The Lunch Break

This afternoon on The Lunch Break , Varshan Sookhun shines the Arts & Entertainment Spotlight on two powerhouse performers bringing sparkle, rhythm, and pure festive magic to the stage in KickstArt Theatre Productions’ latest pantomime, Sinbad the Sailor . Joining Varshan in studio are acclaimed choreographer and performing artist Evashnee Pillay, and dynamic dancer and creative contribu...

In recognition of World AIDS Day, we reflect on the remarkable 35-year journey of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) — an organisation rooted in compassion, community, and unwavering commitment. CEO Candace Moolman joins us to honour the lives lost, celebrate the resilience of survivors, and speak about the organisation’s mission to provide care, dignity, and hope to people im...

As South Africa enters its busiest short-term rental season, property owners can expect a surge in holiday bookings — along with increased risks of properties being misused for parties and unlawful events. In this Lifestyle interview, short-term rental expert Nick Taylor, Managing Director of NOX in Cape Town, shares practical advice on guest vetting, identifying red flags, using monitoring...

South African rugby legend Joel Stransky joins us live from his 2,500km “Hope Ride From Sea to See” — a 14-day cycling journey from Durban to Swakopmund to raise funds for the LumoHawk Foundation, which provides eye tests and spectacles to children in underfunded schools. Joel shares highlights from the never-before-cycled route, speaks about Madiba’s lasting influence on h...

32 years on, the mystery behind Chris Hani’s assassination remains. Retired judge and author Chris Nicholson discusses his new book, Who Really Killed Chris Hani , sharing fresh insights, eyewitness accounts, and untold details, while exploring why full justice has yet to be served in South Africa.

This week on our SA Television feature, we sit down with one of the most charismatic and multifaceted talents in the industry — Chris Jaftha. Fresh from his standout lead role in Khaki Fever , which earned him a National Film and Television Award nomination, Chris joins us to talk about his remarkable comeback to the small screen. From television and film to theatre, dance, modelling, a...

South Africa’s rental market is growing, but rising tenant vulnerability and tighter household budgets are creating new challenges. Waldo Marcus from TPN joins us to unpack key trends from the latest Rental Monitor, including rental escalations, festive-season budgeting pressures, provincial performance, and what investors, landlords, and tenants should prepare for as we head into 2026.

South Africa’s online gaming landscape is rapidly evolving, with rising concerns around gambling risks and digital safety. In this Lifestyle interview, Miranda Guliashvili from SOFTSWISS discusses how AI is transforming player protection, global regulatory trends influencing Africa, and why trust, cyber-security, and responsible marketing are becoming essential for the future of iGaming in S...

Join us for a Lifestyle interview with Aphiwe Khambule, COO of 21st Century Funeral Services and Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. She shares her journey from fashion and digital media into the funeral industry, and how compassion, innovation, and purpose-led services are transforming how families are supported — from aftercare to community value — especially in a post-Covid world.

As South Africa hosts the first-ever African G20 Summit in Johannesburg, global attention turns to discussions around debt relief, energy transitions, and reducing inequality. With anticipation building ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, local group Sawubona Modi has sparked nationwide excitement. In today’s lifestyle feature, we explore the cultural, diplomatic, a...

This week, we spotlight South African writer, artist, and financial advisor Nadiya Cassim, whose debut novel Not Another Samoosa Run has already captured the attention of readers across the country. Fresh from her appearance at the African Women Writers Symposium, Nadiya joins us to unpack her experience on the “Debut Publishing” panel, discuss the cultural and personal themes wov...

Join us for a special Lifestyle Feature with Dr. Michael Mol, former Top Billing presenter and well-loved TV personality. As the iconic lifestyle show makes its highly anticipated return to SABC 3 after six years, Dr. Mol reflects on its legacy, its influence on South African luxury culture, and the emotions behind the recent reunion of past presenters. He shares some of his most unforgettable on-...

