Giving a Voice to the “Forgotten Voices”

Understanding Addiction Through the Eyes of Families  conversations around addiction often focus on the individual struggling with substance use. But behind every person battling addiction is a family quietly carrying emotional pain, stress, fear, and uncertainty.

In a radio interview, Saadia Jackson Cassiem shed light on the realities families face when living alongside addiction and why their voices matter just as much. With nearly two decades of experience in social work, addiction recovery, and family support, Saadia has dedicated her life to helping families navigate some of their darkest moments. Her work focuses not only on individuals using substances, but also on the mothers, fathers, siblings, spouses, and children who are deeply affected by addiction every single day. 

From Chemical Engineering to Social Work Interestingly, Saadia’s journey into social work was never part of the original plan. She initially studied chemical engineering before changing direction and pursuing social work at the University of the Western Cape. What started as an unexpected career path eventually became a calling. Her first role at the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre exposed her to the realities of addiction recovery. Later, while working at the Matrix Drug and Alcohol Centre, she began noticing something important: more family members were seeking help than the individuals struggling with addiction themselves. This realization shaped the direction of her work. Addiction Affects the Entire Family One of the most important messages shared during the interview was that addiction never affects only one person. It impacts the entire family system. Parents often arrive desperate for solutions, hoping someone can “fix” their child or loved one. But according to Saadia, recovery is far more complex than simply placing someone into rehabilitation. 

She explained that families frequently experience: Anxiety and emotional exhaustion Shame and stigma from the community Financial Strain Health problems caused by stress Feelings of helplessness and isolation Many parents blame themselves, wondering where they “went wrong,” while others fear judgment from their communities. This stigma often prevents families from asking for help early enough. The Importance of Education According to Saadia, one of the biggest challenges is that many families do not fully understand addiction or recovery. There is a common belief that if a person truly wanted to stop using substances, they simply would. But addiction is far more complicated. Without proper education, families struggle to protect themselves emotionally and make informed decisions.

Saadia believes education is the first step toward healing. Families need to understand: What addiction actually is, How recovery works, What healthy boundaries look like, How to support a loved one without enabling destructive behavior,  She emphasized that understanding addiction helps families regain a sense of control over their own lives and environments.  

The interview also explored the impact addiction has on children growing up in unstable environments. Exposure to substance abuse, violence, trauma, or emotional neglect can deeply affect a child’s development. Saadia highlighted the importance of open communication between parents and children, especially during adolescence. Rather than only saying “don’t do drugs,” she believes young people should be taught how to make informed decisions by understanding consequences, risks, and healthy coping mechanisms. Creating safe spaces for honest conversations can help prevent substance abuse before it starts. 

 Who Are the “Forgotten Voices”? Saadia refers to family members affected by addiction as the “forgotten voices.” While the focus is usually on the individual using substances, families are often overlooked despite carrying enormous emotional burdens themselves. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and spouses frequently lose parts of themselves while trying to save someone they love. Their pain is often invisible. Saadia’s work aims to remind families that their well-being matters too. They deserve support, healing, and recognition in their own right, not only as caregivers to someone struggling with addiction.

A Message of Hope For families currently facing addiction at home, Saadia shared an important reminder: "you are not alone. Healing begins when families recognize their own value and understand that their happiness cannot depend entirely on another person’s choices. Breaking the silence around addiction, challenging stigma, and seeking support are powerful first steps toward recovery, not only for the individual, but for the entire family". 

For support and assistance, families can contact Saadia Jackson Cassiem through her platforms under

@Insta Foundation CARESW.

WhatsApp: 065 943 1213

Trust the process , for instance don't quit when you have not work for one day

On Sakhisizwe- Building the nation- Bou die nasie we had the pleasure of speaking to an Entrepreneur discussing her journey, battles she fights to start her own business in order to create sustainability. The challenges she has and including how to run a business and believing in yourself until you make it.

Yonela Blorho also known as Umama ka Palisa an Entrepreneur and loving mother of two kids all the way back from Ekhayelitsha, Enkanini close to Barden Powell Road. The community knows her as she serves the delicious plates of sausages and including the beloved umbengo braai cow meat that keeps people coming back again and again, she also has her own braai place by the circle.

Maka Palisa didn't just became an entrepreneur she started as a security but because of the love she had to have something of her own ignited the fire for starting her own business.  Even on her leave and holidays during December she was doing business and she saw it makes her money and she would survive, that's where she saw an opportunity to become an entrepreneur.

