Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we heard from Reverend John Oliver - Member of the 16 days of activism alliance. To commemorate the 16 days of Activism against Violence and Abuse of Women and Children, the alliance is organising a march for the 9th of December to express their concern around violence and the abuse of women and children and to lobby and advocate for women and children’s rights. The march will start at 10AM at Muir Street Mosque at Keizersgracht Street. For more information you can contact (021) 447 5766 or visit www.sangoco.org

We also heard from Amanda Jones - Corporate & Community Fundraiser at PATCH, the Helderberg Child Abuse Centre. PATCH aims to support all child victims of sexual abuse in the Helderberg and strives to prevent the incidence of this horrific crime committed against innocent children. Mandy explained more. PATCH together with Rape Crisis Helderberg is kindly requesting Cakes, Tarts & Cup Cakes. Come and support their worthy cause by donating your baking. These delicious goodies will be sold on Saturday, the 11th of December outside the PATCH office in Dorhill Road, back entrance to Southey’s Vines. Drop of your baked goods at PATCH on Friday, 10th December before 4pm. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. For more information contact their offices on (021) 852 6110 or visit www.patch-helderberg.com alternatively contact Rape Crisis Helderberg on (021) 852 5620.

On today’s show, we were joined on the line by Mr Wandisile Ngeyi – from the Khayelitsha Health Forum. Last weekend, the Khayelitsha Health Forum hosted a health summit, with the aim of bringing together all the role players within health, human rights and related sectors working in the Khayelitsha area in order to provide a platform for the community of Khayelitsha to share their lived realities and the factors affecting health. The summit was hosted in conjunction with the People's Health Movement South Africa, Mr Ngeyi explained more. If you would like to find out more about the forum do contact their offices on (021) 361 3273.

In today’s show, we were joined by Dr Nils Bergman - Kangaroo Mother Care pioneer. This week is the Kangaroo Mother Care Awareness Week. Infants are considered for KMC if they have a low birth weight but are in a stable condition. Kangaroo mother care is defined as early, prolonged and continuous skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her newborn low birth weight infant, both in hospital and after early discharge, until at least the 40th week of postnatal gestational age. Kangaroo mother care does not need sophisticated equipment, can be applied almost anywhere, could contribute to the humanisation of neonatal care, and contain costs. Dr Bergman explained more on the benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care. For more information visit www.kangaroomothercare.com

And I also played a feature on a Lung Cancer Awareness event I attended. November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. To mark the occasion and raise Awareness of the disease, Matrixads, an advertising agency based here in Cape Town on behalf of Roche Products organised a rather scorching Lung Caner Awareness Campaign last week Thursday. Wally Abrahams – Firefighter for 25 years who suffers from a Lung disease, also got an opportunity to share his story. According to Oncologist Dr Jacqui Hall, even though the most common cause of lung cancer is smoking there is also a genetic factor in some cases. For more information go to www.cansa.org.za or the global lung cancer coalition at www.lungcancercoalition.org PIC: Ex-Firefighter Wally Abrahams and his wife.

In today’s show, we spoke to Walo Deuber - A Swiss filmmaker and journalist. We were talking about his film Fading Traces: Postscripts from a Landscape of Memory. The film is a slice of European history in today's Ukraine. For years the survivors of the Holocaust have kept their memories of a lost Jewish community to themselves. Now they ask the world to share their memories with them. The film brings together witnesses of the present with those of the past. In a fascinating, spell-binding landscape, an exchange of memories takes place between witnesses still alive and those who, through their writings and music, long ago fashioned a memorial to the largest ever Jewish cosmos. It will be screened on Thursday, the 25th of November at 7pm at the Alliance Française in collaboration with Pro Helvetia. Walo, who is in South Africa on a research residency courtesy of Pro Helvetia, will do a Q&A after the screening. Entrance is R20. For more information you can contact Pro Helvetia o...

Peter Jacobs – General Manager at the Arts & Culture Trust joined us on the line. The Arts & Culture Trust calls for applications for the ACT Building Blocks Programme, sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. New, emerging or established South African arts, culture or heritage organisations are invited to submit funding enquiries for Special Grants up to a maximum of R200, 000 in total and Once-off Grants ranging from R10, 000 to R50, 000. The ACT Building Blocks Programme aims to build the capacity of South African arts, culture and heritage organisations and other community organisations in order to strengthen these economically, culturally and socially. The programme is aimed at cultural organisations that serve the community at large and is not intended to serve individual artists. The programme focuses on sustainable capacity building for organisations that provide broad access to the arts. Applicants are required to complete an Application Form by the...

