Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today’s show, we spoke to Ayanda Holo and Hylton Mitchell – from Mo-Holo Foundation. Yesterday the Ma-Holo Foundation hosted an open discussion forum on the need for a non-racial, equal opportunity and sustainable Arts and Culture movement in the Cape Metropole and the Western Cape. The forum was an opportunity for the Arts and Culture community to come together and discuss the long-term sustainability of a vibrant Arts and Culture movement for all Cape Town creatives and artistic movements. They explained more about the outcome of the meeting. If you want any additional information about the movement check their facebook page on www.facebook.com/Ma-HoloFoundation

We also heard from Loyiso Skoti - Field Manager at Lalela Project. Lalela Project empowers children affected by extreme poverty through Ideas, Art, and Music. The aim of the program is to expose children to the arts as a tool for positive change in their lives. Loyiso explained more. For more information visit www.lalelaproject.org or contact their offices on (021) 790 1108. Kim Saulse was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Sundae Hendrikcs – Coordinator for the Aids Awareness Concert. The Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management will be hosting auditions for the South African Artists for Aids Awareness Concert. They looking for professional singers, aged 23 years and up. Singers are to bring an up tempo song and a ballad as well as a photo and résumé of themselves. They will be required to sing acapella and in group compositions. There will be a piano accompanist if needed. The auditions will be held on Saturday, the 2nd of April from 1:30pm to 6pm in the Chisholm Recital Room at the South African College of Music at UCT. For more information contact Sundae on 071 447 9475 or email sundae.mc@gmail.com

In today's show we were joined by Bernard Reisner – A consultant at the Cape Labour & Industrial Consultants. According to the Department of Labour, between one to 1.5 million South Africans are estimated to be employed as domestic workers. For decades, the industry was an unregulated one, rife with exploitation and abuse. Recent years have seen significant changes within the industry, particularly with the enforcement of the Domestic Workers Act. Bernard recently published a book titled, “You, your domestic worker and the new laws”. He explained more about the law, and what both employees and the employer need to know. For more information contact his offices on (021) 423 3959 or send an email to bernard@capelabour.co.za

We also spoke to Tasneem from SANGOCO and Matthews Tshofuthi from the Gugulethu Advice Office. Recently, SANGOCO Western Cape initiated a capacity building workshop for Advice Offices. The aim of the workshop was to provide Advice Offices from around the Western Cape Province with Introductory training in Project Management. For more information about SANGOCO Western Cape contact their offices on (021) 447 6388 or visit www.sangoco.wc.org The Gugulethu Advice Office contact number is (021) 637 9596.

We closed off with an interview with Alan Winde – Western Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism. We were talking about the Work and Skills for 100 000 programme. The programme recruits young people, who are placed with a "host employer" for a year, with a minimum of 12 weeks dedicated to skills development. They get mentored and paid a stipend of R1 000 a month, offered as an incentive to learners and host organizations who are encouraged to add to the stipend or the training opportunities. The programme is said to target young matriculants, who have been unemployed for two years or more. If you want to find out more about the programme visit www.capegateway.gov.za

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Kubi Rama – Deputy Director at Gender Links. In view of the country celebrating Human Rights, Kubi recently wrote an article titled “Are women's rights a priority”. According to Kubi, one of the main drivers of gender inequality is women's and men's disparate access to the mainstream economy and the lack of recognition of women's work in the informal sector, community and domestic arenas. She highlighted some of the issues that she feels needs to be addressed around prioritizing women's rights. For more information about gender Links visit www.genderlinks.org.za or contact their offices on (011) 615 6278.

In today’s show, we heard from Pam Jackson – Director at Ons Plek. We were talking about Ukondla Project. Ukondla reaches out to the children of Philippi who are at risk of dropping out of school or home and roaming the streets. Ukondla provides support to keep them in school and at home. Pam explained more about the programme. For more information about you can contact their offices on (021) 465 4829 alternatively visit www.onsplek.org.za

We also heard from Joy Lawrence – Director of Maryland Literacy Programme. Maryland Literacy Programme is an organization that teaches people to read and also offers skills training. The Programme serves the community of Hanover Park and surrounding areas. For more information you can contact their office on (021) 692 1355.

