Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Don't Miss a Beat: Heart Awareness Month to highlight the SA's Indian community's cardiovascular threat #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As we wrap up Women's Month, September marks the start of Heart Awareness Month a time when the colour red shines bright in support of heart health across the nation. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa are once again leading the charge with this year's global theme: "Don't Miss a Beat", calling attention to one of the country's biggest health challenges: cardiovascular disease. Heart disease remains the second leading cause of death in South Africa and what's more alarming is its disproportionate impact on certain communities. Among South African Indians, the risk of heart attacks is significantly higher - with research showing they are 3 to 4 times more likely to suffer from heart disease compared to other ethnic groups. This is largely due to higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol in this population. Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO, Prof. Pamela Naidoo elaborates on the seriousness of the situation...
#PODCAST Legal practitioners discuss how employers can address the workplace phenomena known as "Quiet Cracking" #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Amidst today's demanding work environment, a new phenomenon called "quiet cracking" is emerging, where employees feel trapped in jobs they can't afford to leave - despite experiencing significant stress, exhaustion and panic. This workplace financial trauma, as described by Forbes, leads to a decrease in productivity, a lack of enthusiasm and increased absenteeism. Unlike "quiet quitting," quiet cracking happens under the radar, so it is crucial for employers to take steps to mitigate the potential loss of valuable employees. I spoke with Leila Moosa to find out more, she is the Senior Associate of employment practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH)...
#PODCAST Data of some 12 million learners exposed, as South African schools continue to rely on a 20-year-old system #sacbnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - South Africa's education sector is facing a digital security crisis. That's according to digital experts who warn that at the heart of the issue is SA-SAMS, a two-decade-old data management system that is still tasked with handling the personal information of over 12 million learners, despite lacking basic cyber security protections like encryption. Riaan van der Bergh - CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) says as schools increasingly adopt modern cloud-based edtech tools, they risk data duplication and exposure to cyber threats...
#PODCAST SA Harvest honoured with Top Supply Chain Award for their consistent food rescue efforts #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Food rescue organisation, SA Harvest recently received the top Supply Chain Award for its surplus food rescue efforts of which it re-routes to community organisations. The Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA) conferred the organisation with the premier judges' Spotlight Award and a joint award for the Humanitarian & Health Supply Chain Management category. SA Harvest has rescued over 22-million kilograms of food, creating over 90-million meals. Other attributing factors to the awards include approximately 53-thousands tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided through landfill diversion and around 20 billion litres of embedded water conserved through food rescue. Head of Strategy, Marketing and Communication at SA Harvest, Cassandra Potgieter explains how they've managed sustainability for such a long time and what their plans are going forward...
#PODCAST eThekwini Municipality propose development amendment to balance logistics and community needs in Clairwood #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The eThekwini Municipality has proposed an amendment to the Clairwood development scheme, one that's bringing a wave of hope to a community long concerned about industrial expansion. The plan outlines a 174-hectare precinct that aims to balance logistics development with mixed-use zoning, including cultural, social, and heritage preservation. It's all part of the city's 2030 spatial vision — and for many in the area, this shift represents a long-overdue recognition of their voice. Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association member Desmond D'sa, explains what this amendment means for the long standing residents of Clairwood...
#PODCAST Bridging the Digital Divide: HyperionDev and Konexio partner to empower marginalized communities #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veran - In a new partnership to bridge the opportunity gap, global online education provider HyperionDev and social enterprise Konexio are collaborating to offer digital skills training to marginalized communities. The collaboration's first beneficiary - Jonathan Akena - a 21-year-old refugee from Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp, has begun a Software Engineering Bootcamp to build on his coding skills and pursue a career in technology. HyperionDev's Simone Botes says this alliance aims to provide a pathway to economic empowerment, demonstrating the power of digital skills in a region where such opportunities are urgently needed...
