This publication contains a collection of scripts and selected radio episodes that have been produced and distributed by ABC Ulwazi in Southern Africa. The scripts focus on social and health issues, and recognize that local communities are the key drivers of their own development. Each of the programmes, only partially presented, were produced with the systematic participation of community members and with a conscious effort to ensure easy adaptation of the original English versions to local languages. They attempt to demonstrate formats that combine information and education approaches to engage the public audience in critical development issues. 

The scripts of the three programmes included here promote poverty eradication, gender equality, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Each programme was produced to influence social change for economic growth and stability. 

Part 1 “Sizoyi Chuna” represents the scene in South Africa today – thriving, determined to eradicate poverty, and pushing hard to achieve economic growth. Community-based tourism is the ideal answer for many young people and is a sector that is also encouraged by officials and government authorities. But what does it take to start a business and how can interested people access some basic information? Sizoya Chuna comes to the rescue providing hints and explaining the business plan in a friendly and dramatized form. 

Part 2 “Talking Man, Talking Woman” brings to its audience human rights and equality issues using, at the end of each episode, an interactive call-in session to invite public participation. The programme uses a subtle approach to highlight glaring inequality issues that affect social development. Some of these inequalities are part of the norms that challenge social change. The debate and discussion triggered directly and indirectly by this creative programme contributes to new thinking and introduces alternative social behaviours, especially to young people. 

Part 3 “Real Children”, aims to inform children and young people about HIV/ AIDS prevention. Presented in a simple language and format, the episodes share knowledge on HIV transmission and care of family members during illness. Today, young women are especially bearing the brunt of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa itself remains the worst affected, with the highest number of people living with HIV in the world.