Shows / The Lunch Break
Episodes
- The Lunch Break
Aaron McIlroy Brings Rugby and Theatre Together in His New Show, Rugby Mad - 12 November 2026
Actor and comedian Aaron McIlroy joins us to chat about Rugby Mad, a hilarious one-man theatrical production exploring South Africa’s rugby obsession…
- The Lunch Break
The Sundowner Special Occasions Returns for a Third Festive Season with Romeo Chonco Pops- 11 November 2026
It's time to celebrate, connect and create unforgettable memories as The Sundowner Special Occasions returns for its third year! Running from December 2026 to…
- The Lunch Break
Bollywood Movie Review: Ramayana Rise of a Legend Part 1 - 07 November 2026
Varshan Sookhun reviews Ramayana Part 1 starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
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Play4Good: Turning Everyday Activities into Meaningful Giving - 9 November 2026
Play4Good founder Nic De Beer joins Varshan Sookhun on Lunch Break to discuss how everyday activities, from golf and dining out to running and corporate…
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The Betting Trap: Is Financial Desperation Driving South Africa’s Youth to Online Gambling? - 05 November 2026
On The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, Tshepo Kgapane, Product Lead at Blackbullion South Africa, unpacks why financial pressures are driving young South…
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Bringing the Ramayana to Life Through Art, Colour and Creativity - 04 November 2026
Local businesswoman Leean Maduray and artist Lisa Chella join us to share the inspiration behind their beautiful new Ramayana colouring and activity book…
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BackaBuddy: Inspiring a Culture of Giving and Making a Difference - 03 November 2026
On Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, we chat to Catherine Swanepoel, Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder of BackaBuddy, about the power of crowdfunding and how…
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Actor and Disability Activist, Menzi Nxumalo - Mon, 2 Nov 2026
South Africa observes Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December each year. This period provides an important opportunity to promote the…
- The Lunch Break
Cast of How To Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents - Fri, 30 Oct 2026
Varshan Sookhun is joined by the dynamic cast of the brand new comedy-drama family series "How To Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents" who chat about the chaos that…
- The Lunch Break
Actor-singer-writer, Rory Booth - Thurs, 29 Oct 2026
Varshan Sookhun chats to Actor-singer-writer, Rory Booth, about his latest single titled "FLY". It’s a song dedicated to his mom as it offers comfort to…
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Cybersecurity Awareness: Protecting Your Digital Identity from Online Scams - 27 October 2026
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, we explore the growing threat of cybercrime in South Africa and the importance of protecting our personal…
- The Lunch Break
The Rising Cost of Medical Aid: Protecting Your Financial Future - 26 October 2026
As the cost of living continues to rise, many South African households are struggling to balance everyday expenses with the need for healthcare cover. Verona…
- The Lunch Break
Exploring International Medical Education Pathways for South African Students - 23 October 2026
On Lifestyle, Johannes Kraus from St. George’s University discusses international medical education pathways for South African students, exploring entry…
- The Lunch Break
My Radio Memory: Advocate Robin Sewlall on the Power and Future of Radio - 22 October 2026
Advocate Robin Sewlall joins Varshan Sookhun on Lunch Break on Lotus FM to discuss Volume 2 of My Radio Memory: Making the Medium Marvellous. He reflects on…
- The Lunch Break
Tongaat Muslim Society Market and Fun Day: A Celebration of Community and Giving Back - 21 October 2026
Shakira Gaffar joins us to share more about the Tongaat Muslim Society’s upcoming Market and Fun Day, a family-friendly event raising funds for the…
- The Lunch Break
Carving His Own Path: Treasure Mlima on Art, Identity and International Recognition - 20 October 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Treasure Mlima, a proudly South African visual artist whose distinctive carved-wood sculptures reflect his upbringing…
- The Lunch Break
Lotus FM’s Night of Hope Returns for a Powerful Evening of Faith, Unity and Healing - 19 October 2026
Lotus FM’s annual Night of Hope returns for its fourth year, bringing thousands of people together for an inspiring evening of faith, unity, healing and…
- The Lunch Break
Matric Exams 2026: Managing Stress, Staying Focused and Performing at Your Best - 15 October 2026
The 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations are underway, with a record 962,832 candidates registered nationwide. While this is an exciting milestone for…
- The Lunch Break
Durban Filmmaker Dayakar Padayachee Brings The Ancient Scrolls of Lukutona to the Big Screen -14 October 2026
Durban filmmaker and writer Dayakar Padayachee joins us to discuss his fantasy novel, The Ancient Scrolls of Lukutona, and its journey from page to screen…
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Beyond Breast Cancer: Early Detection and Life After Diagnosis with Dr Fatima Hoosain - 13 October 2026
