Senecio is proud to present its fifth annual Fun Run. One of the aims of this year's event is to involve more people with a variety of disabilities from different communities to take part in the fun run. This run is in line with Senecio's vision to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Walkers and Runners have a choice between 5 and 10km. On the line is Annatjie van Wyk on explain, where, when and who can participate on in the event…

Beautiful Gate SA aims to provide youth with skills

 

Bassie, Alice and Sonwabile

 

Beautiful Gate SA is an NPO based in Lower Crossroads will be hosting a free skills day for school leavers who not in school or at work on the 1^st of March 2013 ar 09:00 until 12:00. this opportunity is aimed ar young people who have passed grade 12 in the last two years but could not further her studies or get a job. In studio is Sonwabile Dwangu to give us more details. Beautiful Gate is also a home for orphaned disadvantaged kids with the organisations trying to find thems suitable homes. In studio was Sonwabile and Alice from Beautiful Gate.  www.beautifulgatesa.org or call 021 370 2500.

UWC adds voice against gender based violence

UWC’s Great Hall will be filled with performances, short
documentary screenings, demonstrations and addresses by UWC staff andstudents on 26 February at 12:00-14:00. Students and staff will pledge by signing their support to act, participate and speak out against gender-based violence. This is in addition to the work the University has done through plays such as, Reclaiming the “P” word, performed at the Grahamstown Arts Festival, and other such initiatives. This forms part of the country’s fight against gender based violence. Marry Haines from the gender equity unit spoke to us about why it's important to unite against the scourge.

Whizz ICT connects the community

Whizz ICT centre was established in 2008 with the aim to bring information communication technology (ICT) to communities taht are are marginised from the use of technology. The mission of Whizz is to link ICT to the development efforts of people from disadvantaged communities. Whizz core values are access and quality. Access means that ICT must be available to everyone who wants to learn and gain information about technology. In studio was coordinator Thembinkosi Qobela giving more information about ICT. For more info contact 021 387 2314...

Edge of Wrong festival kicks off this weekend...

Edge of Wrong assemble

 

The 11th installment of the festival EDGE OF WRONG is coming up this weekend and the following weekend. The South African/Norwegian festival in connection with the Pro Helvetia Swiss Arts Council will be offering workshops, talks, and concerts from 22^nd February to the 2^nd of March in Cape Town. Edge of Wrong is premised on the productive opportunities  vested in chance, uncertainty and in the pursuit of the unknown. In studio was Morten Minothi Kristansena and some of the acts set to perform at the festival.

NCOP hosts project implementing democracy lecture tonight

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, will tomorrow (20 February 2013) deliver a public lecture at the University of the Western Cape. The theme for the lecture is “Implementing project democracy: The role of Parliament in general and the NCOP in particular”. This event marks a culmination of activities set out by the NCOP in 2012 when it celebrated its 15^th anniversary since inception in 2007. This lecture aims to educate South African’s of how parliament works, what is the NCOP and general composition of the state. Holding on the phone was Thandi Mamela NCOP deputy chair spoke to us about it...

Tutor gives pupils tips on how to be maths survey...

Bassie and Ashraf Jamie

Easy to Apply Strategies for Success in Maths is a written study reference guide which aims give every high school pupil the chance to excel at maths. Author Ashraf Jamie who runs a tutoring service in Atlone hopes to issue it for free to all high schools. According to jame he used the guide when he was in high school and he hopes it’s a way pupils can use to learn. In studio we had author and tutor Ashraf Jamie. For more information email ashrafjamie@gmail.com. And find him on facebook as Ashraf Jamie..

Friends of Children Hospital association hosts Golf Day to raise funds

In these trying times of budgets being reduced, it's NPO's like Friends of the Childrens Hospital Association that find themselves struggling to keep their doors open. FOCHA is appealing to our community to contribute to this worthy cause. We are excited to be hosting our first golf day and look forward to your contribution and participation. On the line was spokesperson Liezel Menigo to tell us some how the community can help and about golf day. Menigo says the association needs volunteers such as photographer, videographer, receptionist, store room assistant and sponsor for a vehicle. For more info visit www.friendsofthechildrenhospital.com, E:mail:focha@iafrica.com or call 021 6585243.

