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Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST SANTACO warns taxi fares could rise as fuel prices increase #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has not ruled out an increase in fares, saying they are engaging with Government and business counterparts to find solutions. This follows the record fuel price hikes that came into effect yesterday - with petrol now over 30-rand a litre and diesel surpassing 33-rand a litre. Concern is now growing amongst commuters, many of whom are already over-burdened by the rising cost of living. National spokesperson for SANTACO, Rebecca Phala says while talks are ongoing - taxi operators are also under pressure- having only raised fares once this year amid several fuel price hikes....
#PODCAST Andrei Stenin photo contest exhibition opens in Durban, showcasing global photojournalism
by Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest Exhibition officially opened for the first time in Durban this week highlighting the compelling creativity of photojournalism in adding a new dimension to a news story. It is an annual contest for young photojournalists and features 30 selected works from finalists and winners worldwide documenting defining moments in time. The themes include sport, religion, human resilience and conflict. The contest is named after Andrei Stenin, a Russian photojournalist, who died in Ukraine in 2014. Daria Nagovitcina from the Sputnik News Agency says this contest ensures that the art of photojournalism is preserved......
#PODCAST Rising petrol prices push young South Africans deeper into debt trap #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - The increase in the petrol price has a domino effect on the cost of living including food, transport, and daily living expenses. For young South Africans in their 20's this often includes paying off student loans and studying towards a qualification. This often leads to youngsters looking for a quick fix by applying for credit and then not having a plan to pay it off leading to a debt trap. Credit Card Product Head at FNB, Thabiso Tshabalala, says easy access, cost of living and lifestyle pressure is driving credit growth.......
#PODCAST Sea Turtle researcher dives deep into marine life around Aliwal Shoal #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - Sea turtle researcher Natalie Dos Santos is taking us beneath the surface of KwaZulu-Natal's coastline to better understand the movements and behavior of some of our marine species. Dos Santos, a PhD researcher at Nelson Mandela University, has spent the past eight years studying sea turtles, from their nesting beaches in northern Zululand to their foraging grounds along the east coast. Her current research is tracking green and hawksbill turtles around the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area using acoustic telemetry. She will be sharing her research and underwater footage with the public at Crocworld Adventure and Conservation Centre on Saturday, the 31st of this month as part of its Conservation Talk programme. Newsbreak spoke to Dos Santos in an exclusive interview...
#PODCAST KZN ditches tender pothole repairs as 320 permanent workers tackle damaged roads #sabcnews
by SABC News Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says the provincial government is ditching the tender approach to pothole repairs in favour of employing permanent workers. Duma says more than 320 workers have been deployed from the Empangeni and Ladysmith regions to accelerate repairs on key roads, including the R34 and P54. He says potholes have been declared "public enemy number one" as prolonged rainfall and heavy traffic continue to damage the province's road network. The department says immediate interventions include patching, clearing drainage, cutting overgrown verges and sealing cracks while it awaits funding for broader rehabilitation. MEC Duma explains...
#PODCAST AI platform Rinku aims to transform support for South Africa’s struggling small businesses #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - South Africa's struggling small-business sector is set to get a boost from a new AI-powered platform aimed at fixing gaps in the country's fragmented SMME support system. This comes as the country's entrepreneurial environment remains among the weakest globally, with many small businesses failing within their first five years. The platform, Rinku, aims to assess the specific challenges facing a business and connect entrepreneurs with relevant mentors, funding and development programmes. YIEDI CEO Jayshree Naidoo says the technology could be a game changer in measuring the long-term impact of support provided to SMMEs.
#PODCAST Study links household tobacco smoke to childhood stunting across Africa #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Matthew Veeran - A landmark study by the University of Pretoria has revealed that one in five children across sub-Saharan Africa is exposed to tobacco smoke inside their homes, directly contributing to childhood stunting. Analysing data from 29 countries, researchers found that daily exposure to secondhand smoke significantly hinders physical growth alongside traditional factors like nutrition. Senior author Professor Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf joins us to discuss why protecting children from household tobacco smoke has become a quite critical child health and development priority...
#PODCAST Loeries creative week highlights AI-driven change and Africa’s rising creative voice #sabcnews
by Producer, Tracy Valaydham - A prominent NGO says the creative industry is undergoing major change, with artificial intelligence, new media platforms and shifting audience habits transforming how creative work is produced and consumed. As Loeries Creative Week gets underway in Cape Town, industry leaders are also turning their attention to Africa's growing creative voice and the next generation of talent. The event runs until the ninth of October. Loeries CEO Preetesh Sewraj is encouraging young creatives to make use of the Homecoming Centre to network, exchange ideas and connect with others in the industry ........
#PODCAST The Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) hosts its first World Spine Day fun walk/run in Durban #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The Chiropractic Association of South Africa is hosting its inaugural World Spine Day 5km Fun Run and Walk along the Durban promenade this Sunday, 11 October*. Centered on the theme "Spine Health for Life," the event promotes everyday movement while raising funds to support spine care clinics in underserved rural communities. Dr. Danella Lubbe is the President of "CASA" and joins us to discuss why spinal health matters and what participants can look forward to this weekend... * The CASA World Spine Day 5km Fun Run/Walk gets underway on Sunday the 11th of October at 08:00. World Spine Day, meanwhile, is observed on Friday, October 16th.
