FREEDOM MONTH Wrapping Up Freedom Month with a space we all need to visit and learn  from. THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE in the Western Cape. 29 Years into  our democracy what are the lessons they are highlighting for us to learn  from our past and present?   GUEST: CALVYN GILFELLAN - CEO Castle Control Board   The theme for Freedom Day 2023 is Consolidating and Safeguarding  Democratic Gains and this year, the Castle of Good Hope, for centuries  associated with armed colonial conquest and apartheid oppression, will  again host a program in support of this appropriate theme.   After the Euphoria how do we safeguard the gains of our democracy • The work of the Castle of Good Hope Does reflecting on our History in any way help us make improved ac tions for the progress of our country South Africa in decades to come; how do you foresee future genera tions would see our decisions when they become the content of future museums How do we visit the Castle of Good Hope Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of the Castle Control Board: Since the euphoria of  that memorable day almost 30 years ago, there has been a worrisome  decline in the voter outcome in South Africa since 1994. I sense that it is  primarily the youth who do not practise their constitutional right to vote.  There was also a considerable voter education drive pre-94, and not  much was done post the historic 27 April 1994. In light of these and  other disturbing trends in our body politic, the Castle is doing its bit by  hosting a dialogue to understand why the youth is not participating in this  pillar of our hard-fought freedom and democracy. Who is at fault? Who is  to blame? Did the promises of 1994 falter?   These are a few hard questions the youth will ask society and its democ ratic leadership. Youth Democratic Vote Dialogue, where learners and  youth, the Independent Electoral Commission, and others will debate the  importance of the vote and the reasons behind voter apathy.

National Teach a Child to Save Day was on -  27 April offers an excellent reminder about the importance of financial education for children. The country’s steadily declining personal savings rate is spelling disaster for both individuals and the economy as a whole.  GUEST: Thapelo Tsiu – Senior Manager: Client Education and Implementation at Nedbank With the mounting financial pressures currently experienced - inflation rates, repo rate increases, increased indebtedness, loadshedding, stagnant salaries– there is no time like the present to mobilise how financial education is key to developing money management skills that can last a lifetime.  At 0,5%, South Africa has one of the lowest savings rates in the world, and this has enormous implications for financial inclusion as well as economic performance. A healthy relationship with money, which includes a commitment to long-term saving, begins young, and so a day like this should be leveraged to get children tuned into the importance of saving.  According to EVERFI, “Developing wise financial habits at an early age can help encourage responsible decision making and a healthy relationship with money before adulthood.” Saving is an important component of financial education. No matter the age, it is never too early to start educating children on how the banking system works, especially with a savings account. Through imparting a savings culture for our children, we are able to encourage them in forming sound financial habit to unlock financial freedom even in adulthood - which is pertinent.  With the above in mind, a spokesperson from Nedbank would appreciate the opportunity to share insight into the above and below:  1. Why are days such as National Teach Children to Save Day crucial to South Africa?  2. What is the importance of educating children around finances?  3. How do i begin early in creating good financial habits for my children?  4. How can parents lead by example?  5. Can we eradicate poverty and unlock financial freedom through financial education for children?

South Africans are fed up with their prospects, and their democracy, according to latest social attitudes survey The mood among South Africans has soured. The latest findings from the representative survey that’s done every year by the country’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) shows some disturbing new trends. GUEST: Dr Joleen Steyn – Kotze : Chief  Research SPECIALIST In Democracy and Citizenship: Developmental, Capable and ethical State Research Division at the HSRC The sense of hopelessness and despondency with democracy that emerges from the survey does not bode well for the future of the country’s democracy. As the survey shows, as despondency increases, so too does a sense of hopelessness. The 2021 survey – with the most recent available results – consisted of 2,996 South Africans aged 16 years and older living in private residences. The data were benchmarked and weighted to be representative of the adult population. The survey echoes key points in our forthcoming work on life satisfaction and democracy in the Human Science Research Council’s flagship publication, State of the Nation. This details increasing life dissatisfaction amid growing unhappiness with democracy and despondency.  Read more:South Africans hold contradictory views about their democracy Based on our two decade involvement in social attitudes research in South Africa, we argued that while South Africans were increasingly unhappy with democracy, their levels of life satisfaction remained stable. But we are now noting a significant decline in life satisfaction in the context of increased democratic despondency, weak political efficacy and mediocre service delivery. It is this sense of hopelessness that could potentially signal political instability in the future. What are people are saying The Social Attitudes Survey is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. Conducted annually since 2003, it measures underlying public perceptions, values and social fabric in South African society.  The survey represents a notable tool for monitoring evolving social, economic and political values among South Africans. We also believe it shows promising use as a predictive mechanism that could inform decision makers and policy-making processes.  Read more:South Africa's 1994 'miracle': what's left? The most recent survey results show a marked downturn in the mood in the country since 2021, most notably around life satisfaction and future life improvement or optimism.  A downturn in life satisfaction: South Africans show a recent downturn in their general life satisfaction, a measure that has remained relatively stable over the last 18 or so years (Figure 1). When asked to reflect on their current personal life circumstances, only 41% were satisfied with their lives in late 2021 compared to 52% in 2014. This is a significant decline for a measure that is usually quite stable.  This points to appreciable strain on life satisfaction, something that is likely to be more acutely felt among poor and vulnerable citizens.

#JSBGuestPresenter KOKETSO SYLVIA MILOSEVIC - CEO and Founder of Riches and Beyond, Professional Property investor, Property Mentor, International speaker, Residential property developer and entrepreneur. She is also the author of the new book “Winning The Property Game” KOKETSO : •    Choosing the property career path •    Growing up The Book : Winning The property Game •    The  Chapters •    Overall Lesson •    How you would describe the Property market in South African now •    Buyer or Sellers’ market •    Ways to spot opportunities as one invests in the property sector •    Other opportunities outside the home buying sector from office rental space etc. Koketso Sylvia Milosevic runs a global business, travels the world managing her property empire, and hosts international TV shows about investing in property. How did an ordinary girl from the township of Ga-Rankuwa achieve all this, amassing considerable wealth in the process? In Winning the Property Game, Koketso reveals how she built her property portfolio, turning it into a multi-million-rand business. Having trained more than 50 000 students, she now shares her secrets with the world: From how to optimise joint venture deals; orchestrate capital flips; elicit crowd-funding and utilise stokvels to how to attract angel investors to grow the business. With black women driving the South African property market, this guide could not be more timely. Koketso speaks with authority. Her hard-won insights are based on her own experience. Turning her golden rules into action, you too can watch the results unfold as you achieve financial freedom.

WORD DOMINATION This year’s Franschhoek Literary Festival has a selection of international and pan-African authors taking part in the programme’s 80 plus sessions 19-21 May.  GUEST: ELITHA VAN DER SANDT - Festival Director Franschhoek Literary Festival WWW.FLF.CO.ZA Among the authors from across the continent who will be in Franschhoek during the weekend of Friday 19th - Sunday 21st May, is award-winning Zimbabwean author, Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu. Her bestselling novel, The Theory of Flight, won the 2019 Sunday Times Fiction Prize, followed by The History of Man (2020) and The Quality of Mercy (2022), which completed the trilogy. Ndlovu also won the prestigious Wingham Campbell Prize in 2022, administered by Yale University. Ndlovu will be in conversation with Pumla Dineo Gqola on 21 May in the session THE PRACTICE OF FLIGHT. She will also take part in PENS OF POWER (20 May) where she is joined by Sue Nyathi in a discussion with Joanne Joseph on whether storytelling can serve as a weapon of hope and change, within the context of the authors’ fictional visions of Zimbabwean history. Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi, author of four novels - The Polygamist (2012), The Gold Diggers (2018), The Family Affair (2020) and An Angel’s Demise (2022), also takes part in WHY FICTION? on 19 May. During what promises to be an intimate and inspiring session, Gail Schimmel will explore the social roles and personal motivations of creating fiction with Nyathi, Rachel Joyce and Margie Orford.  Rwandan author Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase shares his astonishing story of fleeing tragedy in Rwanda in the session UNSTOPPABLE on 21 May. Auhor Sihle Khumalo delves into Kabalira-Uwase’s journey from car guard to receiving a Mandela Rhodes Scholarship and starting a thriving company. Two Pan-African authors join the festival via Zoom. In the 20 May session TRAP OF THE PAST, Joy Watson meets Nigerian writer Aiwanose Odafen whose debut novel Tomorrow I Become a Woman – a gripping exploration of patriarchal violence, forbidden love and cultural conflict – has been acclaimed as ‘searing and beautifully rendered’. On the same day, in the session CONTINENTAL DRAUGHT, Jonny Steinberg goes myth-busting with Dipo Faloyin (via Zoom), author of Africa is Not a Country, an irreverent celebration of the African continent and its dizzying diversity.  One of this year’s most powerful sessions is likely to be THE RELEASE which sees Marina Cantacuzino, author of Forgiveness: An Exploration, in conversation with former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. The forgiveness of self and others creates a restorative narrative with the power to transform lives, yet how does one actually forgive at a deep level? Cantacuzino spent 18 years learning about forgiveness, and the backlash that may accompany what is often a very challenging process. She will also participate in the two other sessions relating to apology and forgiveness, SORRY BEYOND WORDS and LETTING IT GO. Are today’s literary novelists too safe and genre-bound? In a thought-provoking session titled UNHEARD OF Margie Orford (on Zoom) talks creative rule-breaking with the risk-tolerant Maddie Mortimer (UK), author of Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies which won the Desmond Elliott Prize and was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022. Also joining the festival from her home base in London via Zoom is celebrated comedian Ruby Wax who talks to Sarah Bullen in JA WELL, NOT FINE about her latest and most significant book yet on mental health, I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was. Poetry lovers will not want to miss PLATH, BEYOND THE MYTH which sees Dominique Botha talk with Heather Clark (via Zoom) about her biography of a genius who has been reduced to the image of her suicide in contemporary culture. Clark’s Red Comet:The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath, magisterially corrects the picture. The festival thanks FLF 2023 partners including Franschhoek Wine Valley, FLF founding sponsor Porcupine Ridge, official FLF bookstore Exclusive Books, as well as sponsors News24, Ninety One SA, Yellowwoods Social Investments, Jonathan Ball Publishers, NB Publishers, PanMacmillan, Pam Golding Properties, Discovery and venue sponsors Le Quartier Français and Sterrekopje.