 

 

 

 

 

Adult literacy programme needs funds to stay afloat

Proceeds from the book Memory Keepers which honours iconic national living treasures from the District Six era will be used to revitalise the ailing free adult literacy programme at the St Joseph’s Adult Education programme in Rondebosch. Since the cut of funding last year student interest has resulted in a major funding drive. The programme was conceptualised 16 years ago and has been serving the needs of the greater Cape Town community centre. On the line was Keith Adams director of the programme. To support email info@stjosephsaep.co.za or call 082 499 3993

Thokozani Brothers sizzle in the studio

 

Bassie and Thokozani Brothers

 

Thokozani Brothers is a non-profit organization which was established in 1997 by ten young men who started singing Isicathamiya - a traditional form of music. Thokozani Brothers was founded in response to the social challenges under which individuals in the community find themselves, especially the youth and young adults. Thokozani Brothers make interventions that go a long way towards providing alternative options for young people. Music is regarded as a universal language and they use it to reach out to. They were in studio to tell us how the journey has been. If you want their album visit www.thokozanibrothers.co.za or call 078 9591 956

Maths Centre strives for excellency

 

Bassie and Jayshree Naidoo

 

The Maths Centre for Professional Teachers, popularly known as the Maths Centre, is a Non-Profit Organisation of excellence in mathematics, science, technology and entrepreneurship education; spread across all provinces. The primary objective is to equip teachers, learners and parents with learning materials and programmes in order to develop a higher competency and performance in these learning areas for Grades R - 12 in South Africa. In studio was Jayshree Naidoo from the centre. For more info visit www.mcpt.org

 

 

Institute for Chartered Accountants offers 300 bursaries to aspiring disadvantaged youths

The South African Institute for Chartered Accountants is offering more than 300 bursaries to black and coloured Grade 12 learners who wish to pursue a career in chartered accountancy but have no resources to do so. SAICA says this is part of their strategy to fast track the transformation in the profession. On the line is Nthato Selebi to give us more on how interested students need to qualify and what they are trying to achieve with this. For more info visit www.saica.co.za or follow on twitter @saica_ca_sa

Participants callled for National Schools Moot Court competition

 Meetali Jain and Bassie

All secondary Schools in South Africa(grade 11 learners in 2013) are invited to participate in the 3rd National Schools Moot Court Competition March-August 2013. Participants are provided with the facts of an imaginary case which involve human rights issues. Respondents are asked to write two short essays, defending the opposing sides of the case using the South African Constitution. The winners of the national round oral round will receive financial support toward their first year to study at a South African university of their choice to which they have been admitted. In studio we had Meetali Jain to provide more details. For more info email cherryl.botterill@gmail.com and deadline for submissions is 15 March 2013. Fax them to 0866453569.

TSIBA a non profit business school for disadvantaged youths

Sandi Sher and Berwill Cloete

Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSiBA) is a not-for-profit institutionThe school is buzzing at the moment with all the students registered and the academic year in full swing. At the annual Scholarship Ceremony new students (116 individuals) were awarded an official certificate of their bursary for the year to study their Higher Certificate in Business Administration (HCBA) – this then leads to the three year Bachelor in Business Administration degree. In studio is spokesperson Bertwill Cloete and Sandi Sher. For more info visit www.tsiba.org.za or follow them on twitter @Tsiba_Education and facebook.

Jitsvinger and Melanie Scholtz in studio

 Bassie, Melanie Scholtz and Jitsvinger

 

Enjoy an evening of exquisite music when Hip Hop artist and lyrical poet extraordinaire Jitsvinger joins Melanie Scholtz and the Love Apples at The Mahogany Room on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 February, 2013. Jazz singer, composer Melanie Scholtz will be unveiling some of her new material at The Mahogany Room. In studio is Melanie Scholtz and Jitsvinger to tell us more about what they have been up to and tomorrow’s performance. Tickets at R60for one set and R100 for two sets. Support South African artists and music...Follow @MelanieScholtz and @Jitsvinger for further info.

Sporting Chance 50 Hour health challenge weekend for learners

Sporting Chance who is hosting the Sporting Chance Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge, taking place from Friday 15 until Sunday 17 February 2013 in Cape Town. The Challenge encourages young learners to ‘get active’ and takes place at the Western Cape Sport School in Kuils River, Cape Town. It is the largest of its kind in the country with 5,000 learners nationwide keeping a ball rolling for 50-hours while participating in 15 different sporting disciplines. General manager Natalie Pollock gave us more details about what will be happening this weekend. For more info follow them @Sportinchance on Twitter...

Opposition parties want the president to prioritise education and crime in SONA

President Jacob Zuma should outline his plans of how his administration plans to tackle th ailling education system and high levels of crime particularly sexual violence against women and children. That' according to the Congree of the People, Democractic Alliance and African Christian Democractic party. The president will deliver his fourth State of the Nation address tonight at 7pm with many hoping he touches on SA biggest issues such as corruption, crime, unemployment and education. Bushradio will be bringing you live coverage of the build up, the speech and reactions to it the whole of today.

Alliance for Rural Democracy says Traditional Courts bill not withdrawn as reported.

