18 December - Arts, Culture & Environment - Rainbow Arts empowering the youth of Delft

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Sisa Makaula and Thembekile Komani – from Rainbow Arts. Rainbow Arts is a youth development organization that uses the performing arts to teach the youth about diversity and cross-cultural understanding, leadership and self reliance programmes and also raise awareness in HIV/ Aids and related issues affecting our community. They are based in Delft and explained more on their programmes. For more information about Rainbow Arts you can visit www.rainbowarts.net46.net alternatively contact Luvuyo on 084 6645 214 or Nkosinathi on 082 370 6100.

Exploring the Universe in Nature’s Watchmaker

We closed off the show with an interview with John Thompson – Author of Nature’s Watchmaker. In Nature’s Watchmaker John seeks to provide an answer to the enigma that has been engaging scientists and philosophers since the study of time began: a complete description of all the physical processes governing the universe from its creation to its ultimate destruction. The book is said to be an intriguing read, and the theories he expounds are turning accepted wisdom on its head. His new theory confronts the major issues currently faced by scientists including gravity, the perplexing dark matter and even more baffling dark energy. It explains why particles exist, why they have their specific properties and predicts exactly the values of certain constants previously only obtainable by experiment. John explained more. For more information go to www.natureswatchmaker.com and follow his updates on Twitter at http://twitter.com/natwatchmaker The book is published by Blackhall Publishing and will be available in all good book stores for R300 as from January 2010.

17 December - Labour - Consumer Protector cautions consumers to spend wisely this festive season

In today’s show, we heard from Ashley Searle – Director at the Western Cape Office of the Consumer Protector. The Western Cape Office of the Consumer Protector has sent a word of caution to consumers to spend their hard earned cash wisely this festive season. Mr Searle says Consumers should avoid buying impulsively – the fact that something is on sale, does not necessarily mean that you should buy it. He explained more. The Western Cape Office of the Consumer Protector invites all consumers to contact them for any consumer related queries and complaints. For more information, advice and consumer queries call the toll free call centre on 0800 007 081.

04 December - Arts, Culture & Environment - On Broadway seeks big, sexy male singers

In today's show we spoke to Glen Swart – from On Broadway. On Broadway, a venue well known for it's quality cabarets, stand-up comedy and music shows, is seeking good male singers (professional and non professional) for a hot new male “Super Group” to follow in the footsteps of the fabulous and famous 3 TONS OF FUN who have emerged over the last 5 years as one of Cape Town's most loved all-female group. This new all-male trio will be based in Cape Town, tour locally and internationally, be available for major corporate functions, celebrity parties and musicals at On Broadway. They require sexy large males between the ages of 18 and 25, who sing beautifully, have a good sense of humor, can move reasonably well and are comfortable with their bodies. You will need to prepare one up tempo song and one ballad of your own choice which show off your vocal strengths. Please email Glenn on glswart@worldonline.co.za or call 083 591 4643 to arrange an audition slot or for any further information.

Why Democracy? Outreach and Arts Update

We heard from Yudhvir Ranchod – from Why Democracy? Outreach. Why Democracy? is a documentary project using film to start a global conversation about democracy. The films produced by the project have a common reference beyond the thematic. Both the global broadcast and the debates arising from the films lead to a greater understanding concerning both the conditions of governance facing people in different societies and cultures, as well as a broader understanding of democracy. And the long-term educational perspective will allow for maximum use of the combined elements of the project. The films will be accompanied by a widespread post-transmission distribution programme on DVD as part of the global project. Yudhvir explained more. Rondebosch Boys’ High School (RBHS), Rondebosch, Monday 7 December, 10.30am to 12pm. St Cyprians’, Oranjezicht, Tuesday 8 December, 11am to 12.30PM. RBHS, Rondebosch, Wednesday 9 December, 10.30am to 12pm. For queries on the Why Democracy? Project: email Yudhvir yudhvir@whydemocracy.net or visit www.whydemocracy.net

Nigel Vermaas was also in today for the Arts update in and around the city.

Celebrating the Big 5 with eMzantsi Carnival

We closed off the show with an interview with Earl Mentor – Community Coordinator for eMzantsi Carnival. The 5th annual eMzantsi Carnival will take place tomorrow the 5th of December. This year’s theme is ‘The Big 5’, but the indigenous animals they are celebrating are not lions, giraffes or elephants but our local wildlife: the penguin, the whale, the baboon, the shark – and the leopard toad! More than 1000 people from communities across the south peninsula will take part in the parade down the Kommetjie Road, including 200 primary school children who have been learning drama, percussion and recycled costume-making skills in twinned intercultural groups. Grade 4-6 learners from Imhoff Waldorf and Marine Primary, Ocean View; Bay Primary and St James Primary, Kalk Bay; Kommetjie Primary and Ukhanyo Primary, Masiphumelele; Kleinberg Primary and the LSEN School (for Learners with Special Educational Needs), Ocean View; and Simon’sTown School and Ukhanyo Primary, will parade together wearing their Big 5 hats. In addition, Grade 10 learners from the 5 south peninsula high schools of Simonstown, Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Fish Hoek and Muizenberg will be modeling costumes they have made together with art-from-waste experts Ilitha Lomsa. For more information see www.emzantsi.org.za, email info@emzantsi.org.za, or call Zukie at the eMzantsi office on (021) 785 1515.