#PODCAST Department of International Relations and Cooperation warn that a human trafficking crisis is brewing in SA #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - "250,000 South Africans trafficked in just one year." That's according to Security Strategist and retired Interpol Ambassador Andy Mashaile. He was reacting to the chilling warning from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as they sound the alarm on a rising human trafficking crisis in South Africa. Young women are being lured by fake job offers on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, only to find themselves trapped in dangerous and abusive situations overseas. Mashaile has urged people, especially vulnerable women to not fall for flashy social media influencers who promise a better life, only to be met with disappointment and fear...
#PODCAST Interesting findings emerge as the South African Cemeteries Association (SACA) conclude its Biennial Conference #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - In a country where land, heritage, and sustainability are constant talking points, the future of our cemeteries is entering a new era. The South African Cemeteries Association (SACA) is concluding its Biennial Conference in Johannesburg today. Having partnered with the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Parks, and the Johannesburg Zoo, the conference has explored bold new ideas under the theme: 'Eternal Evolution – Transforming for Sustainability.' Newsbreak spoke to the Head of Cemeteries Management in Cape Town, Susan Brice. She explains how urban cemeteries are adapting to land shortages and climate change in this modern era...
#PODCAST NAPTOSA: Teachers and learners lives at stake as school violence increases in KZN
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - Teacher union - NAPTOSA - is sounding the alarm on violence at school in KwaZulu-Natal. NAPTOSA says teachers and learner's lives are at stake as an increase in school violence sweeps across the province. A 17-year-old learner from the Eastern Cape is expected to appear at the Alice Magistrates Court today after he allegedly robbed, stabbed and dumped a fellow learner into a pit toilet last week. On Friday a learner from Trenance Park, north of Durban was found in his school with a knife lodged in his neck. Last week a principal was stabbed for attempting to break up a fight between learners. CEO at NAPTOSA in KZN - Thirona Moodley has more details...
#PODCAST TEARS Foundation launch new training programme to better equip front-line GBV responders #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Non-profit Organisation, the Tears Foundation says the country is not winning the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Newsbreak spoke to the Foundation about its pilot programme, 'Naked and Afraid No More'. The Programme is a certified Survivor-Centred Training Programme designed for the first-line responders to GBV. Manager of Operations Celeste Louw says because of the sensitive and unique nature of each case, such training is critical...
#PODCAST SANParks to host the "Vision 2040 Indaba", charting a new future for conservation in South Africa #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South African National Parks (SANParks) is taking a bold step toward the future of conservation. From the 3rd to the 5th of next month, they'll host the first-ever Vision 2040 Indaba in Gqeberha. The event will bring together voices from all walks of life – including communities, government, youth, and private groups – to plan a future where nature conservation also supports social justice and local economies. It's all part of SANParks' new people-centred approach to protecting nature while empowering communities. Head of Communications at SANPARKS - JP Louw explains vision 2040 and how it hopes to contribute towards conservation efforts nationally...
#PODCAST South Africa's education system faces a double crisis: Teacher Shortage and "Hostile Parenting" #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - South Africa's education system stands at a critical crossroads with nearly half of public-school teachers set to retire within the next decade. That's according to a research study by Stellenbosch University. While the growing teacher shortage raises uncertainty in the education sector, St Benedict's College in Bedfordview says there is a quieter crisis brewing - hostile parenting, which is pushing more educators out the door. Head of Academics at St Benedict's College - Magarita Nichas says they are witnessing a growing trend of aggressive parent behavior that are turning classrooms into battlegrounds...
#PODCAST KZN's Kriven Pillay could be the next big thing in golf, but his dreams come with a hefty price tag #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - As a rising star from Queensburgh, Kriven Pillay is proudly carrying the torch for the South African Indian community, following in the footsteps of his caddy grandfather and greats like the iconic Papwa Sewgolum. His talent has earned him a coveted spot on the Bushveld and Big Easy Tours, where he continues to prove he belongs among the country's top up-and-coming golfers. However, Kriven's path is not without its obstacles, as his career momentum is challenged by the significant financial costs of competing. He shares his story in this Newsbreak exclusive... *Kriven is actively seeking sponsorship. If you are interested in backing him, you can contact him on 076 859 8687. Alternatively, you can email him at krivenpillay22@gmail.com
#PODCAST Money Smart Week: National Financial Ombud Scheme helps South Africans build financial resilience #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - It's Money Smart Week - and this year's theme, "Smart Money: Financial Foundations for a Resilient Future", is all about helping South Africans make better financial choices. The National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) is stepping in to ensure people not only understand the financial products they buy but also know their rights as consumers. Special attention is being given to vulnerable individuals who may face extra challenges when dealing with money matters. Senior Adjudicator at the Credit Division at the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) Njabulo Bhembe, explains the free help available to equip youth to become more financially savvy...
