Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we heard from Doreen Gaura - Anti-Child Labour Project Coordinator at ANEX CDW. Activists Networking against the Exploitation of Child Domestic Workers, or ANEX CDW, is an NGO working towards uprooting child domestic work. The organisation is the only of its kind in South Africa, in that they focus primarily on child domestic work. ANEX CDW also advocates and lobby’s for children’s rights and, youth development and combating human trafficking. Doreen explained more about the work they do. For more information about ANEX CDW you can contact their offices on (021) 638 5521or visit www.anexcdw.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Dr Jason Le Grange - Academic Manager at Upskill SA. According to Upskill SA, in the ever changing adult education and training landscape, the complexities of running a training division have become more and more difficult. This is where Upskill SA step in. Dr Le Grange explained more about the various courses and services they provide, and also about the need for upskilling. For more information you can contact their offices on (021) 685 4774 alternatively visit www.upskillsa.com

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Nkwame Cedile and Desirée. We were talking about the Women as Writers workshop. The event will be hosted in partnership with ILRIG, New Women’s Movement and the Whole World Women Asssociation as a platform for women to share their stories. The workshops will be at the Lutheran Youth Centre in Athlone, tomorrow at 9:30am - Friday at 11:30am. For more information about the workshops contact Nkwame on 078 227 6008 or send an email to nkwame.cedile@gmail.com

In today's edition of Sakhisizwe we were joined on the line by Joyce Doni-Mxego - Counselling Coordinator at Rape Crisis Khayelitsha. Rape Crisis Khayelitsha is seeking volunteers to participate in their public awareness and counselling training programmes. The programmes aim to provide participants with the necessary skills to educate communities about their rights as victims of crime and support rape survivors. Established in 1976, Rape Crisis exists to end sexual violence and to promote the right to live free from violence. Joyce explained more about the importance of knowing one’s right as victims of sexual violence and how to go about enrolling in the training programme. For more information about the training you can contact their offices on (021) 361 9228 or send an email to Helette@rapecrisis.org.za

In today’s show, we spoke to Dr Marek Blaszczyk. We were discussing the importance of having a mammogram. It is reported that Mammograms have a bad reputation for being painful and are high on the list of dreaded doctor’s visits for women but it is recommended that all women over the age of 40 undergo annual mammograms, and women of all ages should self-examine their breast at least once a month for lumps or other changes in the breast. Dr Blaszczyk explained more. For more Information you can contact their offices at (021) 392 7167 or send a fax to (021) 392 0938. They are based at Mitchell’s Plain Medical Centre in Mitchell’s Plain.

And we also spoke to Mildred Stevens – from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence or SANCA Tygerberg. We were talking about Substance Abuse. One of SANCA’s objectives is to develop and implement substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes based on experiential and life style principles to particularly vulnerable target groups in their areas of operation. Yesterday it was the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This important day was created by the United Nations General Assembly to help create a society free of illegal drugs and drug abuse. For more information about SANCA contact their offices on (021) 945 4080/1 or visit www.sancawc.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Sharon Munnik – Director of the Eye Bank Foundation of South Africa. The Eye Bank was established to obtain and distribute eye tissue to surgeons for operations to restore and improve the sight of visually impaired people. The Eye Bank is an NGO and is granted permission to do so by the Department of Health. The formation of the Foundation was sparked by the difficulty surgeons had experienced in obtaining corneas for surgeries. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped tissue covering the iris and pupil. It acts as a protective shield against dust and germs. The cornea also controls the amount of light entering the eye. Sharon explained more about the need for cornea donors and how you can go about becoming a donor. For more information contact their offices at (021) 447 5151 or visit www.eyebank.org.za

