31 July - Human Rights - Stakeholders tackle gangsterism

Ebrahim Francis and Hanif Loonat

In today's show we were joined by Hanif Loonat – Chairperson of the Western Cape Community Police Board, Ebrahim Francis – PAGAD’s working committee member, Charles Goredema – Reseacher at the Institute for Security Studies and Western Cape Police Commissioner - Arno Lamoer. We were talking about the recent upsurge of gang violence on the Cape Flats more specifically in Hanover Park and Lavender Hill. This has dominated the headlines over the last few weeks with communities, community leaders, law enforcements and provincial and national government divided over calls for the army to be deployed or not as a solution to end the bloodshed. According to media reports 23 people have died including 7 children in recent months due to gang violence. But the re-emergence of controversial group People Against Gangsterism and Drugs or PAGAD have vowed to end gangsterism because they are 1000 times more stronger now. The Provincial Commissioner and his team are asking the concerned communities to report gang member activities by calling his office or your local CPF chairpersons. They are also welcome to call Mr Loonat on 082 860 7863 or email him to loonats@iburst.co.za

rent2buy and My Budget Fitness to host free Homeowner property education session

We closed off with an interview with Meyer de Waal - Founder of rent2buy and My Budget Fitness. He was speaking to us about the Homeowner property education that they will be hosting in Mitchell's Plain. Rent2buy and My Budget Fitness was established by De Waal to address the challenges that potential home owners had to overcome in order to acquire their homes, together with establishing a track record and maintaining such. My Budget Fitness aims to assist, educate and mentor customers about lending rules that banks apply, how to establish, maintain and build your credit rating, the most effective plan to structure your credit, ways to avoid common borrowing mistakes, how to protect yourself against the risk of late payments and defaulting, how you should proceed if your borrowings have become legal debt, types of help/assistance you can access to eliminate legal debt, what you can do to have negative listings and judgments removed and the best ways to start building, or rebuilding your budget into a healthy financial budget and credit plan. They will be hosting free one hour discussions for aspiring home buyers on Saturday August 4^th, 2012 at the Liberty Promenade Mall from 10AM till 4PM. For further information you can contact Juanita on (021) 461 006 alternatively visit www.facebook.com/mybudgetfitness or www.twitter.com/budgetfitness

30 July - Health - Cancer prevention week commences on Wednesday

In today's show, we spoke to Dr Ronelle Uys - Principal Medical Officer in Paediatric Oncology and Haematology at Tygerberg Hospital. She was speaking to us about children’s cancer. It’s estimated that atleast half of all children with cancer in South Africa are never diagnosed due to a lack of knowledge regarding the disease amongst children and as a result of being diagnosed too late, when it’s already in an advanced stage, thus diminishing the possibility of successful treatment. Ironically, up to 77% of childhood cancers may be cured if detected early enough. The following are general symptoms of childhood cancers continued unexplained weight loss, headaches often with vomiting at night or early morning, increased swelling or persistent pain in bones, joints or back, lump or mass in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or arms, development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash, constant infections, a whitish colour behind the pupil, nausea that persist or vomiting without nausea, constant tiredness or noticeable paleness, eye or vision changes that occur suddenly and persist, recurrent fevers of unknown origin. For more information go to your nearest clinic or hospital.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week

We were also joined by Sister Louise Goosen – From Milk Matters. We were talking about Breastfeeding. This week we are celebrating the World Breastfeeding Week and the theme for this year is "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative". Milk Matters, is a registered Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation that feels very strongly about informing the public and all related parties of the advantages of breastfeeding.  It is reported that Breastmilk is the best food for a baby. Babies do not need any other foods or water, except breastmilk until they are 6 months old but Sister Louise explained more. For more information contact Milk Matters on (021) 659 5599 or visit www.milkmatters.org.za  

This week marks Rheumatic Heart Disease Week

Our last interview was with Professor Bongani Mayosi - Head of the Department of Medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town. We were talking about Rheumatic heart disease as we know that this week is the Rheumatic Heart Disease Week. According to the World Heart Federation, over 15 million people around the world suffer from the condition, which kills hundreds of thousands of people a year and is the most common acquired heart disease found among children and young people in developing countries. Rheumatic heart disease is a rare form of heart disease that typically affects children, that’s caused by having rheumatic fever, which itself is a complication from the strep throat bacteria. The inflammation from rheumatic fever causes the heart valves to become weaker and not push through the blood as they should, thus creating heart disease and also impacts on the skin, joints and nervous system. Several symptoms such as fever, swollen and red joints, nodules over the swollen joints, skin rashes, breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain, fainting attacks, palpitations and uncontrolled movements of facial muscles, legs and arms are associated with rheumatic heart disease as they start to appear typically one to six weeks after you are infected with strep throat. The best way to avoid rheumatic heart disease is to treat strep throat when your child (or you) has it by seeing a doctor immediately and begin antibiotic treatments because then it does not have the opportunity to turn into rheumatic fever and cause heart problems. For more information you can contact your local clinic or day hospital. 

