30 June - Gender - UNODC launches the “Blow the Vuvuzela on Violence” campaign

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Sharon Kouter - Western Cape Programme Coordinator for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime or UNODC. We were talking about the “Blow the Vuvuzela on Violence” campaign. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness around gender- and child-based violence, and calls for people across all spectrums to speak out against these social evils and use the focus of the World Cup to highlight the plight of victims. During the campaign, sporting events will be held in areas across the Western Cape to keep learners occupied in a constructive way, while providing them with practical information about where to get help if they fall victim to crime. Today they are in Mitchell’s Plain and on the 2nd of July they will be in Vredendal.

29 June - Human Rights - CANSA WC needs donations

In today’s show, we heard from Dorothy Du Plooy - Provincial Head of Health Programmes for CANSA Western Cape. CANSA is in the process of setting up an Interim Home at the Tygerberg Hospital to accommodate 30 patients while they are receiving their cancer treatments. The lodging facility will allow patients to be given accommodation during their cancer treatment as well as quality care and support. As CANSA will need to fund the running of the facility themselves, they are urgently looking for donations to make the unit livable as they open to the first patients on the 1st of July. They are looking for monetary donations but will not refuse anything as they are desperately needing, pictures, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a microwave, a computer to name but a few of the necessities. For more information or if you would like to help call contact Dorothy on (021) 689 5347 or go to www.cansa.org.za

25 June - Arts, Culture and Environment - Christine offers singing workshops

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Christine Weir - Singer and Actress. Christine will be hosting Saturday morning singing workshops which will cover everything from microphone technique, vocal warm ups, choosing and presenting a song. The workshops are said to be appropriate for all ages over 12. The workshops will take place between 9am and 2pm tomorrow the 26th of June in The Playroom at UCT's Hiddingh Campus. For more information call her on 078 642 3124.

Free rides on MyCiTi and Arts Update

We also heard Councillor Elizabeth Thompson - Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects. The City of Cape Town is offering free rides on the new MyCiTi inner-city bus loop to all Capetonians and visitors for the next three Fridays, starting this Friday. According to members of the Portfolio Committee for Transport, Roads and Major Projects this is an opportunity to showcase this world class service to many citizens of and visitors to the city. To catch the inner-city loop, go to the Civic Centre Station. For more information visit www.capetown.gov.za

Nigel Vermaas was here for the Arts Update.

Artscape to present uplifting Xhosa ceremonial songs and dances

We closed off the show with an interview with Professor Nomvula Mtetwa – Ezethu Pioneer. Ezethu is a theatre production which incorporates uplifting Xhosa ceremonial songs and dances. The production will be staged at Artscape Theatre from the 8th – 10th July. This production is part of Artscape’s Indigenous Arts Department which was established in 2007, aiming to develop, mentor and preserve South African indigenous customs through the arts at grassroots level. For more information check www.artscape.co.za and www.ezethu.com Ticket bookings contact Computicket on 083 915 8000 or Dial-A-Seat on (021) 421 7695. Ticket costs R100. Pensioners and concessions is R70.

24 June - Labour - Registrations for NPO Skills Development Workshop are open

In today's show, we spoke to Frank Julie – a consultant. We were talking about the NPO Skills Development Workshop that will be presented on the 2nd to 6th of August. The workshop is aimed at developing a range of critical and contemporary skills for NPOs. Seats are limited! Cut-off date for registration is the 26th of July. 5% discount for 2 or more participants from same organisation. For further information and full workshop programme please contact Meagon Wyngaard on (021) 843 3588 or visit www.nonprofitlawyer.co.za

How to ensure that your CV’s makes an impression

We also heard from Laura Baasch - Managing Director at the Voice recruitment. They are call centre recruitment specialists. Voice is a professional human resourcing consultancy that provides high levels of personalised care to candidates throughout the recruitment process. Laura spoke about how we can ensure that our CV’s makes an impression. It is said that your CV works for you 24 hours a day. It has ability to both open and close doors for you. It is worth spending time on it to do it properly. She told us how you can be that ideal candidate from the many they see. For more information on Voice recruitment or their posts you can email Laura to laura@voicerecruitment.com