The Traditional Courts Bill has not been withdrawn  thats according to the Members of the Alliance for Rural Democracy who were present at the Select Committee meeting, on 28 November to which the false reports refer. The ARD can confirm that the matter of the Bill’s withdrawal was neither discussed nor decided upon. The Bill has not been withdrawn and is currently being debated by the provinces. The provincial mandates on the Bill are due to be debated by the Select Committee next year. That the Bill remains firmly on the agenda has also been confirmed by the Select Committee's Secretary. Bassie spoke to the Alliance’s Sizani Ngubane about this...

Mitchell's Plain People's forum tackles issues

 

Danny Raas, Bassie and Fred Arendse

 

The Mitchell’s Plain People’s Forum aims to the development of a sustainable economic, safe and secure integrated plan, programmes and projects where the ordinary residents of Mitchells Plain will benefit holistically through maximum participation. The forum is involved a number of workshops and in the studio are Fred Arendse and Danny Raas members to give us some insight of what they are currently up to. For more information contact 074 244 4245 or email mplainpforum@gmail.com

Grandmothers fighting poverty and aids

Grandmothers Against Povert and Aids is a voluntary organization managed by a committee of grandmothers who represent different areas of Khayelitsha and an occupational therapist. Today all over South Africa there are grandmothers holding together families affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty. Often these women are the sole bread winners in a household. They may also be nursing the dying and bringing up orphaned grandchildren on their own. Guest on the show was Gapa’s Vivienne Budhaza. Gapa is currently busy with ribbons to raise awareness about the disease and poverty. For more info visit www.gapa.org.za or call 021 361 8326.

iKasi Experience weekend Lookout Hill

 

Sanele Gaqa

 

The Ikasi Experience is a start-up market in Khayelitsha which aims to stimulate their micro-economy and give locals a platform to showcase their talents and wares. On Saturday, Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, will visit at 1pm. Ikapa Live will host its fourth township market celebrating local culture and diversity. The Ikasi Experience, on Saturday, February 9 at 12 noon until late aims to empower the community by creating a platform for local businesses to grow and engage with potential consumers. In studio was organiser Loyiso Mdebuka and Sanele Gaqa. For more infor call 021 398 2139

Young hip hop artist Sibabalwe Nongqunga launches Urbanic Wear

 

Bonga and Sibabalwe "Sibah Anne" Nongqunga

Sibabalwe Nongqunga is an 18 year old hip hop artist who was inspired to start his own clothing brand Urbanic Wear after seeing clothing worn by international hip hop artists. A teenage that lives Nyanga infamous for being a gang infested area he is a determined young man who is determined to make a name for himself. Sibah as he is known operates his business from his home using a laptop he borrows from a neighbour. He was studio today to tell us about his aspirations. Follow him on twitter @Urbanic_Wear and find him on Facebook as Sibah Anne.

Drugs play role in violent rape cases

The Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre says substance abuse has taken root in many Western Cape rural communities. The centre's director believes drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the rape and murder of Anene Booysen. The 17-year-old was lured away from a pub on Saturday and taken to a construction site where she was repeatedly raped and then mutilated. This has sparked outrage with a StopRape campaign being mulled following this grusesome attack. On the line was the centres Ashley Potts. For more info visit www.drugcentre.org.za or call 021 447 8026

KHRAG hosts fundraising event at Baxter tonight

 The Kurdish Human Right Action Group (KHRAG) was established in Cape Town, South  Africa, on 14 February, 1997. KHRAG is an independent, non- political organization. It strives for the protection of human rights of all Kurdish people, regardless of religion, belief, opinion, political persuasion, race or nationality. It is committed to the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish problem in the Middle East but more particularly in Turkey. KHRAG and Riaad Moosa will be hosting a fundraising event at the Baxter Theatre on tonight at the Baxter. Tickets are R80 rand

South Africa's economy sheds 68 000 jobs

The South African economy shed 68,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2012. And tt was the first time since 2008 that a decline was experienced during this period. On Tuesday, Statistics South Africa released its quarterly labour force survey in Pretoria. However, South Africa’s overall unemployment rate declined by 166,000 jobs over the same period. Stats SA Deputy Director-General for Population and Statistics Kefiloe Masiteng is on the line to share how the country always experienced an increase in the number of jobs in the fourth quarter. For more info visit www.statssa.gov.za  

Society have responsibility to re-integration of former inmates

In South Africa two thirds of previous offenders are unable to find jobs four months after the release. Of the third that do, 33 percent are employed in family businesses, 33 percent return to the jobs that they held before imprisonment and the rest find work through social networks. But for the vast majority formal employment remains elusive. Society is untrusting of former inmates and they ostracise them because of their criminal records. Our guest was Jacques Sibomana from National Institute for Crime Prevention for the Re-integration of Offenders to tell us more. For more info visit www.nicro.org or call 021 462 0017

Education must be an essential service

The ANC and the government will make sure education is declared an essential service, party secretary general Gwede Mantashe said on Monday. The lekgotla agreed that a mechanism to monitor all-round accountability in the education sector be devised as a matter of urgency. This latest announcement was received with mixed reactions with the DA welcoming the move and unions strongly objecting to it as it would trump the teacher’s right to strike. To provide some analysis was education analyst professor Kobus Maree...

