Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today's show we were joined by Bush radio’s new Managing Director, Brenda Leonard. We were talking about women in the media. According to the International Women’s Media Foundation, women still hold less than 30 percent of executive-level positions. Brenda highlighted some of the challenges faced by women in media and the way forward. For more information about Brenda visit www.bushradio.wordpress.com

On Sakhisizwe today we were joined by Mike Boddy - CEO of the Arthritis Foun dation and Nicola Laubscher – A rheumatoid arthritis patient. Nicola will be running the Two Oceans Marathon this year in support of South African patients suffering from auto-immune illnesses like RA and Chron’s Disease, amongst many others. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the peripheral joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and feet, usually on both sides of the body, potentially resulting in damage. Damage is caused by persistent inflammation of the synovium, the membrane lining the joint, with subsequent damage of the cartilage, bone erosion and joint deformities. It is reported that about one per cent of the population is affected, by Rheumatoid Arthritis although in South Africa there are no accurate prevalence figures. Women are affected about two to three times more often than men. The incidence increases with age difference. Rheumatoid...

In today’s show, we spoke to Lira – Award winning Singer/ songwriter. Lira’s first start in the music career came in 2000, when, just in her 20s, she was punted as South Africa’s newest R&B “starlet”. Over the past few years she has undertaken live dates in several new countries including Italy, Germany and Fiji and she’s poised to make an impact on the US music scene. She will be wowing the crowd at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival. For more information on this year’s lineup go to www.capetownjazzfest.com or on her music go to www.misslira.co.za

We heard from Thando Doni – Actor. We spoke about Ingcwaba lendoda lise cankwe ndlela, - the grave of the man is next to the road, which will be performed at the Zolani Centre in Nyanga East (31 March and 1 April) and Blue Hall, Site C in Khayelitsha (8 and 9 April). This powerful and stirring physical theatre production is directed Mandla Mbothwe. Performances are at 7.00 pm and tickets costs only R10. Contact (021) 448 3436 or magnet@uct.ac.za should you need further information. Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Jazz Vocalist Melanie Scholtz. Melan e will be performing at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival. She has performed at numerous music festivals nationally and internationally and in August 2009 recorded a live album with Inkala in Vadso at the Varanger Jazz Festival in Norway. It has been said about Melanie’s music that it is like a ‘best friend’ and listeners are always inspired by her musical honesty. She told us more about her music. For more information visit www.capetownjazzfest.com or www.melaniescholtz.com alternatively www.myspace.com/melaniescholtz

On Sakhisizwe today we were joined Instudio by Nowethu Ndiki – Commissio ner at the CCMA. We were talking about Sexual harassment in the workplace. According to experts, it is your employer's responsibility to ensure that policies and procedures are followed in order to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. But most importantly employees need to be able to identify acts of sexual harassment so that the necessary action may be taken to eliminate this. Commissioner Ndiki helped us understand what constitutes as sexual harassment and what channels one can use to seek help. Remember employers have a duty to protect their workers from any harassment and to inform and educate them about these issues. For more information you can contact the CCMA on 0861 16 16 16 or visit www.ccma.org.za

We also heard from Henk van Zyl – Founder of Jabula Business Consulting. Henk will be hosting a seminar on Business Turnaround and how the New Companies Act marks a fundamental change from the way business was conducted and regulated previously and now. The purpose of this two day seminar is to highlight the most common causes and events leading to a business failing, and show business owners and managers that failure is not the only option. The seminar is offered by the Professional Development Project of the Faculty of Law, at UCT on the 30th to the 31st of March and is opened to business owners and managers. For further information, please contact Irèna Wasserfall on (021) 650 5621 or email to irena.wasserfall@uct.ac.za alternatively see the law faculty website that’s www.law.uct.ac.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke Ryland Fisher – CEO of the Cape Town Festival. The festival kick starts today till Sunday the 22nd of March. You will get to see people like Allou April, Loading Zone, Zaki Ibrahim, Emo Adams, Southpaw, Kings of Vegas, Anselmo Ralph and Claire Phillips perform for free. Events start at about 5pm today and about 1pm on Saturday and Sunday, but end each night at about 10pm. According to organisers, there will be special trains, which will leave Cape Town station after 10pm on each night to ensure that the citizens of Cape Town, especially those who depend on public transport will be able to enjoy the festival activities and reach home safely afterwards. For more information visit www.capetownfestival.co.za or contact (021) 465 9042.

