works towards facilitating, supporting and promoting the transformation, where possible, of protective workshops and self-help income generating groups for people with disabilities into viable business enterprises. For more information call 021 – 6746139, alternatively you can send an email dwderesearch@telkomsa.net or check blog www.dwde.wordpress.com for a detailed programme. You can also visit their website at: www.dwde.co.za

11 March - Gender

Just a recap of today’s show, we joined by Unis Mfaku- from Poor People’s Movement and she told us more about this movement and how the members of this movement help women who are from poorer communities and who are sitting around to be more self sufficient and they are able to prove for their families . For more information you can contact them on (021) 949 3669

We were also joined by on the line by Tracey Gilmore- from Dress 2 Impress. Dress 2 Impress is an organisation that has identified the need of professional clothing for women who can’t afford it and who are entering or re-entering the workplace. For more information you can contact them on (021) 715 3840 alternatively you can send them an email tracey@statusreports.co.za

Lastly we had an interview that I did with Shirley Gunn - Director of the Human Rights Media Centre. The Human Right Media Centre is a project that aims to promote an awareness of human rights by allowing organisations and members of different communities to tell their life stories to the public through a variety of media forms and through a number of projects. Shirley told us more about the new book that was released called Knocking on mothers and daughters in struggle in South Africa. For more information you may contact the Human Rights Media Centre on (021) 762 2092 or (021) 761 3303 alternatively you can send them an email admin@hrmc.org.za

10 March - Human Rights

On today’s show, we were also joined in studio by Ryland Fisher– Chairperson of the Cape Town Festival. Ryland told us more about the festival and also about how this initiative came about. For more information call (021) 465 9042 or visit their webiste www.capetownfestival.co.za alternatively you can send an email to info@capetownfestival.co.za

Picture By: Mandisi Tyulu

We were then joined on the line by Herschelle Milford – Managing Director of Surplus People’s Project (SPP). SPP is an organisation that works towards assisting and empowering landless and homeless communities to take forward their struggles for land rights, housing and democratic forms of local and regional government. For more information you can contact (021) 448 5605 or you can visit their website www.spp.org.za

And our last interview was with Nonceba Mkangeli- from Sizakuyenza and she told us more about the work they do. Sizakuyenza is an organisation helps provide access to health and social services, as well as to care for the most vulnerable. For more information you can contact (021) 374 0800 or email them sizakuyenza@mwebbizz.co.za

09 March - Health

On today’s show we were joined on the line by Dr E.V. Rapiti – A family physician and he told us more about Diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is an abnormal increase in the frequency and liquidity of the stools. The amount of water in stool each day is generally not more than 200 ml for an adult. When it is above this amount, it is called diarrhoea. However, the definition of diarrhoea also depends on what is normal for each person. Diarrhoea, itself is not a disease, but can be a symptom of several underlying disease. For more information you may call his office on Gatesville Medical Centre on (021) 397 6029.

And our last interview was with Sister Raseda Samaai – from National Renal Care. We will be talking about kidney disease. Thursday is World KidneyDay and the theme is Amazing kidneys - are yours healthy? It is unbelievable that two bean-shaped organs that we do not even give any thought to can perform so many functions to keep our bodies in optimum shape! According to the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, tens of thousands of South African men and women, young and old, will die of kidney disease or kidney failure every year? Sister Samaai will explain more on how you can check if your kidneys are in good condition. For more information please contact the National Renal Care on 079 528 8019 or visit their website www.nrc.co.za

06 March - Arts, Culture and Environmental

On today’s show, we from Leigh Brown – from Schools Environmental Education and Development (SEED). SEED is a non-profit organisation that works towards facilitating teacher and school- driven movements which aim to build outdoor learning environment through Permaculture. For more information you may contact SEED on (021) 391 5316 or visit their website www.seed.org.za

We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas with this week’s Arts update.

05 March - Labour

On today’s show, we were also joined on the line by Sandra Prusent – from Zanokhanyo Home Management Centre. Sandra told us more about the work Zanokhanyo does and how they help unemployed, unskilled women find basic job opportunities. For more information call (021) 363 1782 or visit their website www.zanokhanyo.org.za

04 March - Gender

On today’s show, we were also joined on the line by Marlene Le Roux – Director of Audience Development and Education Department. Marlene and she told us more about the Artscape’s 2009 development programme that is being held in celebration of its tenth anniversary of its new identity. As part of the celebration the Artscape will be featuring its 2008 Women’s Festival.will be telling us more about the Artscape’s 2009 development programme that is being held in celebration of its tenth anniversary of its new identity. As part of the celebration the Artscape will be featuring its 2008 Women’s Festival.For more information call (021) 410 9917

03 March - Human Rights

On today’s show, we heard from Marlene Le Roux – Director of Audience Development and Education Department. Marlene told us more about the Youth Development Capacity Building Seminar. This strategic seminar was created in order to unite rural and urban-based organisations which focus on enriching young people’s lives in partnership with Social Development. For more information call (021) 410 9800 and preferablely call on a Thursday.

And our last interview was with Imke Gooskens and Liliane– from the Human Rights Media Centre. The Human Right Media Centre is a project that aims to promote an awareness of human rights by allowing organisations and members of different communities to tell their life stories to the public through a variety of media forms and today we spoke about one of their projects called In our shoes which is a 40 minute documentary that focuses on the discrimination of refugees and asylum seekers in Cape Town their everyday experiences. For more information you can contact (021) 761 3303 or send an email to admin@hrmc.org.za

02 March - Health

On today’s show, we heard from Theresa Joffin- from Camphill Village who will be telling us more about the Moya Health and Therapy Centre. The Moya Health and Therapy Centre is a basic medical and health care centre for residents and staff of Camphill Village. There is a full-time nurse on call. Doctor's clinics are held on a regular basis, with full medical examinations twice yearly for Villagers. Basic health care includes dental and foot care. Also provided are www.camphillwestcoast.org.za




We were also joined by on the line by Jan Webster- from ComaCare. ComaCare is a new Not for Profit initiative of care givers and family members, moved to improve and enhance the current provision of coma care in our society. It is inspired by the belief that people in a coma are in meaningful life processes. For more information you can contact them on (021) 086 011 0111 or (021) 797 9995 or visit their website www.comacare.com

Picture by: Sasha Forbes

And our last interview was with Dr Andy Essting– from the Hout Bay Dental Studio. Dr Essting spoke more about bad breath or halitosis and the causes of this. For more information please contact the studio on (021) 790 2910 or visit their website on www.hbds.co.za