Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST The MK Party slams Thabo Mbeki's claims that Jacob Zuma was an apartheid operative and election saboteur #sabcnews
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has come out in full defense of party leader, Jacob Zuma. In his address at the ANC's uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKMLV) conference in the Free State this past weekend, Mbeki insinuated that Zuma was an apartheid operative. Mbeki further blamed the party's electoral loss in 2024 on Zuma. However, the MKP have not taken the utterances lying down. The party has described Mbeki's comments as an attack on the integrity of MKP members. Sibahle Motha reports...
#PODCAST Medical Monitor: Experts advocate screenings & vaccinations during Cervical Cancer Awareness Week #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - This week marks cervical cancer awareness week, and experts are trying to raise the alarm to ensure more girls get vaccinated and women go for screenings. According to Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women, but the leading cancer of which women die. National Manager for Health Programs at CANSA, Lorraine Govender says cervical cancer can be successfully treated should it be detected early on...
#PODCAST New book explores University of Durban-Westville's historic transition into an institution of democratic resistance #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - A new publication titled "University of Durban-Westville 1961-2003: Undoing Apartheid, Building a Non-Racial Culture" looks back at 42 turbulent years of a campus that evolved from an apartheid-era experiment into a powerhouse of democratic resistance. This comprehensive work, edited by Saleem Badat and Goolam Vahed unpacks key historical milestones, including the rise of student-led protests, the influence of Black Consciousness leaders - and the institution's transition toward progressive academic stewardship. Joining us to comment on the book and the university's enduring legacy is veteran journalist, Marlan Padayachee...
#PODCAST 14 learners killed in Vanderbijlpark collision involving scholar transport and truck, with four others hospitalised #sabcnews
Gauteng police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a collision involving a scholar transport and a truck that claimed the lives of fourteen learners in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal yesterday morning. Four others including the driver of the minibus taxi have been taken to hospital. The Gauteng Education Department says it is devastated by the tragic incident which took the lives of pupils from four schools in the Vaal. Thabiso Radebe reports...
#PODCAST Flood Recovery: KNP General Manager gives update as park reopens to the public #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As weather conditions improve across parts of the country, Kruger National Park has confirmed it has reopened to day visitors. Sections of the park were closed last week after severe flooding caused damage and safety concerns. With restrictions now lifted in the southern region, questions remain about safety, infrastructure, and the impact on tourism. Kruger National Park General Manager, Reynold Thakhuli brings us the latest...
#PODCAST Education Department warn that a Bachelor's pass does not guarantee university admission #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The Department of Higher Education and Training has emphasized that a Bachelor's pass in matric does not automatically guarantee a university spot and encourages prospective students to explore multiple options within the post-school education and training (PSET) system. This as universities throughout the country have limited spaces and are inundated with applications for the 2026 academic year. The reality is that many post-school students won't be accepted to university because of these constraints, however Professor at the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Labby Ramrathan, says people need to be progressive and take a more diverse approach as they seek to meet their educational goals...
#PODCAST Class of 2025: Why tech-savvy matrics could be the future of modern accounting #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Accounting is no longer a static profession - rather in a more technologically driven world, adaptability has become an accountant's most valuable currency. That's according to Chartered Accountant and Academic at Regent Business School, Madeleine Engelbrecht. She says the Matric Class of 2025 is more tech-savvy and so can handle the modern practice of accounting. Engelbrecht explains that the profession now needs a different kind of practitioner: one who can interpret data with discernment, challenge emerging technologies, and guide organisations through complexity...
#PODCAST Torrential rains devastate Northern KZN: Over 70 homes destroyed in Jozini #sabcnews
Disaster management teams in KwaZulu Natal continue to assess the damage caused by torrential rains. Since Friday rain battered parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal into the weekend. The areas of Jozini and uMhlabuyalingana are among the hardest hit. In Jozini alone, more than 150 homes were affected, with at least 70 completely destroyed in the Emakhonyeni area. Relief efforts are currently underway, as residents try to recover from the devastation. Celumusa Zulu has more details....
#PODCAST Medical experts encourage regular movement, as prolonged desk work increases the risk of chronic conditions #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - As many of you take a seat at your desk for your work year by now - here's an important fact for you: the human body is not designed to be in the same seated position for 8 hours a day. So says Dr. Sarvesh Maharajh from Back on Track Wellness. We have often heard that sitting is the new smoking - with experts warning that a lack of movement during your shift can lead to everything from high blood pressure to degenerative spine health. In this week's Wellness Wake-Up Dr Maharajh explains why regular breaks from your desk is pivotal...
#PODCAST Kruger National Park temporarily closes amid floods
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The Kruger National Park which is located in both the Limpopo and Mpumulanga Provinces has suspended day visits and closed off access to certain points due to flooding. General Manager for Communication at the Park is Rey Tlakudi....
