Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today's show we heard from Gavin Minter - Managing Director of Real Wired Music and organiser of the Africa for Haiti Concert. The concert will feature acoustic music from Ross Learmonth, Farryl Purkiss, Simon Van Gend, Jack Mantis, Gary Thomas, Tina Schouw, Ian Henderson, Claire Phillips, Gavin Minter, Wendy Oldfield, Mark Fransman, Amanda Tiffin, Lionel Bastos, Mersey State, Flat Stanley and Paul Abro. The concert is on the 12th of May at the Baxter Concert Hall. Tickets are R100 and R120 and available through Computicket. For more information visit www.realwired.co.za or contact (021) 532 2180.

We were also joined by Belinda van der Merve - Manager of the Rainbow Experience and the co-curator for the Freedom & Art Exhibition. Freedom & Art Exhibition is taking place at the Rainbow Experience from Wednesday, 28th of April for one month. This International exhibition from the Mirca Group is in South Africa from all over the world. It is in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Prize-winning peace activist who stands for the rights of individuals, freedom and democracy in the face of a brutal dictatorship in Burma. Opening hours from Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9a.m.to 4p.m and Sunday 10 a.m to 4p.m. For more information contact (021) 422 1428 or visit www.therainbowexperience.co.za

We closed off with an interview with Anele and Linkford - Members of Soundz of the South. Soundz of the South or SOS is a cultural resistance movement, aimed at building a counter culture to the one prevalent in our disadvantage communities. We were talking about the Hip Hop & Poetry Slam Session: The Hypocrisy of State Democracy happening this Friday at Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha. Every last Friday of the month they host a Hip Hop and Poetry Slam Session. It starts at 17h30 till 21h30. To find out more about Soundz of the South contact Anele on 083 447 2939 or Indigenous on 087 212 1444, or email soundzofthesouth@gmail.com

In today’s show, we heard from Mike Louw – from Cosatu. We were talking about activities they have planned for Saturday as we will be celebrating workers day and of course the significance of this day. So if you lucky enough to have a day off on Saturday then you can join Cosatu May Day celebrations at the Good Hope centre in Cape Town starting from 08h00AM. The event will feature a number of political speakers and music. There will be free trains to transport people to and from the event as long as you show a COSATU pamphlet. For more information contact COSATU offices on (021) 448 0046.

We also heard from Ivan Israelstam– from the Labour Law Management Consulting. They will be hosting a seminar on Changes and Dangers in Labour Law in association with the SA Labour Guide on the 14th of May. The seminar costs R1800. For more information contact Ronni on (011) 782 0664 or 084 521 7492.

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Dr John Veltheim - Founder of the BodyTalk System. BodyTalk is said to be an astonishingly simple and effective holistic therapy that allows the body's energy systems to be re-synchronized so they can operate as nature intended. Each system, cell, and atom is in constant communication with each other at all times. He is visiting South Africa to give talks on the subject. Dr Veltheim, a qualified chiropractor, acupuncturist, philosopher and teacher, developed the system in 1995 and has been involved in its improvement ever since, he explained more on how it works. Tomorrow he will be giving a public talk at Atlantic Imbizo at the V&A Waterfront from 7pm. Tickets cost R100. For more information contact Wilma on 072 956 5933 or visit www.bodytalksystem.com

In today’s show, we heard from Ali Abunimah - writer, commentator on Middle East and Arab-American affairs and co-founder of Electronic Intifada, an award winnining online publication about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Ali was in South Africa to talk about the future of Palestine. In a seminar organised by the Palestine Solidary Group, he spoke about the role of Electronic Intifada for Palestinians. For more Information about Electronic Intifada, visit www.electronicintifada.net We were also joined by Nigel Vermaas with this week Arts update.

We closed off with an interview with Dr Monwabisi Ralarala – Senior Manager at the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities. As we know that April is the International Month for Monuments and sites, the CRL Rights Commission in partnership with the Department of Anthropology at Wits University and the South African Local Government Association’s Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a conference under the theme “Cultural Practice and Memory: Reclaiming Living Heritage Through Sacred Sites” in commemorating the month. Dr Ralarala explained more about the outcome of the conference. For more information about the commission please check www.crlcommission.org.za or contact (011) 537 7600.

In today’s show, we were joined by Mr Themba Godi – Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts or Scopa. Scopa wants the Commission for Gender Equality placed under curatorship following another disclaimer from the Auditor General. The parliamentary committee wrote to the presidency and the ministry of women, children and people with disabilities as well as the National Assembly Speaker’s Office to urgently intervene and save the commission from collapsing due to poor management. Mr Godi explained more. We were also joined by Commissioner Yvette Abrahams – from the commission on Gender Equality. She says the commission is contesting the move. For more information about the commission on Gender Equality visit www.cge.org.za

We also heard from Lebogang Marishane - Women’sNet Media and Information Manager. We were talking about Girls'Net, a daughter project of Women’sNet is launching a brand new innovative website that girls can access on their cellphones. The website is also aimed at parents and teachers, and is all about keeping safe while taking up space on social networking platforms. The mobisite is structured to make content friendly and easily accessible to users and boasts educational materials designed for teachers, parents and youth. For more information go to www.girlsnet.org.za or contact the Women’s net offices on (011) 429 0000.

