25 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Join Sue Williamson for Voices walkabout & Arts Update

In today's show, we heard from Sue Williamson. Williamson is an internationally recognised artist who frequently exhibits on major museum shows around the world. Her work is represented in most South African and some international museum collections. We were talking about her solo exhibition titled “Voices”, which is currently running at the Goodman Gallery Cape. Tomorrow, Sue will be hosting a public walkabout from 11AM and the public is invited to join her as she explains her work and its inspiration. The exhibition runs until 26th of March 2011. For more information visit www.goodman-gallery.com/exhibitions/203 or email Tony East at tony@goodman-gallery.com alternatively call (021) 462 7573/4. The Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday from 09H30 till 17H30PM and on Saturday from 10H00 to 16H00PM.

Nigel Vermaas was here for the Arts Update.

French Festival explores language, culture & identity

We also heard from Graziella Laude - Cultural Coordinator at the Alliance Française of Cape Town. We were talking about the French arts and culture festival. The festival opens on the 3rd March at the French Residence with a French Cabaret-Style concert by the legendary Danièle Pascal. The Alliance Française du Cap will present its ‘Encounters of Peoples and Mixing Cultures’ programme at this event. Several events have been prepared with the central theme of ‘Encounters of Peoples and Mixing Cultures’. This includes a literature café, film screenings, musical evenings, talks, debates, exhibitions and a few other items. For more information visit www.alliance.org.za or contact (021) 423 5699, alternatively send an email to culture.cpt@alliance.org.za

22 February - Human Rights -

In today’s show, we spoke to Nkagare Makhudu – LoveLife LoveTrain Manager. LoveLife has brought a state-of-the-art train at Kraaifontein station for a week. This mobile youth centre offers a comprehensive package of behavior-changing programmes like Cyber- Ys, Radio-Ys, Body-Ys and many more. They target out-of-school young people who attend between 9:00am-12:30 and In-school young people who attend between 13:30-16:30 everyday. Nkagare explained more. On Friday, 25th of February, The programme starts at 9:00am – 15:30pm.
PIC: www.lovelife.org.za

21 February - Health - SSISA introduces Boot camp course

In today’s show, we spoke to Kathleen Mc Quaide-Little – from the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. We were talking about their Boot camp programme. The course includes comprehensive fitness assessments at the start and end of course, 6 weeks of 3 weekly hour-long outdoor sessions, a workshop with SSISA professionals, including a dietitian, biokineticist, psychologist and a yoga guru, who will arm you with an arsenal of information that will help you live to the max in this stressful day and age. The programmes start on 1st of March 2011 with assessments. An informative workshop gets the ball rolling on 3rd of March 2011 and the first class will be held on Monday the 7th of March 2011. Space is limited so contact them as soon as possible to secure your place on this exciting adventure. For more information call (021) 659 5600 or email info@ssisa.com

18 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Experimental Re-Generation Project launch

In today’s show, we were joined by Asanda Vokwana. We were talking about the ERG or Experimental Re-Generation Project. Throught this project they will host a gig featuring the likes of Johnny Craddle, Nhoza, Sugah and Bantu Avenue - with Mzayiya on the decks on the 26th of Feb at Ragazzi in Long Street.

"Seedbed" opening at the Kalk Bay Modern tonight & Arts Update

We also heard from Willemien de Villiers – Artist/Author. We were talking about her exhibition titled "Seedbed" opening at the Kalk Bay Modern tonight at 6PM. Willemien says these paintings reflect her interest in the anatomy and morphology of plants, and the almost mystical quality of cellular structures. For more information contact (021) 788 6571 or visit www.kalkbaymodern.com or www.kalkbaymodern.blogspot.com Gallery open daily between 9:30AM and 5PM.

Nigel was here for the Arts Update

Steven Otter – Author of Khayelitsha, Umlungu in a Township chats about his book

We closed off the show with an interview with Steven Otter – Author of Khayelitsha, Umlungu in a Township. The book is Steven’s autobiographical account of choosing, as a white South African, to live in one of Cape Town’s largest townships in 2002 and again in 2005. It relates his day to day life in various parts of Khayelitsha and is available online or any good bookstore.

