Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we were joined by Trumpeter - Blackey Tembi. He joined us to talk about the Best of Jazz Ekasi, a jazz session that will feature the likes of Charles Louw, Spencer Mbadu, Josh Razandt, Zami Mdingi on vocals and Blackey Tempi. The event will be this coming Sunday eGugulethu at NY 147 no:77. Admission is R20 and the event starts at 4 till 8PM. For more information contact Blackey on 073 173 9555.

We also heard from Solitude – Co-founder of Soundz Of the South, a movement that uses Hip Hop and Poetry as a means to empower young people and be a hub for community. We were talking about his upcoming album titled "QUEST FOR LIGHT". He calls it a send off album as he has decided to stop making music. To order a copy of the album send an email to dasolitudemo@gmail.com or check his facebook page on www.facebook.com/dasolitudemo Nigel Vermaas joined us for the Arts update, to share with the listeners what’s hot and what’s not in the Art sector.

We closed off the show with an interview with Pusetso Thibedi – Director of Capturing Sanity. The production is about three ordinary people held back by nature, some by nurture and some by both. Their intricate relationships are connected by a common goal of capturing the truth. It’s running from the 2nd to the 6th of August at the Theatre Arts Admin Collective Methodist Church Hall in Observatory. Tickets costs between R40. Bookings can be made via email artsadmin@mweb.co.za or call 072 411 2374.

In today’s show, we heard from Rehana Dada – Coordinator for the One Million Climate Jobs Campaign. The Campaign is a joint project of labour, social and environmental civil society organisations that realise the necessity and possibility of simultaneously tackling the economic and ecological crises, especially jobs and climate change. The project works from the premise that the transition to a low carbon economy, through a transition to renewable energy, is not a threat to jobs, but rather provides extensive opportunity for creating thousands of jobs, or more than a million if coordinated by the state. The project unfolds in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and specifically in relation to the Seventeenth Conference of the Parties that will be held in Durban from the 28th of November to the 9th of December 2011. The project seeks to lay the basis for a One Million Climate Jobs Campaign that serves as an advocacy and mobilising tool in the build-u...

We also spoke to Anele Selekwa – From the International Labour Research and Information Group or ILRIG. In October they will be hosting the 2011 annual globalisation school. ILRIG has been hosting its globalisation school since 2002. Activists from a wide range of organisations, including social movements and trade unions throughout Africa are invited to apply. The 2011 School – the 10th anniversary of the ILRIG Globalisation Schools - will look at various views on then relationship between capitalism and the environment and debate strategies for taking forward our daily struggles. Application closes on the 15th of September. If you want more information you can contact (021) 447 6375 or visit www.ilrig.org

We closed off the show with an interview with Elizabeth Lwanga-Nanziri – South African Saving Institute CEO. The South African Savings Institute or SASI is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to developing a robust culture of saving in South Africa. SASI declared July as the National Savings Month to promote financial literacy. This year, marks SASI’s 10 years of commitment to improving savings in South Africa. Elizabeth explained more. For more information visit www.savingsinstitute.co.za

In today's show we spoke to Mike van Graan – Banyana Republic playwright. Mike’s production will be showcased at this year’s Artscape’s 5th annual Women’s Arts Festival scheduled for the 4th to the 6th of August. The aim of this year’s festival is to facilitate a much needed reality check of women’s empowerment in South Africa. Banyana Republic will be on the 5th of August at 18:00 and on the 6th of August at 15:00 & 20:15. Ticket costs R60. For more information about this year’s festival check www.artscape.co.za For ticket bookings contact Computicket on 083 915 8000 or Dial-A-Seat on (021) 421 7695.

We were also joined on the line by Nokupiwa Katom - Co founder of Single Parents in Action. Their mission is to empower single parents and their children in areas of challenges and assist them to develop personal growth, self – confidence and sensitivity towards others by offering an environment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques. On the National Women's Day they will be hosting an event titled "You are a role model" that will be hosted in Khayelitsha. The purpose of this event is to bring women together, to motivate, empower and celebrate different achievements by women in our society. If you want more information or to book a seat call Nokupiwa on 084 872 0388 or send an email to katomnoku@gmail.com

On the second hour of the show we were joined Instudio by Nwabisa Sithela – Founder of Cosmopolitan Event Management. On the 9th of August they are celebrating National Women's Day with a public event opened to everyone over the age of 18. The aim of this event is to empower South African Women. The event is committed to addressing challenges and empowering women with practical advice and guidance as well as providing insights into innovative and inspiring them. The event will be in Boschendal wine estate, guest speakers include Ilse Justus an image consultant, Godfrey Madanhire - motivational speaker and life coach. They will also have someone from Sanlam who will be explaining to the women ways and how to save money & investments. There will be buffet lunch as well & Goodies Bags. The event will feature a local artist from Khayelitsha who will be entertaining the guests. If you want more information or for bookings you can contact Nwabisa on (021) 934 7940 or 071 498 4786...

