Society's Super Heroes

Thursday 26th May - Part Three covers Criminal Capacity and the Child Justice Act. The age of criminal liability; when bullying is assault; the implications of suicide as a result of bullying; the responsibility of parents; diversion and recent cases in the media.

Thursday 19th May – Eye on the Child Part Two is about consent. The age of consent for drinking, smoking, vaping and marijuana - smoking and ingesting. We discuss sexual consent - age, expressed consent, intoxication and diminished capacity.

Thursday 12th May – Eye on the Child Part One: the four preconditions for child abuse to occur; the grooming process; and psychological defenses that provide barriers to reporting.

We discuss the developmental lag of children in juxtaposition to the accelerated reliance on cell phones. During COVID our children were literally left to their own devices - the devices being phones, tablets and computers. We need to re-establish what normal is and change our script.

COVID as an adverse childhood experience. We explore childhood development and the impact on childhood health, long COVID in children's social and emotional development and how children have communicated that they felt locked up and not locked down.

For 2022 we have decided to change direction. We are still celebrating Super Heroes but our focus will be on parents, guardians, teachers, mental health care workers - all Super Heroes playing a role in raising our children. Episode 1 is an intro to 2022 - Raising children in times of crises. We give you an overview of what you can expect from our podcasts this year.

The 10th December is Human Right's Day and officially marks the end of the #16DaysOfActivism. We are in conversation with Matthew du Plessis, Matthew is a Human Right's Attorney who has been trying to find effective ways to uphold rights in both the private and public sector. Matthew is a senior legal officer at the South African Human Right's Commission and he shares his understanding of the Human Right's landscape of South Africa.

Using her many words to tell children's stories, for education about what affects them most, and to motivate for changes in policy, Robyn Wolfson Vorster joins us in conversation about her four part series featured in the Daily Maverick on Missing Children. Robyn is a dedicated wordsmith, child right's activist and the woman behind – For the Voiceless.

We are in conversation with Kate Shand, the topic: Teen Suicide. After the suicide of her son in 2011, Kate started writing as a lifeline – her words became a book and in 2013 BOY was published. We speak about giving children the language and the words, that suicide shouldn't be a secret. “We cannot measure the value of life cut short by suicide. We cannot calculate the impact a person might had had on the world around them or on the people whose lives they may have touched. But through a partnership between survivors, business and community leaders, scientists and dedicated individuals we can vanish this needless tragedy” ~ SADAG.

The Gender Unicorn - what is gender in the bigger context and what does it really mean? We are in conversation with Kaleb Lachenicht. Kaleb is transgender, born female he has been exploring his true self and engaging with his gender actively for 4 years. He is learning how privileged he is to have been socialized as a female through his formative years, and then being able to explore his true self learning to be a man in the last few years. Kaleb is authentic and incredibly generous in sharing his experiences as we work to explain our understanding of sex, gender, gender expression and sexual preference.

The 25th November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Charlene Narsoo – activist for Social Change joins us in studio. Charlene works tirelessly to ensure that with every community intervention, change happens and beneficiaries thrive.

A very different topic to what we usually have conversations on – About Cults. We are in conversation with Pauline Moneron, host of podcast series – Decoding Cults, a podcast that has recently featured Luke. Luke did his Honours in Comparative Religion and Philosophy and spent extensive time researching new religious movements and how they became cults. Luke and Pauline unpack cults, the dangers, the personality types of cult leaders, and the allure of cults.

We are in conversation with Dr Dee Blackie and Talia Jade Magnes to discuss the teenage pregnancy crisis in South Africa. Earlier this year the Gauteng Education Department announced that between April 2020 and March 2021 23 226 teenage pregnancies were recorded by the Gauteng Health Department – 943 of the girls were between the age of 10 and 14. How are we failing our children so badly? We talk about the role of all stakeholders – parents, educators and society, we talk child abandonment, blessers, exposure to illicit material on social media and touch on what can be done differently. This is a conversation that needs so much more than 25 minutes.

