Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today's show we spoke to Sharon Brink - Pro bono co-coordinator of Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs (ENS) Mitchells Plain pro bono office. She was talking to us about the legal education sessions that they host. ENS provides free legal education sessions for their pro bono clients since they were the first law firm in South Africa to establish a pro bono office in the heart of a historically disadvantaged community – Mitchell’s Plain in Cape Town and now also in Alexandra, Johannesburg . Their most recent sessions were on How do you start a business ? which gave those attending the basic tools on that and Public Procurement or Tenders that informed attendees where to look for government tenders, advice, and pitfalls on completing and submitting tenders, BEE points in tenders, tenders for construction contracts, your rights if the tender award seems unfair and what not to do when bidding for a tender. For further information you can contact Sharon on (021) 397 4241 or send an ema...

We also spoke to Adesh Naidoo - Owner of Clean Street Trading and Distribution. Adesh is the 2012 Seda Small Business Stars national business plan competition winner. The winners were selected after 180 finalists – drawn from more than 5,500 entries, presented their business concepts to 18 provincial judging panels, who selected a total of 11 national finalists. His business is a special green-friendly litter bin that provides advertising revenue for the city, to every municipality in South Africa . The judges believe that Adesh has the drive and business acumen to launch this product, even in the highly competitive media sector and unanimously gave him their highest score. He says his current challenge is getting municipalities to buy into the concept but he had some promising interest from Maputo in Mozambique . For further information you can visit www. cleanstreet.co.za

We closed off with an interview with Wendy Nefdt - Director at Epilepsy SA Western Cape Branch. Epilepsy South Africa Western Cape Branch is launching an innovative employment framework called eDESS or Disability Employment Support Service to employers and government on the 28th June. The Disability Employment Support Services (EDESS) is a comprehensive approach to development that intends to establish equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It is a unique framework that is designed and benchmarked against best practice employment models consistent with the South African legislation. This will form part of the Epilepsy Month celebrations and a fundraising drive to provide equal opportunities for people with epilepsy and other disabilities. To book a table or to purse an individual ticket to this event visit http://www.epilepsyevents.org.za/ or contact (021) 703 9420.

In today's show, we were joined by Zubeida Shaik - Programme manager of Parliament’s Parliamentary Millennium Programme and Ilana van Louw – Project coordinator to tell us more about the launch of Amazwi Abesifazane (Voices of Women). Amazwi Abesifazane is a product of four years of comprehensive collaboration between Parliament’s Parliamentary Millennium Programme, Create Africa South and various Provincial Legislatures. The collaboration gave birth to a national women’s campaign designed to fortify the status of marginalised women across the country which provided women, particularly those who are silenced through poverty and marginalisation, an opportunity to tell their own stories around the theme of “What democracy means to me”. Workshops were held with women in all nine provinces and the political, social and economic challenges highlighted were extracted from the stories and formal submissions were drafted for presentation to Parliament and the Provincial Legislatures. The ...

We closed off with an interview with Lesley-Ann Foster - Executive director at Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre. We were talking about the Masimanyane and Amanitare campaign launch. Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre, in partnership with Amanitare Sexual Rights Network, launched a national campaign that aim to address inequality in women’s access to universal healthcare and the challenges which this inequality raises. Women’s organisations from around the country met at the Cape Town Ritz Hotel today to discuss ways to improve community knowledge and increase government accountability in respect to sexual and reproductive health and rights of women. The campaign theme of "Reproductive Justice for all Women and girls" refers to the loss of life, health and opportunities that women and girls experience on a daily basis in our country. The campaign will focus on securing reproductive justice, which refers to ensuring access to appropriate education on all aspects of sexuality...