27 July - Arts, Culture and Environment - MRA wants zero tolerance approach to metals theft and collusion

In today's show, we spoke to Mark Fine – From the Metal Recyclers Association of South Africa. The Metal Recyclers Association of South Africa is a collaboration of nearly 200 responsible metal recycling businesses and dealers which represent around 300 metal recycling yards situated around the country. They collect and process 80% of all metal for recycling in South Africa for beneficiation locally and abroad. They also regularly, willingly partner with law enforcement and other institutions in a zero tolerance approach to metals theft and collusion. We were talking about the role of the association and how the new Second Hand Goods Act which is aimed at regulating all second-hand goods dealers and pawnbrokers in a bid to limit the trade in stolen goods, and encourage ethical standards in the industry will help combat metals theft in South Africa. For more information visit www.mra.co.za

Alliance Française to host French Film Festival in South Africa & Arts Update

We also spoke to Dr Ludmila Ommundsen - Director of Alliances Françaises of Cape Town and Mitchell’s Plain. We were talking about the French Film Festival in South Africa they will be hosting in partnership with Unifrance & Sterkinekor. The event is organised as part of the France-South Africa Seasons 2012. This year’s programme includes a medley of the finest films for all tastes and moods ranging from drama to comedy and historical movie. It’s happening between the 1^st to the 5^th of August at Cinema Nouveau at the V&A Waterfront. Please note that all bookings are with Cinema Nouveau only. Tickets on sale as for any other movie on www.sterkinekor.com. For more information contact (021) 423 56 99 or visit www.alliance.org.za 

Nigel Vermaas was instudio for this week's Arts update,

Catch International Guitar Night tonight at the Baxter

We closed off with an interview with Tony Cox – Acoustic guitarist. We were talking about the International Guitar Night. Tony says the IGN’s main focus is on those players who use their right-hand fingers to individually pluck the strings creating bass, rhythm, melody and percussive lines all at the same time, similar to a mini-orchestra coaxed out by the fingers of the right hand. "This technique makes for mesmerising and exhilarating music", he said. It’s happening tonight at the Baxter theatre featuring multi-award winning acoustic guitarist and composer Michael Fix from Australia with Cape Town Jazz Maestros Alvin & Errol Dyers and Tony Cox. It’s happening tonight and tomorrow at 20:30PM. Ticket cost R185 with discounts for students at R165 and senior citizens at R150. For more information visit www.baxter.co.za or call (021) 685 7880.

26 July - Labour - Charles Batte flying the African flag high

In today's show, we spoke to Charles Batte - Social entrepreneur and winner of Your Big Year. He was speaking to us about his inspiring journey and social entrepreneurship. Charles hails from an impoverished community in Uganda and is currently visiting the country to inspire and help young South Africans succeed. Batte won the competition in April this year after being selected from a field of 63 000 applicants from 221 countries and made the finalist list of just 16 candidates, being one of only two Africans. He aspires to become a world leading cardiothoracic surgeon while currently a student of Human Medicine and Surgery at Makere University and Minister of Health for the University’s guild council after winning a scholarship. As the Your Big Year ambassador, he has embarked on a worldwide tour to spread the message of social entrepreneurship whereby he will assist in a community project in each country he visits and at the end of his tour, allocate a $50 000 donation to one of the projects. The South African project chosen to be in the running for the prize is Africa Impact, which is the largest on-the-ground facilitator for volunteering in Africa, offering a wide range of both community and conservation projects. For more information visit www.smallerearth.com or www.yourbigyear.com

July is the National Savings Month

We also spoke to Elizabeth Lwanga-Nanziri - CEO of the South African Saving Institute. 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’s theme is "changing mindsets towards financial freedom: Save now". Elizabeth explained more. For more information visit www.savingsinstitute.co.za

Capaciti1000 internship programme invites unemployed graduates

Akhona, Thando, Vuyo & Nancy

We closed off with an interview with Nancy Mina - Capaciti1000 Programme Director, Thando Sipuye - Media, Marketing and Events assistant, Vuyo Moni - 2012 IBM programme intern and Akhona Ngoma - speaking to us about their recruitment for the Capaciti1000 internship programme. They run an internship programme called capaciti1000 which is a training, internship and intern support to fast-track non-IT graduates into IT careers in critical short supply, as well as to address systemic challenges that restrict the supply of high quality, employable, "industry ready" Information Systems, Computer Science, Informatics and Software Engineering graduates. They currently are recruiting for their SAP and IBM programs for next year. The Cape IT Initiative was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization to develop and support the ICT industry in the Western Cape. For further information you can visit www.capaciti1000.org.za or check them on facebook or follow @CapaCITi1000 on twitter.