We closed off with an interview with Ethel Swaratlhe-Tlhapane – Founder of Women and Beyond. Their mission is to serve women to reach their goals beyond their adversities. Women and Beyond is organising a Breast Cancer Campaign on Women's day the 9th of August 2011. The theme is "I walk for my sister". Women and Beyond is supporting a lot of women who are survivors of Breast Cancer and they believe that women should take a minute and self examine their breasts because that minute will save their lives. Entry forms are available on request, SMS to 0781460388 and give your email address or fax number. You can also email your request to info@womenandbeyond.org.za The entry fee for the walk is a R100.00 and R50.00 for students. Forms can be returned via fax to 086 655 9907 or emailed to info@womenandbeyond.org.za For more information visit www.womenandbeyond.org.za or contact Ethel on 078 1460 388.

In today’s show, we spoke to Professor Michael Kew - Professor of Medicine with special interest in Hepatology. On Thursday 28th of July is World Hepatitis Day and the theme is ‘this is hepatitis...Know it. Confront it. Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere’. It is reported that because Hepatitis B and C are both “silent” viruses - together these two viruses kill approximately one million people a year. Shockingly, one in 12 people worldwide are living with either chronic hepatitis B or C without having any symptoms, they could be infected for years without knowing it. If left untreated, both the hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver cancer, liver failure and death. Professor Kew explained more. For more information contact your nearest clinic or the World Hepatitis Alliance at www.worldhepatitisalliance.org

We also spoke to Moira Gerszt - Chief Operating Officer of the Smile Foundation. The Smile Foundation is a South African NGO that assists children with any type of facial abnormality, to receive free corrective Plastic and Reconstructive surgery within South Africa. This week is Smile Week and the Smile Foundation has partnered with Adcock Ingram to help underprivileged children with facial conditions at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital . Moira explained more about the organization and how they go about helping people get reconstructive surgery to ‘fix’ their condition. For more information go to www.smilefoundationsa.co.za or contact 0861 A Smile (276453). Alternatively the SMS donation line SMS “Smile” to 38413 to donate R10. Help put a smile on a child’s face today!

Our last interview was with Julie Martin - Western Cape branch and education Manager at the Arthritis Foundation of South Africa. Today is a national Osteoarthritis Day, so the aim of this interview was to raise more awareness about this condition. It is reported that Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects up to 10% of the world's population. According to experts, most people don't feel the symptoms of Osteoarthritis before age 40. Julie explained more about those symptoms and whether it is treatable or not. For more information visit www.arthritis.co.za or contact the foundation on (021) 425 4759 or 0861 30 30 30.

In today's show we spoke to Eugene Lebreton – Marketing Manager at Eugene Lebreton Events Management & Publicity. Eugene is offering music industry workshops at Villa Pascal in Durbanville. These Master Classes are interactive, and designed to achieve maximum group participation. The courses are focused on an individual’s unique needs, and it allows the delegates to take away real practical skills, rather than theoretical knowledge. According to Eugene, the modules are open to all and presented in an everyday layman’s language. Villa Pascal is situated at 28 van der Westhuizen Street in Durbanville. For bookings and enquiries contact Eugene on (021) 975 2566 or 082 569 4147. Nigel Vermaas was also in for the Arts update in and around the city.

We closed off with an interview with Mari Stimie – from the African Arts Institute. The Institute will present a unique series of events featuring an all-Africa line-up at a number of popular Cape Town venues from July 29th. Learn Africa, Love Africa will provide Capetonians with a host of opportunities to engage with creative content from the continent, covering music, film, art and literature, in events ranging from parties to lectures, spread over a five-month period. For up to date information on all events as part of Learn Africa, Love Africa, visit www.afai.org.za and Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/African-Arts-Institute/132801366800406 Book for all events at info@afai.org.za or (021) 465 9027. Tickets for film screenings are available from the Labia Theatre only. Tickets to all events are R30. Book for four events in a series (Music Parties, Art Talks or Film Nights) and receive a ticket to the fifth free of charge.