Isabella Meyer – CEO of the Cape Town Carnival was also part of the show. The theme for the 2010 Carnival is “Rhythm, Roots & Boots" celebrating Cape Town’s inherent talent in all things cultural and artistic, as well as paying tribute to Cape Town’s rich heritage. Tomorrow evening more than 2000 costumed singers, dancers and musicians are to fill Long Street performing six new Cape Town songs in unison, with sound relays and large screen viewings, Isabella explained more. For more information visit www.capetowncarnival.com or contact (021) 510 4004. Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Sbusiso Mafalala – from Topshow Productions. On Sunday the 21st of March ( Human Rights Day) they will be hosting a Jazz in the Park concert KwaLanga Stadium from 16h00PM till late. The concert will feature top artists like Lira, Siphokazi, Sis’Mpho & uVimba, The Ngcukana Brothers and many more. Gates opens from 14h00PM. Ticket prices are R120 and R200 for VIP. You can buy at Computicket or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For more information contact (021) 593 9483 or visit www.topshowproductions.co.za Congratulations to Zethu Maki and Buyelwa Matini for winning double tickets for the concert.

In today’s show, we spoke to Underé Deglon - chief executive Officer for the Disability Workshop Development Enterprise. We were talking about the Ukwakhana School Uniform Design Competition. The competition is runned as part of our ongoing efforts to realize the Millennium Development Goals towards the empowerment of people with disabilities and is opened to designers in the Western Cape Province who have a passion for community development. The first place winner will receive the UKWAKHANA SCHOOL UNIFORM DESIGN COMPETITION AWARD 2010, with cash prize of R10 000, and an internship contract for 12 months at the Ukwakhana Sewing Co-operative. Second prize winner will receive R2500, and Third prize winner will receive R1500. Entries must be received by April 14, 2010, before or at 13:00 pm (strictly adhere to the entry deadline). Incomplete entry forms or used incorrect forms will not be considered. Entry forms can be collected at DWDE offices during office hours (Mondays – Fridays 09h00...

We also heard from Noah Greenhill - Senior General Manager of Marketing and Business Development at JSE. JSE is embarking on a countrywide JSE Week Expo. From today till Sunday, the 21st of March they will be at Canal Walk. This is one of the initiatives of the JSE to promote financial literacy to South African from all walks of life. The Expo aims to further demystify the myths around investing, that it is not only for the wealthy or those with a large risk appetite. First-time investors can learn about investing on the stock exchange, share trading and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). A host of stockbrokers and other financial service providers catering for the private investor will be on hand to explain their products and services. For further information, please visit www.jse.co.za

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Professor Susan Kreston – An expert on issues of child abuse, exploitation and child trafficking. Professor Kreston is a former US prosecutor specializing in child abuse cases. We were talking about child trafficking. With the 2010 World Cup tournament around the corner many articles have been penned about the safety of our children during and after the tournament. With most children rights activists calling on government to put stringent measures in making sure that children will not be abused, exploited and trafficked as prostitutes. Professor Kreston explained more whether we are indeed to be concerned or such fears are unfounded. She is currently a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State Centre for Psychology and Law, and consultant to US and South African and numerous other international governments and organizations on issues of child sexual exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. For more information on issues of child abu...

We also heard from Andrew Ardington – from the Social Justice Coalition. The Social Justice Coalition is an independent group that believes in freedom, equality, non-violence and human rights. We were talking about the Queue for Sanitation, Safety & Dignity Protest that they will be staging on Saturday the 20th of March. They demand safe, clean and private toilets for residents of Khayelitsha and all informal settlements in South Africa. According to the SJC, the supply of insufficient and inadequate toilets to informal settlements is a violation of the constitutional rights of all to safety and security, dignity and privacy and an equal access to water and sanitation. They are calling on people to stand in solidarity with the 500 000 Capetonians who don't have access to basic sanitation, Andrew explained more. The event will take place on Saturday the 20th at the Sea Point Promenade (opposite SABC) from 10:00am till 12:30pm. If you have any queries, please contact 078 371 4147...

Our last interview was with Koketso Moeketsi – Consumer Advisor at the National Consumer Forum. We were talking about Consumers Rights. Yesterday we 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. Koketso explained more about how us consumers can stand up for our rights. For more information about the National Consumer Forum visit www.ncf.org.za or contact them on (012) 428 7071.

In today’s show, we spoke to Cliffy Festus. Cliffy has a rare condition called cerebral arteriovenous malformation or AVM, which is an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain that usually forms before birth. The cause of AVM is unknown. According to experts, although the condition is present at birth, symptoms may occur at any age. He is joining us on the line to raise more awareness about this condition and Cliffy is planning on opening a trust fund to raise funds for his and other sufferers’ medical fees but he will explain more. For more information contact his trustee Phogologo on 083 635 2145 or check their Facebook page/ Clifford Festus Trust.

