The Lunch Break

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...

In this Lifestyle feature, we sit down with Mzi Kaka, Lecturer at The Academy of Sound Engineering, to unpack the often-unseen role of the radio producer. From shaping on-air content and managing live broadcasts to navigating digital platforms and commercial pressures, Mzi shares insight into what truly goes on behind the microphone. We also explore the future of radio storytelling in the age of A...

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we unpack the dark side of digital romance with cyber safety expert Michael Buswell. From catfishing tactics and emotional manipulation to AI deepfakes and online photo risks, we explore how romance scammers operate, who they target, and the red flags to watch out for. With millions lost to online love scams, this is a must-listen conversation on protecting you...

Rising comedian Akhil Maharaj joins the show to share his journey from Richards Bay to national comedy stages. He chats about his personal-life-inspired comedy style, performing at major showcases, promoting local talent, and navigating trends like dad jokes and political humour. A fun, insightful conversation about SA comedy, the business behind it, and what’s next for one of the country&rs...

Singer-songwriter duo Cameron Emmanuel and Lequicia Astrid join The Lunch Break for a Valentine’s-themed catch-up, reflecting on life after their hit Favourite Person . They share how making music together has strengthened their relationship, discuss wedding performances, upcoming projects, and the impact of digital streaming on their reach. The duo also talk love, creativity, future plans,...

Rising Cape Town comedian Tristan Perry joins us for a lively conversation about his journey into stand-up comedy, fresh off his appearance at the Newcomer Comedy Showcase. He shares how his everyday experiences shape his storytelling, compares Cape Town and Joburg comedy audiences, and reflects on life on stage — from confidence-building moments to potential embarrassments. Tristan also ope...

In this finance-focused conversation, Eshmael Mpabanga, Country Head at Intellect Design Arena South Africa, unpacks the growing risk facing financial institutions known as the “renovator’s trap.” He explains why incremental digital upgrades are no longer enough and why CEOs must take ownership of architectural redesigns to ensure long-term resilience.

Varshan Sookhun chats to TV star, Jason Willemse, who recently bagged a role in S2’s telenovela Pimville on The Lunch Break. 

Varshan Sookhun chats to Cape youngster, Ashraf Luddy, who transformed his life by pursuing several codes of sport and achieving tops honors within each code. 

A R350 billion SME funding gap persists because many businesses are not funding ready. Varshan Sookhun discusses this further with Co-founder of Unconventional CA, Mentor and Business Coach, Jameel Khan.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Leslie Adams about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being integrated into personalized, on-demand viewing content.