Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today's show we spoke to Muhammad Bodhania - Vice chairperson of the National Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers - a member of the International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance or IGPA. IGPA is a voluntary organisation comprising of leading generic medicines associations and this week they will be hosting an Annual International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance Conference. The two day programme includes top-level speakers from the scientific, regulatory, government and commercial sectors, many of whom are regarded experts in their fields. We were talking about generic medication.

We also heard from Dr Chris Verster who is a Psychiatrist from Stikland Hospital. We spoke about Borderline Personality Disorder. According to experts, Borderline sufferers have extreme and long standing instability in their emotional lives, as well as in their behaviour and their self-image. Dr Verster explained more about the symptoms and whether it is a treatable condition or not. For more information visit the South African Society of Psychiatrists on www.sasop.co.za or the Mental Health Information Centre, on (021) 938 9229.

In today’s show, we were joined by Lee Smith-Garner – Member of the Palace of the Winds. Ajsa Samia and Palace of the Winds will present their annual charity event, the International Oriental Dance Festival in aid of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for abused Women and Children in Athlone, for the sixth time in Cape Town from yesterday till the 30th of October. The festival is said to be a unique event in Southern Africa that has become popular amongst international and South African belly dancers and supporters. Everyone from age seven to 70+, men and women, complete beginners to professional dancers are invited to dance, so long as they are able to learn and dance the Belly dance choreography for five minutes, have a Belly Dance coin belt, skirt or harem pants on. Participation is free. • Workshops day: October 28 and 29, at the Protea Hotel Sea Point- international stars will give workshops in different dancing styles. Booking process is via www.iodfcapetown.com • Fringe programme: Oc...

We also heard from Sisa Njikelana – Chairperson of Energy Portfolio Committee. Parliament is hosting a National Consultative Seminar on Climate Change today and tomorrow under the theme: Building tomorrow today; working towards a national consensus on climate change in the African COP. The objective of the seminar is to host a national consultative forum with the different sectors involved in climate change and it seeks to promote an African common position at COP17 which is part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban later in the year. Different commissions will discuss various topics including the character and outcomes around COP17 and scenario building, adaptation and mitigation, transfer of technology, financial support and gender mainstreaming in respect of climate change. The plenary will discuss resolutions and the way forward. For more information visit www.parliament.gov.za Nigel Vermaas joined us to share with the listeners what’s hot and what’s not in the...

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Denise Dookoo - Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Manager at Small Enterprise Development Agency or Seda Western Cape. Last week Seda launched a Small Business Stars competition, a business plan competition that is aimed at encouraging more entrepreneurial development within the Western Cape. The competition runs until April next year and aims to drive sustainable venture creation by providing small business owners with a more systematic approach to business planning. The judging process will identify 20 national business idea winners and 20 existing business winners, all of whom will receive their share of more than R400, 000 in cash, as well as laptops and Seda business support to the value of up to R60, 000 each. Special prizes will also be presented to the best woman entrepreneur, the best youth entrepreneur, the best disabled entrepreneur and the best “job-creating” entrepreneur. The competition is open to any South African citize...

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Nokuphiwa Katom – Chairperson of Single Parents in Action. Their objective is to support and empower single parents through interactive workshops covering the three core aspects of a human: emotional, mental and financial. On the 12th of November they will be hosting a workshop in Khayelitsha. The purpose of the workshop is to inspire everyone, both males and females, young and old who have made it and who have not! They have organized successful individuals like Dr. Montrell Greene to come and share their journey, experience and advice be it in business, relationship or career. People will have time to ask questions. Noku says they are expecting 150 people to attend. If anyone is interested in sharing his or her way to success can contact her by sms to 079 284 1757 or send an email to katomnoku@gmail.com the workshop will be at Lookout hill in Khayelitsha. Tickets costs R45 at Computicket, and at any Shoprite or Checkers store.

In today’s show, we spoke to Marilize Mostert – Fundraiser at Home of Hope. Home of hope provides special needs education for FASD and neurologically challenged children who are not coping in conventional schools. Their mission is to create an environment where children can be nurtured holistically to develop to their full potential. Anyone interested in making a donation or for more information you can send an email to info@homeofhope.co.za or visit www.homeofhope.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Russell Strydom – from the Mitchell’s Plain Advice and Development Project. Tomorrow they will be running an outreach programme with the theme “No to drugs – Yes to coming clean’’. The programme takes place tomorrow at the Mitchell’s Plain Town Centre Library Hall from 11AM to 1PM. If you want more information you can contact him on (021) 392 2000.

