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

Show us your slips! Cracks revealed in state lifestyle audits

When it comes to global corruption indicators, South Africa continues to languish in the red, according to NGO Corruption Watch, as local efforts to drive out rampant graft and improve our world ranking have only stagnated in more recent years. Enter lifestyle audits for public office bearers. They're supposed to…
2 Apr 22 min

April Feels Day stories to beat those fuel price blues

If you're desperate for some good news this April, you've come to the correct place. From a 6-year-old author with three books to her name, to a fitness coach who gave a group of boys the opportunity to witness the Bafana Bafana match-up live in Cape Town. These are among a…
1 Apr 23 min

This is no April fuels joke

This Tuesday, News24 fielded numerous reports of petrol stations across Mzansi shutting shop and turning away motorists desperate to fill up ahead of the staggering fuel price increases at midnight. Despite government slashing the fuel price levy this April, you and I will still be digging deep to pay an…
31 Mar 19 min

You’ve met the “Cat”, but who is Mike van Wyk?

It's quite evident that the attempted murder- and tender fraud-accused Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala relied on several allegedly crooked cops to seal a tainted R360 million police health services tender. The question now, though, is: Who, from the Medicare24 stable of companies, backed the notorious figure in his bids? In other words,…
30 Mar 18 min

100 days to kickoff, here’s your Boks ‘26 test guide

Let it be known: Thursday, 26 March, marks exactly 100 days before the inaugural Nations Championship kicks off. With one successful alignment camp already behind them, 2026 will undoubtedly be one for the books for the Boks. The world champions square up against England, Scotland and Wales in the new…
26 Mar 25 min
All episodes