29 February - Gender - Sparkling Women's Voices: The Words That Must Be Spoken

Cheryl Roberts – Publisher of Sparkling women was one of the guest on Sakhisizwe. Tonight she is hosting an event titled "Sparkling Women's Voices: The Words That Must Be Spoken". She says the event is where fabulous, intellectual, activist, women will be in dialogue and conversation and Sparkling Women publications will be celebrated, one being a collection of poems by ‘Free Gender Khayalitsha’ social justice and LGBTI activists and poets, ‘Sparkling Women’ online, the 11th edition and her book ‘Love, Pause, Life’. For more information you can check www.facebook.com/SparklingWomen

The Joint Gender Fund seeks to reduce GBV

We also spoke Tamara Braam - Gender Specialist at the Joint Gender Fund. The fund was established to improve the strategic impact and effectiveness of donors to address gender based violence and how it relates to HIV & AIDS and socio-economic empowerment in South Africa. The grant allocations will vary from R100 000 to R1 million depending on the capacity to effectively manage the grant. For more information contact their offices on (011) 726 1090 or go to www.jointgenderfund.co.za

28 February - Human Rights - SWEAT and Sisonke to commemorate International Sex Worker Rights Day with a nationwide march

In today’s show, we heard from Mickey Meji - Networking & Parliamentary Liaison Officer at the Sex Worker Education & Advocacy Taskforce and Zandile – From Sisonke, a national sex workers’ movement. To mark International Sex Worker Rights Day, SWEAT and Sisonke will be marching to five police stations nationwide, calling an end to the violence experienced by sex workers at the hands of the police on the 3rd of March 2012. The marchers will meet at the corner of Belrail Road and Charl Malan Street, opposite Bellville Middestad Mall at 10AM and will march to the Bellville Police Station. If you want to know more information about the march you can contact their offices on (021) 448 7875 or send an email to sisonkecapetown@gmail.com or kholib@sweat.org.za

First free children's hospice with accommodation for parents opens

We also spoke to Kim Ferroli - Highfield – Founder and CEO of Out of Africa Children’s Foundation. We were talking about the Children’s Centre, a newly opened hospice for children which also offers accommodation for parents. The centre was made possible by the City of Cape Town’s Social and Early Childhood Development Directorate in partnership with Out Of Africa Children’s Foundation. Kim says she has a vision of opening more houses like this throughout the country but would appreciate some donations. For more information send an email to big5@outofafricacf.org or contact her on 072 430 1818.

ICON promoting access to quality cancer care in SA

Our last interview was with David Eedes - Clinical Advisor for the Independent Clinical Oncology Network or ICON, an organisation that seeks to empower patients and broaden access to quality cancer care in South Africa. We were talking about consumers’ rights when it comes to understanding the terms and conditions of their medical aid coverage. For more information about ICON you can contact their offices on (021) 944 3750 or visit their website at www.cancernet.co.za

27 February - Health - How to treat a stomach ulcer the natural way

In today's show we were joined by Cali Dewberry. We were talking about Stomach ulcer, also referred to as the 'gastric ulcer'. It is said that the symptoms of stomach ulcer play a crucial role in the diagnosis of this condition. The problem however, is that these symptoms are often ignored as they are mistaken for stomach ache in the initial stages. Cali explained more on how one can treat a stomach ulcer using a natural product called Siberian Pine Nut Oil. She says the product can be used as a potential natural remedy for my digestive issues. Siberian Pine Nut Oil has been used for centuries in Asia and Europe as a remedy for gastritis and ulcers. It is a natural, unique and powerful source of antioxidants, antioxidant co-factors and building blocks. To find out more about the product contact her on 0861 88 88 39 or visit the www.theotheroption.co.za

24 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Baxter Theatre to host Hip Hop Kaslam & Arts Update

In today’s show, we were joined by Dat Sopazi – Founder and director of Hip Hop Kaslam. We were talking about Hip Hop Kaslam happening the on Saturday the 3rd of March at the Baxter Theatre Concert Hall. Hip Hop Kaslam returns for the Fifth time at the Baxter to showcase spaza, street slang and township lifestyle. The Baxter Theatre will provide buses to transport audience members to and from the show at no extra cost. Ticket prices are just R30 and booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite or Checkers. For further enquiries call Lady-p on cell 073 667 6647 or Dat on 079 086 4991, email pnkuzo@gmail.com or visit www.hiphopkaslam.yolasite.com

