5 Mid Mornings

In the 2nd episode of "16 Days, 16 Voices" we hear from Melissa Shawe, who shares the reality of growing up in a home marked by violence at the hands of her stepfather. She speaks about years of sexual assault and ongoing physical abuse, and the fear that became part of everyday life. Melissa describes how she would sometimes barricade her younger sisters in a room with her to keep them safe, the...

Managing Director at The Living Link, Gregory Sirmongpong, brings us into the organisation's world. We unpack the efforts of the organisation to upskill and assist with employment experience for the intellectually challenged and we learn about the dignifying significance of independent living for learning disabled adults.

Do you have buyer's remorse? Have you ever bought/spent money on something that you regretted?

In the first episode of "16 Days, 16 Voices" we hear from poet and activist Nomonde Sky, a content creator and writer whose work is rooted in truth telling and survival. Her poem, "I'd like to apologise", is an unflinching piece that reflects the daily reality of being a woman in South Africa. It calls out the ways women are expected to shrink themselves, smooth things over, and carry harm quietly...

Not everyone deserves a platform, even in the age of the internet.

What order do you do things in, in the morning?

What’s a “very you” thing that your friends always tease you about?

We are joined by Namritha Sivsanker to hear about the organisation's work during 16 Days of Activism and how the nation's efforts should persist beyond this period. Namritha speaks on how South Africans can raise awareness about GBV and how it affects the hope of the country.

The people who say “I don’t care what anyone thinks” usually care the most.

Is there a chore that you put off until it’s a crisis?

Do you think that you've changed over the past 5 years?

As we mark Men's Health Awareness Month, we are joined by Dr Randall Ortel, founder of DROF for a conversation about "knowing your numbers". We also learn about the DROF Men's Club and how the foundation is working towards supporting ECDs in Manenberg on the Cape Flats.

You only need to wash your sheets once a year!

Where did you/have you met your partners?

Women for Change (WFC) is one of South Africa’s leading voices in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Steph and Yonaka talk to the Advocacy & Operations coordinator Merlize Jogiat about the upcoming nationwide shutdown.    

What are your classic things that you overthink about?

Stephanie Be, Yonaka Theledi and producer Mike went through to the Golden City Shooting Range to have Sasha-Lee Du Plessis’s South Africa’s top markswoman to teach us what IPSC shooting is. Clip 1 – 1. CA – Shooting Intro and Interview 1 In this clip Stephanie Asks Sasha about IPSC shooting and they chat about how long Sasha has been doing this sport for (11 years) which is...

Fellow SAWIDian, Norma Mbele tells us how SAWID continues to support grassroot organisations in the fight against GBV. Norma tells us why it matters to hear from survivors and to what extent that GBV stems from systematic issues.

What is something you absolutely refuse to compromise on (quality/where you work/relationships)?

If it costs you your self-respect, it’s too expensive

What is something you learnt in the working world/work place that surprised you?

Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC)CEO at CHOC, Hedley Lewis joins us for a breakdown of SILUAN, which is an acronym that parents can use to check on the health of their children as it pertains to cancer detection. We also get to learn about the impact on the families of CHOC patients.

If they wanted to, they would — and if they don’t, they’re showing you what matters.

What is something that is harder than it should be?