We touched on many things during our conversation as she said business is win and lose, you can work today and you cannot tomorrow and to people who want to start their own they need to be patient, you must also have a heart for peoples.

                                       

 

   

You must also be popular amongst everyone and don't be rude, greet, treat your customers equally and so you can build yourself your own business.

People who want to start their own businesses what they can do to make a successful business, Maka Palisa shared "even it’s not easy to work with people and to start a business, and you need to build your self-confidence and people are not the same. So you need to trust the process, for instance don't quit when you have not work for one day."

Which is actually good that's what you need as a person, have courage on what you want and it helps a lot starting your own thing from scratch till you make it.

Further more Maka Palisa was saying '' It’s hard to find jobs, what I can advise to the youth is that if you have something you can do with your own two hands, anything, you need to be serious about it and what you are doing ''.

It was such an honour to speak to one of the hero's from our community's as Bush Radio 89.5 Fm, Yonela Blorho. As we went deep into her business journey.

 As individuals from the community we need to stand up together and support this kind of businesses. Remember a person is a person through other people.

It was such an amazing experience to hear how business woman such as Yonela, survive out there as she gets to serve every customer, the delicious meat and sausage. 

Written by: Mesuli Dumke

Beyond the Pavement : Singabalapha and the Battle for Spatial Justice

 For many people, a home is more than just a roof over their heads it is access to work, education, healthcare and opportunities . For members of the Singabalapha community, the fight for housing in Cape Town’s city centre is about protecting those opportunities and challenging what they believe is the continued exclusion of Black people from the CBD.

Founded in 2022, Singabalapha is a housing movement made up of residents who have occupied vacant buildings and land in an effort to secure affordable housing close to places of employment. Since its formation, the group has faced repeated evictions, arrests and ongoing legal battles, yet its members remain determined to stay in the city rather than be relocated to the outskirts of Cape Town.

“Our aim is to get houses in Cape Town, not far away from the places of employment and everything,” one of the community leaders Babra explained during an interview. The community says it has occupied several vacant properties over the years, including Conradie Hospital, Military land in Blue Downs, Department of Education hostels in Harfield Road and the former Arcadia old-age home.

Each occupation ended in arrests or eviction, but the movement continued searching for a permanent solution within the CBD.Babra said these experiences reflect a much larger issue of spatial inequality that continues long after apartheid.

“They always send us to the peripheries,” she said, referring to communities being relocated to areas far from jobs, transport and essential services.

Today, Singabalapha’s current occupation site remains at the centre of another legal dispute. While residents wait for a court hearing that is to be held on Tuesday 28 July 2026. They continue living under extremely difficult conditions. They have no reliable access to water, toilets or electricity, and nearby construction has created dangerous living conditions. The leader described how dust from ongoing developments affects residents daily, particularly those with respiratory illnesses, while falling stones from construction sites pose a constant safety risk.“We are living with dust every day, and it is dangerous. Some of us have asthma, and we don’t even have proper access to water,” she said.

Residents say the City of Cape Town has proposed relocating them to temporary tent accommodation, but the community rejected the offer, arguing that it would compromise privacy, dignity and the safety of children.
“We rejected the tent proposal,” Babra said. “There is no privacy, and it is not a safe place for families.”

Beyond demanding shelter, the movement argues that housing should allow people to remain connected to employment, schools and healthcare. Community members have also researched vacant land within the CBD, believing there is enough available space to accommodate affordable housing if the City chooses to act.

Fortunately for the Singabalapha community they are receiving advocacy from a public organisation known as Ndifuna Ukwazi . It is a South African no profit advocacy organization established in 2011. The organisation focuses on advocating for affordable housing in well-located urban spaces and challenges spatial injustice in Cape Town.
The organization continues to help the Singabalapha community to challenge eviction orders through the courts and hopes the upcoming High Court hearing will recognize its right to remain. If unsuccessful, the group says it is prepared to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Perhaps the movement’s strongest message is that housing is not simply about buildings, but about belonging.

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe

Women Urged to Take Heart Health Seriously

 Women are being encouraged to prioritise their cardiovascular health and not ignore warning signs that could point to heart disease or stroke. Speaking on Bush Radio, Prof. Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, highlighted the importance of prevention, regular health checks and healthy lifestyle choices on our Sakhisizwe show.

 

Prof. Naidoo explained that cardiovascular disease includes both heart disease and stroke, with risk factors ranging from family history to high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet, lack of physical activity and ongoing stress. She warned that cardiovascular conditions are increasingly affecting younger people, with strokes now being seen among people in their 40s.