We also spoke to Dr David Gotlieb – a Rheumatologist. We were talking about Rheumatoid Arthritis. On Thursday is the Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the peripheral joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and feet, usually on both sides of the body, potentially resulting in damage. It is reported that about one per cent of the population is affected, by Rheumatoid Arthritis although in South Africa there are no accurate prevalence figures. Women are affected about two to three times more often than men. The incidence increases with age difference. Rheumatoid arthritis is seen around the world and all races are affected. For more information about Rheumatoid arthritis you can contact your nearest health care center, alternatively visit www.arthritis.co.za

On Sakhisizwe today we played a feature about the Spier Contemporary 2010, the largest biennale art exhibition in South Africa which will open on the 14th of March at the Cape Town City Hall. The Spier Contemporary 2010 will be open until the 14th May 2010. After Cape Town the exhibition will travel to Museum Africa in Johannesburg and the Durban Art Gallery. Admission is FREE. Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm everyday (including holidays). For more information visit www.spiercontemporary2010.co.za

We also had an interview with Augustine Morkel – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Manager. We were talking about the Biodiversity Expo which will be running between March 25th and 28th. The Expo is an exciting, edutaining and engaging conservation community initiative offering more than 30 exhibits on conservation projects, sustainable development and careers in the industry. Entry to the Expo is free and for learners, free entry to the garden on Thursday 25 March and Friday 26 March (learners must be in uniform or have a valid student card). Visitors to the Expo on Saturday 27th March and Sunday 28th March 2010 will only be allowed free entry into the garden provided they have won a garden entry ticket at the Expo. Garden entry giveaways at the Expo will take place at 09h00 (100 tickets) and 11h00 (100 tickets) on both Saturday 27 March and Sunday 28 March 2010. For more information visit www.sanbi.org Nigel Vermaas joined us on the line for this week's Arts update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Jane Levinson – Project Manager at Mdzananda Animal Clinic, which is the only clinic providing permanent primary veterinary healthcare support to the dogs and cats in the Khayelitsha community. Tomorrow they will be hosting a dog show for pet owners in Khayelitsha supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare from 10AM. Jane explained more about the event. For more information on such services contact (021) 367 2302 or (021) 689 4091 alternatively visit www.mdzananda.co.za

In today’s show, we spoke to Dennis Comninos - Director of the Strategic Project Management programme at the UCT Graduate School of Business. According to Comninos, project managers should not engage in wishful thinking about returning to the way things used to be – in the post-crash world, mega projects are likely to be few and far between. He says the “new normal” for projects is smaller, faster and focused on what is essential with a reduced level of investment. Comninos, co-directs the UCT Graduate School of Business’ five-day course Strategic Project Management – for senior project managers in August – and directs the GSB foundation Project Management course in April. The two courses impart tools and techniques that empower project mangers to achieve success in the context of the challenges they are facing today. For details on the UCT GSB courses, contact Mario Pearce on (021) 406 1268 or SMS “project” or “stratproject” to 31497 or send an email to mario.pearce@gsb.uct.ac.za

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Masonwabe Sokoyi – From the South African Students Organisation or SASCO. Last week Thursday, students from various higher education institutions across the provinces led by the South African Students Congress, marched to parliament to hand over a memorandum demanding free and accessible education to all poor and academically deserving students. According to SASCO this should be initiated as soon as possible as educatiob is the basic right of all South Africans. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Germany offer free education but some people feel that if this were to be the case here, our universities will overflow with students who will never complete or take up to 6 or more years to complete their courses. Masonwabe explained more about the march. If you want more information about SASCO, PASMA or any student organisation visit your campus’ student center I’m sure their offices are visible and open for any student who want assis...

We also heard from Paul Hooper – Coordinator for the Western Cape Street Children Forum. The Forum is a network of organisations working with Street Children and Youth. They engage with the issues, reality, legislation and development requirements of the Street Children in the Western Cape but Paul explained more. If you would like to find out more about the Western Cape Street Children Forum contact their offices on (021) 685 3942 or if you have access to the internet visit www.wcscf.co.za

Our last interview was with David Kleynhans - a cyclist who will be cycling the Argus Cycle Tour to collect Donations for elderly with disabilities. He says his total time in the saddle will not be less than 12 hours and about 500km. In achieving this David needs our assistance, he joined us to tell us more about his initiative and how we can help. If you would like more information contact him on 071 406 7007 or 079 565 9691 alternatively send him an email to frail@mail.org.za

Today we spoke to Faiza Steyn – Director of Communication for the Provincial Health Department. We were talking about measles outbreak in the province. According to media reports, seven babies died in the province last month because of complications related to measles. Now the provincial health department has admitted that its immunisation programme to deal with the disease "is not working well enough". The department has started with a national mass immunisation programme, which was due to start in April. Faiza explained more about the programme. Parents are urged to take their children for immunisation. For more information contact your nearest clinic.