The 4th November is the start of National Cardiopulmonary Week, we are in conversation with Kaleb Lachenicht. Kaleb is an advanced Life Support Paramedic who manages a private medical training company. Kaleb is passionate about teaching emergency medicine and has a BTech in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue and a Master's Degree in Health Science Education.

Today is Global Ethics Day, it is an annual movement to empower ethics through the actions of individuals and organisations. We chat to Zelda Kruger. Zelda has a special interest in promoting ethics awareness and management. Her curiosity about how people make choices about ethics and morality to justify their actions motivated her to study ethics. Zelda has learnt and continues to acquire tools that can be used to deal with ethics issues and dilemmas. We look at, “who do I want to be in the world, even when no one is looking”, our willingness to listen and change, and ethics territory – acknowledging that something is wrong and questioning behaviour.

Today is International Equal Pay Day, despite decades of activism, and dozens of laws on equal pay, women still earn significantly less than men do. According to the National Business Initiative women in South Africa are paid between 19% and 37% less than their male counterparts. Tireless advocates for the rights of women - Mmbatho Mokiti and Sharon Gordon join us in studio. Mmbatho is a mathematician turned impact entrepreneur, founder of Mathemaniacs, founding member of Dream Girls, recognised as one of Mail and Guardian's Top 200 South Africans, named as one of the Millennials to look out for by Forbes Women Africa and a Mandela Washington Fellowship Young African Leader. Sharon is the fearless teller of necessary truths, driven and independent she was instrumental in running the first legal strike in South Africa. She held the position of CEO for Human Resources at Billiton Internationl, is the CEO of non profit Dignity Dreams and founder of Lola Montez. Sharon has published two books, has a column in the Saturday Star and is a regular guest on radio and television.

World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated on the 10th September and promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide. According to SADAG, in South Africa 9% of all teen deaths are due to suicide. Children as young as 7 have committed suicide in South Africa. We discuss why suicide is on the increase.

We are celebrating! It's International Day of Charity - the 5th September, one year of Society's Super Heroes' podcasts! This is our 30th podcast and we have had just under 3000 downloads. We are so grateful to Nfinity Media and to each and every guest that has spent time with us in studio - a massive thank-you! We commemorate International Day of Charity 2021 and revisit some of the conversations that we have had.

International Day of Friendship, friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals inspires peace efforts and builds bridges between communities. We are in conversation with Joel Libote. Joel is a fitness ambassador and Boxing Coach at Fight with Insight. Joel has been involved with Fight with Insight since 2015. Joel designs the fitness programs and he mentors the youth of the inner city.

It is World Youth Skills Day and we are in conversation with Seth Mulli. World Youth Skills Day pays tribute to the resilience and creativity of the youth. It is a day celebrating the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, work and entrepreneurship. Seth Mulli is a trail blazer, mentor and change maker. With a decade of experience in the youth development space, his area of expertise is in capacitating organisations to create meaningful change in the communities that they serve. Seth is the host of the Mentorship Challenge – broadcast on ENCA. The Mentorship Challenge works to entrench a culture of mentorship in a skills scarce, leaderless South Africa. He is the Executive Director of the Youth Bridge Trust – a grant making body in partnership with the Ford Foundation, which aims to create collaborative opportunities for young people on the African continent. Seth is also the lead anchor of the entrepreneurial centric Good Breakfast Show where he engages with South African change makers. Seth believes that businesses that don't pay it forward, will be left behind. Be sure not to miss an episode! Subscribe today and don't miss the conversation. Listen here: https://band.link/SuperHeroes Society's Super Heroes is brought to you by Nfinity Media, www.nfinity.co.za

In the second of our Special Edition Society's Super Heroes Podcasts we talk – Parenting in a Pandemic. Child Protection Specialist – Luke Lamprecht, is regularly invited to talk to learners, parents and educators. During the pandemic, his insight, wisdom and practical advice has been shared at both primary and high schools. The ever-shifting demands of parenting in a pandemic are leading to stress, anxiety and depression. In this conversation, Luke and Karen unpack screens, behaviours, routines and discipline. Be sure not to miss an episode! Subscribe today and don't miss the conversation. Listen here: https://band.link/SuperHeroes Society's Super Heroes is brought to you by Nfinity Media, www.nfinity.co.za