We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

The Nomadic Orchestra performs live on Sakhisizwe

We closed off with an interview with the Nomadic Orchestra. The Nomadic Orchestra is a five-piece instrumental dance band based in Cape Town. The primary goal of the Nomadic Orchestra is to get people moving. The band makes an infectious kind of high-energy dance music strongly influenced by traditional music from the countries of South-Eastern Europe: Macedonia, Romania and Serbia. We spoke more about their music. Tomorrow 25th February, they will be perfoming at the harvest festival in Tulbagh. For more information or bookings contact Sarah on 073 378 1657 or visit www.nomadicorchestra.com

23 February - Labour - Young Designer to be part of IBA-Global Young Entrepreneurs Programme

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Maloti Mothobi – Founder and Creative Director of Strato Wear. STRATO is a South African slang name for street. The brand offers a distinct ‘sport meets fashion’ lifestyle experience. The signature style is characterized throughout with a play of contrasting colours and trims on clean silhouettes, combined with style lines that give a trendsetting stylish look. Maloti has been selected as one of 14 candidates to participate in the IBA-Global Young Entrepreneurs Programme held in partnership with the US Department of State, Northern Nevada International Centre and Sierra Nevada College. The Programme affords young entrepreneurs the opportunity to take part in an intensive business development and mentorship programme at no cost to them, over a six week period at Sierra Nevada College. Maloti explained more on how she was chosen. For more information about her brand you can visit www.wearstrato.com

PIC: www.creativecapetown.net

21 February - Human Rights - Equal Education calls for Minimum Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Brad Brockman – From Equal Education. Later today Equal Education will picket outside Parliament regarding the need to gazette Minimum Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure. A memorandum of demands will be handed over to a representative of the National Treasury. Brad explained more. If you would like to find out more about what they do contact their offices on (021) 387 0022/3 or visit www.equaleducation.org.za

Drive More Safely to launch "Child safety in the vehicle" campaign

We also spoke to Alida Jones – CEO of Drive More Safely. The organisation was started by Alida when a motor vehicle accident claimed the life of her eldest son. The aim of this organisation is to train road users through education, using a magazine, a learner driver training centre and providing affordable learner-and driver license training to the underprivileged. On the 24th February they will be launching the "Child safety in the vehicle" campaign. The campaign aims to give the low-income family the opportunity to keep their child safe when on the road. Speakers include: Ashref Ismail (RTMC)
Prof. Sebastian van As (Red cross childrens hospital)
Nina September (Department Community Safety WC Directorate Road Safety Management)
Place: St. Margaret’s Anglican church hall
Cnr. Kommetjie road and 5th Avenue
Fish Hoek
Time: 18h30 for 19h00
Applicants for a child safety seat must earn less that R7500.00 per month and can apply for a child safety seat. These seats will be handed over at the launch. If you want to know more about the fund you can contact their offices on (021) 785 7656 or visit www.drivemoresafely.co.za

Lucille to host Community Building Workshops

We closed off with an interview with Lucille Greeff - Facilitator of the Community Building Workshops. The worshops are about the discovery of a community building methodology that builds social cohesion in communities and organisations. Participants engage with this methodology in such a way that, after the workshop, they are able to convene meaningful gatherings. Lucille explained more. The workshop is on the 1 & 2 March; 15 & 16 March 2012. For more information on the workshops contact Jolene (021) 913 3507 or jolene@symphonia.net

17 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Morten presents On the Edge of Wrong festival & Arts Update

In today’s show, we were joined by Morten Minothi Kristiansen - Norwegian musician and founder of the On the Edge of Wrong festival. The festival promotes improvised music as a search for "a music" which is immediate and unbound by stylistic conformity. This year’s festival line up includes and also about the kind of music they are doing. It will be held at the Mahogany Room, Commune 1, Cape Town & Theatre Arts Admin Collective, in Observatory, Pan African Space Station (PASS) from the 20th to the 25th of February 2012. Each night’s shows start at 7pm sharp. Tickets are R80. Festival passes are R300. Reserve tickets at www.edgeofwrong.com/2012 or for more information about the event you can contact Morten at 072 604 4052 or email minothi@gmail.com




We also heard from Nigel Vermaas for this week Arts update.