 

She also highlighted specific risks women may face during pregnancy and menopause. High blood pressure during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious complications, while hormonal changes during menopause can also make women more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.

 

Prof. Naidoo encouraged women to make affordable lifestyle changes, even without access to a gym. Walking, exercising at home and strength training can all contribute to better heart health. She also urged women to make time for self-care, saying that looking after their own physical and mental health is essential. “It’s so important for every woman to have self-care.”

 

The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa continues to run awareness and education programs throughout the year, with September marking Heart Awareness Month and October focusing on Stroke Month.

For more information, contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation on 021 422 1586 or visit https://www.heartfoundation.co.za/. 

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe

Finding Your Voice: Enkosi Camagu on Music, Collaboration and the Power of Expression

 Music is more than entertainment for many artists, it is a way of telling stories, expressing emotions and connecting with people. On Sakhisizwe, we sat down with soulful singer and songwriter Enkosi Camagu, an artist from East London who is signed to Lekasi Records and continues to develop his craft through arts development at Acme Arts Works.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Camagu spoke about how far he has come and the people who have supported him along the way. For him, the journey has not always been easy, but the challenges have helped him grow both as an artist and as a person.“Through my craft, I serve. Through the lyrics that I’ve entailed, I served.”

Camagu explained that his faith, dreams and experiences continue to inspire his songwriting. He shared how he takes the different experiences and obstacles in his life and turns them into music and stories.His approach to creativity is also influenced by his mother, who taught him the importance of capturing ideas as they come before shaping them into something meaningful. For Enkosi, this process reflects the life of a creative taking experiences, people and emotions and transforming them into art.

Joining him was Khanyisile, the second vocalist and manager of the Research Band, who spoke about the importance of collaboration. According to Khanyisile, music brought the group together because of their shared passion and desire to create.“Music is a very communal sport it requires you to collaborate a lot.”The pair also highlighted the importance of humility when working with other creatives. They acknowledged that disagreements and criticism are part of any creative relationship, but being willing to listen, accept correction and put one’s ego aside can help a team grow.For the Research Band, three values are particularly important: transparency, communication and integrity. Khanyisile believes that these qualities help creatives understand one another and work towards a common goal.“The only way to grow is through correction, not perfection.”

The interview also explored the role of music as a form of self-expression.Enkosi described performing as opening a book about who he is, with every page representing different parts of his identity from poetry and rap to singing and melodies.The artists also gave listeners a taste of their work through a live performance in the studio, bringing the conversation about creativity to life.

Looking ahead, Enkosi revealed that he and his team are working towards a new project, although they are still deciding whether it will be released as an EP or an album. He emphasised that the project is not the work of one person, but a collective effort involving band members, producers, his manager and other creatives.The conversation also touched on an important issue facing many emerging artists, understanding the business side of the music industry. Khanyisile addressed that artists do not necessarily need to master music theory, but they should understand the music business, including contracts, negotiations, administration and how to navigate professional spaces.“Knowledge is power.”

For young and upcoming artists, the message from the conversation was clear talent is important, but growth also requires learning, collaboration, humility and understanding the industry.As Enkosi Camagu prepares for the next chapter of his musical journey, his message to listeners is captured in one word Khanyisa, meaning be the light wherever you are.

In an industry where artists can easily become discouraged by challenges and uncertainty, Enkosi’s journey is a reminder that creativity can be a powerful way to turn life’s experiences into something meaningful while inspiring others along the way.

Catch more conversations like this on Sakhisizwe, only on Bush Radio 89.5 FM the Mother of Community Radio.

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe

Helping Young People Navigate Careers and Skills Development

Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions young people face, yet many leave school without enough guidance about the different career paths, skills and opportunities available to them. This was the focus in Sakhisizwe discussion on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, which explored how young people can make informed career choices and gain the skills needed to enter the world of work.

 

The discussion brought together Jerimia Thuynsma - Mitchells Plain Community Advice & Development Project, Career Coach Candice Black, Natasha McEwan Marriott and Lithemba Cetywayo from the SOZO foundation, and Gabriel Hamuy from the Salesian Institute. The guests shared their experiences and highlighted the different ways organisations are helping young people overcome the gap between education and employment.

 

Jerimia explained that the Mitchell’s Plain Advice Office became involved in career development after seeing many young people struggling with unemployment and being outside education or training. The organisation now works with younger learners through career programmes, including psychometric assessments and career exhibitions. These initiatives introduce learners to careers they may not have known about and help them make better decisions about subjects and future studies.

