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Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Big economic boost for the KZN north coast, as a major home improvement retailer officially opens #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - A major international home improvement retailer has officially opened its doors in Richards Bay, marking its very first entry into the KwaZulu-Natal market. The launch brings an immediate economic boost to the North Coast with dozens of new permanent jobs - and signals strong investor confidence in the region. Head of Business Development - Jamie Williams says this opening is just the first step in an aggressive national rollout plan, that aims to bring affordable household essentials to smaller communities across South Africa...
#PODCAST Lower Prices, Less Debt: What South Africa's lowered 3% inflation target means for you #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South Africa's 2025 Budget has set a bold new direction of lowering the country's inflation target to 3%. But what does that actually mean for ordinary South Africans? Experts believe it will help bring down the price of groceries, ease the burden of debt and help citizens in many ways. CEO of Future Forex, Harry Scherzer unpacks how this shift could reshape household budgets, borrowing costs and the broader economy over the next few years.
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 21 November 2025 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST President Ramaphosa claims the US has changed its mind over its boycott of the G20 Leaders Summit #sabcnews
INTRO: President Cyril Ramaphosa is confident that the G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration will be issued as expected. This despite a US promise to reject the summit's outcomes with Ramaphosa opting to issue the Chair's Statement. The G20 Chair's Statement is issued when a single member differs and a formal, consensus-based Leaders' Declaration or Communique is not agreed upon. Speaking to the media on the side-lines of the Social Summit in Boksburg east of Johannesburg on Thursday, President Ramaphosa says he will issue the Declaration with or without the US. Ntebo Mokobo has more... UPDATE: Meanwhile, as first reported by the SABC, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, has claimed the US has had "a change of mind" over its boycott of the country's G20 summit. The White House called that "fake news", saying that the US would not take part in discussions, but that an official would attend the handover ceremony
#PODCAST Ronnie Kasrils pays tribute to anti-apartheid activist Sunny Singh - who sadly passed away this week at 86 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo. Anti-apartheid activist Ronnie Kasrils has described the late Sunny Girja Singh as a courageous freedom fighter, who devoted his life to justice and a democratic South Africa. Singh died yesterday (Thursday) aged 86. He was a member of the Natal Indian Indian Congress (NIC) in 1956, and was later recruited into Mkhonto weSizwe - the armed wing of the ANC - in the Durban Central Area. In 1964, he was imprisoned on Robben Island, where he spent 10 years behind bars for his role in the struggle against apartheid. Kasrils says Singh was one of his oldest friends, who always put others before himself, and the nation above all...
#PODCAST Struggle veteran Sunny Singh dies at 86
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Anti-apartheid struggle activist, Sunny Singh has passed away, aged 86. Singh was imprisoned on Robben Island from 1964 to 1974 for his role in the struggle against apartheid. We spoke to ANC member and comrade, Maggie Govender about Singh's illustrious career in activism....
#PODCAST Legendary filmmaker Gray Hofmeyr debuts his new short-form YouTube series "Snouts & Short Tales" #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Legendary South African filmmaker Gray Hofmeyr, best known for directing Leon Schuster hits, has debuted a new short-form YouTube comedy series titled Snouts & Short Tales. Co-written with his son Ziggy Hofmeyr, the weekly series features Gray in his first on-camera role as Frank, an overwhelmed owner managing the comedic chaos of his four eccentric dogs. Viewers can tune in weekly to watch the pack's misadventures, ranging from snack heists to muddy disasters, on the official Snouts & Short Tales YouTube channel. I spoke to Ziggy to find out more...
#PODCAST G20 Leaders' Summit: The African Civil Society Organisation demand "real action" on climate justice #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - As G20 leaders gather in South Africa this week, the African Civil Society Organization is demanding real action on climate justice. The ACG20 Network - representing over 80 organizations - has issued three urgent priorities: a clear timeline to phase out fossil fuels, immediate adaptation finance for communities already facing climate impacts and debt-free climate finance to relieve the crushing cost of capital on African economies. Charlize Tomaselli, Research and Learning Coordinator Coalition for Human Rights in Development is part of the ACG20. She warns that with rising climate disasters there is no room for vague promises...
#PODCAST COSAS roll out a number of support programmes aimed at guiding Grade 12 learners post exams #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As thousands of matric pupils wrap up their final exam papers next week, the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) says it's stepping in to help calm the pressure until results are released early next year. The student-led organization has rolled out support programmes aimed at guiding Grade 12 learners through exam stress, anxiety and sleepless nights post exams. COSAS National Spokesperson, Bongani Mpungose says the focus is on helping learners stay mentally strong, emotionally balanced and academically focused during this final stretch...
#PODCAST Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee: Cedrick Nkabinde allegedly threatened via text message by Paul O'Sullivan #sabcnews
Parliament's Ad Hoc committee, looking into concerns of national security, will consult its legal services on what steps to follow after a witness before it, received a threatening message. The Chief of Staff in the Police ministry, Cedrick Nkabinde, allegedly received a threatening message from forensic investigator, Paul O'Sullivan, when the committee took a supper break. Nkabinde was testifying before Parliament's Ad Hoc committee investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system made by KZN top cop Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July. It was Nkabinde's second appearance before the committee, after he was sent packing last week for inconsistencies in his sworn statement. Earlier during his testimony, Nkabinde told MPs that O'Sullivan has significant influence in the criminal justice system. After the supper break,Nkabinde read out a message, he says was from O'Sullivan. Zalene Merrington reports...