22 June - Human Rights - The Scalabrini Centre and over 40 NGO’s launches a joint campaign against xenophobia

In today’s show we heard from Lena Opfermann – Rights Advocacy Officer at the Scalabrini Centre. It is reported that there are fears within the NGO community that xenophobic violence may break out again across South Africa after the World Cup. According to the Scalabrini Centre, 68% of refugees surveyed at the centre reported that they had received threats. The Scalabrini Centre and over 40 NGO’s have launched a joint campaign against xenophobia, encouraging NGOs and individuals, including community and political leaders, people in management positions, police and other security officers to make a public pledge to condemn and speak out against this. Lena explained more. For more information go to www.scalabrini.org.za or contact her on (021) 465 6433.

The Amy Biehl Foundation to host kids on school holidays

We were also joined on the line by Ilchen Retief – Public Relations Manager from the Amy Biehl Foundation. We were talking about their holiday programmes. The Amy Biehl Foundation runs holiday programmes from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm to ensure the youth in the townships have positive, creative and fun activities during the long June school holidays. There is also a soccer tournament in the afternoons and two groups going on camps to Grabouw. Volunteers who would like to get involved with the Foundation during the holiday season can contact the Foundation via info@amybiehl.co.za or contact (021) 462 5052.

LoveLife jacks up holiday programme

We closed off the show with an interview with Bulelani Futshane - LoveLife Provincial Manager. We were talking to him about their holiday programme that is currently being run for school kids. Their holiday programme is jacked up with activities and entertainment to keep them busy as the school holidays this year are longer. LoveLife is also currently bringing the soccer spirit to the kids, where they are having fan parks for the youth to watch the soccer matches on big screen TV’s. For more educational information about Lovelife visit www.lovelife.org.za or call them on (021) 695 0003.

21 June - Health - Treating flu with homeopathic medicine

In today's show we spoke to Dr Jacquelyn Schultz - a Registered Homeopath. We were talking about the Influenza or Flu. Before the winter is out, it is thought that one in four of us will have had flu or a similar virus. But how can we really tell we have the flu rather than a severe cold? And when is the best time to have a flu vaccine to make sure it is effective – and who should absolutely not go without a flu vaccine? It is reported that in South Africa we have a flu vaccine shortage. This means that vast numbers of our population do not have the benefit of the protection from a flu vaccine and will end up getting the flu. The influenza vaccine is hailed by medical experts the most effective way to reduce a person’s chance of contracting the 'flu. But, how effective is the vaccine really? Well Dr Schultz explained more about homeopathic medicines and their effectiveness. For more information visit www.fluinfo.co.za or www.who.int

This week is the National Epilepsy Week

We also heard from Naeema Williams - from Epilepsy South Africa. This dynamic organization provides developmental services nationally to promote equal opportunities for people with epilepsy and other disabilities. This week is the National Epilepsy Week. Epilepsy is a common condition affection about 50 million people worldwide. It is a neurological condition that causes people to experience seizures. Living with epilepsy may have its problems but with the right attitude they can be overcome, Naeema explained more on living a productive life with epilepsy. Tomorrow they are hosting an open day from 9AM and members of the public are invited to come. For more information about their activities visit www.epilepsy.org.za or contact (021) 703 9420.

18 June - Arts, Culture & Environment - Don't miss the Khayelitsha Diversity Festival tomorrow!

In today’s show, we were joined by Zandi Hoshe – from the Cape Music Industry Commission. We were talking about the Khayelitsha Diversity Festival. The festival is the culmination of a week-long series of workshops about xenophobia, tolerance, and artistic development and will be held at Isikhokelo Primary School in Khayelitsha tomorrow. Different cultures are invited to come together to help break down prejudice. Acts on the bill include Backyard Crew, Tucan Tucan, Young Bakuba, Xhosa Culture and many more. Entry is free, food and drinks will be on sale, Oh and no alcohol allowed. For further information call 083 533 8286.

