31 October - Gender - Sonke Gender Justice Network hosts Critical Thinking Forum on violence

In today's show, we spoke to Leo Mbobi - Trainer, Capacity Building and Community Mobilizer for Sonke Gender Justice Network. Sonke Gender Justice Network in collaboration with the Mail and Guardian hosted a Critical Thinking Forum entitled ‘Violence in South Africa: What can we do’ last night at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein. The forum was moderated by Xolani Gwala. For further information you can contact Sonke Gender Justice on (021) 423 7088 or visit www.genderjustice.org.za

Commission for Gender Equality is hosting a series of Policy Dialogues

We also heard from Dr Thabo Rapoo - Head of Research for the Commission for Gender Equality. The Commission for Gender Equality is hosting a series of Policy Dialogues with high-level decision makers from selected organs of state, government departments and other key stakeholders in the private and civil society sectors throughout the country. These dialogues aim to create awareness among, and secure concrete commitments from, senior-level policy makers and other stakeholders on how the Commission’s findings and recommendations on gender mainstreaming and promotion of gender equality will be adopted and implemented, and to ensure that effective mechanisms are put in place to enable the Commission to monitor progress towards the achievement of gender equality in South Africa. It will also relay findings and recommendations of the work conducted by the Commission on various areas such as gender equality in the water sector, employment equity, widowhood, education and land reform. For further information you can contact CGE on (011) 4037183 or visit www.cge.org.za

Men’s Journey to host a breakfast meeting

We closed off with Simphiwe Dyantyi – from 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. It was formally launched in July and on Saturday, 3^rd November they are hosting a breakfast meeting. Men's Journey aims to use this event as a feedback session on how much ground has been covered since the launch as well as mobilising for resources, inputs and comments on the operational plan going forward for the next 3 years. The event is happening at Clifford Storey Hall in Rosebank Methodist Church, Main Road Rosebank. Arrival is at 8:30AM and the program starts 09:00AM till 11:00AM. Donation is R50 per person. For more information contact Simphiwe on  082 932 8360 or Lubabalo on 084 533 3481 alternatively send an email to mensjourney.sa@gmail.com

30 October - Human Rights - Africa Unite is looking for Peer Educators

Shingai & Georgianna 

In today's show, we spoke to Shingai Maphosa - Human rights coordinator for Africa Unite and Georgianna Herbin. Africa Unite is a human rights and youth empowerment organisation that works with citizens, refugees and migrants to prevent conflicts, enhance social cohesion and promote socio-economic development. It was established in 2001 in response to violence against asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in New Cross Roads, in Nyanga a sprawling, impoverished, predominantly black townships on the outskirts of Cape Town in the Western Cape. The AU’s programmatic focus is on building the knowledge and skills of Human Rights Peer Educators, facilitating reciprocal learning exchanges with community-based and migrant led structures, and creating a platform for intercultural exchange and dialogue between local, refugee and migrant communities in South Africa. For more information you can contact Africa Unite on (021) 461 6551 or visit www.africaunite.org.za

ACCEDE pushes policy making and implementation

We also heard from Professor Lisa Thompson - Director of the African Centre for Citizenship and Democracy. The African Centre for Citizenship and Democracy at UWC’s School of Government is a research unit dedicated to constructive but critical examination of questions of governance and development from a citizen-centred viewpoint, prioritising the role of grassroots organisations and movements in their quest for more inclusive, democratic policies. Its research focuses on what we describe as the ‘hidden’ layer of policy making and implementation such as the level at which local government officials must interpret and concretise broadly defined policies relating to infrastructural development, social housing, water and sanitation provision and upgrading, among many others. For further information you can contact ACCEDE on (021) 959 3808 or visit www.accede.co.za

Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum to host a meeting over school closure

Graham Lindhorst

We closed off with Mr Graham Lindhorst - Chairperson of the Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum and Mr Paddy Attwell - Director of Communication at the Western Cape Education Department. We were talking about the Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum's concerns regarding what measures are in place to safeguard the school premises that the Western Cape Education Department is closing in December 31^st, 2012. The Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum is holding a meeting for all involved and affected by the closing of the four schools in their policing precinct to establish what processes are in place to ensure the safety of learners that will be going from Beauvalon to John Ramsay Secondary Schools and to safeguard the school premises that are closing. The CPF wants to be brought up to speed with regards to whatever plans are in place that will answer some of their concerns they might have especially in light of the crime patterns and hot spots in and around these schools that will close. They have invited the Department of Education in the Western Cape as well as the school management inclusive of the School Governing Bodies in the different schools to attend and brief the meeting with specific reference to the concerns raised above. It’s happening this week Thursday November 1^st, 2012 at the Bishop Lavis SAPS Parade Room starting at 7PM. For further information you can contact Graham on 082 532 5099.