GUEST: ANGELA LUDEK - Project Officer Informal Sector Engagement - WasteAid  COMMUNITY The Huhtamaki Wastepreneur Challenge has launched in Diepsloot, Johannesburg. The Challenge fund is designed to support up to 50 informal waste collectors over 2 years to develop their skills and capacity in recycling. It will involve a tailored 12-week holistic training course which will culminate in an opportunity for candidates to pitch for seed funding to grow their business. Following on from Huhtamaki’s initial investment in the Circular Economy Network, a leading global sustainable packaging producer is partnering with WasteAid once again to provide investment in South Africa to support young people who are trying to start up in the waste management industry. Over 90% of recycled waste collected in South Africa is carried out by the informal sector. Many of these collectors are low-income earners, living on less than 50 Rand a day (GBP £2.50). WasteAid, a UK based International NGO, has been pioneering approaches in South Africa, Egypt and The Gambia to support young waste collectors to move up the value chain to enable them to increase the income they make from recycling. The Wastepreneur Challenge is taking place in Diepsloot a township north east of Johannesburg with a population of more than 850,000. After a local advertising campaign and screening process, 39 waste collectors applied and were interviewed and 20 waste collectors have been selected to take part in this first cohort. The candidates come from a wide variety of backgrounds, both female and male, old and young, some have been working in waste for many years but have not received any financial or skills support. All of them are keen to learn more about how to build their businesses. One of the unique aspects of the training is the amazing team that WasteAid has brought together to deliver the programme. The Wot-If? Trust, led by Gail Styger, has been working with young people in Diepsloot for many years, running a business centre where entrepreneurs can access training and business support as well as IT skills. WasteAid has also brought in core trainers that have a lived experience of working in and building successful businesses within the waste management industry. Harriet Matjila, one of the lead trainers runs an all-female run Buy-Back centre in Johannesburg. Mandlenkosi Nkosi, who is also leading a number of sessions, started out as a waste collector and now runs two thriving plastics recycling businesses in South Africa. Ursula Lebuso will be working alongside Harriet and Mandlenkosi – she is a financial advisor and holds an impressive portfolio of trainings for high performing companies across South Africa. The modules include a range of topics from getting to understand the world of waste and also on personal and business finance. Michelle Wilson, Director of Programmes at WasteAid says: “We are really excited to continue our partnership with Huhtamaki in South Africa and are proud to be able to support and track the progress of these motivated Wastepreneurs. Through this course we want to show there is pride in working on the waste value chain. Through the course, we see a real opportunity for young and old to build viable livelihoods through recycling.” “We at Huhtamaki believe that waste is very valuable secondary material. To make this a reality, incentivization, innovation, partnerships and changes in consumer behaviour all play a role. It is very important to support and encourage young Wastepreneurs by showing them the limitless possibilities that the circular economy can offer. In our view, collaboration can make a real difference and that’s why we are delighted with our partnership with WasteAid.” says Shane Van der Nest, General Manager at Huhtamaki South Africa Fibre Foodservice operation. The training started on 30 th March 2023 and will complete on 22 nd June 2023, followed by a month of tailored business mentorship. The challenge will culminate in a pitching event where the Wastepreneurs can pitch for seed funding to develop their business idea. About WasteAid: WasteAid is a leading international development organisation on a mission to tackle the global waste crisis. 2 billion people do not have their waste collected and 3 billion lack a decent disposal site, leading to the spread of disease and polluting the air, land, rivers and oceans.   WasteAid works with governments and communities in low- and middle-income countries to address the root causes of climate change and marine plastic pollution.  WasteAid shares waste management knowledge and skills; trains people to become self-employed recycling entrepreneurs; and influences decision-makers and the donor community to increase investment in waste management.  About Huhtamaki Huhtamaki is a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling wellbeing and convenience. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety, and help prevent food waste. We embed sustainability in everything we do. We are committed to achieving carbon neutral production and designing all our products to be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2030.

World Veterinary Day falls Today 29 April each year and global animal health company, Zoetis South Africa (Zoetis is the largest global animal health compa ny), is encouraging all pet owners to celebrate the critical role that veterinarians  play in supporting and maintaining the health of companion animals – and to  ask how the health and wellness of veterinarians can be supported.     GUEST: DR. TARRYN DENT - Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals,  at Zoetis.   “Veterinarians have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in  the lives of both animals and their human companions by treating illnesses,  preventing diseases, and educating pet owners about responsible animal care,”  says Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals, at Zoetis.     “It’s a rewarding and respected profession, and one we look forward to cele brating each year with our veterinarian partners on World Veterinary Day. How ever, as much as being a veterinarian is a dream job for many children and  adults alike, it is a profession that comes with many emotional stressors as well,  and it’s these, and their impact on mental health, that we are focusing on this  year. If you are an animal lover, your veterinarian plays a critical role in your life  and that of your fur babies. Let’s give them all the support we can.”     High stress environments impact mental health and wellness     Many high-stress work environments are fast-paced, with long hours and heavy  workloads. However, veterinary practices have the added pressure of making  accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions, combined with the emotional as pects of the job, which can lead to high levels of stress and burnout.    

CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT : Near-pandemic outbreak of cockroaches: The dangers of pesticides to the  environment CropLife South Africa has warned that the very wet and humid weather condi tions over the summer months have brought about an outbreak of German  cockroaches in the country. The group said cockroach numbers had increased  recently, not only because of the weather, but also the unhygienic conditions  that prevail in South Africa. GUEST: DR. GERHARD VERDOORN - Operations and Stewardship Manager,  CropLife South Africa Cockroach control starts with a serious effort to sanitise human habitation of  refuse and left-over foodstuffs. A dirty kitchen that is littered with left-over food  and freely available pet food needs serious intervention to deny these un savoury critters from invading a home and setting up a colony. Refuse bags  must be secured in plastic wheelie bins or drums out of access of cockroaches.  Floor surfaces, potential breeding spots and hide-outs in kitchens, pantries and  bathrooms must be thoroughly washed and disinfected with a diluted solution of  sodium hypochlorite (domestic bleach). Places that attract and harbour cock roaches include electrical appliances such as fridges and washing machines,  cupboards under kitchen and bathroom basins, drainpipe cavities in walls, food  cupboards, outdoor drains and dark enclosed areas such as garages. Cock roaches enjoy the heat and humidity underneath electrical appliances and  basins, and that is where they often set up breeding colonies. Cockroaches are primarily active at night, but the current outbreak is of such  magnitude that the insects are running around during the day in most home steads. Homeowners, the fast-food sector, retail sector and hospitality industry  should act quick to stop the tide of cockroaches in South Africa. CropLife South  Africa warns all citizens to abide by the statutes of the country and only use  registered pesticides strictly according to their label instructions to avoid health  impacts on themselves, their families or their clients. Do not buy unlabelled pes ticides in small containers from social media advertisers or street vendors as  those products are likely to pose a severe hazard and risk to people when ap plied indoors. A fumigant in the form of an aerosol canister or fumigation tablet can provide a  rapid knockout of most adults and juvenile cockroaches, but consumers must  follow safety instructions by wearing a facial cover and evacuating the premises  of all inhabitants for the duration of the fumigation as stated on the labels. If the  service of a pest control operator is contracted, consumers must insist on proof  of registration as a fumigation pest control operator under the Fertilizers, Farm  Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of  1947) – a registration certificate issued by the Registrar of Act No. 36 of 1947 is  the only valid certificate. Consumers must not contract operators that have only  undergone training and have not received a valid registration certificate from  the office of the Registrar. Also check which pesticide is offered to be used by  the pest control operator and if the label does not indicate application for indoor  cockroach control, refrain from using the services of such an operator. Cockroach baits are highly effective and pose a very low risk to people and pets. Reg istered baits are available in ready-to-use bait stations or easy-to-apply syringes. Baits  should be applied (or bait stations placed out) where cockroaches are most likely to  forage at night, such as inside pantries or in the corners of kitchen counter tops. Place  bait stations out of view of children and pets. There are also glue traps available for  cockroaches and these can be used alongside baits and bait stations. CropLife SA reminds all South Africans that pesticides are highly regulated sub stances and that everyone is bound by the statutes of Act No. 36 of 1947. This  means any person advertising, selling, buying or using a pesticide may only do  so according to the label instructions of the pesticide. CropLife SA is working  closely with the Directorate of Agriculture Inputs Control (DAIC) Inspectorate to  clamp down on people that sell highly toxic substances, such as pure dichlor vos, unlawfully via social media. The Inspectorate has thus far made serious in terventions in unregistered pesticides and has had great success in confiscating  large quantities of such unregistered and highly hazardous products. Members of the public who are aware of the advertising or sale of unregistered prod ucts for cockroaches may send information to the Operations and Stewardship Man ager of CropLife SA (details below) who will trigger investigation with the DAIC Inspec torate. The cockroach outbreak does not warrant unlawful activities that pose a grave  risk to people’s health.   A fumigant in the form of an aerosol canister or fumigation tablet can provide a rapid  knockout of most adults and juvenile cockroaches, but consumers must follow safety  instructions by wearing a facial cover and evacuating the premises of all inhabitants for  the duration of the fumigation as stated on the labels. If the service of a pest control  operator is contracted, consumers must insist on proof of registration as a fumigation  pest control operator under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and  Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947) – a registration certificate issued by  the Registrar of Act No. 36 of 1947 is the only valid certificate. Consumers must not  contract operators that have only undergone training and have not received a valid reg istration certificate from the office of the Registrar. Also check which pesticide is offered  to be used by the pest control operator and if the label does not indicate application for  indoor cockroach control, refrain from using the services of such an operator. Take  note that pure dichlorvos and aluminium phosphide may not be applied indoors due to  the high hazard and risk posed by these products. There are registered fumigants that  contain 12% or less dichlorvos that may be used, but strictly according to the safety  instructions on their labels.   Surface sprays that contain pyrethroids can be applied as a follow-up after fumigation,  especially under electrical appliances, basins and in drainpipe outlets. Take care to use  personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, facial cover, long sleeves and  pants with long leggings. Do not apply any insecticide while people and pets are in doors; they should only re-enter when treated surfaces are dry.   Cockroach baits are highly effective and pose a very low risk to people and pets. Reg istered baits are available in ready-to-use bait stations or easy-to-apply syringes. Baits  should be applied (or bait stations placed out) where cockroaches are most likely to  forage at night, such as inside pantries or in the corners of kitchen counter tops. Place  bait stations out of view of children and pets. There are also glue traps available for  cockroaches and these can be used alongside baits and bait stations.

