Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Fuel prices to drop across the board from midnight
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Motorists can breathe a sigh of relief as both grades of petrol will go down by 51-cents and diesel by between 19-cents and 21-cents from tomorrow. Illuminating paraffin will decrease by one-cent at wholesale price. This was announced by the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Department. The department's spokesperson, Robert Maake has attributed the decrease in the fuel price to lower brent crude oil prices and the stronger rand against the US dollar...
#PODCAST Joburg informal traders rush to re-verify after High Court ruling
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Scores of informal traders have gathered in Johannesburg to re-verify and re-register following the High Court's judgement that the City must expedite the process. The City of Johannesburg removed informal traders who it says were operating illegally and in areas not designated for trading. The process which begins today will run until no later than the 18th of November. SABC reporter Sashin Naidoo is tracking the story and spoke to Newsbreak's Taliesha Naidoo....
#PODCAST The National Financial Ombud warns that overspending - especially on credit - can lead to a "financial meltdown" #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - With Black Friday just around the corner on the 28th of November, the National Financial Ombud is urging shoppers to think before they swipe. While the sales may be tempting, the NFO warns that overspending - especially on credit - can lead to a nasty financial hangover, long after the deals are gone. They're also cautioning consumers to watch out for digital fraud, which tends to spike during the festive season. Credit and Banking Division Lead Ombud at the NFO Nerosha Maseti explains...
#PODCAST Fitness fundis are increasingly using the power of the web to gain knowledge about wellness & home exercises #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Amid the tough economic climate, fitness enthusiasts have taken to Google in a bid to gain knowledge about gyming, wellness and home exercises. Pilates remains a clear favourite, with searches for the core-strengthening method up 60% in the past 60 days, while the search for "leg workouts at home", has surged by 4,000% in the past month. Searches for the supplement, creatine reached an all-time high in August and are up 30% compared to the same period last year. Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google South Africa, Siya Madikane says there is a also a uptick in people searching for holistic wellness...
#PODCAST DISCUSSION: Mental health stigma delays care, worsens symptoms and increases isolation #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Internalised stigma, that is, when the person themselves holds negative stereotypes about mental health, can lead people to avoid or delay seeking treatment, which may result in the worsening of symptoms and making them feel more isolated. That's according to Medipost Pharmacy pharmacist Patrick Kodibona. In this week's Wellness Wake-Up Kodibona says that understanding and treatment of psychiatric conditions have advanced considerably over recent decades, however many people still battle with internal stigma...
#PODCAST Stress Awareness Week: Employment law experts warn that toxic workplaces often spark mental health challenges #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Employment law experts are concerned that toxic workplace cultures are having a serious impact on employee wellbeing. According to the San Diego Association of Governments- or the SANDAG Report: 52% of surveyed employees have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, while 38% fear losing their jobs due to these challenges. Today marks the start of Stress Awareness Week- a time set aside to raise awareness about the impact of various types of stress. In a professional context- corporate law experts Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) warns that when employers ignore signs that a staff member is struggling, it can lead to broader issues such as declining productivity, loss of workplace culture, and potential legal exposure due to employee neglect. CDH Associate in Employment Law Practice Chantell De Gouveia...
#PODCAST Researcher highlights SA's mounting e-waste challenge as fastest-growing global waste stream. #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - When Sandile Ndlovu first bought a laptop for university, it was fast, reliable, and felt like an investment that would last. However, when he reached his final year of studies, Ndlovu's trusted laptop began malfunctioning. This led him to question what happens to obsolete electronic devices. As a Assistant Researcher in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures at the University of the Free State, Ndlovu found that discarded electrical and electronic equipment is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. He explains the challenges surrounding the country's e-waste management...
#PODCAST eThekwini Municipality reject extending 50% debt relief deadline, citing financial stability concerns #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - A proposal to have the eThekwini Municipality's 50-percent Debt Relief Programme extended from January 2025 to June 2025 was rejected during the City's Council meeting recently. Policy and Compliance Manager at eThekwini Municipality's Revenue Department, Fikile Manqele, says while the City understands the plight of the people, extending the programme deadline would not be conducive for the financial undertakings of the Municipality...
Care-giving for the elderly should be a collaborative effort #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. In light of International Day of Care and Support (29 October) and National Stroke Week (28 October to 3 November) we decided to discuss the complexities of care-giving for the elderly. A huge responsibility lies on the shoulders of caregivers for the frail and sickly- and if not managed well, could lead to several more challenges. Femada Shamam (The Association for the Aged), Pastor Mark Marimuthu Kisten (Brookdale Senior Citizens Group) and Prof. Pamela Naidoo (Heart and Stroke Foundation SA) explained to us that care-giving can't be just one person responsibility...
Almost 24% increase in business liquidations: what's closing the doors on local businesses? #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. There's been a 23.9% increase in the closure of South African businesses over the past year. Stats SA's liquidations data showed that since September last year 1,180 businesses have shut down. This is having a negative impact on the country's employment data aspirations. But what are the reasons for businesses going belly up? Econometrix Director Dr. Azar Jammine, business analyst, Dr Bhasela Yalezo and Head of Employment Practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Aadil Patel discussed some possible business roadblocks...