26 October - Arts, Culture & Environment - Seth Williams releases “Journey to Love"

In today's show, we heard from Seth Williams - self-taught composer, producer, singer and songwriter. Seth’s music is said to be dubbed by many as “inter-galactic funk/jazz/hip hop” and being heavily influenced by 60’s and 70’s funk and jazz. His debut offering “Journey to Love” will be released today, 26^th October 2012 on Soundcloud. For more information on Seth check www.robbiirose.tumblr.com or www.soundcloud.com/robbii-rose or check him on twitter www.twitter.com/RobbiiRose

Namaqualand Colours Exhibition opens & Arts update

Laurence Savary – Curator of Namaqualand Colours Exhibition was Instudio. Namaqualand Colours is a group photography exhibition of Siegfried Schafer, Steven Smuts and Laurence Savary that opened last night at Cape Baptist, 23 Kloof Street. The idea is to share their experience of Namaqualand nature beauty with Cape Town potential visitors. The exhibition will also display some tourism business and opportunities. Companies wishing to be profiled at the exhibition can do so by contacting laurence.savary@telkomsa.net

 

We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas for the Arts update.

The 48 Hour Film Project hits Cape Town

Chule & Mukundi

We closed off with Chule Gobodo and Mukundi Lambani – From BrainBow Productions. We were talking about the 48 Hour Film Project. The 48 Hour Film Project, the world’s largest timed filmmaking competition, is coming to Cape Town for the first time this year challenging filmmakers to complete the entire filmmaking process – from writing, casting, shooting and editing – in only 48 hours. They are here till the 28^th of October. Tonight they will be at the Cape Audio College, Unit 8B The Waverley in Mowbray. For more information visit www.48hourfilm.com/capetown

25 October - Labour - Gugulethu emerging Entrepreneurs are invited to the Small Business Guide event

In today's show, we heard from Arthur Sishuba - Director of Universal Events and Communications to tell us more about the Small Business Guide event that they hosting today and tomorrow in Gugulethu. Universal Events and Communications is hosting the Small Business Guide which is calling on all unemployed matriculants, graduates and emerging Entrepreneurs of Gugulethu and the surrounding areas to visit Gugulethu Square whereby the Department of Labour and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will intact with young people who have great ideas and those who might have encountered challenges with regards to UIF or any form of compensation within the Department of Labour's jurisdiction. It’s all happening today and tomorrow from 10:00AM to16:00PM and ends on Friday at 14:30PM.

The Wardrobe Academy specialises in Personal Styling & Image Consulting

Allison Turnley-Bassett - Co-owner of the Wardrobe Academy was Instudio. The Wardrobe Academy was launched in 2008 and provides high calibre training courses and workshops in Personal Styling & Image Consulting, Fashion Styling and many other related fields such as Makeup artistry and Fashion Retail Skills. These intensive and comprehensive courses aim to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to pursue exciting and successful careers in the fashion or styling industries. For further information visit www.wardrobeacademy.co.za

Department of Labour to host UIF Registration Awareness Campaign

We closed off with Perseverance Mathebula - UIF Principal Communication Officer for the Department of Labour. He was speaking to us about their UIF Registration Awareness Campaign. The Campaign deals with UIF related issues such as Registration of companies, Declarations and compliance issues, U-filing, Virtual office portal and Training of Lay-Off-Scheme. These free sessions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday November 6 and 7 2012 at Protea Hotel in Saldanha Bay and The Pavilion Conference Centre, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town respectively from 9:00Am till 13:00PM. Employers are encouraged to attend and book their seat or RSVP before November 2, 2012. For further information you can contact Jackie Jacobs on (021) 441 8041 or send an email to Jackie.jacobs@labour.gov.za