CONSTITUTION HILL JHB GUEST: DAWN ROBERTSON - CEO Constitution Hill CURATED : Makers Market: Celebrating Artisan Craftsmanship and Creativity to  launch at Constitution Hill next week Friday 5 May 2023   A world of curated excellence at the highly anticipated Curated. Makers Market, set to  take place on 5 May 2023 at Constitution Hill This one-of-a-kind event promises to  showcase the finest craftsmanship and creativity from local artisans, bringing together  a diverse collection of makers, creators, and enthusiasts in a celebration of handmade  goods.   With over 40 talented artisans handpicked for their unique skills and exceptional quali ty, the Curated Makers Market is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind creations, from  handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles, woodworking, leather goods, home decor, and  much more. The event provides a platform for artisans to showcase their talent and  connect with discerning shoppers who appreciate the art of craftsmanship and creativi ty.   For the inaugural event, Curated. Market is thrilled to team up with the legendary Obri gado lifestyle event. Known for its eclectic take of music in Jozi culture bringing the  heat from Afro Latin, Bossa Nova, Soul to Funk and everything in-between! Visitors to  the market can expect to kick off the weekend with an event that delivers the perfect  family outing.   Children visiting the market will delight in an exceptional children’s zone that has  been programmed by Play Africa - the first interactive children’s museum in Southern  Africa, Play Africa allows children to play, discover, innovate and connect by focusing  on creative, holistic and playful learning.   The Curated. Makers Market is not just a shopping experience; it's an opportunity to  connect with the artisans themselves and learn about their craft. Visitors will have the  chance to engage in interactive demonstrations, workshops, and meet-and-greets with  the artisans, gaining insight into their creative process and taking home a unique piece  of art that tells a story.   In addition to the diverse range of handmade goods, the Curated. Makers Market will  also feature a curated selection of local food vendors offering delectable treats and re freshments. From gourmet snacks to artisanal beverages, visitors can indulge in a  culinary journey while exploring the market and taking in the vibrant atmosphere. our  market also offers a wide array of pantry essentials and fresh flowers! It's the perfect  opportunity to support local businesses while stocking up on your weekly pantry and  adding a touch of beauty to your home.   The Curated. Makers Market is not just about commerce; it's about fostering a sense of  community and supporting local talent. It's a place where creativity thrives, connections  are made, and stories are shared. It's an opportunity to discover and support artisans  who pour their heart and soul into their craft, and a chance to take home some thing truly special and unique. "We are thrilled to bring together such an extraordinary group of artisans at the Curat ed Makers Market. We believe in the power of handmade goods and the stories behind  them, and our goal is to create a memorable experience for both artisans and visitors  alike. Constitution Hill is committed to supporting local talent and fostering a sense of  community, and we can't wait to share this exciting event with everyone." - Dawn  Robertson the CEO of Constitution Hill

21 April saw the launch of Sporting Chance Street Netball – a regional street netball  programme that will reach 768 girls under the age of 13, guiding them towards future  opportunities through the valuable lessons of sport.   GUEST:  BRAD BING - CEO of Sporting chance ●    Using sport as a tool for change ●    The selection process for the young ladies that take part in the program ●    The Netball World Cup takes place in July this year in South Africa (Cape Town); what is the impact this will make for the sport Street Netball’s inaugural centre pass will take place simultaneously on Friday the 21st  at 2pm across the Cape communities of Grassy Park, Elsies River, Mitchell's Plain,  Khayelitsha, Langa, Mfuleni, Ocean View and Nomzamo, and forms part of the City of  Cape Town’s Countdown to The Netball World Cup. Regional finals are then planned for Youth Day, 16 June, and the festival finale will take  place in the Fan Park next to the CTICC to coincide with the 2023 Vitality Netball World  Cup (VNWC).   Endorsed by the Cape Town Netball Federation and Netball South Africa, and con ceived and co-ordinated by Sporting Chance, a youth sports development organisation  based in Cape Town, the Street Netball programme teaches life skills through the  game of netball to children who need it most, where it is needed most - in communities  that are plagued by poverty and crime, and lacking in adequate facilities or structured  after-school activities.   “The street is the ideal venue for kids to come together and do something positive and  healthy,” says Brad Bing, managing director of Sporting Chance. “We need to take  back the streets from social evils in our communities – programmes like Street Netball  turn the streets into a stage where life lessons can be taught, friendships forged and  communities entertained.   Empowering Cape Town’s Girls With Life Skills Bing goes on to explain that a very important aspect of the Street Netball initiative is a  Life Skills programme that will run concurrently for eight weeks. “Emthonjeni Coun selling and Training, one of our supporting partners, will be working with the girls  across the eight Cape communities to equip them with essential life skills and empow erment knowledge to help them plan for their futures. Being healthy and keeping active  are added critical life skills taught by the programme and so necessary to keep building  a healthy South Africa.”   In addition to this, SA netball icon Phumza Maweni has come on board as an ambas sador for Street Netball. The Phumza Maweni Foundation, as supporting partners, will  also be assisting to identify netball players that display exceptional talent and flair and  will mentor and monitor their netball progress going forward. “And it isn’t only the children who will benefit from this programme - 16 local coaches  and a coordinator will be selected from each of the eight communities and these 136  adults will be empowered to make each Street Netball community programme their  own,” continues Bing. About the Street Netball Programme Rollout The Street Netball matches will hit the neighbourhood streets of Cape Town with  round-robin matches taking place in the eight different communities. Sixteen teams  of six players each are entered into each community league competing in an  adapted 5-a-side version of the conventional game. Weekly matches will be  played for eight weeks, followed by the regional finals on Friday 16 June, and  culminating in the festival finale which will coincide with the 2023 Vitality Netball  World Cup (VNWC) as part of the exciting line-up of events planned around this  international event.

JSBART In earlier centuries, flowers were coveted status symbols, today they are traded global ly as a mass product. Currently, the flower is coming into focus as a fragile yet indis pensable component of our global eco-system. With objects from art, design, fashion  and natural science, Flowers Forever offers an elaborately staged tour through the cul tural history of flowers from antiquity to the present day.   GUEST: OWANTO – Visual Artist The presentation comprises around one hundred and seventy works from international  collections as well as installations created especially for the exhibition. Important ex amples from the histories of art and design enter into a fruitful dialog with new artistic  approaches. The exhibition features works by Jan Brueghel the Younger, Abraham  Mignon, Barbara Regina Dietzsch, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Hannah Höch, Andreas  Gursky, Miguel Chevalier, Ann Carrington, Patricia Kaersenhout, Kehinde Wiley,  DRIFT, and many other artists. They all bring the multifaceted cultural history of flowers  to life in impressive ways.   MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: Owanto is a multi-cultural Gabonese artist born in Paris, France. She was  raised in Libreville, Gabon, and later moved to Europe to study Philosophy, Lit erature and Languages at the Institut Catholic de Paris in Madrid, Spain.  Owanto’s multidisciplinary practice emerges from a 30-year ca reer where she explores a variety of media, including photog raphy, sculpture, painting, video, sound, installation and per formative works. A practice that enables her to engage with   consciousness through the notion of memory, both personal  and collective.  In 2009, Owanto represented the Republic of Gabon at the 53rd  Venice Biennale with a solo show entitled “The Lighthouse of  Memory – Go Nogé Mènè”, being the very first artist from   Central Africa to exhibit solo in a National Pavilion. Through   the use of archives and found documents her proposal traces  the past to shape the future, honouring the title “Go Nogé   Mènè” which means “building the future” in her mother   tongue. Central to her artistic proposal is the question “OÙ   ALLONS NOUS?” (Where Are We Going?). A poetic, om nipresent, important, fundamental and universal probe.  Owanto’s interest in memory leads her to construct new utopian  worlds while reflecting on the concepts of identity, transfor mation and evolution. As the daughter of a Gabonese mother  and French father, influenced by Africa, Europe, colonialism   and the earth, the artist explores cross-cultural and transhis torical dialogues. She seeks to interrogate the meaning of   existence and of her personal and shared history.  https://www.afronova.com/artists/owanto/