World of Birds recovering

We closed off the show with an interview with Walter Mangold – Owner at the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary. One of their goals is to bring wildlife to the people by establishing breeding centres and sanctuaries to show that wildlife and urban development can be compatible. Last year was a difficult year for the sancuary as they faced financial problems but Walter says they are recovering. For more information go to www.worldofbirds.org.za or contact (021) 790 2730.

16 February - Labour - WAR is taking the department of labour to court

In today’s show, we spoke to Ganief Hendricks – General Secretary at Workers against Regression 0r WAR. WAR fights for the rights of people with sensory and physical disabilities. They recently won a settlement against the government to get a Provident Fund a ground breaking achievement for the disadvantaged sector of the South African population but will be going to court soon regarding the same issue. For more information you can contact him on 082 780 2573 or send an email warunion@mweb.co.za

Sikhula Sonke talks about Farm workers minimum wage

We also heard from Afrieda Boesak - Deputy General Secretary at Sikhula Sonke - women led farm workers trade union. Last year the Department of Labour announced the annual minimum wage increase for all farm workers as defined in Sectoral Determination 13. The minimum wage increase was effective from the 1st of March 2011 till the 29th of February 2012 and all employers were obligated to increase their workers' wage. Afrieda explained more about the current minimum wage and what happens to the employers who do not comply. Remember the increase is not negotiable it is in acted by law. If an employer does not comply the employer is acting unlawfully. If you have any queries about the in the new Wage Increase, you can contact the union offices on (021) 883 3180 or visit the department of labour’s website to download the farm worker minimum wage tables www.labour.gov.za

15 February - Gender - One Man Can Wellness Centre to be launched in Gugulethu

In today's show we were joined by Patrick Godana - One Man Can National Manager. We were talking about the One Man Can Wellness Centre. Sonke Gender Justice Network in partnership with the City Health, Klipfontein district will be officially opening the One Man Can Wellness Centre in Gugulethu on Friday the 17th of February.

The services that will be rendered at Men’s Wellness Centre include the following;

· Information, Education Campaign.
· Men’s Health Clinical services
· Baseline on male involvement in primary care services
· Mobilising and organising community education
· Mass health campaign as per the health calendar e.g:Condom Week
· Street soccer events for healthy society
· Sessions with young initiates
· Medical Male Circumcision (MMC)
· PMTCT information with special focus on role fathers
· Counselling sessions
· HCT mass campaigns
For more information contact Simphiwe on (021) 633 3140 or Patrick on 073 233 4560.

14 February - Human Rights - AC Lifeskills Foundation looking at youth development and community empowerment

In today’s show, we heard from Achmat Adams – From the AC Lifeskills Foundation. The organisation focuses on youth development and community empowerment. They also involved in teacher training and student support programmes. Mr Adams explained more. For more information contact (021) 633 6510 or send an email to ac.lifeskills@gmail.com

Dimitri Jegels talks about the future of radio

And our last interview was with Dimitri Jegels. Mr Jegels is one of the first black voices to grace radio airwaves in South Africa. Yesterday we were celebrating World Radio Day. The Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio and enhance networking among broadcasters. Radio is recognized as a low cost medium, specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. We were talking about the evolution of radio.

13 February - Health - Endometriosis Society to be lauched

In today’s show, we spoke to Dr Nomathamsanqa Matebese – From the Cape Fertility Clinic. She joined us on the line to talk about the proposed new Endometriosis Society that will be launched during world endometriosis week. Endometriosis is a common disease that affects millions of women at the prime of their life but Dr Matebese explained more about the available treatment. For more Information you can visit www.endpain.co.za

10 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Dreamline Concepts going big and Arts Update

In today’s show, we were joined by Aaron Ntsabo and Mabooty Limekhaya - Co-founders of Dreamline Concepts. They are an event management, promotions, private parties, artist’s management and printing company based in Khayelitsha. They started the company while they were still in high school after they met at Samila Youth Group, in 2008. For more information check www.facebook.com/Dreamline-concepts

We also heard from Nigel Vermaas for this week Arts update.