Undecided Crew launches debut album and Arts Update

We also heard from Point, Yai and Styles – Members of Undecided Crew. They have released a debut album titled Iscelo. Their music is said to have a positive message about respecting women, celebrating fathers and discourages drunk driving. They explained more about their music influences. next week Saturday, 26th June they will be perfoming at String Yard in Khayamandi, Stellenbosch. Entrance is R10. For more information about the album or for bookings contact 071 954 5385 or check them on Facebook.

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

New exhibition opens at the District Six Museum

We closed off the show with an interview with Virgil Slade – from the District Six Museum. We were talking about the new exhibition that opened at the District Six Museum’s Homecoming Centre titled Offside: Kick Ignorance Out! Football Unites, Racism Divides. The exhibition is a collaboration between the British Council, the District Six Museum, Football Unites, Racism Divides and Kick It Out. It highlights aspects of the footballing relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa and how it has evolved over the last century. Entrance will be free for the preview week until Wednesday, 23rd of June when entrance fees will apply. The charge for adults is R20, and R5 for school learners. A combined ticket for entrance into the exhibitions in the Homecoming Centre and into the main building at 25 Buitenkant Street, is R35 (a saving of R5 per ticket) and R8 for school learners. For more information contact (021) 466 7200.

15 June - Human Rights - Khayelitsha Youth Development Council to host youth summit

In today’s show, we heard from Shiba Sopotela – from the Khayelitsha Youth Development Council. The Khayelitsha Youth Development Council will be hosting a youth summit tomorrow under the theme: Take Charge Seize the current opportunities. Youth council/ forums from Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, Gugulethu and other regions are also invited. The summit is at the Khayelitsha Stadium from 9AM till 5PM. For more information contact Shiba on (021) 361 5814 or 071 225 0056.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

We closed off with an interview with Jessica Gammon, Ntokozo Nkomo, Yumna Moosa and Mam' Nondumo - A Social Worker. We were talking about the abuse of elderly people in Langa as we commemorate the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. A group of 5 medical students from UCT were given a project about 2 months ago by the faculty, to find out how many elderly people are being abused in the community of Langa, as well as the risk factors associated with the abuse of the elderly. They joined us to share their findings and what us the community can do in fighting against this sick practice. To report cases of abuse you can contact HEAL on 0800 003 081 or the Action on Elder Abuse offices on (021) 424 0574, Age-in-Action on (021) 423 0204 alternatively visit www.age-in-action.co.za

11 June - Arts, Culture & Environment - SA wins Silver Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show

In today’s show, we were joined by David Davidson – Garden Designer. David his team won a Silver Medal for South Africa at Chelsea Flower Show in London. Through the SA Chelsea entry entitled ‘Bio[logical] diversity is the variety of life’ the designers illustrated the diversity as well as the genetic variability of the botanical wealth that makes South Africa the third most biologically diverse country in the world. He told us more about the inspiration behind his designs. This 2010 award winning exhibit will be recreated back on home ground later in the year in Port Elizabeth, Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town giving us the opportunity to celebrate another medal winner. For further information call the Kirstenbosch information Desk on (021) 799 8783 or visit Kirstenbosch What’s On www.sanbi.org

CapeCodes launches a comic book and Arts Update

We also heard from Mthobeli Duna and Bongani Dyasi - from CapeCodes. Next week Friday, they will be launching a comic book titled 3 AYHE! The book launch will include a collaborative live Audio Drama from three audio drama groups, an adapted film screening of a story from the comic book. An AYHE! source story live Audio Drama encore performance and a live sound effects demonstration with device drawings exhibit. The guys explain more. 3 AYHE! is available for R50 with DVD insert. As a fund raising effort for the CapeCodes initiative Special signed limited editions silent auction priced in support of 2nd printing. For more information go to www.capecodes.co.za

