Can the black middle class save the ANC from collapse? 

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The ANC is introspecting. If its National General Council is anything to go by, the continent’s oldest liberation party appears to be serious about reversing its sliding scale of victory. But the yellow and green giant forged in the images of Luthuli, Sisulu and Mandela cannot rebuild without the full support of the country’s black middle class, which it helped forge. That’s the argument from News24 opionionista and political commentator, Mpumelelo Mkhabela, our guest on The Lead this Thursday. Finally, we honour the late literary giant and feminist Olive Schreiner, with 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.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 02:15 Crossing to Mpumelelo Mkhabela on ANC's history
  • 20:00 Mkhabela on ANC Vets League rule changes
  • 30:30 Rauby's Round Robin
  • 35:20 AD: N24's The Weekender
  • 35:54 On This Day in SA History: Olive Schreiner
11 Dec 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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