Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST: Concern raised amid trend of scholars inhaling fire extinguisher chemicals
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The City of Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) has raised health and safety concerns over a growing trend of learners inhaling chemical substances from fire extinguishers. This follows the circulation of disturbing videos on social media showing pupils participating in such behaviour. The Department of Education warns that such behaviour poses severe health risks, including brain damage, respiratory failure, and even death. Spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg's EMS, Robert Mulaudzi is urging schools and parents to act urgently to curb the spread of this harmful trend....
#PODCAST Experts call for stronger community role in South Africa's fight against TB #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Presenter, Tashlan Naidoo - Experts are calling for more community involvement to fight the scourge of Tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa. This comes as March marks TB Awareness month under the theme, "Yes! We Can End TB! Led by countries, Powered by people". According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Africa's multi-pronged efforts have led to a 53% reduction in its TB incidence rate since 2015, while treatment coverage has increased from 58% to 77% since 2020. However, it is still the second greatest killer worldwide due to a single infectious agent. Non-profit company specialising in TB and HIV, TB-HIV Care say the cure rate for TB remains low at 83% in South Africa - largely due to socio-economic factors....
#PODCAST Durban tyre shop break-in sparks renewed security concerns in the Musgrave area #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Presenter, Hoosen Ebrahim - Police are investigating a break-in at Supa-Quick Tyre Shop in Musgrave, Durban after criminals struck in the early hours of Sunday morning. The suspects allegedly bypassed security before stealing computers from the premises. The incident has raised fresh concerns about business security in the area. Berea Musgrave activist - Dees Ahmed visited the scene shortly after the break-in. He explains the plan ahead to curb the influx of car guards and beggars in the Musgrave vicinity..
#PODCAST Public meeting arranged to secure "Protected Heritage Landmark" status for Durban's legendary Curries Fountain #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The community at large is invited to attend a special meeting on March 22nd, in the fight for Curries Fountain in Durban to be declared a 'Protected Heritage Landmark'. The iconic sports ground has been in existence since 1925, serving as a space that has promoted social cohesion between all communities. President of the Curries Fountain Heritage Preservation Foundation, Maya Singh... *The meeting will take place on Sunday, March 22nd, between 13h30 and 14h00, at Sastri College in Durban.
#PODCAST Wellness Wakeup: Medical experts encourage early immune priming ahead of impending flu season #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - I'm sure everybody is feeling a slight crisp in the air- but pretty soon that crisp will turn into a full-on chill- as the colder temperatures arrive. This means that the winter flu season is getting ready to arrive! But the good news is that you can prime your immune system NOW to ensure that you are able to fight the inevitable flu season in coming months. In this week's Wellness Wakeup homeopath Dr. Dean Naidoo gives us some tips on how to build a stronger immune system...
#PODCAST eThekwini Municipality outlines the objection process for new General Valuation Roll #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - What happens if your property is evaluated by the municipality but you're not happy with the outcome? Well, eThekwini Municipal Valuer at the Property Management Directorate, Deeran Govender, says an objection can be submitted. Speaking to Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel, Govender explains the General Valuation Roll and how to navigate it...
#PODCAST Clare Estate Ratepayers Association raise alarm over alleged illegal dumping at local quarry #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Concerns have been increasing amongst community members affected by the alleged dumping taking place at the Clare Estate Quarry, in Durban. According to Chairperson for the Clare Estate Ratepayers Association, Kavir Boodoo, contruction companies and SANRAL are among those allegedly dumping spoil material at the quarry. He says this is an environmental health risk to the surrounding community...
#PODCAST ACC call for crackdown on unofficial car guards operating at Overport and Peter Mokoba Ridge in Durban #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - There's growing concern about un-official car guards harassing residents in the Peter Mokoba and Overport areas of Durban. According to community sources- these car guards often compel residents to pay them for services they didn't even request. Now the Active Citizens Coalition (ACC) is engaging city stakeholders to assist in removing unofficial car guards from these areas. Last week the Metro Police in Durban removed about 700 vagrants from the Che Guevera area. ACC's leader Councilor Imtiaz Syed explains why there is a strong need to curb the influx of un-official car guards in the area...
Waiting for the Moon: Eid preparations in full swing on Newsbreak Talk #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. The holy Islamic month of Ramadan reaches it's last few days- which means the new moon will signal the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. While this could be on Friday or Saturday (TBC) the preparations for the auspicious day has begun in earnest. In this special edition of Newsbreak Talk we speak to mother-daughter duo Fawzia Dawjee and Sabeeha Hansa from The Pastry Chef to discuss food trends this Eid. And in a special treat Sumayya Jamal joins us in studio for a live henna party!
