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Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre urges the public to break silence on GBV and human trafficking #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - Breaking the silence on gender-based-violence and human trafficking is critical in achieving justice. This, according to non-profit organisation, the Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre, as concern grows over violence against women throughout the country. This as police investigate the discovery of the bodies of nine women in Ekurhuleni since July. The Centres' spokesperson, Nicole Daniel, is urging communities to break the silence and speak out against human trafficking and GBV... *The 5km walk mentioned in the story will be held on the 3rd of October at 9am at Suncoast Casino in Durban
#PODCAST Heritage Day | Government launches drive to plant 10 million trees nationwide #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - As part of Heritage Day celebrations, South Africans are being called on to protect the country's natural heritage, with Government targeting the planting of 10 million trees nationwide. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, will lead the campaign, which forms part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, aimed at mobilising communities to combat climate change and build a greener future. Swarts says this campaign is critical for the sustainability of our country, highlighting the importance that trees on our oxygen levels which are currently below global standards...
#PODCAST 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase eyes Africa as major player in global halal economy #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) is pinning high hopes on Africa becoming a major player in the global halal economy. Current projections estimate that the halal industry in Malaysia is expected to expand to 113 billion dollars by 2030. MIHAS 2026 is currently being hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur...
#PODCAST NFO urges life insurers to tighten verification amid murder-for-payout concerns #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The National Financial Ombud Scheme is calling on life insurers to strengthen verification measures amid growing concerns over alleged murder-for-payout schemes in South Africa's insurance industry. The NFO says insurers should require proof of informed consent before issuing funeral policies to help prevent abuse. It has also warned that legitimate claims should not be left unresolved because of lengthy police investigations. Adjudication Manager at the Life Insurance Division of the NFO, Nceba Sihlali explains...
#PODCAST Competition Commission find that only 10% of SA township businesses sell online as digital divide persists #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - A Competition Commission report has revealed that only around 10% of South African township businesses sell products online - underscoring internet connectivity as an essential economic service hindered by cost and adoption barriers. While fibre infrastructure is expanding into lower-income communities, ongoing challenges such as device affordability, technological skill shortages and electricity disruptions continue to limit small enterprises from fully entering the digital market. Sandile Mkhwanazi is from the open-access network provider "Frogfoot" and emphasises that closing this divide requires looking beyond the surface...
Case against Cape Town woman accused of killing her sister postponed
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The case against 63 year old Aletta Rose, who allegedly killed and decapitated her elderly sister has been postponed to the 23rd of October in the Bellville Magistrate's Court in Cape Town. Rose is waiting to be sent for mental evaluation. The body of 79-year-old Constance Scholtz was found dismembered at her home in Bellville South earlier this year. SABC reporter, Andile Mbanjwa was at court and tells us more....
Manhunt launched after 11 people gunned down in KZN
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt following the murder of 11 people at KwaMakhutha, south of Durban. The mass shooting took place last night at a residential property, where a group of about 14 people were having a party in the Ziko area when at least 3 gunmen entered the yard and opened fire. Police say gang rivalry has not been ruled out as a possible motive, as some of the victims were allegedly wanted by police for criminal activities. SABC reporter, Celumusa Zulu is on the ground and brings us an update....
#PODCAST US plans specialised AI Force to accelerate tech development despite safety warnings #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The United States government has announced plans to establish a specialized "AI Force" and appoint a dedicated tech coordinator in order to accelerate domestic artificial intelligence development, all while explicitly resisting calls for a regulatory slowdown. The policy directive stands in sharp contrast to warnings from leading research laboratories and international lawmakers, who argue that autonomous systems and theoretical super-intelligence require mandatory safety nets, third-party auditing and integrated kill switches. Matthew found out more, in this week's Techno Touch... (Credits: BBC News)
#PODCAST State alleges witness interference in case against suspended top cop Shadrack Sibiya #sabcnews
INTRO: The state claims there is constant interference of state witnesses in the case involving the suspended Deputy Police Commissioner on Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. Sibiya made a brief appearance in the Randburg Magistrate's Court facing charges of rape, human trafficking and sexually grooming of 16-year-old girl. He will appear in court on 29 September for bail hearing. Thabiso Radebe reports...
#PODCAST Durban symposium to bridge SA indigenous and Indian traditional medicine systems #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - A first-of-its-kind Traditional Medicine Symposium and Exhibition aims to bring together practitioners and lawmakers for a dialogue between South African indigenous medicines and India's traditional health systems. Spearheaded by the Consul-General of India in Durban, The CRL Rights Commission and the Ministry of Ayush in the Government of India, the symposium is free to the public on the 10th and 11th October. Under the theme - Traditional Medicines for a Healthier Future - the event will look at how traditional medicine can complement allopathic or "modern medicine". Consul-General, Nithin Subash Yeola, says the symposium will also dispel myths and stigmas around traditional medicine...