In today’s show, we heard from Karen Borochowitz – Executive Director of Dementia South Africa. Dementia SA will be hosting a two day conference tomorrow and Wednesday here in Cape Town. The conference will explore some of the global methods and best practices in caring for people with dementia of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia. For more information on Dementia you can contact (021) 421 0077 / 78 or email info@dementiasa.org alternatively visit www.dementiasa.org

And we also spoke to Farai Mabunda and Sameshan Pather - 4th year medical student at the University of Cape Town. We were talking about Mental Health Awareness. Farai and her colleagues are completing a project in Public Health. Their project focuses on the protection, promotion and restoration, of the health of the population through collective and social action. The primary objective is to educate the community, but they are hoping to stimulate debate around this controversial topic which is highly stigmatized in many communities. For more information on Mental Health contact Cape Mental Health on (021) 447 9040 or visit www.capementalhealth.co.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Judy Wallace – Chairperson of the Psoriasis Association. We were talking about Psoriasis, on Saturday is World Psoriasis Day which aims to raise more awareness about this condition. Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder and it affects one to two percent of the population. Unfortunately there is no cure for Psoriasis, but many different treatments, both topical and systemic, can clear psoriasis for periods of time. On Saturday they will be hosting a walk at the Moulle Point Lighthouse from 10AM to raise awareness about psoriasis. For more information you can contact the Psoriasis Association on (021) 404 5250 or 082 406 9725 alternatively visit www.psoriasis.org.za

In today’s show, we heard from Sinethemba Twani – Playwright. Sinethemba’s play, the Beneficiary, opened last night at Artscape, is the second production in the current 7th Artscape Spring Drama Season. This is a story of an elderly Xhosa man whose only son died and now finds himself thinking about a successor. He has 6 daughters and none of them can inherit this land. The play features Chris Gxalaba, Zoliswa Kawe, Thabang Sidloyi, Nobuhle Ketelo and Melikhaya Tana. The production will run till the 5th of November at 20:15, with matinee performances at 14:30 on Saturday 29 October and 5 November. Tuesday performances are at 19:30 in the Artscape Arena. Tickets at R60 and R80 can be booked at Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat on (021) 471 7695. Pensioners & students get 20% discount with valid ID. Block bookings get 10% discount on groups of 10 or more. Learners get 20 % discount. For more information visit http://www.artscape.co.za/ Nigel Vermaas joined us for the Arts update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Phumlani Mtiti and Sibusiso Dlamini – they form the band Ological Studies. The duo won the Best Contemporary Jazz Album - SAMA Award. Their style contains elements of Jazz, Avantigarde, Free Jazz, African music, Gospel, Funk and R&B. They both doing their final year in music at UCT's South African College of Music . They explained more on how they juggle music and studies. For more information visit www.ologicalstudies.co.za or contact or send an email to ologicalstudies@gmail.com

In today’s show, we spoke to Thabo Mahlangu - SACCAWU spokesperson. SACCAWU and COSATU Western Cape have formed an Anti-Walmart Coalition and are intensifying the Anti-Walmart campaign. Today they demonstrated outside Cape High Court. According to Thabo, the protest action intends to explicitly demonstrate to the country and the Appeals Tribunal that not only are citizens opposed to the Walmart entry, but more seriously it poses a major threat to employment and the development of manufacturing and other sectors of the economy. For more information contact (021) 424 3137 or visit www.cosatu.org.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Cornelia Wiegmann – DIY Diva. DIY Divas is all about creating the confidence you need to use power tools for all your home repairs, improvements and DIY projects. All classes are tailored in such a way that every Diva attending a course receives personal attention and a 'hands-on' approach, and they're always available to answer queries. According to the founder Janice Anderssen, the realities of divorce, single parenthood and the choice of empowerment have contributed to recognition that women don’t necessarily need a man to perform home repairs and improvement. DIY Divas offer a range of workshops that range from an introduction to power tools to making your own furniture projects. The emphasis is on a relaxed, casual and fun atmosphere where there is no such thing as a stupid question – only unusual queries! For more information you can visit www.DIY-DIVAS.co.za

Our last interview was with Yaliwe Clarke - From the African Gender Institute.The Institute will be launching a Book titled “Women & Security Governance in Africa” tomorrow as part of the African Feminists: Talking the Walk programme. The programme encompasses seminars, book launches and a documentary screening happening in different locations in Cape Town.The book provides empirical data for the academic community and a tool for evidence based policy work globally and regionally. It is said to be of use to policy-makers, NGOs, development agencies, activists focusing on women’s rights, peace and security, as well as to scholars in Africa, Europe and North America. The launch is between13:00 -14:00Pm at the Seminar Room 3A, Graduate School in Humanities Building, at the University of Cape Town. Copies of the book will be available (at a cost) at the launch. The book is published by PAMBAZUKA PRESS and distributed in Cape Town by Blue Weaver. For further information, contact Celene ...

