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The Lunch Break

Lotus FM

Lunch time show keeping you entertained

government

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15:54

Bright Minds, Bright Futures: Tackling South Africa’s...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/26

South Africa has proudly emerged as the top-performing nation at this year’s Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, held at the University of Botswana. The event brought together brilliant young minds to solve complex problems across four mathematical disciplines, showcasing the country’s potential to lead in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In celebration of Youth Month, we are joined by Professor Seithuti Philemon Moshokoa, Executive Director of the South African

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10:18

Securing the Digital Frontier: Tackling Cybercrime in...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/26

South Africa ranks sixth globally for cybercrime density and has seen a staggering 277% rise in cybercrime over the last five years, making it the leader in the sharpest global increase. With digital identity attacks becoming more sophisticated, businesses and individuals alike face mounting threats. Joining us to unpack these challenges is Lance Fanaroff, an expert in the field of technology and cybersecurity. We’ll explore the financial impact of cybersecurity investments, the evolving

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6:49

Bridging the Skills Gap: AI Skilling Day with Ravi...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/25

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ravi Naidoo, CEO of Youth Employment Service, as we dive into the transformative world of technology and the urgent need for AI skills in today’s job market. Ravi shares details about Microsoft South Africa’s AI Skilling Day—a groundbreaking event uniting over 2,000 learners, industry leaders, and government stakeholders. This initiative not only highlights the growing demand for AI expertise but also offers invaluable skilling and

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10:59

Empowering Africa’s Future Stars: Ayanda Sithebe on...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/25

In celebration of Youth Month, we sit down with Ayanda Sithebe—a trailblazer in South African film and television. As the founder of Actor Spaces, Ayanda has dedicated himself to celebrating local talent and nurturing emerging actors through transformative workshops. From his role as a casting director for hit television shows to co-founding the Africa Rising International Film Festival, Ayanda is shaping the future of African storytelling. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey, the

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14:22

Back to Basics: Nourishment and Teacher Empowerment...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/20

OnThe Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, Nadia Lubowski, Managing Trustee of the Anton Lubowski Educational Trust and Early Childhood Specialist, discusses why true educational reform must start with the basics. From ensuring children are fed to empowering teachers, Nadia explores how these essentials lay the foundation for successful learning outcomes. Don’t miss this thought-provoking Youth Month conversation.

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7:32

Through the Lens: Capturing South Africa’s Natural...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/19

South Africa’s breathtaking natural heritage comes alive through the WWF’sOur Country, Through Your Lens campaign—a nationwide photo movement celebrating our people, places, and wildlife. While submissions have closed and winners will be announced in early July, this initiative remains a testament to the beauty and diversity that define our nation. Joining us today is Angus Burns, a seasoned conservationist, talented photographer, and one of the expert judges for the campaign. Tune

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6:43

Championing Equality: Ending Commercial Sexual...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/18

As South Africa continues to confront the challenges of gender-based violence, the Cape Town-based NGO, Embrace Dignity, is rallying support for the Equality Model Law. This proposed legislation aims to end commercial sexual exploitation, protecting women and girls from systemic violence and abuse. Today, we’re joined by Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, co-founder of Embrace Dignity, to explore how South Africa’s youth leaders, alongside women, labour, business, religious leaders, and

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11:03

Kicking Goals: South African Youth Football on the...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/18

As South African football continues to capture hearts, bridging the gap with elite European leagues remains a challenge. Enter the IBERCUP, one of the world’s most prestigious international youth football tournaments, with a mission to nurture talent, provide mentorship, and give young players the chance to shine on a global stage. This Youth Month, we’re joined by Michael Bender, CEO of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona Academy SA and the IberCup International Youth Tournament, to discuss how

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10:32

Spotlight on Young Stars: The Magic of Annie - 16...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/18

This Youth Day, we celebrate the next generation of theatre talent with the KZN Young Performers Project’s spectacular rendition ofAnnie, the beloved musical that first captured hearts in 1977. With a cast of 120 performers, including senior primary youngsters doubling as the orphans, this production showcases the incredible potential of South Africa's young stars. Joining us in studio are Kaitlyn Rex (Annie), Zarina Lockhat (Kate), Emily Naicker (Senior Ensemble), Aarika Singh (Junior

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14:53

The role of a father in modern society

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/17

Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self-confidence. As we approach Father’s Day, we discuss the role of a father in modern society. Pastor, Seth Naicker who is also a Heartlines facilitator and leadership consultant elaborates more on this.

