listen to Lotus FM News Break
Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST SIU raids in KZN: R161 million COVID fund fraud exposed
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The Special Investigation Unit is in KwaZulu-Natal conducting simultaneous raids at properties of individuals and businesses alleged to have defrauded the government of R161 million in COVID funds. About 35 suspects are said to be involved. It is alleged they made fraudulent claims from UIF Temporary Employees Relief Assistance fund between March 2020 and June 2025. SABC reporter, Zanele Buthelezi is there and tells us more....
#PODCAST Zero2Five early childhood development trust launches holiday clubs to feed and support children facing festive season hunger #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - As the festive season approaches and the cost of living continues to bite, thousands of children are facing school holidays without enough to eat. But the Zero2Five ECD Trust is stepping in. Their holiday club program that will be active in uThukela, uMgungundlovu, and uMlazi will provide meals, fun activities and a safe space for children who would otherwise go hungry. The Trust spokesperson, Jodi Pons says the need this year is greater than ever, with nearly five million South African children under six living in households unable to meet basic needs.
#PODCAST Ombud warns festive season ‘buy now pay later’ deals trap cash strapped consumers #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Shanell Daniel - Thinking that it's okay to buy now and pay later is a trap many consumers fall into, especially during the festive season. That's according to Manager in the Banking and Credit Adjudication of the National Financial Ombud South Africa, Kwanda Vabaza. He explains that when consumers buy on credit there are no affordability checks and no clear disclosures which can be risky if there is a repayment dispute
#PODCAST Operation Bobbi Bear demands life term as child porn case heads to Johannesburg high court #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Human rights organization, Operation Bobbi Bear is calling for life imprisonment for Darren Wilken and his partner Tiona Moodley who are accused of distributing child sexual abuse material. This was in reaction to the case being transferred to the High Court in Johannesburg for pre-trial proceedings early next year. Wilken and Moodley face 24 counts, including money laundering, possession and distribution of child pornography, and contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uncovered the accused's involvement in distributing sexually explicit images of adults and minors via the dark web. It also emerged that Wilken had earned over R3 million through illicit activities between 2023 and 2024 while Moodley received R1.5 million into her account. Director of Operation Bobbi Bear, Eureka Olivier says such cases are becoming much more common which is very concerning for societies most vulnerable...
#PODCAST 16 Words for 16 Days: Promoting positive MASCULINTY in fighting GBV
By Newsbreak producer, Tashlan Naidoo - As part of Newsbreak's 16 Words for 16 Days campaign: our word of the day is MASCULINITY. Activists say with intimate partner violence so prevalent and learnt behaviour a major driving force behind the ill-treatment of women by men, the role of masculinity has become blurred. Now, there is a push to reinforce the values of positive masculinity and grassroots campaigns to foster such values amongst young boys. To discuss the various ways in which this is being done the country, we spoke to spokesperson for the commission for gender equality, Javu Baloyi...
#PODCAST Durban caterer serves 3,000 personalized meals daily to elderly at #TAFTA facilities #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Following Newsbreak's Christmas lunch broadcast from The Association for the Aged or TAFTA at John Conradie House in Durban yesterday, we spoke to those behind the scenes of the feast. Service provider, Freedem - caters for 13 TAFTA facilities providing around 3-thousand meals per day, all specific and personalized for different individuals. Operations Manager, Vanessa Sutherland says that providing meals for the elderly is not just about giving them food, but a lot of care has to be taken to ensure they get the necessary nutrients while also taking into consideration any health conditions....
#PODCAST United Nations call for stronger institutions on international Human Rights Day amid global crises #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - We're seeing a world that is in a state of profound distress. That's the sentiment of the United Nations in Southern Africa. Today is International Human Rights Day- a day ratified in 1948 when the UN's General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a global benchmark. The theme this year centers around "Our Everyday Essentials"- to show how human rights shape our daily lives. But amid violation of international law, allegations of genocide- and even gross disrespect for state sovereignty- are every day human rights respected? Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights representative Abigail Noko says that institutions need to be strengthened in order to protect human rights
#PODCAST Durban filmmaker Shveta Naidoo selected for global Creative Producer Indaba program #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - Durban based filmmaker Shveta Naidoo has been selected for the prestigious Creative Producer Indaba, a professional development programme for emerging film and television producers. The programme will see Naidoo participate in workshops in Johannesburg, before travelling to Réunion Island in April 2026 as part of the International Indian Ocean Film Festival, where she will receive training in leadership, legal frameworks, and organizational development. Fifteen filmmakers from across the globe, all focused on African film content, have been chosen for this fifth edition of the programme, which is organised by the Realness Institute in partnership with international film organizations and supported by a range of cultural and film institutions worldwide. In an exclusive interview with Newsbreak, Naidoo explains how this will help enhance her performance on a global stage #PODCAST Durban filmmaker Shveta Naidoo selected for global Creative Producer Indaba program #sabcnews
#PODCAST Temu tops Google searches as Mkhwanazi, Winnie Khumalo and pickled fish trend in SA #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - KwaZulu-Natal police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the late Winnie Khumalo and pickled fish recipe were among the highest searched for things on google this year. The search engine recently released its top searches with online marketplace, Temu in top spot. Communications Manager at Google South Africa, Siya Madikane explains some the other most frequent searches....
The Newsbreak Team spreads festive cheer for the elderly at TAFTA's Christmas Lunch #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel Imagine waking up on Christmas morning with no family to call, no one to visit and no celebration waiting for you. That’s the reality for many senior citizens in our community. But this year the Newsbreak Team decided to change that- by making special memories with the elderly at TAFTA's annual Christmas Lunch at John Conradie House in Durban! Here, a donation of R150 can put the most priceless smile on the face of a senior citizen as they get to enjoy a special Christmas feast. Newsbreak's Taliesha Naidoo was joined by Tashlan Naidoo and Shanell Daniel to mark this heart-warming celebration...