In today’s show, we spoke to Ilchen Retief - PR, Events and Fundraising Manager for the Amy Biehl Foundation. We were talking about the Township Jazz Festival that they will be hosting on Monday at the Gugulethu Indoor Sports Complex from 11AM till 3PM. The festival will feature the Amy Biehl Youth Bands and special appearances by Yolanda Yawa, Mtika, The Tribe of Benjamin and the Milton Academy Jazz Band from the U.S. Entrance is free. If you want any additional information about the festival contact William on (021) 462 5052 or send an email to william@wcma.co.za

We also heard from Ryland Fisher – CEO of the Cape Town Festival. The festival kick starts today till Monday the 21st of March. This year’s musical bill has everyone in for a special treat with a must-see line-up of some of Cape Town, South Africa and Africa’s most celebrated performers offering a wide range of musical genres including afro-pop, world music, rock, afro-beat, jazz, RnB, urban-pop, hip hop and soul. Judith Sephuma, Tucan Tucan, Glen Robertson, Nomfusi and the LuckyCharms are on the bill. The event will be hosted at the Company’s Gardens between 12PM and 8PM daily. For more information visit www.capetownfestival.co.za or email info@capetownfestival.co.za Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Members of Sound Masters Crew and their Manager, Yoliswa Dwane. On Monday, the 21st of March, the group will be performing at the Grand Parade at the Equal Education Human rights concert alongside DJ Oskido and Freshlyground. Their music is said to have a message about the struggle of equal education for the majority of the South African youth. They explained more about their music influences. For more information about their upcoming album or for bookings contact Yoliswa on 072 342 7747 or email her to dwaney56@gmail.com

On Sakhisizwe today, we heard from Ivan Polson - Senior Labour Inspector from the department of labour. We were talking about National Child Labour Day. The Department of Labour will host a National Child Labour Day on the 4th of April to highlight the problem of child labour and to also create awareness about child labour in line with the international approach in dealing with child labour and its associated ills. The theme is "LET ME BE A CHILD". The event will take place at Spier Country Estate. For more information or to report cases of child labour, contact (021) 468 5500.

We also spoke to Nowethu Ndiki – Commissioner at the CCMA. We were talking about substance abuse in the workplace. According to Drug Free SA, they receive most of their calls for help from employees on a Monday or Tuesday when they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms after a weekend of bingeing and they need help to get through the working week. The SA National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence also noted that in 2007, 40% of persons who seek treatment for addiction are employed full time and that two thirds of addicts are adults. The Commissioner explained more about the effects of and occurrence of substance abuse in the workplace. For more information or assistance, you can contact the CCMA on 0861 16 16 16 or visit www.ccma.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Eva Daniels - Director of the High Spirits Skills and Training Centre. The High Spirits Skills and Training Centre, based in Strandfontein, aims to empower intellectually disabled people by providing them with skills that can be utilised to help them start their own businesses. Eva explained more about their programmes. They have made an appeal to businesses to grant the graduates contracts in the fields in which they’ve been trained. If you want to find out more on how to assist you can contact Eva on (021) 393 5893 or 079 514 9768.

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Mohamed Groenewald – from the Recognition of Muslim Marriages Forum. We were talking about the Muslim Marriages Bill. It is reported that the Bill once passed will provide greater certainty to Muslim marriages, thereby affording Muslim women better protection in accordance with Islamic tenets and principles. The justice and constitutional development department has called for comment on the Muslim Marriages Bill and according to recent media reports, the comment period has been extended to the end of May after several Muslim bodies alleged it to be anti-Islamic. Mohamed explained more about whether this bill will make a difference or not. For more information about the forum contact him on 073 826 4959. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has invited public comments on the Bill by the end of May 2011. Show your support for the Bill by writing to Mr T N Matibe, Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001 or Fax it to 086 648 7766 alte