In todays show, we spoke to Niresh Ramklass - CEO of the Cape Town Child Welfare about commemorating child protection week. This week from May 27th until the 3rd of June marks Child Protection Week in South Africa which seeks to educate and mobilise communities to put children first. The concept of Child Protection Week stems from the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”, which emphasises the role of the wider community in keeping children safe. This year’s theme is ‘Working Together to Protect Children’ adopted by the National Child Care and Protection Forum, which upholds government's commitments to child protection, in partnership with civil society. The campaign will emphasise the responsibility of everyone to create a safe and secure environment for our children. Adults are encouraged to wear a green ribbon which is symbolic of accepting that ‘you will protect a child’. For further information you can contact Cape Town Child Welfare on (021) 638 3127 or v...

We closed off with an interview with Obiozo Ukpabi - Policy dialogue officer at the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (Plaas) speaking to us about the call for proposals for the Land Divided 2013 conference. Academics, postgraduate students and researchers from government and civil society are invited to submit proposals for panels (to run in parallel sessions) or abstracts for research papers (to be allocated to panels) or for posters. Proposals for other media, such as documentary films, posters, performance, etc., are also welcomed for consideration. The Conference aims to provide a platform for current scholarship across the social, human and environmental sciences on land issues in South Africa, within a regional and comparative frame. The centenary of the Land Act presents a major opportunity for researchers in academia, civil society and the state to reflect on the significance of ‘the land question’ in South African society and what can be learned from ot...

In today's show, we spoke to Heather Picton - Founder and CEO of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of South Africa (ADHASA). We were talking about the ADHD Parent's Conference that they hosted this weekend in Randburg. ADHASA hosted the ADHD Parents’ Conference to assist parents in creating ADD/ADHD friendly homes for children affected by it and also showed parents how to support children with it. Presenters at the conference included: a Nutritional Geneticist, Developmental Paediatrician, Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist and Audiologist, an Optometrist and Educational Psychologists. For further information you can contact ADHASA on (011) 888 7655 or visit the website www.adhasa.co.za

We were also joined by Adeliah Jacobs - Regional manager of the CANSA Cape Metro Care Centre. We were talking about the dangers of smoking and commemorating the World No Tobacco Day. Thursday May 31 st marks World No Tobacco Day as its use is one of the leading preventable causes of death and since the global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It’s warned that unless we act, it will kill up to 8 million people by 2030, of which more than 80% will live in low- and middle-income countries. Cansa reported that “over 44 000 South Africans die from tobacco-related diseases annually and many more become ill from using tobacco products such as snus, snuff, water pipes (hubbly bubbly) and inhaling second-hand smoke .” Sign up and join Cansa’s eKick Butt programme which is a unique online smoking cessation programme working through a series of emails,...

We closed off with an interview with Dr Bevan Goqwana - Co-chairperson of Parliament’s Joint Committee on HIV/AIDS to tell us more about the formation of this new committee. The newly formed joint committee on HIV/AIDS was created in an attempt to deal with the scourge of HIV/Aids, since South Africa is among the countries that have the highest HIV infection rates in the world. The committee will specifically focus on the pandemic and how its spread could be prevented as more than 50% of patients have illnesses related to HIV/AIDs in the medical wards at hospitals. It will also examine and evaluate the legal framework and make recommendation on existing and proposed legislation coming from the Department of Health.

In today's show we were joined by Anele and Members of Soundz of the South. Soundz of the South or SOS is a network of activists who use hip-hop and poetry to spread revolutionary messages, raise consciousness and critique neo-liberalism. The aim of the network is to facilitate and encourage a process of self-organisation against neoliberalism within communities as part of the broader struggle to emancipate us all. We were talking about an event they are hosting in celebrating Afrika Day this Friday at the Salt River Community House featuring guest appearence by Ian Kamau alongside Aylo, Goodfellas, Ndlulamthi, Judgement and Omnyama. Every last Friday of the month they host a Hip Hop and Poetry Slam Session. It starts at 17h00 till 20h00PM. Entrance is R 25. For more information contact 083 447 2939 or 076 533 3934 alternatively send an email to soundzofthesouth@gmail.com

We were also joined by Sylvestre Kabassidi – Musician. He is said to be a rebel with a sensitive soul whose music breaks stereotypes and takes African song into a new dimension. Armed with acoustic guitar and accompanied by percussion and rich vocals, Sylvestre is part of a quiet revolution in African music that is passionate, classic, and expressive representing the new generation of African artists . You can catch him live tonight at Cape Royal Hotel and on Monday nights at Asoka Restaurant. For more information about his music visit http://www.kabassidi.com/ and for bookings contact 082 833 4559. Nigel Vermaas was in for this week's Arts Update.

