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#PODCAST: The end of an era - Founder of Patel's Vegetarian Refreshment Room in Durban passes away
By Newsbreak Senior Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - A huge tree has fallen in Durban's Casbha: The founder of the iconic Patel's Vegetarian Refreshment Room, at the then Grey Street Precint in Durban, has passed away at the age of 84. Manilall Ranchod Patel was the founder of the restaurant that offered vegetarian meals to patrons in a quarter hollowed-out loaf of bread. At the height of apartheid, people of colour were not allowed to sit and eat in restaurants and this type of meal became popular among workers as it did not require crockery or cutlery. This gave birth to what is now known in Durban culinary circles as the bunny chow. Patel's funeral will take place at the Clare Estate Crematorium tomorrow (Saturday). Former Casbah resident and historian, Buddy Govender, describes the role that Patel's restaurant played in that area.......
#PODCAST PREVIEW: Popcru warn that the upcoming quarterly crime stats will paint a grim picture of violence #sabcnews
Police union, Popcru says it expects the quarterly crime statistics to paint a concerning picture, especially regarding violent crime facing the country's communities. The union says it remains particularly concerned about murders, gender-based violence and police killings. The South African Police Service's third-quarter crime statistics covering October to December 2025 showed an 8.7 percent decrease in murders and a 6.7 percent drop in total violent contact crime compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite these national declines, violent crimes remain unacceptably high. Thabiso Radebe reports…
#PODCAST South Africa & Botswana pledge closer ties on trade and immigration following high-level talks #sabcnews
South Africa and Botswana are seeking to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced co-operation in trade, energy and other strategic sectors. Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Duma Boko wrapped up talks at the Bi-National Commission in Gaborone, as Ramaphosa concludes his two-day state visit to Botswana. Immigration on the continent was also discussed. Ditaba Tsotetsi has more...
#PODCAST MF leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi targets Durban's mayoral seat in a bold political comeback #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - A local Durban party is trying to make a comeback after falling into political oblivion to take over the mayor's office. Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi has hit the ground running ahead of the November local government elections, declaring that the party is ready for a major political comeback in Durban. She believes she stands a realistic chance of becoming Durban's next mayor. Political analysts say the race for control of the metro is expected to be fiercely contested. The Minority Front hopes to capitalise on growing voter frustration over service delivery and coalition instability. In an interview with Newsbreak, Rajbansi explains the importance for people to register to vote next month...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 22 May 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST ANALYSIS: Economists warn of 'heavier consequences' if government permits another fuel hike #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - As the rate of inflation rises so does the concern for sustainable living in the country. This as annual headline inflation climbed to four percent in April, up from three-point-one percent in March. New data from Statistics South Africa shows that the Consumer Price Index rose by one-point-one percent month-on-month. The jump in the headline number was mainly driven by sharp fuel price increases. Economist, Dr Simiso Msomi says if government permits another fuel hike next month the consequences will be heavier on South Africans...
#PODCAST The Durban beachfront in apparently in crisis - as raw sewage floods streets & forces multiple beach closures #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Durban's tourism hub is in crisis as raw sewage floods parts of the beach front following the failure of the Mahatma Gandhi Pump Station in South Beach. Reports from the ground indicate the stench has become unbearable where hotel paving has reportedly collapsed with sewage flowing openly through streets and into the Durban harbour. Three beaches have been closed due to the high risk of E. coli contamination fears. DA councilor Charmaine Sewsunker explains the seriousness of the situation...
#PODCAST Zoology experts warn that food systems face risk without sustained protection for natural pollinators like bees #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Leading zoology and entomology experts are warning that South Africa's food systems and natural biodiversity face severe risk without immediate, sustained protection for natural pollinators. Marking World Bee Day this week, Professors Abdullahi Yusuf and Christian Pirk highlighted that these insects provide billions of Rands in free ecological labour, noting that a collapse in their populations would cause crop yields to plummet and food prices to spike. To bridge the gap between research and action, the University of Pretoria has launched a targeted school outreach initiative across Gauteng to foster ecological literacy and long-term behavioural changes. Prof. Yusuf joined me for today's Greenscene to discuss further...
#PODCAST IEC in KZN raise concerns over political party misinformation threatening the upcoming local elections #sabcnews
The IEC has expressed concern about persistent misinformation that could seriously impact on the integrity of the upcoming local government election. The commission warned that some political party leaders are making statements that spread false information about the IEC and its management of elections. As preparations for the local polls continue, the IEC met with human rights and democracy advocates in Durban, encouraging them to help fight misinformation that threaten to undermine public trust. Zanele Buthelezi has more…
#PODCAST DA claim that the police minister missed the deadline on SAPS lifestyle audits, as pressure mounts to tackle rogue cops #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - The DA claims Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has failed to meet the deadline to update the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police about the status of SAPS lifestyle audits for officers. The party contends that there is great uncertainty about the scope of the proposed audits and timelines in this regard. DA Spokesperson on Police Lisa Schickerling says these audits are a critical accountability tool in restoring public trust in the police...