Early detection of breast cancer can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes and survival, but the journey does not end when treatment is over. In…
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Palliative Care: Why Early Access Matters for Patients and Families - 12 October 2026
Palliative care is often misunderstood as care reserved for the final stages of life, but it can begin much earlier to improve quality of life for patients and…
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Jane Linley-Thomas and Paul Bushell: Connecting Generations Through Kindness - 09 October 2026
Media personality and Joy Activist Jane Linley-Thomas joins psychologist, author and parenting and career specialist Paul Bushell for a heartfelt conversation…
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Backstage in Action: Where Students and Theatre Practitioners Bring Learning to LifeBackstage in Action: Where Students and Theatre Practitioners Bring Learning to Life - 08 October 2026
The Backstage in Action Festival at Durban University of Technology’s Courtyard Theatre brings students and theatre practitioners together in a hands-on…
- The Lunch Break
Ashay Sewlall: From Richards Bay to Reality TV Stardom - 7 October 2026
Content creator, reality TV star and media personality Ashay Sewlall joins us to chat about his rise to fame, his Zulu heritage and love for African culture…
- The Lunch Break
Colour the Sky: Kites, Community & Mental Health Awareness - 6 October 2026
The Cape Town International Kite Festival returns, transforming the city’s skies into a vibrant celebration of hope, resilience and human connection. Now…
- The Lunch Break
What your food cravings say about your health - 02 October 2026
Many people dismiss cravings as a lack of willpower, they may be linked to factors such as stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, and even the…
- The Lunch Break
Reclaiming the Classroom: Making EdTech Work for Teachers - 5 October 2026
South African schools have received digital tools for years, yet many remain unused. Kelly Fisher from Injini joins us to unpack the challenges of EdTech…
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This Is Not My Forever: Changing the Narrative on Homelessness - 30 September 2026
Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has launched This Is Not My Forever, a digital storytelling campaign amplifying the voices of people who…
- The Lunch Break
Every Skill Passed On Becomes Someone Else’s Opportunity - 29 September 2026
Heritage is more than culture, traditions and tangible symbols — it also lives in the skills, knowledge and experience we pass from one generation to the…
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KZN Youth Take Their Business Ideas to the National Stage - 28 September 2026
Young entrepreneurs from RydalPark Secondary School and Phoenix Technical Secondary School are heading to the JA South Africa National Company of the Year…
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Heritage, Law & Purpose with Xolo Songca - 25 September 2026
On Heritage Day, award-winning author and legal scholar Xolo Songca reflects on his upbringing in Lusikisiki, his Mpondo heritage, academic journey in…
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Heritage Day: The Legacy of Kumari Ambigay - 24 September 2026
Lotus FM celebrates the remarkable legacy of Kumari Ambigay, a pioneer of Indian music, dance and culture in South Africa. She reflects on her family heritage…
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Heritage & Wealth: The Financial Lessons We Inherit - 23 September 2026
Heritage is about more than culture, traditions and shared experiences—it also includes the financial habits and values passed down through generations…
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Heritage Day: What Do We Preserve, and What Should We Leave Behind? - 22 September 2026
Devan Moonsamy joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on Heritage Day, exploring what heritage means, what we should preserve, and what we may need to…
- The Lunch Break
The Hidden Costs of a Bad Hire: When Job Fit Goes Wrong - 21 September 2026
Unfair dismissal accounts for a significant share of referrals to the CCMA, raising important questions about recruitment, job fit and workplace management. In…
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Indian Classical Dancer & Fashion Entrepreneur, Verushkar Pather - Fri, 18 Sept 2026
This Heritage Month, Varshan Sookhun chats to celebrated Indian classical dancer and fashion entrepreneur, Verushkar Pather who joins him for a discussion…
- The Lunch Break
Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living - Wed, 16 Sept 2026
Varshan Sookhun chats to Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, who discusses the disconnect between what senior living in South Africa is perceived to be…
- The Lunch Break
Sylvia Walker, Financial Planner - Tues, 15 Sept 2026
Varshan Sookhun chats to Sylvia Walker, a Financial Planner and Writer who will share some guidance and practical advice on nurturing a healthy relationship…
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Sharmila Ranchod on her book "My Chai Is Strong and So Am I" - Fri, 11 Sept 2026