In today’s show, we were joined by jazz songstress Natalie Rungan. Natalie is i n Cape Town as part of her National 5City Tour to promote her new album “Natalie…This Is Me”. She will perform live at Kaleidoscope in Claremont tonight at 7PM & tomorrow she will be in PE. Booking is through www.computicket.co.za or visit www.natalierungan.co.za for more information. We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with Anele - from 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 happening tomorrow at Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. Every last Saturday of the month they host a Hip Hop and Poetry Slam Session. The theme is “End poverty fight for decent jobs”. The event starts at 2PM till 6PM. To find out more contact Anele on 083 447 2939 or Indigenous on 073 212 1444 alternatively send an email to soundzofthesouth@gmail.com

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Godfrey Madanhire – Motivational Speaker and CEO of Dreamworld Promotions. Dreamworld Promotions focuses on empowering disenfranchised individuals and communities from within. Godfrey came to South Africa as a refugee from Zimbabwe and has managed to turn around his life of uncertainty into success. We were talking about entrepreneurship. It is reported that the total entrepreneurial activity in South Africa has dropped to just 5% behind many comparable countries like India, Brazil and Mexico. Some commentators feel that the unemployment rate in this country has helped push a sort of entrepreneurial energy from within, with students being taught to build their own skill set, and to become entrepreneurs themselves. For more information about Dreamworld Promotions you can contact his office on (021) 462 0040 or visit www.dreamworldpromotions.co.za PIC: www.dreamworldpromotions.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Nowethu Ndiki – Commissioner at the CCMA. She gave us more information and understanding on Condonation. Condonation refers to the CCMA process where one applies to “condone failure to refer a case in prescribed time limits”. A condonation application is necessary when the employee has not taken prompt steps when encountering a labour problem/dispute. Commissioner Ndiki explained more about the necessary process when applying for condonation and the importance thereof. For more information you can contact the CCMA on (021) 469 0111 or 0861 1616 16 alternatively visit www.ccma.org.za

In today’s show, we were joined by Pastor Sheila Scoble - Nursing Director at Arisen Women Foundation. Arisen Women Foundation is a Mitchell’s Plain based NGO committed to the development and promotion of women’s rights in the community. The Foundation’s services include awareness, rape/domestic violence victim support, care and support and also home community-based care. Pastor Scoble explained more. For more information about the foundation contact (021) 372 6839.

We were also joined by Brigadier Sharon Govender – Chairperson of the Western Cape SAPS Women’s Network. According to Brigadier Govender, the role of the Women’s Network in the SAPS "is a platform that drives" awareness programmes, addresses poverty alleviation and the wellness of police members in the workplace. Two weeks ago, the Network launched their Winter Warmth Campaign which is envisaged to be sustained for a period of 3 years. Brigadier Govender explained more about the campaign.

We closed off with an interview with Andrew Massyn - Secretary at the Pride Shelter Trust and two residents from the shelter, Derrick and Nox. The Pride Shelter Trust seeks to uphold and protect the rights and dignity of the LGBTI community. Africa’s track record for the provision and protection of rights for the LGBTI community are among the worst in the world – with the vast majority of African states imposing strict regulations that in some cases lead to unlawful arressts, torture, no recognition of same sex couples and even death penalties. This is inspite of growing global concern and calls for the recognition of gay rights and the abolision of the draconian laws imposed in most of the continent. South Africa is the only African country that recognises same sex marriage. The Trust, exists to provide short term shelter to LGBTI people during crisis periods. It is the only shelter of its kind on the continent and is only one of six in the world. For more information about the shelte...

In today’s show, we spoke to Wagogo Ramadhan, Isaac Kattiganzi and Mymoena – from the Muslim Refugees Association of South Africa. The organization comprises of a team of dedicated and committed professionals, to provide information resources and create ways in which refugees can work together amongst themselves as well as the local communities. Yesterday was the World Refugee Day, a day that gives us the chance to focus the world’s attention on the millions of refugees in need of protection. We were talking about about the organisation’s work. For more information visit www.mrasa.org.za or contact their offices on (021) 637 9181 or 076 430 4927 alternatively send an email to mrasa2008@gmail.com