17 February - Labour - dti hosts provincial stakeholders workshop

In today's show we spoke to Qondani Rwagema – from the Department of Trade and Industry. The department is hosting a provincial stakeholders workshop that aims to engage with stakeholders on the incentive support rendered by the dti’s Enterprise Organisation by reporting on the uptake of the incentives in the Western Cape. TEO’s mandate is to stimulate and facilitate the development of sustainable competitive enterprises through the efficient provision of effective and accessible supply-side incentive measures. The Division disburses more than R3-billion annually for incentives only. Qondani explained more. For more information visit www.thedti.gov.za

16 February - Gender - Soroptimist International Cape of Good Hope Club invites women to build bridges of peace

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Lisette Gensberger – President of Soroptimist International Cape of Good Hope Club. Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for individuals in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. On the 8th of March the Cape of Good Hope Club will be celebrating International Women’s Day by hosting a Stronger Women Build Bridges of Peace and are inviting all women and girls to stand in solidarity, recognising all women in war torn countries. So on the 8th of March join them from 11AM at Fan Walk Bridge in Cape Town, at the Holiday Inn Eastern Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge. For more information contact visit www.soroptimist.co.za or www.womenforwomen.org

15 February - Human Rights - OTSK looking for mentors

In today’s show, we spoke to Michelle Potter - Executive Director at Siyaphambili Off the Street Kids Project. The project was founded in 2008 to provide much needed support for marginalised children and young people in South Africa. Their goal is to provide the youth with guidance that will enable them to develop their skills, further their education and source suitable housing, in order for them to participate in society as independent, mature, responsible adults. They are currently looking for volunteers to be trained as Transition to Independent Living mentors. Michelle explained more about the Transition to Independent Living programme. If you want more information you can contact her on 076 771 9011 or visit send an email to michelle@otsk.org

Life Choices empowering the youth

We also heard from Charnré De Mink – from Life Choices. Life Choices encourages youth to have hope despite the circumstances, to have big dreams, to make practical plans and decisions that will move them in the direction of those dreams. She told us more about their programmes. If you want more information about their prgrammes you can contact their offices at (021) 696 4167 or send an email to chanre.lifechoices@gmail.com

14 February - Health - JUDASA urges young female doctors to promote Pregnancy Education Week

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Dr Adeline Marks – from the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa. This week is the Pregnancy Education Week and the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa has called on all young female doctors to take part in a campaign aimed at young girls in schools. Doctors have been urged to avail themselves for one-hour this week to educate girls about teenage pregnancy. Dr Marks explained more. For more information you can visit www.judasa.org

11 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Abdullah Ibrahim kickstart nationwide tour

In today’s show, we spoke to Aki Khan. We were talking about the South African jazz pianist legend Abdullah Ibrahim’s South African nationwide tour. The 2011 tour kicked off in Durban yesterday and tomorrow, he will be playing at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 8PM. Tickets for the tour concerts costs R180 and are available from Computicket. He launched his new album Sotho Blue last year in December and is available Instores. For more information go to www.abdullahibrahim.com

Novel-Script Project inviting experienced South African theatre script writers

We also heard from Emma Durden – From Twist Theatre Development Projects. We were talking about the Novel-Script Project, which is an annual writer’s project that is co-ordinated by Twist Theatre Development Projects, in partnership with the Netherlands-based theatre group Siberia, the National Arts Festival, and the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA). This project brings together established and emerging writers from Holland and South Africa for a ten-day workshop in Grahamstown. Writers will be asked to create scenes based on a selected local novel and will be mentored through the process of shaping and rewriting these scenes in order to further develop their craft. They are looking for 6 experienced South African theatre script writers to participate in this process who are fluent in English, able to write in English, computer literate, have own lap top, open to constructive criticism and available to be in Grahamstown between 26 June and 8 July 2011. Send a short relevant CV of theatre writing experience and a sample of 2 pages from a recent theatre script (no TV/film) to info@twistprojects.co.za by Friday the 25th of February 2011, before 16.00PM. No late entries will be considered. For more information, contact info@twistprojects.co.za

Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

Vuyani Qali releases new album “Nothing but the Truth"

We closed off the show with an interview with Vuyani Qali - One of Cape Town's old men of Reggae. He’s got a new album out titled “Nothing but the Truth”. The 15 track album was released by Joint Effort Productions. To order a copy of the album or for bookings email him to VuyaniQali@yahoo.com or call 072 073 6872.