We closed off the show with an interview with Khaya – An upcoming artist. Khaya has just finished working on his debut album, which is produced independently through his production company, IT Productions. Influenced by Mafikizolo, he plans to make it big in the music industry. To order an album contact him on 079 589 5747 or check www.facebook.com/Khaya-Kilibane , a copy will cost you only R50.

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Christopher Skippers – Director for the Emergency Services Trauma Support. They based in the Belhar area and provide counseling and trauma support around the peninsula. They are also in need of theology students to volunteer as trauma workers. For more information contact 072 436 9564 alternatively send an email to estraumasupport@gmail.com

We also heard from Beverley Gardener – From the South African Social Security Agency. The Western Cape Provincial Government together with local, provincial and national departments is embarking on the Integrated Community Outreach Programme in Mitchell’s Plain today and tomorrow. This programme is similar to a previous programme, known as the Jamboree programme. The programme will see departments such as Home Affairs take on applications for ID’s, birth certificates, while SASSA will administer to community members who would like to apply for grants such as pensions, child support grant and disability grant. The Programme is running today and tomorrow between 07:30 – PM.

In today’s show, we spoke to Nosipho Mkhize – Founder of Egg Donor Portal. The Egg Donor Portal is an Egg Donor database designed by Nosipho who has donated her eggs many times. As an egg donor she realized that there is a huge scarcity of donors, not because young girls were not willing to donate, but because there is a lack of knowledge about the egg donation process. She explained more on how one can go about in donating. For more information you can contact her on (021) 551 1573 or email her to eggdonorportal@hotmail.com alternatively visit www.eggdonorportal.com or check their facebook page on www.facebook.com/eggdonorportal

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Tony Mhayi - Independent Arts and Crafts Professional. We were talking about his work and the future of arts and crafts in South Africa. Tony is currently working on his solo exhibition, which will be ready sometime in 2011. For more information check him on facebook www.facebook.com/people/Anthony-AlbertMhayi

We also heard from Maurice H. Mbikayi - Visual Artist. Maurice’s main areas of interest are photography, mixed media sculpture and painting, installation and public performances, as a way of engaging the public and interrogating social boundaries around current socio-political issues. We talked more about his influences and his future plans. His new exhibition will be on the 24th of January 2011 at the AVA Gallery. For more information visit www.mauricembikayi.blogspot.com Nigel Vermaas joined us on the line for this week's Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Mandisi Dyantyis – Co-music director of Isango Portobello’s Ragged Trousered Philanthropists or Izigwili Ezidlakazelayo. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Izigwili Ezidlakazelayo premiered on the Fugard Theatre stage on the 21st of October, running till the 20th of November. The play is based on the famous novel written by Robert Tressell in 1910. The original novel is set in the UK during a time when the socialist worldview was gaining support but Isango’s new production moves the action to Cape Town of the 1950’s. Isango Portobello is offering a free bus service from Khayelitsha to and from the Fugard Theatre next Wednesday to see their acclaimed production. There are 14 places available on the bus and people can purchase a discount ticket of only R60 and sign up for the free transport at Pub Chill, I Section, 188 Mahlungu Street in Khayelitsha. The bus will leave at 6pm for the performance. The performance finishes at 10pm and the b...

In today’s show, we heard from Vuyisa Qabaka – National Spokesperson for the South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum. The South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum is hosting a Funding Convention and Business Enterprise on the 13th of November at Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. The event is aimed at educating SMME's on how to go about in getting funding, on how to complete the documentation needed or to meet the criteria expected of them for funding and tender application and ultimately to get them networking with relative funders and investors. They would also like to sign up as many members to SABEF in order to get them working on growing their business. Registrations are open from 08:00AM and event will close at 17:00PM. For further information, please contact the provincial office on (021) 418 2004 or send an email to westerncape@sabef.co.za alternatively visit www.sabef.co.za

We also heard from Paul Cooley – Labour Law Specialist and founder of Workplace Strategies. Paul will be co-facilitating a one day workshop on the labour law pertaining to workplace discipline presented by The UCT Professional Development Project of the Faculty of Law in partnership with the Institute of Labour Law and Development. He is frequently asked to act as an independent chairperson for disciplinary hearings and as an accredited facilitator, regularly trains in the area of employee discipline. He explained more about what you need to know about discipline in the workplace. The workshop is opened to anyone involved in managing people or addressing employee discipline including HR professionals, middle-managers, line-managers, finance managers, small business owners or labour attorneys. At R1500.00, per delegate. Please contact Irèna Wasserfall or Shani Vavruch at the Professional Education Project on (021) 650 5621 or 650 5413 or email irena.wasserfall@uct.ac.za / shani.vavruc...

