The Lunch Break

Early detection of breast cancer can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes and survival, but the journey does not end when treatment is over. In this Lifestyle conversation, Cape Town-based Specialist Surgeon Dr Fatima Hoosain discusses the importance of recognising breast changes, seeking timely medical assessment, and navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis. The discussion...

Palliative care is often misunderstood as care reserved for the final stages of life, but it can begin much earlier to improve quality of life for patients and support their families. In this Lifestyle conversation, Motlalentoa Motsoane, CEO of the Association of Palliative Care Centres of South Africa, discusses the importance of early access to palliative care, the challenges surrounding public...

Media personality and Joy Activist Jane Linley-Thomas joins psychologist, author and parenting and career specialist Paul Bushell for a heartfelt conversation about kindness, community empowerment and supporting older South Africans. They share the inspiring work of Hello Poppy, an organisation dedicated to celebrating and connecting the elderly through storytelling and meaningful human connection...

The Backstage in Action Festival at Durban University of Technology’s Courtyard Theatre brings students and theatre practitioners together in a hands-on learning and performance environment. Curator Clare Craighead discusses how the festival gives students practical experience in theatre production, collaboration and problem-solving, while showcasing productions across theatre, dance and mus...

Content creator, reality TV star and media personality Ashay Sewlall joins us to chat about his rise to fame, his Zulu heritage and love for African culture, his viral social media moments, and his journey on  Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 . He also opens up about his football background, career ambitions, his partnership with Wiseman, and using his platform to raise awareness around g...

The Cape Town International Kite Festival returns, transforming the city’s skies into a vibrant celebration of hope, resilience and human connection. Now in its fourth decade, the festival brings thousands of people together while raising awareness for mental health and supporting the work of Cape Mental Health. Barbara Meyer, Communications Officer at Cape Mental Health, joins us to share t...

Many people dismiss cravings as a lack of willpower, they may be linked to factors such as stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, and even the body's reward pathwaysJandri Barnard, a dietician discusses why food cravings are often biological and psychological signals rather than simple hunger.

South African schools have received digital tools for years, yet many remain unused. Kelly Fisher from Injini joins us to unpack the challenges of EdTech adoption, the digital divide, AI in classrooms, and what teachers truly need to make technology work. We also look ahead to EdTech Week and the future of teacher empowerment.

Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has launched This Is Not My Forever , a digital storytelling campaign amplifying the voices of people who have experienced homelessness. Joining us is Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, CCID Social Development Manager and a peer worker with lived experience of homelessness, to discuss the stories behind the campaign, the challenges faced by people experienci...

Heritage is more than culture, traditions and tangible symbols — it also lives in the skills, knowledge and experience we pass from one generation to the next. In this conversation, Sandi Richardson, Chief People Officer at RCS, explores the importance of mentorship, skills-sharing and upskilling in creating opportunities for individuals and communities. From guidance from seniors and leader...

Young entrepreneurs from RydalPark Secondary School and Phoenix Technical Secondary School are heading to the JA South Africa National Company of the Year Competition in Johannesburg. We explore their innovative business ideas, including an AI-powered career platform and a personalised safety bracelet, and hear about their journey, challenges, teamwork and hopes for the future.

On Heritage Day, award-winning author and legal scholar Xolo Songca reflects on his upbringing in Lusikisiki, his Mpondo heritage, academic journey in Constitutional Law, and his passion for strengthening South African governance. He also discusses his research, future ambitions and using social media to spark meaningful conversations on law and society.

Lotus FM celebrates the remarkable legacy of Kumari Ambigay, a pioneer of Indian music, dance and culture in South Africa. She reflects on her family heritage, seven decades in the arts, growing up during apartheid, her experiences in India, and the importance of preserving Indian traditions for future generations.

Heritage is about more than culture, traditions and shared experiences—it also includes the financial habits and values passed down through generations. In this conversation, Tholakele Mathenja, Customer Care Manager at Atlas Finance, explores the money lessons young South Africans learn from their families, the importance of financial preparedness and estate planning, and how stokvels...

Devan Moonsamy joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on Heritage Day, exploring what heritage means, what we should preserve, and what we may need to leave behind. The discussion looks at culture, diversity, Ubuntu, family values and the role we all play in shaping the heritage we pass on to future generations.

Unfair dismissal accounts for a significant share of referrals to the CCMA, raising important questions about recruitment, job fit and workplace management. In this conversation, Industrial Psychologist Ashleigh Nel, Head of Research and Development at Job Jack, explores how a poor job fit can contribute to absenteeism, disciplinary action, staff turnover and repeated hiring. The discussion l...

This Heritage Month, Varshan Sookhun chats to celebrated Indian classical dancer and fashion entrepreneur, Verushkar Pather who joins him for a discussion about arts, culture, tradition and heritage.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, who discusses the disconnect between what senior living in South Africa is perceived to be and what it has become, and the implications this has for residents, developers and investors.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Sylvia Walker, a Financial Planner and Writer who will share some guidance and practical advice on nurturing a healthy relationship with money.

"My Chai Is Strong and So Am I" by Sharmila Ranchod – is a deeply inspiring memoir that explores resilience, self-discovery and the courage to reclaim your voice. Varshan chats to Sharmila who has spent many years as an Educator, now a Speaker and Women’s Empowerment Advocate more about the book. 

Award winning and highly acclaimed national theatre actors Daniel Anderson and Karina Lind Devar will be joining me to share details about their new production titled Damsel in Distress.  This time Daniel is directing and Karina is the lead star in the show.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Alvin Gulzar, an IT Executive, Leader and Mentor, who documents his real-life story in his book titled “Poor Boy, Rich Man” and he joins me now to chat more about the book which tells us about his life experiences and how success has a much deeper meaning than financial wealth.

Open Air School KZN is hosting a special fundraising concert on 6 November, aimed at raising funds to revamp and equip the libraries at both its Primary and High Schools with updated media and learning materials. Joining Varshan Sookhun on The Lunch Break to us to tell us more about the school, its work, and the upcoming concert are Ms. Edith Roberts and learner, Ndumiso Ngcamu...

Varshan Sookhun chats about why workplace Gender-based Violence and Harassment policies aren't translating into employee trust and what can be done for companies to strengthen their prevention and response efforts with Koketso Rathumbu, Advocacy and Communications Manager of the GBVF Response Fund.

South Africa’s longest-running stage production, Shall We Dance, returns to the Playhouse in Durban from 11–13 September 2026. We chat to dancers Adarsh Maharaj and Juanita Pillay about being part of this spectacular production, the intense rehearsal process, their dance styles, memorable moments over the years, and bringing a Bollywood touch to the Latin American and Ballroom sho...