MOTORING ON JSB  GUEST: NICO SMIT 09H10 FREEDOM MONTH Wrapping Up Freedom Month with a space we all need to visit and learn  from. THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE in the Western Cape. 29 Years into  our democracy what are the lessons they are highlighting for us to learn  from our past and present?   GUEST: CALVYN GILFELLAN - CEO Castle Control Board   The theme for Freedom Day 2023 is Consolidating and Safeguarding  Democratic Gains and this year, the Castle of Good Hope, for centuries  associated with armed colonial conquest and apartheid oppression, will  again host a program in support of this appropriate theme.   After the Euphoria how do we safeguard the gains of our democracy • The work of the Castle of Good Hope Does reflecting on our History in any way help us make improved ac tions for the progress of our country South Africa in decades to come; how do you foresee future genera tions would see our decisions when they become the content of future museums How do we visit the Castle of Good Hope Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of the Castle Control Board: Since the euphoria of  that memorable day almost 30 years ago, there has been a worrisome  decline in the voter outcome in South Africa since 1994. I sense that it is  primarily the youth who do not practise their constitutional right to vote.  There was also a considerable voter education drive pre-94, and not  much was done post the historic 27 April 1994. In light of these and  other disturbing trends in our body politic, the Castle is doing its bit by  hosting a dialogue to understand why the youth is not participating in this  pillar of our hard-fought freedom and democracy. Who is at fault? Who is  to blame? Did the promises of 1994 falter?   These are a few hard questions the youth will ask society and its democ ratic leadership. Youth Democratic Vote Dialogue, where learners and  youth, the Independent Electoral Commission, and others will debate the  importance of the vote and the reasons behind voter apathy. 09h20 JSBART In earlier centuries, flowers were coveted status symbols, today they are traded global ly as a mass product. Currently, the flower is coming into focus as a fragile yet indis pensable component of our global eco-system. With objects from art, design, fashion  and natural science, Flowers Forever offers an elaborately staged tour through the cul tural history of flowers from antiquity to the present day.   GUEST: OWANTO – Visual Artist The presentation comprises around one hundred and seventy works from international  collections as well as installations created especially for the exhibition. Important ex amples from the histories of art and design enter into a fruitful dialog with new artistic  approaches. The exhibition features works by Jan Brueghel the Younger, Abraham  Mignon, Barbara Regina Dietzsch, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Hannah Höch, Andreas  Gursky, Miguel Chevalier, Ann Carrington, Patricia Kaersenhout, Kehinde Wiley,  DRIFT, and many other artists. They all bring the multifaceted cultural history of flowers  to life in impressive ways.   MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: Owanto is a multi-cultural Gabonese artist born in Paris, France. She was  raised in Libreville, Gabon, and later moved to Europe to study Philosophy, Lit erature and Languages at the Institut Catholic de Paris in Madrid, Spain.  Owanto’s multidisciplinary practice emerges from a 30-year ca reer where she explores a variety of media, including photog raphy, sculpture, painting, video, sound, installation and per formative works. A practice that enables her to engage with   consciousness through the notion of memory, both personal  and collective.  In 2009, Owanto represented the Republic of Gabon at the 53rd  Venice Biennale with a solo show entitled “The Lighthouse of  Memory – Go Nogé Mènè”, being the very first artist from   Central Africa to exhibit solo in a National Pavilion. Through   the use of archives and found documents her proposal traces  the past to shape the future, honouring the title “Go Nogé   Mènè” which means “building the future” in her mother   tongue. Central to her artistic proposal is the question “OÙ   ALLONS NOUS?” (Where Are We Going?). A poetic, om nipresent, important, fundamental and universal probe.  Owanto’s interest in memory leads her to construct new utopian  worlds while reflecting on the concepts of identity, transfor mation and evolution. As the daughter of a Gabonese mother  and French father, influenced by Africa, Europe, colonialism   and the earth, the artist explores cross-cultural and transhis torical dialogues. She seeks to interrogate the meaning of   existence and of her personal and shared history.  https://www.afronova.com/artists/owanto/ 09:35 – JSB SESSIONS  GUEST: DUDU MAKHOBA – Jazz Musician Dudu started to sing in the choir and soon appreciated her  gift, her smooth, soft chocolate voice. Although Dudu as pired to study for and pursue a degree in Psychology, her  exposure to Jazz music created a deep burning passion  and fascination. Constantly developing her soulful jazz  voice Dudu then decided to complete her National Diploma  in Jazz and Popular music at Central Johannesburg Col lege (CJC). Through the years Dudu has performed for various crowds  in different spaces both nationally and internationally. 09h50 – KNOW YOUR WORLD SABC EDUCATION Today the kids were asked ….Have you ever heard about the bermuda triangle ? What are some of the things you've heard about it?

JSB SESSIONS  GUEST: DUDU MAKHOBA – Jazz Musician Dudu started to sing in the choir and soon appreciated her  gift, her smooth, soft chocolate voice. Although Dudu as pired to study for and pursue a degree in Psychology, her  exposure to Jazz music created a deep burning passion  and fascination. Constantly developing her soulful jazz  voice Dudu then decided to complete her National Diploma  in Jazz and Popular music at Central Johannesburg Col lege (CJC). Through the years Dudu has performed for various crowds  in different spaces both nationally and internationally.

The Hobbit opened at the National Children’s Theatre on 16 April, directed by award-winning South African director Alan Swerdlow.

THEATRE  The Hobbit opened at the National Children’s Theatre on 16 April, directed by award-winning South African director Alan Swerdlow. The play is based on a 2019 adaption by Greg Banks for the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, USA GUEST: ALAN SWERDLOW  The Hobbit brings fantasy fun to National Children’s Theatre The show’s cast is led by Naledi award-winning actor, Gamelihle Bovana, and there are opportunities where actors invite the audience into the story, creating a shared experience for all stakeholders involved, and where something magical happens. Would you be interested in having an interview with Alan Swerdlow, National Children’s Theatre Director for Hobbit to share more information on the production? He could share more information such as: - Tell us a bit more about the production, what inspired the play? - Tell characters in the play? - The importance of children being exposed to plays/theatre at an early age?  - The importance of keeping art/culture/Theatre industry alive in SA?  Sustainable furniture DIYgirls is a full-service interior design company located in Johannesburg. They design functional and aspirational interiors. Their solutions are tailored to the unique style and needs of their clients, with a focus on sustainability.  Vinette believes that beautiful design should not come at the expense of our planet. DIYgirls take pride in their commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious production. Vinette shares her insights and experiences at the back of International Earth Day. GUEST: Vinette Diab Nicholls – Owner of DIYgirls As a pioneer in eco-friendly and sustainable design projects, Vinette discusses the importance of environmentally friendly materials and ethical production processes in the furniture industry. Vinette can speak to the following interview subjects and talking points: • The importance of sustainability in the furniture and interior design industry. • The benefits of using recycled plastic waste in furniture production. • The need for a global commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious production. • How to ensure you use fabrics that are green, eco-friendly, and internationally compliant when decorating your home. • The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable design projects. ABOUT Owner DIYgirls Their in-house workshop and sewing room allow them to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing, by crafting bespoke decorative accessories, window treatments and furniture that is equal in quality and durability. By doing so, they are then able to offer clients flexibility in terms of the style, size and colour of their furniture and soft furnishings. Whether it’s a quick bedroom refresh or a new design for a larger interior, much of our trade stems from repeat clients and direct referrals.

CLUE: Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the site is home to the largest concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world. Where are we today?  ANSWER: THE CRADLE OF HUMAN KIND  The Cradle of Humankind is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa.  It lies about 50km north-west of Johannesburg, One of the first major discoveries here was that of 'Mrs Ples', a pre-human skull dating back more than 2-million years (Australopithecus Africanus) that was unearthed by Professor Robert Broom and his assistant, John Robinson, in 1947.  REVIVING TOURISM POST THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ERA  In tourism news this week MEC of Economic Development Tasneem Motara  celebrated a massive injection of Gauteng tourism revenue of R52 Billion in 2022, as she toured local attractions in the West Rand GUEST: STHEMBISO DLAMINI - Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO 1.      Does this mean tourism is back in business after the covid-19 lockdown? 2.      How has small business recovered and now you are faced with loadshedding?  3.      Your experience of the cradle of humankind heritage site and as one of the main destination attractions in Gauteng?  4.      Your top 3 go to places in Gauteng? Here the landscape is dotted with subterranean limestone caves that have turned up a rich fossil record for human evolutionary studies. These findings have led to the 'Out of Africa' theory, theorising that most human ancestors originated from one general spot… Africa.  It’s here where you get to see history in the flesh, or should we say bone. Tens of thousands of visitors from across the world come here to see first-hand the fossil record that lies in the network of limestone caves beneath the surface.  Explore the Sterkfontein Caves, Swartkrans and Kromdraai, among other fossil sites, and discover the story of what the world was like when our human ancestors were evolving some 2 to 3 million years ago.  At the Sterkfontein Caves alone, the remains of more than 500 Hominids (the Hominid family includes modern-day humans and their direct ancestors) have been uncovered. This not only led to the area being declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 but has also helped to prove the ‘Out of Africa’ theory, which is that humans and their ancestors evolved in Africa and then spread out to the rest of the world over time.  Fossils were first unearthed here in the 1890s when the caves were blasted open for lime needed for the extraction of gold discovered on the Witwatersrand in 1886.  But it was only from the 1930s that serious scientific work started to take place. 

10 of South Africa’s top chefs  the Strydkraal(Limpopo) small farmers, Harvesting Heritage, SocioTech, Nederburg Wines and the South African Chefs Association have teamed up to create a new and unique cooking competition.  GUEST: CHEF ANDILE SOMDAKA  GUEST: MAZOLA MAGWAZA - Sommelier  When, where?  Date:      Saturday, 27 May 2023 Time:     12:00 until 17:00 Venue:   Brooklyn Bridge, 570 Fehrsen St, Brooklyn, Pretoria Booking link:https://qkt.io/A7dhaV How does the competition on 27 May work? Chefs and farmers who grow indigenous and heritage crops working together:  Ten of South Africa’s top chefs have had multiple meetings with a community of small farmers in the village of Strydkraal Limpopo. The farmers grow heritage and indigenous crops and breed Nguni heritage cattle.  The rules of the competition say that the chefs must use Nguni beef and traditional vegetables to create delicious and innovative dishes.  What sorts of ingredients will be used? The chefs may use any indigenous and/ or heritage ingredients that the Strydkraal farmers can produce. Examples of possible ingredients include morogo (such as thepe, leroto, morogo wadinawa etc), gourds such as lerotse and beans such as ditlou(also known as Bambara nuts and jugo beans).  What sort of food will there be? New African Cuisine The idea is for chefs to take traditional ingredients and reconfigure them in modern ways. The use of ingredients must be authentic and respectful but also exciting and innovative. Expect New African Cuisine at its finest.  How can listeners taste this exciting, innovative food?  There are only 240 tickets for the food. These tickets cost R895 a head. For this ticket price diners get 7 plates plus wine.  Those who don’t want/ cant afford to pay R895 can visit the event, watch the chefs cook and savour similar but less fancy food made using traditional ingredients at food stalls. What is Sommelier Magwaza doing?  Multi award winning sommelier Moses Magwaza is presenting indigenous food and wine pairing master class sessions at the event at a cost of R250 per person.   More details @harvestingheritage Participating chefs  Andile Somdaka Lance Williamson Wandile Mabaso Absalom Kotsokoane Mzwandile (Hector) Mnyayisa Themba Chauke Nhlanhla Masango Tshepiso Ramatlhodi Napo Ramaili Sizwe Cebekhulu Participating sommelier:  Moses Magwaza

MOTORING WITH NICO SMIT

THE MUFFINZ  Known for their soulful live performances, renowned South African group, The Muffinz, are set to deliver a  performance at Theatre of Marcellus stage at Emperors Palace on the 3rd of June. GUEST: GREGORY MABUSELA  GUEST: SIFISO BUTHELEZI  The Muffinz have been making waves in the music scene since their formation in 2010, and have since released two critically acclaimed albums, Have You Heard and Do What You Love, which have garnered them widespread recognition and multiple awards and nominations. Ask each member of the band how they define their music, and the responses are as varied as their personalities.  From Sifiso Buthelezi’s “liberated afro retro” to Simphiwe Kulla’s “eclectic soul trip”, even though their music has grown and developed through the years, the music remains the familiar blend of jazz and soulful melodies with an African twist. The Muffinz are known for their live performances and this show promises to be no exception.  “We’re excited to be celebrating over a decade of music and we’ll be showcasing all the favourites that have made us a household name in South Africa as well as some of our favourite South African cover songs.  Fans can definitely expect tracks like Umsebenzi Wendoda, Soundcheck and Ghetto as well as take a trip down memory lane with Hugh Masakela’s Marketplace,” shares the group. The audience will also be treated to a special live performance of their latest single, You’re the One, featuring the brilliant pianist/singer Liysakha Tyhoba from the Eastern Cape.   The Theatre of Marcellus is the perfect venue for this spectacular event, with its elegant and grand ambiance and this show is not to be missed.  Tickets are now available at Ticketpro: (https://bit.ly/3GRmrTf).  #TheMuffinzLive Today is Earth day, and it's being celebrated under the theme "Invest in our planet" How can we celebrate and invest in our planet as children? 