25 July - Gender - Women on the Move Arts and Crafts Club

In today's show, we spoke to Magda Beukes - one of the founding members of Women on the Move Arts and Crafts Club. She was speaking to us about what they do as they celebrate their 10^th year anniversary. Women on the Move Arts and Crafts is a seniors citizen group offering a unique range of painted fabrics, basket ware, woven mats and carpets and various other textile crafts to empower other women. They are inviting Mitchell’s Plain residents to their 10^th year anniversary by taking a bus trip with them to Namaqualand from Friday August 31, 2012 until Sunday September 2, 2012. Tickets cost R800 each including accommodation and meals. For further information you can contact Magda Beukes on (021) 371 2009 or 072 738 1429.

Men’s Journey initative to be launched

Lubabalo & Simphiwe

We were also joined by Lubabalo Quluba and Simphiwe Dyantyis – from the Men’s Journey. The initiative is aimed at opening up space for dialogue and conversation amongst men of all races and ethnical groups regarding the issues affecting and caused by men, as well as men’s behaviours and ways of doing things within our society. They will be formally launching this coming Saturday at the Grandwest Casino. Guest speakers include Pastor Sipho Zondi, Dr Khadija Omar and Mpumelelo Tshume. For more information contact Lubabalo on 084 5333 481 or Simphiwe on 082 932 8360 alternatively send an email to mensjourney.sa@gmail.com   

The DTI is calling for Technology for Women in Business awards nominations

We also heard from Ntombi Shangase - Director of Gender and Women Empowerment at the Department of Trade and Industry to tell us more about their call for nomination of Technology for Women in Business (TWIB) award that is now open. Technology for Women in Business (TWIB) is an initiative of the DTI that has given hundreds of women the opportunity to apply technology to support and grow their businesses which has largely contributed towards mainstreaming women’s businesses within the broader South African economy. The Department of Trade and Industry is inviting South Africans to nominate women entrepreneurs who systematically use technological innovation and creative know-how for business growth and positive economic impact on the broader economy. The nominations should be in the following three categories: Micro/emerging companies and projects; Small companies; and Medium companies and in addition nominee’s enterprise must be owned by a South African citizen, a formally registered company that has been operating for two years or more, 60% owned by women, and a profit-making enterprise. Nominations close on Wednesday August August 15^th, 2012 and prizes range from ICT business solutions, hard and software products, as well as entrepreneurial business support. For further information you can contact Mahlako on (012) 394 5825 or visit www.thedti.gov.za

Sistaz Hood fighting for transgender women sex workers

Eunice & Gulam

We closed off with an interview with Eunice April and Gulam Petersen - Coordinators for Sistaz Hood to tell us more about transgender women sex workers who are victims of hate crime. Sistaz Hood is a transgender sex workers support group hosted at SWEAT in Observatory. The group is one of the largest known organised gatherings of transgender people in South Africa on a regular basis as members also do advocacy work whereby they document the typical situations of the average black transgender woman of South Africa. For further information you can contact (021) 448 7875 or the Helpline on 0800 60 60 60 alternatively visit www.sweat.org.za

24 July - Human Rights - Living Ark Foundation empowers the youth

Fezeka and Lonwabo

In today's show, we were joined by Lonwabo Gude and Fezeka Stuurman – From the Living Ark Foundation. The aim of the foundation is to help out previously disadvantaged children by providing weekend classes. Their project includes offering computer science, arts & culture activities, filmmaking skills, leadership skills, mentorship & career guidance programmes. They explained more about the projects they have. All activities initiated and implemented by the foundation rely on funding and donations. A donation received, no matter how big or small, will change the lives of the children they work with, so if you would like to donate or volunteer your services contact Fezeka on 081 736 7907 or send an email to livingarkfoundation@gmail.com