#PODCAST US-Iran Tensions: Sanctions, threats and international law explained
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - After weeks of escalating tension, U.S. and Iranian officials faced each other Thursday at the U.N. Security Council, where America's envoy renewed threats against the Islamic Republic despite President Donald Trump's efforts to lower the temperature between the two adversaries. The US has imposed new sanctions on five Iranian officials it accuses of being behind the deadly crackdown on protesters as the Trump administration attempts to keep up pressure on Iran's leadership. The US Treasury says the sanctions target the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security and others. We speak to Professor of International Public Law UJ - Prof Hennie Strydom...
#PODCAST Weather warning issued for Mpumulanga amid persistent rain
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in parts of the Limpopo and Mpumulanga Provinces, destroying homes, road and bridges. In Mpumulanga, dozens of homes have been flooded as disaster management teams assess the extent of the damage with more rainfall expected throughout the weekend. SABC reporter, Mthobisi Mkhaliphi says humanitarian aid teams are on the ground assisting those in need....
#PODCAST From Africa to the world: Gas Motorshow International 2026 officially kicks off
By Newsbreak Producer, Matthew Veeran - The Gas Motorshow International 2026 officially launched its buildup phase today, marking its evolution into Africa's top automotive exhibition with a new, globally-focused format. While the high-profile lineup of international celebrities and industry experts remains strictly under wraps for now, the application window has officially opened for exhibitors, media and the ever- popular spinning event. Organiser Yash Ori has emphasised that with the show's new international status driving record-breaking interest, fans are urged to secure their tickets quick to avoid missing out on this year's landmark event...
#PODCAST Jaipur Literature Festival convenes with experts exploring geopolitics & culture in Rajasthan's "pink city" #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - The 19th Jaipur Literature Festival, underway in Jaipur, India has transformed Rajasthan's Pink City into a global crossroads of ideas and storytelling. The festival, which runs from the from 15-19 January, will see around 500 speakers from over around the world, including Nobel laureates, economists, artists and writers. The festival will host 266 sessions across literature, geopolitics, science, technology, culture and more. Writer, historian and world traveler, Kiru Naidoo, is attending the festival and share more details...
#PODCAST Authorities issue urgent warning after two drown following heavy rain and floods in Mpumalanga #sabcnews
Authorities have once again called on citizens to stop crossing overflowing rivers and bridges as heavy rainfall continues to pour in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Two people drowned in Msholozi Village near Mbombela in Mpumalanga. The 45-year-old Esther Mathenjwa, was swept away after attempting to cross an overflowing bridge on Wednesday night. And on Tuesday, a two-year-old toddler drowned in the same area . Mthobisi Mkhaliphi reports...
#PODCAST Matriculants urged to prioritise mental health over results as experts highlight alternative pathways #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Following the release of the 2025 Matric results, wellness experts are reaching out to students and families who may be navigating the emotional weight of unexpected or disappointing outcomes. Student Wellness Specialist Eshana Ratibar Ghela says that these results do not define a person's worth, urging matriculants to prioritize their mental health and use "emotional first aid" to manage any sudden stress. By highlighting alternative academic pathways, Ghela also reminds the Class of 2025 that a temporary setback is simply a detour, not a dead end...
#PODCAST Specialists warn over dropping maths aggregates - despite the record matric pass rate for class of 2025 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - A learning and behavioural specialist believes while it is warranted to celebrate the 88% pass rate by the class of 2025, we must be concerned about the decrease in the average mathematics mark. The pure mathematics aggregate in 2025 stands at 64%, an almost 5% drop since the previous year. Only 34% of the 927 000 candidates chose mathematics, as the majority opted for mathematics literacy - this notes a four percent drop since 2024. Learning and Behavioral Specialist, Junaid Bayat also expressed worry around the minimal places at universities offering bachelor's degrees. He elaborates on other options and paths if a learner did not get their desired marks or placement...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 16 January 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer, Hoosen Ebrahim - In our fishing report feature, Sanjay Ramsarup updates you on the latest from the angling front...
#PODCAST Pressure mounts as over 3,000 learners still no placed at schools in Gauteng
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - Scores of parents continue to queue outside Department of Education District offices in Gauteng seeking placement for their children. Over three-thousand children have not been placed, despite the new academic year already having started. SABC reporter, Puseletso Mokoena is following the story and has the details....
#PODCAST Tragedy in Tongaat: 23-year-old dies as fire guts his wood and iron structure home #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - A 23-year-old man was declared deceased in Tongaat, north of Durban, after he burnt to death in his home while asleep. According to spokesperson for local security company Reaction Unit South Africa, Prem Balram, the wood and iron structure was engulfed in flames on Tuesday night. He says the cause of the fire still remains unknown at this stage...
Save video to ...
