News24 The Lead

The MKP’s puzzling Russia deployment. PLUS: How to spot AI slop

Loading player...
We lead today’s show with a News24 exclusive on news that the MK Party flew some of its members to Russia to train as bodyguards only for them to be deployed, apparently unknowingly, to the frontlines of a war. It now appears that former president Jacob Zuma wants them moved to a safe space. And, later in the show, how did an obscure northern Indian digital agency turn into a global fake news factory spouting all sorts of Sassa nonsense in SA? You’ll hear a lot more about these incredible stories from our top journalists, Ivan Pijoos and Andrew Thompson, next! Finally, Angola gained independence On This Day in SA History at the end of the show. But not before host Graeme Raubenheimer gives his ‘hot take’ on the Please Call Me compensation saga. You can send Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. To advertise in the show: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.
11 Nov English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Lawless lawmen? Inside the AmaPanyaza saga, with Khaya Koko

They’re called the AmaPanyaza. Meaning: Panyaza’s boys. These are the more than 6 000 anti-crime wardens appointed as a task force in the name of the premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, back in 2023. But Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, just this October, found in a report that the establishment of…
13 Nov 28 min

Adriaan Basson calls out SA’s Trump collaborators

Remember their names: Kallie Kriel, Rob Hersov, Elon Musk. These are just some of the collaborators News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson argues played a part in backing US President Donald Trump’s lies about the Afrikaner experience in SA today. Basson, our guest on The Lead, believes Trump’s comments may come and go,…
12 Nov 31 min

Cat clairvoyance? Matlala bagged clinic lease months before SAPS tender

Just when you thought the Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala saga couldn’t get any more intriguing, it does. Today, specialist investigative journalist Jeff Wicks can reveal the notorious tender don secured a pretty affordable deal to rent a state clinic on the grounds of the Pretoria West Police Training Academy, a full…
10 Nov 26 min

Jozi leaders out of office ahead of G20. PLUS: DA, ANC, PA duel for WC

From the Big Smoke to Slaapstad, there’s plenty to unpack politically this week. In Jozi, a temporary leadership vacuum ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit has coalition partners outraged. Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, the DA’s blue wave has swallowed up some senior ANC members left out in the cold…
6 Nov 22 min

BEE makeover - Is Tau’s Transformation Fund glow-up enough?

Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau’s dream of realising a massive voluntary fund to uplift small black businesses gets a reality check in this edition of The Lead. Specialist journalist Carol Paton tells us that Tau has revised this concept to include a key incentive for big business to help…
5 Nov 23 min
All episodes