We also heard from Ruwayda Mohamed – from SANGOCO. Tomorrow, 17th March 2011 they will be hosting a Dialogue with the topic ‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’. According to the organisers, "women's human rights" is a revolutionary notion in that this radical reclamation of humanity and the resultant insistence that women's rights are human rights have profound transformative potential. The event will be held at the Centre for the Book, 62 Queen Victoria Street in Cape Town from 18h30 - 20h30PM. If you want more information contact their offices on (021) 447 6388 or Tamsyn Abrahams on 072 070 3119 and Sinethemba Shoba on 082 074 7882.

Our last interview was with Melanie Nathan - Founding CEO of Private Courts and LGBTI Activist. Two days ago Melanie was invited, along with members of the South African lesbian rights group Luleki Sizwe to a discussion about “corrective” rape, by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe. According to a report on ActionAid – an international anti-poverty agency, Lesbian women in South Africa are being raped by men who believe it will “cure” them of their sexual orientation. The report further states that one lesbian and gay support group says it is dealing with 10 new cases of lesbian women being targeted for “corrective” rape every week in Cape Town alone. Melanie explained more about the outcome of the meeting. If you want more information contact visit www.lezgetreal.com

In today’s show, we spoke to Miriam Fredericks - Head of Service Delivery at the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture. We were talking about police brutality. According to Hubert Locke, police brutality can by implication cover a number of practices, from calling a citizen by his or her first name to a death by a policeman's bullet. Miriam explained more about how they assist victims of police brutality. Victims can report such incidents to a nearest police station or the Independent Complaints Directorate on (021) 426 2277. For more information you can contact Trauma Centre office on (021) 465 7373 alternatively visit www.trauma.org.za

We also heard from Bethany O’Connor – from Babysafe. Babysafe is an organisation based in Cape Town with several branches throughout the country. The organisation intervenes in South Africa’s baby dumping crisis by providing a drop off point where the mother can leave her baby anonymously, legally, safely and anonymously, 24 hours a day. In addition to this, the Baby Safe also provides counselling and hosts workshops on child care to pregnant and new mothers. Bethany explained more about the organisation. For more information you can contact their offices on (021) 785 7669 alternatively go to www.thebabysafe.org

We closed off the show with an interview with Roland Abrahams - A learning support teacher. Roland is a former educator at Sunnyside Primary and is offering basic literacy and numeracy tuition in Mannenberg. Abrahams’ programme aims to increase parental involvement and believes that "parents are a rich, untapped source" when it comes to their children’s education. He explained more about the programme. He would like business people to sponsor this initiative. For more information you contact him on 076 896 1343.

In today’s show, we spoke to Simon Cooper – Manager at the Kalk Bay Theatre. We will be talking about Jeremy Taylor in Concert. Jeremy Taylor is at Kalk Bay Theatre till the 19th of March. Taylor, singer/songwriter, poet, humorist and the teller of truths, who now lives in France was banished from South Africa for ridiculing apartheid and has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his unique brand of music and stories. Taylor will perform from Wednesday – Sunday from March 19th at 20h30 and 19h30 on Sundays. Tickets cost R125. Doors open at 6pm and theatre-goers can enjoy a meal and drinks before the show. For more information or bookings, contact the Kalk Bay Theatre on 073 220 5430 or visit www.kbt.co.za Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Diane Rossi – Treasurer at the South African Association for Jazz Education. From Friday to Sunday next weekend the South African Association for Jazz Education is having a jazz festival. The festival will feature artists like Amanda Tiffin, Carlo Mombelli, Sandile Gontsana, and many more. Diane explained more. The event opens on Friday 18th March – Concert at 8:15PM, tickets at R50 and Saturday 19th March – Day Tickets R75, Sunday 20th March at Jazz at the Nassau Tickets at R80. Contact Cliff Wallis on 076 401 0008 to book. For more info or to book contact Diane at sajejazz@gmail.com or 082 515 7051. Tickets also available at the door.