In today’s show, we heard from Puleng Mpokotho – CEO and Chief Editor of Great Women International. Great Women is a Professional and Business Networking Site tailor-made for the Economic Advancement of Women Globally. The platform seeks to forge solid Business relations among Professional and Businesswomen on an international scale. Great Women is determined to rid women of the ‘Victim’ tag by replacing it with that of Heroines, Conquerors and Leaders. Puleng explained more on the vision for the network. For more information contact (021) 447 0676 or go to www.greatwomeninternational.com

We also heard from Funeka Soldaat - Coordinator at Free Gender. Free Gender is a lesbian organisation based in Khayelitsha. Their aim is to fighting against homophobia within the townships. For more information contact her on 082 068 0440 or (021) 362 9491 alternatively send an email to freegender2008@gmail.com

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Brian Moody – from the People's Health Movement South Africa. We were talking about the "Right to Health Campaign". The People's Health Movement South Africa held a second public hearing at the Manenberg People's Centre, with the aim to provide a platform for the community of Manenberg to share their lived realities and the factors affecting health. The public hearings are part of the PHM SA's "Right to Health Campaign” that includes workshops on the Right to health as expressed in the SA constitution. The PHMSA also conducted Right To Health workshops in Khayelitsha and the next public hearings will be held in partnership with a range of other organisations under the umbrella of the Khayelitsha Health Forum scheduled for the 20th and 21st of November. If you would like to find out more about their campaign do contact their offices on (021) 447 2024 or visit www.asnahome.org/peopleshealth

In today’s show, we heard from Ms Mable Kekana - Chairperson for the Professional Board for Radiography and Clinical Technology. Today is the World Radiography Day, which commemorates the discovery of X-rays by Professor Wilhelm Roentgen. The aim of World Radiography Day is to raise awareness about the profession, stimulate interest in radiography as a career and also address the shortage of Radiographers in South Africa. Miss Kekana explained more. For more information go to www.hpcsa.co.za or contact their offices on (012) 338 9300.

Tshepo Howza Mosese - Novo Nordisk Diabetes Youth Ambassador joined us on the line. We were talking about living with diabetes. Howza was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2003. His father had lived with Type 2 Diabetes all his life yet Howza’s own symptoms were not recognised until his condition was at an advanced stage so he wants to demythologize the condition and move it beyond set assumptions. This week is the National Diabetes Awareness Week. Since his diagnosis Howza has made it one of his life’s missions to increase awareness and use his music, celebrity and life experience to make a difference in the lives of others. He composed a song titled "I choose to live”, and the music video will be released on the 10th of November 2010 to partner with World Diabetes Day. Celebrated every year on 14 November, World Diabetes Day is a global campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance regarding diabetes a...

We also spoke to Linda Peel – Executive Director for the Organ Donor Foundation. We were talking about organ donation. The Organ Donor Foundation is a non-profit charity, established to address the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors in South Africa through awareness and education campaigns. Last week a 12 year old boy received a heart transplant in Cape Town. According to the foundation, currently there are over 3,500 South Africans waiting for organ and tissue transplants. Sadly, as a result of this critical shortage less than 1,000 of them will receive a transplant and the "Gift of Life" this year. Linda explained more on how one can go about in giving the “Gift of Life”. Remember there is no cost charged to register as an organ donor. To register or for more information contact the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 or visit www.odf.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Dr Heike Geduld – Metro Emergency Medical Services Medic. We were talking about CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is an emergency procedure performed if someone has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped and this week is the CPR week, so Dr Geduld explained more about the role of the lay rescuer/first-aider. The emergency number is 10177 or visit www.metroems.org.za for more information on CPR.

