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Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Mediclinic champion the expansion of public-private partnerships to reduce the SA's surgical backlogs #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Mediclinic Southern Africa is championing the expansion of public-private partnerships as a vital tool to reduce the country's surgical backlogs and uphold the constitutional right to healthcare. The private healthcare provider has already restored sight to over 500 patients and completed hundreds of orthopaedic procedures through pro-bono collaborations with provincial health departments. Industry Affairs Executive Bob Govender joins Newsbreak today to discuss how these strategic pathways are helping South Africa's public health system...
#PODCAST Middle East Crisis: South African expats living in Abu Dhabi describes life on the ground #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - South Africans living in the Middle East have continued to share their experiences amidst the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Prenisha Dukaran, who lives in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, spoke to Newsbreak about her experience...
#PODCAST KZN South Coast sets sights on global business events market, following Meetings Africa 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The Durban Convention Bureau and the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise have positioned the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast as a rising contender in the global business events market following Meetings Africa 2026. Seven international buyers from across Africa and India were hosted on a post tour designed to showcase the region's infrastructure, adventure offerings and investment potential. With over 300 hosted buyers in attendance at the trade show, stakeholders say the economic stakes and opportunities for KwaZulu-Natal have never been higher. Chief Executive Officer of the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise, Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya explains his vision...
#PODCAST Veteran boxing trainer Derek Vijiam sends out call encouraging youth to attend free classes in Chatsworth #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Durban boxing coach, Derek Vijiam is encouraging youth to attend free boxing classes in Chatsworth, south of Durban. The classes are being held at the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre. Over the past weekend, amateur boxers took to the ring for a tournament held at the centre. The event brought together a diverse group of amateur boxers, including a strong turnout of female boxers. Vijiam says the response has been promising as it highlights the sports bright future in the province...
#PODCAST Papwa Sewgolum's grandson, Nisharlan, speaks out on living in Saudi Arabia amid Middle East conflict
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The grandson of legendary South African golfer Papwa Sewgolum has weighed in on the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Nisharlan Sewgolum, a PGA AA golf professional currently affiliated with Saudi Aramco, has been based in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years and shares his perspective from the region as tensions continue to unfold....
#PODCAST University of Pretoria launch first-of-its-kind AI-powered tool, designed to help teachers detect early-stage hearing loss #sabcnews
#PODCAST UP launch first-of-its-kind AI-powered tool, designed to help teachers detect early-stage hearing loss #sabcnews By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - To mark World Hearing Day this week, the University of Pretoria has launched a first-of-its-kind AI-powered WhatsApp training tool, designed to help teachers detect early-stage hearing loss in South African classrooms. With millions of children globally living with undiagnosed hearing difficulties, this initiative leverages accessible technology to provide educators with real-time, evidence-based support. Joining us now on the Techno Touch to discuss how this program is bridging the gap in essential healthcare is Speech-Language Pathology expert Professor De Wet Swanepoel... Teachers working with preschool and school-aged children are encouraged to participate. The training is free of charge. To start: Send the word “EARS” on WhatsApp to +27 87 813 4013 or visit: https://wa.me/27878134013
#PODCAST The Tamil Advancement Society in Durban encourage youth to join their free weekly Tamil classes #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - The Tamil Advancement Society in Durban is encouraging youth to join their free Tamil classes. The classes are being held in an effort to promote and preserve the Tamil language, culture and heritage in the community. It will be hosted once a week at the Seven Hills Primary School at Montford in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Roshnee Govinder, Secretary of the Tamil Advancement Society says they are committed to keeping the language alive and are hoping the community seizes the opportunity to learn one of the world's longest-surviving classical languages...
#PODCAST Road Freight Association warn of higher prices at the tills, as the Middle East conflict drives hikes #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The Road Freight Association says the latest fuel price hike coupled with the conflict in the middle east affecting oil trade routes could lead to higher prices being paid at the tills in South Africa. From today, both grades of petrol increased by 20-cent a litre, while the price of diesel increased between 62-cents and 65-cent a litre depending on the grade. The price of brent crude oil yesterday increased by about 3% to just over 80-dollars a barrel. CEO of the Association, Gavin Kelly is hopeful that the conflict will be resolved soon, in turn bringing about stability within the markets and local supply chain...
#PODCAST 8 Billion Reasons to Act: South Africa sounds the alarm as today marks World Obesity Day 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South Africa joins the world today, marking World Obesity Day. On this day, health leaders warn that obesity is a chronic disease driven by far more than personal choice. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, alongside the National Department of Health, says more than half of South African adults are living with overweight or obesity, with cases in children rising sharply. Guided by the World Obesity Federation theme "8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity", stakeholders are calling for urgent action to improve prevention, treatment and access to care. Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO, Prof Pamela Naidoo explains the seriousness of the situation...
