The Lead podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 8

The good news edition
We all deserve to stop, breathe, meditate and smile about the good things happening in our lives and South Africa today. Sometimes, we just need that nudge to remind us about the beauty hiding in plain sight. To mark International Day of Happiness and Human Rights Day, this edition of The Lead is devoted solely to good news. And who better to speak to show host Graeme Raubenheimer than News24 Good News editor Paul Herman? Herman tells us about a unique project to craft a backpack and sleeping bag combo for people experiencing homelessness in Cape Town. They touch on the story of a pair of twin George boys who were propelled by News24 readers' support to compete in a Greece chess competition. Herman also reminisces about Loyiso Manga's dream of building an olive oil business during lockdown. Later in The Lead, we reflect on how Mzansi's top special education needs matriculant is taking on a Wits law degree and how a Mpumalanga teen could be our next pro javelin star after learning how on YouTube. You can now mail your views, news, and voice notes to [email protected]. Editions will drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00.
--------
22:47
Are South African women safe in Ubers?
Are South African women safe in Ubers? This question comes after the e-hailing service stated that they have finalised their finding around the harrowing Uber ride of media personality, Anele Mdoda in February where an Uber driver in Cape Town allegedly threatened with rape. In a briefing where they highlighted how they have bolstered their safety features; they were unable to provide News24 legal journalist Karyn Maughan any indication of whether the driver in question is still their employee. They also cited the POPIA act as the reason why they could not provide any further detail on the matter. But does this argument hold water? The Lead's Graeme Raubenheimer and Maughan dissect the scant information and bizarre reason given.We also focus on how an alleged extortion racket leader, who also served on SAA's board, is brought to book. On a lighter note: The Cape Town marathon once again receives glowing global recognition.Send us your views, news, and voice notes to [email protected]. Live on News24, Monday to Thursday at 19:00.
--------
20:43
City Power fraud exposed: 15 staffers to be disciplined
"City Power is taking disciplinary action against 15 of our staff members following a full-scale investigation,” confirmed Johannesburg City Power Spokesperson, Isaac Mangena on Tuesday, a day after News24’s investigations team revealed the extent of the municipal electricity utility’s persistent fraud problems. From trolley mops to pens, City Power’s been doling out exorbitant figures for inflated invoices. And now, according to Mangena, 15 of his colleagues will be disciplined, while one faces criminal prosecution for allegedly looting City Power’s maintenance budget of millions in recent years. In this edition of The Lead, host Graeme Raubenheimer crosses to our Johannesburg studios to discuss all this with our investigative journalist, Khaya Koko. Later in the show, we look into the police’s probe into the murders of Cloete and Thomas Murray. And then we celebrate Tyla's big win.
--------
15:27
Persona non grata: The ousting of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
"They're (South Africa) taking away land, they're confiscating land. And actually, they're doing things that are perhaps far worse than that," US President Donald Trump told reporters in February. Trump's comments kicked off an unprecedented episode of diplomatic drama with the South African government, which now appears to be reaching a fever pitch. Washington, this past weekend, gave Pretoria's ambassador, Ebrahim Rassool, 72 hours to vacate office after he accused the Trump Administration of "supremacism". Join host Graeme Raubenheimer as he discusses the diplomatic fallout with News24's assistant editor for investigations, Pieter du Toit. “It was an enormous misstep by an ambassador who should've known much better,” says Du Toit. Later, we assess the average university vice-chancellor's yearly pay packet and end with highlights from the Cape Town Carnival. If you've got a tip-off for our investigations team or would like to submit a shoutout for the show, email us at [email protected]
--------
20:10
'It's not a bad budget, considering the mess we're in,' says News24's Carol Paton
"I think it's not a bad budget in the context of the absolute terrible mess we're in," says Carol Paton, News24's Writer-at-Large. On Thursday, she spoke to The Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, about the politics of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's proposed VAT increase, his gripe with the DA's rejection of the budget, and SARS’ renewed bid to boost the tax books. Later, we hear about how the Health Department has quietly outlawed the sale of cannabis food products. And Machete-turned-History Channel star Danny Trejo reminisces about his magical Mzansi moments. If you're a fan of the show or have a burning topic you'd like to engage in, drop us your mails and voice notes at [email protected]
--------
18:34

More News podcasts

Trending News podcasts

About The Lead

Welcome to "The Lead", a brand new, regular podcast from News24 showcasing the best of our in-depth reporting. Through candid and honest conversations with our host Graeme Raubenheimer and News24's leading journalists, you'll gain insight into what they saw, heard and uncovered in the pursuit of the big story. Join us at 19:00 every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for an informative behind-the-scenes look at the stories that dominated the day's headlines.

Podcast website