Heart and Strokes foundation on cardiovascular disease

The recent tragic deaths of two young athletes have raised questions around heart disease widely associated with poor lifestyle. Last month two athletes, aged 29 and 37, died of heart failure in the first leg of the Ironman triathlon in East London. The sudden death of competitive athletes does occur, and almost certainly makes headlines, the number of deaths resulting from Sudden Cardic Death are relatively low. The vast majority of heart conditions however continue to be caused by lifestyle choices and on the line was Lucy Drew of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. For more info contact 021 447 6268 or visit www.heartfoundation.org

South Africa third most over-weight nation

When it comes to being over weight South Africans are third in the world behind first world countries such as America and Britain. A study published by the South African Institute of Race Relations found that if this trend does not stop the country might lose some of its citizens at a young age. This as a number of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. On the line was the institute's researcher Lerato Moloi to give us more insight…

 

 

 

 

Woodstock library seeking volunteers as it expands to Saltriver

Woodstock library with close to 7 thousand borrowers each month needs more volunteers to expand its reach to the Salt River community. The library runs a number of programmes for the youth and this year it plans to focus on the elderly. Friends of the Woodstock Library was started in 2010 to promote a close relationship between the library and the community, raise funds for the special needs beyond of the library’s budget. On the line we had Khulsum Hanief to tell us how people can become volunteers. For more info contact 021 448 6426.

Mitchell's Plain Welfare Organisation holds workshops

Mitchell’s Plain Welfare Organisation will run workshops at the town centre library every second Tuesday at 12. These workshops will start on Tuesday 12^th February and topics will include marriage and family enrichment, fatherhood responsibilities and parental rights and responsilities. On the line was Zanaab Amamod from the organisation to tell us educate us more about the workshops and the organisation. For info contact 021 391 2261for further details.

Empilweni making a difference in children's mental health

 Donald Mfuniselwa, Phozisa Matoti and Bassie

Empilweni’s goal is to improve the quality of life of children, adolescents and their families in our communities by providing culturally appropriate, child centered, community based mental health support and counseling. Their aim is to empower families to help themselves, and so lay the foundations for a strong, independent community. We believe in developing the capacity of key community members through treatment, training and capacity building. In studio is director Phozisa Matoti and Donald MfuniselwaFor more info visit www.empilweni.org.za or call 021 361 7063.

P Section Association for Children and Youth doing amazing work

The organisation came about as a result of the parents in P Section wanting to improve the lives of their children. This translated into the formation of care classes for after school activities, life skill programmes started for the youth, a computer project started and a soup kitchen was built and funded. Every aspect of setting up a caring community structure was formed and the need to build a sustainable community organisation was addressed by the Khayelitsha based initiative. On the line was Mildred Tsukuse founder of the project…For more info contact 021 361 1504.

SA rich must follow Motsepe's lead- Inyathelo

The rich must follow Patrice Motsepe’s lead and give back to the poor to fight poverty. SA black billionaire announced last week that he would be giving half his assets earnings to charity. Inyathelo Resource Centre belives that this underlines the importance of institutionalising philanthropy by setting up foundations that structure and sustain the contributions made by South Africans. Co-ordinator of the centre’s philanthropy Alfred Thutloa spoke to us telephonically encouraging SA's super rich to give back.…

Trekking for Trash duo pass half way mark

 

Michael Baretta and Bassie

The CAN DO! Trekking for Trash duo, Michael Baretta and Camilla Howard have just passed the halfway mark on their 3000km walk, and have collected just over 2.5 tons of litter! We can’t all be social change adventurers but we CAN all take that first step towards a green and sustainable future is their message. CAN DO! Trekking for Trash is a non-profit organization, with the aim of raising awareness, educating and inspiring change about the challenge of recyclable waste plaguing South Africa. In studio we had adventurer Michael Baretta.

12 million people go to bed hungry in SA.