We also heard from Mr Leon Brynard – Brackenfell Community Police Forum chairperson. Brackenfell SAPS in conjunction with Brackenfell Community Police Forum and Teahmo launched an “IDENT-A-KID” Campaign. This is a CPF initiative that aims to raise awareness among children and parents with regard to personal safety of children. Through this campaign all the learners from Bastion Primary School will be fingerprinted and their DNA and hair samples will be taken. This will all be stored on a specially designed form and kept on each learner’s school file but according to Mr Brynard only children whose parents signed a consent form will take part in this project. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness among children and parents with regard to personal safety of children. These records may also pose useful in the event of a child that might be reported missing or falls victim to a crime. For more information you can contact him on 083 280 0281 or send an email to info@brackenfellcp...

We closed off the show with an interview with Mzolisi, Makana, Sandile and Luthando – from Umbon’ Omhle, a youth organisation based KwaLanga. The vision of the organisation is to see a safer and more self-reliant Langa. They advocate community responsibility by promoting self respect, independence, self-reliance and the creation of self-employment opportunities. We were talking about the Community Activist Award. They are in search for positive dedicated people who are contributing in developing a better society. They explained more about the nominations process. For more information you can contact 084 989 3148 or visit www.umbonomhle.co.za

In today’s show, we were joined by Annelise Petersen – Administrator of the Observatory Village of Arts. The Observatory Village of Arts is an active arts node for transformation and change, a platform to produce actions for African culture. The Village, will also integrate into other venues around Obz, also include an outdoor restaurant, performance spaces, an indie cinema, as well as a host of workshops that people can participate in. For more information contact Annelise on (021) 448 1395 or send an email to info@obzarts.org.za We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with Khaya, Charles & Thomas from BuntuStan Avenue. BuntuStan Avenue presents soulful, epic music that is a fusion of Afro-Jazz, Soul & World Music with distinct African rhythms. Apparently all six band members are vegetarians. For more information visit www.buntustanavenue.co.za or contact Khaya on 078 276 2079 or check them on www.facebook.com/pages/BuntuStan-Avenue

In today’s edition we featured proudly South African clothing and accessory label, Me’Kasi. We spoke to Maninho Diaz, a co-designer of the label. Maninho spoke about the label and its greater cause. Me'Kasi, an income generating initiative of the Beth Uriel home, teaches its young residents business and production skills to empower and equip them with the necessary competencies to be the future leaders of South Africa. To view or purchase merchandise, you can download a form at www.mekasi.co.za or pop in at their store at 289 Victoria Road , Salt River. We also crossed over to Walter Daniels, co-ordinator of a Youth Day event, that took place in Bokmakierie. The event was hosted by several community based organisations in the Bokmakierie/Hazendal area. The event was aimed at sharing messages of positivity and upliftment to the youth.

We closed off today’s edition of Sakhisizwe with an interview with Lebogang Selibi, spokesperson of the National Credit Regulator. Lebogang answered some frequently asked questions and shared some common-sense steps to help first time earners manage their income and debt effectively and responsibly. The National Credit Regulator acts as the regulator of the South African credit industry. The NCR’s mission is to educate, research, oversee policy development and to ensure the enforcement of the National Credit Act. For further information or consumer queries contact the NCR on 0860 627 627 or www.ncr.org.za .

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Manorah Edwards and Mariam Taliep – Co founders of the Cape Town Women’s Empowerment Network. The core objective of the Network is to provide a learning exchange platform for local, national and international business development opportunities. It also aims to provide women and youth with access to information, expertise and other networking possibilities. For more information about the netowrk contact Mariam 079 970 1646 or send an email to mariam.t@vodamail.co.za alternatively Manorah to manorah@vodamail.co.za

We closed off with a feature about male rape produced by Mfundo Abel Dantyi. According to reports, two out of five male South African pupils say they have been raped. Another report states that most male rapes, as with rape of women and girls, are perpetrated by someone you know – a father, a brother, a neighbour, a friend and a teacher. The report further states that male rape is far more common than most people imagine. To get help contact Rape Crisis Observatory on (021) 447 1467, Khayelitsha (021) 361 9228 and Manenberg (021) 633 5287 or go to www.rapecrisis.mobi

