The Drive by

We’re celebrating a huge milestone in South African media. SABC Plus, the public broadcaster’s OTT platform, has officially hit 2 million registered users! Since its launch, SABC Plus has become more than just a streaming service, it’s a key part of SABC’s distribution strategy and a true reinvention of public service media for the digital age. Joining us now to talk about this incredible achievement is Head of Marketing, Sibusiso Gumbi.

We’re joined by Mireille Barnard, author of Thank You For The Love. The memoir is a raw and deeply poignant about abuse, trauma, and the price paid in blood to keep it all a secret. In this powerful book, she shares her journey through self-harm, abusive relationships and suicide attempts, revealing how trauma shaped her life.

"My brother is always too exhausted to help at home. But he is never too tired to go out, scroll on TikTok, or meet friends. My parents keep excusing it. How do I handle before I blow up?" - Anonymous. 

Dubbed the Queen of South African Romance, Nivashni Nair joins us today to talk about her newly launched book, It’s Complicated. The novel is the highly anticipated sequel to her incredible, Pillow Talk. Nivashni joins us in celebration of the Month of Love, sharing why this story is close to her heart and why readers won’t want to put it down.

It is the Month of Love, and today we’re taking a moment to talk about a kind of love that’s practical. When it comes to heart health, love looks like preparation, awareness, and knowing what to do when a life is suddenly at risk. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at home, at work, on the sports field, or even in a public space and in those critical moments, the difference between life and death. Joining us is Ruan Vermaak from CrisisOnCall, to talk about heart health. 

Much of Africa is facing growing pressure on one of our most basic needs, clean, reliable water. While the challenge is huge, there are people working on real, practical solutions that are already changing lives. Joining us today is Khanyisa Maphaha, the Kusini Water Champions Project Manager. This is an organisation revolutionising access to clean water across Africa. 

Six-year-old Kairan Govender is making a mark in the BMX World and shared his understanding of AI on World Radio Day

To celebrate World Radio Day 2026, we asked you, the youth, to share a cool, fresh topic that doesn’t get talked about enough. And wow, you delivered! One topic really stood out, sent in by 14-year-old Gabriela Munnah: “Is anime taking over our younger generations?” This morning, Gabriela and her brother, Zack, joined us in the studio!

Ricollin Moodley is a 25-year-old self-taught artist from Ladysmith, now based on the KZN South Coast, whose journey is as powerful as his work. With no formal training and no access to traditional supplies, Ricollin turned struggle into art, using whatever he could find, even old library pages and discarded makeup. He’s known for striking portraits created with lipstick, and a story of resilience that’s capturing South Africa’s attention.

SA Kungfu master Muhammad Junaid "MJ Li" Chafeker has officially been inducted into the World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame

As we mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are shining the spotlight on women who are breaking barriers and opening doors in fields. Joining us is Professor Eunice Gogo Mphako-Banda, a Professor of Mathematics at the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Director of the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF). Professor Mphako-Banda says her career proves that mathematical thinking creates opportunities, confidence, and long-term job security.

"My husband said Valentine's Day is for young people and we shouldn't go out. He was very romantic when we got married, and now it's the same thing every year. I want effort. How do I communicate this?" - Anonymous.   

A new home for The KZN Liverpool Supporters Club after 13 years. 

Suraj is a Gauteng-born artist whose golden voice and rockstar charm have won hearts around the world and a friend of the show. He has shared stages with legends like Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and more and in 2013, the late Padmashri Pankaj Udhas honoured him with the title “Aap Ka Suraj.” Inspired by a 25-year spiritual journey to India, he now brings us his latest devotional single, Radharani, dedicated to Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna, with music composed, arranged and recorded by Keshvir Mothi.

We’re chatting about Eintlik: Let’s Connect, SABC2’s brand-new talk show launching on 9 February. The show is hosted by the ever-engaging Penny Lebyane, and it’s all about real conversations and meaningful connections.

Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg celebrated Facebook’s birthday, and a new AI trend takes over. 