12 million people in South Africa go to bed hungry everyday. Though this country produces sufficient food for its population, skyrocketing prices prevent the poor - most of them urban households - from getting adequate nutrition. A five-year study by the University of Cape Town's African Food Security Unit Network has exposed a food crisis that constitutes a "death sentence" for many and which the government has labelled as "serious". Bassie had a telephonic interview with researcher Jane Battersby Lennard about this sensitive topic. For more info visit www.afsun.org

A chance for young writers to shine

The South African Post Office is inviting learners up to the age of 15 years to write letters to take part in the 42^nd International Writing Competition. This year’s topic is aligned with the 2013 Year for Water Cooperation as it asks children to “Write someone a letter explaining why water is a precious resource”. The letter writing competition is aimed at encouraging children’s participation in the competition and recognises their writing ability. On the line is Martie Gilchrist to give us some background. For more info visit www.postoffice.co.za.

Future Factory needs help to brighten it's tomorrow

 

Jillian Alexander, Bassie and Anne Siroky

 

Anne Siroky founder of the Future Factory encourages schools to get involved with its Shape UP programme. Founded in 2000 the Future Factory aims to run structured sports initiatives at schools and over the years it has extended to feeding schemes and any other assistance the pupils needed. In the studio we had two ladies Anne and Jillian Alexander  who run the organisation to give us more information about it and some of the challenges they faced with and hou shortage of funds sometimes threatens their good work. For more send a email to thefuturefactory@yahoo.com

Communiversity benefit concert at the Baxter

One of South Africa’s foremost comedians,Nik Rabinowitz and the soul-stirring music of Hot Water on Tuesday, 5 February at 7pm will be at the Baxter Theatre concert hall for a benefit performance. The event is in aid of the Communiversity of South Africa. This educational social enterprise has been co-founded by entrepreneurs, educators, companies and students. The Communiversity aims to support young disadvantaged people finding a career worthy of their talents in an employment-relevant field. On the line we had MC Nik Rabinowitz. Tickets are R150 and VIP are R295 at Computicket.

Velokhaya uses a skills programme to uplift disadvantaged youths

Velokhaya uses a range of education-based cycling programmes to give children from disadvantaged communities the skills and opportunities they need to make a success of their lives. Thando Zothe and Mthetheleli Boya will be participating in Nashua Grape Escape which is a 3-day and 2-day mountain bike race which takes place in the Boland. Grape Escape is also one of the pre-events for Cycle Tour. On the is Thando Zothe telling us about how this has changed his life personally and professionally.

19th Annual Conference scrutinizes bullying in SA schools

Bullying is a major problem in our schools. In 2012 several children were violently killed after scuffles in the classroom or during break. The Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of Southern Africa (ADHASA) in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand School of Education will explore and provide guidance on this pervasive and disturbing behaviour among other issues in their 19th ADHD Teachers’ Conference which is being held on 9 and 10 February 2013 at Wits Education Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg. On the line was educational psychologist Carina van Vuuren telling us about the lingering effects of bullying and ADHA...

Known SA musicians aim to improve lives in Phillipi

Known South African artists and songwriters were on a bus tour through the township of Phillppi this morning. This is to introduce you to an initiative of NueLight with its artists, songwriters & film makers including NiaNell, Louis Brittz, Loyiso Bala, Neville D, Bruce Retief, Ivan Siegelaar, Hiram Koopman, Elton Jansen and few others. On the line is Julita Kok to tell us what this initiative is all about how these artists aim to improve the way of life of the people who live in area. She has urged the business sector to invest in townships such Khayelitsha and Phillipi...

Nonceba Family Counselling centre a safe heaven for sexually abused children and women..

Nonceba's aim is to drastically reduce the level of child sexual abuse in Khayelitsha and provide support to those who have been abused by Victim Support through Counselling and Prevention of Abuse through Education. This involves Providing safe haven accommodation for children who have been sexually abused or who are at risk of being abused; and for abused mothers. On the line was councillor Nozuko Ncojwa to educate us on this senstitive topic. To find out more about this organisation's work visit www.nonceba.org or call 021 364 0135 and find out how you be of assistance.

Khayelitsha Development Forum celebrates 30 years

The Khayelitsha Development Forum is an organisation that was established to encourage and ensure the participation of the Khayelitsha community of all issues affecting the restructuring and development on the basis of the principles and guidelines of the forum. The KDF in its 30^th year has vowed to honour more individuals and organisations who have helped put the area on the map. On the line was the KDF’s secretary Zoliswa Loja to give us more information on their success and plans for 2013. For more info visit www.kdf.org.za or 021 3615 711.

Emasithandane Chidren's Organisation still making a difference in orphans lives 20 years later

Mama Zelphina Maposela founder & director of Emasithandane Children’s organisation has  always been interested in community development and worked for years with community health programs focused on home-based care towards patients suffering from tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.  In 1981 Mama and her colleagues started a door-to-door mobile clinic to visit those who were sick and couldn’t help themselves. As many of these patients laid in bed dying, they worried about their children’s stigmatized future as AIDS orphans. So Mama promised to find them a safe home. On the line was Mama Maposela telling us how she looks after the 39 kids she has unde her care…For more infor visit www.masithandane.org.za

4 out of 10 households in Cape Town areas go without food once a week.

