Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we spoke Justin Wilkinson – writer and director. We were talking about his latest production Butlers and Botox which is currently running at Artscape. Butlers and Botox, is a follow up to Butlers & Brandy which received rave reviews at last year's National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. They say what makes this production even more enjoyable is that the audience decides throughout the show what they want to see happen next, Justin explained more on the story. Starring Evelyn Ball, Andrew Roux, Justin Wilkinson and Sound & Lighting by Chantell Wilkinson. Butlers and Botox opened on Wednesday at the Artscape Arena and will be running till tomorrow the 27th of February. It is in the evenings at 8:15pm PLUS an extra show on tomorrow at 3pm. Tickets cost between R45- R69 Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on (021) 421 7695. For more information visit www.artscape.co.za

We were also joined Instudio by Anele, Janice and Indigenous – members o f Soundz of the South. Soundz of the South or SOS is a cultural resistance movement, aimed at building a counter culture to the one prevalent in our disadvantage communities. We were talking about the Hip Hop & Poetry Slam Session/Community freedom of expression Forum happening this Friday at Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. Every last Friday of the month they host a Hip Hop and Poetry Slam Session. It starts at 17h30 till 21h30. To find out more about Soundz of the South contact Anele on 083 447 2939 or Indigenous on 087 212 1444, or email soundzofthesouth@gmail.com Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Amanda Nodada – from the Cape Cultural Collective. The Cape Cultural Collective is an inter-generational, non-sexist, non-racist volunteer cultural group that promotes social activism. Late today they will be hosting an event at the District Six Museum called Love is all there is. The event will feature well known Cape Town poets and musicians. The event starts at 7PM till 21h30PM at the District Six Museum 25A Buitekant Street in Cape Town. For more information contact Zenariah Barends of the Cape Cultural Collective on 082 441 0433 or zenariah@greymatterfinch.com

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Levin Born – National Marketing and Sales Manager for Debt Help Financial Services. We were talking about how to beat the debt trap. Last year the National Credit Regulator urged South African consumers to think twice before applying for credit in the context of grim market conditions characterised by high inflation and interest rates, as well as record over-indebtedness. According to experts, consumers were often desperate for financial assistance and recklessly take out various forms of credit like credit cards, clothing accounts, overdrafts, and long & short-term loans. Debt Help Financial Services aims at increasing consumer awareness of the debt management and financial services industries to maintain credibility and dignity of these respective industries and help alleviate opportunistic illegal credit rescuers especially now as we face financial meltdown. Levin explained more. If you want to find out more about Debt Help Financial Servic

In today's show we spoke to Dr Monwabisi Rhalarhala – Senoir Manager at the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities. The commission’s mission is to promote and develop peace, friendship, humanity, tolerance and national unity among cultural, religious and linguistic communities. Yesterday they launched Community Councils for CRL Organisations. For more information about the commission please check www.crlcommission.org.za or contact (012) 537 7600.

We also spoke to Thokozile Mabeqa – Head of the Department of Xhosa at the University of the Western Cape. We were talking about the International Mother Language Day, which is on Sunday the 21st of February. This day has been observed yearly since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Ms Mabeqa explained more about the importance of mother tongue. Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with jazz vocalist Sandile Gontsana. Sandile started his musical career singing in church choirs and gospel groups. After school he attended the UCT College of Music where he studied African Music and Dance, he later switched to Jazz Studies. He will be performing with his band tomorrow night at the Rainbow Room at Mandela Rhodes Place on Church Street. R50 cover charge plus any refreshments. Dinner is served before and after the main act. Booking is essential call (021) 422 1428 or visit www.therainbowexperience.co.za to check the lineup.

In today’s show, we spoke to André Kriel - General Secretary for SACTWU. He was responding to the 2010 Budget Speech that was delivered by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan yesterday. According to Gordhan, income inequality is amongst the highest in the world and half our population survives on 8 per cent of national income. But he promised that government intends to develop a comprehensive package of economic reforms and identify the key elements of a new growth path to drive faster job creation. For more information about SACTWU go to www.sactwu.org.za or contact their offices (021) 447 4570.

