Lotus FM News Break
#PODCAST Durban NPO ignites change for survivors of gender-based violence
By Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - A Durban non-profit organisation aims to empower women with knowledge and skills after they have suffered Gender-Based Violence. The Women on Fire Connect NPO will host its inaugural event at Musgrave in Durban tomorrow (Saturday) with the hope of creating safe, supportive spaces by becoming stronger through working together. Founder, Rosy Govindasamy, says she was inspired to start this project after her own experience.......
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 12 September 2025 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST New "Skool4Parents" programme to help parents navigate the challenges of raising teens in the digital age #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - As children increasingly grow up in a world defined by screens, social media and online learning, many parents find themselves at a crossroad of how-to parent in a digital age. A new programme, called - Skool4Parents - aims to help parents navigate the real-life challenges of raising teenagers in a tech-savy world. The programme has been developed by Swastika Juggernath, a business and life coach. Module within the programme include single parenting, disrespect and defiance, managing anger, sex education and sibling rivalry amongst others. Juggernath says many parents feel outpaced by technology and a programme like Skool4Parents will help them with the knowledge and confidence to guide their children...
#PODCAST PMB Creche Accident: Taxi driver allegedly jumped from the moving vehicle as the incident was happening #sabcnews
Allegedly, the driver of taxi that crashed into a day care centre in Pietermaritzburg, killing 5 school children, jumped out of the moving vehicle as it left the road. Nine other learners were injured in the crash which demolished part of the pre-school. The learners were all passengers in the taxi - used for scholar transport in Imbali unit 18. According to preliminary reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle. None of creche's learners were injured. Nonjabulo Mntungwa-Makamu reports...
#PODCAST Mayor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini launches Tourism Month, hopes to target global visitors for the King Cetshwayo District #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The Mayor of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini has launched the start of Tourism Month, near Richards Bay in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Mayor Dlamini highlighted the importance of tourism, stating that it's not just about pleasure and relaxation, but also about job creation, economic growth and cultural preservation. He emphasized the district's ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure and partnerships to establish King Cetshwayo as a key tourist destination in KZN. The mayor also discussed several initiatives underway, including the revitalization of many dilapidated sites aimed at boosting tourism from abroad...
#PODCAST UP researcher Dr. Hafiza Parkar creates a novel 3D bio-printed skin substitute, revolutionizing skin grafts #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - In a significant medical breakthrough, Dr. Hafiza Parkar of the University of Pretoria has developed a novel skin replacement product, that paves the way for 3D bioprinting of "natural" skin - offering a promising alternative to traditional skin grafts. The acellular dermal scaffold (ADS), which mimics human skin, has shown accelerated healing in animal models, addressing a critical need for treating complex secondary intention wounds. Dr. Parkar says her research was a culmination of an eight-year journey filled with both setbacks and perseverance...
#PODCAST Latest Flotilla attack casts doubt on Israel's claims about Gaza humanitarian support #sabcnews
There has been yet another strike on the Global Sumud Flotilla. Activists say their aid convoy has now been bombed twice in Tunisian waters. The attacks cast doubt on Israel's insistence that it does not obstruct humanitarian groups bound for Gaza. Botlhale Phele has more…
#PODCAST 49-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of four women in Kraaifontein, Cape Town #sabcnews
A 49-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of four women in Kraaifontein, Cape Town. National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, says a firearm allegedly used in the murders has been found in the possession of three foreign nationals in a spaza shop in the area. They have been arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Mlamli Maneli reports...
#PODCAST World's-first Chlamydia vaccine approved for koala bears, a major step toward saving the species #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - A world-first vaccine to combat chlamydia, a disease that has decimated Australia's wild koala populations, has been approved for rollout. Developed by University of the Sunshine Coast scientists for over a decade, trials show that the single-dose jab reduced koala mortality from the disease by at least 65%. Now, while funding is needed for a widespread distribution to wildlife hospitals and the wild, the approval is a monumental step in protecting the endangered species. But, experts also stress it must be combined with addressing other threats like habitat loss...
#PODCAST SA’s Moral Crisis: Chatsworth man kills wife, stabs sons, then commits suicide
By Newsbreak Producer, Taliesha Naidoo - As the world observes World Suicide Prevention Day South Africa, community activist - Dr Jonathan Annipen is calling for society to reflect on their moral compass. This after a man stabbed his wife to death and attempted to kill his two sons before committing suicide. The 35-year-old, Muhammed Rehman is believed to have been estranged from his 40-year-old wife, Zaheera Rehman. He allegedly stabbed her six times at their home in Montford, Chatsworth on Sunday evening. He's believed to have then stabbed his 12-year-old stepson and then slash the wrists of his nine-year-old son. Zaheera succumbed to her injuries at hospital in the early hours of Monday morning. Both children are still in hospital. Muhammed, who had been on the run since the incident, was found hanged from a tree at a ground in Arena Park on Monday morning. Annipen says this is not an isolated incident....