The University of Cape Town’s African Food Security Urban Network has conducted research that shows four out of 10 households in Cape Town’s poor areas go without food at least once a week because they do not have enough money to buy it. The research looked at Khayelitsha, Phillippi and Ocean View. Researcher Dr Jane Battersby-Lennard telephonically spoke to us about this. For more info visit www.afsun.org or follow them on twitter @MovingOnEmpty.

South African film makes Berlinale Film Festival

The new feature film by Berlin based South African Pia Marais has been invited to the main competition at the upcoming Berlinale in mid February 2013. According to the films producer’s this is the second film in SA after UCarmen eKhayelitsha to be invited to the main competition. Jeremy Nathan co-producer says this is an authentic story told from a unique perspective by a South Africa. On the line we had Jeremy Nathan.

Khayelitsha Policing Commission on going...

The Khayelitsha Policing Commission has been suspended following Police Minster Nathi Mthethwa’s failed court injunction against it last year. Mthethwa challenged the validity of Premier Zille’s established commission tasked with probing alleged police insufficiency in area but was dismissed by the Cape High court. On the line was Advocate Bawa to find out the way forward for the commission, what the judgement means and when they expect to conclude. www.khayelitshacommission.org and call 021 839 2102

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SA needs more doctors and nurses- SAMA

South Africa is in need of 14 351 doctors and 44 780 nurses that’s according to a survey conducted by the South African Institute of Race Relations set to be released this week. Countrywide, 56 percent of doctor posts are vacant and 46 percent of nursing jobs unfilled. Health experts on Monday said the figures were a concern and said more needed to be done to train people. On the line is South African Medical Association’s chairperson Dr Mzukisi Gootboom to tell us their take on this. For more info visit www.samamedical.org. Or call 012) 481 2052 for more information.

WC farmworkers strike called off- for now!!

The Western Cape farmworkers strike has been called for the time being, that’s according to the Congress of South African Trade Unions. Farmworkers went on strike last year, demanding that the minimum daily wage to be increased from R69 to R150. The strike was suspended in December, but resumed a few weeks ago in various towns in the province. On the line we had Mercia Andrews from the Mayibuye Land Rights movement to find out what is the way forward.

Nyanga community policing forum calls for cohesive strategy to curb gang violence

At least five teenagers have been killed in the past three weeks as gang wars between two Nyanga gangs, mostly comprising teenage school dropouts, take hold. Although less well known than notorious gangs like the 28s and the Americans, the Vuras and Vatos have been at odds in the township in a cycle of vengeance that has raged since 2009. The Community Policing Forum in Nyanga said something drastic needs to be done to curb the spate of gang violence by youth in the area. Tackling the issue we spoke to chairperson of the policing forum Sandile Martin..

The Valley Awakes to be launched in Cape Town

Reza Rassool and Bassie

Joe Rassool is latest work The Valley Awakes will be launched on Wednesday 23 January in Cape Town. The Valley Awakes took more than 20 years to complete and is seen as a welcome contribution to the growing number of books abuts the lives and times of the many communities that make up the South African experience especially those from the margins of society. In the studio is Reza Rassool editor and son of the author…

Sport Science Institute teaching people how to become runners

You’ve always wanted to become a runner – but keep putting it off because you don’t seem to be able to keep up the training or don’t even think it’s possible? Let us make it possible for you and help you every step of the way to becoming a 10km or even 21.1km runner. OptiFit, which runs in association with the Sports Science Institute of SA (SSISA), has a 12 weeks to 10km or an 8 weeks to 21.1km (for 10km runners), hands-on training programme. On the line is SSISA spokesperson Kathy Mcquaide Little to give us some insight into the research into the programme. 021 659 5725 for more information or follow them on twitter @sportsciene_sa or visit www.ssisa.org.za.

National Press Club comes under fire

The National Press Club’s decision to name the Newsmaker of the Year title to the “South African Rhino” has garnered much criticism from the press and social networks. Over the weekend the NPC made its announcement which came as a surprise to many considering 2012 was the year which had the Marikana Masscare, Outa dominating the headlines. On the lines we had NPC’s general manager Ben Rootman and former editor of the Cape Times Ryland Fisher from Ryland Fisher Communications to tackle the issue.

