The journalist uncovering SA's water crisis, one river at a time

Loading player...
For tonight's episode of The Lead, we wade into the sewage-ridden waters of Mogale City with Sikonathi Mantshantsha, News24 specialist investigative journalist who on Friday took home the prestigious Taco Kuiper Award for investigative journalism for the series, Wasteland. He uncovered the true source of the region's unbearable smell: the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was illegally dumping untreated, heavily polluted water into the Blougatspruit River that eventually feeds into the Hartbeespoort Dam. Later in the show, we discuss a City Power staffer who claims to hold a degree that Unisa says doesn't exist. Then, even your TV viewing is about to become more expensive with the VAT increase. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 01:40 Interview with Sikonathi Mantshantsha
  • 25:17 Trending topic: City Power probe w/ Khaya Koko
  • 30:15 And finally: DSTV price VAT increase
  • 31:18 Graeme's outro
14 Apr English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Dlomo in the dock cracks open SSA looting legacy of the Zuma years

Once upon a time, he was former president Jacob Zuma’s so-called super spy. Heading up a secretive sub-section of the State Security Agency, all in the name of only protecting number one: Umsholozi. But this week, the NPA’s no-holds-barred Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) unit arrested and charged Thulani Dlomo for…
4 Dec 27 min

Families desperate as 17 SA men remain stuck in Russian conflict

A resignation from Parliament. Charges and counter charges filed. Denials and disappointment. And still, nothing right now can return 17 men to South Africa who were unknowingly deployed to the frontlines of the Russia/Ukraine war. We get the latest from the man who broke the MK Party and Russian military…
3 Dec 26 min

Gqeberha’s governance crisis: Who can fix the Windy City?

Broken lamp posts, litter and a good ‘ol serving of corruption….It sounds like the standard recipe for any South African town these days, and Gqeberha’s been no exception under chaotic coalition rule. Political journalist Siyamtanda Capa is keeping a close eye on Nelson Mandela Bay these days as the DA…
2 Dec 30 min

Mayoral misleadings in Mafole murder?

Greetings from Boksburg on Gauteng’s East Rand, Lead listeners...Today, we get an update from senior investigative journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha on the murder of City of Ekurhuleni financial auditor Mpho Mafole. And how, clear evidence suggests, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has publicly tried to draw links between Mafole’s murder and other City…
1 Dec 21 min

The Cat, the Hat and the Woolies shopping bags of money

The Cat, the man with the iconic hat, and black Woolworths shopping bags filled with hard cash. Alleged attempted murderer and tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala claims he showered former police minister Bheki Cele with R500 000 to try and get police investigators off his back. Senior parliamentary correspondent Jan…
27 Nov 25 min