#PODCAST High Noon Rotary Club in Chatsworth to host a weekend high tea - raising awareness for cancer #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The High Noon Rotary Club Chatsworth, south of Durban will host a high tea tomorrow (Sat 1 Nov) in support of the Chatsworth Hospice and to raise cancer awareness. The Chatsworth Hospice is a non-governmental organisation established in 1991 with its main goal to provide free palliative care to cancer patients. The high tea will take place at the Hospice in Silverglen, Chatsworth from 2-pm. Rotary club member, Raj Ramchunder explains... * Should you wish to be part of the high tea tomorrow, contact Raj on 083 262 6262
#PODCAST 🤖 AI robot guides shoppers at Durban's new, bigger, halaal certified supermarket at Westwood Mall #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - A new, bigger, fully Halaal certified supermarket has been launched in Durban. The store, at Saxony Westwood Mall, is unique in that it features the first AI robot called "Noori" that helps shoppers locate items to purchase. It also features a large food court with prepared meals - a deli, bakery, butchery and the first sweetmeat counter. The store explores the virtually untapped billion-dollar Halaal industry bringing it into the formal commercial retail sector. Riaz Cotwal, the Divisional Manager for Checkers in KZN, says that this second fully Halaal certified store is much bigger than the pilot project in the city...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 31 October 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 Animal experts urge pet owners to act immediately - rather than film - when their dogs confront venomous snakes #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Animal care experts are urging pet owners to act immediately rather than film when their dogs confront venomous snakes, a troubling trend that she says dramatically reduces the dog's chance of survival. With around 80 dog snakebites recorded in the Greater Durban area over the past year, veterinarian Dr. Carla Goede stresses that owners must prioritize safely removing their dog and rushing it to a vet, as bites to a dog's head or neck are often rapidly fatal. She also emphasises that intervention - and NOT recording the conflict - is the only way to ensure the survival of both the pet and the snake...
#PODCAST Durban Tourism thrilled at redevelopment of iconic hotels on the promenade #sabcnews
by Executive Producer, Salma Patel - Durban Tourism is currently on a road-show to draw visitors to the city this festive season. The city has just signed a lucrative R1 billion 50 year lease agreement for the re-development of two of Durban's iconic hotels - the Elangeni and Maharani Towers. The current lease for these hotels will expire at the end of December this year. This forms part of the city's initiative to revitalize and protect the beachfront as a key tourism asset. The investment will include the upgrade and maintenance of the two hotels by the Southern Sun group. Durban Tourism's Senior Manager, Hlengiwe Dube says they are thrilled to work in partnership with the hotel group to boost tourism in the city......
#PODCAST The Somaru family reflect on the legacy of the Lakehaven Passenger Service in Newlands West #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As South Africa's Transport Month draws to a close, the focus shifts from policy promises to the true builders of our nation's mobility. Today, we turn our attention to the unsung pioneers of KwaZulu-Natal - the transport families that connected communities. We share the story of the incredible legacy of Kemraj Somaru and the Lakehaven Passenger Service in Newlands West, Durban. For generations, the Somaru family didn't just run a business; they were instrumental in the development of schools and children's homes. In an exclusive interview with Newsbreak, Somaru explains how his family remains a powerful reminder of how local, generational commitment underpins our national transport network...
#PODCAST La Niña phenomenon likely to cause heavy summer rains and flood risks in various SA provinces #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects higher than usual rainfall for several parts of the country over the coming summer months. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and North West provinces are likely to experience heavier rainfall, which could result in localised flooding in certain areas. SA Weather Service Forecaster, Tokelo Chiloane says this is due to the La Niña phenomenon...
#PODCAST Theatre production "Shotgun Wedding" proves that politics and laughter can make a powerful combo #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - A new theatre production is proving that politics and laughter can make a powerful combination. "Shotgun Wedding," the latest stage comedy by acclaimed playwright and director - Yugan Naidoo, brings together sharp political satire, music, and dance in a hilarious yet thought-provoking way. The production reimagines an arranged marriage, but with a twist, as it offers an entertaining take on how the Government of NationaL Unity (GNU) was formed. Naidoo says the production, which stars Vivian Moodley, Ravi Subramoney and Patrick Samuels, offers a fresh and entertaining take on politics...
#PODCAST DISCUSSION: Global Burden of Disease forecasts massive 181% surge in dementia prevalence by 2050 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - South Africa is facing a severe health challenge as the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) forecasts a massive 181% surge in dementia prevalence by 2050, an almost threefold increase. Driven largely by an ageing population and longer life expectancy, Neurologist Dr. Harsha Patel explains that lifestyle issues like physical inactivity, smoking and chronic diseases also contribute by damaging brain cells and reducing cognitive reserve. Speaking to Newsbreak, Dr. Patel urges early medical intervention for these memory concerns, as it allows for ruling out reversible causes and establishing a support channel for both patients and their caregivers...
#PODCAST SA’s wellness market embraces the Collagen supplement trend
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The consumption of collagen products have become a growing trend among South African women. According to a recent Insight Survey, Google searches for collagen products have significantly increased in the country over the past five years. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structural support to tissues like skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. The body naturally produces collagen from amino acids, but production decreases with age, which can lead to signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. We spoke to Deen Rhoda from the locally produced collagen brand - Motherkind - on the sidelines of the Takealot House of Beauty event that was recently held in Durban about how wellness brands are targeting the growing market demands for collagen products....
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