We are delighted to introduce the first of our Special Edition Society's Super Heroes Podcasts to commemorate the launch of WMACA's Athletes Against Child Abuse. Athletes Against Child Abuse is dedicated to creating awareness and education in safeguarding children in the sports environment, and providing victim centric advocacy in the fight for justice. Co Founders Olivia Jasriel and Debbie Wade joined us in studio and share their stories of courage. Both women are survivors, trailblazers, warriors and advocates for child rights. Olivia and Debbie are sportswomen who competed at an international level – Olivia is a tennis player and Debbie is a swimmer. "Children should be free to participate in sport in a healthy, safe environment free of discrimination, abuse and sexual violence."

Wednesday 28th April is Guide Dog's Day. Guide Dogs make the world a better place for their owners. HOD of Puppy Raising at the South African Guide Dogs Association – Joel van Stavel, and Puppy Raiser – Tammy Visagie joined us in studio accompanied by special guest starts – Kingston and Ginty. “Inside every Guide Gog beats the heart of a Puppy Raiser”. Joel and Tammy chat about the significant impact and importance of Puppy Raisers and that it takes an extraordinary dog to give someone an ordinary life.

Tuesday 27th April is Freedom Day, the anniversary of South Africa's first non-racial election of 1994. We feature power couple - Barney and Melany Andrews. Melany speaks of living a life of impact with the goal of creating a life of freedom – free from hate, violence, bullying, poverty, inequality and social ills. Barney, “If all of us do our little bits we can eat this elephant and fix South Africa together no matter our backgrounds; Race, Politics, Religion, Gender, Sexual Oriental or Level of Education, all of us have a role to play and a contribution to make - our country has the resources and the people to deliver on its true potential "....for ALL who live in it". Harambee - Let's pull together.

World Autism Awareness Day celebrates the unique talents of those with Autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe. We were joined by two brilliant and inspirational women – Susan Daly and Dr Dee Blackie. Sue describes herself as not trained or prepared for Autism, she says she is a work in progress. She is mom to 24 year old Cairan and 22 year old Heather. Cairan is Autistic and throughout his life, Sue has been a pioneer in seeking solutions for Cairan's health care, education and in ensuring that he is in a fulfilling and nurturing adult care program. Dr Dee Blackie transitioned from the corporate world to the world of child protection 10 years ago. Dee developed Courage to increase awareness and understanding of child protection challenges in communities to improve the gate-keeping function of child protection organisations across the globe. Dee has just been awarded her PhD from WITS, her research focuses on childhood learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders. We talk about increasing understanding and acceptance of people with Autism and how we can inspire a kinder, more inclusive world.

Sunday 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day. Super Hero Parents – Rob and Amy Portman share authentically and generously their journey with their typical son – Trey, and a-typical daughter Nova. When asked what Down Syndrome is, Rob responded, “the most beautiful thing in the whole world”. Amy added, “my daughter is two and a half, she is my greatest teacher, my biggest cheerleader, and my smile therapist, I would do anything for her and never want to change anything about her”.

Saturday 20th March is International Day of Happiness. International Day of Happiness celebrates the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. It's a day to be happy! I am in conversation with Kim Potgieter. Kim is considered one of South Africa's leading authorities on holistic Financial Planning in the retirement sector. She is passionate about merging a client's goals and dreams with their financial plan to enable a life filled with inspiration, meaning and happiness. We talk money and happiness, vulnerability, the joy of giving back, and the little voice in our heads! Kim shares her wisdom on what we have learnt a year into COVID and packing a new suitcase, leaving behind the baggage that no longer serves us.

World Sleep Day is on Friday 19th March, the slogan for the 14th annual World Sleep Day is Regular Sleep, Healthy Future. The effervescent Joni Peddie takes us through the science of sleep, and that our beds should only be used for sleeping, sex or reading a paper novel. As a Professional Speaker, Executive Coach and Strategic Facilitator, Joni is determined to build awareness about sleep being the key to good health, mental, physical and emotional well being.

