Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Wellness Wakeup: Eat. Sleep. Move. A simple prescription for a healthier heart #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Eat. Sleep. Move. That's a simple way for you to have better heart health. This Heart Awareness Month 1Life Insurance is concerned that 18% of all adult fatalities are due to cardio-vascular disease. In this week's Wellness Wakeup Chief Medical Officer Dr Avron Urison explains how these three steps could save your life...
#PODCAST Fannie Masemola expected to take the stand when the Madlanga Commission continues today #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is expected to take the stand today in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. This comes after KZN police commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi completed his testimony on Friday which delved into, among others, an alleged infiltration of an organised crime syndicate in law enforcement agencies. Mkhwanazi has warned of a total collapse in the criminal justice system if no intervention is made. He also went on to provide information in this regard- further implicating senior crime fighting officials. But how can these allegations be further tested? Corruption Watch's Mzwandile Banjathwa helps us understand...
#PODCAST ANALYSIS: Helen Zille's mayoral candidacy a "No-Confidence" vote in other Jo'burg DA leaders #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Political Analyst, Dr Levy Ndou says the mayoral candidacy of Helen Zille could be seen as a show of no confidence in political leaders from the city of Johannesburg. He was reacting to the announcement of her mayoral candidacy by the Democratic Alliance at the weekend. Known as the country's economic hub, the city has been plagued by poor service delivery and political instability. Ndou says while Zille comes with a wealth of experience, some may challenge why she was chosen...
#PODCAST Urban Vision invite aspiring actors to apply for a master class set for Chatsworth, south of Durban
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Aspiring actors are being called upon to submit motivational letters to be part of a unique acting master class by Urban Vision Movies. Taking place on October 11th at the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre, in Chatsworth, south of Durban, well-known actresses Jailoshini Naidoo and Maeshni Naicker will share their expertise and train attendees to take on the world of acting. Naidoo says they are eager to give back to their hometown community... *Aspiring actors, over 16-years-old, who want to be part of the actors' workshop can email a one-paragraph motivation to Thalia Erwin on urbanvisionmovies@gmail.com
Tourism Month: when Travel turns into Therapy #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. Travel numbers to South Africa have increased by 5.1% last year- bring about 8.9 million visitors to the country. This Tourism Month- we decided to reflect on this big industry by discussing travel, as therapy! Joining the wanderlust conversation is Deputy Director of the Durban Tourism Unit at eThekwini Municipality Winile Mntungwa, travel blogger Kim Jones and travel agent Nazi Malek...
Allegations stack up in the Madlanga Commission #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has warned of a total collapse in the criminal justice system if no intervention is made. General Mkhwanazi took the stand this week before the much-anticipated Madlanga Commission. The commission, which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will investigate allegations of corruption within law enforcement agencies. Mkhwanazi went on to provide more proof on allegations he made about Senzo Mchunu (currently on a leave of absence) and former Police Minister Bheki Cele. But what will be done with these allegations? We spoke to KZN Violence Monitor Mary de Haas and Corruption Watch's Mzwandile Banjathwa...
#PODCAST Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi raises concern over the granting of bail for dangerous suspects #sabcnews
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has raised concern that individuals who were being sought for serious crimes were granted bail. This, despite pending cases against them. Mkhwanazi expressed frustration over some court processes while testifying before the Madlanga Commission, probing allegations of Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. Mkhwanazi also mentioned cases involving Fisokuhle Ntuli- accused number five in the Senzo Meyiwa trial. Pearl Magubane reports…
#PODCAST World Alzheimer's Day 2025: Experts highlight the importance of open conversation #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - World Alzheimer's Day, observed on September 21st, highlights the importance of open conversation to combat the stigma surrounding cognitive decline. A new initiative led by Dr. Adele May at the University of Pretoria, is developing a training program to help South African families use tailored communication strategies to support loved ones with dementia. This work underscores the need for localized solutions and provides a beacon of hope for caregivers navigating this challenging condition. Matthew spoke to Adele to find out more about her work...
#PODCAST SAAPA study sounds the alarm on alcohol adverts and its influence on underage drinking #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Experts are concerned about the correlation between alcohol advertisements and how it shapes drinking habits and underage consumption of liquor. The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) has collated data indicating that children repeatedly exposed to alcohol advertising are more likely to start drinking younger and more heavily. A study by the the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Western Cape Government surveyed 49-thousand grade 8 and 9 learners across 123 schools. The findings show that 40% have already tried alcohol, 22% drank in the past 30 days while 23% started before the age of 13. South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Director for the Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science, Professor Sue Goldstein says the recent rise in social media advertising and ease of accessibility is also a negative contributing factor...
