Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST US–Venezuela Tensions: Ela Gandhi warns the world is nearing a dangerous turning point
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Peace activist, Ela Gandhi, is warning that escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela could have far-reaching and dangerous consequences if left unresolved, potentially pushing the world closer to another devastating war. Drawing parallels with history, Gandhi recalls how on the 5th of April 1930, Mahatma Gandhi spoke of a global struggle between right and might during the Salt March against colonial oppression. Nearly a century later, Gandhi’s great-granddaughter says that message resonates powerfully today, as acts of aggression, interference and disregard for international law once again threaten global peace......
#PODCAST South African trade unions picket outside US embassy in Pretoria
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - A large police contingent has been deployed to the US embassy in Pretoria ahead of a picket of a coalition of South African trade unions, political groups and civil society organisations. The coalition is against the recent US actions in Venezuela, including the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. SABC reporter, Bothlale Phele is there and brings us an update....
#PODCAST Private school fees in South Africa soar past R400 000 a year, parents warn education becoming for the elite only #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - Concerns are growing over the skyrocketing cost of private education in South Africa. The KZN Parents Association says some private schools are now charging more than R400,000 per learner per year, with fee increases far out pacing inflation and wage growth. Chairperson Vee Gany warns that these costs are putting severe pressure on families and risk turning quality education into a privilege reserved for the wealthy. He argues that education is a public good, and that unchecked fee hikes could deepen inequality across the country.
#PODCAST Solidaridad magazine spotlights African smallholder farmers who are driving sustainable change #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Civil Society Organisation, Solidaridad Southern Africa has launched its Regional Impact Annual Magazine, highlighting stories of smallholder farmers from African countries who are embracing change, partnership and empowerment. The stories emanate from programmes rolled out in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. Head of Programme Quality and Impact at Solidaridad, Talentus Mthunzi explains how they hope to reach rural communities in an effort to share skills and knowledge with fellow farmers to reach a sustainable and inclusive agricultural future....
#PODCAST String of drownings at beaches spark safety warning as new year begins #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The New Year has begun on a tragic note along South Africa's coastline. Multiple drowning incidents have been reported in the first days of January, including Pennington Beach, Ballito, Blue Water Bay, Wedge Beach, South Beach and St Lucia. In the most recent incident, a fisherman went missing at Banana Beach. Lifesaving South Africa urges the public to only swim at lifeguarded beaches and within designated zones. Lifesaving South Africa spokesperson, Dhaya Sewduth is reminding parents to closely supervise children both at pools and along the coast as even minor accidents in water can quickly turn fatal.....
#PODCAST Suspect arrested after police rescue half-naked teenage boys in Mulbarton
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - A 47-year-old man arrested on suspicion of human trafficking will appear in the Booysens Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg tomorrow. The suspect who is a foreign national was arrested in the CBD yesterday after police intercepted a vehicle and rescued two teenage boys on Broad Street in the suburb of Mulbarton. Eight other boys were found walking half-naked on the roadway looking for help. Hawks Spokesperson, Katlego Mogale says such cases are a cause for concern, but authorities are doing their best to stop such crimes from happening in the future...
#PODCAST Parents urged to know school rights as the academic year begins #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Parents and guardians are being urged to know their rights as the 2026 academic year commences next week Wednesday. With public schools reopening, issues of registration and placement are under the spotlight. Newsbreak spoke to education activist and founder of Tabansi, Susan Larkan about difficulties that some parents face with schools across the country and ways in which you can avoid them. Larkan also touches on stationary lists, noting that parents still have some discretion...
#PODCAST Six years on, Covid-19 trauma still lingers for many South Africans #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - It has been six years since the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, but for many South Africans, the emotional scars remain. According to health experts, ongoing stress, anxiety and uncertainty continues to affect daily life and mental wellbeing. However, dental surgeon - Dr Eubulus Timothy - says 2026 offers a chance for renewal. He spoke to Newsbreak to unpack practical steps on how South Africans can release pandemic-related trauma, rebuild resilience, and move forward with renewed hope and purpose....
#PODCAST 54 hour water shutdown hits Johannesburg as outages grow more frequent due to ailing infrastructure #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - A major water shutdown is affecting parts of Johannesburg, after Rand Water confirmed a 54-hour interruption that began yesterday afternoon. Officials warn that a full recovery could take up to seven days. Areas including Roodepoort, Fleurhof, Doornkop, Meadowlands and Braamfischerville remain without water and residents are urged to continue storing water and using it sparingly. With shutdowns like this becoming more frequent, questions are being raised about communication, accountability, and how communities can better respond to ongoing water disruptions. Communications Manager at WaterCAN, an organization helping citizens track and share reliable water data, Jonathan Erasmus joins Newsbreak to get you the latest...
