The Lunch Break

South Africa ranks sixth globally for cybercrime density and has seen a staggering 277% rise in cybercrime over the last five years, making it the leader in the sharpest global increase. With digital identity attacks becoming more sophisticated, businesses and individuals alike face mounting threats. Joining us to unpack these challenges is Lance Fanaroff, an expert in the field of technology and...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ravi Naidoo, CEO of Youth Employment Service, as we dive into the transformative world of technology and the urgent need for AI skills in today’s job market. Ravi shares details about Microsoft South Africa’s AI Skilling Day—a groundbreaking event uniting over 2,000 learners, industry leaders, and government stakeholders. This initiativ...

In celebration of Youth Month, we sit down with Ayanda Sithebe—a trailblazer in South African film and television. As the founder of Actor Spaces, Ayanda has dedicated himself to celebrating local talent and nurturing emerging actors through transformative workshops. From his role as a casting director for hit television shows to co-founding the Africa Rising International Film Festival, Aya...

On  The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun , Nadia Lubowski, Managing Trustee of the Anton Lubowski Educational Trust and Early Childhood Specialist, discusses why true educational reform must start with the basics. From ensuring children are fed to empowering teachers, Nadia explores how these essentials lay the foundation for successful learning outcomes. Don’t miss this thought-provoki...

South Africa’s breathtaking natural heritage comes alive through the WWF’s  Our Country, Through Your Lens campaign—a nationwide photo movement celebrating our people, places, and wildlife. While submissions have closed and winners will be announced in early July, this initiative remains a testament to the beauty and diversity that define our nation. Joining us today is Angu...

As South Africa continues to confront the challenges of gender-based violence, the Cape Town-based NGO, Embrace Dignity, is rallying support for the Equality Model Law. This proposed legislation aims to end commercial sexual exploitation, protecting women and girls from systemic violence and abuse. Today, we’re joined by Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, co-founder of Embrace Dignity, to explore ho...

As South African football continues to capture hearts, bridging the gap with elite European leagues remains a challenge. Enter the IBERCUP, one of the world’s most prestigious international youth football tournaments, with a mission to nurture talent, provide mentorship, and give young players the chance to shine on a global stage. This Youth Month, we’re joined by Michael Bender, CEO...

This Youth Day, we celebrate the next generation of theatre talent with the KZN Young Performers Project’s spectacular rendition of  Annie , the beloved musical that first captured hearts in 1977. With a cast of 120 performers, including senior primary youngsters doubling as the orphans, this production showcases the incredible potential of South Africa's young stars. Joining us in stud...

Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self-confidence. As we approach Father’s Day, we discuss the role of a father in modern society. Pastor, Seth Naicker who is also a Heartlines facilitator and leadership consultant elaborates more on thi...

A new Agroecology Initiative aims to shift the future for young South Africans.  Why is it so well-timed and appropriate? Youth unemployment has now reached crisis levels. Stats show that many young people are graduating into adulthood, never having been employed. Thanda, a nonprofit organization based in KwaZulu-Natal, has launched this game-changing initiative aimed at empowering young peop...

Varshan Sookhun chats to Dale Harley, who believes athletes may be doing the right thing by focusing on training harder, eating better, and tracking every heartbeat, but, many are still neglecting one of the most powerful tools in their performance arsenal - that’s good quality sleep.

The Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa (ANFASA) Publishing Grant, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is now open for applications and you don’t have much time left, as the deadline draws closer. This is an opportunity-creating, non-discriminate initiative that not only champions local authors and publishers, but also creates jobs, empower...

Here’s something interesting for Master’s Students at select Universities in SA. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has made a final call for applications to its Master’s in Engineering Bursary and Research Programme - the closing date is 27 June 2025. Varshan Sookhun chats to Keraiya Naidoo, one of the students doing her research at Stellenbosch Universi...

Join us for an exclusive conversation about Durban’s much-loved  031 Theatre Festival , a family-friendly celebration of local talent, running from 6th to 8th June at Seabrooke's Theatre, DHS. Discover why this festival is a gateway to greatness, offering audiences an early glimpse of shows bound for the National Arts Festival. We’ll also chat with two of South Africa’s most...

Africa’s rich biodiversity and growing markets for indigenous, organic, and natural goods are set to take center stage this September in Johannesburg at the African Biotrade Festival. This landmark event promises to bridge trade and consumer interests, promoting sustainable development across the continent. Joining us with exclusive insights is Warren Hickinbotham, Head of Partnerships and S...

Salwa Albertyn chats with Varshan about the transformative power of employee recognition. As human beings, we all crave acknowledgment for our efforts and achievements—and in the workplace, this need is no different. Salwa explores how frequent and meaningful appreciation not only boosts individual morale but also strengthens organizational culture, aligning employees with shared goals and f...

Discover how South Africa’s youth can tackle unemployment head-on with the  Africa Genius Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) —a groundbreaking online game that equips high school learners with entrepreneurial skills.  Candice Jacobs ,Gaming Officer for AGEC joins Varshan, as she shares insights into this innovative initiative. Learn how the challenge is shaping future leaders...

What does it take to create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and share ideas? Psychological safety, once an obscure term in management research, is now recognized as a cornerstone for innovation and community strength in organizations. In today's show Varshan dive into the transformative impact of psychological safety with insights from Rita Govender, a licensed Enneagra...

Join us for an important conversation during National Child Protection Week, running until the 5th of June. This week highlights the urgent need to protect children from harm and safeguard their mental health. With rising incidents of bullying and abuse in schools, the impact on children’s well-being is undeniable, sometimes leading to devastating outcomes. However, this can be prevented. We...

Step into the world of  The Last Country , an immersive and deeply moving theatre production currently captivating audiences at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg. This poignant play explores the lives and stories of migrant women, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and humanity. In this episode, we delve into why The Last Country is resonating so powerfully with local audiences and...

Get ready to laugh out loud as we explore the comedy sensation sweeping Gauteng! Join us for a lively conversation with the dynamic quartet of legendary stage, film, TV, and comedy performers: Yugan Naidoo, Vivian Moodley, Ravi Subramoney (also a muso), and Patrick Samuels. With their new comedy show, "One show. Four balies. And an entire country to make fun of," this unexpected political satire p...

Discover how Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education is transforming the educational landscape in South Africa. Research highlights that children learn better in their home language, yet many African language speakers are disadvantaged by second-language instruction. In this episode, we delve into how the  Road to Literacy campaign is making a difference with books and teacher training in all...

Join us as we explore the latest insights into South Africa's commercial real estate sector, now valued at approximately R1.9 trillion. Discover how the industry has experienced significant growth since 2015, even in the face of economic challenges. We delve into the factors driving this resilience and what it means for investors, developers, and the broader economy. Tune in for an engaging discus...

What started as a local initiative to introduce golf to young South Africans is proving to be a talent pipeline for the sport. The initiative is a national series of free, grassroots clinics, that are led by former professional golfer and Golf Clinics Coach, Nico van Rensburg, and, are designed to give underexposed youth access to the sport with the hope that more young people have...

The upcoming Sacred Unfolding event is said to rejuvenate, realign and restore and allows the participant to rediscover what truly matters, as in a conscious empowerment living. Sounds like what you need in your life? Let’s get the details now from Yasteel Phalad (Acharya and Member of the Mohanji Foundation of South Africa Board).