The Lunch Break

Ahead of International Literacy Day, we explore why literacy goes far beyond simply being able to read and write. With 81% of South African Grade 4 learners reportedly unable to read for meaning, Barbara Strydom, Publishing Manager: Languages, Reading and Dictionaries at Oxford University Press South Africa, discusses the importance of reading comprehension, the role of parents and teachers, the i...

From shopping discounts and cashback to health, retail and lifestyle rewards, loyalty programmes have become part of everyday life for South African consumers. But with more cards, apps and programmes to keep track of, are consumers really getting the value they deserve? Byron Rode, CEO of (my) Cards, part of Glynt, explores the future of loyalty programmes, the role of aggregation and connectivit...

What does it take to build a successful business against the odds? Meet Samantha Skyring, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 and Founding CEO of Oryx Desert Salt. Samantha shares her inspiring journey from a bootstrapped start-up to building an internationally recognised and sustainable enterprise. She opens up about resilience, raising funding, the challenges women face in business...

Manaileng Maphike, Advisory Board Member of the Basadi in Music Awards, joins us to discuss the fifth edition of BIMA 2026. She highlights the theme “REWIND Your BIMA, Your Way,” the significance of celebrating women in the music and entertainment industry, and the Vanguard Awards, which recognise women working behind the scenes. She also shares what audiences can look forward to from...

The Durban City Orchestra is set to present the third and final concert in its popular “From Stage to Screen” series, following two sold-out performances earlier this month. Music veteran and Chairman of the Durban City Orchestra, Wayne Richards, joins us to share more about the orchestra’s accomplished musicians, the inspiration behind the themed concert series and the incr...

Rehab KZN, formerly known as the KZN Dance Festival for Women, uses the power of dance to tell poignant stories of human emotion, resilience and lived experiences. The festival brings together five KZN-based dance groups in a collaborative celebration of artistic talent while confronting important issues affecting women, including gender-based violence, human trafficking and abuse. Mandisa Ndlovu,...

Pavishen Paideya, Director of Rudra Dance Theatre, joins us to share more about  Chal Naach Let’s Dance , an exciting celebration of dance, culture and spectacular talent taking place in Durban. He discusses the collaboration between participating dance academies, what audiences can expect from Rudra Dance Theatre, and the importance of supporting the arts and South African talent on a...

The House of Mizrahi is bringing Ballroom Culture to Durban with The Ascension Ball. AD Mizrahi, Overseer at The House of Mizrahi, joins us to discuss their journey in Ballroom Culture, the Ballroom 101 workshops, the importance of fashion and self-expression, and what audiences can expect from this week’s programme—including the exciting Bollywood category.

Professor Vally Padayachee discusses his new book,  Intense Work Is Rest: Cultivating Devotion and Equanimity , and challenges the idea that work must be stressful. He shares insights on overcoming burnout, finding peace through focused work, developing resilience, and turning the workplace into a catalyst for personal growth.

South Africa is facing a growing shortage of skilled professionals in technical trades and engineering, with the country falling behind the National Development Plan’s target of producing 30,000 qualified artisans annually by 2030. Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBi, joins us to unpack why young South Africans may be overlooking careers in technical trades amid the growing focus...

What may seem like an easy way to make extra cash could have serious financial, legal and reputational consequences. In this episode, we unpack the growing problem of money mule schemes in South Africa, where fraudsters recruit individuals to receive and transfer stolen funds through their bank accounts. Bonolo Sebonai, Head of Fraud at GoTyme Bank, explains how these schemes work, the warning sig...

As part of Women’s Month, we speak to Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, about the organisation’s Sober Pregnancies campaign and its efforts to raise awareness among young South Africans about alcohol harm, maternal health and the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). We unpack the latest KwaZulu-Natal findings from the 2026 Sober Pregnancies Research Report, common miscon...