DNA Project highlights the importance of DNA at solving crimes

The DNA Project is a registered non-profit, public benefit organization that recognizes the critical importance of DNA evidence in the resolution of crime. It is committed to advancing justice through the expanded use of DNA evidence in conjunction with a national DNA criminal intelligence database, also known as a 'National DNA Database'. The DNA Project hopes that its efforts will translate into the comprehensive use of DNA analysis for crime detection and prevention in South Africa. On the line is DNA projects Vanessa Lynch spoke to us what exactly they do. For more info visit www.dnaproject.co.za or follow them on twitter @DNADetectives or call 021 418 0647.

Famed playwright Stephen Marcus Finn launches new book

Prof Stephen Marcus Finn is a published author, playwright and will be launching his latest book, The Story of Humphrey the Hereford, a children's book on 22nd in Rondebosch. Stephen Marcus Finn is Professor Emeritus in the Department of English at the University of Pretoria. His previous novel, Soliloquy, was critically acclaimed and received plaudits in the national press. On the line is professor to tell us more about his latest book. The launch will be at Erin Hall No 8 Erin Hall.

NPO looking for a good samaritarian

Ivan Wrenn founded and registered the Heideveld Social and Welfare Civic Association in 1995. The organisation mainly focuses on equipping young people at no cost with computer skills. At one stage the association also offered sewing skills to unemployed people but five years ago the project closed because of lack of funds. While the HSWCA is doing good work it is appealing to the public to assist as it's currently in need of a venue. Ivan Wrenn paid us a visit into studio today to appeal to the public to help where they can.  To assist call Ivan on 072 344 4200.

RAPCAN welcomes Judge Rabie ruling on children and sex.

It is no longer a criminal offence for children aged between 12 and 16 to engage in consensual sexual activities with each other, the Pretoria High Court ruled on Tuesday. Last year, the Teddy Bear Clinic and Rapcan challenged the act in court, arguing that instead of protecting children, the effect of the law was to traumatise them by exposing them to the criminal justice system. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act has been widely condemned as absurd and unenforceable. We spoke Vivienne Mentor Lalu from Rapcan to tell us why they challenged the law.

NGO's opposed to government's proposed draft on NGO law

Government is planning to regulate thousands of non-profit organisations after it tabled a draft document titled "Policy Framework on the SA Nonprofit Organisations' Law" after what the Department of Social Development calls widespread consultation. NGOs say learned about the proposed legislation only last month and the proposed changes to the NPO Act would mean stricter regulation of the sector that could lead to the establishment of a tribunal that would hear complaints against NPOs and impose sanctions on them. Talking to us on the issue was Phiroshaw Camey from Core spoke to us about this position on the matter.

Every working person in SA has 3 dependents-SAIRR

Every working person in South Africa supports themselves and an average of three people, the SA Institute of Race Relations said on Monday. A survey conducted by SAIRR showed that the general dependency had dropped among South Africans in the past 15 years, however Africans remained the racial group with the highest dependent average. The report, to be released next week showed that in 1994 there were 3.8 people dependent on every employed person, a figure which had fallen to 2.8 by 2012. On the line we had Lucy Hoelboem from the SAIRR. For more infor www.sairr.co.za

Jimmy Dludlu to perform at Kirstenbosch on January 20th

Jimmy Dludlu has come a long way from that moment when at the age of 13 he first picked up a handmade guitar. He taught himself to play and went on to become a global jazz musician. Jimmy Dludlu continues to compose and make the kind of jazz music that stirs the soul - clearly influenced by various cultures around the continent and his interaction with other musicians on the world stage. His latest album, TONOTO, introduces new facets of Jimmy and he will be performing at Kirstenbosch on 20 January 2013. Gates open at 4pm, concert starts at 5:30pm and tickets are available at webtickets.com. Jimmy spoke to Bassie telephonically..

MEC Donald Grant announces grade 3,6 and 9 test results

The provincial education department’s minister Donald Grant announced the 2012 WCED Language and Mathematics results. These standardised tests enable the department to identify problem areas and to undertake focused remedial action in the fields of literacy and numeracy performance. This is why in October 2011 over 250 000 grade 3, 6, and 9 learners from 1 thosuand 4 hundred and 21 public ordinary and independent schools tool part in the tests. On the line was Donald Grant…

Credit ombudsman warns on taking on unnecessary loans

Before taking on debt, the Credit Ombud, Manie van Schalkwyk urges consumers to make sure they understand the true costs of borrowing and payment conditions. While your home loan may cost between 8-12% in interest on outstanding amounts, credit cards will cost you up to 22% interest every month. When it comes to taking short term loans, – credit providers are allowed to charge you up to 60% interest! Credit Ombudsman also warns that consumers should investigate debt consolidation offers from banks thoroughly. On the line to tell us more was Reana Steyn from the credit ombudsman. Visit their website www.creditombud.org.za or call 0861 662 837.

