VOW 88.1 AREA CODE

IN CONVERSATION WITH DENISHA VESSAN

Loading player...
This week, from 28 October to 3 November, South Africa joins the world in
marking National Stroke Week — a campaign aimed at raising awareness
about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of strokes.

A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, cutting off
oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells can begin to die — and
depending on which part of the brain is affected, it can change how a person
speaks, moves, thinks, or even feels.

In South Africa, strokes have become one of the leading causes of death and
disability, yet many of these cases could have been prevented through lifestyle
changes and early detection. The reality, however, is that many people fail to
recognise the warning signs or delay seeking medical care — often because
stroke symptoms aren’t always painful or obvious.

09:15

This week serves as a reminder that stroke prevention isn’t only a medical
issue — it’s a public health, social, and economic issue. From unequal access
to emergency care to limited rehabilitation services in rural areas, this
conversation asks: Are we doing enough to protect South Africans from the
long-term impact of strokes?
29 Oct 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

In Conversation With Bongani Godide- Nal’ibali representative and March Organiser

As South Africa prepares to mark Child Protection Week, organisations across the country are renewing calls for communities to play a more active role in safeguarding children. While laws and government programmes are important, experts consistently stress that child protection begins in homes, schools, neighbourhoods and community spaces where children…
2 Jun 11 min

In Conversation With Steve Mabona- Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson

For many young South Africans, accessing healthcare is about more than just finding a clinic or hospital. It is also about finding a space where they feel heard, respected and understood. This is especially true for young people struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma and stress…
2 Jun 8 min

In conversation With Zanele Sabela-COSATU

South Africans already battling rising living costs are now facing another financial challenge following the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points. The move has sparked criticism from labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions, which argues that higher borrowing costs will…
2 Jun 12 min

In Conversation With Michael Waters MPL-DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for E-Gov

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has raised concerns over the provincial government’s spending on its e-panic button programme, questioning whether technology is being prioritised over the basic resources needed for effective policing. According to information disclosed in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the Gauteng government has already spent nearly R119 million…
2 Jun 9 min

In Conversation with Hendrick Makaneta – Education Activist

The future of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains a major concern for thousands of students across South Africa. For years, the institution has faced allegations of governance failures, administrative inefficiencies, delayed payments, accommodation disputes, and ongoing leadership instability. Recently, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela took the controversial…
2 Jun 7 min
All episodes