Residents protest the proposed double-digit tariff increases by Ethekwini Municipality #sabcnews
-by Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel EThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) along with other civic organisations and political parties have handed over a memorandum to the City opposing the proposed tariff hikes for municipal services. EThekwini Municipality plans to introduce steep increases in water, electricity, sewage, and refuse removal tariffs for the 2026/2027 financial year. The draft budget proposes increases of 15% for residential water, 10.5% for electricity, 5% for property rates, 13% for residential sanitation and 13% for refuse removal. Chairperson of ERPM, Asad Gaffar, says residents are already struggling financially and no tariff increases will be accepted...
#PODCAST eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement preview mass march in Durban over failing service delivery #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement is launching a historic mass march from Durban's Curries Fountain this morning to demand urgent municipal intervention and accountability. Protesters, including civic organizations and business leaders, are taking a collective stand against ongoing water disruptions, sewage spills, and rising tariffs. While organizers insist the demonstration will remain peaceful, they are calling on thousands of residents to unite against years of municipal inefficiency and declining service delivery. Chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayer's movement, Asad Gaffar explains the aim of the march...
#PODCAST The IFP are demanding an urgent report, after eThekwini suspended its electricity debt relief program #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The IPF in KwaZulu-Natal has written to the office of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba requesting an urgent tabling of a report to the finance committee regarding the suspension of the prepaid electricity 80/20 program. The 80/20 electricity debt relief program was reintroduced in May 2022 to help residents repay outstanding electricity debt. Under the program, a portion of each prepaid electricity purchase was allocated towards reducing debt. However, in December 2025, the Municipality temporarily suspended the program. It cited ongoing system-related challenges which made it difficult to continue operating the program in its current form. IFP councillor Dr Jonathan Annipen explains the challenges now faced by residents who applied to the program... * Newsbreak did contact the Municipality and Mayors office for comment which was not forthcoming by the time of this broadcast.
#PODCAST Anticipation mounts as KwaZulu-Natal braces for the annual Sardine Run #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As icy cold fronts sweep across the coastline this June, anticipation is building for the annual sardine run along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Thousands of residents, anglers and tourists are preparing to witness the spectacular marine phenomenon expected to move closer to the shores of Durban in the coming weeks. The sardine run is regarded as one of the biggest natural events on South Africa's coastline, attracting massive public interest every year. Durban based Angling expert Adam Kamdar says weather and sea conditions will play a crucial role in determining how close the shoals move toward the shore. He explains that fishermen and coastal communities are already closely monitoring ocean activity for signs of the first major shoals...
#PODCAST Professionals warned that technical skills are no longer enough - as AI reshapes the workplace #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - With Artificial Intelligence (AI) now handling complex knowledge work, technical proficiency alone is no longer enough to stand out in the modern workplace. That's the view of Strider Digital's Daniela Thom, who highlights that value has rapidly shifted toward unique human capabilities, strategic reasoning, contextual judgment and relational intelligence. To remain future-ready, professionals are being urged to build AI fluency through daily experimentation, all while doubling down on the human skills that resist automation. Daniela discussed this and more in today's Techno Touch...
#PODCAST: Verulam community reeling in shock after suicide of 12-year-old Shivan Cumberlege
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The community of Riet River in Verulam north of Durban are still in shock following the alleged suicide of 12 year old Shivan Cumberlege. The incident occurred last week and has prompted an investigation into child neglect. Shivan was a grade 3 pupil at Parkgate Primary School in Verulam. SABC reporter, Gcinokuhle Malinga is tracking the story and brings us an update....
#PODCAST: Ebola remains low risk for SA, as 130 confirmed dead in DRC
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The World Health Organisation- says the more it investigates the Ebola outbreak in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo - the more it's finding evidence that the disease is spreading. Congolese health officials say the number of deaths linked to the virus, now stands at 130. New cases are being found across a wider area. As SABC reporter, Bonolo Maribe reports, South African authorities say there is NO cause for concern in the country, with preventative measures being implemented...
#PODCAST: Mop up operations reveal true devastation caused by violent storms in the Western Cape
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The situation remains dire in the Western Cape as mop up operations reveal the true extent of the devastation caused by violent storms and relentless cold fronts. Eleven people have died, while over 150-thousand others were affected. Thousands of people remain displaced across the province. Yesterday, Premier, Alan Winde, announced that provincial government will submit a request to National Government for another Disaster Declaration to be issued for the province. Some communities are still with electricity and running water, while over 150 roads have been damaged - limiting access and travel. Spokesperson for humanitarian aid organisation, the Gift of the Givers, Ali Sablay is on the ground and explains the current situation....
#PODCAST Medical Monitor: Gauteng Health raises the alarm over a sharp spike in hypertension among young adults #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The Gauteng Department of Health is raising alarm over a sharp rise in hypertension cases among adults under the age of 45. More than 69-thousand new cases were recorded in the 2025/26 financial year, with over 26-thousand diagnosed in people between 18 and 44 years old. Health officials warn the condition remains a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure across the province. The department says many young adults are only diagnosed once serious complications have already developed. Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona explains what's driving the surge and what can be done to prevent it...
#PODCAST Amid widespread public complaints, SASSA look to fast track the rollout of new biometric technology #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says its queue management system and biometric technology is proving to shorten wait times and improve efficacy. The rollout of the system comes following widespread complaints that people- especially the elderly were made to wait for pro-longed periods in harsh weather conditions, while others claim that SASSA officials were giving preference to friends and family. SASSA spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi is calling for patience as the system continues to be rolled out across its various offices in the country...
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