We closed off with an interview with Ian Kamau – Canadian hip hop and spoken word artist. Ian is in the country and tonight will be perfoming at the Afrika Day celebration at the Salt River Community House. It starts at 17h00 till 20h00PM. Entrance is R 25. His latest album “One Day Soon” will be on sale. For more information visit http://www.iankamau.com/ or www.iankamau.bandcamp.com

In today's show, we heard from Bridget Makgare - Mobile centre manager of Micro Enterprise Development Organisation or MEDO. She was joining us to talk about the work that they do in tackling unemployment. MEDO helps micro businesses to grow and seize procurement opportunities. They recently held a series of free workshops in Cape Town for young entrepreneurs that focused on the basics of starting and running a business and also providing networking opportunities. Shared services include bookkeeping, accounting and legal counsel. They also provide free access to computers, phones and other office equipment. For further information you can contact MEDO on (010) 500 5000 or visit the website http://www.medo.co.za/

We closed off with an interview with Shaheed Ebrahim - Founder of Escape to the Cape. He was here to talk about the award that he recently received. Ebrahim won the 2012 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA) which recognises outstanding new-entrant, black-owned SMMEs in the tourism industry. The prize includes a R100 000 cash injection into his business and a 12 month mentorship programme facilitated by Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP). Escape to the Cape is a young and dynamic Cape Town based tour operating company established by Ebrahim a former private banker who is passionate about the City. For further information you can contact Escape to the Cape on (021) 462 6104 or visit the website http://www.escapetothecape.co.za/

On the show today, we were joined by Ethel Swaratlhe-Tlhapane - Founder of Women and Beyond speaking to us about the launch of No Shame campaign. They will be hosting an exhibition and fundraising during the launch of the campaign to help create awareness and help fight against women abuse. The event is tomorrow Thursday May 24 th , at Bayside Mall in Table View from 9:00am till 17:00pm . Donations in the form of toiletries, non perishable goods and monetary donation to help contribute towards the erecting of a Safe Home for homeless, abused and rape victims are welcomed. For further information you can contact Women and Beyond by sending an email to info@womenandbeyond.org.za  o r visit the website http://www.womenandbeyond.org.za/ alternatively http://www.noshame.co.za/

We also heard from Keegan Lakay - Legal officer at the Commission for Gender Equality. He was speaking to us about the public hearing that they hosting this week in Cape Town . The purpose of the Employment Equity Commission Hearing: Gender Transformation in the Workplace is to raise awareness regarding obligations and demand accountability, identify challenges and develop recommendations to ensure the realisation of gender equality in the workplace. The City of Cape Town Municipality, Department of Agriculture, Health, Local Government, Human Settlements, Distell Group Limited, Sekunjalo Investment Limited, Shoprite Holdings Limited and Vida E Caffe are the companies and departments that have heeded the CGE’s call. For further information you can contact (021) 426 4080 or visit the website http://www.cge.org.za/

We closed off with an interview with Gwen Kloppers - Founder of Xtraordinary. Xtraordinary Women is a platform that leads, inspires, supports and recognises Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa. According to Gwen, it takes a community to build a business, and Xtraordinary Women is that community. They are passionate about supporting South African Women, with an honest desire to inspire Women to DREAM BIG and to live their lives with purpose, no matter where they are in their journey. For further information you can visit http://www.xtraordinarywomen.co.za/ or send an email to gwen@xtraordinarywomen.co.za