10 February - State of the Nation Address debate

In todays show, I was joined by Mukelani Dimba – from the Open Democracy Advice Centre, Jon Hodgson – from the Equal Education and Mazibuko Jara – representing the Democratic Left Front. They shared with us their expectations regarding issues and priorities which they would like to be highlighted in the State of the Nation Address. This evening President Jacob Zuma will deliver his annual State of the Nation Address. This is said to be the most important event in the nation’s calendar, as it provides an opportunity for review of the socio-economic milestones reached in the country, and maps out indicators for the road ahead. According to the Presidency, this year’s address will focus largely on economic upliftment of the people, mainly job creation.
PIC: Adrian Louw

09 February - Gender - SWEAT and Women’s Legal Centre forms a joint project

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Portia Dayisi – from Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Task Force or SWEAT, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on the rights of sex workers. SWEAT and Women’s Legal Centre has formed a joint project titled, “Every Sex Worker A Human Rights Defender”. The objective of the project is to empower sex workers to use the law to defend their human rights and to challenge the human rights abuses. The Women’s Legal Centre welcomes queries from sex workers in relation to harassment by the police, police arrests, denial of access to health services and treatment, abuse by clients, family law issues, labour queries, and any other matters that may arise. They would also like to invite organisations who come across sex workers who have legal problems to refer the matters to their Centre for assistance. For more information contact Stacey – Leigh Manoek on (021) 424 5660 or on email at stacey-leigh@wlce.co.za or SWEAT on (021) 448 7875.

Unionist gets an award

We also heard from Wendy Pekuer - General Secretary of ‘Sikhula Sonke’, a South African women led trade union, which represents rural women farm workers. Wendy received an international recognition and award from WWSF an international non profit organisation with United Nations consultative status. WWSF programmes serve to help implement women and children’s rights and its principle objective is to empower women and children. For more information about the trade union visit www.wfp.org.za/sikhula-sonke or contact (021) 887 2960/1/2

08 February - Human Rights - Sinothando Place of Hope in dire need of financial assistance

In today’s show, we were joined by Violet Ntshonga and Sindiswa – from the Sinothando Place of Hope. Founded by Violet, the home was created as a place of safety for abandoned, abused, neglected or orphaned children. She currently struggles to meet the financial demands of running the place and seeks assistance from members of the public. Vee as she is affectionately known says, members of the public can assist by donating food, nappies and some toys for the children. If you want more information you can contact their office on (021) 361 6406.

Human Rights Watch gives voice to the "oppressed"

We also heard from Siphokazi Mthathi - South Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. They say by focusing international attention where human rights are violated, the organisation gives voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Ms Mthathi explained more about their work in South Africa. If you want more information about the Human Rights Watch you can contact their offices on (011) 484 2640 or visit www.hrw.org

07 February - Health - Western Cape Health Dept intensifies diarrhoea campaign

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Sithembiso Magubane – from the Western Cape Department of Health. During December 2010, the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health put measures in place to reduce the high case load of children with diarrhoea in the province. According to the Department, their action plan to combat diarrhoea will continue until April this year. During this period, the Department has and will implement measures to optimally manage children with Diarrhoea. The Department in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and community based health organizations has developed an integrated strategy to deal with the seasonal surges of diarrhoea in especially 'hot-spot' areas. Health MEC, Theuns Botha, has urged parents to use the opportunities and the services offered at community health centres. Take your children to these facilities as soon as there are signs of diarrhoea. The hotspots in the Cape Town Metropole where most cases of fatal diarrhoea were reported the previous summer are Gugulethu, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Delft, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Langa, Du Noon, Imizamo Yethu, Crossroads and Brown's farm. For more information visit your nearest community health care centre.