In today’s show, we were joined by Mario van Niekerk – Founder of the Great Commission United, Darryl and Shafiek. Mario established the organisation as an alternative to the rampant gangsterism and drug abuse prevalent in the community. This led to the start of the popular Soccer Academy which has since expanded into an organisation that offers more than just soccer, but also a wide range of community outreach services and facilities. For more information about GCU you can send an email to mario@gcu.org.za alternatively visit www.gcu.org.za

We also spoke to Adieya Peters – Vice Chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain Educare Forum. The Mitchell’s Plain Educare Forum held an Indaba Day at the Portlands Indoor Centre last Saturday. The aim of the Indaba was to highlight the important role educare plays in society. For more information about the forum contact Karrimah Jacobs on (021) 374 9428 or Zureya on (021)376 7576.

Lastly, Kim Saulse spoke to Arina Smit – Programme Manager at the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders or NICRO. NICRO runs various diversion programmes that seek to prevent youth at risk from returning to a cycle of criminal activity and to reintegrate them back into their communities. Instead of sending youth to prison for delinquency and breeding hardened criminals, NICRO gives the young offenders an alternative by way of completing a diversion programme that holds them accountable for their actions, nurtures their potential and encourages positive and constructive change. A study conducted by NICRO reveals that only "6.3% of young people re-offended in the first year after completion of the programme". They spoke about the diversion programs run to make it possible for troubled teens to be reintegrated into society. For more info contact NICRO on (021) 944 3980 – Bellville Office, (021) 397 6060 Mitchell’s Plain OR the Cape Town offic...

In today’s edition of Sakhisizwe, we spoke to Leandi Le Roux - Spokesperson for the Western Cape Blood Transfusion Service. June is Blood Donor Month. Statistics provided by the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service reveal that 75% of the Western Cape Population might require blood transfusions in their lifetime. However, of that 75%, only 1.5% are blood donors. Tomorrow i.e. 14 June, World Blood Donor Day will be celebrated under the theme “More Blood, More Life”. The World Health Organisation says the theme highlights the need for people to donate blood more often and in turn save more lives. For more information or if you want to donate blood contact their offices at (021) 507 6300 / 507 6368 or visit www.blood.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Gen Kelsang Pagpa – Resident Teacher at Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Centre. We were talking about meditation. People who practice meditation on the regular basis look and feel typically 10 or even 15 years younger than other people at their age. Giving the mind a regular "break" and allowing our Nature to perform self-repairs everyday makes all the difference. Self-healing and rejuvenation seems to be within reach of everyone who is prepared to learn meditation and meditate regularly. The sessions at the Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Centre ends with a guided meditation, designed to help us take the teaching to heart in such a way that we are confident in beginning to practice it on our own.Gen Kelsang Pagpa will host a meditation workshop on Thursday, 16th of June from 9AM till 12:30PM at the Artscape Theatre. Booking is essential. For bookings contact (021) 685 3428 or visit www.meditateincapetown.org/youth-day-celebration

In today's show we spoke to Thoko Ntshinga – Director at Nants' Ingqayi Art Development. They will be featured at this year's Umbhiyozo Youth Festival. The festival, running till the 19th of June is said to connect several performing arts genres such as music, dance, praise poetry and choral performances with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra into a vibrant experience at the Artscape Theatre. This is a project of the Artscape Indigenous Arts Department. The Battle of Youth Jazz Big Bands is on the 16th of June @ 15:00. Indigenous Dance, Music and Praise Poetry on the 17th of June @ 19:30. A Choral Tribute to Madiba with the CPO on the 18th of June @ 19:30 & 19 June 2011 @ 15:00. Tickets costs R40. For more information call (021) 410 9800 or visit www.artscape.co.za

