The Lunch Break

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.

In today’s technology spotlight, we’re joined by Shaheen Price, co-founder and joint CEO of the GoodApp — an innovative platform that connects homeowners with trusted service providers like electricians, plumbers, painters, and more. This app not only makes life easier by ensuring verified, reliable help at your fingertips but also opens doors for South Africa’s unemployed,...

South Africa’s cultural heartbeat is powered by artists who keep our traditions alive and evolving. This year, the National Arts & Culture Awards shine a spotlight on those very creatives — and among them is Durban-born Carnatic musician  Kerolin Govender , whose dedication to the art form began before his teenage years. Trained both locally and in India, Kerolin’s nomin...

On  The Lunch Break Show with Varshan Sookhun on Lotus FM, we chat to Orion Herman , founder of #DignityforHer and LiquidGold Africa . His mission is to protect women’s dignity through safe, sustainable sanitation solutions while proving that waste can be turned into a goldmine for a greener future.

In Johannesburg, a major change is underway as City Power takes over electricity billing from the City of Johannesburg — a move many are calling a high-stakes power play. Could this be the turning point South Africa needs to restore trust, improve revenue collection, and unlock affordable electricity for all? Joining us to unpack what this means for households, businesses, and the future of...

This Sunday, the spotlight shines on homegrown talent as Port Shepstone’s own Eurupa Naidoo returns to our airwaves. Last year, she captivated us with her debut as an author — and now she’s back with her second book, launching right here in KZN at the International Book Fair in Durban. In her latest work,  Life Lyfing , Eurupa weaves deeply personal short stories drawn from...

Joining us is Dr Dale Creamer, Head of Interventional Radiology at Groote Schuur Hospital, senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town, and European Board Certified Interventional Radiologist. We’ll unpack how this evolving specialty is adding value to healthcare and making a meaningful impact in women’s health.

South African women retire with up to 40% less than men — a staggering gap with life-changing consequences. On this episode, we speak with Jessica Pillay, Financial Advisor at Momentum, about why financial planning for women is not just about managing money, but about securing independence, resilience, and a thriving future. From navigating career changes and family responsibilities to build...

In the high-stakes world of business, ego can be a silent saboteur — turning collaboration into competition and eroding team performance. But what happens when inclusivity enters the equation? Joining us today is Anton Gillis, President of EO Cape Town and CEO of Hamac Asset Management, who has worked closely with women entrepreneurs to uncover the transformative power of diverse leadership....

Varshan Sookhun chats to Saroj Jamnadas, Convenor for the Eastern Bridal Fair in Durban about the traditional eastern bridal trends.

The South African manufacturing sector faces a major blow as a 30% tariff on exports to the US officially kicks in. With international trade being the lifeline for many local producers, what does this mean for the economy, employment, and the future of South Africa’s industrial base? As we unpack the ripple effects of this development, we also ask: could this be the push needed to shift cons...

The story of the stage play, Actress takes place in New York and South Africa.  It’s a dramedy musical which follows the central character, an ‘Actress’ on her journey through stress and success, anger and auditions, triumph and tears. This is brought to life in a mesmerizing portrayal by a multi-talented performer, Talia Kodesh, who, in real life has many years of experienc...

Actress and Singer Kerry Hiles will be chatting about her upcoming theatrical productions, including a tribute show to Amy Winehouse.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Maryke Musson, Executive Manager: Conservation Education and Communications at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research about an initiative by marine experts to keep people and sharks safe.

In a beautiful twist of fate, South Africa’s National Storytelling Day shares its date with the birthday of one of the country’s most celebrated voices, Dr. Gcina Mhlophe. Renowned for her captivating performances, literary contributions, and dedication to preserving African heritage, Dr. Mhlophe has inspired generations with her words. This year, she brings her enchanting performance...