Sakhisizwe -Building the Nation - Bou Die Nasie

In today's show, we spoke to Nazeema Omar - CEO of the Western Cape Retired Teachers’ Association. The Association is offering free classes to matriculants affected by the public servants strike action. They will be starting classes this Saturday, the 4th of September from 9am till 12 noon at the Dullah Omar Community Centre in Hazel Road, Gatesville. For more information you can contact her on 082 562 9784 or email nazeemaomar@mweb.co.za

We closed off with an interview with Busiswa Simoyi – from the Department of Trade and Industry. The Department of Trade and Industry is hosting the Western Cape leg of the Returns and Refunds Campaign to raise awareness about the provisions relating to the new Consumer Protection Act. The purpose of the campaign is to empower consumers to understand their rights and obligations under the new Act and assist business people to prepare themselves for compliance. Today they are in Mbekweni, Paarl and tomorrow they will be in Bonteheuwel at the Thusong Service Centre from 10AM. For more information visit www.thedti.gov.za or the www.ncf.org.za

In today's show we spoke to Mari Walters - Registered Biokineticist & Beginners' Programme Manager at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. We were talking about the Sports Science Institute of South Africa’s 8 week Healthy Weight Programme. The programme encourages positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. They say participants will be looked after and advised by a team of multi-disciplinary specialists that include biokineticists, exercise physiologists, a dietician and a health psychologist. Mari explained more. For more information call (021) 659 5600 or visit www.ssisa.com the programme starts on the 11th of September and space is limited on these programmes so contact the SSISA today to avoid disappointment.

We closed off with an interview with Hélène Rossouw – from the Western Cape Department of Health. According to a statement issued by the Western Cape Health MEC on Friday, the official percentage of employees of the Western Cape Department of Health on strike was only 0.2%. Hospitals like Mowbray Maternity, Groote Schuur and Somerset Hospital have been able to offer full compliment of services while at Tygerberg Hospital approximately 20 staff members picketed at the entrance of the hospital but the picketing did not cause disruptions at the hospital. Hélène says patients who are on chronic medication need to make sure that they get their medication even though there are long queues in most hospitals. She further stated that patients who are turned away can lodge a complaint.

In today's show, we spoke to Natasha Torkley – from the Ubuntu Cultural Development. Ubuntu is hosting a fundraising concert for the Delft Youth Music Academy. The Academy has been invited in Australia, to partake in this year’s annual Out Of Africa Festival, to be held in November. The current learners will perform at two concerts as well as participate in the running of training workshops at schools in Australia. The first concert will be on Friday, the 3rd of September at His People N1 Centre, in Goodwood. Tickets cost only R 50.00. And we are giving away double tickets for the event. For more information about the concert contact Natasha on 084 444 5838 or send an email to ubuntucd1@yahoo.com Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Chandler Griffin – from Barefoot Workshops. They teach Documentary Workshops in the Mississippi Delta and here in Cape Town. These workshops are open to individuals from beginners through to advanced levels of training. Tonight between 7 and 8PM they will be screening some documentaries at the Labia Theatre. For more information visit www.barefootworkshops.org or to RSVP call Siobhan on 073 122 7480 alternatively send an email info@barefootworkshops.org

In today's show, we were joined on the line by Aziza Mdi – from Equal Education. Equal Education and Ikamva Youth have decided to host a Careers Indaba tomorrow at the Nazeema Isaacs Library in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. They say by educating learners about the available choices and opportunities, the organisation seek to empower them to make informed decisions about their future endeavours. They will help you find out about options for further studies, how to find funding, opportunities for work and on-the-job training, volunteering, internships and GAP year programmes. There will also be workshops on career and personal development, CV writing and interview skills. The Careers Indaba is open to Grade 9 to12 learners. For more information visit www.equaleducation.org.za or contact Aziza on (021) 387 0022 or Miriam on 073 280 9085.

We also heard from Petunia Ndlovu – from the Department of Trade and Industry. The dti has launched the new Black Business Supplier Development Programme. The BBSDP is a cost-sharing grant, which offers support to majority black-owned enterprises in South Africa. Through the grant the dti and the applicant contribute to the cost of a project. Petunia explained more about the criteria. For more information visit www.thedti.gov.za

Our last interview was with Yusuf Boda - Legal Manager at Legal & Tax. We were talking about Women's Rights in the workplace. Since we are observing Women's Month, Yusuf helped us to reflect on the rights that South African women have in the workplace. We looked at maternity leave, sexual harassment and discrimination. In recognition of South African women and the important role they play in our lives, Legal & Tax is waiving the administration fee for all women who sign up during the month of August. For more information on women's rights or packages offered by Legal & Tax, visit www.legalandtax.co.za or contact their offices on 0860 587 587.