We also heard from Ernestine Deane – Singer/ songwriter. Ernie’s professional life as a singer started when she was only fifteen working with the hip-hop crew Black Noise. A few years later she made her mark in the country as the lead vocalist for Moodphase5ive with whom she released two albums. She has ever since gone solo and tomorrow night she will be performing at Club Voom Voom in Loop Street. This is one of her last Cape Town gigs before moving to Munich, Germany. Mingus & Wa Dadah will be sharing the bill. For more information on her music go to www.myspace.com/ernestinedeane or on www.facebook.com Nigel Vermaas was instudio with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with Nahum Deke and Laura Gamse – Director and Producer of the Creators. The film profiles various creators, namely graffiti artist Faith47, spoken word artist Blaq Pearl and opera singer Mthetho amongst others. It explores the creative processes of the respective artists, what inspires them and how their work connects with their diverse audiences. It will be featured at the critically acclaimed 13th Encounters South African International Film Festival. The Festival is back in the Mother City, and promises to treat viewers to the best in local and international documentaries from yesterday the 9th till the 26th of June. This years selection of documentaries has been described as having all the “hallmarks of an edgy teenager, like a fascination with sex (G-Spotting), celebrity (Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, a winner at Sundance in 2010 last year), rebellion (Lennon NYC), and injustice the Black Power Mixtape, a winner at Sundance in 2011)”. The Creators w...

In today's edition of Sakhisizwe, CCMA Commissioner Nowethu Ndiki, shed some light on victimisation in the workplace. According to the Labour Guide, labour law does not specifically prohibit victimisation of employees but employers need to make sure that their actions do not infringe on the rights of the employee and the provisions protecting the dignity and respect of employees as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act . If you feel that you are being victimized, harassed or intimidated at your place of work contact the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration on 0861 16 16 or (021) 469-0111 for further information on how to remedy the situation.

We also spoke to Sune Stassen, Project Manager of the Loerie Creative Futures Scholarship. This prestigious aims to give Grade 12 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Western Cape the opportunity to pursue a career in the brand communication industry. The Scholarship covers full tuition and accomodation. Interested learners can access application forms at www.theloerieawards.co.za .Application forms and academic records must be faxed to 086 655 8896 by 23 June 2011. For additional information contact 011 326 0304.

In today’s edition we spoke to Dr Elaine Salo - Director of the Institute for Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Pretoria. We discussed the campaign calling for the next Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to African women. The campaign titled Nobel Peace Prize for African Women was launched by the Nobel Peace Prize for African Woman (NOPPAW) Organisation a couple of years ago. The campaign urges the international community to find a way to make a crucial difference. This includes awarding the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 to the African Woman so that her daily struggle might be better publicized, appreciated and held as an example to facilitate human growth in Africa and the world. You are encouraged to back the campaign by signing the online petition on www.noppaw.org

We also heard from Mthokozisi Radebe and Jean-Claude Puati Bazola. They are featured in a book titled Whisper not, which tells the short stories of 15 authors from five African countries who are either affected or infected by HIV/ AIDS. This is an initiative by the Openly Positive Trust, a public benefit organisation helping to build a supportive, less stigmatised environment for people living with HIV to disclose and live positive, fulfilling lives. People living with and affected by HIV speak for themselves through the African tradition of storytelling, giving hope to other people. For more information visit www.openlypositive.com

In today's show we heard from Mduduzi Manana – from Parliament. Last week Wednesday, youth from political parties represented in Parliament, the Congress of South African Students, the South African Students Congress and the National Youth Development Agency joined Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo to launch Parliament’s month-long activities to mark June 16. Activities to mark Youth Month include a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces tomorrow Wednesday, 8th of June to debate the theme of “a caring Parliament that advances youth development to achieve economic freedom”. Youth from a number of institutions will attend the debate, a half-day visit by Members of Parliament to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre in Faure and a half-day visit by MPs to Johannesburg Prison to talk to and interact with youth in prisons.

