Can the black middle class save the ANC from collapse? 

Loading player...
The ANC is introspecting. If its National General Council is anything to go by, the continent’s oldest liberation party appears to be serious about reversing its sliding scale of victory. But the yellow and green giant forged in the images of Luthuli, Sisulu and Mandela cannot rebuild without the full support of the country’s black middle class, which it helped forge. That’s the argument from News24 opionionista and political commentator, Mpumelelo Mkhabela, our guest on The Lead this Thursday. Finally, we honour the late literary giant and feminist Olive Schreiner, with On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. 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.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 02:15 Crossing to Mpumelelo Mkhabela on ANC's history
  • 20:00 Mkhabela on ANC Vets League rule changes
  • 30:30 Rauby's Round Robin
  • 35:20 AD: N24's The Weekender
  • 35:54 On This Day in SA History: Olive Schreiner
11 Dec 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

From SIU head to NPA boss, Andy Mothibi’s surprise leap raises eyebrows

A surprise appointment to be sure… Corruption buster Advocate Andy Mothibi has his work cut out for him as the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority from February 1. But does his bypassing of the interview process sour the start of his new position, and what about concerns over…
7 Jan 21 min

Why are SA shoppers still using savings stamps? With Maya Fisher-French

In our second edition of the new year so far… They’re by no means a new invention. But they appear to be as popular as ever, according to one major retailer. Many South Africans continue to spend millions on savings stamps every month, according to consumer journalist Maya Fisher-French. Later,…
6 Jan 22 min

Analysing Bafana’s Afcon exit

Welcome to 2026 Lead listeners… From municipal elections to the FIFA World Cup, it is going to be a banger of a year… and we’ll be with you telling our countries’ most critical stories, every step of the way. For our first edition of season two of The Lead; Bafana…
5 Jan 29 min

The government of national unity (barely) survives 2025, with Jan Gerber

Touch wood, South Africa’s government of national unity has survived 2025. But the tested national coalition between two of the country’s most devout enemies, the ANC and the DA, has the war wounds to show for it. And senior parliamentary correspondent Jan Gerber has borne witness to most of these…
23 Dec 2025 23 min

Are we turning into an assassination nation? With Sikonathi Mantshantsha

Sadly, assassinations will come to define the 2025 news agenda. From Ekhuruleni financial auditor Mpho Mafole to Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe, several South Africans have paid the ultimate price for doing the right thing. Our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Manthshantsha, is live on the line with us in…
23 Dec 2025 22 min