In today’s show, we spoke to Leon Louw – Executive Director for the Free Market Foundation. The Foundation is an independent policy research and education organisation to promote the principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual liberty. It has an interest in the whole range of issues that have an effect on human development. Mr. Louw explained more. For more information or to read some of their articles visit www.freemarketfoundation.com or you can contact their offices on (011) 884 0270 or (021) 422 4982.

We also heard from Graham Donet – General Manager for the South African Chefs Association. We were talking about the National Youth Chefs Training Programme. The programme runned by the South African Chefs Association and the National Department of Tourism will see about 800 South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 with a matric qualification and currently unemployed with a passion for cookery and the hospitality industry trained as professional chefs. The programme is aimed at job creation, which is said to be a key priority for government and the tourism industry. Graham explained more about the application process. Due date for applying is the 31st of March. Please state your province on your CV. If you want more information about the programme you can contact their offices at (011) 482 7250 or send your CV to admin1@saca.co.za or visit www.saca.co.za

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Bongi Ludidi - Chief Director of Gender and Women Empowerment Unit at the Department of Trade and Industry. Yesterday we were commemorating International Women’s Day, a global day of celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In view of this, the Department of Trade and Industry will be rewarding women achievers in recognition of the significant impact they have made in various sectors of the economy, through the application of technology to create a competitive edge for their businesses at this year's Technology for Women in Business Awards ceremony. The event will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre tomorrow. According to the department, the TWIB Awards play a critical role in supporting and promoting women entrepreneurs to utilise technology to advance their businesses. Winners will receive non financial business support in a form of technology applications, training and other

In today's show we spoke to Michael Moyakhe – from Bread of Life. Bread of Life is involved in community development. They are based in Langa and have programmes ranging from Community Mobilisation, Condom Distribution, Education & Youth work, Home Based Care, Information, Education & Awareness, Life Skills, Networking, Prevention Programmes, Referrals and Support Groups for Adults and Children. Bhut’ Michael explained more about the work they do. If you want more information about the organisation, you can contact their offices on (021) 695 2123.

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined 0n the line by Dr Andrew Perrott – an ophthalmologist at the Vincent Pallotti Hospital. We were talking about Glaucoma. This week is the World Glaucoma Week and on Friday is the World Glaucoma Day. This is a joint global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association to raise awareness of glaucoma, what it does to sight and how it might affect you. Glaucoma is a progressive disease that causes irreversible visual loss due to an elevation in pressure inside the eye caused by a build-up of excess fluid. There is no cure for glaucoma; however it is treatable if it is detected early but Dr Perrott explained more about the treatment. For more information contact him on (021) 531 4317 or send an email to docperrott@mweb.co.za alternatively visit the South African Glaucoma Society’s website to locate a doctor near you at www.sags.co.za

We also heard from Sister Rasieda Samai – from the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa. We were talking about kidneys. This coming Thursday is the World Kidney Day. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Protect Your Kidneys and Save Your Heart.” It is reported that 1 out of 10 adults in the world has some form of kidney damage. It is therefore crucial that we learn how important our kidneys are in our lives. Sister Samai explained more. On Thursday she will be at the Mitchell's Plain Promenade to do screenings. For more information contact the National Kidney Foundation of SA on (021) 448 4930 or visit www.nkf.co.za alternatively Sister Samai on events planned for the day at 079 528 8019.

In today’s show, we spoke to Sarah Struys – Events Manager at the South African National Biodiversity Institute. SANBI has confirmed that the 35 year run of exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show will not be broken and the Kirstenbosch Chelsea Flower Show exhibit will be heading off to London in May. This comes after they announced that they are pulling out this year due to lack of corporate sponsorship. The Provincial Government of the Western Cape and the SA Gold Coin Exchange has come on board as sponsors. Sarah explained more.