In today’s show, we spoke to Justin Foxton - owner of The Baby House and founder of the KZN Adoption Coalition – a provincial chapter of the recently formed National Adoption Coalition. We were talking about adoption. The Baby House has joined forces with Beefcakes, a restaurant in Greenpoint to organise an event primarily for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Community with the aim of creating awareness about the adoption landscape in South Africa . The Baby House is a non-profit organisation caring for abandoned and orphaned babies and providing them with a loving home until they are placed with adoptive parents . The ‘Pink’ Baby House lunch starts at 12pm on Saturday 26 th of May at Beefcakes, located at 40 Somerset Road , Greenpoint . Tickets cost R250 per person and include a three cause meal and a complimentary drink. For more information or to book your seat please call Beefcakes on 021 425 9019 or info@beefcakes.co.za   Bookings are essential as seats ...

We also heard from Dr Ilana van Wyk - Researcher at the Institute for Humanities in Africa (HUMA). She was here to talk about the community event that they will be hosting tonight. Cape Town Commons: Tata Our Billions will be interrogating the funding practices of the South African Lottery and its effect on the civil society landscape of Cape Town . Join the debate to probe the mechanisms of the Lottery Board, its shifts in funding focus and the implications this has for civil society in Cape Town . The panel will interrogate a set of questions, among others, “where does our money go?” The event is happening tonight from 18:00PM to 20:00PM at the Mowbray Town Hall in the Main Road, Mowbray. For further information you can contact HUMA on (021) 650 2970 or visit the website http://www.huma.co.za/  

We closed off the show with an interview with Theunis Botha - Western Cape MEC for Health. He was telling us more about the District Health Councils that were launched recently. The establishment of 6 Western Cape district health councils  is in accordance with the National Health Act 61 of 2003 which stipulates the establishment of district health councils and the provincial District Health Councils Act 2010 which came into effect on August 24, 2011 . These councils will represent their respective districts and ensure the coordination of all health services with their respective municipalities. The district health councils will feed their inputs to the provincial health council, which will be composed of the chairpersons of the six district health councils and chaired by the provincial minister. The first priority for these councils is the draft of a district health plan, according to the specific needs of their communities. The members will also be responsible for the dist...

In today's show, we spoke to Professor Hans de Ridder - Director of the School of Bio kinetics, Recreation and Sport Science at the North-West University. He was telling us more about Professor Andries Monyeki’s latest research highlighting that inactive children are sick children. According to the research, children who walk less than ten thousand steps per day run health risks to be diagnosed with chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. It  also reveals that most South African children currently find themselves in a critical stage of inactivity and he reckons that South Africa has, after America and Britain , the third highest obesity figure in the world. Monyeki’s ongoing 5-year follow-up research project that specifically focuses on the health and physical fitness activities of 14 year-old children started in 2010 and entails 310 high school learners being tested every year to ascertain whether an active lifestyle is lac...

We also heard from Dr Chevaan Hendricks - UCT’s Division of Cardiology and Groote Schuur’s Cardiac Clinic. We were talking about Cardiac Rhythm Disorders. It is said that Heart rhythm Disorders are often misunderstood and under - diagnosed. According to Dr Hendricks screening is the most important way of preventing arrhythmic cardiac events. Screening involves having your ECG taken. Dr Hendricks explained more about the symptoms and the available treatment. For more information you can visit your nearest hospital or if you have access to the internet then go to http://www.paceafrica.org.za/

We closed off with an interview with Dr Neil Horn – From UCT’s Psychiatry and Mental Health division. We were talking Bipolar disorder and bipolar Awareness day that takes place on Wednesday the 26 th of May. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning.   This is much less common than Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymia, and only 2% of the population is affected over a lifetime. Males and females are affected equally. On May 28 th there will be a Bipolar Awareness Workshop at Valkenberg Hospital from 10AM till 12PM. For more information email Dr Horn to neil.horn@uct.ac.za or call Suzanne on 084 293 3214.

