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 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

From Iran’s navy with love: What’s next? With Carol Paton

Who, in our country’s signal of command, didn’t get the memo or ignore the president’s order to tell the Iranian navy to pull out of the recent BRICS war games off the False Bay coastline? The defence minister hopes a board of inquiry will provide answers soon, but News24’s specialist…
21 Jan 29 min

‘Day Zero’ looms large for drought-stricken Knysna

A real Day Zero scenario looms large for the people of Knysna. Bad seasonal rains, claims of a lack of water infrastructure maintenance – and the usual mix of poor politics – mean taps are on the verge of trickling to a halt. We catch up with News24 journalist, Velani…
20 Jan 22 min

More tough questions for Ekhuruleni mayor over DJ’s murder

There is a long list of burning questions piling up at the door of the Ekhuruleni mayor’s office these days. News24 investigations’ Sikonathi Mantshantasha is finally revealing that Mayor Nkosindiphile Xakhaza was at the scene of the 2023 nightclub murder of DJ Bongani Mfihlo, whom Xakhaza spent the night with…
19 Jan 23 min

‘Cat’ Matlala tried to open an ultra-lux OR Tambo airport terminal

When the “Cat” wasn’t sneaking his way into the heart of police operations, the controversial tender don was also trying to build a private international airport terminal with Nedbank’s financing help. Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks details yet another failed venture by Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Later, in our trending topic, a…
15 Jan 18 min
All episodes