Are You a Tea or Coffee Person? What gets you ready for your morning?  Who has Won The JSB TEA VS COFFEE BATTLE  STUDY REVEALS WHAT YOUR MORNING BEVERAGE SAYS ABOUT YOU Millions of South Africans reach for a cup of tea or coffee each morning. Ever wonder why you favour one beverage in particular?  According to a study conducted by international market research agency, OnePoll, your morning cuppa says a lot about who you are. Researchers found significant personality differences among the 2 000 Americans they examined based on their morning beverage of choice. GUEST: ADELE DU TOIT - Spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council What will it be – coffee or tea? Contrary to popular belief, researchers found coffee drinkers to be more introverted and creative than tea drinkers, who describe themselves as extroverts that enjoy social interaction and crave adventure. Seventy five percent of coffee and tea drinkers have their first cuppa before 08h00 and it’s often on-the-go – taking their morning bevvy with them as they battle the traffic, school drop offs and the like. When it comes to entertainment, tea fans enjoy watching “Friends”, “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Walking Dead”, while most coffee afficionados prefer “Seinfeld”, “The Office” and “Grey’s Anatomy”. Taste in music also vary. Those who favour coffee listen to jazz, blues, punk and rock in contrast to tea lovers who prefer a combination of classical, country, pop, hip hop and rap. Both love pets, but on the whole, coffee drinkers prefer the companionship of a dog, while tea drinkers are fonder of cats. When asked about why they prefer coffee or tea, 41% of coffee drinkers said they can’t start their day without coffee as they rely on a decent dose of caffeine to get them going first thing in the morning. They like the buzz coffee gives them, which supports their fast-paced, always on-the-go lifestyle. Thirty seven percent of tea drinkers chose tea for the exact opposite reason – stating too much caffeine as a turnoff. They also tend to appreciate living in the moment and are more reflective by nature. Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says several studies over the years have yielded similar results, so there must be some truth to it. “Other studies concur that coffee drinkers tend to be ‘morning’ people compared to tea drinkers who describe themselves as night owls. Cleanliness and orderliness are a lot more important to tea drinkers than their coffee drinking peers, who often self-identify as ‘messy’.  “Sleep seems to elude coffee drinkers with many describing themselves as light sleepers – either waking up at the slightest noise or blaming it on racing thoughts that keep them up at night, whereas most tea drinkers (57%) say they generally sleep well.” Du Toit says while most teas contain less caffeine than coffee, herbal tisanes like Rooibos are completely caffeine-free and has been proven to alleviate stress and anxiety, aiding in a good night’s rest.  “The combination of antioxidants in Rooibos lowers cortisol (stress hormone) in the body. The higher the level of cortisol, the greater the likelihood of interrupted sleep.” The OnePoll study refers to coffee drinkers being addicted to caffeine with another report citing almost half (49%) of coffee drinkers saying they’d rather give up their cellphone for a month than go without coffee. The same can’t be said for tea drinkers as addiction isn’t a problem. “Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you awake, so it’s best to limit these beverages to the morning. With Rooibos, the opposite is true. The more you drink, the better you will sleep.”

WORD DOMINATION  The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), in collaboration with the National Reading Collaboration (NRC), is celebrating World Book Day today by organizing a series of reading dialogues from 23 April 2023 to 23 May 2023. GUEST:  GODWIN KHOSA - CEO The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) About the work of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT)? About the collaboration with the National Reading Collaboration (NRC), a series of reading dialogues? The  resources and guidelines that will be shared with parents and community stakeholders? Who can participate and Where to get more information?  These dialogues will take place in four provinces: Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape. The primary objectives of these dialogues are to assist communities in improving their reading practices at home and to encourage reading for pleasure activities in primary schools. At the conclusion of each dialogue, resources and guidelines on reading will be shared with parents and community stakeholders. World Book Day is an internationally recognised event organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote the importance of reading, publishing, and copyright. This year's celebration draws attention to the need for increased access to books and other reading materials worldwide. As the world marks World Book Day, the NECT has made a greater call for parents to help bridge the gaps at home by encouraging reading at home and helping learners access as much of the publicly available reading resources as possible, more so resources available in their mother tongue. Many children are still facing challenges when it comes to reading, particularly in terms of comprehension among Grade 4 learners, the need for a culture of reading cannot be overstated. The NECT would like an opportunity to talk to you about the activities on World Book Day and reading programmes that they currently have in place to assist children with reading.

Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognise the magical power of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. GUEST: Ofentse Molefe – Assistant Principal at Spark Randburg High Talking points: ·         Social benefits of reading? ·         Why reading is crucial for childrens development ·         Reading as a family and how it helps children build confidence at school What is World Book Day? World Book Day is an annual celebration of all things literature. It's a day to reflect on our enjoyment of books and reading, across all generations. The day was set up in 1995, to encourage everyone to read more, and discover the magical worlds that books can offer. World Book Day encourages children to read more of their favourite books. It's a UNSECO initiative, and international organisations from the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, are all involved in spreading the word. When is World Book Day? World Book Day takes place every year on 23 April in South Africa and across most of the world. This date is significant because three of the world's most well-known authors all died on this date. They were William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.  How can I celebrate World Book Day with my class? World Book Day is a great opportunity to theme your day of teaching around all things books! You could ask children of all ages to bring their favourite book to school with them and tell the class a bit about why they like it so much. No matter what Phase you teach, there are tons of creative ways to work World Book Day into the classroom. How about making the day a fancy dress occasion? Encourage your class to come to school dressed as a character from their favourite book.  Which resources can I use to mark World Book Day? Twinkl has lots of fun and engaging resources that you can use with your children to celebrate World Book Day. Foundation Phase children will love this Junior World Book Day quiz PowerPoint - simply download it and present it to your class in a few simple clicks! It features interactive multiple-choice questions for you to work through as a class, all about books that this age group will be familiar with.  Intermediate and Senior Phase learners will enjoy this quiz featuring questions on books such as 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Charlotte's Web' and of course the hugely popular 'Harry Potter' series.  Jaco Jacobs-themed World Book Day resources! Twinkl had the pleasure of interviewing Jaco Jacobs, one of South Africa's most well-known and well-loved children's authors. He creates fantastic literature for all ages, from picture books right up to teen fiction. We have put together a selection of resources themed around Jaco's work, to help you build a World Book Day lesson focussing on home-grown talent. We've got book review templates, book cover creation resources, a word search and lots more for you to dive into! You can find all of these fantastic resources in our Jaco Jacobs category. These resources are suitable for older Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase classes.

Zazen Respite Care is a palliative care offering in Gauteng; Dr. Jodi Wishnia a public health specialist with a passion to improve the health system. Zazen is set to open an inpatient care facility for those at the end of life. This morning we talk "Why we need access to palliative care"  GUEST: DR. JODI WISHNIA - Public Health Specialist For now, we are providing outreach services to insured patients at home and uninsured patients in one public hospital in Gauteng. Zazen will be a hub for palliative care research and provides an innovative financing model to ensure access for all who need it, irrespective of their ability to afford it. This is aligned to South Africa's social solidarity principles in its coming National Health Insurance. “Why We Need Access to Palliative Care”  —About palliative Care and why we need more inpatient care units?  —Take us through the journey of preparing for the end of life? —Tell us about the work of Zazen Respite Care? —You have found a home?  —You are fundraising to build the centre, what will it take to make this mission come to life and how can people contribute ?  —Where do we reach you  Get in touch: jodiwishnia@zazenrespite.org ABOUT DR. JODI I am passionate about improving the South African health system. For the past 10 years, my impact on the health system has largely been through helping to create evidence for decision making and strengthening financial management practices in the pursuit of quality health care. From 2023, I am focusing on contributing to our health system through the expansion of palliative care services for all those who need it. This will entail the building and development of an inpatient palliative care centre in Johannesburg, called Zazen Respite Care. Follow my progress here as we try to improve access to this often overlooked and underfunded part of the care continuum: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zazen-respite-care/

COMMUNITY  It’s the 2023 67 Blankets Local Blankets is Lekka tour across the country! GUEST: CAROLYN STEYN - Founder of 67 Blankets  Take us back to 2014 at the beginning of "nitwits for Madiba"?  This year you are taking the 67 Blankets movement to 8 areas around the country, you kicked off in Cape Town yesterday?   The impact you believe 67 Blankets has made over the years?  South Africa is faced with many social challenges, your thoughts on how we can each play our part in contributing to the larger community? This year Local is Lekka for 67 Blankets. Since the inception of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day in January 2014 “KnitWits for Madiba” have been knitting squares, making blankets and involving fellow South Africans ahead of their many events, wrapping up South Africans in the warmth of this project. However every year the 67 Blankets ambassadors and volunteers pack up the enormous contributions and send them off for the annual big record-breaking reveals. This year there will be eight big reveals with a 67 Blankets team travelling around the country on the Local Blankets is Lekkatour! In every region local ambassadors are galvanising their ‘KnitWits’ to bring in their squares, their blankets and their love in what is to be a celebration of community, open-hearted giving and the desire to make a positive difference. In the spirit of light competition every 67 Blankets ambassador and ‘KnitWit’ community is pulling out all the stops to amass a big, beautiful display of blankets that highlights the hard work and commitment of local volunteers. Visitors can enjoy the display of blankets, local entertainers and musicians and good food and drink. If you are slow off the mark and haven’t yet got knitting or crocheting for this good cause, there will be many people, needles in hand, to help you start your first square and even blanket. Or even better why not join a group in your area that is already meeting to work those needles and hooks. Kicking off on 22 April in Cape Town,  a 67 Blankets team will visit eight different cities and towns over the next two months. Every stop will be a showcase of hope and the power of the possibility. Following the events, all blankets will be collected and distributed to those in need, through the 67 Blankets partnerships. “I am really excited about the Local Blankets is Lekka tour. Our ambassadors are the heart and soul that keep 67 Blankets turning and this tour is going to be a wonderful way to celebrate their unwavering commitment to the project. I am really looking forward to meeting our extended 67 Blankets family in their home towns and seeing what they have been able to achieve over the last year. It is all going to be a huge surprise”, says Carolyn Steyn founder of 67 Blankets. Local Blankets is Lekka Dates and Venues: Cape Town: April 22, 2023 - 11am at the Hellenic Club, Bay Road, Mouille Point. Mossel Bay: May 13th, 2023 - 10am at the Mossel Bay Town Hall. Bloemfontein: May 20, 2023 - 11am at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Daantjie: May 26, 2023 – 1pm Mtfophi Primary School White River: May 27, 2023 - All blankets handed in at the Sabie Valley Coffee Shop, Casterbridge. Johannesburg: June 3, 2023 - 11am at Jeppe High School for Girls. Durban: June 10, 2023 - 11am at the Holy Family College, Glenmore. Gqeberha: June 15, 2023 - 9am at the Theodor Herzl High School. Website: 67blankets.co.za Facebook: 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) Twitter: @67blankets IG: 67blankets