#PODCAST Vascular surgeon warns of high heart and vascular disease risks in SA Indian community #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Durban specialist vascular surgeon Dr Vinesh Padayachy has warned that lifestyle and genetic factors are driving alarming rates of vascular and heart diseases within South Africa's Indian communities. Conditions such as blocked arteries, aneurysms, and diabetic foot complications can lead to severe health crises, including limb loss and strokes, if left untreated. According to Dr Padayachy, the local Indian population is particularly vulnerable to the "thin fat" problem, characterized by slender limbs coupled with a high-risk abdominal fat distribution. He explains why citizens should never ignore recurring pain or cramping in the calves while walking...
#PODCAST REACTION: Zim businessman in court over viral Sandton restaurant intimidation video #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salm Patel - Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama - who threatened women at a Sandton restaurant - is expected to appear in court on October the 1st on a charge of intimidation. This follows videos of him which went viral on social media threatening to kill the "poor ladies" after they allegedly rejected his romantic advances. Mudzinganyama handed himself over to the Randburg Police station, north of Johannesburg and was released on a warning. However, this calls into question the need for men to respect women in society. Dr. Sheetal Bhoola, from the Department of Sociology at the University of Zululand, says respect for women should be taught from a very young age...
#PODCAST Heritage Month | How the mouthwatering snack "chevra" evolved into a beloved South African staple #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - As South Africa prepares to celebrate Heritage Day on the 24th of September, food remains one of the many ways in which our diverse cultures and traditions are preserved and passed down through generations. South African chef Bradley Joseph says heritage recipes are brought to life when they are cooked, tasted and shared. He highlights "chevra" (also known as chevro, chevda or chivda) - a snack mix that has been passed down through generations and has evolved in many South African households. From coconut shavings and cashew nuts to cornflakes and puffed rice, families have added their own local ingredients and flavours, making the snack uniquely their own. Chef Joseph says over the years, chevra has become a staple in many households...
#PODCAST Medical Monitor | Expert highlights PCOS as leading cause of infertility affecting millions of SA women #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness month. PCOS is now also referred to as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). PCOS contributes to a range of health problems in women, including being one of the most common causes of infertility. Yet so many women do not know about this disease or that it can be managed with the right diagnosis and treatment. Medical estimates indicate that up to 8 million South African women live with PCOS. Dr Prithy Ramlakhan, a medical professional specializing in sexual health elaborates...
#PODCAST GROW IMPACT | Enterprise development sector urged to help existing small businesses scale #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - South Africa's enterprise development sector is being urged to shift its focus from creating new start-ups toward helping existing small businesses survive and grow sustainably. With small and medium enterprises employing over 13 million people, business leaders warn that funding and training as it stands, are failing to build long-term commercial capability. GROW Impact CEO Keegan Moodley argues that true economic transformation requires moving past short-term programs to build resilient, independent businesses that can scale...
#PODCAST Two women in court over love-triangle murder of Jabulile Ntimba in Boksburg #sabcnews
The case against two women charged in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba in Villa Liza near Dawn Park, Boksburg east of Johannesburg, has been postponed to October 1st for their bail application. Police initially announced that three suspects were arrested and expected to appear in court. However, only Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Nester Msithini appeared in court. The two are facing charges of premeditated murder relating to Gender Based Violence and defeating the ends of justice in the murder of Ntimba, who police revealed was killed as a result of a love triangle. Refilwe Mekoa reports…
#PODCAST Family of South African journalist Micah Reddy continue to wait for official information regarding his whereabouts #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - The family of South African journalist Micah Reddy says it has not received any official confirmation of his whereabouts from Djiboutian authorities*. Reddy and his local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, are reported to be unreachable. The family says it's desperate for answers and is appealing to the South African government to intervene. Meanwhile, there's growing concern in South Africa's journalism fraternity over the reported disappearance of Reddy in Djibouti. The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) is calling on the authorities to immediately facilitate his safe return. Judy Sandison, chair of SANEF's Wellness and Safety Committee and KZN Convenor elaborates... *DEVELOPING UPDATE: The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has since been informed that Reddy is believed to be in custody for failing to obtain official media accreditation. It is understood that his fixer, Mohamed Willo Ismael (Kooki Mahmoud), is also being held in custody by Djiboutian authorities as diplomatic efforts continue.
#PODCAST Political parties intensify campaigning - as South Africans vow to vote in the November 4th polls #sabcnews #LGE2026
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - With just 44 days to go to the Local Government Elections, political parties and independent candidates are out and about trying to woo the electorate. For some voters who have already made their minds up, the process should be smooth sailing, but others are still waiting to see which party or candidate can improve their lives at local government level. These voters all agree that they will vote come November 4th...
#PODCAST Tech entrepreneur advocates AI and surveillance to help combat crimes against women #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - A huge solution to crimes against women lies in technology. That's the view of technology entrepreneur Praneetha Aniruth. She was reacting to the horrific discovery of nine bodies of women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng since July. These cases have cast a national anxiety among women- who claim they do not feel safe anymore. Aniruth says AI and surveillance technology has come a very long way- and these tools should be implemented to identify if a women's life is in danger...
#PODCAST Three persons of interest questioned over the nine female Ekurhuleni murders #sabcnews
Police have identified three persons of interest in connection with the murder of nine women whose bodies were found in Ekurhuleni recently. Acting Police Commissioner, Firoz Cachalia says the three have been called in for questioning as investigations continue. He was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday. Siphiwe Mkhize has more...
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