"My Chai Is Strong and So Am I" by Sharmila Ranchod – is a deeply inspiring memoir that explores resilience, self-discovery and the courage to reclaim…
- The Lunch Break
We find out more about theatre production "Damsel in Distress" - Thurs, 10 Sept 2026
Award winning and highly acclaimed national theatre actors Daniel Anderson and Karina Lind Devar will be joining me to share details about their new production…
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Alvin Gulzar on his book "Poor Boy, Rich Man" - Wed, 9 Sept 2026
Varshan Sookhun chats to Alvin Gulzar, an IT Executive, Leader and Mentor, who documents his real-life story in his book titled “Poor Boy, Rich…
- The Lunch Break
Open Air School Fundraiser - Tues, 8 Sept 2026
Open Air School KZN is hosting a special fundraising concert on 6 November, aimed at raising funds to revamp and equip the libraries at both its Primary and…
- The Lunch Break
Koketso Rathumbu, Advocacy and Communications Manager of the GBVF Response Fund - Mon, 7 Sept 2026
Varshan Sookhun chats about why workplace Gender-based Violence and Harassment policies aren't translating into employee trust and what can be done for…
- The Lunch Break
Shall We Dance? Adarsh Maharaj & Juanita Pillay Bring Bollywood Flair to the Stage - 03 September 2026
South Africa’s longest-running stage production, Shall We Dance, returns to the Playhouse in Durban from 11–13 September 2026. We chat to dancers…
- The Lunch Break
Literacy Matters: Building a Stronger Future Through Reading - 02 September 2026
Ahead of International Literacy Day, we explore why literacy goes far beyond simply being able to read and write. With 81% of South African Grade 4 learners…
- The Lunch Break
The Future of Loyalty: Making Rewards Work for South African Consumers - 01 September 2026
From shopping discounts and cashback to health, retail and lifestyle rewards, loyalty programmes have become part of everyday life for South African consumers…
- The Lunch Break
Breaking Barriers: Samantha Skyring’s Journey in Entrepreneurship - 31 August 2026
What does it take to build a successful business against the odds? Meet Samantha Skyring, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 and Founding CEO of Oryx…
- The Lunch Break
Celebrating Women in Music: Basadi in Music Awards 2026 - 28 August 2026
Manaileng Maphike, Advisory Board Member of the Basadi in Music Awards, joins us to discuss the fifth edition of BIMA 2026. She highlights the theme…
- The Lunch Break
From Stage to Screen: Durban City Orchestra’s Final Concert - 27 August 2026
The Durban City Orchestra is set to present the third and final concert in its popular “From Stage to Screen” series, following two sold-out…
- The Lunch Break
Rehab KZN: Telling Powerful Stories of Women Through Dance - 26 August 2026
Rehab KZN, formerly known as the KZN Dance Festival for Women, uses the power of dance to tell poignant stories of human emotion, resilience and lived…
- The Lunch Break
Chal Naach Let’s Dance: Celebrating Dance, Culture and Talent - 25 August 2026
Pavishen Paideya, Director of Rudra Dance Theatre, joins us to share more about Chal Naach Let’s Dance, an exciting celebration of dance, culture and…
- The Lunch Break
Arts & Entertainment: Celebrating Ballroom Culture with AD Mizrahi - 24 August 2026
The House of Mizrahi is bringing Ballroom Culture to Durban with The Ascension Ball. AD Mizrahi, Overseer at The House of Mizrahi, joins us to discuss their…
- The Lunch Break
Intense Work Is Rest: Finding Peace Through Purpose - 21 August 2026
Professor Vally Padayachee discusses his new book, Intense Work Is Rest: Cultivating Devotion and Equanimity, and challenges the idea that work must be…
- The Lunch Break
Technical Trades: Why South Africa Faces a Critical Skills Shortage - 20 August 2026
South Africa is facing a growing shortage of skilled professionals in technical trades and engineering, with the country falling behind the National…
- The Lunch Break
MONEY MULE SCHEMES: THE RISKS OF MOVING STOLEN FUNDS - 19 August 2026
What may seem like an easy way to make extra cash could have serious financial, legal and reputational consequences. In this episode, we unpack the growing…
- The Lunch Break
Sober Pregnancies: Raising Awareness About Alcohol Harm and Maternal Health - 18 August 2026
As part of Women’s Month, we speak to Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, about the organisation’s Sober Pregnancies campaign and its efforts to raise…
- The Lunch Break
Dr Eubulus Timothy: Representing South Africa at BRICS WAVES BAZAAR 2026 - 17 August 2026
Acclaimed South African filmmaker Dr Eubulus Timothy, known for films including Deep End and The Cane Cutter, joins us following his return from India, where…
- The Lunch Break
Junior Stars: Celebrating South Africa’s Next Generation of Musical Talent - 14 August 2026
The Multicultural Academy of South Africa has wrapped up its 2026 Junior Stars contest, showcasing 16 young musical talents in the search for the…
- The Lunch Break
Ooma Maharajh on Empowering Women Through Education - 14 August 2026
Lotus FM’s Woman of Substance Awards (WOSA) is back, with nominations open across eight distinguished categories. This afternoon, we speak to WOSA…
- The Lunch Break
Melanie Kisten on Women of Substance -13 August 2026
Melanie Kisten joins Lotus FM to discuss her role as a judge for the Woman of Substance Awards, her journey in the arts, supporting emerging talent, and the…