In today's show, we spoke to Pamela Court - Education and Public Programmes Coordinator at Iziko Museums. We were talking about the International Museum Day, which is today. Iziko Museums and selected Planetarium shows are open for f ree (excluding the Castle of Good Hope ). In the digital era of new media, social networks and new technology, Iziko Museums is looking to the future. The theme: “ Museums in a Changing World. New Challenges, New inspirations,” contextualizes the role of museums in a changing society. A wide range of books, journals, posters and exhibition catalogues will be on sale at the annual book sale hosted at the Iziko South African National Gallery from 10:00 until 15:00. Films created by Big Fish Film School students will be screened at the Iziko South African Museum during the course of the day. Share your perspectives on the role and relevance of museums in the digital age with the President of the International Council of Museums South Africa a...

We were also joined by Jacqui the Poet. On Sunday the 20 th of May she is hosting a Power Tree Poetry Evening at iBuyambo Centre. The event will feature Omnyama, King Nova Miu, Vangile and Tshepang from BLK JKS on the decks. Tickets cost R50 and the event starts at 7PM but there’s an open mic session at 6PM. For more information contact 072 420 5205 or 081 289 6828. Nigel was in for the Arts Update.

We closed off with an interview with Luyanda Nguza-Shezi. Luyanda is a poet currently doing her masters in Heritage and Public culture at the University of Cape Town . She joined us to talk more about her poetry. You can catch her on Sunday at the Power Tree Poetry Evening at iBuyambo Centre. For more information or for bookings send an email to nguzan2000@yahoo.com or luyanda.nguza@uct.ac.za    

In today's show, we spoke to Yusuf Boda - Legal Manager at Legal & Tax. We were talking about retrenchments. According to Yusuf, the tight economy is putting workers and companies under enormous pressure and this leaves few workers safe from the risk of losing their jobs - whether they work in an office, a mine or a factory, and whether they work for a big company or small. Therefore, it is essential for all employees to understand their legal rights around retrenchment. He explained that if you believe your employer’s retrenchment procedure is unfair, you can also apply to the Labour Court for help, within 30 days after the employer’s notice. The Labour Court has the power to force the employer to comply with a fair procedure, prevent it from retrenching workers, and order it to award compensation to a worker. For more information on packages offered by Legal & Tax, visit http://www.legalandtax.co.za/ or contact their offices on 0860 587 587.

We also spoke to André Botha - An economist from Economists.co.za. He was speaking to us about government’s R5 billion youth wage subsidy for the unemployed which resulted in a violent stand off between the DA and Cosatu on Tuesday in Gauteng . The R5 billion youth wage subsidy for the unemployed announced by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan last year was due to be implemented last month but Cosatu's refusal to discuss the policy has resulted in its delay. In the policy, a company employing a worker between 18 and 29 years old would receive 50% of the worker's salary back from the taxman, provided the worker earned less than the personal income tax threshold, which was raised from R57, 000 a year to R59, 750. But Cosatu is arguing that the subsidy would exploit workers and result in companies retrenching older workers in favour of cheaper labour. Do you think it is a good or bad idea from the government?

Bruce Wade We closed off with an interview with Bruce Wade - Programme manager of Cape Town ACTIVA. He was speaking to us about the launch of their web portal that took place yesterday. The portal boasts a vast array of online resources, tools and links for those who want to start and develop a business or secure employment in Cape Town . This is an initiative of the City which aims to develop a world class entrepreneurship and job seekers ecosystem that transforms Cape Town into the entrepreneur’s city of choice on the continent and a city open for business for outside investors. For more information visit http://www.capetownactiva.com/ or send an email to admin@ctactiva.info

In today's show we spoke to Litha Nolutshungu - Western Cape chairperson of the South African Women in Construction (SAWIC). She was joining us to talk about the organisation and the Govan Mbeki award that SAWIC recently received from the WC MEC of Human Settlement. SAWIC is a National Association of women entrepreneurs, including women employed in all areas of construction, from the skilled trades to business ownership, with International Affiliation to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in America and Australia . For further information you can contact (012) 845 212 or visit www.sawic.org