In today's show we were joined on the line by Bernedette Muthien – Director of Engender. We spoke about Gender Budgeting. Gender budgeting is a method of examining a government budget to determine how it impacts on women, men, children of different social and economic or racial groups. Bernedette helped us understand how Gender Budgeting impacts our lives. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan presented the budget speech for 2010/2011 to Parliament today. According to Analysts, taxpayers are expected to be "a little poorer" relative to previous years, they predict that this year’s Budget will show caution, stability and savings through stern promises of tighter controls on wasteful spending. Meanwhile, the New Women’s Movement, Engender in partnership with other organisations will be staging a protest in the form of a picket outside Parliament register their concern with the high cost of living, and to demand that government prioritise the needs of poor women and children in th

We closed off the show with an interview with Charlotte Mwenze – From the Congolese Women Association. The organisation is based in Blouberg and operates as a self help support group for refugee women in the Western Cape. Their primary purpose is to empower refugee women and improve their skills, self esteem & quality of life. Charlotte explained more. For more information contact her on (021) 554 3235 or 082 400 7766 alternatively send an email to charlotte@tanganika.co.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined Instudio by Amelia Viljoen and Nathan Cipio - from Schoolalert. This is an innovative tool that is aimed at keeping parents up to date with their child’s school progress. Through this tool parents will also receive notice if their child has neglected his/her duty, has to sit detention, worked well, excelled or bunked school. To register on the database costs R100 for a year. For more information or to register, go to www.schoolalert.co.za or contact (021) 982 0437 alternatively 082 515 1981.

We also heard from Yoliswa Dwane – Head of Communication and Policy at Equal Education. Equal Education works with school educators and learners in communities as well as academics and activists to address inequality in South Africa's public education system. They are inviting all NGO's, members of Civil Society, religious organisations, political organisations and youth movements to attend Equal Education's public meeting on the Campaign for School Libraries on Thursday, the 18th of February at Salt River Community House from 5:30PM. Yoliswa explained more about the meeting and the Human Rights Concert and March for School Libraries they are organising for next month. The meeting will explain the campaign in much greater detail in order to facilitate your organisation coming on board as a partner in the campaign for school libraries and to insure your organisation's members are present at the march. To confirm the attendance of your organisation or for general inquirie

We closed off the show with an interview with Senior Superintendent Billy Jones - SAPS Western Cape Media Liaison Officer. We were talking about the SAPS Western Cape’s Firearm Amnesty campaign. On the 11th of January, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa launched a new firearms amnesty campaign, which will end on the 11th of April. According to reports, during this period anyone can hand over their unlicensed firearms to the police without prosecution, provided the guns were not used in a crime. Superintendent Billy Jones says illegal gun owners should rather make an appointment before handing in their firearms in case one is stopped by police on the way to the police station. He says the campaign is proving to be successful for now. For more information on how you can hand in your firearm contact a nearest Police Station.

In today’s show, we spoke to Charlene Goosen – a Dietician from the University of Stellenbosch’s Nutrition Information Centre. This week is the Pregnancy Education Week. According to experts, many factors influence the outcome of pregnancy, but it is widely accepted that the correct diet in pregnant women, plays a major role in the health of the unborn baby and the mother. A healthy diet also plays an important role especially in the baby’s weight at birth. So Charlene explained more about how much weight should you gain during your pregnancy. Remember a mother should follow a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy to gain the correct amount of weight and to ensure the health of her baby. For more information you can contact NICUS offices on (021) 933 1408 or send an email to nicus@sun.ac.za alternatively visit your nearest clinic.

We were also joined on the line by Cassey Amoore – from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. We were talking about Teen Suicide Prevention. This week is the Teen Suicide Prevention Week and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group will be focusing on educating the public about the serious issue of teen suicide. In South Africa, suicide is said to be the second leading cause of death in the 15 – 24 age group. It is vital to address feelings of depression, suicidality and low self-esteem in teens as early as possible to prevent teen suicide. Cassey explained more about the warning signs and what action to take if one identifies those signs. If your teen has become withdrawn and socially isolated, his/her school performance and participation in sports has declined, he/she is neglecting their appearance, and has started giving possessions away, there could be cause for concern and it is advisable to get the help of a trained mental health professional as soon as possible.

