Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST High Noon Rotary Club in Chatsworth to host a weekend high tea - raising awareness for cancer #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The High Noon Rotary Club Chatsworth, south of Durban will host a high tea tomorrow (Sat 1 Nov) in support of the Chatsworth Hospice and to raise cancer awareness. The Chatsworth Hospice is a non-governmental organisation established in 1991 with its main goal to provide free palliative care to cancer patients. The high tea will take place at the Hospice in Silverglen, Chatsworth from 2-pm. Rotary club member, Raj Ramchunder explains... * Should you wish to be part of the high tea tomorrow, contact Raj on 083 262 6262
#PODCAST 🤖 AI robot guides shoppers at Durban's new, bigger, halaal certified supermarket at Westwood Mall #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - A new, bigger, fully Halaal certified supermarket has been launched in Durban. The store, at Saxony Westwood Mall, is unique in that it features the first AI robot called "Noori" that helps shoppers locate items to purchase. It also features a large food court with prepared meals - a deli, bakery, butchery and the first sweetmeat counter. The store explores the virtually untapped billion-dollar Halaal industry bringing it into the formal commercial retail sector. Riaz Cotwal, the Divisional Manager for Checkers in KZN, says that this second fully Halaal certified store is much bigger than the pilot project in the city...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 31 October 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 Animal experts urge pet owners to act immediately - rather than film - when their dogs confront venomous snakes #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Animal care experts are urging pet owners to act immediately rather than film when their dogs confront venomous snakes, a troubling trend that she says dramatically reduces the dog's chance of survival. With around 80 dog snakebites recorded in the Greater Durban area over the past year, veterinarian Dr. Carla Goede stresses that owners must prioritize safely removing their dog and rushing it to a vet, as bites to a dog's head or neck are often rapidly fatal. She also emphasises that intervention - and NOT recording the conflict - is the only way to ensure the survival of both the pet and the snake...
#PODCAST Durban Tourism thrilled at redevelopment of iconic hotels on the promenade #sabcnews
by Executive Producer, Salma Patel - Durban Tourism is currently on a road-show to draw visitors to the city this festive season. The city has just signed a lucrative R1 billion 50 year lease agreement for the re-development of two of Durban's iconic hotels - the Elangeni and Maharani Towers. The current lease for these hotels will expire at the end of December this year. This forms part of the city's initiative to revitalize and protect the beachfront as a key tourism asset. The investment will include the upgrade and maintenance of the two hotels by the Southern Sun group. Durban Tourism's Senior Manager, Hlengiwe Dube says they are thrilled to work in partnership with the hotel group to boost tourism in the city......
#PODCAST The Somaru family reflect on the legacy of the Lakehaven Passenger Service in Newlands West #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As South Africa's Transport Month draws to a close, the focus shifts from policy promises to the true builders of our nation's mobility. Today, we turn our attention to the unsung pioneers of KwaZulu-Natal - the transport families that connected communities. We share the story of the incredible legacy of Kemraj Somaru and the Lakehaven Passenger Service in Newlands West, Durban. For generations, the Somaru family didn't just run a business; they were instrumental in the development of schools and children's homes. In an exclusive interview with Newsbreak, Somaru explains how his family remains a powerful reminder of how local, generational commitment underpins our national transport network...
#PODCAST La Niña phenomenon likely to cause heavy summer rains and flood risks in various SA provinces #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects higher than usual rainfall for several parts of the country over the coming summer months. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and North West provinces are likely to experience heavier rainfall, which could result in localised flooding in certain areas. SA Weather Service Forecaster, Tokelo Chiloane says this is due to the La Niña phenomenon...