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

Catch Ewok and DJ Veranda Panda tonight at the Speak the Mind Poetry Session

We closed off the show with an interview with Ewok and DJ Veranda Panda. They are in Cape Town for the Speak the Mind Poetry Session, the third edition of annual beat poetry/spoken word taking place at Artscape Theatre tonight. Tickets range from R30 to R50. For further information go to www.artscape.co.za or book via Artscape Dial-a-Seat on (021) 421 7695 or at the door (Artscape Box Office) alternatively through Computicket www.computicket.com The line up includes: Samantha Thornhill (Trinidad/USA), Cosmas Mairosi (Zimbabwe), Nomsa Mazwai, Khadija Heeger and many more and then on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of June there is Reggae in the Theatre Featuring Azania, Rudimentals and Ghetto Youths. Tickets range from R30 to R50.

10 June - Labour - is SA a global innovation hub for 21st century?

On Sakhisizwe today, we heard from Dr Audrey Verhaeghe – CEO of the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability and the Chairperson of the South African Innovation Network. The Institute recognise that our future impact, economic growth and overall sustainability will depend on how well we are able to develop our own innovative capabilities as well as harness the innovative opportunities that present itself in the organisations we work for. We were talking about whether South Africa is a ‘global innovation hub for 21st century’. For more information about the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability visit www.riis.co.za or the South African Innovation Network at www.saine.co.za to register your innovation visit www.ninesigma.com

Workplace coaching is becoming popular within the workplace

We also spoke to Jill Hamlyn – CEO of the People’s Business Group. Their motto is “Crafting Current Thinking to Enable Tomorrow's Leaders”. We were talking about the importance of workplace coaching. It is said that the use of coaching and mentoring is becoming increasingly popular within the workplace, Jill explained more. The People’s Business Group runs a Leadership Coaching Academy that offers a recognised programme that serves to enable people who are currently practicing as coaches, or alternatively have little or no experience in this arena, to enhance their abilities in getting measurable results. For more information contact their offices on (011) 467 0047 or visit www.tpb.co.za

Department of Labour to conduct inspections in over 240 farms across Western Cape

We closed off the show with Temba Gubula – From the Department of Labour. The Department of Labour will, from Monday the 14th to Friday the 18th of June, conduct inspections in over 240 farms across Western Cape and will be attended by top labour officials. Areas targeted include, Citrusdal, Ceres and Paarl areas. This inspection follows the recent hospitality industry as held in May this year, where 280 hotels, bed and breakfasts and restaurants were visited and of the 280 companies visited only 105 complied with 150 failing to comply. According to Mr Gubula these inspections saw a 41% compliance rate, he explained more. For more information contact him on (021) 441 8129 or visit www.labour.gov.za

09 June - Gender - FEMTECH to provide business support for women in ICT

In today’s show we heard from Jill Sawers – From Femafrica. We were talking about Femtech. FEMTECH is a six month programme that will provide business support services to women who wish to establish & grow their own technology enabled businesses. The women will learn how to determine whether their concept is feasible, and how to develop a plan to take their new product or service to market. They will be assisted by a business coach on their journey. For more information go to www.femafrica.com or send an email to jlsawers@femafrica.com

Positive Muslims invites youth to TOT camp

We were also joined on the line by Ghayad Safodien – Support development officer at Positive Muslims. Positive Muslims will be hosting its annual youth Training of trainers camp on the 14th to the 18th of June and the 21st to the 25th of June. They are inviting young people aged between 15 and 18, who are active in the community and have leadership qualities. People who are passionate about making a difference and bringing about positive change in the community. Ghayad explained more. For registration and inquiries, email info@positivemuslims.org.za or contact (021) 761 2249. Closing date for applications is the 10th of June. Training is free of charge.

