listen to Lotus FM News Break
Lotus FM News Break
Raising strong young women with the Big Sister project #sabcnews #womensmonth
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. Durban based non-profit organisation Seva Bhakti Foundation wants to empower young girls this Women's Month. This is why they run the annual Big Sister project- that provides a community mentors to underprivileged girls. In addition the drive provides care packs on a monthly basis to teenage girls. In this edition of Newsbreak Talk- we learn about how a Big Sister can make all the difference in the world!
Institute of Race Relations: Poor job opportunities pushing South African's to other countries
By Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - According to the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) Diaspora Survey- the most common reason for South Africans to leave the country relates to poor career and economic opportunities. 39.8% of respondents surveryed claim that South Africa was not able to provide sustainable career growth. IRR strategic engagements manager Makone Maja explains that this migration for better economic prospects points to a bigger problem in South Africa...
Shri Mariamman Temple honours the 5th death anniversary of Babita Deokaran with prayer
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The Shri Mariamman Temple at Mount Edgecombe north of Durban will be hosting a prayer this Sunday marking the 5th death anniversary of whistleblower Babita Deokaran. Deokaran, who served as the acting Chief Financial Officer at the Gauteng Department of Health, was shot outside her home in the south of Johannesburg on the 23rd of August 2021, after exposing fraud and corruption within the department. Chairperson of the Shri Mariamman Temple , Seelan Archary explains....
Five suspects arrested in connection with 600-million rand drug lab in Limpopo
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Five suspects will appear in the Musina Magistrates court next week in relation to the discovery of a drug manufacturing lab valued at around 600-million rand. Two Mexican, two Zimbabwean and one Malawian national were arrested while in the process of manufacturing drugs. Local police say more arrests are expected. SABC reporter, Katlego Nyoni is on site and brings us an update....
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 21 August 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST Shallcross residents rally for community clean-up campaign to tackle pollution #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - After years of pollution and neglect, residents of Shallcross south of Durban are taking matters into their own hands. The community is rallying together this weekend for a clean-up* campaign aimed at restoring pride to the area. Residents say cleaner streets are not just about beautification, but about creating safer and healthier neighbourhoods. Director of local non-profit company, the 100-Strong Men's Movement, Marcus Richards says they are calling on residents to take ownership and work together to bring about change... *The clean-up takes place this Saturday and Sunday between 8Am and 2Pm. More information can be obtained by contacting Marcus on 076 596 4331 or by visiting the 100 Strong Men's Movement on social media.
#PODCAST Health Quality Assessment report reveals chronic disease progress but highlights critical gaps in preventive care #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The Health Quality Assessment (HQA) has released its latest industry report covering over seven million South African medical scheme beneficiaries, revealing significant progress in chronic disease management. This includes improved diabetes monitoring and a 50% drop in teenage pregnancies since 2014. However, the data highlights major gaps in preventive care, with over 80% of eligible members missing critical cancer screenings and C-section rates remaining stubbornly high. Chairperson of the HQA's Clinical Advisory Board Professor Jacqui Miot says healthcare providers and schemes must now work together to boost preventive screening uptake and address the gaps in mental health follow-up care...
#PODCAST Nine arrested in Newcastle CBD following R1-million illegal prescription medicine bust #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Nine people have been arrested in Newcastle's CBD after authorities raided premises linked to the alleged illegal sale of prescription and scheduled medicines. About 1-million- rand worth of unregulated medication was reportedly seized at one premises, raising fresh concerns about the unlawful distribution of medicines. Shop owners have now been warned that selling prescription drugs without the necessary authorization could land them in serious trouble with the law. Regulatory compliance and law enforcement officer at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), Masilo Mopai explains how widespread the illegal sale of prescription and scheduled medicines is...
#PODCAST KZN manufacturing sector highlighted as key driver of regional industrial growth #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - KwaZulu-Natal's manufacturing sector is being positioned as a key driver of industrialisation and economic growth. This was one of the major takeaways following Nedbank's networking session yesterday which brought together business leaders and industry specialists to examine how the province can unlock its economic potential. The focus is on expanding manufacturing beyond automotive, while strengthening investment, exports and competitiveness. National Senior Manager for Manufacturing, Takatso Sello explains...
Eyewitness takes the stand in murder trail of Ferrel and Darren Govender
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The murder trial of private security bosses Ferrel and Darren Govender is continuing in the Durban High Court. It is alleged that the accused shot and killed Durban businessman Shailen Singh at uMhlanga north of Durban in December 2024. The Govender brothers have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Ferrel also faces multiple additional charges, including attempted murder, assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. SABC reporter, Taliesha Naidoo is at court and joins us on the line....
Concerns raised over trend of regulation flouting in the construction industry
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The Public Works and Infrastructure Department has found a trend of the flouting of laws and regulations in the construction industry. The report released by Minister Dean Macpherson earlier today comes after several building collapses across the country in the recent past. Among them is the Ormonde building collapse in Johannesburg which claimed the lives of nine construction workers earlier in the year. In Doornkop, Soweto a building collapse claimed the lives of three people while in Verulam north of Durban, a temple collapse recently claimed five lives. SABC reporter, Thato Letsaba was there and brings us an update.....
