News24 The Lead

Why is trans inmate taking state to court? PLUS: ‘Sweatshop’ sentencing

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Welcome to this bumper Wednesday edition of The Lead on News24. Our first topic deals with the case of a transgender inmate in Johannesburg Central Prison who is fighting for their right to access the use of women’s clothes and gender-affirming healthcare. Later in the show, a group of Chinese nationals are sentenced for running a human-trafficking sweatshop in the Johannesburg CBD. Both updates come courtesy of our expert courts journalist, Bernadette Wicks. Then, local retail analysts warn US icon Walmart will be tested on its South African market staying power. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 02:12 Bernadette Wicks on transgender inmate
  • 16:53 Wicks on Jozi's Chinese 'sweatshop' sentencing
  • 20:58 AD: News 24's The Weekender
  • 21:26 And finally: Walmart comes to Mzansi
  • 22:51 On This Day in SA History
10 Sep 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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