Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Identification of Limpopo bus crash victims continue
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The process of identifying the bodies of the 43 people killed in a recent bus crash in Limpopo is continuing. Seventeen of the 43 bodies of people have been identified. The bus crashed after the driver lost control the N1, near Louis Trichardt, on Sunday afternoon. The bus which was traveling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape was supposed to pass through Zimbabwe on its way to Malawi. SABC reporter, Michael Makungo is covering the story and tells us more....
#PODCAST Court hears how Chief Luthuli was denied medical care and justice
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The Pietermaritzburg High Court has heard that Chief Albert Luthuli was denied urgent medical care because of his race and his involvement in the liberation struggle. This was part of the closing arguments presented by evidence leaders in the re-opened inquest into his death. The original inquest in 1967 found that Luthuli died after being hit by a goods train. However, this version is being challenged by the Luthuli family and the ANC. Several witnesses have testified in the re-opened inquest since April. The closing arguments are set down until this week Friday. SABC News reporter, Nonjabulo Mntungwa Makamu has more details.…..
#PODCAST Colors of Bliss Autism Centre preview new initiative that hopes to raise funds for children on the spectrum #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - We turn our focus on a grassroots initiative making a real difference in the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Colors of Bliss Autism Centre in Brighton Beach, south of Durban is a registered NPO dedicated to providing a "safe and happy learning environment" for these unique learners, operating on a vision of "a world of acceptance" for individuals with ASD. The centre was founded in 2021 by Kubashnie Padayachee, a parent and experienced educator, with the aim of ensuring individuals with ASD are accepted and celebrated in society. They offer an individualized, multi-sensory approach to learning, focusing on the unique needs, strengths, and interests of each child. Fundraising Chairperson of the centre, Jeeven Padayachee highlights the upcoming inaugural Golf Day initiative, hoping to raise awareness and funds for the disadvantaged children...
#PODCAST African jurists call for the urgent adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to protect whistleblowers #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - African jurists are demanding the urgent adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to protect whistleblowers, arguing that algorithms can create secure, anonymous reporting channels to prevent tragedies like the 2021 assassination of South African health official Babita Deokaran. Higher Education Media's Edwin Naidu reports that the focus is on AI's ability to "sanitize" reports, thereby preserving the evidence of corruption while eliminating identifying details that expose the source. This technological intervention is viewed as an essential evolution in the African justice system to combat systemic graft and secure the safety of those who report it...
#PODCAST Payment platform "AltarPOS" discuss the new wave of digi-payments sweeping through the informal sector #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - From township spaza shops to Sunday offerings at church, South Africans are tapping, scanning, and sending money at the click of a button. A new wave of digital payments is sweeping through our informal economy - and it's changing how millions earn, save, and survive. But what does this mean for the future of money in Mzansi? Newsbreak interviewed Thulani Ngwenya, the founder of AltarPOS, a digital payment platform. He explains the future of QR codes and its efficient safe method of transacting for people from all walks of life...
#PODCAST The South African BDS Coalition criticise the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The South African Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) Coalition believes the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel brokered by the United States was not designed to benefit Palestinians. This after a US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, signed the first phase of the Gaza peace agreement. Following the signing of the agreement, prisoner exchanges have commenced, but a civil defense official in Gaza, says at least seven people have been killed by Israeli forces, in separate incidents over the last two days. Co-ordinator of the South African BDS Coalition, Roshan Dadoo says while the deal is a step in the right direction, it carries colonialist characteristics and did not include the needs and wants of the people of Palestine...
#PODCAST Court hears closing arguments at inquest into the death of Chief Albert Luthuli
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Closing arguments in the re-opened inquest into the death of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Chief Albert Luthuli has entered its second day. Luthuli died in 1967. The initial inquest at the time found that Luthuli died after being hit by a goods train at Groutville, north of Durban. However, his family and fellow ANC comrades rejected this version, calling for the reopening of the inquest into his death. SABC News reporter, Nonjabulo Mntungwa Makamu is at court and has more information…..
#PODCAST Limpopo bus crash death toll increases to 43
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The company who owns the bus involved in a crash which claimed 43 lives says it was only aware of 69 passengers, yet investigations found over 90 people aboard. The bus which was reportedly travelling from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe and Malawi veered off the road and down an embankment on the N1 near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba says the process of identifying the deceased passengers from the bus crash will begin tomorrow. SABC reporter, Michael Makungo is following the story and brings us an update....
#PODCAST KZN Department of Education discuss readiness ahead of the 2025 National Senior Certificate final exams #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - It's one week until the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final exams and the KZN Department of Education has confirmed that it's all systems go. The exams will officially begin on Tuesday, 21 October, with the Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 and will run until Thursday, 27 November. The KZN MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, will host a media briefing to outline their state of readiness for the examinations at Mayville in Durban this morning. KZN Department of Education spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi...
#PODCAST Toxic Work Environments: Stats show that 1 in 4 workers are diagnosed with depression in SA #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Talisha Naidoo - Toxic work environments are taking a serious toll on South African employees' mental health, with one in four workers diagnosed with depression. Professor Renata Schoeman, Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School says workplace bullying and harassment often go unreported because many victims choose resignation over risking retaliation. According to Professor Schoeman, over a quarter of resignations last year were linked to conflicts with line managers, including bullying and harassment. She warns that the culture of silence around workplace abuse is fuelling the country's mental health crisis...
