The Lunch Break

This Heritage Month, we journey back in time to celebrate KwaZulu-Natal’s rich rail history. From the vintage steam trains of the Umgeni Steam Railway to the vibrant Inchanga Station Craft Market, this iconic heritage site offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and family fun. Our guest, Ashley Peter, Chairman of the Umgeni Steam Railway, takes us on a fascinating ride through the stati...

This Heritage Month, we celebrate the timeless sounds of Indian classical music with a very special guest — Prof. Anantha Narayanan of Chennai. A renowned veena virtuoso, honoured with the title  Bharatha Vani Nipuna , Prof. Narayanan has performed for All India Radio, Doordarshan-Kendra, and global music festivals alongside the Kalakshetra Foundation. Currently touring South Africa, he...

Meet Jaedon Naidu, UKZN’s top graduate with a triple major and a 97% average. In this interview, he shares his journey as a high achiever, his passion for data science, experiences in Maths Olympiads, and the support of his family. Plus, we get a glimpse into his life outside academics — from playing piano to fitness and inspiring others through his YouTube channel.

Varshan Sookhun chats to unconventional Chartered Accountants, Hiten Keshave and Jameel Khan, who share their business goal to empower one million entrepreneurs by the year 2030.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Subashni Moonsamy Naicker, the Artistic Director of Natya Anjali. who tells us about the studio’s historic selection to perform at this year’s Diwali Fest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the USA.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Nadia Virasamy, The Chief Executive at "Moving Into Dance"  about how the organization is empowering impoverished communities in Joghannesburg through the arts.

South Africans are forecasted to face double-digit medical aid price hikes in 2026. We chat to expert, Nishan Pillay, Managing Director of Employee Benefits at ASI, to help us understand these proposed hikes and what the recommended action is for consumers as well as businesses.

Tune in as we revisit a classic, "The Rocky Horror Show", which turns 50 this year, and, Durban-based musician, Evan Roberts, tells us all about this brand-new stage adaptation.

Double-Emmy nominated comedian and ventriloquist Conrad Koch joins us to talk about his new show  Puppet Power at the Rhumbelow Theatre. We chat about creating his satirical characters, political humour, life on tour, and whether Chester Missing might get his own TV show.

KZN’s Sam Homan shares his inspiring journey from downtown MMA gyms to becoming a Springbok fighter and 3-time SA Champ bronze medalist. He opens up about the mental and physical challenges of professional fighting, overcoming injuries, balancing family life, mentoring women survivors of GBV, and his ambitions for the future.

Stephen Watson, Founder of  Discover Sport , joins us to talk about a new mobile-first, free platform that connects athletes, coaches, and fans across all disciplines. The platform promotes mentorship, youth development, grassroots initiatives, and gives athletes international exposure and income opportunities. We’ll also hear which sports have gained the most traction during its BETA p...

South Africa’s influencer economy is now worth over R500 million a year and set to double by 2030. But with growth comes tax concerns. Luncedo Mtwentwe, MD at Vantage Advisory, explains why influencer earnings must be declared — from cash to gifted products — how SARS is using AI to track undeclared income, and the benefits of tax compliance for building sustainable influenc...

We’re joined by Juanita Pillay and Menzie Khanyase, long-time performers of Durban’s Shall We Dance . As a teacher, analyst, and passionate dancers, they return for the 31st edition of the show with fresh routines and special tributes to Chicago and The Sound of Music . They share the joy, challenges, and magic of bringing South African talent to the stage.

This Heritage Month, we shine a spotlight on the roots of South Africa’s olive oil industry and its place in our cultural identity. Joining us is Wendy Peterson, CEO of SA Olive, to share insights on the upcoming SA Olive Awards, hosted at the historic Diemersfontein estate in Wellington. From the legacy of olive growing that dates back to Jan van Riebeeck in 1661, to the recognition of exce...

Join us on The Lunch Break for today’s edition of Crossing Over.

We chat with Jeremiah Olamijuwon, founder of Etihuku and Curnance, and the first-ever recipient of the Pamodzi Award. He shares insights on Africa’s growing AI market, his work in healthcare innovation, and why Johannesburg is emerging as the hub of African tech.

On today’s  Arts and Entertainment feature, we speak to accomplished Account Executive Ayanda Ncengwa, who has spent over seven years navigating the Financial Services Industry while building a strong multinational portfolio. Recently, Ayanda stepped into the spotlight on S3’s hit reality series The Insurance Apprentice . Although his time on the show was cut short, the experience...

Veteran actress and educator Kumseela Naidoo, the powerhouse behind the Dingalings, joins us for a rare solo interview. She shares her journey from 33 years of teaching dramatic arts to her role in South Africa’s comedy scene, reflects on the mentors who shaped her, and talks about family life as a mother and grandmother. Kumseela also gives us a sneak peek into the Dingalings’ br...

Entrepreneur Shelleen Maharaj and Legal & Pharmaceutical Professional Jalpa Shah from the Johannesburg Indian Women Association (JIWA) join us this afternoon. Founded in 2005, JIWA empowers women, youth, and children through community upliftment. As Women’s Month concludes, they share the story of JIWA and details of their upcoming Bollywood Charity Night featuring DJ Rahul Walia&md...

We’re joined by Durban-based educator and communication specialist, Karishma Daya. Through her initiative, Shift Expressions , Karishma empowers youth, women, and individuals to unlock their authentic voice and embrace their true selves. She shares how this concept was born, why authenticity is key to leadership, and how she helps young people transition confidently into professional life. K...

This lunchtime, we shine a spotlight on women who are rewriting the rules and redefining success. Joining us is Farzana Mayet, CEO of Panache and the powerhouse behind a movement that celebrates hardworking, often overlooked individuals by giving them the same recognition as established names. Farzana has made it her mission to empower women locally and internationally, proving that the glass...

This Sunday, Lotus FM’s much-loved Night of Hope makes its return! Joining us to share all the details is Pastor Lazarus Pillay, who will tell us what to expect from this powerful evening of prayer, praise, and inspiration.

This week on our Lifestyle feature, we shine a light on the plight of  Opal , a 45-year-old Borneo orangutan who has spent her life in captivity at the Natal Zoological Gardens outside Pietermaritzburg. Joining us is Prathna Singh , Director of Ban Animal Trading , an organization that has been at the forefront of the campaign for Opal’s release. With over 460,000 petition signatures al...

We’re joined by choreographer and show director Suheena Ayrga to talk about Ek Sau Baara , a dazzling Bollywood dance production in Johannesburg celebrating 112 years of Bollywood. Suheena shares the inspiration behind the show, the energy of South Africa’s youth towards Indian cinema, and why Gautengers can’t miss this spectacular event on August 30th.

Former Coventry City footballer turned international model and creative director, Giovanna Barbosa, shares her inspiring journey of discipline, reinvention, and empowerment. From sports to the runway and her bold “Miss Unforgettable” campaign, she talks about authenticity, fearless storytelling, and what it takes to succeed.