#PODCAST Impeachment committee seeks legal advice after President Ramaphosa objects to the proposed evidence leader #sabcnews
Parliament's Impeachment committee has resolved to obtain legal advice after it received a letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa, wherein he raised reservations about the evidence leader the committee has decided on. In its last meeting the committee resolved to recommend advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC to Speaker Thoko Didiza for appointment. In a letter Ramaphosa raises his reservations in terms of two instances of conflict of interest. He says he removed Madonsela as appointee to the Judicial Service Commission shortly after the 2022 interviews for the appointment of the Chief Justice and therefore, there is a reasonable apprehension that Madonsela may harbour a sense of grievance towards him. His second reservation relates to public comments that Madonsela made with regards to the Phala Phala theft during an engagement with the ANC. Zalene Merrington reports...
#PODCAST Crossmoor station engineering upgrade to boost Chatsworth rail transport #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Commuters from Chatsworth south of Durban can look forward to improved public transport, following a major upgrade at Crossmoor train station. The upgrade includes a new diamond crossing that will allow trains to travel at up to 60 kilometres per hour, up from 15. Further improvements are expected to enable trains to run in both directions just 10 minutes apart. The investment is aimed at making rail travel faster, more reliable and a better option for thousands of commuters who depend on public transport. COO of the rail manufacturer voestalpine SA, Paul Springorum says this was a very unique engineering design and installation process due to the limited space and curves of the site...
#PODCAST Constitutional Court blocks Shell's Wild Coast oil and gas exploration in landmark ruling #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Environmental activists living along the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape says they can finally plan their own community development after the Constitutional Court blocked energy giant Shell from renewing its offshore oil and gas exploration rights in the area. The landmark ruling ends a multi-year legal battle led by local fishing communities and environmental groups over flawed public consultation processes and marine protection. In a majority decision, the country's highest court overturned a 2024 judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal. Spokesperson for social movement, the Amadiba Crisis Committee Nonhle Mbuthuma (ACC), explains what this ruling means for those who depend on that coastline for their livelihoods...
#PODCAST Comrades Marathon Association launches 2027 centenary race despite ASA and KZNA dispute #sabcnews
The Comrades Marathon Association went ahead with the launch of the 2027 centenary race in Durban yesterday, despite the ongoing feud with Athletics South Africa and KwaZulu Natal Athletics. Organisers have started with the preparations for the 100th race of this historical event next year, despite ASA and KZNA having distanced themselves from the event. ASA issued a statement last night saying the athletic's body did not sanction next year's race. Sifiso Ramara reports...
Gauteng learners arrested after being found in possession of dangerous weapons
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Several learners have been arrested after being found in possession of weapons at schools in Gauteng. The search and seizure operations are being led by provincial MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile. The multi-disciplinary operations are aimed at tackling crime, substance abuse, gangsterism and the possession of dangerous weapons within schools. The searches have intensified over the last few weeks with several dangerous weapons and drugs being confiscated from learners. SABC reporter, Nomvuyo Ntanjana is on the ground and brings us an update....
#PODCAST UPDATE: Major breakthrough in KZN, as police arrest alleged road infrastructure theft kingpin #sabcnews
Following on from a story we brought you last week on Newsbreak - Millions of rands worth of stolen guardrails have led investigators to two key suspects believed to be linked to a major road infrastructure theft syndicate in KwaZulu-Natal. One of the suspects is believed to be the alleged kingpin behind the operation. The pair were arrested during a joint operation involving the Transport Department's special security team and the SAPS Organised Crime Unit. The breakthrough came after an alleged runner from Inanda led investigators to a scrap metal company in Jacobs, south of Durban, where investigators believe stolen guardrails were being processed. Khalsakhe Mbhense reports...
#PODCAST International retailer MR DIY expands its footprint in KZN with the opening of a brand-new store in Durban #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - International value retailer MR.DIY is expanding its footprint in KwaZulu-Natal with the opening of a new store at Westwood Mall. The store forms part of the chain's national expansion strategy alongside plans to increase its local South African supplier base. Ahead of its official grand opening event later this month, the retailer also highlighted a commitment to driving local job creation and supporting domestic business partnerships. Business Development Manager Mike Brown began by discussing what this new expansion in Durban means for the brand's broader footprint across the country...
#PODCAST Techno Touch | Chatsworth Youth Centre launch smartphone classes to empower local seniors with technology #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre at Chatsworth south of Durban is aiming to bridge the digital divide by hosting a smartphone class* designed to help elderly members of the community navigate today's rapidly changing digital world. For many older people, technology can be challenging, but learning these essential digital skills can help them stay connected, informed and independent. The initiative aims to give seniors a more practical, step-by-step guide on using smartphones for everyday tasks, while building their confidence in an increasingly digital society. Durban University of Technology IT head Ebrahim Asmal says aside from the basics - a medication reminder system is also going to be integrated into the class... *The class takes place at the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre at Chatsworth between 11Am and 1Pm. You will also receive 250-megabytes of data monthly for one year.
#PODCAST Health regulator SAHPRA recalls four batches of blood pressure medication over quality concerns #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Prodcuer Hoosen Ebrahim - Four batches* of Enalapril 10mg Arya - a commonly prescribed medicine for high blood pressure - have been recalled by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The regulator says the affected batches do not meet the required quality standards. One of the recalled batches was manufactured in September 2024 and expires this month, while the other three were manufactured in October 2024 and expire in September. Regulatory compliance Manager at SAHPRA, Mokgadi Fafudi explains the impact of this recall... *The affected batch numbers are GQQ24053, GQQ24064, GQQ24066 and GQQ24067.
Save video to ...