In today’s show, we spoke to Joyce Chengetai Kanhema - A social worker from Epilepsy South Africa. This dynamic organization provides developmental services nationally to promote equal opportunities for people with epilepsy and other disabilities. June is Epilepsy month. 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, Joyce explained more on living a productive life with epilepsy. For more information about epilepsy visit www.epilepsy.org.za or contact (021) 703 9420.

We also heard from Isabel Cohen - Brain Gym Instructor. Brain Gym is a process that improves and boosts brain function through various exercises. According to Brain Gym South Africa, it is “based on the principle that nature already gave you a perfect way to maximize your brain power”. Brain Gym also promotes and stimulates personal health, wealth and abundance. Isabel will tell us more about the movement. For more information visit www.braingym.org or www.braingym.co.za alternatively contact Nicola on (021) 948 5669.

On Sakhisizwe today,we were joined on the line by Penny de Villiers – from Soil For Life. On Sunday they will be hosting an Eat for the Earth lunch and all the money raised will go to Soil For Life, an NGO that teaches people in underprivileged areas on how to build soil and grow vegetables so families can have fresh, nutritious and free food all year round. Penny explained more. For more information contact her on 083 302 4948 or visit www.eatfortheearth.com We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with was Kuhle, Lindelo, Siya and Beeza – from the Big Brain Academy Jazz Band. The band is based in Gugulethu and are a force to be reckoned with. Tomorrow they will be perfoming at the JAZZ IT UP concert at the Gugulethu Sports Complex. The concert starts at 3pm till 10pm. Tickets costs R30 & VIP R80; at the gate it’s R50 & VIP R100. For more information about the Big Brain Academy or for bookings contact Beeza on 079 828 8200.

In today’s show, we heard from Sue King – Owner of Southern CV. Sue is a professional CV compiler. It is said that a CV is an important marketing tool that enables you to promote yourself. A professional CV compiler will enable you to generate a professional CV that will be in the format that recruitment companies and employers prefer. Sue explained more on how we can ensure that our CV’s makes an impression. For more information about her services you can contact her offices on (021) 715 5942.

We also spoke to Leigh Meinert - Co-founder and Managing Director of the Tertiary School in Business Administration or TSiBA. On the 15th and 16th of June TSIBA will host a conference under the theme “Developing Leaders for Social Innovation”. They say the time has come to develop a leadership pipeline for South Africa in a strategic and collaborative manner. This two day dialogue between leadership development practitioners and young people will explore ways to do this, which are both visionary and practical. Leigh explained more. For more information visit www.tsiba.org.za

We closed with Barry Berman – Executive Director Infinity Culinary Training. Barry brought recent graduate, Thobani Sokani, and 2 current students, Selby Sikoti and Nathan Fredericks. ICT trains South African men and women in urgent need of employment. Their twelve week intensive program offers basic cooking skills and professional tools necessary to gain immediate job placement in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Barry explained more. For more information you can visit www.infinityculinarytraining.co.za

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Genna Gardini and Nyx McLean. They are working on launching a magazine called Salience. The magazine is looking at addressing issues faced by the LGBTIAQ community. For more information about the Salience send an email to gennagardini@gmail.com or nyxmclean@gmail.com

We were also joined by Sophia Fritz and Eleanor Cane. We were talking about women in construction. These two positive role models shared more about opportunities available to women who work in this male-dominated industry.

And our last interview was with Sarah Duff - an academic and activist. Sarah recently wrote an article on “Why Should Feminists Care About the Secrecy Bill?” It is believed that the Protection of Information Bill also known as the Secrecy Bill, which is currently before Parliament will fundamentally undermine hard won constitutional rights including access to information and freedom of expression. Next week Tuesday the R2K Campaign will be holding an information meeting at IDASA, members of the community are invited to join. For more information visit www.r2k.org.za or contact the Right 2 Know Campaign on (021) 461 7211.