South Africa’s ground-breaking Constitution outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But despite this, particularly in the poorer communities, many gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people across the country face discrimination and prejudice. Aside from a couple of glossy publications catering for the more advantaged, this community has very little access to media through which to express their views, tell their stories, or receive positive messages about themselves. The programme, In the Pink, on Bush Radio, is the first and only radio programme dedicated to gays and lesbians, but it is a lonely voice. Idasa’s Democracy Radio Project, the Triangle Project, and Idasa’s Chapter 2 Network, are getting together to host a day-long workshop for radio producers in Cape Town and surrounding areas, focusing on the gay and lesbian community.

The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) and the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI) invite applications for one-year travelling research fellowships in health research, with preference given to proposals which address the MRC's research priorities (see below) and particularly to those addressing HIV/AIDS research. While applications for shorter periods of three to twelve months may be considered, applications for the full twelve-month period are encouraged. The purpose of the fellowship is to build research capacity and strengthen research collaboration within Africa and between African
scientists. The fellowship may be held in South Africa for non-South African applicants, or in any other African country for South African applicants. The award will commence no earlier than May 2002, and will cover the fellow's return travel from home to host country, the fellow's salary (calculated on South African scales, in US$) in the host country, and reasonable research costs in the host country. Five such fellowships may be awarded.