In a world increasingly fractured and fractious it may seem that there is a shortage of good news to celebrate. There is not.

I use the word ‘celebrate’ deliberately because it gives us the opportunity to recognize that when we as individuals or organisations take the leap to make a difference in whatever way we can. It is in fact a bold and courageous step. Far easier to sit back and let the events around us shape our responses and beliefs. The danger therein is that we then allow our opinions and thoughts to be shaped by someone else.

Stepping out and doing something tangible for our fellow human beings is yes often more challenging but the rewards are priceless. It provides us with fresh eyes, it expands our network, it expands our circle of influence and we gain a better understanding and appreciation of what our fellow compatriots face on a daily basis. In short it makes us better citizens.

In presenting The Honest Truth I am constantly reminded of this fact. People from all walks of life do want to help. It is incredibly powerful.

Allow me to share an example. Recently I interviewed Sean and Rob. These two gentlemen are tackling what they call the Island 2 Bays challenge. A Robben Island swim followed by a run to Hout Bay, all in aid of the Phillipi Children’s Center.

The lasting impression that I was left with after the interview is not so much what they were attempting but it was the manner in which they spoke about it. Their motivation behind it and the language they used. It became very clear that these men were aware of their privileged position and as fathers they wanted to play a role in assisting other children so that they may have a productive platform from which to start seeding their dreams and ambitions. It may seem like a non-event, but for me it was significant that they firstly were conscious of their ‘lot’ in society, and not prepared to just live their lives without being affected by the omniscient inequality we confront daily. It is a step in the right direction. I always maintain that the value of any society is reflected in how they consider their most vulnerable.

Making a difference in people’s lives need not be a life changing exercise. It can simply be extending the influence and skill of what we do on a daily basis. The impact however, of extending ourselves beyond our own selfish aims is transformative. It does make us vulnerable but the strength gained is unimaginable as you will recognize how small simple steps can create a ripple that may evolve into a tidal wave, allowing others to shine and glow. That is something to celebrate.

It’s been a little under a month since my life changed in a significant manner when I became a father for the second time.

Little Micah Alexander Esben was born on the 23rd of April and since then he’s been a ray of sunshine in our lives. My wife and I have moments where we just sit there and stare at him. He’s not doing much apart from sleeping, eating and pooping (the perfect way to spend your days if you ask me) but he’s already got us wrapped around his little finger!

While he bonds at home with Mom, I’m making sure that everything else ticks over. As a father, you can’t help but to cast your mind to the past to try and learn as many lessons as possible from when you became a parent for the first time, but you also think ahead about what your children will be like when they’ve grown up a bit more. Will they be into sport or will they have more creative inclinations? Will they enjoy music or reading? These are all questions I ask myself while holding my baby in my arms or when my older son falls asleep on the couch next to me.

But then, there’s also the anxiety that comes along with being a parent. I often wonder if I’m good enough to be responsible for two little humans. Then you wonder if you’ll be able to provide for them sufficiently and which schools they should go to. Am I doing enough to aid my children’s development? The list of questions go on and on and can become all-consuming, but a word of advice I got recently stuck with me; “You are good enough, you are validated. Just love them and do your very best. The rest is all academic.”

This journey ahead excites me and with the massive support of my wife, I’m certain that my sons will grow up to be exemplary humans no matter which path they choose.

The holiest month in the Islamic calendar started this week. Muslims look forward to the month of Ramadaan when they are expected to fast daily from sunrise to sunset. But the 30 days has so much more meaning than purely denying yourself the temptation of food, and many of these values align with the values that we here at Smile 90.4FM try to live and encourage every day.

I have spoken to regular smiley and Muslim scholar Shameema about what the month of Ramadaan means to her and the Muslim community at large. She explains that observing the month of Ramadaan is one of the five pillars of Islam, but it’s also the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. The fasting month is also known globally as a time in which Muslims live as austere a life as possible, as they try to better themselves and show gratitude and consideration to others.

In the interview below, Shameemah explores some of the importance of the month, but also addresses my personal love for barakat, which is an Arabic word with several meanings, the most appropriate being “blessings.” Like most diasporas, Muslims in Cape Town have a vernacular that may differ slightly from the original Arabic and in this case, barakat almost exclusively refers to a parcel of food (usually delicious treats) that Muslims share with neighbours and visitors. I live in a community that is predominantly Muslim, so during the Pwasa (meaning the fast), I am often blessed with barakat from my neighbours.

In the interview with Shameemah, we have a laugh about my constant references to barakat, but she also explains that there is a deeper significance to the sharing of food with neighbours during the month of Ramadaan. It has to do with the broader definition of “family,” but also with the understanding that the barakat you share, may in fact be the only thing your neighbour has to eat. This emphasises the earlier chat around empathy and mindfulness of others, especially the less fortunate. Enjoy the interview and hopefully it gives you a little more insight into an important part of Cape Town’s culture, observed every year by the majority of its residents.