We also spoke to Dr Nagib du Toit – an Ophthalmologist from Groote Schuur Hospital. We were talking about Glaucoma. This week is the World Glaucoma Week. 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 du Toit explained more about the treatment. For more information visit the South African Glaucoma Society’s website www.sags.co.za .

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Kennedy Ngaye – from the Western Cape Provincial Treasury. We were talking about the Western Cape Essay Writing Project. The project targets Grade 11 learners studying Mathematics, Accounting and Economics, affording them an opportunity to win bursaries to study in the fields of Commerce and Economics. Mr Ngaye explained more on the requirements. The prizes include a bursary up to R64, 000 to complete a three year university degree for tuition, registration fees and books, cash amounts in the grade 12 year of R2 500 to all the winners and up to R7 500 to the remaining three finalists to utilize during their first year at University. Once they have completed their studies they are offered a one year internship at Provincial Treasury. For more information visit www.capegateway.gov.za and click the Provincial Treasury link. Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off with an interview with Zoleka Helesi – Production Manager for the Ikhwezi Theatre Festival. The Ikhwezi Theatre Festival is a theatre development initiative that happens every year. The festival has been very successful since 1998. This year the Festival celebrates 12 years of development theatre with 12 dynamic productions which take to the Baxter Golden Arrow stage daily for one week only from the 11th to the 20th of March. The 12 productions in the line-up this year are: A Plague of Heroes, The Crossing, Born to Void, Ukuphuma Kwelanga, Zithin’Indaba, Behind my Shadow, Egoli, Kwanele!!!, Allie Pad Funny Worcester, The Blind Man’s Judgement, The Voice of a Mother’s Pulse and Trompies. The Festival runs daily from Mondays to Saturdays, at 10:00, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00. All evening performances are at 19:00. Ticket prices are R35 throughout. Book at Computicket on 083 915 8000, on-line at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discoun...

In today's show, we spoke to Samantha Crous - General Manager of the CRF Institute – the employer brand research and marketing organisation that conducts the annual Best Employers South Africa research. According to the Grant Thornton International Business Report majority of businesses around the world are more optimistic for 2010 this means employers anticipate a more upbeat employment market unlike 2009, which was a tough year for job seekers. Samantha says South Africa is at the cusp of a recovery – gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2009, exceeding market expectations – which means organisations need to engage with the talent attraction or retention issue or they could face losing key people. For more information on Best Employers 2010 and applying, organisations can contact (021) 425 0320 or visit www.bestemployers.co.za

We also heard from Michael Bagraim – Labour Law Specialist from Bagraims Attorneys. We were talking about the Compensation Fund. According to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, employers must pay a certain amount of money into a central fund each month. The amount depends on how dangerous the industry is, how many workers are employed in the company and the wages paid to the workers. It came into effect in 1994 and replaced the old Workmen’s Compensation Act. The person in charge of this fund is the Compensation Commissioner, Mr Bagraim explained more about the Compensation Fund and the role of the Compensation Commissioner. For more information visit www.labour.gov.za or call 0800 20 49 74. For more information about Mr Bagraim services go to www.bagraims.co.za or contact (021) 422 860.

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Menaka Jayakody – from the Children's HIV and AIDS Network or CHAIN. CHAIN is a subsidiary of NACOSA that focuses on building the capacity of organisations working with children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. The project aims to provide children with their own voice, promoting and supporting child-focused HIV and AIDS service development and delivery. Ms Jayakody explained more. If you would like to find out more about Children's HIV and AIDS Network contact NACOSA offices on (021) 461 7348 or visit www.nacosa.org.za alternatively send an email to chain@nacosa.org.za

We also heard from Lorenzo Wakefield – Researcher for the Community Law Centre's Children's Rights Project. Tomorrow they will be launching a Project Cooperation Agreement between the Community Law Centre's Children's Rights Project and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The cooperation focuses on the provision of technical assistance to selected countries in Southern and Eastern Africa which are planning to or are currently undertaking child law reform processes. The Community Law Centre will develop a guidelines document and framework legislation on what children's legislation should entail and developing a website where child legislation and documents on best practices for law reform processes from across the region can be accessed. If you would like to find out more about the Community Law Centre contact visit www.communitylawcentre.org.za