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Hane Calitz - Job Seeking Coach. Hane joined us on the line to advise the job seeker on how to improve your success rate in finding the ideal job. We discussed effective job seeking, compiling a quality cover letter and CV and how to keep those interview nerves at bay. For more information contact (011) 367 0001 or visit www.jobs.co.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Susan Scholtz – Regional Marketing Manager at Life Healthcare Group. On Saturday, the 30th of July, they will be hosting a Women’s health open day. Topics such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, Peri-menopause, the Papilloma virus and pap smears will be discussed. You will also get updates on contraceptives and have all your questions answered by medical professionals. The event will be at the Sports Science Conference Centre, in Newlands from 08h30 till 12h00. To book your place call Pam on (021) 670 4058.

We also heard from Phumzile Nywagi and Mthetho Dyantyi – from Khululeka Men’s Support Group. This is a support group for HIV positive men and their partners. Their aim is to promote gender equality and use their platform to fight for a transformation of male sexuality in ways that ensure that women have more control over negotiating sexual relationships. On Saturday they will be embarking on a street to door campaign raising awareness on health issues. For more information about the Support Group or the campaign you can contact (021) 637 0866.

We closed off with an interview with Thandi Phama - From the department of Water Affairs. The Department of Water Affairs in the Western Cape is calling for nominations for Women groups engaging in water management projects. Women in Water Awards is one of the department's flagship projects, first launched in 2002 in order to recognize the role that women continue to play in water management. Nominated groups will represent the Province in the National Women in Water Awards which are scheduled for 26 August 2011 in Mpumalanga. Thandi explained more on how you can go about submitting nominations for the awards. Here are the categories: Project must support the national objectives on water management • Be 100% women projects • Women with disabilities and youth • Entail community involvement • Promote innovative and sustainable solutions to water management • Encourage women and women groups to be more active in the water sector • Encourage municipalities to take a leading role in wat...

In today’s show, we were joined by Nkwame Cedile – from the Right2Know campaign and Madoda Gcwadi - Director of Ikapa Writers Forum. The Right2Know campaign together with the Treatment Action Campaign, Social Justice Coalition and the Equal Education will host a public meeting in Khayelitsha today to demand accountability and transparency from our leaders. They say communities across the nation are grappling with corruption, lack of accountability and service delivery at every level of government. People need access to information to hold our leaders to account. The people of Khayelitsha need to stand up to oppose the passing of the Secrecy Bill in its current form, as they will be largely affected by it. People must protect thier Constitutional right to access information; people must demand accountability. People demand delivery, not secrecy! Speakers: Reverend Xola Skosana (Way of Life) Neliswa Nkwali (Treatment Action Campaign) Lukhanyo Mangona (Equal Education) Wanda Bici (Social ...

On Sakhisizwe today,we were joined by Ashia Petersen - Department of Water Affairs Director of institutional Development. The Department of Water Affairs will join the rest of the world in commemorating Mandela day, on Monday 18th July by dedicating 67 Minutes to improve the conditions of others in a community. This year the Department will visit the community of Gugulethu and participate in the cleaning of a stretch of Little Lotus River as part of the Departmental River Health Programme. This aligned with the departmental Adopt a River Programme. The Adopt-a-River project is an initiative of the Water Affairs Department that aims to encourage the public to take charge of river systems in their areas, fight and prevent pollution. Volunteers from both Department of Water Affairs and community Volunteers residing near the Lotus river will be recruited. For more information please contact (021) 950 6000. We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week's Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with Catherine Ritchie – Communications Manager for the Western Cape Wildlife and Environment Society of SA. Wessa is calling for nominations for its 2011 Western Cape Regional Awards. One of the goals of the award is to give appropriate, high level recognition to people, groups or institutions for advancing the cause of environmental conservation or education in South Africa in an exceptional and sustained manner. The closing date for the nominations is today. Proposals which should include the candidate’s name and contact details for the nominator should be emailed to Catherine@wessa.co.za or faxed to (021) 701 1399 by today July 15th visit www.wessa.org.za for details.

In today’s show, we heard from Andile Ndevu - Western Cape secretary for the South African Youth Council. We were talking about the Jobs for Youth March that the youth council embarked on last week Thursday. Young people marched to engage government to commit to creating decent jobs for the youth. They say they are concerned about the limited access to relevant education and training, the mismatch between the demand and supply of skills and employment opportunities. The SAYC was joined by members of Cosatu Young Workers, Proudly Manenberg and other organisations which are calling for a youth job summit this year. They are also calling for an intensified campaign to create jobs for young people. Andile explained more.