#PODCAST Stockpiling, Sirens and Explosions: South African expat speaks on Middle East conflict
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - A South African living in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) says the level of fear and uncertainty is heightened as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues. The sound of missiles and explosions has become more frequent since the conflict began on Saturday. Kuven Naicker says while they are reassured by authorities that the situation is under control, many are stockpiling food and other necessities as the situation escalates...
#PODCAST Search operations continue as the death toll rises to six in the Amethyst Business Park collapse in Ormonde #sabcnews
Six people have been killed, one hospitalised and two retrieved from the rubble, while three others remain missing following the collapse of a two-storey building at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg. The incident occurred shortly after two o'clock yesterday, prompting an urgent emergency response. Rescue teams continue search operations as investigations into possible construction non-compliance get underway. Luyanda Danca reports…
#PODCAST World Hearing Day: Experts discuss why education & early detection are key to managing hearing loss #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Hearing well should feel natural, not exhausting, which is why checking your hearing is so important. That's according to Head of Spec-Savers Audiology, Olivia Blackbeard. Today (03/03/2026) marks World Hearing Day - a day centred around hearing and hearing loss education. Blackbeard says hearing checks are often overlooked, but should be prioritised...
#PODCAST President Ramaphosa to unveil bronze statues honouring Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in Durban today #sabcnews
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to unveil multi-million-rand bronze statues honouring struggle leaders Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in Durban today (03/03). This will take place ahead of his meeting with the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to assess progress made in addressing service delivery, infrastructure and economic issues. The 22-million-rand statues have been a source of debate as political parties maintain the funds could have been better used to address the water supply issues, housing backlog and crumbling infrastructure. SABC News reporter Zanele Buthelezi reports...
#PODCAST Bridging the Gap: TTI Group announces new mentorship drive and youth centered skills academy #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Youth unemployment continues to tighten its grip on South Africa, with thousands of graduates entering a job market that cannot absorb them. The TTI Group is positioning itself as part of the solution, announcing an expanded mentorship drive and plans to launch a new academy. CEO TJ Malamule says the initiative is designed to equip young people with practical skills and direct pathways into employment. He says the move signals a growing push from the private sector to confront one of the country's most urgent economic challenges...
#PODCAST Economists believe the SA economy could be "severely affected" - if the Middle East conflict is prolonged #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Chief economist at the Efficient Group, Dawie Roodt believes the South African economy could be severely affected should the Middle East conflict be prolonged, especially if the Strait of Hormuz is closed. The strait is located in the gulf between Oman and Iran and is recognised as one of the world's most important oil choke points. Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, jumped by 10% to touch more than $82 a barrel on Monday after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend. Natural gas prices also surged by as much as 25%. The rand has also weakened against the dollar when markets opened yesterday. Roodt says while there is a cause for concern, the financial markets have not reacted as volatile as expected...
#PODCAST International relations expert labels Trump's agenda a dangerous power move
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - International relations experts are calling for multilateralism as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran escalates. According to humanitarian Network, the Red Crescent, over 200 Iranians were killed during air strikes including about 40 government officials. US authorities are claiming that around 4 of their officials have since been killed. Honourary Professor of International Relations at the University of Witwaterstrand, John Stremlau spoke to Newsbreak and shared his thoughts on the way forward and a possible regime change in Iran following the death of its supreme leader....
#PODCAST South African citizen stranded in Saudi Arabia has "no indication" as to when she will return home #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Stranded in Medina, Saudi Arabia with no indication as to when she will be able to return to South African soil - local Dr Naseeba Kathrada awaits word from the airline for her return trip. This after her flight home, booked for Sunday was cancelled amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This follows the joint US-Israeli military strike on Iran which has resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah, Ali Khamenei. The conflict has left many travellers including South Africans stranded as flights to and from that part of the world have since been cancelled. Speaking to Newsbreak, Dr Kathrada says she remains in a safe location, however hopes to return home speedily. She shares her experience...
#PODCAST Political expert Naeem Jeenah reacts to the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Political expert Naeem Jeenah says the attack on Iran and subsequent assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali-Khamenei is an indication that powerful nations can do as they please- and flout international law...
#PODCAST Wireless Female Network calls for the immediate recall of sanitary pads that are deemed unsafe #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - The Wireless Female Network says sanitary pads flagged as potentially unsafe need to be recalled. The women's advocacy group was reacting to the report by the University of Free State that says 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight types of pantyliners may contain harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Director of Learning and Education at the Network Valerie Naidoo is also calling for sanitary pad distributions to be halted...
#PODCAST South African Church Defenders (SACD) prepare to march in Durban against efforts made to regulate churches #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The South African Church Defenders (SACD) will on March 12th take a stand against efforts being made to regulate churches by the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission. The commission's Section 22 committee was established to address alleged abuses, establish a peer review council, and promote self-regulation within the South African Christian religious sector. The march will take place in Durban. Co-ordinator, Pastor Aaron Munsamy explains...
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