24 October - Gender - Dr Christa van Louw nominated for 2012 IWEC Award

In today's show, we heard from Dr Christa van Louw - Executive Chairperson and CEO of All Seasons Milk (Pty) Ltd speaking to us about being one of the 2012 IWEC Award nominees. The International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) is an initiative of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Manhattan (New York) and FICCI (the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The mission of IWEC is to develop a global business network for successful women business owners, helping them gain and expand access to international markets. For more information visit www.iwecawards2012.com

New men's magazine to be launched

We also heard from Stanley Molefe – CEO of Moritha-Acho Media. We were talking about a new magazine they will be launching in December. Mzansi Men is said to be a bi-monthly urban lifestyle magazine that is specifically targeting Black men in South Africa. The content of the magazine is going to focus on current affairs, insightful discussions on money, fashion features and more. The magazine will also offer fascinating stories which addresses subjects of individual interest and offer unique voice. By "fascinating stories" it is meant that stories will be interesting, unusual, in-depth, provocative and original. Stanley is also looking for journalists to write for the magazine. For more information contact him on 072 073 7618.

Woodstock SAPS attends gender sensitivity training workshop

Sibusiso, Busi & Sergeant Malila

We closed off with Sibusiso Kheswa - Advocacy Coordinator for Gender DynamiX and Sergeant Hilton Malila - Spokesperson for Woodstock Police Station also on the line is Jacqueline Mbwana - Trainer and capacity builder for Sweat. We were talking about the gender sensitivity training workshop that they hosted recently for Woodstock Police.
Gender advocacy groups namely: Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce, the Women Legal Centre, the Triangle Project and Gender Dynamix recently hosted a training session withWoodstock police to reduce the stigma attached to sex work. The training came about after over 100 male, female and transgendered sex workers told Deputy Minister of Police Maggie Sotyu about their experiences and grievances when she visited SWEAT’s office two months ago. It consisted of defining gender, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and also explored the stigma attached to sex work in the policing context and explained the legal considerations when dealing with sex workers. For further information you can contact Gender DynamiX on (021) 633 5287 or visit www.genderdynamix.org.za alternatively SWEAT on (021) 448 7875 or www.sweat.org.za  

23 October - Human Rights - Early Childhood Development Achievers honoured

ABSA's Robynn King & Busi

Social Development's Melany Kuhn & Busi

On Sakhisizwe today, we were broadcasting live from the 2012 Western Cape Early Childhood Development Awards hosted at the Riverclub. The Awards highlight the need for a proper system of early childhood development, one that is integrated in its approach, by considering children’s health, nutrition, education, psychosocial and additional environmental factors within the context of their families and their communities. They recognise best practice in the sector through a provincial and national competition process. The awards are sponsored by ABSA, Department of Social Development and the National Development Agency.

Best Educare Centre Winner - Doris Sipondo (in flowered dress)

 

22 October - Health - Nutritional consultant explains more about Candida

In today's show, we heard from Nutritional consultant - Vanessa Ascencao. She was joining us to talk about Candida. Candida is the technical term given to naturally occurring yeast that resides within the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract which can cause all sorts of problems such as bloatedness, IBS, acne, infections, brain fog as well as a feeling of exhaustion and depression. symptoms include fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, poor immunity, abdominal bloating and flatulence, recurrent or persistent thrush and fungal infections of the skin and nails, allergies and food intolerances including wheat, cows dairy, sugar, coffee, skin irritations including psoriasis, eczema and acne, menstrual problems including abdominal cramping and bloating, depression, anxiety and irritability. She explained more. For more information contact vanessa@vdanutrition.com or visit www.vdanutrition.com

Flexivest Fourteen Research Centre is looking for volunteers

Caron Potocnik - A clinical psychologist at Flexivest Fourteen Research Centre spoke to us about her clinical trial. Flexivest Fourteen Research Centre is looking for individuals who are suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Depression to participate in their clinical study for at least 24 weeks that could help sufferers with their depression. Those eligible for participation must be able to read, write, speak English confidently or fluently, aged between 18 and 65 years old, male or female and not hospitalised. In addition they must have the first two of the following symptoms such as feeling sad most of the day and every day for the last 2 weeks, loss of interest or pleasure, and at least 4 or more of the rest namely, Appetite changes, Sleep disturbances, Psychomotor agitation or retardation, Decreased energy, Feeling of worthlessness or guilt, Decreased ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness and Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. For further information you can contact the research team on (021) 946 3347.