In today’s show, we heard from the Minister of Arts and Culture Ms Lulu Xingwana. The 2010 Women Month’s celebrations theme is “working together for Equal Opportunities and Progress for all Women” and the Department of Arts and Culture in association with the Pan-African Centre for the Arts is hosting a multi-tongued conversations entitled: “Women’s words: African worlds:” Renewing a dialogue between African women writers and women of African descent. The dialogues also plan to widen the market for African writers in South Africa, particular women writers, and hope thereby to raise awareness of the hidden treasures of both the written and spoken word of women. The Minister explained more. Additional information on participants can be found on the blog http://womenswordsafricanworlds.wordpress.com

We were also joined on the line by Leo Mbobi – from Sonke Gender Justice Network. We were talking about the Red Card against child sexual exploitation campaign. This is a is a joint campaign by Sonke Gender Justice Network and Grassroot Soccer to prevent child sexual exploitation in Southern Africa during and after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is reported that child sexual exploitation affects millions of girls and boys globally and is a growing problem in southern Africa. Leo explained more about the campaign. For more information contact him on 083 543 4995 or email him to leo@genderjustice.org.za

In today's show we heard from Dick Khubana - National Legal Manager at the Legal Aid Board. The Legal Aid Board has launched a Call Centre to help address growing demand for civil legal assistance. According to their press statement the Legal Aid Advice Line prioritises civil matters including children, family and land law matters - areas in which there is great demand for legal assistance. Mr Khubana explained more. For more information visit www.legal-aid.co.za or contact the Legal Aid Advice Line on 0860 534258.

We also heard from Tendai Sithole – Freedom of Expression Institute. We were talking about the much talked about proposed Protection of Information Bill. The Bill, which is currently before Parliament, will legislate how the government manages and classifies information but observers argue that it is nothing but a threat to media freedom. Is the government trying to gag the media, do they have something to hide or they are really about promoting responsible journalism as they claim well Tendai helped us understand the implications of this Bill. For more details, go to www.fxi.org.za or contact them on (011) 482 1913.

We closed off the show with an interview with Solly Malatsi – from the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works. The Department has launched a series of workshops to educate the minibus taxi industry and metered taxi operators in the province about changes in the public transport legislation. The department will conduct these workshops for all 153 taxi associations in the province to give every single operator the opportunity to attend a training session in their area of operation. For more information contact (021) 483 2200.

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by John Ngxowa – from the Traditional Healers Organisation. This week is the African Traditional Medicine Week. According to the World Health Organisation, in some Asian and African countries, 80% of the population depends on traditional medicine for primary health care. It further states that as traditional medicine practices are adopted by new populations there are challenges like International diversity, Safety, Effectiveness and quality, Knowledge and sustainability, Patient safety and use. The Traditional Healers Organisation fights for member’s rights to practice the tradition of healing. They also assure the values, quality of treatment, efficacy, safety and ethical standards of member practitioners. For more information visit www.traditionalhealth.org.za or contact (011) 337 6177.

We also heard from Fatima Shaboodien – From the Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association. This week is the Cerebral Palsy Week and they are trying to raise more awareness about this condition. Fatima told us more about cerebral palsy and the available treatment. For more information contact the association on (021) 685 4150 or the De Heide Children's Day Care Centre where Mrs Shaboodien is a principal on (021) 683 5470.

On Sakhisizwe today, we spoke to Suzy Bell – Poet / writer and arts columnist. We were talking about a meeting for artists against xenophobia that will be held tomorrow in Khayelitsha. The artists against xenophobia are planning a concert and multi-media art exhibition on African Human Rights Day that’s on the 17th of October. For more information visit www.uniteasone.org.za or email Suzy to bellsuzy@gmail.com

We also heard from Graziela Laude - Cultural Coordinator at the Alliance Française of Cape Town. They are running a Photography Competition themed: South African Youth “Being 20 years old in South Africa”. The competition comprises of 4 stages and photographers must submit 2 pictures by the 28th of August. For technical specifications visit www.alliance.org.za or for more information contact (021) 423 5699. Nigel was here for the Arts Update.