We also played a feature produced by Khanyisa Tabata focusing on the current Metal Industry strike action. It is reported that the bilateral negotiations between the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa and the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa negotiating teams over this past weekend and Monday, aimed at exploring possible options to bring the current metal industry wage dispute and strike to an end, were unsuccessful. According to David Carson - SEIFSA’s executive director, “the differences between the two parties at this stage is substantial and it appears unlikely that an early resolution to the strike is possible”. Catch the full story on Newsline tonight at 19h00.

We closed off the show with an interview with Nowethu Ndiki – Commissioner at the CCMA. We were talking about retrenchments. Retrenchments refer to when the employer terminates the services of an employee for economic, technical or structural reasons. The Labour Relations Act regulates the procedure that is followed when retrenchments are initiated. Nowethu explained more about the process to be followed. For more information you can contact the CCMA on (021) 469 0111 or 0861 1616 16 alternatively visit www.ccma.org.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Marlow Valentine-Newman - Deputy Director of the Triangle Project. Marlow brought along Eugene Mathews and Javin Jagers , who shared their experience of coming out as gay men. According to the Triangle Project, local and international statistics show that lesbian, gay or bisexual adolescents questioning their sexuality are 4 times more likely to attempt to commit suicide due to the anxiety and pressure they feel from society. Furthermore stigma, homophobia and discrimination may unfortunately continue to be present in a young gay, lesbian or bisexual person’s life. For more information about Triangle Project you can contact (021) 448 3812 or send an email to admin@triangle.org.za they also have a Helpline number on (021) 712 6699 between 1pm to 9pm daily.

Last week we played a feature produced by Abel Mfundo Dantyi on Alcoholic parents and how alcoholism affects families. Today we continued on Alcoholic parents and we spoke to a 43 year old Tracy who is a recovering addict and a member of the Alanon Family Group in Cape Town. The statement that Alcoholism can be inherited is debatable, but in Tracy’s case it proves to be true because his grandfather was an alcoholic, his father is an alcoholic as well. Al-Anon Family Groups offer understanding, help and support to the families of problem drinkers. For more information you can contact them on 0861 25 26 66 or visit www.alanon.org.za

Theresa Witbooi - director of Heal Our Children- and participants of the programme joined us in studio to talk about the work they do. Heal our Children is an initiative based in Mitchell’s Plain but welcomes youth from across the metropole to join them at their workshops. Theresa is a community worker who has taken on the very necessary and admirable task of uplifting the youth she works with, changing their realities and empowering them one workshop at a time. The workshops take place every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm at the Full Gospel Hall, Spine Road, Strandfontein. For additional information contact 021 371 3528 or 084 333 0946.

We closed off the show with an interview with Anne van Niekerk-Project Manager of Neighbourhood Old Age Homes. NOAH provides homes and services to the poorest elderly in the Western Cape. According to NOAH, the organisation believes in keeping elderly people in their communities for as long as possible. The model on which NOAH is based, aims to fulfill their vision of “providing home, health and happiness for every older person, and is focused on “providing an integrated package of housing and services to the elderly within their communities. For additional information contact 021 447 6334 or 021 361 3320. ALternatively visit their website at www.noah.org.za.

In today’s show, we spoke to Cassey Chambers – from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. She joined us to talk about Panic Disorders. Yesterday, it was Panic Disorder Awareness Day. According to experts, Panic Disorder is a serious condition that around one out of every 75 people might experience. It usually appears during the teens or early adulthood, and while the exact causes are unclear, there does seem to be a connection with major life transitions that are potentially stressful: graduating from college, getting married, having a first child, and so on. There is also some evidence for a genetic predisposition; if a family member has suffered from panic disorder, you have an increased risk of suffering from it yourself, especially during a time in your life that is particularly stressful but Cassey explained more. For more information on Panic Disorders contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group (SADAG), they have a free 24 hour support line that is m...

We closed off the show with an interview with Sheila Kendal - Vice President of the Motor Neuron Disease Association of South Africa. Motor neuron diseases are a group of neurological disorders that attack motor neurons. These are the cells that control voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing. This disruption leads to the eventual weakening and wasting away of muscle and causes uncontrollable twitching. Stiffness of limb muscles and over-active reflexes, causing knee and ankle jerks are some of the symptoms associated with Motor Neuron Disease. Over time, the ability to control voluntary movement can be lost. Sheila explained more about Motor Neuron Diseases. For more information you can visit www.mnda.org.za or contact their offices on (021) 975 1648 alternatively Sheila on 072 326 4477.