Stroke Survivors Foundation offers support to stroke survivors

We closed off with Charlene Murray - Founder of the Stroke Survivors Foundation speaking to us about the road to recovery after having a stroke. The foundation’s mandate is to create a national network that provides post-discharge rehabilitation and support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers. For further information you can contact Charlene on 082 889 1800 or visit www.strokesurvivors.org.za  

19 October - Arts, Culture & Environment - SAEP to host “Love the way you Art” Fundraiser concert

Marie & Kaye

In today's show, we were joined by Marie Sachet and Kaye Cloete - Arts Outreach Programme Coordinators at the South Africa Education and Environment Project. We were talking about the “Love the way you Art” Fundraiser event that will be hosted at the City Hall on the 26^th of October. SAEP established its Arts Outreach Programme in 2007 to provide an avenue for young people in Philippi to build skills and confidence, develop their creativity and engage with social issues through art and performance. This once-off benefit show will showcase all the richness of Cape Town’s cultural scene – from opera to hip-hop, folk, rock, and ‘Karoo’ blues, as well as award-winning performance poetry, and recitals from two of the city’s premier dance companies. Tickets are available for R80 (pre-sold), R100 (at the door), and R50 (student discount). To book, go to www.webtickets.co.za for more information contact their offices on (021) 447 3610 or visit www.saep.org

Greatmore Studios to host Animation workshop & Arts Update

We also heard from Meghan Judge – Facilitator of the Greatmore Studios Animation workshop. The workshop is for advancing artists who want to branch out and experiment with new ways in which to explore their existing artwork. The workshop runs over four Saturdays and covers an introduction to animation; the basic technical breakdowns of working with movement and timing; experimenting with stop motion techniques; using a light box to develop knowledge of stacked-layering for scene movement; and editing your footage for film. For more information please contact info@greatmoreart.org 

 

Nigel Vermaas was instudio for this week's Arts Update.

Philippi Children’s Centre opens a Children’s Library

We closed off with Helen Diedericks – Principal at the Philippi Children’s Centre. We were talking about the Children’s Library that was opened today. This Library is part of an ongoing relationship between the Philippi Children’s Centre and the Philippi community. According to Helen, the Centre is playing a vital role yet it is heavily dependent on donations so if you can donate books and computers or want more information you can contact her on (021) 370 0039 or send an email to helden@telkomsa.net 

18 October - Labour - Department of Labour to host Cape Town Job Summit and Fair

In today's show, we heard from Marten Leukes - Deputy Director of Public Employment Services for the Department of Labour. We were talking about the Cape Town Job Summit and Fair. The Cape Town Job Summit and Fair will see job seekers and employers come together and place those with the requisite skills in various areas of employment. This initiative by Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant is part of her drive to contribute to job opportunities. The Minister will host a breakfast session with stakeholders where she will outline the strategies and initiatives aimed at rebuilding the Public Employment Services (PES) and in addition provide a platform for employers and work-seekers to exchange and discuss mutually beneficial opportunities, experiences and challenges. The summit is next week Friday October 26^th at Cape Town International Convention Centre from 9:00AM till 17:00PM. For further information you can contact Marten on (021) 441 8009 or Vanessa on (021) 441 8080.

Tackling business and marketing strategies for SMMEs

We also heard from Hanns Bohle - Chairperson of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Small Business Development portfolio committee. He was telling us more about his role as management consultant with the Chamber specialising in business and marketing strategies for SMMEs. The Chamber’s Small Business Development portfolio committee creates a platform for the development and support of small businesses. It aims to inform and discuss matters relating to small business and to voice the concerns of small business by addressing their concerns with the relevant stakeholders, government departments or parastatals. For further information you can visit www.capechamber.co.za

17 October - Gender - Gender activist calls for female examiners

In today's show, we heard from Lucinda Evans - Director of Philisa Abafazi Bethu. We were talking about her concerns regarding the lack of female examiners and counsellors for rape survivors at Victoria Hospital. Evans believes women should have a say about who examines them especially rape survivors. She also pointed out that there are no trained counsellors at Victoria Hospital but said it’s not the case at other centres such as Khayelitsha Hospital. We also heard from Sithembiso Magubane - District Health Communications officer. For further information you can contact Philisa Abafazi Bethu on (021) 701 4717 or visit www.philisaabafazi.org