Ben Ceasar talk about his upcoming debut album: Le Tigra

We closed off the show with an interview with Ben Ceasar - Caribbean born, Cape Town-based artist. We were talking about his debut album: Le Tigra. The album, which he describes as a 'mix of Hip-Hop and Electronica' is his first commercial release. For more information go to www.ben-caesar.com
www.facebook.com/bencaesarpage
www.twitter.com/ben_caesar
www.soundcloud.com/ben-caesar
www.rossgabriel.co.za
www.yourvoiceproductions.co.za

08 February - Gender - The Parent Centre to host a workshop on effective discipline for toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

In today's show, we heard from Pat Coombe. Pat will be facilitating a workshop on effective discipline for toddlers and Pre-Schoolers. The workshop will focus on gaining an understanding of young children’s behaviour; dealing with their very strong feelings manifesting in tantrums and aggression. The workshop will be hosted at the Parent Centre on Fridays the 10th and the 17th of February at 9h00 – 12PM. It costs R340 per person and R510 per couple. For more information you can contact Safura on (021) 762 0116 to register or e-mail her at safura@theparentcentre.org.za

Support available for Young Moms

We closed off with an interview with Tracy Engelbrecht – Founder of Young Mom Support. Young Mom Support is a social group of young mothers who meet monthly at The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre in Masiphumelele, Young Moms Support aims to provide a safe, healthy and non-judgmental environment for young mothers of all races, cultures, religions and family situations to socialize with their children. They will be meeting this coming Saturday from 9am. If you want more information about Young Mom Support you can contact her on 072 986 3105 or visit www.youngmomsupport.co.za

03 February - Arts, Culture & Environment - Encounters are calling for entries

In today’s show, we were joined by Andreas Spath – Head of Programming at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. The organisers of Encounters are calling for entries from South African and International filmmakers for the Festival. Deadline for submissions is the 23rd of March 2012. For additional information please to contact Nazeer Ahmed by sending an email to distribution@encounters.co.za or call (021) 465 4686 alternatively www.encounters.co.za

ASSITEJ SA to host World Day for Theatre for Children and Young People & Arts Update

We also heard from Yvette Hardie - Director of International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People SA. ASSITEJ SA aims to promote access to high quality theatre for all children and young people, to raise standards within the industry, to be an advocate for the right of every child to arts education in schools, and to build relationships within the sector locally, nationally, across the continent and globally in order to enrich the lives of children and young people. Every year ASSITEJ centres the world over celebrate the World Day for Theatre for Children and Young People on 20th March. For the next three years, the global association will be uniting theatres across the world in conveying one message: “Take a child to the theatre today”. Along with the campaign this year, ASSITEJ will be launching its ASSITEJ Youth Ambassador’s programme, which encourages youth leadership and participation in the activities of the association. ASSITEJ Youth Ambassadors range in age from 6 to 25 and are passionate spokespeople for the value of theatre in their lives. They form juries and award-panels, they are invited to ASSITEJ events/productions, and they participate in the work of the association. For more information call (021) 822 0070 or visit www.assitej.org.za

We also heard from Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

Virtual Jazz Reality to feature at Helderberg Nature Reserve’s Summer Sunset Concerts

We closed off with an interview with was David McDonald – Organiser of the Helderberg Nature Reserve’s Summer Sunset Concerts. This Sunday they will feature Virtual Jazz Reality. The band’s jazz repertoire includes over 100 original compositions (some of which have reached the top of the jazz charts) and all the popular jazz standards. The concert starts at 17:30 and tickets can be bought at the gate or at the Information Centre. The tickets cost R40 per adult and R10 for scholars and the price includes entrance to the Reserve. There is no admission fee for children under the age of five. Discounted season tickets are available at the Information Centre. Parking is available inside the Reserve. Bring your blankets and chairs, your friends and refreshments and come and enjoy the entertainment. Contact the Information Centre for more information (021) 851 4060 or visit www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za

02 February - Labour - Saving safely with stokvels

In today’s show, we were joined by Yusuf Boda - Legal Manager at Legal & Tax. We were talking about saving safely with stokvels. According to the National Stokvel Association of South Africa, there’s around 800,000 active stokvels in the country and they help around 10 million South Africans to save for a rainy day and manage their finances. Yusuf says a stokvel should be managed by a trustworthy chairman and treasurer, who will be responsible for keeping records and managing the bank account. But all members need to discuss how the money will be invested and agree about the risks they are willing to take on. For more information on packages offered by Legal & Tax, visit www.legalandtax.co.za or contact their offices on 0860 587 587.