listen to Lotus FM News Break
Lotus FM News Break
[LISTEN] SACP eThekwini candidate Azad Seedat defends role of smaller parties in local elections #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - Is a vote for a smaller party just a vote for the majority? That was the question posed to the South African Communist Party or SACP candidate, Azad Seedat, who is standing for election in the eThekwini Metro. Seedat will be contesting Ward 102 comprising Palmview at Phoenix, Ottawa, Cornubia, Blackburn and Mount Edgecombe Country Club. Seedat elaborates on why one should vote for the SACP...
[LISTEN] National Marine Month | Two Oceans Aquarium highlights urgent need to protect ocean ecosystems #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Marine conservationists are encouraged by growing community interest in protecting the country's oceans. This comes as South Africa observes National Marine Month, highlighting the importance of preserving marine life and ecosystems. However, threats such as ocean degradation and climate change continue to place marine ecosystems under pressure. Senior Advisor at the Two Oceans Aquarium and Foundation, Dr Judy Mann-Lang explains the challenges we face and why greater public awareness is crucial to protecting our oceans...
[LISTEN] World Stroke Week | Heart and Stroke Foundation warns of rising stroke rates in younger adults #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - As the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa marks World Stroke Week 2026, new data shows that cerebro-vascular disease has risen to become the third-leading cause of death in the country. With the foundation's theme emphasising that strokes are increasingly affecting younger populations, early awareness is more critical than ever. Sister Juandre Watson, health promotions lead at the HSFSA, discusses these concerning trends and also elaborates on how up to 70% of strokes can be prevented...
[LISTEN] MTBPS 2026 | Mixed political reactions as Godongwana announces temporary fuel levy reduction #sabcnews
Most political parties in Parliament reacted positively to the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement delivered by Finance minister Enoch Godongwana, while some likened it to political point scoring ahead of the local government elections next month. Among others, government has revised down its economic growth forecast for 2026 to one-point-two percent from one-point-six percent projected in the February Budget. Growth is expected to reach two percent by 2029. Godongwana also announced a drop in fuel levy of three rand a litre for diesel and one rand-50 cents for petrol, on November 4th. Zalene Merrington reports...
[LISTEN] KZN EDTEA unveils R6.15 million KwaXolo Caves tourism development on South Coast #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi has unveiled a R6.15 million tourism development at KwaXolo Caves near Margate on the KZN south coast. The new facility includes a restaurant, coffee shop, visitor amenities and an industrial kitchen aimed at strengthening the area's tourism offering. KwaXolo Caves is known for its ancient San rock paintings and dramatic landscapes - offering visitors a heritage and adventure tourism experience beyond the South Coast's beaches. Hoosen Ebrahim spoke to MEC Zondi with the KwaXolo Caves as thier backdrop...
LGE2026: Do's and dont's ahead of the November 4 polls
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - There are just 14 days left before the Local Government Elections on the 4th of November. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says its all systems go as over 29 million South Africans will head to the polls. In this weeks Election Wednesday focus - Provincial Electoral Officer for KwaZulu-Natal, Ntombifuthi Masinga explains what you need to know before heading out to your respective voting station....
[LISTEN] SA Tourism highlights gastronomy tourism potential following Umhlanga expo #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - Gastronomy tourism is increasingly being recognised as a driver of tourism growth, job creation and support for local businesses in South Africa. This follows the conclusion of the Gastronomy Africa & Conference Expo 2026 yesterday in Umhlanga, north of Durban. Gastronomy is the relationship between food and culture. From KwaZulu-Natal's iconic bunny chow to traditional isiZulu cuisine, the country's diverse food culture offered visitors a taste of its heritage. South African Tourism Chief Marketing Officer Sithembile Ndaba says there is an untapped opportunity to promote township food and diverse culinary offerings, including Indian cuisine, as unique tourism experiences...
[LISTEN] National Debt Advisors highlights severe mental health toll of payday-to-payday financial strain #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - For millions of working-class South Africans, living payday to payday has turned financial survival into a constant source of psychological burnout and domestic strain. With living costs rising and debt pressures hitting families hard, nearly 30% of salary earners report severe impacts on their mental health, sleep and relationships. Sebastien Alexanderson, CEO of National Debt Advisors, joins us to discuss the hidden toll of breadwinner burnout and how households can now navigate these pressures...
[LISTEN] Basic Education's WhatsApp guidelines under spotlight following Alexandra teacher's suspension #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - The Department of Basic Education's WhatsApp guidelines between teachers and learners have cast the use of technology in schools under the spotlight. This after a teacher at Minerva Secondary School at Alexandra, in Johannesburg was placed on precautionary suspension following allegations of inappropriate communication with a 17-year-old learner in August. It's believed the teacher allegedly obtained the learner's contact details through a WhatsApp group created to support schoolwork. Deputy CEO of Fedsas - Riaan Van Der Bergh says schools need clear policies and systems to ensure that technology is used responsibly...
[LISTEN] uMkhanyakude District showcases 11 catalytic projects to drive job creation and investment #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Job creation and economic growth will be high on the agenda as the uMkhanyakude District Municipality seeks to attract investment to unlock the region's economic potential. The northern most district of KwaZulu-Natal will showcase 11 catalytic projects spanning agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and logistics. The initiative will be led by Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, at an investment dinner in Empangeni on Thursday. Dr Gina says the investment drive aims to bring businesses and potential investors on board to turn these projects into job opportunities and sustainable economic development...