Acclaimed South African filmmaker Dr Eubulus Timothy, known for films including  Deep End and The Cane Cutter , joins us following his return from India, where he represented South Africa at the BRICS WAVES BAZAAR 2026. He shares insights from the international platform, including the launch of the BRICS Independent Producers Alliance, opportunities for South African filmmakers, new internati...

The Multicultural Academy of South Africa has wrapped up its 2026 Junior Stars contest, showcasing 16 young musical talents in the search for the country’s next rising stars. Join the Top 3 winners — Kemaya Nagiah, Swaasti Balakumar and Talash Ramlakhan — along with Academy Director and renowned musician Kamani Moodley, as they share their experiences, musical aspirations and jou...

Lotus FM’s Woman of Substance Awards (WOSA) is back, with nominations open across eight distinguished categories. This afternoon, we speak to WOSA Education judge Ooma Maharajh, Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the Ugu District, about her inspiring journey from educator to education leader, her passion for ABET and lifelong learning, and the importance of mentorship and empowering others...

Melanie Kisten joins Lotus FM to discuss her role as a judge for the Woman of Substance Awards, her journey in the arts, supporting emerging talent, and the importance of recognising women’s achievements. Nominations close on  16 August 2026 . Visit www.lotusfm.co.za to nominate a deserving woman.

Mr Harish Kumar, Head of Chancery at the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, joins us to discuss India Day 2026. This year’s celebration explores the theme “Timeless Traditions, Changing Times, Unchanged Roots”, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and the deep historical ties between India and South Africa. He shares more about the significance of this...

Pressure is an inevitable part of the modern workplace, but how we recover, regulate our emotions and manage stress can make all the difference. Global Human Performance Expert and Leadership & Resilience Strategist Richard Sutton joins us to unpack what the world’s highest performers do differently, why recovery is essential for sustainable success, and practical, evidence-based wa...

Lisa Chella, artist, business development manager and co-founder of Miss Emerald SA, joins us during Women’s Month to discuss the pageant’s mission to empower women through leadership, excellence, community development and personal growth. She also shares insights into her own career achievements, including being named a finalist in the prestigious Forty Under Forty programme, as well...

We chat to international Chutney and Baithak Gana stars Raymond Ramnarine, Rawytee Ramroop, Shivam Rajaram and Stephen Marcelle about their musical journeys, the global growth of Chutney Soca, their connection with South African audiences and the future of the genre. The artists also share what fans can expect at the Chutney Fusion Festival 2026, taking place on Sunday, 9 August at Hollywoodbets K...

Many South Africans struggle to build savings—not because they don't know how, but because of everyday financial habits that quietly undermine their goals. From delaying saving until the next salary increase to prioritising spending over financial security, these common mistakes can have a lasting impact on future wealth. Consumer Financial Education Specialist Salem Nyati from the Momentum...

In celebration of Women's Month,  She Rises is bringing together fitness, networking and community impact in a unique three-day charity event in Johannesburg. Director of Cross Culture Promotions, Colette Roberts, shares the inspiration behind the initiative, what attendees can expect from the fitness sessions, social events and padel tournament, and how the event is creating opportunities fo...

The KwaZulu-Natal Doctors Healthcare Coalition celebrates 30 years of advancing quality, accessible healthcare. Prof. Morgan Chetty discusses the shift from treating illness to preventing it, the role of value-based care, healthcare reform, AI in medicine, and how South Africa can build a healthier future.

South African motorists could soon face higher vehicle ownership costs as government considers introducing a new mandatory levy linked to annual vehicle licence renewals and registrations to help fund the Road Accident Fund (RAF). Lifestyle speaks to Mike Pashut, Founder of Change Car, about the potential financial impact of the proposed "car tax," why the rise of electric vehicles is influen...

As South Africa commemorates 70 years since the historic 1956 Women's March, the 2026 Artscape Women's Humanity Festival returns with the inspiring theme, "A Place For All." CEO Marlene Le Roux joins us to discuss how this milestone festival is using theatre, music, film, and community dialogue to address critical issues such as gender-based violence, disability inclusion, LGBTQ+ rights, equa...