Sex workers want freedom during the World Cup tournament

We closed off the show with an interview with Vivian Lalu – from Sweat and Nono Eland – from the South African National Aids Council Women's Sector. SWEAT and SANAC Women's Sector have sent letters to the Ministries of Police and Justice requesting them to place a moratorium on all arrests of sex workers for the duration of the tournament and beyond. The organisation has asked the government to develop and implement a plan but all have gone unacknowledged and unanswered, they explained more. For more educational information about sex worker rights and issues visit www.sweat.org.za or call them on (021) 448 7875. (021) 422 1700 or www.tac.org.za

04 June - Arts, Culture & Environment - LMN Entertainment and the Artscape presents Speak the Mind Poetry Session and Reggae in the Theatre

In today’s show, we were joined by Langa Mancunga – from LMN Entertainment. We were talking about the Speak the Mind Poetry Session and Reggae in the Theatre, which is presented by LMN Entertainment and the Artscape. This multimedia production consists of Cape Town’s most prominent reggae acts such as Azania, The Rudimentals and Ghetto Youths while the Speak the Mind Poetry Session is the third edition of annual beat poetry/spoken word. This year it features Samantha Thornhill from Trinidad/USA and Tumi Molekane of Tumi and the Volume, Cosmas Mairosi from Zimbabwe, Nomsa Mazwai, Iain “the Ewok” Robinson, Khadija Heeger and many more.

We talking art development and Arts Update

We were also joined by Crosby of Ghetto Youth, Khadija Heeger and Ras Wakhile from Azania. They will be performing at the Speak the Mind Poetry Session and Reggae in the Theatre, which is presented by LMN Entertainment and the Artscape. Speak the Mind Poetry Session starts on Thursday the 10th till and Friday the 11th of June at the Artscape Theatre. Tickets range from R30 to R50. For further information go to www.artscape.co.za or book via Artscape Dial-a-Seat on (021) 421 7695 alternatively through Computicket ww.computicket.com The line up includes: Samantha Thornhill from Trinidad/USA and Tumi Molekane of Tumi and the Volume, Cosmas Mairosi from Zimbabwe, Nomsa Mazwai, Iain “the Ewok” Robinson, Khadija Heeger and many more. While Reggae in the Theatre will be on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of June. Featuring Azania, The Rudimentals and Ghetto Youths. Tickets range from R30 to R50. Be there or be squared!!!

We also heard from Nigel Vermaas for this week's Arts update in and around the city.

check out the Real Soccer Fields of South Africa

We closed off with an interview with Christiaan Voster - Author and Ingrid Bieshevuel – Editor of the Real Soccer Fields of South Africa. This is a coffee-table book of photographs of soccer fields around South Africa. The focus of the title is on the fields and spaces used daily by the diverse people of South Africa, and less on the large stadiums and soccer clubs. A selection of articles and special features focus on the meaning of these spaces and the game of soccer to South Africans. They explained more about the book. The book is published by Readhill Publishing and is available from e-retailers and bookstores nationwide. 10% of net sales will be donated to the Dreamfields Project.
PIC:http://news.book.co.za

01 June - Human Rights - Capetonians invited to air their views on a proposed draft by-law for cemeteries, crematoria and funeral undertakers

In today’s show we were joined on the line by Susan Brice - Cemetery Co-ordinator of City Parks. The City of Cape Town has started a public participation process allowing Capetonians to air their views on a proposed draft by-law for cemeteries, crematoria and funeral undertakers. According to Susan, the draft by-law will consolidate the different by-laws that have evolved over the years across the city. The City is now looking into ways to improve health stipulations and properly regulate various burial practices. The closing date for comments is the 30th of June 2010. The draft by-law may be viewed at all sub-council offices, libraries or on the City’s website on www.capetown.gov.za The City wishes to encourage all religious and cultural leaders to study the document and provide alternative proposals where necessary. All submissions must be in writing on comment sheets which are available on the website, at sub council offices and public libraries. The completed sheets can be handed in at City Parks Department, 12th Floor, Cape Town Civic Centre, Hertzog Boulevard for the attention of Selwyn Block. Or it can be posted to the Director, City Parks, P. O Box 1694, Cape Town, 8000, alternatively it can be faxed to (021) 425 2685.