#PODCAST Theatre production "Shotgun Wedding" proves that politics and laughter can make a powerful combo #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - A new theatre production is proving that politics and laughter can make a powerful combination. "Shotgun Wedding," the latest stage comedy by acclaimed playwright and director - Yugan Naidoo, brings together sharp political satire, music, and dance in a hilarious yet thought-provoking way. The production reimagines an arranged marriage, but with a twist, as it offers an entertaining take on how the Government of NationaL Unity (GNU) was formed. Naidoo says the production, which stars Vivian Moodley, Ravi Subramoney and Patrick Samuels, offers a fresh and entertaining take on politics...
#PODCAST DISCUSSION: Global Burden of Disease forecasts massive 181% surge in dementia prevalence by 2050 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - South Africa is facing a severe health challenge as the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) forecasts a massive 181% surge in dementia prevalence by 2050, an almost threefold increase. Driven largely by an ageing population and longer life expectancy, Neurologist Dr. Harsha Patel explains that lifestyle issues like physical inactivity, smoking and chronic diseases also contribute by damaging brain cells and reducing cognitive reserve. Speaking to Newsbreak, Dr. Patel urges early medical intervention for these memory concerns, as it allows for ruling out reversible causes and establishing a support channel for both patients and their caregivers...
#PODCAST SA’s wellness market embraces the Collagen supplement trend
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - The consumption of collagen products have become a growing trend among South African women. According to a recent Insight Survey, Google searches for collagen products have significantly increased in the country over the past five years. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structural support to tissues like skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. The body naturally produces collagen from amino acids, but production decreases with age, which can lead to signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. We spoke to Deen Rhoda from the locally produced collagen brand - Motherkind - on the sidelines of the Takealot House of Beauty event that was recently held in Durban about how wellness brands are targeting the growing market demands for collagen products....
#PODCAST Police seize R20-million worth of cocaine in Gauteng
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Police say the 20-million-rand worth of cocaine that was seized in Gauteng was destined for the Western Cape. A 56-year-old man - believed to be the owner of the plot was arrested and will appear in a local magistrate's court this week. Police say the drugs were brought into the country from a neighbouring country. Law enforcement officials embarked on a multi-disciplinary operation following a tip-off on drugs being stored on the property. SABC reporter, Lopang Alamu is at the scene and spoke to SAPS national spokesperson Athlande Mathe.
#PODCAST Mamelodi double-murder suspect abandons bail application
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The suspect arrested in connection with the murder of two young women in Mamelodi in eastern Pretoria will be back in the Mamelodi Magistrate's Court on January the 19th next year. The women aged 21 and 22 respectively were fatally shot at the weekend. Their bodies were found lying next to a road in Mamelodi East Extension 17 on Sunday. A third person was wounded and taken to a local healthcare facility. SABC reporter, Sashin Naidoo was at court and brings us an update....
#PODCAST Concerns mount as SA continues to rank among the top five countries most vulnerable to cyber attacks #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - October marks Cyber Security Awareness month and experts are concerned that South Africa continues to rank among the top five countries most vulnerable to cyber-attacks. International technology brand, Softswiss says in South Africa, account takeovers, large-scale phishing in local languages, and automated abuse against payment systems are rife. It says that the average cost of a data breach in South Africa stands at R44.2 million, with the financial sector bearing the heaviest burden, averaging R70.2 million per breach. Deputy Chief Security Officer at SOFTSWISS, Artem Bychkov explains mechanisms that could be implemented by ordinary South Africans and business to safeguard from becoming a cyber-crime victim...
#PODCAST Southern Sun secure 50-year lease on Elangeni & Maharani, partnering with Durban Tourism #DurbanSummer #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - The lucrative new 50-year lease for the 734-room Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel is expected to be signed today (Wednesday). Billed as one of the largest hotel properties in the country, the hotel group has partnered with Durban Tourism to launch its #DurbanSummer campaign in an effort to rediscover and revive the Beachfront in the city and other attractions for locals and tourists during the holiday season. For holiday makers who want more bang for their buck, Durban Tourism says its doors are now open for more affordable fun in the sun. Samantha Croft, the Director of operations for Southern Sun Hotels in KZN says this new lease will help boost tourism to the city...