In today’s show, we were joined by Jonathan Garnham – Founder of Blank Projects. Blank projects is an independent, artist-run exhibition space dedicated to new developments in contemporary South African Art and encourages experimental practice from both emerging and established artists. Yesterday they opened a new exhibition by Laurence Bonvin titled In Transit, a travelling exhibition of Photographic Works. The travelling exhibition, supported by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council and FMAC (City of Geneva), will run till the 25th of November, before relocating to Johannesburg and other centers in 2011. For more information contact Jonathan on 072 198 9221 or send an email to info@blankprojects.com alternatively visit www.blankprojects.com Nigel Vermaas was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Denve and the Rockstone Band. Rockstone is a South African based Reggae Band which started in 2000 in a shed in their hometown Ceres with minimal equipment. The band came together against all odds as they all shared the same vision and love for music and very compassionate towards their own ability as musicians. We spoke more about their musicical influence. For more information about Denve and the Rockstone Band contact him on 072 337 9930 or send an email to denve.rockstone@gmail.com alternatively check their facebook page on www.facebook.com/Rockstone-Band

In today’s show, we spoke to Franco Mabuya - Labour Department’s Unemployment Insurance Fund Spokesperson. The department of Labour is embarking on taxi rank road shows around the province this week. Fifteen taxi ranks will be visited throughout the Western Cape. The purpose of the road shows is to ensure that as many taxi workers as possible are registered and have access to the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s services. According to the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001, all workers who work for more than 24 hours a month are required to register with the Fund. The Fund acts as a safety net when workers lose their jobs. Today they are in Paarl & Wellington. For more information about the Unemployment Insurance Fund contact their helpline on (012) 337 1680 or visit www.labour.gov.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Lisa Vetten – Director at Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre. We were talking about the Shukumisa Campaign. The Campaign is aimted at stirring and shaking up social attitudes to sexual violence and the treatment of survivors in their encounters with state services throughout the criminal justice process. It was developed by the National Working Group on Sexual Offences, a network of 26 civil society organisations from around South Africa in 2003 to ensure that effective and appropriate laws around sexual offences were passed. Lisa explained more. For more information go to www.shukumisa.org.za

We also heard from Nikki Rossouw – Communications and Fundraising Coordinator at the Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust. Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust now boasts a new user-friendly mobi site, enabling people to obtain valuable information on rape from their cell phones. The focus of the mobi site is on ensuring easy and convenient access to information for survivors of rape. The site is free to access but mobile networks like Vodacom, MTN and Cell C will charge for the data at the rate of a few cents per visit to the site. To view five pages would cost the user approximately 20 cents. Nikki explained more. To visit the mobi site visit www.rapecrisis.mobi

We closed off with an interview with Leader Kanyiki Ngooyi – from Sonke Gender Justice Network. We were talking about the Red Card against child sexual exploitation campaign. This is a is a joint campaign by Sonke Gender Justice Network and Grassroot Soccer to prevent child sexual exploitation in Southern Africa during and after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is reported that child sexual exploitation affects millions of girls and boys globally and is a growing problem in southern Africa. They are currently hosting workshops in various communities about the campaign. Leader explained more. For more information contact their offices on (021) 423 7088 or 078 769 0523 alternatively visit www.genderjustice.org.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Clive Barrows – Chairman of the Education Coalition of South Africa or EDCOSA. It is a voluntary association for NGOs, government, civil society and those interested in the advancement of education in South Africa. The new body was launched last month to strengthen civil society structures which provide educational services to marginalized communities through a process of networking, information-sharing, partnerships and joint ventures. According to Mr Barrows, EDCOSA is committed to accountability, avoiding partisanship and conflict of interest. If you would like more information you can contact Mr. Barrows on (021) 786 1314 or send an email to cliveb@esst.org.za alternatively his cellphone on 084 887 9210 or his assistant, Samantha Makhandla on 072 198 3535.

We also heard from Prince Mdazula – from the Citizens Advice Bureau. The Bureau offers independent, impartial, free and confidential advice to members of the community. It assists people to assert their rights and know their responsibilities. Prince explained more about their services. For more details contact their offices on (021) 361 1455 or send an email to citizensab@telkomsa.net

In today's show we spoke to Phillipa Douglas – from the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust. We were talking about the Sea Harvests Kids for Kids Campaign. The Children's Hospital Trust, the Fundraising Arm of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, and Sea Harvest are running a fundraising campaign from this month to January 2011 to help raise funds for a new Surgical Skills Training Centre at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. For more information visit www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za or contact (021) 686 7860.