We closed off the show with an interview with Mwila Mambwe – a poet and musician from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Brian De Goede, his producer. Mwila has a new album out that he collaborated with Bienvenue Mambote titled: Africa Yearns. In this six track album, he fuses music and poetry. Mwila explained more on his musical influence. To get a copy of the album send him an email to mambmwila@yahoo.com

In today’s show, we were joined by Vanessa Reynolds – Coordinator at the Women’s Circle. The Woman’s Circle hosted an event themed ‘Women unite to reclaim rights to Health’. The Woman’s Circle chose to use Women’s Day, which was on the 9th of August as a platform to promote healthier lifestyles by raising awareness around the hardships that women face especially with regard to the growing numbers suffering from chronic diseases and nutritional disorders associated with poverty and under-nutrition. Vanessa explained more. For more information contact their offices on (021) 697 5870 or 079 260 3131.

We also heard from Sue Howell - Executive Director for the WHEAT Women’s Fund. Today they are celebrating their 12th birthday and launching the Honour a Woman Campaign to raise funds for grassroots women’s organisations in South Africa. Funds raised will become awards for education and training of women in South Africa’s most economically challenged communities. Mrs Howell explained more. For more information contact (021) 762 6214 or visit www.wheattrust.co.za

In today’s show, we heard from Chengetai Maruziva – Project Co-ordinator for Young in Prison. Young in Prison offers imprisoned children in developing countries like South Africa a new chance in life. They have projects that focus on creativity and sports to provide the children with self confidence and a new perspective. Chengetai explained more. For more information contact their offices on (021) 448 5275 or visit www.younginprison.org

In today’s show, we spoke to Joe Barends - Chairperson of the Macassar Dunes Co-Management Association. The association was established for the Macassar Dunes Co-Management Project. The project aims to create a visible and broadly supported development intervention in the Macassar dunes area, and to foster long-term conservation goals and create local employment. The association has just finished training 30 people to work as alien vegetation clearers at the Macassar Dunes Nature Reserve in an effort to attract more people from the township into nature conservation. Mr Barends explained more about the project. For more information contact him on 072 8831772 or (021) 371 5441.

We also heard from Lucilla Blankenberg – Director of a Country for My Daughter - A film about Women, Violence and the Law. The film will screen at the 12th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival which is running till the 29th of August. Lucilla is said to be committed to the reduction of gender-based violence in South Africa and uses her films as a vehicle to highlight this. As we celebrate the Women’s month, A Country For My Daughter is dedicated to all women in South Africa and to their future. The screening will be on the 15th of August from 18:00PM at The Labia at Orange Street, in Gardens and the 21st of August from 17:45 at Nu Metro, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. The last screening will be on the 28th of August from 18.30 at The Bioscope, Maponeng Precinct, in Johannesburg. The Encounters festival screens documentaries from around the world with a particular focus on South African work. For this year’s schedule visit www.encounters.co.za or for more informa

We closed off the show with an interview with Simphiwe Dana – Singer/ songwriter and cultural activist. Simphiwe has a brand new album out titled Kulture Noir. This is a follow up to her two critically acclaimed albums: Zandisile and The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street. The album comprises of 13 new songs and said to build on her trademark fusion of deep African musical roots, inspired melodies, and her unique contemporary voice. Simphiwe explained more on her musical influence. The album is available in music stores. For more information visit www.simphiwedana.com PIC: Busi Mtabane & Simphiwe Dana PIC taken by: Adrian Louw

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Maria Louw - from the New Women’s Movement. As we celebrate women’s month, the New Women’s Movement will be marching to stop women abuse in the Kuilsriver area on Saturday, the 14th of August. The New Women’s Movement is an organization that looks at women of the grassroots. It has been in existence since 1997 with branches throughout the Western Cape. They will be meeting from 10AM at the De Kuilen Hotel, next to Pick 'n Pay on the Main Road. So join them to stop women abuse now. For more information you can contact Maria on 076 988 2670 or Edwina Smith on (021) 948 2041 alternatively 082 497 8438.