ENS to host free legal education session in Khayelitsha

We also spoke to Luvo Makasi - An associate at Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs. He joined us to talk about the free legal education session that he will be presenting on evictions, wills and estates in Khayelitsha. Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs will be hosting a free legal education session explaining evictions, wills and estates next week Tuesday July 31^st, 2012 at Sikhula Sonke at 35-903 Cephe Crescent, Harare in Khayelitsha from 10AM. Those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive on time to guarantee a seat as the session will last for approximately 2 hours. For further information you can contact Sharon Brink on (021) 397 4241 or send an email to sbrink@ens.co.za

Nicro calls for collective effort against gangsterism

We closed off with an interview with Jacques Sibomana - Communications manager at the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders or Nicro. We were talking about the polemic around gangsterism following the debate around whether the army should be deployed in Lavender Hill and Hanover Park or not in response to the recent gang surge. Nicro believes there is no quick fix, nor only one best way to resolve this social ill, however, for the immediate short term, we need to find a rapid way of bringing matters under control and stability to these communities. For further information you can contact Nicro on (021) 462 0017 or visit www.nicro.org.za

23 July - Health - Schizophrenia is treatable

In today's show, we were joined by Dr John Stanley Parker - Specialist in Psychiatry at Lentegeur Hospital and senior lecturer for UCT’s Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health. We were talking about Schizophrenia. July 26^th marks National Schizophrenia Day and it is reported that approximately 1% - 2% of the world's population has the condition with onset usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 30 and, although not curable, it’s treatable. Schizophrenia is a severe, lifelong brain disorder. People who have it may hear voices, see things that aren't there or believe that others are reading or controlling their minds. In men, symptoms usually start in the late teens and early 20s. They include hallucinations, or seeing things, and delusions such as hearing voices. For women, they start in the mid-20s to early 30s. Other symptoms include: Unusual thoughts or perceptions, Disorders of movement, Difficulty speaking and expressing emotion,Problems with attention, memory and organization. According to Schizophrenia.com, There is currently no physical or lab test that can absolutely diagnose schizophrenia - a psychiatrist usually comes to the diagnosis based on clinical symptoms. For more information visit your nearest psychiatric hospital or www.schizophrenia.com

July 28th marks World Hepatitis Day

We were also joined on the line by Dr Waldemar Szpak - Clinical oncologist and Chairperson of the South African Oncology Consortium to tell us more about hepatitis. On Saturday, 28^th 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 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. Dr Szpak explained more about the signs and symptoms. For more information contact your nearest clinic or the World Hepatitis Alliance at www.worldhepatitisalliance.org  

July 25th is the National Osteoarthritis Day

We closed off with an interview with Professor Asgar Kalla - Head of the rheumatology department at UCT’s department of medicine. We were talking about Osteoarthritis. Wednesday the 25^th of July is the National Osteoarthritis Day. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis caused by the inflammation, breakdown and the eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. 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. Prof explaines more about available treatment. For further information visit www.arthritis.co.za 

20 July - Spier Arts Academy is offering bursaries

In today’s show, we were joined by Tammy Job - HR Officer at the Spier Arts Academy. They have launched their annual Spier Arts Academy’s recruitment campaign and are offering 25 bursaries for the employment-based training in professional mosaic. The employment-based training provides apprentices with the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with specially chosen artist and learn professional art practices by association - learning to scale, quantify and systematically manufacture large mosaic pieces over a period of time. The Academy welcomes school leavers who are eager to start their creative careers, as well as more experienced candidates with a creative background wanting to broaden their artistic skillset. Dedicated students with an avid interest in art and a commitment to learn are encouraged to apply at the Academy. Visit the open days on Friday, the 3^rd of August 10:00-17:00PM and Saturday the 4^th of August 10:00 – 14:00PM. Application deadline is the 1^st of October 2012. Application forms can be returned by email, fax, post or hand delivered at the Union House, 25 Commercial Street in Cape Town. For more information contact (021) 465 9029 or send an email to info@spierartsacademy.co.za alternatively visit www.spierartsacademy.co.za

The Photographers Gallery presents "Encounters at the Edge" & Arts Update

We were also joined by David Lurie – International renowned photographer and Naomi Menyoko – From the Photographers Gallery za. David is an established photographer with many major solo exhibitions both in South Africa and abroad.  We were talking about his first solo exhibition currently up at the Photographers Gallery za. The exhibition is said to be strongly centred on architecture, places, spaces, formal and informal dwellings and structures found on the periphery of our urban centres. It explores the living conditions for those living on the edge, as well as the marginalised living in the centre of our society. It is curated by Heidi Erdmann and will travel to Bekris Gallery in San Francisco in November this year. David’s photographs have been selected for two prestigious art fairs, Zurich International Art Fair in October and Miami Photo in December. The exhibition will run till the 25^th of August 2012. If you want more information about the exhibition, you can contact the Photographers Gallery za on (021) 422 2762 or visit www.erdmanncontemporary.co.za

Nigel Vermaas - our arts fundi was in with this week's Arts Update.