The first look at the new series Family Business dropped yesterday, and it’s already sparking buzz. The show pits Anil Kapoor against Vijay Varma in a high-stakes corporate battle.

A truly dedicated teacher has earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Beverly Hannett-Price spent 67 years shaping young minds and recently stepped into a well-deserved retirement. Students, staff, and even a celebrity, gathered to honour the 90-year-old during a special assembly celebrating her decades of uninterrupted teaching, making her the longest-serving female language teacher.

South African trailblazer Jerusha is back with her brand-new single Love is Blind - the second chapter in her emotionally charged Love Trilogy. Following the sultry allure of Obsession, Jerusha takes us deeper into love’s complexity, exploring the blindness that often follows passion. From her signature R&B and pop roots to a fresh, global sound, Jerusha continues to evolve as an artist. She joins us today to dive into the journey of the trilogy, the stories behind each chapter.

We’ve all had an embarrassing moment at some point but imagine it happening in front of thousands of people. That’s exactly what went down in a recent heavyweight boxing bout between Jarrell Miller and Kingsley Ibeh (E-bear). In one of the most bizarre moments the sport has seen, a heavy punch in the second round quite literally knocked Miller’s wig clean off his head. The toupee came loose, detached completely, and left the crowd stunned.

It’s safe to say Channa Mereya has been on repeat following Arijit Singh’s surprising announcement that he will be stepping away from playback singing. Known as one of the most celebrated voices in Indian music, Arijit Singh has delivered a string of chart-topping hits that have left an indelible mark on Bollywood and in the hearts of listeners worldwide. His soulful renditions showcase remarkable versatility, from romantic ballads to high-energy tracks and devotional songs, earning him fans across generations.

Musician Ashlen Govender joins us in studio today to talk about his latest track, Jhoomeke Mera Dil. It is a song that blends rich melodies with strong cultural influences and showcases his evolving sound as an artist. The track and the video have been resonating with listeners for its emotion, rhythm and contemporary take on a classic feel. Ashlen joins to give us insight into the inspiration behind the music.

The most anticipated moment in Hollywood is here. Movie lovers around the world are buzzing to see which films from 2025 will vie for glory at the 98th Academy Awards. The 2026 Oscar nominations are being revealed live today, highlighting contenders across 24 categories. This year is historic for the Academy, as it introduces a brand-new category honouring excellence in casting. With 317 feature films eligible and 201 competing for the coveted Best Picture award, the race for Oscar glory has never been more intense.

Producer Bianca Lalbahadur chats about a bizarre TikTok trend. 

Singer Neha Kakkar has revealed that she’s taking a step back from the spotlight following the release of her viral track Candy Shop. The vibey song, created alongside her brother Tony Kakkar, quickly gained traction online but also attracted a wave of trolling on social media.

If chips or French fries are your ultimate comfort food, then this beach would have felt like a dream come true. Thousands of bags of chips and fries washed up along the shoreline after several shipping containers drifted ashore, turning the coast into what locals are calling the legendary “Chip Wreck.”

A woman had a close and comical run-in with a troop of baboons in Cape Town, and the moment has now gone viral online. The incident, captured on video and shared on Instagram, shows the woman returning to her car with a roll of toilet paper, only to find her car door left open. Before she could react, several curious baboons had gathered around the vehicle.

"I hate being in my family group chat, it is constantly buzzing for no reason. Is it rude to exit?" - Anonymous. 

Producer Bianca Lalbahadur discusses some big news for BTS and a new WhatsApp update. 

An ordinary day kayaking off the Cape coastline turned into an extraordinary rescue for Kirshia Govender from the International Ocean Institute. A young African penguin approached their kayaks, showing no fear and even climbing onto Kirshia’s kayak, resting against her as if seeking help. Realising the penguin was injured, Kirshia and her group paddled back to shore to get urgent care from the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. Kirshia joins us to chat about this remarkable experience and her unique connection with the penguin.

This year has been filled with laughs and memorable moments. As 2025 draws to a close, we thought it would be fitting to bring you some of our not-so-great radio moments. Here’s to the slips, the stumbles, and the funny bits we wish we could delete!