World Day of Social Justice is on the 20th February, the purpose of the day is to focus on the plight of social injustice throughout the world and recognises the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, employment, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all. What an honour to be in conversation with Mark Heywood, human rights and social justice activist. Mark is the founding co-editor of the new civil society / social justice segment of South Africa's most widely read online news source Daily Maverick – Daily Citizen.

The 14th February is Donor Day, a day that celebrates people who have helped save people's lives by donating blood, marrow, tissue, and organs. It's a day that drives home exactly how amazing and giving the human spirit is because it pays tribute to so many people who have donated of themselves, often to help save the life of someone they've never met. Our Super Hero is Alice Vogt. Alice is the Co Founder of Tell – Transplant Education for Living Legacies. Alice was born with Cystic Fibrosis, and had a double lung transplant in 2008 at the age of 23, and then again in 2017 at the age of 33. She is the first person in SA to survive two bi-lateral lung transplants, and has participated in three World Transplant Games. Alice shares with us that her lung transplants didn't give her a second chance, but rather a first chance – to breathe and lead a life of meaning.

The 10th December officially marks the end of 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children. Our guest from Cape Town, interviewed via Zoom is Lenina Rassool. Lenina is a journalist with a focus on human rights and social justice. She produces and presents The Womxn Show – a weekly television show that covers issues around gender based violence and child protection. We discuss the failures of our justice system, but also celebrate progress made.

We take a moment to say thank-you to volunteers and to celebrate their efforts. The theme for 2020 is Together we can through Volunteering. Thought leaders in the Volunteering Space – our very own Karen Landi, and Andy Hatfield, talk volunteering, the success during COVID and the impact of volunteering on the volunteer and communities.

The theme for 2020 is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”. Our in studio guest is Shannon O'Keefe, General Manager of The Sunshine Centre for Children with Disabilities. We discuss Sunshine's START program and the incredible successes of The Sunshine Centre's ECDs with inclusivity. It is a discussion of Hope.

The 1st December marks World Aids Day, this year the theme of World AIDS Day is “Global solidarity, shared responsibility”. Our in studio guest is the fearless teller of necessary truths – Sharon Gordon, CEO of non profit Dignity Dreams and sought after speaker on sex and sexuality. We discuss World Aids Day and why sex education in so many schools is such a taboo topic.

Universal Children's Day is celebrated annually on 20th November. The goal of Universal Children's Day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children's rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children. Our in studio guest is Nga Murombedzi from Women and Men Against Child Abuse. Nga is exceptionally passionate about her role in child protection as it allows her to give a voice to children who are fighting a battle that no child should ever have to fight. These children are impacted by the most heinous acts perpetrated on them by adults who should be protecting them. Be sure not to miss an episode! Subscribe today and don't miss the conversation https://band.link/SuperHeroes

World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Nicole Canin joined us in studio and worked to unpack the impact of a preterm baby. In addition to sharing practical tips and advice, we explore the emotions of guilt, judgement, loss, failure and post partum depression. Nicole is the Chairperson of the Gauteng Association for Infant Mental Health, she is a counselling psychologist and is currently completing her PhD which focusses on the developing relationship between premature infants and parents in the NICU. Nicole offers hope, wisdom and insight to parents. SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss a Conversation! Proudly brought to you by NFINITY MEDIA. https://band.link/SuperHeroes

World Kindness Day is on Friday 13th November, our guest is Alison Scott – Principal of Bellavista School. Alison's career interest lies in how children learn; her firm conviction is that the every child can learn! She believes in the brain's plasticity and in the imperative role of the mediator in a social learning model. Alison shares the impact of Bellavista's Kindness Campaign – how is has impacted the school community both during online learning and now that children are back at school. Alison reminds us to be the I in Kindness. SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss a Conversation! Proudly brought to you by NFINITY MEDIA. https://band.link/SuperHeroes

The first Thursday of November is International Day against Violence and Bullying at School including Cyberbullying. In this conversation we recognize that school related violence in all forms is an infringement of children and adolescents' rights to education and to health and well-being. Our very own Luke Lamprecht is our celebrated Super Hero and speaks candidly about the bully and the bullied, the impact of screens, the responsibility of parents and when it's time to step in.