Today we feature Unsung Heroes Award recipient Videshni Singh, a magistrate and social justice advocate dedicated to empowering vulnerable women, children, and recovering addicts. As founder of Lightworkers International, she leads transformative programmes that restore dignity, build confidence, and support victims of gender-based violence. In this interview, she shares her journey, the impact of...

As South Africa heads into the festive season, Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, joins us to discuss road safety and the fight against drunk driving. Following the “Don’t Drink & Drive Seminar 2025” , he outlines key strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm, highlights campaigns like #AntipensDown, and shares advice for motorists to stay safe and responsible on the roads. Reme...

This Sunday, the SA Indian Girmitiya Ancestral Roots organisation will host the annual Girmitiya Arrival Day Walk, commemorating 165 years since the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to South Africa. The 16th of November holds deep historical and emotional significance — a day to remember the resilience, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who journeyed from India to forge new lives...

This November, as the world observes Men’s Health Awareness Month and marks International Men’s Day on November 19th, The Lunch Break dives into a powerful and timely conversation about what it truly means to be a man in today’s world. Joining Varshan Sookhun is Craig Wilkinson, renowned author, speaker, and founder of Father A Nation . His latest book, “Force for Good...

On today’s  Lunch Break , Varshan Sookhun shines a light on the true spirit of Seva — selfless service to humanity. Joining him in studio are Shikar Singh and Shivarlin Naicker from SEWA International South Africa, a non-profit organisation devoted to serving those in need, regardless of race, religion, or background. The discussion delves into SEWA’s ongoing mission to upli...

Durban’s 16-year-old chef Isaiah Jaganathan joins Varshan Sookhun on The Lunch Break to chat about his journey on Taste Master Junior on SABC 2. He shares how he balances school and TV fame, his love for Mexican food, lessons from the show, and a simple festive recipe for young aspiring chefs. 

He’s young, talented, and one of Durban’s most sought-after voices!  Avijay has captured the hearts of music lovers across South Africa with his soulful renditions, musical versatility, and captivating stage presence. From viral hits to timeless classics, this rising star continues to shine in the SA music scene. In this exclusive conversation, Varshan Sookhun catches up with Avij...

This afternoon on The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun on Lotus FM , we celebrate the beauty of South Africa’s diverse musical landscape with two remarkable talents — Thulile Zama and Kerolin Govender . Thulile, a Music Award winner, SAMA nominee, and dynamic vocalist known for her work in Heels Over Head and Tribute to Mama Africa , joins us to share her journey through jazz, culture,...

South Africa’s boxing scene is thriving — from township gyms to national arenas, the sport continues to inspire discipline, focus, and opportunity among the youth. But what does it really take to step into the ring and make a name for yourself? And is boxing a sustainable career, or simply a fitness pursuit? This afternoon, Varshan Sookhun goes one-on-one with Durban-based professional...

This afternoon on The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun on Lotus FM, we shine a light on a powerful initiative in the fight against gender-based violence. As South Africa prepares for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Daniella Simone Keisha (DSK) Group is launching a Telethon to raise funds for a safe haven dedicated to victims and survivors. Joining Varshan i...

Varshan Sookhun catches up with multi-talented artist Rory Booth on The Lunch Break (Lotus FM) to chat about his exciting year in music and theatre. Rory shares details about his upcoming production Sinbad The Sailor at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and his new single Can’t Get Out (Cast a Spell) , along with insights into his creative journey, Kathak practice, and artistic growth.

Author and innovation strategist Mushambi Mutuma joins us to discuss his book The Adaptability Code , a guide for modern leaders navigating constant change. He shares key insights and traits essential for thriving in today’s unpredictable world, highlighting why adaptability is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

In this  Business Literature segment on The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun on Lotus FM, we explore the heart of leadership and reputation management with South African-born executive communications strategist, acclaimed novelist, and former journalist Charlotte Otter .   Now based in Europe, Charlotte joins us to discuss her latest book, “We Need New Leaders: Mastering Reputation...