World creativity and innovation day was on Friday the 21 April – The day promotes the importance of creativity and innovation on the continent South Africa's Innotivity Institute is leading celebrations in Africa and beyond, speaking at events in South Africa, Nigeria, Ukraine, and the US. Michael Lee – FOUNDER OF Innotivity The Innotivity Institute’s programs of creativity and innovation training, coaching, consulting and mindset makeovers help coaches, teams, and leaders master the future of work. Creativity and innovation are the most important skills in business today – LinkedIn, the World Economic Forum, Forbes, IBM and many other sources say it. But 98% of adults have lost access to the creative genius we were born with. That poses a challenge. SONGS: GUESTS: 1.      Rapelang Rabana – Founder of Rekindle Learning 2.      Tu Nokwe – tbc MORE INFO ABOUT THE GUESTS THOUGHTS ON INNOVATION: Here’s the bad news: 98% of adults have lost access to the creativity they were born with. And so our ability to shift to meet all these changes has been radically compromised. Worse, we are currently in the fastest period of change in human history and it’s only getting faster. An unstable economy, unpredictable customer expectations, and the need to reskill talent constantly are just a few of the many challenges to profit and productivity. This requires company leaders to be agile, to continuously learn and improve, and to ensure their employees do the same. The good news is we can re-access the full extent of our natural creativity and innovation abilities to help our businesses thrive no matter what changes are thrown at us. Having a powerful innovation mindset maximizes our adaptability, shores up our resilience, and empowers our ability to deal with the stress of uncertainty. In fact, increasing the innovation mindset of your people can help you solve almost any issue you are facing. This is why IBM says creativity is the most important determinant of success. It’s also why 7 of the 10 World Economic Forum skills for 2025 are related to creativity and innovation thinking. Now you might ask WHY we’ve lost our natural innovation abilities. It boils down to this: if a child had the mind of an adult she would never learn to walk. She would fall down a few times and think, this really isn’t ME. I’m good at crawling and sucking my thumb, but not this walking thing. We human beings get attached to how we see ourselves and the world. This messes up our creative thinking. We talk about thinking out of the box but in fact how we think is entirely INTO boxes, judging things quickly according to our existing perceptions and beliefs. This is why your employees struggle to innovate. Now here is the VERY good news: since we were all born highly innovative, we can get this ability back. The key is to innovate the people first, not the systems. We offer innovation mindset training that helps leaders and teams become more flexible in their thinking. Working with us, you will empower your employees to be quick on their feet to cause breakthrough results. We also offer assessments of the cutting edge Adaptability Quotient to help you understand exactly how to help your employees grow their adaptability even after the training. What, you might wonder, is Innotivity? Let’s have a chat and we’ll tell you more about the meaning of this unusual word, and how it can help your company.

Guest: Hlubi Shivhanda, Operations Samsung Electronics Officer Manager  SAMSUNG – Earth Day Showcase the Samsung brand’s commitment to the environment and how we envision a world where technology can exist together with people to preserve this planet for our future generations. Opening Billboard Script: Earth Day is a globally recognised day commemorated on 22 April annually – a stark reminder that everyone has the responsibility to protect our planet and a perfect moment for all of us to demonstrate our support to the environment. Samsung continues building on our environmental strategy “Everyday Sustainability” – a sustainability vision for the brand focused on creating sustainable products for our customers and how these can be designed to benefit the environment. As technology driven company, Samsung is committed to implementing innovative, energy saving technologies in home appliance, mobile and consumer electronics products — with the goal of lowering power consumption levels by an average of 30 percent by 2030 compared to like products released in 2019. Closing Billboard Script: Samsung firmly believes that the brand’s competitiveness and sustainable growth goes hand-in-hand with harnessing its technological solutions to preserve the environment and contribute to building a better world. Also, as a business, Samsung is well aware of the fact that consumers now want to live more sustainably, but they do not think that a climate-friendly lifestyle is easy Keep up to date with Samsung’s sustainability efforts across the brand’s product on: Twitter: @SamsungMobileSA Facebook: @SamsungMobileSA Instagram: samsungsa Samsung’s Newsroom: www.samsung

WORD DOMINATION Where I Fit is the story of a little puzzle piece who can't quite figure out where she fits in. Come along and learn with her the importance of being unique and special and how it takes all of us to create a colourful, beautiful world. It is written and illustrated by the young 6 year old author herself GUEST: HALLELUJAH KHUMALO - Author and Illustrator  “Where I Fit” (INSTUDIO) When and why did you decide to write a book? How did you decide on the title “Where I Fit” and what is the story you wanted to tell? Do you enjoy drawing; tell us about the illustration in the book? How do you feel now that you have a book that has your name on it? Please read a few pages from the book? What would you like for all the children of South Africa and the world to learn from your book? Where can we buy the book? Written by a 6 year old, Where I Fit tells the story of fitting in whilst celebrating one's individual quirks and differences, from a unique and authentic child's perspective. @WHEREIFITBYHALLELUJAH on Social Media

THOUGHTLEADERS: International relocation 101 - would you ever consider moving to another country, what would be the necessary considerations and possible challenges? GUEST: IAN PETTEY - MD Africa at Crown Relocations Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, one of the most stress-inducing aspects of emigrating can be packing up your home. An international move requires far more planning and preparation than a domestic move including the decision around which relocation service provider you can use to transport your prized possessions to a new country. This article unpacks the details of packing to emigrate. Central to ensuring you make the most cost-effective choices for your international move is how you will package and transport your possessions to your new home. How do you decide between taking a cube or a full container load (FCL) which refers to 20-foot container (6m long) or 40-foot container (12m long)? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, in this article, we will focus on the benefits of a cube. Size counts when emigrating Once you know which country you are moving to start researching the size of homes in your destination country. South African homes tend to be a lot larger than homes in Europe for example, so that six-seater L-shaped sofa and your 600-litre double door fridge are likely to be too big to fit into a standard home abroad eliminating the need for shipping your entire household. A cube or groupage is the perfect fit if you have decided not to take all your household possessions. Essentially, you will be sharing a container with other people moving to similar international locations using your relocation service provider (each customer’s possessions are packed into separate cubes which are clearly market). Consolidating several customers’ cubes into one shipping container, means you pay only for the volume you need - far cheaper than airfreight or a direct LCL (less-than-container load service) but with the same level of service, convenience, and security as a FCL. Cost efficiency Most corporates offer a moving allowance which emigrants need to use to cover air fares, removal costs, housing etc. One of the biggest advantages of using a cube is that it is often more cost-effective than using a container. When you use a container, you are essentially renting the entire container, regardless of how much space you use. This can be expensive, especially if you are not transporting a large volume of belongings. A cube, on the other hand, is usually smaller and more customizable, allowing you to pay only for the space you need. It is also important to carry out a replacement costing exercise in terms of buying new furniture when you arrive versus taking some of your signature pieces and appliances. This will ensure you don’t ship items unnecessarily. Embrace technology Technology has made getting a quote for your international move simple, and convenient. It can be as simple as booking a consultative video call and showing the consultant the items you want to move as you walk through your home. Within a few days, you will receive a tailored service proposal which is far quicker and more flexible than a traditional in-home consultation, but you still enjoy all the benefits of getting support from a relocation consultant. Packing up This will likely come as a relief to most people, for insurance purposes your relocation service provider will have to pack all of these items and load them into the container for you. Not only does this mean one less action on your (very long) to-do list, but it also means customs clearance in your country of destination will go smoothly too. Once the cube is packed, it can be transported directly to the port for loading onto the ship, eliminating the need for additional transportation. Essential Tips for Packing a Container for International Move Research your new country's customs regulations: Different countries have different customs regulations when it comes to importing goods. Before you start packing, research what you can and cannot bring into your new country. Some countries may have restrictions on certain items such as food, plants, or electronics. Declutter before you pack: Get rid of any items you haven't used or worn in the last six months. This will not only help you with the moving process but also allow you and your family to process the fact that you are moving. It’s difficult to declutter with small children, so do it when the time is right. Decluttering will help you arrive in your new country organized and with only the items you need and cherish. Label boxes and make lists of contents: There is nothing worse than not being able to find that one particular item you need urgently when you are unpacking. Creating a system of numbering the boxes then listing all the contents in a document which you can refer to once you start unpacking will make a massive difference in getting organised on the other side. Don't bring appliances: Most appliances won’t be compatible with the voltage output in your new country or may be too large. Give them away or sell them, but don’t bring them. In some countries rental properties include all electrical appliances. Bring your own linen: Bring the linen you have and love but note that the sizing differs in different countries. If you plan to buy new duvets in your new country, your current duvet covers will not fit correctly. It’s also common to buy sheet sets instead of duvets in some countries. Hindsight is 20/20 vision: Seek the the advice of people who have moved to the country you have chosen to settle in. They will be able to tell you exactly what to take and what not to take. Research, being organised and well-prepared are the keys to a less stressful international move; but hiring a professional moving company with the expertise and resources that specialises in international moves ensures that your belongings arrive safely at your new home. With the right mindset and preparation, moving to a new country can be the adventure of a lifetime. Crown Relocations https://www.crownrelo.com/south-africa/en-za