In today’s show, we heard from Elmien Steyn - spokesperson for Western Cape Local Government Department. The Western Cape Local Government Department through, its Disaster Management Centre together with the Paraffin Safety Association of South Africa will be conducting paraffin safety trainer workshops throughout the province. The aim of this training will be to educate Community Development Workers and Municipal Disaster Management Officials around the dangers associated with paraffin, in order to prevent and assist communities with paraffin related incidents. If you want more information about the workshops, you can call Elmien on 083 308 6999.

Our last interview was with Sonia Zilberman - Civil Society Watch Programme Officer from CIVICUS - an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. CIVICUS believes in the equality and dignity of every person, and that all people should be free to exercise their rights as citizens as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We were talking about the importance of Citizen Participation. Sonia explained more. If you want more information you can visit www.civicus.org

On sakhisizwe today, we were joined Instudio by Loyiso Maurice Mgqatsa – A novelist. We were talking about his book titled: Zakuphela iinkuni uyacima umlilo. This is his third book. He is said to be one of the few writers who still use pen and paper instead of a computer. He explained more about his writing and some challenges he had to overcome in pursuing his dreams. His books are available at Clark Bookshop and the Provincial Library, alternatively you can contact him on 071 087 2893. Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

On Sakhisizwe today,we were joined on the line by Professor Nicholas Biekpe – President of Africagrowth Institute. The company focuses on growth opportunities in Africa and also houses the South African Graduate National Service Program. The main business areas are the Africagrowth Agenda Publication, South African SMME Business Confidence Index, SADC SMME Database, and Africagrowth Production. According to a report released by Africagrowth Institute, Business Confidence among owners and managers of South African SMMEs is back in the red for the first quarter of 2010 after a sustained growth in confidence since the second quarter of 2009. Professor Biekpe says this is really a major setback for the SMME sector. The report however shows that business owners and managers are generally becoming increasingly optimistic about their future growth prospects, Professor Biekpe explained more. For more information about the report visit www.africagrowth.com or you can contact (021) 914 6778.

We closed off with an interview with Julian Hewitt – from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is offering the country’s brightest grade 12 learners the opportunity to kickstart their bright futures with one of the Foundation’s highly regarded flagship initiatives, the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme. The Fellowship aims to develop students, known as Allan Gray Fellows, into South Africa’s future high growth entrepreneurial leaders and includes comprehensive financial support as one of its many benefits. Julian explained more about the application process. Applicants who make it through the initial screening phase will have the opportunity to write the National Benchmark Test on the 19th of June. Candidates who successfully complete this phase will be invited to a face-to-face interview before the final stage of the selection process. For further information on how to apply for the Fellowship programme SMS “FELLOW, email or fax” to 33427 or download the appl

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Ricardo Sedres – Chairperson of the Hanover Park Backyard Dwellers Association. The Association is appealing to the public to donate 1000 large industrial strength plastic sheets and 1000 blankets for backyarders before winter. According to Mr Sedres, every year backyarders are exposed to cold and wet living conditions and many of them especially children fall victim to various winter ailments. He explained more on how we can go about in assisting with the needed donations. For more information you can contact him on 072 985 6836.

We also heard from Advocate Rosaline Nyman – Publicity Secretary for the National Association of Democratic Lawyers of South Africa or NADEL. NADEL is a voluntary organisation of progressive lawyers and a significant stakeholder in the South African legal profession. Their primary goal is a legal and judicial system that realises access to justice for disadvantaged people, fosters the rule of law and constitutional values.According to the association, full reconciliation and an easing of racism will only be achieved by redressing the land imbalances and injustices in South Africa. Advocate Nyman explained more. For more information contact 078 514 3706 or check their facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com

In today’s show, we spoke to Dr Dagmar Whitaker – President of the South African Melanoma Advisory Board. We were talking about Skin Cancer. We all know Cancer is a problem in our country more especially as a result of the harshness of the South African sun. This is one of the reasons why the South African Melanoma Advisory Board together with SA Rugby legend, Rob Louw - survivor of melanoma have embarked on an educational drive to educate sports players and the general public on the importance of taking good care of one’s skin. They kicked off this campaign by visiting the Cape Cobra’s cricket and Stormers rugby teams and screened the players skins for any signs of skin cancer. Dr Whitaker explained more on how we can protect our skin from dangerous UV rays. The short message is: Never burn your skin, cover up and protect. Always use sun protective clothing and the highest factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Don't use sun beds. Don't worry about Vitamin D deficiency or bad c

We also spoke to Michelle Arnott – A pharmacist from the Department of Health. We were talking about Measles. Since the measles outbreak in the province, the provincial health department has started with a mass immunisation campaign. It is reported that more than one million children will be immunised free of charge – a huge undertaking that will require the mobilisation of routine health care resources to include not just crèches, but junior and senior schools as well. The first round will see all children from six months to 15 years vaccinated against measles. Michelle explained more about the immunisation programme. The campaign will end on the 23rd of April. For more information contact your nearest clinic or health care centre.