04 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - ACT Festival Programme calls for grant applications

In today’s show, we spoke to Nomalanga Nkosi – from the Arts & Culture Trust. The Arts & Culture Trust calls for applications for the ACT Festival Programme. South African arts festivals are invited to apply for grants which will facilitate the participation of young artists from peri-urban and rural areas. The target group for festival grants is children and youth. Festivals taking place between 1st April and 15th of November 2011 are eligible to apply for support. Successful applicants will be awarded grants up to a maximum of R45, 000. The deadline for applications is Friday, 25th of February 2011. Application guidelines may be downloaded from www.act.org.za/programmes festival.htm For more information contact Deidre Schoeman on (011) 712 8403 or e-mail deidre@act.org.za

City's WasteWise Community Training Programme facilitators graduates & Arts Update

We also heard from Leander van Oordt – City of Cape Town’s Head of Public Awareness and Education for Solid Waste. The City of Cape Town Solid Waste Department’s WasteWise Community Training Programme will see 16 facilitators presented with certificates at a ceremony to be held today in Strand. WasteWise is a public educational platform of the City of Cape Town Solid Waste Management Department aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action to minimise waste, end illegal dumping, reduce littering, and increase recycling. For the duration of the programme the city hopes to determine and investigate possible sustainable waste education and recycling for waste wise schools and communities. For more information, contact the City of Cape Town’s Public Awareness and Education Department on (021) 400 2292.

Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

GIPCA to host "groundbreaking" Emerging Modernities event

We closed off the show with an interview with Associate Professor Jay Pather – Director at the Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts or GIPCA. The Institute will be hosting the groundbreaking Emerging Modernities event, from the 18th to the 20th of February 2011 at UCT’s Hiddingh Campus. According to Professor Pather, Emerging Modernities is a creative platform where academia and the arts meet in an interactive way to explore current conceptual issues around contemporary identities and art. The topics addressed during the panel sessions will include “Emerging modernities and the contested curriculum in the post colony”, “Re-presenting the other, artistic collaboration and identity construction as process in the visual arts”, “Intercultural composition and Pan African re-emerging and merging in music”, and “Performance and the African city: multiple tongues; hybrid formations and translocations”. Registration for Emerging Modernities is open to members of the public, and the fee for attending all the sessions and performances is R350. This includes all lunches and teas, the opening cocktail function and transport to the various installation performances throughout the city. A subsidised student registration is available at R70 (excludes lunches). UCT staff discounts also available. The event opens on Friday evening, the 18th of February, and ends on Sunday the 20th of February. Bookings can be made through Computicket www.computicket.com The full programme is available from www.gipca.uct.ac.za or contact Adrienne van Eeden-Wharton on (021) 480 7156 or fin-gipca@uct.ac.za for further information.

01 February - Human Rights - Primary Science Programme develop teachers’ knowledge & skills

In today’s show, we heard from Zurina Dharsey – Senior Maths & Science Facilitator at the Western Cape Primary Science Programme. PSP is a teacher in-service education organisation that aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the most disadvantaged primary schools in the province. They develop teachers’ knowledge and skills and support them in their work with learners. Zurina explained more. They appeal to interested members of the public and funders to support the work of improving primary science education in SA. As a Non-Government Organisation, PSP depends entirely on private funding to do this important work. For more information contact (021) 691 9039 or visit www.psp.org.za

Commuters claims right to quality public transport

We also spoke to Athini Melane – Member of the Right To Quality Public Transport facebook group. The group was created last week Thursday and consists of 60 members says we have a right to quality public transport and its high time something is done about it. Athini explained more on how they set on challenging metrorail & the bad service the parastatal provides. If you are a train traveller they ask that you take pictures of what is happening and post them on their Facebook group, it’s Right to Quality Transport and it's an open group.

Dti warns consumers about "fly by night institutions"

We closed off with an interview with Busiswa Simoyi – From the dti: Consumer Corporate Regulation Division. We were talking about non-registered/fraudulent education institutions also known as "fly by night institutions". According to the dti, “Fly by night” tertiary institutions mislead prospective parents and students into believing that they are legally registered entities and accredited by accreditation bodies. The obvious fraudsters are those entities that have made no attempt to register and are operating as a college or similar tertiary institution. Students and parents are encouraged to visit the Department of Higher Education and Training website at www.education.gov.za or call (012) 312 5878/5329 or dti Customer Contact Centre on 0861 843 384.