#PODCAST 16 Words for 16 Days: 'NO' is a complete sentence
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - As part of Newsbreak's 16 Words for 16 Days campaign: our word of the day is NO. Abuse is widespread and real, and children are vulnerable because power and trust are often exploited. Educating children about their right to control their own bodies and to say “no” helps counter that power imbalance. We spoke to Mara Glennie - founder of TEARS Foundation about how the word NO can be a first act of self-protection....
#PODCAST Durban Summer Souk marks 30th pearl edition with festive food, fun and family events #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - A Durban family and lifestyle market offering food, fun and entertainment this festive season will celebrate its 30th Pearl Edition this year. The re-branded Durban Summer Souk - or market,plans to offer a diverse line-up of family-friendly local and cultural events that will appeal to both locals and visitors to the city alike. Mohammed Fahim Patel, Deputy Chairperson of the Al Ansaar Foundation says this year's bazaar will run from the 24th December until the 04th January 2026
#PODCAST Durban entertainment group to distribute 2,100 festive hampers to needy communities #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - A Durban based entertainment industry player aims to distribute 2100 hampers to needy communities north of the city to bring cheer to families during the festive season. Each bucket packed for the Sibaya Community Hamper Drive offers essential food items and a few treats hoping to bring a smile to these underprivileged families. Sibaya General Manager, Virath Gobrie, says its all being done in the spirit of giving back to communities this festive season..
#PODCAST Small festive changes result in big health impact - Dietician shares tips for enjoying treats safely #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Small changes can make a big difference. That's the message from a local dietician as we approach the festive season and people loosen the belt on their diets or healthy eating plans. The festive season typically entails a lot of sweet treats, deep fried food, and alcoholic beverages, which can be detrimental to ones health. This means, it is very important that you prioritize a healthy balance should you not want to miss out. Registered Dietician, Julie Perks says this may also be a very conflicting time for those with conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol and provides alternatives to still enjoy some of their favorite treats
#PODCAST 16 Words for 16 Days: SELF-DEFENCE as a practical tool to protect women
By Newsbreak Producer, Matthew Veeran - As part of Newsbreak's 16 Words for 16 Days campaign: our word of the day is SELF-DEFENCE. This afternoon, the conversation shifts to empowering women through practical self-defence skills. In light of this, women's health and fitness expert Urasia Guppoo shared tips that prioritise situational awareness and personal safety. This focus on self-defence can provide women with the confidence and the ability to reclaim their personal security - offering a path to empowerment during this critical campaign...
#PODCAST Journalism mourns icon #DennisPather, a veteran editor and Author who died at 80 #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - The world of journalism bid farewell to a stalwart of news yesterday: Dennis Pather passed away at the age of eighty in Durban. Pather began his career in 1967- writing for publications like Golden City Post, Drum magazine, The Leader and then the Daily News. Pather moved swiftly to become the editor for titles like The Post and the Sunday Tribune. He also received the Nieman Fellowship in 1988- where he emerged as an alumni of Harvard University. Pather was known for his crisp approach to political reporting during the tumultuous 70s and 80's. He also penned the acclaimed Copy Boy- about the struggles Indian South African journalists faced during apartheid. His close friend and colleague- former editor of The Post Brijlall Ramguthee- shares his memories of the late icon
#PODCAST Corruption called a ‘Health Epidemic’ as ACM urges citizens to light candles on anti-corruption day #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - Corruption needs to be treated as a health epidemic that is making society sick. That's how the Active Citizen's Movement (ACM) has described the crisis ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day tomorrow. Billions have been lost to corruption in South Africa- with very little accountability or justice. Tomorrow the ACM is calling on all South African's to light a candle against corruption between 7 and 8 pm- to cast some light on wrong-doing. The organisation's Dr. Lubna Nadvi explains how civil society has the power to take a firm stand against corruption
#PODCAST Chatsworth teenager still missing after been seen with adult man as #ChildWelfare warns of Legal Risks #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Producer, Shanell Daniel - There is still no information surrounding the whereabouts of a 13-year-old girl from Chatsworth, south of Durban. The girl has not returned to her home since Tuesday last week. According to private security company Reaction Unit South Africa it was reported to them- that the girl left home while her family was asleep. She was last seen in the company of a 25 year old male in the vicinity of Welbedacht in Chatsworth. Currently, a missing person circulation has been issued for the minor. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a question about the welfare of minors. Director at Child Welfare Chatsworth, Prenashen Pillay, explains the legal procedures that child protection services consider when a minor is not in the care of their custodians
16 Words for 16 Days: DIGITAL- Putting an end to digital violence against children #sabcnews #16DaysofActivism
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. As part of Newsbreak's 16 Words for 16 Days campaign: our word of the day is DIGITAL The United Nation's theme of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign is "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls". In South Africa UNICEF finds that 1 in 6 children have already experienced technology-facilitated GBV. But how to manage digital violence- when the internet is literally everywhere? UNICEF South Africa Chief of Child Protection Makiba Yamano joined us for this important conversation.
Ethekwini City Manager tackles service delivery on Newsbreak Talk #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. Ethekwini residents have had their say on service delivery on Newsbreak Talk for weeks now. From water shortages to potholes- right down to unavailable meter readings. This caught the attention of Ethekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele- who joined Newsbreak Talk in studio to discuss how the city plans on spending R874.9 million of its budget on service delivery.
Save video to ...