In today’s show, we spoke to Retha Bloem - Head of the Centre for Child, Youth and Family Studies. A trans-disciplinary Centre for Child, Youth and Family Studies opened in Wellington to help build the scientific, technological and intellectual capacity of its graduates through structured teaching and supervised research as well as community interaction through in-service learning embedded in community directed research. Retha said even though located in Wellington, the Centre falls under the auspices of North West University. For more information contact their offices on (021) 864 3593 or email her to rethabloem@nwu.ac.za

We also heard from Praveen Sham – Co -chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa. This week is the National Wills Week. National Wills Week presents an opportunity for attorneys to participate in one of the profession’s main access to justice initiatives, but also to fulfill their pro bono commitments. Attorneys participating in the National Wills Week will draft basic wills free of charge but an appointment must be made with a particpating attorney or firm. Mr Sham explained more. Remember only a new basic Will will be written, no amendments to existing wills. For more information you can contact their offices on (012) 366 8800 or visit www.lssa.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Natasha Dial – Literacy and School Coordinator at the Community Action towards a Safer Environment or CASE. CASE strives to break the cycle of violence in communities inflicted by years of trauma. Various projects and techniques are implemented to transform the community through the development of community members, creating a positive cycle of healthy individuals, families and community. We were talking about the Spelling Competition they running for grade 1 to grade 3 pupils. The Spelling Bee will be in Mountview High on Saturday 22nd of October and entry is R5 for adults and R2 for children. For more information you can contact their offices on (021) 691 7073 alternatively visit www.case.za.org

In today's show, we heard from Tereza Hough – CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. It is a condition in which bone tissue is reduced and the micro-architecture of bone is disrupted. This leads to an increased risk of fracture which usually involves the spine, hip or wrist. It is called the silent disease because it progresses undetected for many years and the first sign of this disease is usually a fracture. According to reports, more than one-third of women over the age of 50 and nearly half of those over age 70 are affected by this disease. Osteoporosis in men is on the increase, and one in 5 men will develop this disease. On Thursday is the World Osteoporosis day and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa is for the first time in the country, launching the National and Economic health impact analysis on the 19th of October. For more information you can contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation at (021) 931 7894 ...

In today's show, we heard from Shabeer Jhetam - CEO of The Glass Recycling Company. The company is South Africa’s official organisation for promoting glass recycling. It is a not-for-profit organisation and is mandated to keep glass alive by promoting the practice of recovering, recycling and re-use of glass.To learn more about glass recycling you can contact the Glass Recycling Company on (011) 803 0767 or 0861 GLASS or visit www.theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za

We also heard from Erin Alexandra Bosenberg -Photographer, Writer, Editor and Producer. We were talking about SPACES - a multi-media documentary project bringing together audio interviews and photographic documents. According to Erin, the goal of the project is to create a direct and intimate connection between individuals and the city they live in, which is Cape Town. If you would like to be featured on SPACES or for more information visit http://thiscityspace.wordpress.com/ or send an email to erinbosen@gmail.com 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 Members of Sound Masters Crew. Tomorrow they are launching their EP at Look Out Hill in Khayelitsha. The event starts from 12 till 6pm. The EP is titled "No Doubt". Tickets costs R20 and the EP will be on sale for R60 per copy. For more information or for bookings contact their manager Yoliswa Dwane on 072 342 7747 or email her to dwaney56@gmail.com

In today’s show, we heard from Karina Fischer - Programme Manager at the Disability Workshop Development Enterprise or DWDE. This is a Cape Town based non-governmental organisation and over the years it has worked to realize the rights of persons with disabilities. Its latest effort is a Career Fair to provide a platform for career-related information and resources targeting young people with disabilities. DWDE runs the fair as part of its Careers for Youth with Disabilities in South Africa (CYDISA) programme. It believes that more could be done to create a local environment that empowers those who have disabilities. This fair is scheduled during daytime on October 18th and 19th from 08:30am at the River Club in Observatory, Cape Town. Transport from Observatory train station will be provided. For more information on DWDE you can visit www.dwde.co.za or contact their offices on (021) 674 6139.

In today’s show, we were joined by Fatima Shabodien - Executive Director of Women on Farms Project. We were talking about the Rural Women’s Assembly. On the 15th of October the world will be celebrating International Rural Women’s day. In commemoration of this day the Rural Women’s Caucus will be bringing together 200 rural women from across South Africa for Rural Women’s Assembly. According to Action Aid, Rural women in South Africa continue to bear the brunt of unemployment, growing poverty, spiralling levels of violence, high prevalence of HIV and the lack of access to economic opportunities, public services and most importantly the seed of life: land. The Assembly is also aimed at preparing for a Southern African regional rural women’s assembly and to ensure that rural women influence the negotiations taking place at the UN COP 17 in Durban in December. The Assembly, taking place from 13-15 October 2011, will consist of a two day workshop on 13/14 October at the Colosseum Hotel in ...