GUEST: ADVOCATE PAUL HOFFMAN – Director Accountability NOW  THOUGHTLEADERS Fighting corruption: Why we need an ombud for whistle-blowers now (Opinion piece written in the Daily Maverick) by Advocate Paull Hoffman Retired judges in South Africa are often referred to as part of the national treasure of the country. Long and distinguished careers in the service of the public by dispensing justice impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice make them so. They reach retirement age at the height of their powers and are sought after in the chairing of arbitrations, commissions of inquiry and other activities suitable to their lofty status. Whistle-blowers are also part of the national treasure of the land.  They are the lifeblood of the anti-corruption efforts so sorely needed in this time of kleptocracy, state capture and grand corruption. Without their testimony the criminal justice administration is hamstrung in its investigation and prosecution of crimes of greed committed by those who illicitly divert public funds for their own private gain.  But instead of being honoured and respected, whistle-blowers find themselves reviled, impoverished, unemployed, ill and isolated. They are regarded as “impimpis” by far too many people who should know better. Others who have written at length about the need to protect whistle-blowers, about the inadequacy of the existing laws and about the urgent need to change the system to better protect those who take the risks inherent in blowing the whistle on wrongdoing are all correct to highlight the plight of those brave individuals who nevertheless raise their heads above the parapet.  https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2023-04-10-fighting-corruption-why-we-need-an-ombud-for-whistle-blowers-now/ Others who have written at length about the need to protect whistle-blowers, about the inadequacy of the existing laws and about the urgent need to change the system to better protect those who take the risks inherent in blowing the whistle on wrongdoing are all correct to highlight the plight of those brave individuals who nevertheless raise their heads above the parapet.  There is remedial legislation in the pipeline, but the process is too slow to bring immediate relief. The GIBS “white paper” on whistle-blowing is an example of the type of effort expended to alleviate the current plight of whistle-blowers. A petition calling on President Ramaphosa to prioritise action to protect whistle-blowers has been signed by more than 25,000 people. One “workaround” solution immediately available at minimal cost and with maximum impact is the notion of having an ombud for whistle-blowers. An official who is approachable in confidence by those contemplating whistle-blowing who can help and guide them either toward officially sanctioned protection or to keep their identities secret from those involved in the malfeasance in question. The ideal group from which to draw the ombud personnel is from the ranks of retired judges. They are all already on the payroll of the state because judges are appointed for life. The work of an ombud, duly supported by a secretariat, is not of an unnecessarily onerous nature to those with the qualifications and knowledge of the law that our retired judges have accumulated in the course of their careers.  Initially one ombud at the seat of each High Court and a chief ombud presiding over the structure of the “Office for the Ombud for Whistle-blowers” should provide welcome relief to our beleaguered whistle-blowers. There are manifest opportunities for rotating personnel so that the burden of work for the ombud is not borne on too few shoulders. There is precedent for this type of solution to the problems of whistle-blowers in SA. The state of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany has just such an office, occupied by a retired police official. 

GUEST: BOITUMELO KEETSE - Founder of the Bohlale Ba Rena Foundation COMMUNITY: Helping children with autism to lead happy and fulfilling lives: Gauteng-based Bohlale Ba Rena Foundation to hold a Gala Dinner to mark Autism Month and raise funds for the Thulasizwe Autism School World Autism Awareness Month is celebrated worldwide in April every year and is dedicated to raising awareness and sharing insights about this complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and engage with other people. While the incidence of autism is on the rise in countries around the world, it has been called a quiet health crisis as it does not receive nearly as much attention as physical illnesses like diabetes and cancer. Yet, with the right support, both children and adults on the autism spectrum can lead happy and fulfilling lives.  To put the condition into perspective, recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US indicates that approximately 1 out of every 44 children (around 2%) in that country have been identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And, although similar data is not available in South Africa, experts in the field estimate that local prevalence broadly tracks that in the US. Children from low-income homes are, however, disproportionately affected as these households have little or no access to information, specialised medical facilities or treatment.  “This represents not only a major gap in our healthcare system, but also a lost opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children with ASD,” says Florence Dzedzemane head teacher at the Thulasizwe Autism School in Orlando West, Soweto. “And, needless to say, one of the greatest challenges we face is raising the funding necessary to provide the kind of specialised services they need in order to develop their potential and participate in family and social life.”     Raising a child with ASD is not easy for parents, she says, especially as children with the disorder often have difficulty in conveying meaning through speech or by using non-verbal cues. This can make communication very difficult because the child might not understand the need to reciprocate when the parent has said something or, indeed, might not know how to do that. These problems are frequently exacerbated by a lack of social understanding so it is Thulasizwe’s mission is to offer children and families a range of interventions to help them deal with ASD collectively as a family.  As part of its annual fundraising programme, Bohale Ba Rena (BBR) and Sandton-based law firm, Kekana Hlatswayo Radebe Attorneys (KHR), will be hosting a Gala Dinner to mark Autism Month and to raise funds for Thulasizwe . The dinner will be held on Wednesday, 26 April 2023 at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton and BBR is inviting supporters to purchase corporate tickets for the event.    “Many children with ASD have special educational needs and, until very recently, there were only nine autism-specific public schools in South Africa,” says Boitumelo Keetse, the founder of the Bohlale Ba Rena Foundation  While government opened an additional 18 autism-specific schools in 2018, they generally have long waiting lists, which means that many children with ASD do not have access to educational facilities that can cater to their needs.  “That’s why we’ve partnered with KHR to assist Thulasizwe,” she says. “The school offers specialised educational services for children with ASD and caters for the early childhood phase, the foundation phase and the senior phase as well as offering vocational training.”  With government under pressure to provide both general and specialised services for millions of children in underprivileged communities, it is critical for civil society to play an active role in supporting institutions like Thulasizwe.  “People with ASD need special skills to be able to navigate the social world and to lead happy and productive lives,” says Sophie Thabang ‘Peppy’ Kekana, KHR’s Managing Director.

GUEST: Nakhane Nakhane – Standing in the way Nakhane – You’ve got me Nakhane – If you were to complain

GUEST: CHRISÉL ATTEWELL – Visual Artist  Attewell invites the public to explore a fictional landscape created in the gallery space, where she contemplates the possible futures of the Cape landscape as predicted by scientists at the start of the Anthropocene era. The exhibition highlights the global concern of climate change, which has been brought on by humanity's negative impact on the planet's ecosystems, resulting in melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and an increased risk of desertification. The weather report promised RAIN is an exhibition based on the artist's own walks through the local terrain, with the aim to reveal insights into the often implicit, yet deeply meaningful, relationship between self and the landscape. Chrisél's work questions how we can engage with our landscapes differently to bring about partial healing. By suggesting practices of wayfaring and 'polite curiosity', Attewell invites us to look closer, to engage more, and to consider more carefully the shape and depth of the footprints we leave behind. The exhibition offers a platform for contemplation and reflection on our relationship with the environment, and the impact of our actions on the planet's ecosystems. The exhibition also emphasizes the importance of artists in raising awareness and provoking conversations about climate change. Through her exploration of the Cape landscape, Attewell presents an alternative perspective on how we can engage with our environment, urging us to take more responsibility for our actions and the impact they have on the planet's ecosystems. The Weather Report Promised Rain is a timely exhibition that encourages us to consider the future of the planet's ecosystems and how we can work towards creating a more sustainable future.  https://bermancontemporary.com/exhibitions-the-weather-report-promised-rain/

GUEST:  MAMA HILDA TLOUBATLA - Member of the Mahotella Queens JSB SESSION HE AFRICAN JAZZ PIONEERS & THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS LIVE AT THE MARKET THEATRE Two of South Africa’s most enduring and well-loved groups have teamed up for a new album which will be launched with a series of concerts. The album will be launched 5 May 2023. Their new album Hello Hello “A Forty Year Anniversary”, will be released 5 May on all digital platforms. Incredible as it may seem, the album brings together these two iconic South African groups for the very first time. The album, produced by Dan Chiorboli and two-time Grammy Award winner John Lindemann, includes a mix of reworked old favorites and new songs recorded in a contemporary style which preserves the groups’ traditional identities and retains the soul and emotion of both groups’ originality. The album will be followed up by three live concerts at The Market Theatre, a venue that has been closely associated with both groups during their long and illustrious careers. The Market Theatre concerts take place in May (Friday 5 & Saturday 6 at 7.30 pm and Sunday 7 at 3pm). Tickets are R150 pp to make block bookings and discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950. Background The African Jazz Pioneers celebrate their 40 th Anniversary as a group in 2023 and have provided the musical tapestry for the South African liberation movement over the last forty years. The late Ntemi Piliso, leader and founding member, nourished the group from their humble roots to their current international acclaim. In the early 1950s, Ntemi and his “Alexandra All-Star Band” were at the cutting edge of South Africa’s proud music scene, blending American urban big band  style with traditional Majuba and Marabi music influences. It seems incredible that the background to the African Jazz Pioneers stretches way back to the fifties when jazz was in fashion and big bands were the name of the game – and Sophiatown and Dorkay House were well-known melting pots of colour and culture. After the easing of the cultural boycott in 1990, the African Jazz Pioneers were among the first to travel abroad, headlining jazz venues, festivals and concerts in Europe, Australia, Japan and Africa. They shared the stage with artists like global stars such as Youssou N'Dour, Quincy Jones, Manhattan Transfer, The Neville Brothers, Chick Corea, Gilberto Gil, Salif Keita, Nina Simone and Rita and Ziggy Marley. Led by Mpho Sithole, the current Pioneers line-up includes some of the original veterans together with a rhythm section of fresh young talents who are learning from the masters but incorporating their own influences into the Pioneers’ unique sound. It is true to say that the group has reached everybody in South Africa, from hipsters to liberation movements. The original Mahotella Queens were formed in 1964 and are noted by their distinct vocal harmony sound, guitar-led mbaqanga music, and fast stage dancing. Hilda Tloubatla of the Mahotella Queens Biography Hilda was born in 1942 in Payneville, Springs. Her family were forced to move to Kwa-Thema Township as a result of the Group Areas Act, where she continues to live today. By 1964, Hilda had become a well-known name having paid her dues as a singer in the church choir and as a performer in and around Johannesburg. She was soon scouted and recruited into the Mahotella Queens, becoming the lead of the group, and a renowned name in Mbaqanga music signed to Gallo Record Company. In 1968 she married and had three daughters. In 1984 along with Mahlathini and the maestro producer West Nkosi, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens went on to capture the international world. Sadly when Simon Nkabinde (Mahlathini) and West Nkosi passed on, the Mahotella Queens went into mourning but Hilda was determined to fight to keep the sound of Mbaqanga alive and the three Mahotella Queens, led by Hilda, formed a new band and began touring much to the delight of fans around the world. As part of their journey, they began to pass their skills onto the younger generation and when the time came for two of the original members, Mildred Ngxola and Nobesuthu Mbada, to retire, Amanda Nkosi and Nonku Maseko joined as the two new Queens. I would like to use a quote that I recently read on the South African Government page in honour of Mam Hilda Tloubatla receiving the Order of Ikhamanga in Bronze (for outstanding contributions in traditional music) : Hilda Tloubatla’s life has been one of light and shadow, with outstanding personal triumphs darkened by period of personal sadness and bitterness. But through it all runs the golden thread of her voice and her great musical talent that have truly blessed thelives of those around her.