On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Fahiem Stellenboom – From the Baxter Marketing Department. South Africa's leading integrated dance initiative, the award-winning Remix Dance Company, presents a return season of Lovaffair. Directed by Ina Wichterich, this production is said to combine differently-abled dancers with actors to give further meaning and expression to the term integrated dance. It will be staged at the Baxter from the 11th to the 20th of August. Prices between Monday and Thursday is R120 and on Friday and Saturday it’s R130. On Thursday the 12th of August there's a special fundraiser event. For discounted block bookings, charities, schools, corporate bookings and fundraisers, contact Sharon Alexander on (021) 680 3962 or sharon.alexander@uct.ac.za alternatively Carmen Kearns on (021) 680 3993 or carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za during office hours. For information about performances at the Baxter Theatre Centre, visit www.baxter.co.za Nigel Vermaas was also in today

We closed off the show with an interview with Mandiseli Maseti – Artist/Filmmaker. In his final year at high school in 2005, Mandiseli was falsely accused of raping a female classmate. He spent seven months in prison before the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. His experience and how he chose to live life after that was documented by a number of filmmakers, this exposed him to the world of filmmaking and now he is one of the few young people from the township behind the camera documenting other people’s stories. He told us more about his hopes and dreams.

In today’s show, we heard from Myrtle Witbooi - from the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union. One of their mission is to empower domestic workers by informing them of their rights and supporting them through targeted services. They also strive to unite domestic workers on an international level as well. Myrtle explained more. If you have any queries, you can contact the union offices on (021) 448 0044 or visit their website at www.sadsawu.org

On Sakhisizwe today, we heard from Naadiya Moosajee and Mabohlale Mampuru - Co-founders of South African Women in Engineering. South African Women in Engineering is a non-profit, student-run body, which was founded at the University of Cape Town in 2005. Its mission is to promotes and encourages women to study and stay in the engineering profession. For more information visit www.sawomeng.org.za or email founders@sawomeng.org.za

We also spoke to Helen Alexander - Sonke Gender Justice Network. We were talking about the Men’s Discussion Forum that Sonke Gender Justice will be hosting on Saturday, the 7th of August as part of the annual Artscape Women’s Festival. They will be discussing and debating issues around gender equality, discrimination and gender-based violence but Helen explained more. The event is open for free at the Artscape Theatre Foyer from 11AM. For more information about the Artscape Women’s Festival, you can visit their website www.artscape.co.za or contact Sonke Gender Justice Network on (021) 423 7088.

And our last interview was with Liesel Theron – founder and CEO of Gender Dynamix. Tomorrow Gender Dynamix will host a workshop to question the meaning of and ‘African woman’ titled: Real Women, Real Beauty as part of the annual Artscape Women’s Festival which is running till Saturday, the 7th of August. The workshop is open for free at the Artscape Theatre Foyer from 12:15PM. For more information contact Gender Dynamix offices on (021) 633 5287 or for more information about the Artscape Women’s Festival, you can visit their website www.artscape.co.za

In today’s show, we were joined on the line by Michael Mbikiwa – from the Students for Law and Social Justice. The society is formed in partnership between students of several universities countrywide. The organisation was founded upon a recognition of the existence of deep social and economic inequalities in South Africa. They aim to use the law for the progressive socio-economic transformation of our society. Last week they hosted the first of three regional seminars themed: “Transforming Legal Education and Access to Justice”. The seminars are said to be primarily focused on demonstrating the gross inequality that exists in South Africa in accessing courts and legal representation, and on the need for the progressive realisation of socio-economic rights. Michael explained more. For more information visit www.slsj.org or send an email to slsj.seminar@gmail.com

We also heard from Miranda Madikane – From the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town. The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, Black Sash, Sonke Gender Justice Network and PASSOP have launched a campaign called Unite As One to help create a South African society in which people notwithstanding their language or country of origin, respect each other and live together peacefully. Their goal is to collect one million signed pledges supported by specific actions and events to express support for the campaign which is running until African Human Rights Day on the 17th of October 2010. Miranda explained more. Everyone can get involved. By signing the pledge individuals and groups become part of the campaign and commit to taking concrete actions through which they contribute to a united South Africa. For more information go to www.uniteasone.org.za or to register your name sms "UNITE" to 32759.

And our last interview was with Neliswa Mphike and Yumna Chippendale – from the South African Paralegal Services. Last week they were hosted a workshop in Khayelitsha to help community members understand basic knowledge of legal concepts. They explained more about their services. For further information contact (021) 801 6601/02.