#PODCAST Criminals outsmart the R5-million security upgrades at Tafta homes in eThekwini, putting the elderly at risk #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Now we turn our attention to a growing concern affecting some of our most vulnerable citizens — the elderly residents at the Association for the Aged (Tafta) homes in the eThekwini region. Recent security breaches at these facilities have sparked alarm, despite Tafta investing nearly 5 million rand into safety measures this year alone. The non-profit organisation is now appealing for urgent support, as criminals continue to outsmart existing defences. CEO of Tafta, Femada Shamam explains how the elderly need to change their mindset to adapt to the updated tactics of criminals who see them as soft targets...
#PODCAST Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) raise the alarm on a "deep-seated institutional crisis" at DUT #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - The Federation of Unions of South Africa, or FEDUSA says it is deeply concerned about what they are calling a deep-seated institutional crisis at the Durban University of Technology. FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary, Ashley Benjamin says despite numerous interventions, issues of maladministration, staff intimidation, and wasteful expenditure continue to destabilise the university. Benjamin says this is impacting staff morale, students and public trust in the higher education system...
#PODCAST GovTech 2025 Conference in Durban: Fostering Digital Transformation and Citizen-Centric Governance #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The Communications Minister Solly Malatsi officially opened the GovTech 2025 Conference in Durban this week, with attendees expressing optimism about the conference's potential to advance South Africa through technology. At the conference, government is collaborating with big tech partners to find solutions that will improve service delivery. The conference also aims to foster positive outcomes in digital transformation and a citizen-centric government. Acting Managing Director of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Gopal Reddy elaborates...
#PODCAST The Durban & PMB Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) faces closure amid a financial crisis #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - The Animal Anti-Cruelty League Durban & PMB (AACL), which has served as a beacon of hope for vulnerable animals, may be forced to close its doors. The organisation has for decades been on the frontlines of animal welfare – providing shelter for abandoned pets, rehabilitating and rehoming animals, prosecuting cases of cruelty, and facilitating essential veterinary care to underserved communities across the greater Durban area. However, despite their unwavering commitment, the organisation is facing unprecedented financial strain. AACL Acting General Manager - Bronwyn Ablett says the rising costs, a surge in abandoned pets, and the broader economic challenges in South Africa have placed the AACL in jeopardy...
#PODCAST South Africa joins the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South Africa has set sail to be a part of the largest civilian aid flotilla, which is a global mission aimed at breaking the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. Known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, it involves over 50 boats from 44 countries, marking a powerful shift from courtroom advocacy to direct, peaceful action. The move is part of growing international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Co-ordinating South Africa's role in this mission is Firoza Mayet. She spoke to Newsbreak saying that civilians will not give up, until Palestine is totally free...
#PODCAST South Africa amends regulations to the Liquor Product Act, lowering minimum ABV for spirits to 40% #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The Department of Agriculture has amended the regulations for the Liquor Product Act, lowering the minimum Alcohol by Volume (ABV) for most spirits from 43% to 40%. Effective in March 2025, this change aligns South Africa with international standards, improving export opportunities and making imports more efficient. While the reduction also eases the tax burden on spirits, consumer taste and quality are not expected to be affected - and products with an ABV higher than 40% will remain available...
#PODCAST SA AIDS Conference 2025 gathers top global experts to find solutions to the epidemic's challenges #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - South Africa remains at the epicenter of the global HIV epidemic with around 8-million-people living with the disease nationally. This week, the country takes centre stage in finding solutions to the challenges associated with the disease. The 12th South African AIDS Conference is currently underway at Emperors Palace until Thursday in Gauteng. The event gathers top scientists, policymakers, activists, and health professionals from around the world to drive new strategies in HIV prevention and treatment. Co-Chairperson of the SA AIDS Conference 2025, Dr Kate Rees explains the envisaged outcomes and how this conference plans to alter the lives of people living with HIV globally...
#PODCAST Donald Trump confirms he will not attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in SA, instead he'll send JD Vance #sabcnews
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will not be attending the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa in November, instead he'll send his Vice President JD Vance. His decision comes as little surprise after Trump indicated he was an unlikely attendee at the event as early as July despite efforts by President Cyril Ramaphosa to get Trump to attend in person for what will be a handover of the G20 Presidency from South Africa to the United States. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports...
#PODCAST 15-year-old among the five killed in Chatsworth shootout - his family are now questioning the police action #sabcnews
More reaction now to a big story from yesterday - as five suspects were killed in a shootout with police at an informal settlement in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Police say the suspects were wanted for a series of serious crimes which include murder, attempted murder, extortion as well as stock-theft. The offences were committed in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The suspects were between 15 and 25 years of age. Police say three firearms were also recovered - including a homemade firearm. Nonjabulo Mntungwa-Makamu reports...
#PODCAST Five suspects killed during police shootout in Chatsworth
By Newsbreak Producer, Tracy Valaydham - Police in KwaZulu-Natal are still searching for more suspects after five suspects were killed in a shootout by KZN Police officers in Chatsworth, south of Durban. An intelligence-driven operation led police to an informal settlement where the incident happened in the early hours of this morning. The suspects were wanted for murder, attempted murder and house robberies in and around Durban. Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says three firearms including a home-made one have been recovered. SABC Reporter Nonjabulo-Mtungwa-Makamu is at the scene in Chatsworth and has the latest .......
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