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Pumeza Mkhonza - Fashion Design student. Pumza is one of the students that will be showcasing their designs at this year’s Cape Town fashion week taking place between the 13th and the 16th of July at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The fashion week will showcase collections by 20 young design students from five design institutions: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Elizabeth Galloway, Fashion Academy of Design, Cape Town College of Fashion Design and Northlink College. The event will feature designers such as House of Monatic, David Tlale, Lisp and others. For more information visit www.afisa.co.za We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with Madoda Gcwadi - Director of Ikapa Writers Forum. The forum offers skills in writing drama, memoirs, novels, short-stories and poetry. The Forum which started in 2008 has already trained about 300 young people from different coummunities like Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa and Somerset West. Madoda explained more. For more information contact (021) 361 0388 or 076 173 1474.

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Dr Vash Mungal-Singh - from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, corporate wellness must be given top priority given that in South Africa, 56% of women and 29% of men are overweight and obese. In addition, 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women will develop a heart condition before the age of 60. In response to these stats, the Heart and Stroke foundation has committed itself to wellbeing in the workplace through by celebrating Corporate Wellness Week –from the 4th to the 8th of July annually. For free nutritional advice contact the Nutrition & Heart line on 0860 223 222 alternatively visit www.heartfoundation.co.za PIC: www.wellness.nicolepresents.com

In today’s show, we were joined by Naadiya Moosajee – Co-founder of South African Women in Engineering. SAWomEng is a non-profit, student-run body, which was founded at the University of Cape Town in 2005. Its mission is to act as an anchor and support base for young female students of all backgrounds and engineering disciplines. We were talking about the 2nd Annual SAWomEng cocktail networking event and engineering expo taking place on the 13th of July at the Cape Town Stadium. According to Naadiya this is a great platform for anyone in engineering, interested in engineering or would just like to meet engineers to attend. Where: VIP Lounge Time: 18:00 - 18:30 Ticket Price: R150 Keynote address: Yusuf Emeran - Past President, Cape Regional Chamber of Commerce Panel Discussion: The Role of engineers in today's Society Panelist: Danai Magugumela (CEO BKS), Carien Botha (Innovation) For more information visit www.sawomeng.org.za

We also played a feature produced by Abel Mfundo Dantyi about Alcoholic Parents. It is reported that children of alcoholics are more at risk for alcoholism and other drug abuse than children of non-alcoholics and they are four times more likely than non- children of alcoholics to develop alcoholism. The report further states that both genetic and environmental factors influence the development of alcoholism in children of alcoholics. Abel explored more. Pic taken from: www.ihatealcohol.info

According to the Not for Sale campaign there are more than 30 million slaves in the world today, more than at any other point in human history. The Not for Sale campaign is an international initiative focusing on detecting and providing support for victims of human trafficking. Not for Sale South Africa is an extension of this campaign. The initiative works closely with local law enforcement to "promote Not For Sale’s Investigation and Training techniques that promote smart and safe activism, leading to measurable results". Saskia Wishart – Not for Sale South Africa Director, joined us on the line to talk about the work they do. To report incidents of human trafficking contact 0800 555 999 or visit www.notforsalecampaign.org for more information.

We closed off with an interview with Dr Adele Pretorious - Treatment Director at the National Responsible Gambling Programme. A study conducted by the NRGP Research division revealed that 57% of the South African adult urban population does some kind of gambling – of which half plays the Lottery. While 43% of the same focus group does not gamble. Based on these studies between 4-5% of people are problem gamblers. Dr Pretorius answered some frequently asked questions and gave more insight around gambling. For more information contact (021) 790 6624/0800 006 008 or visit www.responsiblegambling.co.za .

In today’s show, we were joined by Andiswa Zanele. Andiswa has a new single out titled “ungaphelimandla” produced by Olunyika Davids of i4cos Media. On Sunday she will be performing Kwa Mlamli in Gugulethu. For more information or bookings contact 073 085 2987. We also heard from Nigel Vermaas live from the Grahamstown National Arts Festival with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with two members of the band Southpaw. Although no t signed, Southpaw has garnered quite a loyal following in the Mother City, having performed at most live music venues for over five years. It is said that Southpaw takes their listeners on an “inspired journey through unusual soundscapes, fusing their love of funk, rock, jazz and alternative music". On the 9th of July they will be performing at the Zula Bar Grand Opening. Costs R130 for the weekend pass. For more information check them on myspace www.myspace.com/theadventuresofsouthpaw