#PODCAST New BMR report finds that women receive only 41.8% of cash flow income - compared to men who earn 58.2% #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Women receive only 41.8% of cash flow income compared to men who earn 58.2%. This is despite women making the majority 53% of the adult population. These were some of the key findings in the report entitled Personal Income Estimates for South Africa (2020–2025) by the Bureau of Market Research (BMR). While it showed that South Africa's total personal income rose to R6.37 trillion in 2024- which equates to an increase of 5.4% from the previous year- it also painted a bleak picture for income generation among youth. Senior researcher Arthur Risenga explains...
#PODCAST Reaction Unit South Africa comment on the growing concern of school learners resorting to violence to solve their problems #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - There's growing concern about school learners resorting to excessive violence to solve their problems. A 17-year-old learner from the Eastern Cape is expected to appear at the Alice Magistrates Court today- on charges of attempted murder and robbery. This after he allegedly robbed, stabbed and dumped a fellow learner into a pit toilet last week. On Friday a learner from Trenance Park, north of Durban was found in his school with a knife lodged in his neck. First responders Reaction Unit South Africa say they see cases like this on a weekly basis. Director Prem Balram says learners are carrying weapons from home...
#PODCAST "Vegetarian Bodybuilder" Prishen Sivanarain shares tips how to bulk, without consuming animal protein #sabcnews
Wanting to make gains- but you don't eat meat? Instead of packing up your fitness dreams- rather introduce more variety. That's the advice of the "Vegetarian Bodybuilder", Prishen Sivanarain. Having won several bodybuilding competitions for South Africa- without consuming animal protein- Sivanarain says being vegetarian doesn't mean compromised muscle building. In this weeks Wellness Wakeup Prishen Sivnarain explains how a combination of plant proteins can make the journey exciting and successful at the same time...
#PODCAST The ACM call on government to declare Babita Deokaran's death day as "National Whistleblowers Day" #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Civil society group - the Active Citizens Movement (ACM) is calling on government to declare Babita Deokaran's death day as "National Whistleblowers Day". The groups says that four years after the death of Deokaran- the state has failed to adequately institute protection for whistle blowers. ACM member Pops Rampersad says it is time to honour Deokaran's courage with action...
Four years since the murder of Babita Deokaran: but how much of justice has been served? #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad. Four years since the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran and South African's still demand answers. The family of the late whistleblower Babita Deokaran who was brutally assassinated four years ago are still appealing for justice. Today marks four years since Deokaran was gunned down outside her home in a hail of bullets after she halted an 850-million rand in suspicious payments to hundreds of companies linked to Tembisa Hospital. The family says they still want the mastermind who orchestrated the hit to be arrested as she fought a good fight till her last breath. Meanwhile anti-corruption activists say they will not being stopping their efforts until all their questions have been answered. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation's executive director Neeshan Balton and the Active Citizen's movements' Pops Rampersad joined the conversation...
#PODCAST Babita Deokaran's family say justice will only be served once the mastermind behind her killing is jailed #sabcnews
The family of slain whistle-blower Babita Deokaran has called for more arrests in her killing - saying justice will only come when the mastermind is behind bars. Deokaran was assassinated on 23 August 2021 - after revealing massive fraud and corruption at the Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni. She was gunned down in a hail of bullets outside her complex, in Winchester Hills, South of Johannesburg - after dropping her daughter at school. Neria Hlakotsa filed this report...
Save video to ...
