SA’s high stakes G20 and whiplash from Washington

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We start this edition of The Lead tonight with the breaking news from President Cyril Ramaphosa that Washington has done a u-turn and is now showing a willingness to participate in the G20 Summit in some form or another. Please note the rest of the show tonight was recorded earlier in the day. For the first time in Africa’s history, the G20 Summit is happening this weekend in Johannesburg, a city beset by a poisonous urban decay. We’ll catch up with political journalist, Amanda Khoza on the G20 first, and then cross to editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson on the B-20, all next. Later, with On This Day in SA History, a reckless, daredevil biker made headlines on this day in 2005. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme 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.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Breaking News: Washington's 11th hour u-turn
20 Nov 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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