#PODCAST Yunus Carrim's new book to unveil the unsung heroes of the MK's Special Operations Unit #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - A new book, "Attacking the Heart of Apartheid," is set to be released tomorrow, promising to shed light on a largely untold chapter of South Africa's history. Penned by former ANC MP and activist Yunus Carrim, the book is a compelling oral history of the ANC's Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Special Operations Unit. Based on interviews with surviving members, the account details the elite unit's daring and high-profile attacks against the apartheid state. Today, we will explore the stories of these unsung heroes and the controversies surrounding their actions. Here's author Yunus Carrim...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 19 September 2025 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST Walking against trafficking: UCEC’s fight to end exploitation
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Human trafficking remains a grave and persistent challenge in South Africa, taking many devastating forms - from forced labour and forced marriages to organ theft, child abduction, and exploitation of vulnerable children and adults. To shine a spotlight on this urgent issue, the Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre (UCEC) is gearing up to host its 12th annual Anti-Human Trafficking Walk in Durban on the 4th of October. This 5-kilometre walk aims to raise awareness and rally community support against these heinous crimes. We spoke to UCEC spokesperson, Nicole Daniels about the impact of human trafficking and the efforts underway to combat it....
#PODCAST High Court to sentence man convicted of killing Chef Thembekile
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The High Court in Johannesburg is expected to hand down sentence in the case of a man convicted of the murder of chef Thembekile Letlape. Forty one-year-old Sibusiso Zitha was arrested after Letlape's body was discovered at their place of residence in Fourways in May last year. The chef's father ActionSA Member of Parliament, Doctor KgosiLetlape discovered his daughter's body. Zitha had pleaded guilty to the murder saying he had stabbed the chef multiple times during an argument. SABC reporter Refilwe Mekoa is at court and brings us an update....
#PODCAST Nourishing a Better Workplace: How Healthy Food Boosts Productivity and Shapes Corporate Culture #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - According to Shannon Smuts - founder of Pure Good - healthier catering is reshaping corporate culture, by transforming food from a simple perk into a strategic investment in employee well-being. This shift towards nutritious meals, has led to tangible benefits including reduced absenteeism and a measurable increase in employee energy and productivity. Smuts says that providing good food is a visible expression of a company's values, positioning it as an essential pillar of a more positive workplace culture...
#PODCAST Foreign Affairs Ministers express concern over the security of the Sumud Flotilla, en route to Gaza #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Foreign Affairs Ministers of South Africa, Bangladesh, Brazil, Qatar, Spain and others have expressed their concern about the security of the global Sumud Flotilla that is headed for Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international maritime initiative aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. The convoy of vessels with activists from over 40 countries have had some setbacks after a drone hit one of its boats. This is believed to be the second such attack in two days. Some of the activists on board the vessels include Inkosi Mandla Mandela and Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Another activist among them and onboard one of the boats is Dr. Fatima Hendricks, who says despite the imminent danger they face, they remain determined in their mission...
#PODCAST Madlanga Commission: Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi warns of a total collapse in the criminal justice system #sabcnews
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has warned of a total collapse in the criminal justice system if no intervention is made. General Mkhwanazi took the stand on Wednesday (17 September) before the much-anticipated Madlanga Commission. The commission, which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will investigate allegations of corruption within law enforcement agencies. The commission is expected to deliver two reports within six months and will take place in three phases. Sibahle Motha reports...
#PODCAST Financial study finds that women earn less than men - and while they save more - still retire with less money #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - A recent financial study has found that women earn on average 15% less than men, and while they save more - they still retire with less. The study conducted by financial service provider, Old Mutual assessed half a million of its fund members. This comes as we observe International Equal Pay Day today. The report points to a combination of lower lifetime earnings, interrupted career paths due to pregnancy and other factors, and under-representation in leadership roles as key drivers of unequal outcomes. Head of Business Intelligence, Keri-Lee Edmond says that while it is a massive undertaking to change the design of the retirement fund, a multi-stakeholder collaboration is needed to address this issue in the country...
Ethekwini gets focused on City Regeneration- but will it bring more service delivery to your city? #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taliesha Naidoo. Ethekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele says Durban is on a quest to achieve it's developmental goals. This can be attributed to the Inner-City Regeneration Programme- an initiative to revitalise Durban’s core. The plan is to strengthen Ethekwini as a centre for commerce, culture, and tourism. Through collaborations with national and provincial partners, the business sector partners and property owners, eThekwini Municipality has made meaningful progress in addressing many urban challenges, while there is some way to go to achieve the vison of our city. But in a city battling service delivery challenges already- can these goals be achieved? City Manager Mbhele explains how...
#PODCAST: Preserving History, Inspiring Youth: We examine the story of KwaZulu-Natal's Indian pioneers
By Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - Imparting historical roots to the youth is an important aspect to pay tribute to our forebears. Through the 1860 Heritage Centre, the trials and tribulations of the first indentured labourers from India is well documented as well as the manner in which these communities helped build educational institutions and businesses that helped with the economy of KwaZulu-Natal. Financial Director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, AV Mahomed, says preserving this legacy can teach the youth many lessons on perseverance.....
#PODCAST: Mental health care is out of reach for most South Africans
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Up to 92% of people living with mental illness never receive treatment in South Africa. That is according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists. This as psychiatrist from across Africa convene at the 2025 SASOP Congress in East London from tomorrow until the 19th of Sepetmber. SASOP President-elect - Dr Anusha Lachman says the statistic is not only a crisis of resources but also a crisis of access....
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