We also heard from Jennie Reznek - Director and Trustee at Magnet Theatre. Magnet Theatre is fundraising for 10 bursaries for talented young performers to attend their full time training programme and is inviting the members of the community to support their youth development project by seeing "Every year, Every day, I am walking" from the 24 - 27th of March. For more information contact Margie on (021) 448 3436 or visit www.magnettheatre.co.za Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Michelle Schilder – Manager at VETTA Communication. VETTA Communication will be hosting a workshop on unfair dismissals. According to the Basic Guide to Unfair Dismissal and Unfair Labour Practices, every worker is entitled to fair labour practices. It states that there are several types of unfair dismissal and unfair labour practices. Workers may consent to pre-dismissal arbitration. Michelle will explain more about the workshop. The workshop will be on Tuesday the 22nd of March at the Cape Town Lodge Hotel. Guest Speakers include Commissioner Nowethu Ndiki from the CCMA and Advocate Lynette Myburgh. For further information about the workshop contact Michelle or Kirsten on 086 111 83882 or send an email to bookings@vetta.co.za alternatively go to www.vetta.co.za

We heard from Thami Mchunu – Director of Media & Stakeholder Relations at the Department of Public Works. The Department is calling for qualified engineers or artisans with experience in construction and built environment to submit their CVs. The aim of the exercise is to create a database of engineers and artisans so that they can be utilized in assisting the Department to deliver on its infrastructure mandate, job creation and contribute to sustainable skills. According to Thami, unqualified artisans will be trained as apprentices in the departmental workshops, with the ultimate aim of having them successfully pass a trade test in order to become qualified artisans. Interested engineers and artisans are urged to submit their CV’s at the nearest regional office of the Department of Public Works or call 0800 782 542.

We closed off the show with an interview with Carol Gerber – Director at Gerbera Life Coaching. We were talking about Career Coaching. It is said that career coaching helps individuals discover what they really want to do with their lives and then develop a strategy to achieve it. According to Carol, your Career Coach in essence holds up the Mirror of Reality for you so that you can at all time remain grounded while making the necessary changes in your career. She explained more about process involved in career coaching. For more information contact their offices at (021) 526 0469 or visit www.gerberalifecoaching.co.za

In today’s show, we heard from Hilda Mtshazi – Executive Director at Samila Gender Counselling and Support Serivces. Samila offers services to everyone who is affected by abuse and gender violence but mainly focuses on working with men and male youth. They based in Khayelitsha and promote and protect family stability and community safety. Sis Hilda explained more. For more information contact their offices on (021) 364 8521 or visit www.samila.org.za

We were also joined by Chumisa Maphambana, Nozee and Sista Zoé – Organisers of the 2011 Stop Gangsterism & Crime Educational Festival. The festival will be on the 26th & 27th of March in Gugulethu. They say due to the lack of recreational activities available to young people, many of them become involved in self-destructive activities such as gangsterism and crime. Through their initiatives intervention, they will be able to involve the youth in healthy and positive activities, which will keep them away from these negative influences and help them to become responsible young leaders in the community, as well as role models to their peers. For more information contact Chumisa on 084 808 3313.

In today’s show, we spoke to Yoliswa Dwane – Head of Communication and Policy at Equal Education. Equal Education will be launching its Late-Coming Campaign tomorrow at schools in and around Khayelitsha. This is aimed at encouraging young people in school to take their education seriously by arriving to school on time, ready to be taught and ready to demand a better education. This campaign is one of the campaigns that young people run in their schools together with the school community and the larger community. Yoliswa explained more about the Campaign. For more details, contact their offices on (021) 387 0022/3 or visit www.equaleducation.org.za

We also heard from Solly Malatsi – Media Liaison Officer for the Western Cape Ministry of Transport and Public Works. The department is inviting the public to give input on the Western Cape’s Vision, Priorities and Strategies for Transport at the Provincial Land Transport Framework Open Day. On the 24th of March they will be at the Bellville Civic Centre from 10:00AM till 19:00 PM. The deadline for the input is at 16:00PM on the 30th of March. You can obtain the document electronically by emailing amrhodes@pgwc.gov.za or visit www.capegateway.gov.za