South Africa’s complexes and estates are facing major rule changes following a new directive from the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS). Property expert Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty, joins the show to unpack what these updates mean for trustees and residents — from new rules on pets and cultural practices to stricter compliance standards. He also shares advice for trustees and weighs in on the global property trend, “Houses Before Spouses.”

Cyber safety expert Michael Buswell, founder of That Cyber Safety Guy, joins Varshan Sookhun to discuss how to stay safe online in 2025. He explains social engineering, highlights the latest online scams, and shares practical tips for protecting personal information. Michael also offers valuable advice for parents on promoting digital awareness and safety among children in today’s connected world.

On Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, we shine the spotlight on the arts with Dr Rowin Munsamy, writer and director of No Added Bank Charges — an original one-act play performed by drama students. Inspired by the real-life financial struggles faced by ordinary citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic, this tragicomedy explores how far people will go to survive — even if it means robbing a bank to pay the bank back!

Dr Munsamy joins Varshan to talk about the inspiration behind the play, the creative process, the colourful characters, and how this production challenges students to push the limits of physical theatre and comedy.

Beloved theatre couple Aaron and Lisa Bobbert McIlroy join us to chat about their latest stage productions — Ethel, Lisa’s powerful tribute to Ethel Merman, and ADHD, Aaron’s hilarious yet heartfelt show about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Lisa talks about stepping into Merman’s shoes, working with trusted director Darren King, and embracing new creative collaborations, while Aaron shares how ADHD connects deeply with audiences and raises awareness in an entertaining way.

The duo wrap up with playful reviews of each other’s shows, offering listeners a glimpse into their dynamic artistry and shared love for theatre.

In this week’s Arts and Entertainment feature, we welcome acclaimed dancer and choreographer Pavishen Paideya. Known for his mastery across Indian classical, Bollywood, modern, Spanish, ballet, and tap dance, Pavishen has spent years blending traditional and contemporary forms to reflect South African Indian identity. He now brings Durban audiences a once-off theatrical experience titled “Chamak aur Dhamak” – a dazzling evening of dance and live music that promises rhythm, grace, and unforgettable stage presence.

This October, as the world observes Mental Health Awareness Month, we speak with Prof. Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health, about the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival. Under the theme #CourageToFly, the festival promotes hope, resilience, and unity while raising vital funds for free mental health services. Prof. Daniels discusses the benefits of kite-flying, the impact of violence on mental health in South Africa, and what the public can look forward to at the new venue, Youngsfield Military Field in Ottery.

In this Community Feature on Lotus FM, we reconnect with Margaret Shaw, the KwaZulu-Natal Coordinator of Cupcakes of Hope, an NPO dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children fighting cancer. Following the success of the recent National Cupcake Day in KZN, Margaret shares insights on the turnout, the growing impact of this campaign, and how initiatives like the Bake Box are bringing schools and communities together. She also opens up about her personal connection to the cause, the importance of community support, and what’s next for Cupcakes of Hope in KwaZulu-Natal.

On The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun for the last day of Heritage Month, Varshan chats to Tour Guide, David Mcnaughton, who has been helping locals and international guests discover the Karoo, through exclusive tours and visits of a semi-dessert huge area, with beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

South Africa hosts the G20 Summit this November — the first African nation to do so. Senior journalist Thulasizwe Simelane, host of G20 Focus on SABC2 and SABC News, shares insights on what the summit means for South Africa and Africa, the role of journalism in shaping global dialogue, and what would define a successful outcome.

This World Rabies Day, we shine a light on the urgent need for awareness and preventive action against rabies – a disease that poses serious risks to both pets and people. Losing a pet can feel like losing a family member, and rabies is a preventable tragedy we cannot ignore.

Joining us is Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa, to discuss the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, the realities of rabies in South Africa, and the importance of protecting our beloved pets through vaccination and proper veterinary care. Tune in as we unpack the human-animal bond, prevention strategies, and how we can all play a role in ending rabies for good.