We closed off with an interview with Sharifa Abdurahman and Aysha Zoutenberg - 3 rd year Engineering students at UCT speaking to us about GirlEng. GirlEng is a division of South African Women in Engineering aimed at attracting female students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 into engineering through three interactive sessions such as information sessions, workshops and mentorship sessions. They explained more about their 2012 programme. For more information visit www.sawomeng.org.za

In today’s show, we spoke to Kate Pawelczyk - UNICEF spokesperson. We were talking about the Believe in Zero Campaign. UNICEF is calling on all South Africans to unite behind the goal of zero violence against children. In the run up to Child Protection Week (which runs from the 28 th of May to the 3 rd of June), the newly launched campaign will highlight the role that everyone – not only the authorities – has to play in the protection of children. It is reported that, there are more than 54,000 reported crimes against children in 2010/2011, with sexual offenses making up about half of that figure, and these types of crimes are grossly under reported. With a strong presence in South Africa , UNICEF is a leading global advocate for children and believes that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF is driving the Believe in Zero initiative online. A specially designed   Facebook app   urges people to express their suppor...

We also heard from Albert Fritz - Western Cape MEC for Social Development joining us to talk about the importance of the International Day of Families. Today May 15 th , marks International Day of Families which provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. This year’s United Nations (UN) theme is Ensuring work family balance. The MEC delivered a keynote address at an event in Hangberg today in commemoration of International Day of Families. The day is an occasion to celebrate the importance of families to people, societies and cultures around the world. Several NGOs and other community organisations exhibited their services, all geared towards building stronger families in our communities.

We closed off the show with an interview with Fezeka Mehlomakhulu and Nicole Dunn - Joint second runner up of the 2012 moot court competition. The competition was held at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein which aims to empower and encourage young South Africans especially those in grade 10 and 11 to understand and relate to human rights principles. The team from Thengwe High School in Venda , Limpopo won the competition.

In today's show we spoke to Professor Brian Rayner - Head of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town. We were talking about hypertension and the importance of commemorating World Hypertension Day. Thursday May 17 th marks World Hypertension Day or High Blood Pressure. This year’s theme is Healthy Lifestyle – Healthy Blood Pressure. Known as the “silent killer” because there are rarely noticeable symptoms, hypertension affects about six million South Africans, about one in four people according to reports. World Hypertension Day is aimed at highlighting the preventable stroke, heart and kidney diseases caused by high blood pressure and to communicate to the public information on prevention, detection and treatment. For further information you can contact the Southern African Hypertension Society on (011) 463 5085 or visit http://www.hypertension.org.za/

We also heard from Francis Slabber - Audiologist at the Hearing Clinic. She joined us to talk more about hearing loss that affects people of all ages but more commonly among the elderly; however more young people are also experiencing it now. Hearing loss is usually described in terms of the Type, degree and configuration of it. There are three basic types of hearing loss such as Conductive which is when sound is not conducted effectively through the outer ear, the eardrum or the middle ear, Sensory-Neural which occurs when there’s been damage to the inner ear or to the auditory nerve running to and from the ear to the brain. Lastly Mixed losses that is a combination of conductive and sensory-neural losses. There might be some cochlear (inner ear) damage with some middle ear loss as well. For further information visit http://www.hearingclinic.co.za/ or send an email to francis@francisslabber.co.za

We closed off with an interview with Cheryl Vermeulen - Cystic Fibrosis sufferer. We were talking about Cystic fibrosis. It is a relatively common hereditary or genetic disease, which can have a devastating effect on health. Symptoms include excessive mucus production by the cells that line the lungs, the intestine, the sweat glands, the pancreas, the liver and the reproductive tract. The thick, sticky mucus produced by patients suffering from cystic fibrosis can block any one of the ducts in the above mentioned systems, for example it may clog the lungs to such an extent that the patient cannot breathe properly, while the mucus can also damage lung cells. For further information you can visit http://www.sacfa.org.za/