News24 The Lead

'It's not a bad budget, considering the mess we're in,' says News24's Carol Paton

Loading player...
"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 tips@24.com
13 Mar English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Pierre de Vos judges the judiciary in 2025. PLUS, KZN legislature chaos 

Have you clocked out for the year already? On the beach yet? Switched off? Well, constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos has, but not before giving us his last interview for the year. Touching on all his highs and lows for the judiciary in 2025, from one judge allegedly receiving church…
15 Dec 27 min

Can the black middle class save the ANC from collapse? 

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…
11 Dec 37 min

Inside the ANC’s soul-searching NGC – vote buying, step-asides and succession

An end to vote-buying at elective conferences. And a stricter step-aside ruling for those accused of corruption. These are just some of the party policy changes the African National Congress (ANC) is mulling over at its current National General Council in Boksburg. As our political reporter, Soyiso Maliti debuts on…
10 Dec 18 min

ANC and DA succession races – Didiza rising, Hill-Lewis waiting?

The DA won’t be led by John Steenhuisen forever, and this is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s final turn at the helm of Africa’s oldest liberation movement, the ANC. While most of us have our minds on the beach at this time of year, News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson has some very informed…
9 Dec 22 min

‘Vlam’ extinguished - why was crimefighter Marius van der Merwe killed?

Nicknamed “vlam”, or flame in English, 41-year-old Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe was shot and killed last Friday at his home. It’s mere weeks after he, as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, detailed an alleged 2022 murder cover-up involving deputy Ekurhuleni top metro cop, Julius Mkhwanazi. And it…
8 Dec 19 min
All episodes