#PODCAST Digital Permanence Threatens Child Athletes: Experts call for image eradication powers #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The widespread sharing of child athletes' images across social media and digital platforms creates a problem of digital permanence, where data persists indefinitely, increasing the risks of both cyber-bullying and exploitation. South African legal protections, notably POPIA and common law, are being urged to adapt by fully incorporating the right to be forgotten, allowing children and guardians to demand the erasure of their personal images and reclaim control over their digital identity. Belinda Matore from the University of Pretoria's Centre for Human Rights recently published an opinion piece on the topic...
#PODCAST CANSA Swimathon participants urged to take the plunge for a purpose - with proceeds going toward cancer care #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The popular CANSA Active Swimathon makes a splash next Saturday at the Northlands Primary in Durban. Participants are being urged to take the plunge for a purpose - as the event raises much-needed funds for the Midmar 8 Mile Charity Challenge. This year, a determined father-daughter team - Lance Fraser and Ashleigh Clarke - are leading the charge, bringing their family along and calling on schools, businesses and community groups to join in and make a difference. Ashleigh Clarke spoke to Newsbreak, explaining the need to amplify cancer awareness in the country...
#PODCAST Deputy President Paul Mashatile: SA "unfazed" by the US's non-participation in the G20 Leaders' Summit #sabcnews
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa are unfazed by the US's non-participation in the G20 Leaders' Summit and its subsequent threats to mobilise for the rejection of the summit declaration. Mashatile was speaking on the side-lines of the G20 Social Summit in Boksburg east of Johannesburg. He says they take solace in the countries that want to see the first ever successful G20 summit on the African continent. Ntebo Mokobo has more...
#PODCAST Historical romance "The Cane Cutter" opens during a dazzling red-carpet premiere in Durban #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The highly anticipated South African film "The Cane Cutter" opened during a dazzling red-carpet premiere last night in Durban - bringing the powerful story of South African Indian indentured labour to the big screen. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dr. Eubulus Timothy, the historical romance explores themes of love, legacy and the resilience of a community, weaving together the lives of indentured ancestors and their present-day descendants. The premiere marks a culmination of years of hard work for the director, who intended for his film to coincide with the celebration of 165 years since the arrival of Indians to South Africa. Dr. Timothy says this moment in time feels almost as if it were a dream...
#PODCAST SASOP send out a warning on the mental health impact of sports betting & gambling #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is warning of the mental health impact of sports betting and gambling. November marks responsible gambling month however, statistics paint a grim picture of the impact excessive gambling is having on South Africans. The National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) reported a 623% increase in calls to the NRGP toll-free helpline, increasing from 140-thousand to over 1 million year-on-year. SASOP's Dr. Mahlatse Thosago says statistics revealing the referrals for treatment amongst youth aged 18 to 35 years, which shot up from 787 to 2034 in the past year, is concerning...
#PODCAST Milpark Education discuss school level concerns - with below par reading skills and pure maths slowly vanishing #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South Africa's education crisis is deepening and the warning bells are ringing again. South African private tertiary education institution - Milpark Education has revealed that thousands of young learners are still struggling with basic reading skills, while fewer and fewer schools are offering pure mathematics. The private higher-education institution says this trend is shrinking future opportunities, widening inequality, and placing the country's economic prospects at risk. Executive and chartered accountant, Raun Billet says urgent action is needed to rebuild the pipeline of skilled, confident learners...
#PODCAST Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Incitement Trial: Forensic expert testifies on alleged deleted social media posts #sabcnews
The Durban High Court has heard that some social media posts which were intended to incite violence during the July 2021 civil unrest were deleted after they were posted, including those allegedly posted by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. Digital forensic expert, Brigadier Janine Steynberg in her testimony, clarified the origin of videos and images posted by Zuma-Sambudla on social media. The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party Member of Parliament has pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting terrorism and violence in the July 2021 unrest. Nonjabulo Mntungwa-Makamu reports...
#PODCAST ACDP questions the arrival Palestinian refugees in South Africa
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The African Christian Democratic Party -ACDP - is questioning the arrival of 153 Palestinian refugees in South Africa, citing potential breaches of immigration laws. The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport last week. Their presence in South Africa has sparked questions about whether proper immigration procedures were followed. This has led to the ACDP has accusing government of unlawfully intervening to allow the group into the country. The party has also argued that ministers have treated international issues with greater urgency than critically issues that vulnerable local communities are facing especially in crime-ridden areas. SABC News reporter, Mkhokheli Bandla has more details.....
#PODCAST International Men's Day 2025: Experts emphasize the need to prioritise mental and physical health conditions #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Strong families start with healthy men. That's a point being emphasised ahead of International Men's Day on Wednesday. This comes as men's mental and physical health conditions often get swept under the carpet- due to societal stigma about masculinity. Yet about 79% of suicide deaths in South Africa are men. In this week's Wellness Wakeup 1Life Insurance Chief Medical Officer Dr Avron Urison explains why it's so important for men to take control of their health...
#PODCAST Newly crowned Mrs South Africa - Verushka Singh looks to tackle environmental challenges and climate change #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The newly crowned 2026 Mrs South Africa is ready to share the human side of environmental challenges and climate change. 39-year-old Verushka Singh received the honour on the weekend and is the first South African of Indian origin to hold the title. The Johannesburg chemical engineer and climate change strategist says she remains in shock after being crowned. Singh reacts to her win...
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