We were also joined by Dorothea Lakay – Chairperson of Women without Boundaries. This Mitchell’s Pain based organisation works towards women empowerment. Dorothea explained more. On Saturday the 15th of October, they will be hosting a market day at Sea View Primary School in Rocklands between 9AM and 2PM. For more information you can contact her on 072 554 6281.

And our last interview was with Glenda Keet – Founder of the Single Parents Support Group. It is said that single parenting is on the increase in South Africa and statistics indicate that the single parent family is fast becoming the new norm. But the good news is that there are support groups for single parents, and even schools are far more open and supportive than previously and research shows that single parenting can offer rewarding advantage. Glenda’s support group meets every month, if you want more information you can contact her on 076 626 1024.

In today’s show, we heard from Brenda Jooste – Care Giver and Founder of Bright Star – a children’s home based in Kraaifontein. She says she believes that anything is possible with enough love, security and guidance. Brenda's wishlist: Nappies, Baby Formula, Wet Wipes, Good second hand clothing, Food, Tiles for the kitchen, TV for the kids, etc. For more information contact (021) 988 3279 or 078 517 3762.

We also heard from Judge Dunstan Mlambo – Legal Aid South Africa Board Chairperson. This tax-funded organisation provides legal advice and representation to poor and vulnerable South Africans has particular focus on vulnerable groups, such as women, children, rural poor and the landless. But you must pass a means test, based on income, to qualify for assistance. Legal Aid Management is in Cape Town to table the organisation’s performance presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee. If you want more information contact 0800 110 110 or visit www.legal-aid.co.za You can also report incidents of maltreatment on their Ethics Hotline on 0800 204 473.

In today’s show, we spoke to Berna Harmse – Association for Dietetics in South Africa President. We were talking about Nutrition. This week is National Nutrition Week. This year’s nationwide campaign aims to educate parents, caregivers, health workers and the wider community about the importance of complementary feeding which involves the introduction of solid foods into the diet of babies aged 6 – 24 months in tandem with breast milk. Studies show that damage caused by inadequate nutrition to physical growth, brain development and human capital formation during the first two years of a child’s life is extensive and largely irreversible. Berna explained more. For more information on nutrition you can contact your nearest health care centre or visit www.nutritionweek.co.za

We also spoke to Maboyce Mfuniselwa – Service Manager at Empilweni. Empilweni is a mental health center for children based in Khayelitsha. Their goal is to improve the quality of life of children, adolescents and their families within their communities by providing culturally appropriate, child centered, community based mental health support and counselling. Today is World Mental Health Day and the theme is “ The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health ”. The Great Push for Mental Health is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health in strategic alliance with the Movement for Global Mental Health. It has four elements: UNITY, VISIBILITY, RIGHTS, and RECOVERY. If you would like to know more information contact (021) 361 7063 or visit www.empilweni.org

We closed off the show with an interview Lucy Gericke – A dietician from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa. This week is the Obesity and Nutrition Week. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, Obesity is now recognised as a major public health problem in many countries like Australia, America, UK, Mexico, Brazil as well as South Africa. Worldwide statistics show that 22 million children under the age of five are overweight. We spoke to Lucy about what causes obesity and the risks associated with being obese. Remember, balance an active lifestyle for your child with a healthy diet - by limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. Teach children healthy eating habits that will last their entire lifetime! For more details and nutritional advice from registered dieticians, contact the Heart Mark Diet Line on 0860 223 222 during office hours, or visit www.heartfoundation.co.za

In today’s show, we were joined by the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport - Dr Ivan Meyer. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport will be the proud host of the 7th annual Western Cape Sport Legends during December and invites the public to help the WC Provincial Government to celebrate our sport history by identifying sport legends who meet the relevant criteria and to submit their proposals before the 10th of October 2011. For more information check www.capegateway.gov.za/other/2011/9/nomination_form_2011_sport_legends.pdf or contact Annerie Pruis-LeRoux on (021) 483 9730.

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 a feature that has absolutely nothing to with music or theatre produced by Nigel. It was all about TV situational comedy or sit-com.

In today's show, we heard from Kathy Henning – Chief Operating Officer at the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa. We were talking about Hospice Palliative Care. October 8th is the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The Theme is "many diseases, many lives, many voices". Palliative Care is defined by the World Health Organisation as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. They will be hosting a 10KM walk in the hope that 10 people will tell 10 people about HPCA, and they will tell another 10 more. For more information contact their offices on (021) 531 0277 or visit www.hospicepalliativecaresa.co.za