Guest: Dr Kira Erwin

GUEST: NICO SMIT

GUESS THE DESTINATION: The first Orcas (killer whale) was sighted in this area since November 2022, where are we today? GUEST: PATTY BUTTERWORTH– CEO of Plett Tourism Plettenberg Bay is a seaside town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The sandy Central Beach and Lookout Beach both have surf breaks. To the south, Robberg Nature Reserve is a rocky peninsula with trails and the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. Northeast are Birds of Eden, a free-flight bird sanctuary in indigenous forest, and an elephant sanctuary. Whales come near the coast in migration season. Orcas, or killer whales, are seen infrequently in our bay as they prefer the deeper waters of the open ocean outside the bay’s protection but they do wander into shallower waters occasionally to hunt or feed. A sighting such as this is always a cause for celebration and interest as the season moves closer to winter – known as Whale Season in Plett. This, amongst others, is the simplest reason why the Plett Ocean Festival and associated Marine Science Symposium, now in their second year, are so vital to the town’s annual calendar: winter is a time of great abundance of marine life, gentle sunshine and great activity beneath the waves. This year’s festival will take place from 30 June – 9 July 2023 with the symposium held once again at the Beacon Island Resort on 30 June, 1 & 2 July 2023.  Plett Tourism’s communications manager, Janet Middleton, a former scuba diving instructor, says: “Sighting orcas in Plett has always caused quite a stir because they usually spend their time further offshore. However, it’s a testament to the exciting and unpredictable nature of the marine environment that you never quite know what you’ll see or what will surface. It’s part of why we love the ocean so much and never more so than during whale season in the winter months.” What do you call sixteen orcas cruising across Plettenberg Bay on an ordinary Wednesday in March? You call it a great day to be at sea and a sign that the ocean is shaking off its summer skin and beginning to roll out a spectacle like no other. According to reports, orcas were first sighted by the marine safari at Ocean Safaris. However, young videographer Max Morris on safari with Ocean Blue Adventures filmed the footage below. These 16 apex predators are the first spotted in the bay since November of last year. 

GUEST: FRANSCOIS BOUDA - Art Program Officer Africa No Filter ARE YOU AFRICA’S NEXT TOP COMEDIAN? The Search in On; The Africa No Filter Comedy Lab is looking for you. The Africa No Filter Comedy Lab is looking for talented African comedians to develop fresh and unfiltered content about Africa. We are looking for funny, unique content that changes how the world sees your community, country or the continent. Comedians who join the ANF Comedy Lab will get grants of up to $3,000 to create new 10-minute skits. Comedians will also be supported to take their storytelling to the next level through masterclasses and mentorship. They’ll also get marketing support to amplify their skits. Skits created through the ANF Comedy Lab will also have a digital showcase. To get a chance at this opportunity, you need to create one comedy skit that’s between 45 seconds and one minute long and post it on your Facebook page, Instagram or Tik Tok. You must tag @Africanofilter and use the hashtags #ANFComedyLab and #BetterRepresentation. The skit should carry a powerful storyline that positively portrays an African country or Africa or challenge pre-existing African stereotypical narratives in a funny, ground-breaking and engaging way. After creating your skit, you must submit an online application on ANF’s website. Make sure you include links to your skits. The content can be delivered in English or French. Winners will be selected on the quality of content, comedic delivery, relevance to ANF’s mission of telling African stories beyond stereotypes, and audience engagement across social media. Eligibility: •   Open to African comedians aged over 18 and based anywhere on the continent. •   Comedians must have a combined audience of minimum 3,000 followers on Instagram, their Facebook page and TikTok. •   Only individual comedians can apply. •   The comedian must be unsigned (not represented by an agent or management company). •   All forms of comedy are welcomed (stand-up, music, sketch, etc.) as long as they are delivered in a digital format and are completely original, innovative and exciting. Submissions •   Step 1: Create one comedy skit that’s between 45 seconds and one minute long and post it on your Facebook page, Instagram or Tik Tok. You must tag @Africanofilter and use the hashtags #ANFComedyLab and #BetterRepresentation. Remember to drive engagement of your skit by asking your audience to Like, Share and Comment. •   Step 2: Submit an online application on ANF’s website. Make sure you include the link to your skit. •   All content can be delivered in English or French. https://africanofilter.org/anf-comedy-lab?token=v1VWY5z6yVIzLcCkYmmygDofSK5mwoa1

GUEST: BAKTI RASA - The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) A sacred spiritual street festival is set for Sandton today by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) A non- profit organisation, is hosting a spiritual street party  today Saturday, 15 th April 2023, on the streets of Sandton, followed by a vegan and vegetarian food market as well as a cultural programme for visitors at its premises in Sandton. Commonly referred to as the “Ratha Yatra”, the Festival of Chariots, is a joyous event in cities around the world uniting people from all cultures, nationalities and races under the banner of spiritual unison, joyful meditation, singing and dancing. ISCKON Sandton Temple President, Vibhu Caitanya Das, explains that after the procession, everyone is invited to return to the organisation’s premises for the cultural Jagannath Market which is a vibrant celebration of vegetarian and vegan food, music, arts and dance. There are various workshops and discussions also being hosted, including a’ Wellness Studio’ that is focused on yoga, meditation and breathwork techniques, as well as several other activities and entertainment planned just for the kids. There are also various stalls selling an array of items from clothing, to jewellery, to holistic products, a gift shop, henna body art, and much more! “We invite all members of the public to join us for the Festival of Chariots on Saturday morning, followed by the festivities and food market at our premises. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere - chant, dance, and feast with friends and family. Dont miss out on this unforgettable event!” The street procession starts at 9H30 on Rivonia Road (outside the Hilton Hotel), in Sandton, and will end outside on Alice Street (outside the Virgin Active). The programme, market and festivities at ISKCON Sandton will start from 12H00 at its premises located on 11, 11th Avenue, Edenburg, Sandton. For more information, visit ISKCON Sandton: Instagram: iskcon.sandton or Facebook: @IskconSandton

GUEST: LYNETTE DENNY- Professor, Special Projects, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town #JSBHEALTH:Cervical cancer can be beaten - the key is vaccinating young girls In 2020 the World Health Organization introduced a plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030. The first step towards this goal is to have 90% of girls fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) by the age of 15 years. Gynaecological oncologist Lynette Denny spells out how much progress still needs to be made, and what hurdles need to be overcome. How big a threat is cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa? Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest cervical cancer diagnosesworldwide. Cervical cancer mortality rates in the region are three times higher than the global average. The burden of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa contributes to the disparity. In 2021, in southern Africa, 63.8% of women with cervical cancer were living with HIV, as were 27.4% of women in eastern Africa.  Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through skin to skin contact, including sexual activity. How do countries compare in meeting the WHO target? By June 2020, more than half of the WHO member states – that’s 107 out of 194 – had introduced HPV vaccination nationwide or partially. Get your news from people who know what they’re talking about. Get newsletter The numbers showed a wide variation in coverage in different geographic regions. High-income countries such as Australia and New Zealand had the highest complete coverage with HPV vaccination at 77%. Low- and middle-income countries lagged far behind – only 41% had introduced HPV vaccination by the end of 2019. Only 20% of the eligible population in sub-Saharan Africa has been vaccinated.  What’s the surest way of achieving the WHO goal? There are many important steps.  A critical starting point is to gain political support for HPV vaccination. There needs to be high level collaboration between the ministries of health, education, social development and existing immunisation programmes.  The most successful programmes have used school-based facilities for vaccination. But this excludes adolescents who are not in the school system, hence the need to create facility-based programmes.  Widespread information and population education is critical - education campaigns should include parents, the general population, teachers and healthcare workers. An adequate supply of vaccine is crucial and the vaccine administration infrastructure must be robust. All the logistics of vaccine implementation, such as distribution, cold chain management, waste control and clinical care must be attended to. Good statistics and information should be maintained and monitored regularly.  Anti-vaccination programmes need to be monitored and their allegations responded to promptly and with cultural sensitivity.  https://theconversation.com/cervical-cancer-can-be-beaten-the-key-is-vaccinating-young-girls-202001

THIS WEEK IN AFRICA This Week in Africa with JAMES HALL Writer, Historian and Founder of WWW.AFRICATODAYYESTERDAY.ORG 1912 SS Titanic sinks after striking an iceberg 1178 BC Total Solar Eclipse in North Africa 1842 Swedish missionaries arrive from Jamaica in Ghana 1980 Zimbabwe Independence 1985 Africa’s 1st Film Arcade Year 300 caravans move from Sahara Dessert to West Africa 1947 Africa's 1st Radio Broadcast from Cape Town

Interview: WORD DOMINATION GUEST: Athambile Masola – Co-author of Noni Jabavu: A Stranger at Home

GUEST: JONI SYMON - Co-Founder De Novo FoodLabs

GUEST: Dr Sechaba Maape – Curator

GUEST: SARAH JENKINS - Communications Manager at The French Institute of South Africa

GUEST: GUEST: Thomas Lawrence – Marketing Manager: Castle Lager

Guest: Simon Sebag Montefiore - Best Selling Author  "The World : A Family History"   WORD DOMINATION: - INSTUDIO  Author of prize-winning books that have been published in forty-eight languages.

Guest: Liz McDaid – Strategic Lead at The Green Connection The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has just launched its latest report on the climate crisis. The AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023 summarizes five years of reports on global temperature rises, fossil fuel emissions and climate impacts.

Thought Leaders : Community Denis Hurley Centre's annual interfaith "Iftahr" will be held on Wednesday 29 March at 5pm to reflect on the traditions of ramadaan and lent. Guest: Raymond Perrier, Director of Denis Hurley Centre