The Lunch Break

On The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, Tshepo Kgapane, Product Lead at Blackbullion South Africa, unpacks why financial pressures are driving young South Africans towards online betting and gambling as a means of survival. He explores the risks of this trend and highlights smarter financial habits, including micro-savings and investments, to help young people build a more secure financial future.

Local businesswoman Leean Maduray and artist Lisa Chella join us to share the inspiration behind their beautiful new Ramayana colouring and activity book, created to introduce younger generations to the rich stories, values and traditions of Hindu culture. Through storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the duo bring the timeless epic to life while celebrating the significance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. We explore the creative journey behind this unique offering and how art and storytelling can help preserve and pass on cultural heritage to the next generation.

On Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, we chat to Catherine Swanepoel, Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder of BackaBuddy, about the power of crowdfunding and how South Africans are coming together to support individuals, communities and charitable causes. She shares insights into the evolving culture of giving, sustainable fundraising, the importance of storytelling and how technology and AI are shaping the future of social impact while keeping humanity at the heart of giving.

South Africa observes Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December each
year. This period provides an important opportunity to promote the rights, dignity, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities and to encourage society to challenge stereotypes and create meaningful opportunities. Varshan Sookhun chats to Actor and Disability Activist, Menzi Nxumalo, who through his NPO NOKUSA, is promoting workplace inclusion and youth empowerment for children and teens with disabilities.

Varshan Sookhun is joined by the dynamic cast of the brand new comedy-drama family series "How To Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents" who chat about the chaos that ensues when a Zulu family and an Indian medical dynasty come together for Diwali.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Actor-singer-writer, Rory Booth, about his latest single titled "FLY". It’s a song dedicated to his mom as it offers comfort to people experiencing grief while raising awareness of breast cancer.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, we explore the growing threat of cybercrime in South Africa and the importance of protecting our personal information online. From phishing scams and suspicious WhatsApp messages to password security and hacked social media accounts, cyber threats can affect anyone. Kenneth Sun, Co-founder of Kernel Afrika, joins us to unpack the latest cybersecurity risks, explain how to recognise online scams, and share practical tips to safeguard our digital identities and personal information.

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.

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.

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.