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		<description>Seasoned broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer brings you The Lead, News24’s definitive podcast for in-depth reporting. Join us every Monday to Thursday at 19:00 SAST for candid conversations with our top journalists, and discover what they saw, heard, and uncovered in their relentless pursuit of the big story. Episodes drop on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube like clockwork. WhatsApp: 072 562 3179 or mail: thelead@24.com. This is The Lead, and this is the South African story.</description>
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				<itunes:subtitle>Seasoned broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer brings you The Lead, News24’s definitive podcast for in-depth reporting.</itunes:subtitle>
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		<title>Mmusi Maimane on the DA’s ‘toxic’ politics and why the N2 wall won’t work</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[In 2011, he was but a DA spokesperson. Today, 15 years later, he's part of a centrist collective of opposition political parties preparing to shake up how our metros are governed. “Let's come together and work because what we need in SA are pragmatic policies,” says Build One South Africa (BOSA) member of Parliament (MP), Dr Mmusi Maimane, in a special lunchtime interview with The Lead’s broadcast journalist host, Graeme Raubenheimer. Maimane also reflects on his time as DA leader: “It was the most toxic, vile politics I’d ever lived through..." He touches on a myriad of foreign policy matters from Iran to Zimbabwe, his critical work as Chair of Parliament's Appropriations Committee overlooking the budget, and vents his disagreement with the City of Cape Town on building an N2 highway wall. Tune in, wherever you get your podcasts. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
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						<itunes:title>Mmusi Maimane on the DA’s ‘toxic’ politics and why the N2 wall won’t work</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
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		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 2011, he was but a DA spokesperson. Today, 15 years later, he's part of a centrist collective of opposition political parties preparing to shake up how our metros are governed. “Let's come together and work because what we need in SA are pragmatic policies,” says Build One South Africa (BOSA) member of Parliament (MP), Dr Mmusi Maimane, in a special lunchtime interview with The Lead’s broadcast journalist host, Graeme Raubenheimer. Maimane also reflects on his time as DA leader: “It was the most toxic, vile politics I’d ever lived through..." He touches on a myriad of foreign policy matters from Iran to Zimbabwe, his critical work as Chair of Parliament's Appropriations Committee overlooking the budget, and vents his disagreement with the City of Cape Town on building an N2 highway wall. Tune in, wherever you get your podcasts. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors.]]></itunes:summary>
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		<title>ANC-linked Carrim, the ‘Cat’ and Maumela do ‘business’, or is it money laundering?</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[He claims he was caught up in the web of doing business with people he eventually became afraid of disobeying. But the Madlana Commission has put it to ANC-affiliated businessman Suliman Carrim that he may have committed money laundering by moving funds between himself, the notorious Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, and supreme tender don Morgan Maumela. It has been a whirlwind week of testimony in Pretoria, reports our specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan. In our trending topic, Health Department Director-General Sandile Buthelezi has been suspended following Global Fund corruption claims. Finally, former apartheid-era defence minister Magnus Malan went on trial for murder, On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:01:00 +0200</pubDate>
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				<itunes:title>ANC-linked Carrim, the ‘Cat’ and Maumela do ‘business’, or is it money laundering?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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		<itunes:duration>25:06</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[He claims he was caught up in the web of doing business with people he eventually became afraid of disobeying. But the Madlana Commission has put it to ANC-affiliated businessman Suliman Carrim that he may have committed money laundering by moving funds between himself, the notorious Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, and supreme tender don Morgan Maumela. It has been a whirlwind week of testimony in Pretoria, reports our specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan. In our trending topic, Health Department Director-General Sandile Buthelezi has been suspended following Global Fund corruption claims. Finally, former apartheid-era defence minister Magnus Malan went on trial for murder, On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Should SA shore up its fuel reserves? Plus: Jooste’s mansion sold</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[With global oil prices skyrocketing, largely due to rising conflict in Southwest Asia, South African industry experts are concerned that we should be shoring up our local fuel supplies. And although the economy shows signs of a strong rebound, motorists face the prospect of petrol prices rising by more than R2 at the pumps this April. Still, there are some silver linings, reports our specialist writer, Lisa Steyn. In our trending topic, ex-Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste's Hermanus mansion has new owners. Finally, 1994 was anything but peaceful in the North West, as On This Day in SA History shows. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24's editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:01:00 +0200</pubDate>
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				<psc:chapter start="00:01:37.000" title="Crossing to Lisa on fuel price frenzy " />
			 
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				<psc:chapter start="00:12:36.000" title="Govt. chuffed with GDP growth in &#039;25" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:14:54.000" title="Trending topic: Jooste&#039;s mansion sells" />
			 
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				<itunes:title>Should SA shore up its fuel reserves? Plus: Jooste’s mansion sold</itunes:title>
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		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
