The Lunch Break

With exams underway, The Lunch Break explores how learners can boost memory, focus, and energy naturally. Varshan Sookhun chats to nutritional consultant Vanessa Ascencao about the power of Vitamin B12, healthy study habits, and practical tips for maintaining balance, mental clarity, and sustained energy during the exam season.

On today’s  Lunch Break , Varshan Sookhun sits down with Cape Town–based entrepreneur Judy Walter Isaacman, the innovative mind behind Caffe nu — the company that created the first cleaning capsule for coffee machines. From humble beginnings to international markets, Judy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and vision. Join us as she shares how a love f...

In today’s  Arts and Culture feature, we celebrate ten vibrant years of rhythm, colour, and creativity with Johannesburg South’s very own Maza Academy of Dance. Known for its flair and fusion of traditional and modern Bollywood dance, the academy marks its 10th anniversary with a spectacular showcase titled “The Bollywood Express.” Joining us to share more is Sanjana M...

As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, Africa’s role in shaping global climate solutions has never been more vital. This week, TEDxJohannesburg Countdown 2025 takes centre stage across Gauteng — uniting visionary thinkers, innovators, and changemakers to drive real action on climate and energy. Joining us is Viaksha Mohabir, a leading voice in energy transition and a...

In an age where a USB stick and a viral TikTok can spark instant fame, what truly separates a fleeting trend from a lasting legacy behind the decks? Joining us to unpack this is Jade Whitemore, professionally known as Tinkz — a respected DJ, Music Producer, and Lecturer at the Academy of Sound Engineering.

The National Zoological Garden of South Africa, better known as the Pretoria Zoo, marks an incredible 126 years of connecting people to the wonders of the wild. To reflect on this milestone, we’re joined by Tracy Rehse, Director: Animal Collection and Conservation, to talk about the Zoo’s legacy, its conservation efforts, and the exciting activities planned for the big celebration.

In this special  Arts and Entertainment feature, we sit down with the creative minds behind The Heart is a Muscle — South Africa’s official entry to the Oscars 2026. The crime thriller, written and directed by the award-winning Imran Hamdulay, stars the talented Keenan Arrison in the lead role. In Part 1 of this two-part Zoom chat, we dive into the creative journey behind the film...

National Geographic Explorer Noel Kok, Executive Director of NEWF, joins us to discuss Wild Hope: Rhino Ops — a powerful documentary highlighting Africa’s largest rhino horn protection initiative at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park. He shares insights on empowering African storytellers, the importance of conservation filmmaking, and how initiatives like dehorning are protecting Africa’s rh...

On  The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun on Lotus FM , we mark World Dictionary Day — a celebration of language, learning, and literacy. Joining us is Dariol Wicomb , Dictionary Publisher at Oxford University Press South Africa , to discuss the importance of dictionaries in preserving linguistic heritage, how language continues to evolve in our multilingual society, and how Oxford&rsquo...

Cape Town-based Surgeon, Dr. Fatima Hoosain, will be discussing how breaking the silence around Breast Cancer screening and treatment could be a game-changer for South African women.

South African actress and L’Oréal Paris Sub-Saharan Africa Ambassador Ama Qamata joins The Lifestyle Feature with Varshan Sookhun to discuss her journey from Blood and Water to the global stage. She reflects on representing African beauty, the power of sisterhood, coping with grief, and inspiring young women to dream boldly and stay authentic.

Ahead of her appearance at the Red Mango Arts Festival, award-winning actress, comedian, and playwright Krijay Govender joins Varshan Sookhun on The Lunch Break to discuss her journey in South African theatre and comedy. She reflects on breaking barriers for Indian women in the arts, using storytelling to preserve cultural identity, and her role in promoting arts and heritage in Mzansi.

South Africa’s complexes and estates are facing major rule changes following a new directive from the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS). Property expert Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty, joins the show to unpack what these updates mean for trustees and residents — from new rules on pets and cultural practices to stricter compliance standards. He also shares advice for trustees and w...

Cyber safety expert Michael Buswell, founder of That Cyber Safety Guy , joins Varshan Sookhun to discuss how to stay safe online in 2025. He explains social engineering , highlights the latest online scams, and shares practical tips for protecting personal information. Michael also offers valuable advice for parents on promoting digital awareness and safety among children in today’s connecte...

On  Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun , we shine the spotlight on the arts with Dr Rowin Munsamy, writer and director of No Added Bank Charges — an original one-act play performed by drama students. Inspired by the real-life financial struggles faced by ordinary citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic, this tragicomedy explores how far people will go to survive — even if it means rob...

Beloved theatre couple Aaron and Lisa Bobbert McIlroy join us to chat about their latest stage productions — Ethel , Lisa’s powerful tribute to Ethel Merman, and ADHD , Aaron’s hilarious yet heartfelt show about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lisa talks about stepping into Merman’s shoes, working with trusted director Darren King, and embracing new creative colla...

In this week’s Arts and Entertainment feature, we welcome acclaimed dancer and choreographer Pavishen Paideya. Known for his mastery across Indian classical, Bollywood, modern, Spanish, ballet, and tap dance, Pavishen has spent years blending traditional and contemporary forms to reflect South African Indian identity. He now brings Durban audiences a once-off theatrical experience title...

This October, as the world observes Mental Health Awareness Month, we speak with Prof. Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health, about the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival. Under the theme #CourageToFly , the festival promotes hope, resilience, and unity while raising vital funds for free mental health services. Prof. Daniels discusses the benefits of kite-flying, the impact of vio...

In this  Community Feature on Lotus FM, we reconnect with Margaret Shaw, the KwaZulu-Natal Coordinator of Cupcakes of Hope, an NPO dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children fighting cancer. Following the success of the recent National Cupcake Day in KZN, Margaret shares insights on the turnout, the growing impact of this campaign, and how initiatives like the Bake Box are bringing...

On The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun for the last day of Heritage Month, Varshan chats to Tour Guide, David Mcnaughton, who has been helping locals and international guests discover the Karoo, through exclusive tours and visits of a semi-dessert huge area, with beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

South Africa hosts the G20 Summit this November — the first African nation to do so. Senior journalist Thulasizwe Simelane, host of G20 Focus on SABC2 and SABC News, shares insights on what the summit means for South Africa and Africa, the role of journalism in shaping global dialogue, and what would define a successful outcome.

This World Rabies Day, we shine a light on the urgent need for awareness and preventive action against rabies – a disease that poses serious risks to both pets and people. Losing a pet can feel like losing a family member, and rabies is a preventable tragedy we cannot ignore. Joining us is Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa, to discuss the theme &ldq...

This interview explores the private adoption process in South Africa with social worker Jeevie Pillay, who shares her expertise on requirements, legal steps, costs, timelines, and challenges. Joining her is Dr. Faheem Baba, who reflects on his personal journey of adopting a baby boy with his husband, offering advice and encouragement to prospective adoptive parents. Together, they provide pra...

This Heritage Month, Nkosinathi Shabalala joins us to reflect on his father Joseph Shabalala’s global legacy with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, share personal memories of Umnambithi, and talk about his own journey in music. He also discusses working with producer Lebo M, his new track  Imi-sebenzi , and tonight’s special Heritage Day tribute concert in Durban.

Sid Sriram joins Varshan Sookhun to talk about his new fusion track  SOL , blending sounds of the East and West. In this exclusive chat, Sid reflects on 13 years in music, his R&B influences, his groundbreaking Coachella debut, and what’s next on his India tour. Catch part 2 of the interview with Dhanaseelan Dorasamy this Sunday between 1 and 3pm.