The Lunch Break

Rising fuel prices are putting South African students under serious pressure, with higher transport and food costs affecting their ability to study and succeed. Prof. Linda Meyer shares insights on the academic impact, the limits of current support systems like NSFAS, and what needs to change to better support students during this crisis.

In this episode, Daniel Goldberg from Bridgement unpacks how delayed payments are crippling South Africa’s SMEs, disrupting cash flow, and impacting jobs and economic growth. The conversation also explores the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights potential solutions to support small business recovery.

Bollywood actor Rishabh Sawhney joins us to share his journey from modelling to starring in Fighter alongside Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor. He reflects on his career highlights, working with top talent, and upcoming projects, including a Telugu film and internationally recognised roles.

We chat to Brian Segal about The Thrive Initiative and its KZN School Roadshow, focusing on tackling bullying, emotional wellbeing, and building stronger, more resilient school communities across South Africa.

As the first quarter comes to an end, many of us are reflecting on our goals and progress. In this insightful episode, coach and author Khanyisa Mnyaka shares practical advice on self-leadership, overcoming limiting beliefs, setting boundaries, and navigating life transitions. An empowering conversation to help you reset, refocus, and take charge of your journey.

Rising comedian Prince K joins us to talk about his journey in the comedy scene, his 2026 Comics Choice Awards nomination, and the inspiration behind his humor. He also shares insights on the evolving KZN comedy landscape and what’s next for his growing career.

In this episode, Celeste Ntuli shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated comedy powerhouse. She reflects on her recent award nominations, the power of laughter in today’s world, and staying authentic in the spotlight. Celeste also offers insight into her creative talent, personal growth, and advice for rising comedians, while looking ahead to her future goa...

This episode explores the growing popularity of the Mathematics Olympiad in South Africa, led by the South African Mathematics Foundation, which has seen a 41% rise in participation. Featuring Coach Kerry Porrill and a learner, the discussion highlights the importance of mathematics in developing problem-solving skills, insights from the Olympiad training camp, and encourages learners to embrace m...

This episode explores a dynamic musical collaboration between Ghanaian pianist Victory Dey Jnr and South African jazz vocalist Dr Natalie Rungan. Blending jazz with African traditions and the emerging “Ghanapiano” sound, they discuss the inspiration behind their project African Breyani and their new single “Don’t Rush Love.” The conversation highlights their musical j...

This episode features comedian Jaryd Pillay as he discusses his journey in the South African comedy scene, his award-winning work, and his new show PillayBoy . The conversation explores themes of identity, culture, and life as a performer, while giving listeners insight into the stories and experiences that shape his comedy.

South Africa is facing a growing wave of cyber threats, with organisations being breached every three hours. In this episode, Adriaan Joubert from Palo Alto Networks breaks down the state of cybersecurity in the country, why most attacks are preventable, and what organisations can do to better protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a preventable yet widespread issue in South Africa. In this episode, we speak with Aware.org about the causes, impact, and prevention of FASD, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. The conversation also explores gaps in awareness, healthcare practices, and the human rights implications—emphasising every child’s right...

We chat with Duncan Rice of Yogam Yoga about his journey in yoga, its roots in his family, and the impact of teaching over 1,000 children weekly. He also shares insights on the Surya Namaskar Challenge, its benefits, and how it supports building a community wellness centre.

With global oil prices rising and tensions in the Middle East escalating, concerns around fuel security and increasing living costs are growing in South Africa. In this conversation, Prof. Vally Padayachee shares expert insights on the country’s current fuel stability, potential risks ahead, and the impact of rising fuel and electricity prices on consumers. A clear and informative look at wh...

Africa’s social enterprises are driving inclusive growth, creating millions of jobs, and empowering women and youth across the continent. In this episode, Francisco Da Silva shares insights on the sector’s rapid rise, key challenges like access to finance, and what to expect from the upcoming Change The World 2026 showcase in Cape Town.

This episode explores South Africa’s growing hunger crisis and how the Kolisi Foundation is making a difference through community kitchens. Mahlatse Mashua shares insights on food insecurity, the impact of grassroots initiatives, and the importance of collaboration to ensure sustainable access to food for vulnerable communities.

Award-winning filmmaker George Temba joins us after his big win at the Joburg Film Festival 2026 to discuss his powerful film The Silent Inheritance . He shares the personal inspiration behind the story, the role of culture and language in storytelling, and his vision for the future of South African independent cinema.

Ryan Gaines, CEO of Fastway Couriers South Africa, discusses the rapid growth of the courier industry driven by e-commerce and rising demand for fast deliveries. He explains how courier franchising is becoming a resilient micro-business opportunity, supporting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth across South Africa. 

Mr Shubham, Head of Chancery at the Consulate General of India, Durban, joins the show to talk about the upcoming Holi celebration taking place on 14 March at Hobie Beach in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. He shares the meaning behind the colourful festival, details about the planned program, and invites the community to join in the celebrations

Luxury shopping isn’t always instant. In this episode, Michael Zahariev, co-founder of Luxity, explains the growing waitlist culture behind coveted items like the Hermès Birkin Bag and exclusive Rolex watches. He discusses how luxury brands use scarcity to build prestige and how this demand is boosting the authenticated pre-owned luxury market.

In this episode, Jake Axelrod, founder of Metalab, discusses the rise of “protein culture,” why protein is essential for the body, and how it can be integrated into everyday foods. He also shares his entrepreneurial journey of launching his business during the 2020 pandemic and offers insights into the future of nutrition trends.

As many skilled South Africans continue to leave the country, businesses face growing challenges in retaining talent and sustaining economic growth. In this conversation, Sandra Botha from the Top Employers Institute discusses how skills flight affects organisations and the economy, and shares key strategies successful companies are using to retain talent and stay competitive.

South African actress Vele Manenje joins us to discuss her role as Evelyn on Skeem Saam and her latest nomination at the South African Film and Television Awards. She reflects on portraying powerful storylines, her previous SAFTAs win for Ring of Lies, her personal health journey, and the importance of mentorship following International Women's Day.

Electrical engineering expert Dr Andrew Dickson explains why energy-efficient appliances don’t always reduce electricity costs and how household behaviour and smart monitoring tools can help South Africans manage rising electricity tariffs and lower their monthly power bills.

In Part 2, Colin Coleman discusses South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis and the work of the Youth Employment Service (YES) in creating meaningful job opportunities. He explores how empowering young people through skills and employment is key to economic growth, while sharing his insights on foreign investment and the country’s path forward.