#PODCAST Dubai unveils AI powered chef in world first fine dining experience #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Dubai has once again positioned itself at the cutting edge of innovation - this time in the culinary world. The city has unveiled a restaurant powered by an AI chef, blending technology with fine dining in a way that has never been seen before. Newsbreak's Taliesha Naidoo has more details....
#PODCAST SA Weather Service warns of scorching temperatures in KZN
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says parts of the KwaZulu-Natal province will experience excessive temperatures and uncomfortable conditions today going into tomorrow. With temperatures going into the high 30's, forecaster Nhlanhla Sithole says humidity could make it feel even higher....
#PODCAST #MedicalMonitor Fitness experts warn new year runners to ease in to avoid injury #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Fitness experts and coaches are cautioning those, whose new year resolutions is to exercise more or begin their running journey, to take it one step at a time in order to prevent injuries. With January motivation being high, many tend to push their bodies to the limit, without an adequate warm-up, technique or knowledge. Long distance runner and fitness coach, Tariq Stokes elaborates....
#PODCAST Animal welfare group moves to charge Chatsworth police over Pitbull shooting case #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Durban based animal rescue and rehabilitation organization - SAFE - is believed to be pursuing charges against the Chatsworth police station, south of Durban. This, after a pitbull was shot and killed in Woodhurst last month. It's believed the dog, known affectionately as 'Hunter,' was attacking another dog when it's owner intervened and allegedly shot Hunter multiple times. Hunter's owners along with members of SAFE visited the Chatsworth police station to open a case following the incident, but were allegedly denied assistance. The allegations raised concerns from residents and community leaders about law enforcement's response to animal welfare and community safety in the area. Tony Govender, a local ward councilor spoke to Newsbreak for an update on the incident...
#PODCAST ANALYSIS: US in charge? Venezuela’s political turmoil explained
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez has invited US president, Donald Trump to collaborate in a message released after she hosted her first cabinet meeting. Rodriguez said she sought balanced, respectful relations with Washington. Trump has again insisted that the US is now in charge of Venezuela after his troops' violent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Saturday. Maduro has been taken to the U.S. to face drug-related charges in a New York federal court, and Trump has declared intentions for a U.S.-led transition and even hinted at U.S. control over Venezuela's oil sector — a move widely condemned internationally as a violation of sovereignty. We spoke to Honorary Professor of International Relations at Wits University - John Stremlau about the latest developments.....
#PODCAST RTMC cracks down on festive drunk driving and bribery
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says scores of motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and attempting to bribe traffic officials among other things this festive season. As the festive period winds down, motorists are being cautioned that this does not mean law enforcement on the roads are eased. Spokesperson for the RTMC, Simon Zwane says road blocks and routine operations will continue as they expect high traffic volumes over this week....
#PODCAST Palestine action hunger strike enters 60 days as South African health care workers plan solidarity protests #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - The hunger strike continues by members of the imprisoned group Palestine Action in the United Kingdom. The group was labelled a terrorist organization and about 60 members were placed on arrest. They were arrested for their protest against an Israeli arms company operating in the UK. Four of them have been on a hunger strike for about 60 days now. To show solidarity, the South African Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine- among others- will be embarking on nation-wide protest tomorrow. Dr. Feroza Amin explains the demand they're calling for...
#PODCAST 42-foot Shri Nilkanth Varni statue unveiled in Johannesburg to inspire unity and balance #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - An inspiration to South Africans. That's the vision behind the 42 foot statue of Hindu sage Shri Nilkanth Varni in Johannesburg. The over 12 metre statue was unveiled at the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding yesterday before two thousand people. The 18th century sage is seen in a Yogic posture known as Vrikshasana- said to ignite balance and harmony. Varni is a youth manifestation of Hindu ascetic Swaminarayan. BAPS Hindu Mandir spokesperson Hemang Desai explains the significance the statue holds for South Africans...
#PODCAST Festive season travel: motorists urged to prioritize safety on national roads #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Shanell Daniel - Travelling home after the festive season can be a long and tiring journey for many, along with there being several risks and possible complications on the national roads. According to Operations Manager at the N3 Toll Concession, Thania Dhoogra, motorists need to prioritise theirs and other motorists safety and abide by the rules of the road. Dhoogra explains...
Creating your own personal brand for a successful 2026 #sabcnews
-Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. What do you want the world to associate you with? What represents your personal authenticity this 2026? And- how can you create it? As the New Year starts proper- we sit down to structure your personal brand for 2026. TwinFlame Marketing's Krelin and Timita Govender join us to discuss how to create your best self.
#PODCAST Newsbreak weekly fishing report #sabcnews
Heres Sanjay Ramsarup with the angling report...
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