Sonke Gender Justice supports Medical Male Circumcision

We closed off with Leo Mbobi - from Sonke Gender Justice Network. He was speaking to us about the recent dialogue on Medical Male Circumcision that they hosted together with the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and Klipfontein Department of Health in Nyanga. Sonke strongly supports MMC as a measure for preventing HIV transmission since evidence shows that MMC can reduce the chances of infection by as much as 60%. Leo explained more. For further information you can contact Sonke Gender Justice on (021) 423 7088 or visit www.genderjustice.org.za

16 October - Human Rights - Africa Solidarity Network seeks volunteers to serve on the board

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Jean de Dieu Bakundukize – of the Africa Solidarity Network. Africa Solidarity Network is a non-profit organisation working with communities in building society. They are calling for people who have experience in fundraising, communications and good governance among others to serve on its voluntary board. For further information you can contact Jean on 073 905 6646 or send an email to asn2003@gmail.com

Cape Town Refugee Centre to host a Human rights education dialogue



 Shingai Maphosa

We closed off with an interview with Christina Henda - Director of Cape Town Refugee Centre and Shingai Maphosa - Human Rights coordinator for Africa Unite. They were speaking to us about the Human Rights workshop that they hosted last month and the upcoming dialogue on the importance of Human rights education. The workshop touched on the importance of Human rights education, Human Rights principle, Bill of rights (South African constitution), Categories of Human Rights, South African mandate towards the protection of Human Rights, Vulnerable groups (Women, children, elderly, people with disabilities and refugees), Sex and gender and Children’s rights. A dialogue is scheduled for October 26 as a follow up to the workshop. For more information you can contact CTRC on (021) 762 9670 or visit www.ctrc.co.za and Africa Unite on (021) 461 6551 or visit www.africaunite.org.za

15 October - Health - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dr Liana Roodt - A surgeon at Groote Schuur Hospital was Instudio to tell us more about breast cancer. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to the Cancer Association of South Africa, one in 29 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The month aims to urge all women to invest in their health by learning to detect breast cancer early. CANSA advises women to examine their breasts once a month during ovulation (preferably at the same time of day) for signs of breast cancer. Dr Roodt said women over 40 should have a mammogram at least every 2-3 years. Symptoms include difference in size of breasts, lumps, and unusual swellings, puckering of the skin, sores, pain and discharge. CANSA encourages all South Africans to make a difference in the lives of women by supporting National Breast Cancer Month in October. Wear a National Breast Cancer sticker or a pink ribbon and show that you support CANSA’s fight against breast and other female cancers. For further information you can contact CANSA on (021) 689 5347 or visit www.cansa.org.za

October 17th - 21st marks National Down Syndrome Awareness Week

We also heard from Dr Priscilla Springer - From Tygerberg Children’s Hospital. We were talking about the development of children with Down syndrome. October 17^th to the 21^st marks National Down Syndrome Awareness Week. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different. Dr Springer explained more about this condition. For more information you can contact the Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape on (021) 919 8533 or visit www.downsyndrome.org.za

October 20th marks the World Osteoporosis Day

We closed off with Tereza Hough – CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. According to reports, more than one-third of women over the age of 50 and nearly half of those over age 70 are affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in men is on the increase, and one in 5 men will develop this disease. For more information you can contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation at (021) 931 7894 or their Help line 0861 102 265 alternatively visit www.osteoporosis.org.za

12 October - Arts, Culture & Environment - IsiXhosa tutor needs a donor

In today's show, we were joined by Grant Solomon – Founder of Yizani Nonke. Grant offers free IsiXhosa lessons at Rondebosch Library every Thursday at 4PM and in Claremont Library at 5PM. He says he is currently struggling to do his work because someone stole his bicycle that he was using to travel to informal settlements and would love a donation from good samaritans. For more information you can contact him on 072 962 0734.

Kunjanimation Festival brings animation to the people & Arts Update

Daniel Snaddon

We were also joined by Daniel Snaddon - Kunjanimation Festival Director. The festival is organised by Animation South Africa and The French Institute of South Africa and aims to showcase and celebrate South Africa's emerging talents, while building bridges with the industry abroad. The festival will run from Wednesday, 17^th to the 21^st of October in Cape Town and 26^th to the 27^th of October in Johannesburg. All Screenings are to take place at the V&A Waterfront’s Cinema Nouveau and are free to the public. For the full schedule, go to www.kunjanimation.org


Nigel Vermaas was Instudio for the Arts Update.