#PODCAST: Merebank Book Project calls for community support to preserve history
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The Merebank Book Project (MBP) is urging residents of Merebank, south of Durban and the greater public to support their initiatives to preserve the history and spirit of the community. Through various community programmes, the MBP not only documents the area's rich heritage, but also encourages residents to become proud ambassadors of the area. Viren Singh - Chairperson of the MBP says they aim to honour the legacy of those who built the community while inspiring the next generation to represent the area with pride, responsibility and a commitment to positive change....
#PODCAST: Tributes pour in for the late Keith Govender
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Tributes are pouring in for the late Keith Govender who passed away in hospital yesterday. The 22 year old was stabbed in the head after an altercation while playing the card game thunee with a group of friends at Chatsworth south of Durban about a month ago. Govender had been recovering after the stabbing but his condition worsened this week after he developed an infection and was placed back on a ventilator. The accused in the matter, Mahendra Ramadrah was granted R1000 rand bail. Govender's friend, Saloshnee Pillay says she is still in shock and will forever cherish their fondest memories together....
#PODCAST: Investigation underway into leasing of land by Phoenix school
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The KwaZulu-Natal Parents Association says that the leasing of school property by Havenpark Secondary School in Phoenix, north of Durban is not an isolated case and is being done by many schools across the country to meet financial requirements. This is after the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and police in the province have conducted an oversight visit at at the school after some residents in the area objected to the school allegedly leasing land to private transportation operators. The residents say the alleged move threatens learner safety and may contravene zoning and land-use regulations. The Department of education says it is investigating the matter and will release its findings in due course. Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Parents Association, Vee Gani met with the school yesterday and believes the situation should have been handled better by local Government ...
#PODCAST Durban cleric outlines the significance of Haleem as a South African Ramadan staple #sabcnews
By Newsbreak producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As the holy month of Ramadan continues, the rich slow-cooked dish called Haleem remains a familiar sight on many South African iftar tables. Known for its blend of meat, lentils and grains, the meal is widely valued for its nutritional benefits after a long day of fasting. But what makes this traditional dish so significant during the fasting month? Hoosen Ebrahim asked Durban Moulana Mohamed Tariq to help explain the significance of this dish during the fasting month...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 13 March 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) warn consumers not to procrastinate when struggling with debt #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa is warning consumers not to wait until repossession or foreclosure before seeking help with debt. The group say thousands of complaints linked to vehicle finance and home loans are already reaching its offices as financial pressure grows. According to the NFO, many consumers are unaware they have legal options under the National Credit Act - to exit or manage credit agreements before the situation worsens. The warning comes as South Africa marks World Consumer Rights Month, with officials urging people to act early to avoid losing homes or vehicles. Adjudication Manager, Kwanda Vabaza explains...
#PODCAST Middle East Conflict: SA paramedic living in the UAE explains the current situation on the ground #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Some residents living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) say life is going on as normal, even though Gulf nations continue to be on the receiving end of missile attacks from Iran. It has been almost two weeks since countries in the Gulf came under attack due to the conflict between the U.S, Israel and Iran. Jaden Lee Kannigan is a South African paramedic, living and working in the UAE sent Newsbreak an update on the situation on the ground...
#PODCAST KZN Volleyball and UKZN spark landmark agreement, designed to retain elite local talent #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - KwaZulu-Natal's sports sector has reached a significant milestone with a landmark agreement between KZN Volleyball and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), specifically designed to retain elite local talent and curb athletes from moving to other provinces. The partnership officially launches this evening (Friday 13/03), with a high-profile exhibition match at UKZN's Westville Sport Complex, marking the formal commencement of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities. This collaboration also grants the federation direct access to the university's world-class volleyball facilities, providing the infrastructure necessary to elevate competitive standards. Matthew spoke first to KZN Volleyball President, Aadil Khan...
#PODCAST Trade Union SAMATU claim that public hospital doctors are being pushed beyond safe working limits #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) says overworked doctors in public hospitals are being pushed beyond safe working limits, while hundreds of qualified colleagues remain unemployed. The union claims doctors already in the system are working excessive hours beyond guidelines set by the Health Professions Council. At the same time, more than a thousand funded posts for doctors remain vacant across the country. SAMATU warns the situation is not only unfair to unemployed doctors but could also put patient safety at risk. SAMATU Junior Doctors Committee Chair, Dr. Talente Biyela explains...
#PODCAST Durban mother explains how she was scammed of over R1.2-million, following a six-month fling #sabcnews
A Durban woman says a whirlwind romance has seen her scammed of more than 1.2 million rand and several vehicles. She claims the man she met in July last year and dated for six months, allegedly scammed her of the money, which is part of a 2-million-rand Road Accident Fund payout. She received the money after her child was involved in a car accident in 2022. Experts warn romance-related scams are rising sharply in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country. Celumusa Zulu reports...
#PODCAST Government launch consultation process on proposed reforms to SA's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The South African Government has launched a national stakeholder consultation process on proposed reforms to South Africa's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system. Spearheaded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the process was opened yesterday and will run until the 24th of April, including engagement sessions in each province...
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