Author, filmmaker and creative director Kamanee Govender joins us to discuss her powerful debut novel, Stern Gods. Set during the 1985 State of Emergency in apartheid South Africa, the novel follows eleven-year-old Kaathi Pillay as she navigates life in the Indian township of Bombayville. Kamanee shares the inspiration behind the story, explores themes of trauma, religion, patriarchy and resilience, and reflects on how the experiences of South African Indian communities during apartheid continue to resonate today. She also explains why Stern Gods is a timely and important read for modern South Africa.

Author, filmmaker and creative director Kamanee Govender joins us to discuss her powerful debut novel, Stern Gods. Set during the 1985 State of Emergency in apartheid South Africa, the novel follows eleven-year-old Kaathi Pillay as she navigates life in the Indian township of Bombayville. Kamanee shares the inspiration behind the story, explores themes of trauma, religion, patriarchy and resilience, and reflects on how the experiences of South African Indian communities during apartheid continue to resonate today. She also explains why Stern Gods is a timely and important read for modern South Africa.

The Lunch Break

Kamanee Govender Explores Apartheid, Trauma and Healing in Debut Novel Stern Gods - 20 July 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 Class of 2026, the exam period can also bring pressure, stress and anxiety. Prof Linda Meyer, MD of Rosebank International and Visiting Professor at Nelson Mandela University, joins us to share practical advice on preparing mentally and emotionally, studying smarter, avoiding burnout, managing exam anxiety and bouncing back from a difficult paper. Tune in for valuable tips to help matric learners stay focused, build confidence and perform at their best throughout the examination period.

The 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations are underway, with a record 962,832 candidates registered nationwide. While this is an exciting milestone for the Class of 2026, the exam period can also bring pressure, stress and anxiety. Prof Linda Meyer, MD of Rosebank International and Visiting Professor at Nelson Mandela University, joins us to share practical advice on preparing mentally and emotionally, studying smarter, avoiding burnout, managing exam anxiety and bouncing back from a difficult paper. Tune in for valuable tips to help matric learners stay focused, build confidence and perform at their best throughout the examination period.

Matric Exams 2026: Managing Stress, Staying Focused and Performing at Your Best - 15 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. Following the preview screening of The Ancient Scrolls of Lukutona: The Maiden and The Tree at the Poetry Africa Film Festival, he shares insights into his creative process, the art of adapting his own work for film, and the challenges of bringing fantasy and folklore to South African audiences. We also explore the movie’s pitching phase, his award-recognised filmmaking career, and the projects shaping his storytelling journey.

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. Following the preview screening of The Ancient Scrolls of Lukutona: The Maiden and The Tree at the Poetry Africa Film Festival, he shares insights into his creative process, the art of adapting his own work for film, and the challenges of bringing fantasy and folklore to South African audiences. We also explore the movie&rsquo;s pitching phase, his award-recognised filmmaking career, and the projects shaping his storytelling journey.

Durban Filmmaker Dayakar Padayachee Brings The Ancient Scrolls of Lukutona to the Big Screen -14 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 this Lifestyle conversation, Cape Town-based Specialist Surgeon Dr Fatima Hoosain discusses the importance of recognising breast changes, seeking timely medical assessment, and navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis. The discussion explores reclaiming daily routines, managing long-term physical and emotional well-being, and the vital role families play in supporting patients throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Dr Hoosain also reflects on her prestigious international recognition as First Place recipient in the European Fellowship Class and Fellow of the European Board of Surgery.

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 this Lifestyle conversation, Cape Town-based Specialist Surgeon Dr Fatima Hoosain discusses the importance of recognising breast changes, seeking timely medical assessment, and navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis. The discussion explores reclaiming daily routines, managing long-term physical and emotional well-being, and the vital role families play in supporting patients throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Dr Hoosain also reflects on her prestigious international recognition as First Place recipient in the European Fellowship Class and Fellow of the European Board of Surgery.

Kamanee Govender Explores Apartheid, Trauma and Healing in Debut Novel Stern Gods - 20 July 2026

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