It's World Food Day and Chef David Higgs joins us in studio. David shares his love of food, the influence of his parents, caring for his community during COVID and being innovative in order to raise awareness. His work with the Inner City CAN and Cooking for a Cause speak to his commitment to ensuring people are fed, and not just one meal but ensuring sustainability. He speaks about Fire and not only cooking on open flames but the coming together of people, families sitting down and eating together - truly engaging. SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss a Conversation! Proudly brought to you by NFINITY MEDIA. https://band.link/SuperHeroes

It's International Day of the Girl Child. Join us in conversation with 19 year old Jennifer Maitibi. Jennifer shares her hopes and dreams with us and what it means to be a young woman in the inner city of Johannesburg. Jennifer really inspires us with her commitment and dedication to uplifting other young women. The programs that she has launched and is running are brilliant examples of what can be achieved, no matter age nor gender. Jennifer is a true inspiration. SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss a Conversation! Proudly brought to you by NFINITY MEDIA. https://band.link/SuperHeroes

It's World Mental Health Day. Join us in conversation with Dr Ronelle Price-Hughes, Head of the Clinical Unit: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Tara Hospital. Ronelle provides invaluable insights into the role of parents, the messages we are giving our children, the effects of COVID on families, and the importance of being kind to ourselves. She gives great tips to promote good mental health and unpacked some of the stigmas around seeking help. This is a must listen conversation! SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss a Conversation! Proudly brought to you by NFINITY MEDIA. https://band.link/SuperHeroes

Monday 5th October is World Teacher's Day. Patrick Lees - Executive Headmaster of Pridwin Prep and Founder of Realema Teacher Intern Program, and Pier Myburgh - Director of Realema, spoke passionately about their heartfelt desire to develop teachers in the interest of children. Realema is an exceptional program that nurtures students studying teaching, providing a holistic and multi faceted approach. Established in 2013, Realema is a Sesotho word meaning “to plough” or “prepare soil for growth”. The Realema Teacher Intern Program helps talented and dedicated candidates who are unable to afford tertiary studies to become passionate and professional teachers. "These wonderful young interns begin their training as young saplings, unfurling bright green leaves full of promise. They grow into majestic trees and in their branches many future South African children will climb and play, and in their shade they will read and learn." - Margot Long

On Sunday 27th September we celebrate World Tourism Day. Charlie Moyo – Chief Storyteller and Tour Guide from JoBurg Places shares his love of Jozi with us. We explore some of Luke and Charlie's favourite Jozi places, discuss the fear of the city, and Charlie gives us the history of his apartment. See Jozi through Luke and Charlie's eyes on our Facebook Page @SocietysSuperHeroes as we feature - “where in Jozi are we?”.

September is Deaf Awareness Month and we celebrate The International Day of Sign Languages on Wednesday 23rd September. Professor Claudine Storbeck, Director for Deaf Studies at WITS and Director of Hi Hopes, champions the cause of the Deaf Community by ensuring that all babies and children are given equal access to education and opportunities in order to reach their full potential. Our conversation provides insight into inclusion, the challenges that members of the Deaf Community face, and the fun that Deaf learners have at the expense of their teachers! The podcast will be available on You Tube in sign language – the link is available on our Facebook Page @SocietysSuperHeroes https://youtu.be/dSdX1O-AQXg

Monday 21st September is International Day of Peace. Our guest, Nasiphi Khafu, is the South African Executive Director of PeacePlayers International. This extraordinary young woman has dedicated her life to social development to help advance youth and women's advocacy. We delved into what the word peace means, the promotion of justice, and pursuit of truth.

The 5th September is International Day of Charity, the purpose of International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity related activities for individuals, organisations and volunteers. This is exactly what Society's Super Heroes is all about and the perfect day to launch this podcast series.