News24 The Lead

Indian fake news farm fuels Sassa lies. PLUS, probing ‘cheap flights’

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How did an obscure northern Indian digital agency turn into a global fake news factory spouting all sorts of Sassa nonsense in SA? It’s a burning question that we discuss with our Disinformation Desk editor Andrew Thompson. Because even after being exposed for how it peddles completely made-up stories about SA last month, the Indian agency has doubled down, forcing our local authorities to act once again. The man whose investigation revealed the true source of Mzansi’s fake news problem, Thompson, joins The Lead in our Cape Town studios. Later, in our trending topic, flights aren’t necessarily cheap these days with all the frills added to your overall bill. Finally, the first cornerstone of the Union Buildings was laid 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 01:37 Crossing to Andrew Thompson on SASSA fake news
  • 18:40 AD: 10X Investments
  • 19:23 Trending topic: Cheap flights? Doesn't exist!
  • 33:40 AD: N24's The Weekender
  • 34:11 On This Day in SA History: The Union Buildings
26 Nov 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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