#PODCAST Flotilla activist uncovers physical abuse and the fear of death in detention during Gaza aid mission #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - An activist who was abducted by Israeli forces while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla has detailed the physical abuse, psychological warfare and deprivation of basic needs that she and others were subjected to. Humanitarian leader and activist, Professor Zaheera Soomar who was in detention for six days, says there were several moments during her time at sea and in jail - where she thought she may be brutalized or even killed. Scores of activists were abducted on international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Professor Soomar was on the Flotilla for 18 days and in jail for six, and says it was the solidarity among those on the mission and the greater cause in trying to free the people of Palestine that actually got her through the journey...
#PODCAST Ad Hoc Committee's 3rd witness - Shadrack Sibiya - details his interactions with businessman Brown Mogotsi #sabcnews
The suspended Deputy National Commissioner, Lt-General Shadrack Sibiya, responsible for Crime Detection, says he has had phone calls from controversial businessman, Brown Mogotsi, and met with him for breakfast. He is the third witness to appear before the Ad Hoc Committee, that was established to investigate wide-ranging allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system made by KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya has been accused by Mkhwanazi of being intricately involved in a letter from the now on a special leave Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, to disband the Political Killings Task team with immediate effect. In a Police Portfolio Committee meeting earlier this year, Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu has links to Mogotsi. Zalene Merrington reports...
#PODCAST Reigniting Buried Dreams: We discuss how to reestablish your career drive, even after the age of 30 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Many people stop dreaming once they are beyond the age of thirty, however there is always the possibility of finding their way back to wanting more for themselves and their careers - at any age. That's according to Business Unit Director at Leagas Delaney South Africa, Tinyiko Ndlala. In this week's Wellness Wake-Up, Ndlala explains how reconnecting with buried aspirations can make a positive difference in career progression...
#PODCAST Naz Consulting's Nazareen Ebrahim leads the quest to make South Africa AI-ethically compliant #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - A local tech expert is committed to achieving a high standard of ethics - in the Artificial Intelligence space. Naz Consulting International's Nazareen Ebrahim has been concerned about AI ethics - as the technological frontier, that is AI, continues to redefine how consumers experience and receive everything: from news to filters for their social media photographs. Ebrahim is currently on a quest to provide robust workshops to get South Africa ethically compliant with the use of AI. She explains why AI ethics is so crucial in the fourth industrial revolution...
#PODCAST Man arrested for the brutal murder of his friend - stabbing him 22 times - after a drunken altercation #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - A man has been arrested for the brutal murder of his male friend at the weekend in Mhlasini, near Verulam, north of Durban. Prem Balram, the Spokesperson for local security company, Reaction Unit South Africa, says the victim sustained 22 stab wounds after the suspect interjected during an alleged altercation between the deceased and his girlfriend. Balram says the friends had been under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred...
#PODCAST Israel/Hamas Ceasefire: Israel expected to receive 20 living hostages held in Gaza today #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Israel is expecting to receive 20 living hostages held in Gaza today. In return Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences as well as 1,722 detainees from Gaza who were arrested two years ago. This is part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas - as brokered by US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire came into effect last week- ending a conflict that started in October 2023. The deal also allows aid and food to flow freely into Gaza. But what does the deal mean for tensions going forward? Africa4Palestine board member Bram Hanekom says they are optimistically cautious about the ceasefire...
Keeping the Diwali spirit alive at the SAHMS's Durban Diwali Festival #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad Is the Diwali spirit dimming? That's a question that has been asked as the Hindu Festival of Lights descends. This comes as urbanisation, modernisation and the high cost of living redefines the way traditional living finds expression in 2025. But a counter question being asked at the South African Hindu Maha Sabha's Durban Diwali Festival is: whose job is it to keep the Diwali alive? We spoke to various voices at the Festival and learnt that it all starts with You.
#PODCAST Newsbreak Live Broadcast from the Red Mango Arts Festival celebrating 165 Years of Indian-Arrival to SA in Theatre #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producers, Taliesha Naidoo and Tashlan Naidoo, Executive Producer, Salma Patel & Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - The Red Mango Arts Festival underway at Sastri College in Durban is a celebration of theater, the arts and good heritage food as a tribute to the 165th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indian Indentured Labourers to South Africa. Newsbreak interviewed several theater aficionados including historians, actors and actresses and festival-goers. This extended broadcast was live from the festival.
#PODCAST There's been concerning findings following the release of the 2025 State of Workforce Mental Health Report #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Concern is mounting after the 2025 State of Workforce Mental Health Report revealed that 84% of South African employees surveyed, say work-related mental health issues negatively impact their performance, a 24% increase from last year. The report compiled by employee wellness and consultancy firm, Lyra South Africa also stated that 90% of affected workers did not receive any support. Managing Director at Lyra South Africa, Navlika Ratangee says burnout amongst the younger generation is also a stark finding that needs to be addressed...
#PODCAST Focused Ultrasound Revolutionises Oncology: Histotripsy mechanically destroys tumors with microbubbles #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - High-frequency sound waves, traditionally used for imaging, are now revolutionizing oncology with a non-invasive technique known as "Histotripsy". This relatively new method mechanically destroys tumours with expanding micro bubbles. These sound-based methods are offering patients a promising alternative to traditional, more devastating treatments like surgery and high-dose chemotherapy. In this report I find out more about histotripsy and the ushering in of a new era in advanced cancer treatment...
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