We closed off the show with an interview with Dr Norman Mabasa – From the South African Medical Association. The South African Medical Association has called on Government to regulate the sale of HIV home testing kits in order to prevent these kits from being sold to private individuals. SAMA implores Government to regulate the sale of these kits, and also make it compulsory for counselling to be available via the merchant when it is sold. Dr Mabasa says people should rather use the standard enzyme immunoassay tests.

In today’s show, we spoke to Mandy Barnes – From Artscape. We were talking about the Mitchell’s Plain Oral History Project, a partnership between Alliance Française and Artscape supported by the French Embassy and the Department of Social Development. The main aim of the project is to capture the stories of Mitchell’s Plain, to listen to the voices of the past and give ideals to the voices of the future. Through this project they will publish a book which aims to unfold the stories of Mitchell’s Plain and its people. Mandy explained more about the book. For more information on the project please check www.alliance.org.za . Book on Mitchell’s Plain will be based on nominations appointed by the community. For more information contact Nolan Africa at Artscape on (021) 410 9800 or send an email to nolana@artscape.co.za

And we were also joined by uMthwakazi and Liyo – from the uMthwakazi Jazz Band. uMthwakazi is a semi-organic and semi-electric music band producing string based music. Their music style is a fusion of African Indigenous music and influences from classical opera, choral music and jazz. We spoke more about their music. Tomorrow the band will be perfoming at Melting Pot in Muizenberg. For more information about the band or for bookings email umthwakaziband@gmail.com Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Brett Bailey – Infecting the city festival curator. Infecting the City is said to be a public arts festival that stages and exhibits high-quality, thought-provoking, boundary breaking works in the city of Cape Town's communal spaces. The works are free and accessible to everybody. Mr Bailey shared with us on how the festival has grown since its inception in 2008. The Festival presented by The Africa Centre, will take place in the Cape Town CBD from tomorrow till the 20th of February. If you want more information about the festival visit www.infectingthecity.com

In today’s show, we spoke to Adrian Young – Chairperson of the African Academy. The Academy’s purpose is the transition of disadvantaged persons from unemployment to rewarding technical careers in the economic mainstream. We were talking about skills shortage. According to Mr Young there is a severe shortage of suitably qualified and experienced engineers, technologists, designers and technicians even though there is abundance of job and career opportunities in this industry. For more information about the African Academy contact (011) 914 4340 or visit www.africanacademy.co.za

We also heard from Patrick Craven - National Spokesperson for the Congress of South African Trade Unions or Cosatu. We were talking about COSATU's expectations from the State of the Nation Address. President Jacob Zuma’s second State of the Nation Address this evening will mark the historic 20th anniversary of the release of former president Nelson Mandela. Cosatu says it will pay particular attention to the President’s policies to reverse the catastrophic loss of 959 000 jobs in the first 9 months of 2009. Patrick explained more. For more information, COSATU is available on (011) 339 4911 or visit www.cosatu.org.za Catch President Zuma’s second State of the Nation Address live on Bush radio 89.5FM from 7PM.

We closed off the show with an interview with Jenny Carter - Director of the New Managers Programme at the UCT Graduate School of Business. The New Managers Programme is one of the School's flagship leadership development programmes and is designed to equip young, high potential managers with the skills to lead successfully in today's turbulent business world. The Programme will run at the UCT Graduate School of Business from the 16th to the 28th of May. For more information sms NMP to 31497 or visit www.gsb.uct.ac.za

On Sakhisizwe today we spoke to Leigh Swartz – Fund Development Manager for SOS Children’s Villages South Africa. We were talking about World Orphan Week. World Orphan Week began in the UK in 2005 to raise awareness for the needs of orphaned and abandoned children around the world. SOS Children’s Villages has introduced the annual World Orphan Week to South Africa to promote awareness about orphans and their plight. Leigh explained more about this initiative. WOW encourages the public to support initiatives backing orphans and donate R5 to SOS Children’s Villages. For more information or to sponsor a child in need, visit www.sos.org.za or contact Leigh on (011) 234 8708.