#PODCAST 10th annual automechanika Johannesburg trade fair focuses on future mobility and township SMMEs #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The 10th Automechanika Johannesburg is currently underway until tomorrow at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Gauteng. The three day automotive aftermarket show offers exclusive networking opportunities. It is South Africa's international trade fair for the automotive service industry targeting trade visitors from the Sub-Saharan Region. As the largest aftermarket and logistics trade fair in Africa, this year's event is focused squarely on the future of South Africa's mobility, with critical spotlights on New Energy Vehicles and the vital economic inclusion of Township SMMEs. It will feature top local and global exhibitors, alongside a series of high-impact conferences, awards, and panel discussions aimed at driving collaboration. Business Development and Portfolio Director for MesseFrankfurt South Africa Tracy Gounden, explains the desired outcome of the gathering...
#PODCAST Jewellery designer Nihal Shah wins big at the PlatAfrica awards, creating a stunning platinum ring #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - South African jewellery designer Nihal Shah has secured a notable achievement, securing 2nd place in the Professional Category of the prestigious PlatAfrica 2025 – New Horizons Competition. Representing the bespoke firm Vijay Shah Concepts, the award - one of many in his cabinet - celebrates his innovation and excellence in platinum craftsmanship, placing him among the top professionals in the field. The annual competition, serves as a vital platform for showcasing the exceptional talent and bright future of South African platinum jewellery design...
#PODCAST Durban's history takes centre stage in a book - featuring the untold story of the city's non-subsidised bus services #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As Transport Month draws to a close this week, we look at a fascinating slice of Durban's history being brought to life: the untold story of the city's non-subsidised bus services, affectionately known as the "Indian Buses." Journalist and author Zainul Aberdeen Dawood captures this in his book, 'Phoenix Buses: Social Space and Pride of a Community,' which draws in the colourful history of these iconic vehicles and the resilient community they served. More than just a transport history, Dawood's work explores the vital legacy of Durban's people of Indian origin, whose entrepreneurial spirit kept the wheels turning, playing a pivotal role in creating and sustaining the city's transport network, particularly for communities like Phoenix. Author Dawood explains the importance of ensuring these memories are safeguarded for future generations...
#PODCAST Economists label South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list as a step in the right direction #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Economist, Iraj Abedian says the South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list is a step in the right direction, but a lot more needs to be done to maintain its status. It emphasises that Government has worked tirelessly to address all the deficiencies reflected in the 22 action item plan agreed between South Africa and FATF. The global financial crime watchdog placed South Africa on the greylist in 2023, citing the country's failure to comply with international standards around the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. Abedian says there needs to be clamp down on looting of state funds and corruption, and those found guilty must be held accountable...
#PODCAST Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman recognised for his humanitarian work by the Minara Chamber of Commerce #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and chairperson of the humanitarian aid organisation, the Gift of the Givers, has been awarded the Lifetime Achiever of the Year at the Minara Chamber of Commerce Business Recognition Awards. The event, held annually, recognises businesses and owners for their role in boosting the economy of the country. The chamber celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year. Local franchise, Gorimas, walked away with top honours as Business Entity of the year for its large employment rate and social responsibility programmes through the Mrs M Foundation. Businessperson of the Year went to Ismail Simjee and Businesswoman of the year was presented to Amina Abraham. Meanwhile, Dr. Sooliman says he his humbled by the award...
#PODCAST Beauty event in Durban highlights SA’s growing e-commerce industry
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - An exclusive beauty event hosted by an online retail giant is extending its footprint to Durban. The House of Beauty event will take place from the 24th to 26th of October in at The Globe in Suncoast. The event was created to connect South Africans with beauty in a more tangible and interactive way, giving them a chance to experience local and international brands in person. Newsbreak's Taliesha Naidoo has more details...
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