The Lunch Break

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.

In this meaningful conversation, Kumi Naidoo and Louisa Zondo reflect on the legacy of Riky Rick, exploring how his music, activism and deep family values continue to inspire social and environmental justice. The episode also highlights the establishment of the Riky Rick & Anton Chaka Memorial Forest, honouring both Riky Rick and Anton Chaka, while encouraging South Africans to carry forward t...

In this two-part interview, renowned banker and former anti-apartheid activist Colin Coleman shares insights on South Africa’s current economic challenges, reflecting on the country’s past and present during Human Rights Month. We also discuss the urgent youth unemployment crisis and the work being done through the Youth Employment Service (YES) to create meaningful job opportunities f...

Car accidents are stressful, especially when multiple vehicles or uninsured drivers are involved. Many people believe this automatically delays insurance payouts — but that’s not always true. In this episode, Wynand Van Vuuren from King Price unpacks common myths about vehicle insurance claims, explains the role of third-party cover, and shares practical advice on how drivers can ensur...

The latest Technology 100 Report by Brand Finance shows that the world’s top 100 tech brands are now worth $3.7 trillion, reflecting strong global growth and influence. The episode explores the continued dominance of Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, China’s rising leadership in innovation, and the growing impact of AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. It highlights how trust, r...

In this episode, Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, discusses his book From Predator to Prey: Leadership Lessons from the Wild and Beyond. Drawing inspiration from the Kruger National Park, he shares how lessons from nature and wildlife can shape values-based, resilient, and purpose-driven leadership.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad South Africa will host the National Hindu Conference 2026 in Pretoria, bringing together scholars, community leaders, youth representatives and professionals to discuss Hindu heritage alongside key national challenges such as unemployment, poverty and social wellbeing. In this episode, Pravesh Hurdeen Singh shares insights into the organisation’s mission and the bro...

We chat to Brenda Sakellrides, Artistic Director of the National School of the Arts, about the school’s upcoming Open Day and its role in nurturing young creative talent across Dance, Drama, Music, and Visual Art. The conversation also explores the 2026 first-term theme, “Origi-Nation,” celebrating South Africa’s spirit of innovation, and highlights why arts education remai...

Are repossessed properties really the bargain they appear to be? In this episode, Property Law Expert Rowan Terry from TPN Credit Bureau unpacks the hidden risks behind distressed property sales. From outstanding municipal debt and legal complications to repair costs and voetstoots sales, we explore what buyers need to know before investing — and how to determine whether a low price is truly...

As electricity tariffs rise across South Africa, households, workers, and small businesses face mounting financial pressure. In this episode, Bobby Peek of GroundWork unpacks how higher energy costs are linked to hunger, inequality, and economic vulnerability. We explore the impact of Nersa’s recent tariff approval, the connection between energy pricing and climate justice, and why a public-...

Durban-born singer Keziah Rebekah joins us to share her journey from singing at family gatherings to recording for local films and building a strong social media following. She opens up about her vocal training, performing alongside Boney M, her passion for community work, and the inspiration behind her latest single, “Just a Whole.” An uplifting conversation with one of South Africa&r...

Lotus FM welcomes legendary tabla maestro  Pt. Sadanand Naimpalli for an inspiring conversation about his seven-decade journey in Indian classical music. From receiving the President’s Award at just 16 to leaving a successful engineering career to pursue music full-time, he reflects on passion, sacrifice, mentorship under Pandit Taranath Rao , and his continued commitment to teaching an...

Microloans and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are making borrowing easier than ever but at what cost? In this episode, Tina Manyanya shares insights on how BNPL works, the risks of delayed payments, and why budgeting and saving remain the smarter long-term financial choices. A must-listen for anyone navigating debt, spending, and financial responsibility.

Festival Curator Shafinaaz Hassim joins us to discuss the 29th edition of the Time of the Writer Festival, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts. Under the theme  “Ink-stitutions of Power,” this year’s festival brings together leading authors and public intellectuals including Fred Khumalo, Njabulo Ndebele, Antjie Krog, and Ebrahim Fakir for thought-provoking conversatio...