Justice Project SA on fighting crime

Justice Project SA is about bringing about fair, equitable and effective law enforcement, tackling corruption and encouraging the changes that will contribute towards enhanced road safety, as opposed to the financially-driven and punitive model that currently exists. JPSA holds that every person, regardless of race, religion or political ideology has the unalienable right to be treated equally and fairly under the law. On the line we had JPSA’s Howard Demsovsky. For more information visit www.jp-sa.org and find them on Twitter @JPSAOrg and call 012 753 6802.  

Call the Rain training HIV/Aids care workers...

A fully-accredited training organisation developing outcomes-based health care and development learning programmes which assist health care workers, lay counsellors, community development workers, peer educators or any one in the caring professions to understand the impact that HIV and AIDS has on family and community life, and to empower and capacitate people with the necessary life skills to change their ways of relating to partners, friends, family, and their communities. Nicolene Rose-Innes spoke to us about some of the rewards and challenges facing NGOs. For more info visit www.calltherain.co.za or call 021 919 4395.

Nehawu calls for account on babies deaths at George Masebe hospital

Natonal Education Health Allied Workers Union in Limpopo have called for the George Masebe Hospital to account for the deaths of four babies due to alleged staff shortage. According to Nehawu the babies died of treatable diseases because there were not enough doctors at the hospital. The union has called for an investigation of the incident and for the management to be made into account for the oversight because it is unacceptable that innocent children had to die. Nehawu provincial chair Mike Shingange spoke to us telephonically...

Denosa warns of fly- by- night nursing colleges

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa has called on all 2012 matric learners and their parents to be extra careful of fly -by- night nursing institutions which take advantage of desperate pupils by offering nursing courses which are not accredited by the nursing body. Denosa spokesperson Sibongiseni Delihlazo spoke us telephonically saying that any srudent who enrolls at an institution that offers unaccredited nursing programmes is not allowed to practice as a nurse. Students who want to study nursing are encouraged to first check with the South African Nursing Council iffice if a particular institution in the area is accredited. For more information visit www.sanc.co.za. Or call 012 420 1000.

Name Your Hood hosts tournament

Name Your Hood is hosting a Basketball Tournament on Sunday 13 January 2013 at Gugulethu Sports Complex to raise awareness for the campaign. The campaign encourages the community to submit name suggestions for their favourite hood and streets throughout Gugulethu will commence at 12-15H00. On the line was Moshe Mpshe one of the organisers of the campaign to give us some insight on the campaigns progress, the tournament and what’s up for grabs on the day. www.nameyourhood.co.za for more information.

SOuth African Guild of Actors aims to protect perfomers rights

The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) aims to be the foremost labour union representing actors in the film, television, stage, commercial and corporate sectors in South Africa. The Guild exists to enhance actors' working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists' rights. SAGA a non profit organisation has been created to give actors a platform to articulate grievances and more importantly to propose solutions to collective problems. In studio we had SAGA’s media liason in Cape Town Adrian Galley…

Higher Education SA says more universities are needed to accomodate prospective students

Though the government announced last week that the 23 universities and 50 further education and training colleges would accommodate 180000 and 100000 new students respectively, universities are already reporting that the number of applicants far exceeds their capacity. Universities such as Wits, KwaZulu Natal and Cape Town are all major institutions faced with demand that far exceeds the supply they can offer to prospective students. Acting Higher Education CEO Jeffery Mabelebele spoke to us telephonically to educate us about some of the challenges this poses…

SAICA encourages improvement in Mathematics at schools.

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants has hailed the recent improvement in Mathematics by Grade 12’s. The improvement has been welcomed widely across the country as Maths is considered an essential subject for young graduates who want to enter the job market. However concern has been raised about quality as the pass mark is only 30% percent. On the line was SAICA’s Chantyl Mulder to tell us exactly why improving these marks is essential. You can follow SAICA on twitter @saica_ca_sa. Or visit www.saica.co.za

TAC calls for donations for Khayelitsha displaced victims

A fire in BM section, Khayelitsha, on 1 January 2013 started at about 05h00 and left around 4000 homeless people. The body count stands at 15, with more bodies expected to be discovered. The Treatment Action Campaign Khayelitsha office went to visit the area of disaster. They have asked friends of the TAC to donate clothes, blankets, food and anything that they can help Khayelitsha residents rebuild their homes. The TAC also made a list of those in need of chronic medications and we found 20 mostly at Ubuntu clinic. We telephonically spoke to Vuyiseka Dubula from the TAC about their efforts to assist. Drop off clothes at TAC 122 LongMarket Square 2 and 3rd Floor Westminister House in Cape Town and contact Thantaswa 021 422 1700 and to make a financial donations you can use 1009726269 TAC Account Nedbank ref BM Fire.