The Lunch Break

Palliative care is often misunderstood as care reserved for the final stages of life, but it can begin much earlier to improve quality of life for patients and support their families. In this Lifestyle conversation, Motlalentoa Motsoane, CEO of the Association of Palliative Care Centres of South Africa, discusses the importance of early access to palliative care, the challenges surrounding public awareness, and the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring timely support. He also unpacks South Africa’s efforts to integrate palliative care into the healthcare system and explains how patients and families can find accredited palliative care providers in their communities. 

Media personality and Joy Activist Jane Linley-Thomas joins psychologist, author and parenting and career specialist Paul Bushell for a heartfelt conversation about kindness, community empowerment and supporting older South Africans. They share the inspiring work of Hello Poppy, an organisation dedicated to celebrating and connecting the elderly through storytelling and meaningful human connection. The conversation also explores the Gogo Olympics 2026 and Durban Loves Delfi, a sold-out fundraising variety show supporting the Teranes family after the fire that destroyed their Greek taverna in Windermere.

The Backstage in Action Festival at Durban University of Technology’s Courtyard Theatre brings students and theatre practitioners together in a hands-on learning and performance environment. Curator Clare Craighead discusses how the festival gives students practical experience in theatre production, collaboration and problem-solving, while showcasing productions across theatre, dance and music, including Flatfoot Dance Company’s History is a Home Address.

Content creator, reality TV star and media personality Ashay Sewlall joins us to chat about his rise to fame, his Zulu heritage and love for African culture, his viral social media moments, and his journey on Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12. He also opens up about his football background, career ambitions, his partnership with Wiseman, and using his platform to raise awareness around gender-based violence.

The Cape Town International Kite Festival returns, transforming the city’s skies into a vibrant celebration of hope, resilience and human connection. Now in its fourth decade, the festival brings thousands of people together while raising awareness for mental health and supporting the work of Cape Mental Health.Barbara Meyer, Communications Officer at Cape Mental Health, joins us to share the festival’s history, this year’s “Colour the Sky” theme, what visitors can expect on the day, and how kite flying creates opportunities for connection and conversations around emotional wellbeing. She also discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of encouraging people to seek support.

Many people dismiss cravings as a lack of willpower, they may be linked to factors such as stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, and even the body's reward pathwaysJandri Barnard, a dietician discusses why food cravings are often biological and psychological signals rather than simple hunger.

South African schools have received digital tools for years, yet many remain unused. Kelly Fisher from Injini joins us to unpack the challenges of EdTech adoption, the digital divide, AI in classrooms, and what teachers truly need to make technology work. We also look ahead to EdTech Week and the future of teacher empowerment.

Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has launched This Is Not My Forever, a digital storytelling campaign amplifying the voices of people who have experienced homelessness. Joining us is Tara Gerardy-Bissolati, CCID Social Development Manager and a peer worker with lived experience of homelessness, to discuss the stories behind the campaign, the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, and how the initiative aims to create pathways towards lasting change.

Heritage is more than culture, traditions and tangible symbols — it also lives in the skills, knowledge and experience we pass from one generation to the next. In this conversation, Sandi Richardson, Chief People Officer at RCS, explores the importance of mentorship, skills-sharing and upskilling in creating opportunities for individuals and communities. From guidance from seniors and leaders to digital and AI literacy, we look at how South Africans can pass knowledge forward and prepare future generations for a changing world.

Young entrepreneurs from RydalPark Secondary School and Phoenix Technical Secondary School are heading to the JA South Africa National Company of the Year Competition in Johannesburg. We explore their innovative business ideas, including an AI-powered career platform and a personalised safety bracelet, and hear about their journey, challenges, teamwork and hopes for the future.