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7:24

Africa’s youth are empowering the farming sector in...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/12

A new Agroecology Initiative aims to shift the future for young South Africans. Why is it so well-timed and appropriate? Youth unemployment has now reached crisis levels. Stats show that many young people are graduating into adulthood, never having been employed. Thanda, a nonprofit organization based in KwaZulu-Natal, has launched this game-changing initiative aimed at empowering young people to build sustainable livelihoods through farming. Angela Larkan, Executive Director of Thanda and the

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7:35

Dale Harley, a veteran in endurance sports discusses...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/11

Varshan Sookhun chats to Dale Harley, who believes athletes may be doing the right thing by focusing on training harder, eating better, and tracking every heartbeat, but, many are still neglecting one of the most powerful tools in their performance arsenal - that’s good quality sleep.

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7:14

An opportunity for new and established writers to...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/10

The Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa (ANFASA) Publishing Grant, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is now open for applications and you don’t have much time left, as the deadline draws closer. This is an opportunity-creating, non-discriminate initiative that not only champions local authors and publishers, but also creates jobs, empowers the literary sector, and promotes cultural preservation in our diverse country. We get more

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5:28

Masters student, Keraiya Naidoo, talks about the...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/09

Here’s something interesting for Master’s Students at select Universities in SA. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has made a final call for applications to its Master’s in Engineering Bursary and Research Programme - the closing date is 27 June 2025. Varshan Sookhun chats to Keraiya Naidoo, one of the students doing her research at Stellenbosch University, which is one of the partner institutions for the Programme.

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17:04

Title: 🎭 Durban’s Theatrical Delight: A Sneak Peek at...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/06

Join us for an exclusive conversation about Durban’s much-loved031 Theatre Festival, a family-friendly celebration of local talent, running from 6th to 8th June at Seabrooke's Theatre, DHS. Discover why this festival is a gateway to greatness, offering audiences an early glimpse of shows bound for the National Arts Festival. We’ll also chat with two of South Africa’s most versatile entertainers—Bon Voss, the actor, comedian, and satirist, and the inimitable Aaron

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4:20

Celebrating Africa’s Biodiversity: The African...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/05

Africa’s rich biodiversity and growing markets for indigenous, organic, and natural goods are set to take center stage this September in Johannesburg at the African Biotrade Festival. This landmark event promises to bridge trade and consumer interests, promoting sustainable development across the continent. Joining us with exclusive insights is Warren Hickinbotham, Head of Partnerships and Sponsorships at the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa, to share what’s in store for this

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4:37

Recognizing Greatness: Employee Appreciation in...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/04

Salwa Albertyn chats with Varshan about the transformative power of employee recognition. As human beings, we all crave acknowledgment for our efforts and achievements—and in the workplace, this need is no different. Salwa explores how frequent and meaningful appreciation not only boosts individual morale but also strengthens organizational culture, aligning employees with shared goals and fostering a sense of belonging. Through expert interviews, actionable insights, and real-world success

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5:24

Level Up: Tackling Youth Unemployment Through...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/03

Discover how South Africa’s youth can tackle unemployment head-on with theAfrica Genius Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC)—a groundbreaking online game that equips high school learners with entrepreneurial skills. Candice Jacobs ,Gaming Officer for AGEC joins Varshan, as she shares insights into this innovative initiative. Learn how the challenge is shaping future leaders by teaching them to think, act, and lead like real entrepreneurs. Listen in to explore how the classroom is

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12:26

Unlocking Innovation: The Power of Psychological...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/06/02

What does it take to create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and share ideas? Psychological safety, once an obscure term in management research, is now recognized as a cornerstone for innovation and community strength in organizations. In today's show Varshan dive into the transformative impact of psychological safety with insights from Rita Govender, a licensed Enneagram Practitioner and NeuroCoach. Listen in to learn practical strategies to cultivate psychological safety

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10:22

Protecting Our Future: Ending Child Abuse and...

The Lunch Break ·

2025/05/30

Join us for an important conversation during National Child Protection Week, running until the 5th of June. This week highlights the urgent need to protect children from harm and safeguard their mental health. With rising incidents of bullying and abuse in schools, the impact on children’s well-being is undeniable, sometimes leading to devastating outcomes. However, this can be prevented. We sit down with Tshegofatso Komape, a dedicated Child Protection Officer at SPARK Schools, to explore how

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