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		<itunes:duration>19:44</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[With global oil prices skyrocketing, largely due to rising conflict in Southwest Asia, South African industry experts are concerned that we should be shoring up our local fuel supplies. And although the economy shows signs of a strong rebound, motorists face the prospect of petrol prices rising by more than R2 at the pumps this April. Still, there are some silver linings, reports our specialist writer, Lisa Steyn. In our trending topic, ex-Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste's Hermanus mansion has new owners. Finally, 1994 was anything but peaceful in the North West, as On This Day in SA History shows. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24's editors.]]></itunes:summary>
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		<title>The Ximba connection exposed in R1.8bn Ekurhuleni toilets tender</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[We now know that City of Ekurhuleni financial auditor Mpho Mafole put his life on the line to raise red flags about the metro's R1.8 bn toilets tender. Deciphering every detail, News24 investigations journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha and company have found proof that one of the contractors appointed is intimately and politically connected – although Lebohang Ximba, the wife of former Ekurhuleni political advisor Nkosana “Killer” Ximba, likes to deny it. In our trending topic segment, former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule’s asbestos scam tender trial is failing to launch proceedings this 2026. Finally, Robert McBride emerged as a key political figure in diplomatic SA, as featured in On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
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				<psc:chapter start="00:02:06.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi on &#039;Hunted&#039; series latest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:00.000" title="ANC Ekurhuileni warring factions; who&#039;s &#039;Killer&#039; Ximba? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:30.000" title="Trending topic: Ace Magashule&#039;s asbestos trial stalled" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:11.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
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				<itunes:title>The Ximba connection exposed in R1.8bn Ekurhuleni toilets tender</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
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		<itunes:duration>24:13</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[We now know that City of Ekurhuleni financial auditor Mpho Mafole put his life on the line to raise red flags about the metro's R1.8 bn toilets tender. Deciphering every detail, News24 investigations journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha and company have found proof that one of the contractors appointed is intimately and politically connected – although Lebohang Ximba, the wife of former Ekurhuleni political advisor Nkosana “Killer” Ximba, likes to deny it. In our trending topic segment, former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule’s asbestos scam tender trial is failing to launch proceedings this 2026. Finally, Robert McBride emerged as a key political figure in diplomatic SA, as featured in On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors.]]></itunes:summary>
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		<title>Geordin Hill-Lewis on why he can be SA’s president and the ‘disgraceful’ Steenhuisen vs George spat</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1652823</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[He’s the preferred candidate whose name is on the lips of many senior DA party members. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis sits down to lunch with The Lead’s Graeme Raubenheimer this Thursday.From student politics, his allegiance to Helen Zille, the George v Steenhuisen saga, and ambitions for the Union Buildings, the man vying to be DA leader bares all. We include the usual show segments, such as On This Day in SA History and Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
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				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:09.000" title="Conversation with GHL on student politics, Zille and more" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:10:40.000" title="Whose his fav past DA leader? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:50.000" title="The Macpherson saga? GHL elaborates" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:02.000" title="Rauby&#039;s Round Robin: Quick-fire questions" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:59.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
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				<itunes:title>Geordin Hill-Lewis on why he can be SA’s president and the ‘disgraceful’ Steenhuisen vs George spat</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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		<itunes:duration>25:59</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[He’s the preferred candidate whose name is on the lips of many senior DA party members. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis sits down to lunch with The Lead’s Graeme Raubenheimer this Thursday.From student politics, his allegiance to Helen Zille, the George v Steenhuisen saga, and ambitions for the Union Buildings, the man vying to be DA leader bares all. We include the usual show segments, such as On This Day in SA History and Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Your SA guide to understanding the US, Israel, Iran conflict</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1652380</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[The conflict situation in the Middle East is fluid.South Africans in Dubai and Bahrain tell of the terror of Iran’s retaliatory strikes after Israel and the US took out Iran’s supreme leader. The traveller’s airspace is chaotic. And Pretoria’s allegiance to Tehran will be tested further. We cross to global news correspondent and columnist, Phillip de Wet, to navigate this massive moment, marked both abroad and locally. In our trending topic, a Somerset West sting operation nabbed a brazen contractor attempting to bribe a City of Cape Town manager with a bag full of cash. Finally, the Cape has a long history of water scarcity and provision problems, with On This Day in SA History, our regular show segment.Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24's editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1652380/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:39.000" title="Crossing to Phillip in the UK" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:30.000" title="The domestic US political reaction" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:28.000" title="Trending topic: Cape corruption case breakthrough" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:22.