03 December - Labour _ Is recession really over in South Africa?

In today’s show, we heard from Percy Makombe – programmes manager for the Economic Justice Network. According to Statistics South Africa GDP figures for the third quarter of this year showed the recession was over. The economy grew at 0.9 percent on an annualized basis. Media reports state that this is a hugely symbolic figure as it means the economy is growing again. Mr Makombe explained more about what this means for an ordinary person on the street. If you want to find out more about the Economic Justice Network you can visit www.ejn.org.za or contact (021) 424 9563.

02 December - Gender _16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign intensifies

On Sakhisizwe today, we heard from Patrick Godana - One Man Can Campaign National Manager from the Sonke Gender Justice Network. As part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, Sonke Gender Justice Network is hosting a Men’s Project HIV/Aids and Gender Awareness Workshop in Kraaifontein today. Patrick explained more about the event.

Kleinvlei men invited to be part of the 1000 men walk in support of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

Inspector Mthwalo – from the Kleinvlei Police Station was part of today's show. We were talking about the 1000 men walk they have planned for Saturday the 5th of December in support of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign. They men will meet outsideKleinvlei Police Station from 09H00AM. All men in Greater Blue Downs, Eerste River and Kleinvlei area are invited to stand up to "Say No" to abuse against Women and Children. For more information contact the Kleinvlei Police Station on (021) 902 8300.

Mark the 16 Days of Activism Campaign by creating a massive human white ribbon

We also heard from Claire Mathonsi – Programme’s Manager for the Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women. The Network, members of the public and other stakeholders will gather at Vangate Mall this coming Saturday to mark the 16 Days of Activism Campaign by creating a massive human white ribbon. Once the ribbon is in place, a dramatic and symbolic change will occur on the Network’s thought-provoking billboard to reinforce the commitment to preventing violence against women and to challenging the harmful beliefs and attitudes that keep violence against women alive. The event will start at 11am. For more information contact their offices on (021) 448 6180.

Join Positive Muslims for free HIV voluntary, confidential counseling and Testing as part of 16 Days of Activism Campaign

We closed off the show with an interview with Raoul Swart – Director for Positive Muslims. One of the organization’s aims is to create and deepen awareness among Muslims about the occurrence of HIV & AIDS in all Muslim and Non-Muslim communities and also to find and implement ways of supporting people living with HIV & AIDS to continue a positive life journey. On Saturday they will be at the Vangate Mall between 9AM and 4PM to offer HIV voluntary, confidential counseling and Testing as part of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. There will be live entertainment and children’s activities. Be part of the event to help make a human chain. For more information visit www.positivemuslims.org.za or contact (021) 761 2249/81.

01 December - Human Rights - Disaster Management runs Fire and Flood Awareness Campaign (WORLD AIDS DAY)

In today's show, we spoke to Dr Elmien Steyn – Deputy Director for the Mitigation Provincial Disaster Management Centre. We were talking about the annual Fire and Flood Awareness Campaign launched last month. With fire season upon us, this campaign aims to empower youth through messages of fire prevention and flood safety precautions. Through the use of industrial theatre and a poetry competition, youth are encouraged to spread these messages rather than fires, acting as seeders in their communities, as they return home and spread vital information to share with their siblings, parents and neighbours. Tomorrow they will be visiting Strand Primary School and the move to Phillipi later during the day.

Celebrating International Day for People with disabilities

Vincent Daniels – from the Society for the Blind was Instudio. We were talking about activities they have planned for the International Day for People with disabilities which is on Thursday the 3rd of December. The theme for 2009 is “Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world”. The theme has been selected to draw attention to and promote a better understanding of disability issues and mobilize action for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The event will be in Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch from 9H00AM. Mr Daniels explained more their activities. For more information contact their offices on (021) 448 4302 or Western Cape Network on Disability on (021) 531 1973 alternatively DPSA on (021) 422 0357.

Marking World Aids Day with SACTWU Worker Health Programme

We also heard from Nikki Soboil – National Director of the SACTWU Worker Health Programme, Tina Manchest – a Lay councilor, Bothwe Phakathi – a Nurse and Silke. The programme is about HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness among the Union members. It aims to empower them to make decisions about their own health. We will be talking about World Aids Day which is today. World AIDS Day has been celebrated since 1988. It is about increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS, education and fighting prejudice. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. It is reported that in Sub-Saharan Africa, 22,4 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in 2008. More than 14 million children had lost one or both parents to AIDS. Although the HIV epidemic in South Africa appear to have stabilized, South Africa still has more people living with HIV than any other country. This year’s theme is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. For more information contact Nikki on (021) 448 5263.

Make a difference support Gifts4Good

We closed off the show with an interview with Roxy Mitchell – Communications Manager for Greater Good SA. We were talking about Gifts4Good - an online shop that offers a range of alternative gifts to help people make a difference throughout the year. You can choose gifts that change lives for any special occasion, such as birthdays, anniversaries, religious celebrations, or Mother's and Father's day. Gifts are linked to five priority social development sectors: Education, Community, Health, Environment and People. Within these sectors, there are many screened and evaluated social development projects that have applied to the South African Social Investment Exchange for funding. Roxy explained more. For more information visit www.gifts4good.co.za or contact (021) 762 7944.