The Lunch Break

On  Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun , we shine the spotlight on the arts with Dr Rowin Munsamy, writer and director of No Added Bank Charges — an original one-act play performed by drama students. Inspired by the real-life financial struggles faced by ordinary citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic, this tragicomedy explores how far people will go to survive — even if it means rob...

Beloved theatre couple Aaron and Lisa Bobbert McIlroy join us to chat about their latest stage productions — Ethel , Lisa’s powerful tribute to Ethel Merman, and ADHD , Aaron’s hilarious yet heartfelt show about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lisa talks about stepping into Merman’s shoes, working with trusted director Darren King, and embracing new creative colla...

In this week’s Arts and Entertainment feature, we welcome acclaimed dancer and choreographer Pavishen Paideya. Known for his mastery across Indian classical, Bollywood, modern, Spanish, ballet, and tap dance, Pavishen has spent years blending traditional and contemporary forms to reflect South African Indian identity. He now brings Durban audiences a once-off theatrical experience title...

This October, as the world observes Mental Health Awareness Month, we speak with Prof. Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health, about the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival. Under the theme #CourageToFly , the festival promotes hope, resilience, and unity while raising vital funds for free mental health services. Prof. Daniels discusses the benefits of kite-flying, the impact of vio...

In this  Community Feature on Lotus FM, we reconnect with Margaret Shaw, the KwaZulu-Natal Coordinator of Cupcakes of Hope, an NPO dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children fighting cancer. Following the success of the recent National Cupcake Day in KZN, Margaret shares insights on the turnout, the growing impact of this campaign, and how initiatives like the Bake Box are bringing...

On The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun for the last day of Heritage Month, Varshan chats to Tour Guide, David Mcnaughton, who has been helping locals and international guests discover the Karoo, through exclusive tours and visits of a semi-dessert huge area, with beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

South Africa hosts the G20 Summit this November — the first African nation to do so. Senior journalist Thulasizwe Simelane, host of G20 Focus on SABC2 and SABC News, shares insights on what the summit means for South Africa and Africa, the role of journalism in shaping global dialogue, and what would define a successful outcome.

This World Rabies Day, we shine a light on the urgent need for awareness and preventive action against rabies – a disease that poses serious risks to both pets and people. Losing a pet can feel like losing a family member, and rabies is a preventable tragedy we cannot ignore. Joining us is Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa, to discuss the theme &ldq...

This interview explores the private adoption process in South Africa with social worker Jeevie Pillay, who shares her expertise on requirements, legal steps, costs, timelines, and challenges. Joining her is Dr. Faheem Baba, who reflects on his personal journey of adopting a baby boy with his husband, offering advice and encouragement to prospective adoptive parents. Together, they provide pra...

This Heritage Month, Nkosinathi Shabalala joins us to reflect on his father Joseph Shabalala’s global legacy with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, share personal memories of Umnambithi, and talk about his own journey in music. He also discusses working with producer Lebo M, his new track  Imi-sebenzi , and tonight’s special Heritage Day tribute concert in Durban.

Sid Sriram joins Varshan Sookhun to talk about his new fusion track  SOL , blending sounds of the East and West. In this exclusive chat, Sid reflects on 13 years in music, his R&B influences, his groundbreaking Coachella debut, and what’s next on his India tour. Catch part 2 of the interview with Dhanaseelan Dorasamy this Sunday between 1 and 3pm.

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...