[LISTEN] Political parties urge Finance Minister Godongwana to deliver cost-of-living relief in Mid-Term Budget #sabcnews
Some of the political parties represented in Parliament say they want Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to table a Medium-Term Budget Policy statement that will ease households from the burden of the high cost of living. Godongwana will table his Mid-Term Budget Speech on today at 2pm. Abongwe Kobokana reports...
[LISTEN]DA opens criminal case against City of Tshwane over a gastrointestinal illness outbreak
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Authorities are investigating over 400 cases of gastrointestinal illnesses that have been reported in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria, over the past two weeks. In light of these cases, the DA in the City of Tshwane has opened criminal charges against the municipality over alleged failures to ensure safe drinking water. The DA's mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink, alleges the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant operated without chlorine treatment. Brink says they are demanding answers over the alleged failure to protect residents' health. SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole has more details.....
[LISTEN] eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba takes the DA to court demanding accountability for water mafia billboard
By Newsbreak Producer, Tracy Valaydham - The legal team of eThekwini mayor - Cyril Xaba - has argued in the Durban High Court that the DA has not brought a shred of evidence that he is part of a water tanker mafia or benefits from it. Xaba, city manager - Musa Mbhele, and former head of water - Ednick Msweli, is asking for an interdict against a message on a DA billboard. The billboard that went up next to the N2 in Durban at the end of September. It bore pictures of Xaba, Mbhele and Msweli next to a message: "You can stop the water tanker mafia." They say it amounts to defamation. The applicants want this message taken down from the internet and on social media. SABC Reporter Dries Liebenberg has the details....
[LISTEN] President Ramaphosa says government considering interventions as petrol price nears record high #sabcnews
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is seriously considering other interventions to cushion South Africans from the rising fuel prices. One litre of petrol costs over 30 rand following the early October adjustments. And petrol is expected to increase by over 2 rand next month. Speaking to SABC News on the side-lines of the Basic Education department's 2nd Bana Pele Leadership Summit in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said government understands the cost-of-living pressures that South Africans are facing. Ntebo Mokobo reports...
[LISTEN] Health Department urges vigilance as South Africa records four new mpox cases #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South Africa has recorded four new cases of mpox, bringing the total number of cases reported since the beginning of 2026 to 26. The Western Cape remains the hardest-hit province, accounting for 18 cases, including 16 linked to local transmission. Cases have also been reported in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. But how concerned should South Africans be about the spread of the virus? Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale explains...
[LISTEN] Food Forward SA steps up food security initiatives as millions face daily hunger in SA #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - The Human Science Research Council (HSRC) estimates approximately 14 million people go to bed hungry in South Africa everyday. In an effort to combat hunger in the country, non-profit organisation, Food Foward SA are collecting extra food from farmers, manufacturers and shops and giving it to people in need. FFSA also supports initiatives such as school breakfast programmes to strengthen food security. Following the commemoration of World Food Day on the 16th of October, the organisation's Fund Development Manager, Bobbi Jacobs, explains how ordinary South Africans can help fight hunger...
[LISTEN] GBV activists call for bail to be denied in former police official Shadrack Sibiya case #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activists are calling for bail to be denied in the case of former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Sibiya will hear the fate of his bail judgement today at the Randburg Magistrates court. He faces multiple charges, including human trafficking and the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl, and the rape of an 18-year-old woman. Director of Wise 4 Afrika, Advocate Brenda Madumise says such cases are becoming more common in society and brings to the fore the different power dynamics are being exploited...
[LISTEN] Calls mount for reduction in fuel price levy
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Civic movement, the Concerned Citizens of South Africa (CCSA) has given the government fourteen days to respond to their demands of decreasing petrol prices by 50 percent or risk a three-day shutdown. The organisation was speaking ahead of its planned shutdown today in all major cities in the country, including Pretoria and Cape Town. The theme of these marches is, "We Can't Breathe! National Shutdown Against Exorbitant Fuel Prices," and it seeks to reduce fuel taxes and levies and a review of fuel-pricing formula. CCSA spokesperson, Siphiwe Mpungose....
[LISTEN] Ballistic testing under spotlight at AKA murder trial
By Newsbreak Producer, Tracy Valaydham - The trial of seven men accused of the murder of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and businessman Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane is underway at the Durban High Court today. The trial started this month with the accused pleading not guilty to all charges. The State has called 14 witnesses so far including a police officer. New state witnesses are expected to take a stand this week. SABC Reporter Celumusa Zulu is at court .....
[LISTEN] Verulam residents allege service delivery bias as political analyst warns of party favoritism #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The water crisis in Verulam, north of eThekwini opened the flood gates of debate for the community at Newsbreak's Election Debate Roadshow at the weekend. While some residents told us they have not had water for over 100 days- politicians were unable to ascertain how the crisis could be resolved. The panel comprised of the ANC's Logie Naidoo, the DA's Haniff Hoosen, the IFP Jonathan Annipen, the EFF's Hlengiwe Mhkaliphi and the PFP's Moulama Mohamed Tariq. Meanwhile, some residents in Verulam, north of Durban, alleged that party loyalty dictates access to basic services due to political favoritism towards certain voters. Political analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze', says while this is not the case in all municipalities, there are others which face such influence...
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