'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

Meet the monster John Harris (with Jacques Pauw)

Please note that our top story in The Lead today may upset you. Listeners’ discretion is advised. In short, you’re going to meet the monster John Harris, as narrated by the veteran investigative journalist who unearthed the harrowing story, Jacques Pauw. Harris, 73, a British-born music teacher for schoolchildren who had…
2 Oct 50 min

Morgan Maumela’s North West hospital hustle, with Jeff Wicks

He’s been riding high in Lamborghinis, now eyed by investigators for asset seizure. Hangwani Morgan Maumela, the supreme tender don at the centre of the Tembisa Hospital tender scam, has since been pushing to get his foot in the door in the North West province too. But as investigative journalist Jeff…
1 Oct 25 min

Mogotsi, Matlala and the ‘Big Five’ criminal cartel

It is already week three of the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria, and we have witnessed some damning allegations of the criminal capture of the country’s justice system. The rot in the police is so bad that the senior men and women in blue have a name for the criminal syndicate…
30 Sep 42 min

Is SA the next Mexico or Brazil when it comes to contract killings? 

There are some signs that South Africa is heading down the Latin American route, following the recent assassinations of some key societal figures. From Babita Deokaran to Bouwer van Niekerk, global crime experts warn that the targeting of whistleblowers, prosecutors, activists, and even journalists weakens the very foundation of democracy…
29 Sep 33 min

Police chief Masemola claims Mchunu, Sibiya shielded criminals

On day five of the Madlanga Commission sitting in Pretoria: South Africa’s police chief, Fannie Masemola, has alleged that his now-suspended deputy, Shadrack Sibiya, the now-suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu, the mysterious associate Brown Mogotsi and the incarcerated tender don, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala all, in turn, schemed to get rid…
23 Sep 26 min