The Lunch Break

On Heritage Day, award-winning author and legal scholar Xolo Songca reflects on his upbringing in Lusikisiki, his Mpondo heritage, academic journey in Constitutional Law, and his passion for strengthening South African governance. He also discusses his research, future ambitions and using social media to spark meaningful conversations on law and society.

Lotus FM celebrates the remarkable legacy of Kumari Ambigay, a pioneer of Indian music, dance and culture in South Africa. She reflects on her family heritage, seven decades in the arts, growing up during apartheid, her experiences in India, and the importance of preserving Indian traditions for future generations.

Heritage is about more than culture, traditions and shared experiences—it also includes the financial habits and values passed down through generations. In this conversation, Tholakele Mathenja, Customer Care Manager at Atlas Finance, explores the money lessons young South Africans learn from their families, the importance of financial preparedness and estate planning, and how stokvels can teach discipline and accountability. We also look at why conversations about wills and financial planning are often avoided, and why passing on financial wisdom can be just as valuable as passing on wealth.

Devan Moonsamy joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on Heritage Day, exploring what heritage means, what we should preserve, and what we may need to leave behind. The discussion looks at culture, diversity, Ubuntu, family values and the role we all play in shaping the heritage we pass on to future generations.

Unfair dismissal accounts for a significant share of referrals to the CCMA, raising important questions about recruitment, job fit and workplace management. In this conversation, Industrial Psychologist Ashleigh Nel, Head of Research and Development at Job Jack, explores how a poor job fit can contribute to absenteeism, disciplinary action, staff turnover and repeated hiring.

The discussion looks at the hidden costs of a bad hire, including the impact on productivity, workplace relationships and business operations. Ashleigh also unpacks the role of pay, working hours, transport, workplace safety and management in employee retention, and explains why even a well-matched employee may leave when workplace expectations and management practices fall short.

This Heritage Month, Varshan Sookhun chats to celebrated Indian classical dancer and fashion entrepreneur, Verushkar Pather who joins him for a discussion about arts, culture, tradition and heritage.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, who discusses the disconnect between what senior living in South Africa is perceived to be and what it has become, and the implications this has for residents, developers and investors.

Varshan Sookhun chats to Sylvia Walker, a Financial Planner and Writer who will share some guidance and practical advice on nurturing a healthy relationship with money.

"My Chai Is Strong and So Am I" by Sharmila Ranchod – is a deeply inspiring memoir that explores resilience, self-discovery and the courage to reclaim your voice. Varshan chats to Sharmila who has spent many years as an Educator, now a Speaker and Women’s Empowerment Advocate more about the book. 

Award winning and highly acclaimed national theatre actors Daniel Anderson and Karina Lind Devar will be joining me to share details about their new production titled Damsel in Distress.  This time Daniel is directing and Karina is the lead star in the show.