Root to Grow School Veggie Gardens brings hope to schools

We closed off with an interview with Pieter Strauss – Founder of the Root to Grow School Veggie Gardens. Pieter was talking about how Root to Grow has helped schools in the city create their own sustainable vegetable gardens and how, in so doing, educated the children about issues including sustainability, pollution, nutrition, responsibility, being eco-friendly and about nature. Most recently, Root to Grow was involved in developing a veggie garden at the Oranjekloof Primary School at Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay. For more information you can contact him on 072 421 3659 or send an email to pjs13@live.com

19 July - Labour - Isigodlo Community Movement Foundation to launch "Support Township Economy Campaign"

In today's show, we spoke to Zweli Hlongwane – President of the Isigodlo Community Movement Foundation to tell us more about their Support Township Economy Campaign. The Isigodlo meaning Royal House Community Foundation was founded in 2007 as a direct response to the ever growing need for African people to reconnect with their culture, and free themselves from social and economic bondage. The foundation will be launching the Support Kasi Economy Campaign on September 23^rd, as part of their 2012 Afrika New Year celebrations in order to highlight the economic plight of township communities and supporting their economies by requesting all South Africans to spend their money in a township closets to them on that day.  For further information you can contact Zweli on 082 578 0266 or send an email to zweli.hlongwane@vodamail.co.za

ENS to host education session on the the National Credit Act

We also heard from Justine Hoppé - Senior associate at Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs to tell us more about the free legal education session regarding the National Credit Act that they will be hosting next week. Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs will be hosting a free legal education session explaining The National Credit Act next week Tuesday July 24^th, 2012 at 1 Naboom Street in Eastridge, Mitchell’s Plain from 10:00AM. Those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive on time to guarantee a seat as the session will last for approximately 2 hours. For further information you can contact Sharon Brink on (021) 397 4241 or send and email to sbrink@ens.co.za

Cape Chamber to host a “Doing Business in Africa” Seminar

We closed off with an interview with Michael Bagraim - President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was speaking to us about the “Doing Business in Africa” Seminar that they will be hosting next week. The seminar is hosted in association with First National Bank and Rand Merchant Bank to ultimately assist ­companies who are considering the continent as a new market by looking at logistics, opportunities and how to mitigate risk in the region. The seminar is taking place next week Wednesday July 25^th, 2012 from 8:30am till 16:30pm and on Thursday July 26^th, 2012 from 9:00am to 12:30pm. A cocktail or networking function will follow from 16:30pm till 18:00pm on Wednesday and a panel discussion will be included. For further information you can contact Denis Kolbe on (021) 402 4300 or send an email to denise@capechamber.co.za

18 July - Gender - Bancedeni Centre is looking for foster mothers

In today's show, we spoke to Gloria Ntsede - Social auxiliary worker for Cape Town Child Welfare's Bancedeni Centre. She was speaking to us about their call for women to be foster mothers. Bancedeni Centre is inviting women who are interested in temporarily opening up their homes to children who have been abused or abandoned as they will be providing training for those interested. Interested women can become a foster mother by contacting CTCW, completing an application form and returning it with names of two references and a copy of the identity document. Candidates will undergo a screening process which includes a home visit and an interview with the whole family. Thereafter if found suitable and CTCW accepts you as a successful candidate, you will undergo training and go on a waiting list until a child needing a foster home becomes available. For further information you can contact Gloria or Phezisa on (021) 387 0164 or visit their offices in Site C behind the Khayelitsha fire station.

CGE congratulates Inkosi VT Dube and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini - Zuma

We also heard from Javu Baloyi - Spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality. He was speaking to us about the two recent appointments namely Inkosi VT Dube as the first woman chairperson of the Uthugulu House of Traditional Leaders and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on her election as the first woman chairperson of the African Union Commission. The CGE congratulates both women on their election as the appointments in so many ways contributes towards gender equality and equity and therefore will definitely help to enhance the status and role of women in society. It believes Inkosi Dube’s election comes at a critical time wherein patriarchy is being cited as one of the drawback towards an attainment of gender equality in the country and therefore they hope that she will use her position to advocate and lobby for a society free from gender oppression and inequality. They also hope with Dr Dlamini at the helm that the implementation of resolution 1325 will be appropriately implemented during peace keeping missions in Africa. For further information you can contact CGE on (021) 426 4080 or visit www.cge.org.za