 

Career coach Candice emphasised the importance of self-awareness when choosing a career. She encouraged young people to ask themselves what they enjoy, what they are naturally good at, what problems they want to help solve and what they want from their future. She also encouraged young people to explore opportunities through volunteering, internships, job shadowing, part-time work and speaking to people already working in fields that interest them.

 

The Sozo Foundation, represented by Natasha and Lethemba, shared how its programmes support young people through education, vocational training and entrepreneurship. Their programmes include academic support, second-chance opportunities for matric learners, vocational courses such as baking, hairdressing, beauty and barista training, as well as entrepreneurship development. They also assist young people with job readiness, CV preparation, interview skills, mentorship and employment placements.

 

Gabriel from the Salesian Institute spoke about the organisation’s focus on skills development, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and entrepreneurship. He explained that many young people enter programmes without knowing exactly what they want to do. Salesians therefore uses life-skills programmes, psychometric testing, wellness support, mentorship, workplace exposure and internships to help participants discover their strengths and find suitable career paths. A major point raised during the discussion was the importance of matching young people with the right opportunities.

The guests noted that financial pressure can sometimes push young people into courses or jobs simply because an opportunity is available. However, when a person’s interests, strengths and skills are aligned with an opportunity, they are more likely to stay committed and succeed.

 

The panel also stressed that career development should not only begin when young people are about to leave school. Early exposure to different careers, access to career guidance and psychometric assessments can help learners make informed decisions before choosing subjects or further education.

 

The discussion ended with an important message for young people that you do not need to have your entire career mapped out today. Take the time to understand yourself, explore different opportunities, develop useful skills and learn from every experience. With the right guidance, mentorship and determination, young people can take meaningful steps towards building careers and futures that match their potential.

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe

Understanding HPV and the Importance of Prevention

Human Papilloma Virus, commonly known as HPV, remains one of the most common yet widely misunderstood health issues affecting communities. We spoke to Onalenna Thobega, a registered nurse from the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), to unpack the realities of HPV, the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of vaccination and early prevention.

HPV is a virus that is often associated only with sexual transmission. However, Onalenna explained that HPV is a skin to skin virus and can be transmitted through different forms of contact. She highlighted that there are more than 100 strains of HPV, with some considered low-risk and others classified as high-risk because of their links to certain cancers.One of the biggest misconceptions is that HPV only affects women. While HPV is strongly associated with cervical cancer, Onalenna  adressed that both men and women can carry the virus. This is why conversations around HPV vaccination should include boys as well as girls.

The HPV vaccine is available to children from around the age of nine, with vaccination programmes targeting young people before they may be exposed to the virus. Thobega explained that the purpose of vaccinating children is prevention and protection before possible exposure.

However, stigma and misinformation continue to influence parents' decisions about vaccination. Some parents may believe that giving a child the HPV vaccine encourages early sexual activity. Thobega said that education is key to addressing these concerns and helping parents understand that vaccination is primarily about preventing HPV-related diseases and cancers.

She also identified a lack of health education as one of the major barriers to HPV prevention in communities. Language barriers and limited access to reliable health information can make it difficult for some parents to understand what HPV is and why vaccination matters.

For Onalenna, one of the best ways to tackle these challenges is to normalise conversations about HPV. Schools, healthcare workers, community programmes and media platforms such as radio can all play a role in providing accurate information. She encouraged people who are uncertain about HPV to visit their nearest clinic and speak to healthcare professionals rather than relying on myths and misinformation.

CANSA also contributes to awareness through community outreach programmes, health talks, campaigns and screening initiatives. These activities provide opportunities to educate communities about different types of cancer and the role HPV can play in cancer development.

Thobega's message to listeners was simple, "prevention is better than cure." She encouraged people to get vaccinated where eligible and for women to attend regular cervical screening, including Pap smears, as part of early detection and prevention.She also clarified that an HPV diagnosis does not mean there is no treatment available. Treatment depends on the individual's condition and the extent of the infection.

As conversations about HPV continue, education remains one of the most important tools in breaking the stigma. Understanding that HPV is not exclusively a sexually transmitted infection, that it can affect both men and women, and that vaccination can help prevent HPV-related cancers can empower communities to make informed health decisions.

The message from today’s conversation is clear. Talk about HPV, learn the facts, get vaccinated where appropriate, and prioritise regular screening. Prevention starts with knowledge.For more information about HPV, cancer prevention and screening, listeners can visit the Cancer Association of South Africa at cancer.org.za or contact its toll-free helpline on 0800 22 66 22. 

Written by Oyisa Ntlombe