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 Pillay, Lead of Technical Advisory at ASI, joins us to discuss the financial risks of cancelling medical aid, the long-term implications of late-joiner penalties and waiting periods, and affordable alternatives to consider. She also shares practical advice on choosing a medical scheme that protects both your health and your financial future.

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 Pillay, Lead of Technical Advisory at ASI, joins us to discuss the financial risks of cancelling medical aid, the long-term implications of late-joiner penalties and waiting periods, and affordable alternatives to consider. She also shares practical advice on choosing a medical scheme that protects both your health and your financial future.

The Rising Cost of Medical Aid: Protecting Your Financial Future - 26 October 2026

On Lifestyle, Johannes Kraus from St. George’s University discusses international medical education pathways for South African students, exploring entry requirements, study destinations, costs, and opportunities for graduates to return to South Africa and practise medicine.

On Lifestyle, Johannes Kraus from St. George&rsquo;s University discusses international medical education pathways for South African students, exploring entry requirements, study destinations, costs, and opportunities for graduates to return to South Africa and practise medicine.

Exploring International Medical Education Pathways for South African Students - 23 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 enduring power of radio in the digital age, the importance of keeping content real, relevant and riveting, and the need for greater inclusivity in broadcasting. Robin also shares insights into the memorable stories of radio personalities featured in the book ahead of its launch in Durban.

Advocate Robin Sewlall joins Varshan Sookhun on&nbsp;Lunch Break on Lotus FM to discuss Volume 2 of My Radio Memory: Making the Medium Marvellous. He reflects on the enduring power of radio in the digital age, the importance of keeping content real, relevant and riveting, and the need for greater inclusivity in broadcasting. Robin also shares insights into the memorable stories of radio personalities featured in the book ahead of its launch in Durban.

My Radio Memory: Advocate Robin Sewlall on the Power and Future of Radio - 22 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 Habibiya Soofie Saheb Musjid. From local small-business and home-based vendors to the society’s sustainable garden initiative, discover the activities planned for the day and how the community can get involved in supporting this worthy cause.

Shakira Gaffar joins us to share more about the Tongaat Muslim Society&rsquo;s upcoming Market and Fun Day, a family-friendly event raising funds for the Habibiya Soofie Saheb Musjid. From local small-business and home-based vendors to the society&rsquo;s sustainable garden initiative, discover the activities planned for the day and how the community can get involved in supporting this worthy cause.

Tongaat Muslim Society Market and Fun Day: A Celebration of Community and Giving Back - 21 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, architectural draughting background and exploration of the human form within space.From his roots in Durban to showcasing his work locally and internationally, including in South Korea, Treasure is steadily making his mark on the African contemporary art scene. We explore his artistic journey, creative philosophy and what it means to remain true to his vision.We also celebrate his achievement as the 2026 recipient of the Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award and look ahead to his upcoming three-month residency in Paris in April 2027. Join us as Treasure shares his ambitions, the opportunities that lie ahead, and words of encouragement for emerging South African artists striving to have their work seen and recognised.

In this episode, we sit down with Treasure Mlima, a proudly South African visual artist whose distinctive carved-wood sculptures reflect his upbringing, architectural draughting background and exploration of the human form within space.From his roots in Durban to showcasing his work locally and internationally, including in South Korea, Treasure is steadily making his mark on the African contemporary art scene. We explore his artistic journey, creative philosophy and what it means to remain true to his vision.We also celebrate his achievement as the 2026 recipient of the Absa L&rsquo;Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award and look ahead to his upcoming three-month residency in Paris in April 2027. Join us as Treasure shares his ambitions, the opportunities that lie ahead, and words of encouragement for emerging South African artists striving to have their work seen and recognised.

Carving His Own Path: Treasure Mlima on Art, Identity and International Recognition - 20 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 renewed hope. Joining us in studio, Pastor Lazarus Pillay, South African religious leader, founder and community advocate, shares the vision behind this much-anticipated gathering, what attendees can expect from the programme, and the role of Pastor Niven Lalmund, host of Lotus FM’s Gospel Hour and visionary behind the event. Find out how you can be part of this special occasion, which is free to attend and will be broadcast live on Lotus FM and SABC Plus.

Lotus FM&rsquo;s annual Night of Hope returns for its fourth year, bringing thousands of people together for an inspiring evening of faith, unity, healing and renewed hope. Joining us in studio, Pastor Lazarus Pillay, South African religious leader, founder and community advocate, shares the vision behind this much-anticipated gathering, what attendees can expect from the programme, and the role of Pastor Niven Lalmund, host of Lotus FM&rsquo;s Gospel Hour and visionary behind the event. Find out how you can be part of this special occasion, which is free to attend and will be broadcast live on Lotus FM and SABC Plus.

Lotus FM’s Night of Hope Returns for a Powerful Evening of Faith, Unity and Healing - 19 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 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.

Beyond Breast Cancer: Early Detection and Life After Diagnosis with Dr Fatima Hoosain - 13 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 support their families. In this Lifestyle conversation, Motlalentoa Motsoane, CEO of the Association of Palliative Care Centres of South Africa, discusses the importance of early access to palliative care, the challenges surrounding public awareness, and the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring timely support. He also unpacks South Africa’s efforts to integrate palliative care into the healthcare system and explains how patients and families can find accredited palliative care providers in their communities. 

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 support their families. In this Lifestyle conversation, Motlalentoa Motsoane, CEO of the Association of Palliative Care Centres of South Africa, discusses the importance of early access to palliative care, the challenges surrounding public awareness, and the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring timely support. He also unpacks South Africa&rsquo;s efforts to integrate palliative care into the healthcare system and explains how patients and families can find accredited palliative care providers in their communities.&nbsp;

The Lunch Break

Social links:

954 clip(s)