Matriculant Shriya Singh, matriculant from Westville Girls' High School, Class of 2025, joined The Drive By. She is also the school’s Deputy Head of Public Relations. 

Matriculant Aseza Ngema, the top achiever from Westville Girls High School, Class of 2025!

Luka Venter from Curro Salt Rock. Luka is one of the school’s top achievers, earning an impressive eight distinctions. It’s also a big year of celebration for the school, which has achieved a 100% IEB pass rate.

Lotus FM has been there through every era, bringing you the music that moves you, the stories that matter, and the voices you trust. For 43 years, we have evolved with our listeners, blending nostalgia with now, while staying true to the heartbeat of our community. 

If smashing your gym goals is at the top of your New Year’s resolution list, then you’ll want to listen up. We’re joined by personal trainer Urasia Gappoo, who’s here to help us set realistic fitness goals, stay consistent, and keep the motivation going long after the January hype fades.

Fresh off their Grand Finale victory, My Design Rules Season 2 winners Ronelle Scholtz and Tiaan Jacobs join us to talk shop. Representing Bellville and Durbanville, this powerhouse duo of architects-turned-challengers spent the season blending technical mastery with soulful touches.

Christmas is a time for spreading cheer, love and kindness, and for the past three years, Ravitha Singh and her family have transformed their La Lucia home into a dazzling wonderland. Filled with festive lights, ornaments, Santa décor, and a towering Christmas tree, the magical display supports Pug Rescue South Africa – an organisation helping to rehabilitate and rehome pugs in need, while bringing the community together this festive season.

Afro-Indo sounds are moving the nation, and today, we are shining the spotlight on a brand-new original release. The track, "Uyirin Oli," which beautifully blends Afro House with Tamil and English influences, is by Durban-based DJ and producer DJ E, Elvis Gangiah, featuring the soulful vocals of Yovani Naidoo. It’s a song about love, inner light, and cultural connection. DJE and Yovani join us to discuss this incredible collab.

We are joined by Cynthia Khumalo, a GBV warrior and ambassador for 1000 Women Trust, an organisation pushing accountability beyond the 16 Days of Activism. We’ll be unpacking the role of community and how gender-based violence doesn’t end when awareness campaigns do.

Mashuda Peer is an education therapist with a background in psychology, having completed her undergraduate degree and honours in the field. Education was not initially part of her planned path; however, becoming a mother profoundly shaped both her personal and professional journey. After completing various stimulation and early childhood development courses, driven by a desire to be actively involved in their development and to support other parents along the way. She joins us to discuss how to keep the little ones engaged and active this festive season.

The spectacular Bollywood Fusion™ New Year’s Eve Party at The Globe, Suncoast, is almost upon us. It is set to take place on 31 December 2025 and promises glamour, music, great company and unforgettable entertainment to ring in 2026 with style. This event has been created with the intention of having families come together to make memories. And the best news is, Lotus FM is an official proud partner of the Bollywood Fusion NYE Party. Today, we are joined by Shiv Shuffler, who will be dropping a set at the NYE event.

21-year-old Akhil Chaddy, a young athlete who’s already making his mark in the world of road running. Recently awarded Novice Runner of the Year at the KZN Runner Awards, Akhil is part of a growing wave of runners proving just how powerful the sport can be.

Here’s a story that sounds too strange to be true. A person dressed as a giant purple T. rex has been caught on camera illegally dumping in a street in the UK. 

"It was my neighbour’s son’s 21st birthday over the weekend, and they had a party that went on past 1 am. Eventually, I could not take it and called the police, and the party was shut down. Earlier today, my neighbour was talking to me and said her son was so disappointed that the party finished early and that she thinks another neighbour called the police. I feel guilty now, and I’m thinking of coming clean." - Anonymous. 

Good news for series lovers and Spotify reveals your music age. 

It’s the silly season, and sometimes things really do get out of hand, even for the wildlife. In the US, one mischievous raccoon went on a full weekend bender after breaking into a liquor store through the ceiling.