#PODCAST Government GBV response fails to address root causes and healthy masculinity, says Father A Nation #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Government is falling short in addressing one of the root causes of gender-based violence - how boys are raised to become men. This is according to Craig Wilkinson – Founder and CEO of Father A Nation, a non-profit organisation focused on fatherhood, healthy masculinity and GBV prevention. He says the country's response needs to place greater emphasis on positive male role models who can teach boys healthy masculinity. This comes as government's latest GBV plan focuses on case-recovery, safety audits, forensics, and liquor laws. Wilkinson says that Government are more focused on treating the symptoms of GBV rather than preventing the violence before it starts...
#PODCAST National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) highlights consumer rights as vehicle repossessions surge #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - More than 22,600 vehicles were repossessed in South Africa in the first six months of 2023, as households struggled with rising living costs and vehicle repayments. The National Financial Ombud Scheme is warning consumers that financial distress does not mean lenders can simply take their vehicles without following the law. The Ombud says consumers facing payment difficulties need to understand their rights and options before a vehicle is repossessed or sold. Adjudication official at the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO), Johannes Brouwer explains...
#PODCAST Breast Cancer Awareness Month | CANSA urges early detection as diagnoses rise in young women #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - As South Africa marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts are urging women not to wait for symptoms before taking action, stressing the importance of regular screening and early detection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around 2.4 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally every year, underscoring the need for greater awareness and timely intervention. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) says early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes, while more young women in their 20's and 30's are being diagnosed with the disease. Sustainability Coordinator at CANSA KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Brown explains...
#PODCAST South African motorists hit with sharp fuel price hikes across petrol, diesel and paraffin #sabcnews
Bad news now, as motorists are set to pay more at the pump from midnight tonight (07 October 2026). According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources the price of petrol is set to rise between 3-rand-12-cent and 3-rand-33-cents per litre depending on the grade. The price of diesel is expected to increase by between 2-rand-84-cent and 3-rand-24-cents per litre, while the price of illuminating paraffin is set to rise by 4-rand-77-cents per litre. The retail price of LPGgas is expected to jump by 42-cent per kilogram and 48-cent per kilogram in the Western Cape. Naledi Mabitsela-Ngcobo reports...
Educator safety under the spotlight this World Teachers Day
By Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - Today marks World Teachers' Day, highlighting the contribution of teachers and their role in shaping South Africa's future. This year's theme calls for greater protection, recognition and support for the teaching profession. But South African teachers continue to face overcrowded classrooms, safety concerns, pressure on working conditions and disputes over pay. Unions, including SADTU, have raised concerns about the resources available to both teachers and learners. SADTU spokesperson Nomusa Cembi explains the complications faced by the profession nationally..
Osizweni residents live in fear amid ongoing gang violence
By Newsbreak Producer, Tracy Valaydham - Police have acknowledged concerns around gangsterism and violent crime at Osizweni, outside Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. Law enforcement say they are working with community stakeholders to help curb crime in the area. Residents say they are living in fear amid ongoing gang violence that has also disrupted teaching and learning at schools in the area. SABC Reporter Gcinokhule Malinga is at Osizweni and brings us the latest .....
#PODCAST Political commentators warn parties that aggressive campaign rhetoric could ruin future coalition deals #LGE2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Political expert at the Democracy Development Programme Brian Mhlongo said that political parties need to mindful about the statements they make- because they may be forced to work together to form governments after the election. The Da was forced to remove a billboard that suggested senior eThekwini Municipality officials were linked to a water mafia in the city. While the DA's Haniff Hoosen says he did nothing wrong by demanding accountability in the billboard - the eThekwini Municipality's legal team claims there was reputational damage caused to the officials displayed on the billboard. Mhlongo explains how words uttered against politicians on the campaign trail can come back to haunt them later on...
#PODCAST The MK Party targets KZN's uMhlathuze Municipality - as Jacob Zuma unexpectedly misses the campaign rally #sabcnews
The MK Party says it is working to take control of uMhlathuze Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal in the upcoming local government elections. At a mini rally in Esikhawini, residents raised concerns about water, roads and unemployment, while the party also faced an unexpected challenge when its president Jacob Zuma failed to attend the event. Gcinokuhle Malinga reports...
#PODCAST The trial of 7 men accused of murdering rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes begins in Durban today #sabcnews
The trial over the 2023 murder of rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his friend - Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane - is due to start in the Durban High Court today. The two men were gunned down outside an upmarket restaurant in a popular nightlife area of the city. The news of the murders were met with an outpouring of grief by many in the country. The arrest of the 7 accused were announced a year later. It took another year of legal battles to have two of the accused extradited from eSwatini, where they were arrested. Dries Liebenberg reports...
International Children's Palliative Care Day expected to bring communities together for a good cause #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. There's almost one million South African children in need of palliative care to manage their life threatening illnesses. But only 5% receive the professional care they deserve. This Friday is on International Children's Palliative Care Day - where everyone is requested to wear a fun hat to raise awareness. This comes ahead of the The Hats On for Children's Palliative Care walk- organised by Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA) and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children. Umduduzi's Dr. Julia Ambler and Tracey Brand helped us understand the plight of children in dire need of palliative care...
LGE26 Newsbreak's Chatsworth Election Debate gets tough on local service delivery #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad Newsbreak, Lotus FM commenced it's Election Debate Roadshow for the 2026 Local Government Elections in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Five political party representatives all faced tough questions about their intentions for local service delivery. PANELISTS: Maggie Govender, ANC Haniff Hoosen, DA Visvin Reddy, MKP Zwakele Mcwango, Action SA Radesh Ramchunder, MF
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