Our last interview was with Sister Anne-Louise Cruickshank - Western Cape Haemophilia foundation Coordinator. Haemophilia is a rare inherited disorder that leads to abnormal bleeding, and specifically the inability to stop bleeding. On Saturday, 17 April is the World Haemophilia Day so Sister Cruickshank told us more about Haemophilia and some of the awareness events they have planned for the day. For more on Haemophilia you can contact the South African Haemophilia Foundation at (021) 785 7140 or www.haemophilia.org.za alternatively you can visit www.wfh.org

In today’s show, we spoke to Hendrick Odendaal - spokesperson for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Anton Bredell. We will be talking abouty the Eden Sea Water desalination Project. The Eden District is currently experiencing their worst drought in 132 years. This has resulted in this region being declared as a disaster region late last year. The municipalities affected include Mosselbay, George, Knysna and Bitou municipality and surrounding areas. This drought has presented an opportunity to these municipalities to come forward with innovative ways to conserve water. The desalination plant in Sedgefield is a perfect example of such innovations but Hendrick explained more about the desalination plant.

We also heard from Riason Naidoo – Director of Iziko Museums Arts collection and 1910-2010: From Pierneef to Gugulective Curator. This exhibition will be opening at the Iziko South African National Gallery next week Thursday. This large exhibition, which occupies the entire Gallery, showcases the history and diversity of modern and contemporary South African art from the time of the formation of the Union of South Africa a century ago to the present. The exhibition covers the period when modern South African art started to articulate itself in relation to the rest of the world but Riason explained more. Audiences can look forward to modern gems and rare treasures by Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern, George Pemba, Maggie Laubser, Gerard Bhengu, JH Pierneef, Durant Sihlali and Dumile Feni. The exhibition acknowledges important developments in local art history such as Polly Street, Rorke’s Drift, DRUM magazine,Resistance Art, and the rise of South Africa’s energetic contemporary art scene. For

We closed off the show with an interview with Mbulelo Samby – Artscape Associate Drama Consultant. He was here with the cast members of Romeo and Juliet:Sizw e Msutu, Clayton Boyd, Dean Roberts and Zondwa Njokweni. The production is presented by Siyasanga Cape Town Theatre Company in association with Artscape. It is a contemporary re-visioning of the Shakespeare classic, set in Cape Town 2010, with the Montagues and Capulets playing for two competing soccer teams. This production will revive memories of the rivalries of the great soccer teams of the 60s and 70s – the Swallows/The Birds vs Orlando Pirates/The Buccaneers. Bookings for the play, which will open on the 16th of April to the 1st of May in the Artscape Theatre, can be made at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on (021) 421 7695. Next week we will be giving away 20 double tickets to see Romeo & Juliet, keep listen to Bush Radio for more details.

In today's show we were joined on the line by Mabutho ‘Kid’ Sithole – President of the Creative Workers Union of South Africa. The union and the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association are planning a National Day of Action against the exclusion of creative workers by 2010 World Cup LOC and FIFA. The two organisations have jointly agreed to use their "mass power" to make the planned 2010 World Cup Concert at the Orlando Stadium, inclusive of local and African artists. They say their conviction is informed by the 2010 Local Organizing Committee and FIFA pledge that this year’s world cup is for Africa and Africans! Therefore Africans must dominate in all the planned festivities and cultural events during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The union shall be organising mass action, including a mass march to the offices of the 2010 LOC, on the 15th of April. In this mass action they will be joined by members of the South African Football Players Union and uMkhonto weSizwe Militar

We also heard from Dale Fobes – South African Municipal Workers' Union’s National Bargaining Officer. The union is planning a national strike for next week Monday the 12th of April. They say they have waited 7 years to introduce proper salaries for all municipal workers. According to the Union they concluded an agreement with the South African Local Government Association on Job Evaluation in 2003 but the delay in implementing job evaluation and wage curves allows municipalities to exploit workers by paying below the correct wage level. Yesterday the South African Local Government Association requested an urgent meeting with the union to discuss SAMWU’s announcement of a national strike, but Dale says the planned strike action will continue. For more information on SAMWU you can visit www.samwu.org.za or contact their offices on (021) 697 1147. Sakhisizwe's efforts to get SALGA response failed.

In today’s show, we were joined Instudio by Faith Madubula-Swanepoel – from the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The department is planning free training workshops on sustainable living for hospitality sector employees. The training covers issues like energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management and air quality. Faith explained more. For more information you can contact her on (021) 483 2610 or send an email to kswanepo@pgwc.gov.za

We were also joined by Mark Wyngaard – a Life Coach. We were talking about Life coaching. According to Mark, coaching empowers you to explore what makes you happy and for you to live your life to its full potential. He says happiness and success is now directly related to the way in which people think, behave and interact on a daily basis. Mark explained what the life coach's job is and the importance of life coaching. For more information contact him on 079 1836 700 or visit www.mwcoaching.co.za alternativelty send an email to mark@mwcoaching.co.za