In today’s show, we spoke to Mark van der Heever - Provincial Health Department spokesperson. We were talking about measles outbreak in the province. Last week it was reported that the Western Cape health authorities are on high alert after receiving reports that nearly 250 people around the province have contracted measles in the past five months. The department announced that a national mass immunisation programme, which was due to start in April, has been pushed forward and will now begin this month. Mark says the programme will start on the 12th of February. For more information contact your nearest clinic.

We also spoke to Glen de Swart – Psycho-Social Director at Health4Men. This new HIV prevention and Health Care services for men that was launched early last year. They provide free HIV tests, CD4 counts, sexual transmitted infection screening and counselling. We were talking about the importance of STI/Condom Week. This initiative was launched in February 2004 by the Department of Health under the leadership of the late Manto Tshabala–Msimang to bring to light the importance of safe sexual practices through the use of condoms and particularly emphasizing the responsibility in preventing the transmission of STIs and HIV/AIDS. If you want more information about Health4Men contact on (021) 425 6463.

In today’s show, we spoke to Dr. Ludmila Ommundsen - Director of Alliances Françaises of Cape Town and Mitchell’s Plain. We were talking about the Métissages / Mixing Cultures conference that will take place here in Cape Town on the 18th & 19th of February. The conference is hosted by Alliances Françaises of Cape Town in partnership with the Artscape Theatre, the University of Cape Town’s Centre for African Studies and School of Languages as well as the University of Paris VII. Dr. Ommundsen explained more about the objectives of the conference. For more information contact (021) 423 56 99 or visit www.alliance.org.za

We also had an interview with Italian artist Eric Chevalier. We were talking about his solo exhibition, titled "The family safe" that opened on Wednesday the 3rd of February and closes on Saturday, the 27th of February at the Photographers Gallery in Shortmarket St opp On Broadway. His work is said to focus on issues of displacement, migration and alienation and particularly references the family album. He explained more about his influence. Eric lives and works in Sardinia. This exhibition forms part of an exchange program between Centro Luigi di Sarro in Rome and the Photographers Gallery in Cape Town. If you want more information about the exhibition, you can call the Photographers Gallery on (021) 422 2762 or go to www.photographersgalleryza.co.za Nigel Vermaas joined us on the line for this week's Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Multi-award winning Moreira Chonguica. He is said to be a prolific researcher who is fascinated by traditional music from different parts of the world. We spoke about his music & plans for the new year. For more information about his music visit www.moreiramusic.com He will be performing tomorrow night at the Rainbow Room at Mandela Rhodes Place on Church Street. Cover charge is R50 plus refreshments. Booking is essential call (021) 422 1428 or visit www.therainbowexperience.co.za to check the lineup.

In today's show we spoke to Esther Wilson – from the Cancer Association of South Africa. We were talking about the World Cancer Day. It is said that Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. The World Health Organisation estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. Each year on the 4th of February, the World Health Organisation supports International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Preventing cancer and raising quality of life for cancer patients are recurring themes. This year's theme is “Cancer can be prevented too”. Esther explained more about planned activities. For more information contact (021) 689 5347 or visit www.cansa.org.za

We also heard from Mr Otto Kingsley from the Leprosy Mission. Yesterday it was World Leprosy Day and this day is observed each year on the last Sunday in January by the organisations involved in leprosy including the World Health Organisation. This is year’s theme was Fighting for a Just Cause. Mr Kingsley says much still remains to be done to foster respect for the rights and dignity of those who are affected by this disease and to eradicate discrimination against them. He explained more about Leprosy and how we can get involved in fighting for a Just Cause. For more information you can contact (021) 558 2020 or visit www.leprosymission.co.za