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Your SA guide to understanding the US, Israel, Iran conflict</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1652380_20260304_175246_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The conflict situation in the Middle East is fluid.South Africans in Dubai and Bahrain tell of the terror of Iran’s retaliatory strikes after Israel and the US took out Iran’s supreme leader. The traveller’s airspace is chaotic. And Pretoria’s allegiance to Tehran will be tested further. We cross to global news correspondent and columnist, Phillip de Wet, to navigate this massive moment, marked both abroad and locally. In our trending topic, a Somerset West sting operation nabbed a brazen contractor attempting to bribe a City of Cape Town manager with a bag full of cash. Finally, the Cape has a long history of water scarcity and provision problems, with On This Day in SA History, our regular show segment.Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24's editors.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Arrests as HIV funds wasted on probing health ministry whistleblower</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1651931</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1651931</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Senior health department officials are facing the music for allegedly siphoning off around R1 million from the Global Fund, which is meant to assist in fighting HIV, TB and malaria, all to pay a so-called independent investigator to try and discipline an internal corruption whistleblower. Let our investigative journalist, Azarrah Karrim, fill in the blanks for you in this edition.In our trending topic, the so-called Facebook Rapist, Thabo Bester, will stay put in a supermax prison in KwaZulu-Natal. Finally, the apartheid SABC unbanned The Beatles, as part of On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1651931/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:51.000" title="Crossing to Azarrah on Health Dept. corruption" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:30.000" title="Mafunda&#039;s R700k &#039;findings&#039;" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:08.000" title="Trending topic: Thabo Bester prison draft fails" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:25.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Arrests as HIV funds wasted on probing health ministry whistleblower</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1651931_20260303_181211_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:27</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Senior health department officials are facing the music for allegedly siphoning off around R1 million from the Global Fund, which is meant to assist in fighting HIV, TB and malaria, all to pay a so-called independent investigator to try and discipline an internal corruption whistleblower. Let our investigative journalist, Azarrah Karrim, fill in the blanks for you in this edition.In our trending topic, the so-called Facebook Rapist, Thabo Bester, will stay put in a supermax prison in KwaZulu-Natal. Finally, the apartheid SABC unbanned The Beatles, as part of On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Jetting off to London and then a fuel tender? Jeff Wicks investigates</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1651457</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1651457</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oh, no, it wasn't a gift… That's the insistence from former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi, who in 2022 hopped on a R3.5-million, privately chartered jet for a shopping spree in central London. And who did she share the luxurious flight with? Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks explains why this matters in the next edition. In our trending topic, the Hawks circle three senior officials in the health ministry. Finally, Ladysmith Black Mambazo claimed SA’s first Grammy, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1651457/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:59.000" title="Crossing to Jeff on luxury flight fiasco" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:07:50.000" title="Ms Seletswane&#039;s version of events?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:33.000" title="Trending topic: Health Ministry officials in the dock" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:15.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Jetting off to London and then a fuel tender? Jeff Wicks investigates</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1651457_20260302_173413_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>20:41</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Oh, no, it wasn't a gift… That's the insistence from former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi, who in 2022 hopped on a R3.5-million, privately chartered jet for a shopping spree in central London. And who did she share the luxurious flight with? Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks explains why this matters in the next edition. In our trending topic, the Hawks circle three senior officials in the health ministry. Finally, Ladysmith Black Mambazo claimed SA’s first Grammy, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by News24’s editors.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Two sides of a coin? Examining O’Sullivan and Mogotsi</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1650398</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1650398</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are they two sides of a similar coin? Parliamentarians have spent the past few weeks grilling the rather cryptic backgrounds of both investigator Paul O’Sullivan and information peddler Brown Mogotsi. The pair, in their own peculiar ways, have found themselves so embroiled in, or alleged in proximity to, all sorts of shadowy dealings with top criminal justice authority figures that it's becoming nigh impossible to believe who’s telling the truth. Just ask our senior parliamentary reporter, Jan Gerber, our guest, next. Later in the show, we recall the deadly 1862 Birkenhead ship collision, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1650398/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:53.000" title="Crossing to Jan on Parly ad-hod committee" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:30.000" title="Mogotsi and Mthethwa? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:53.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Two sides of a coin? Examining O’Sullivan and Mogotsi</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1650398_20260226_181427_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:16</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Are they two sides of a similar coin? Parliamentarians have spent the past few weeks grilling the rather cryptic backgrounds of both investigator Paul O’Sullivan and information peddler Brown Mogotsi. The pair, in their own peculiar ways, have found themselves so embroiled in, or alleged in proximity to, all sorts of shadowy dealings with top criminal justice authority figures that it's becoming nigh impossible to believe who’s telling the truth. Just ask our senior parliamentary reporter, Jan Gerber, our guest, next. Later in the show, we recall the deadly 1862 Birkenhead ship collision, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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				<ionofm:thumbnail href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1650398_20260226_181427_750.jpeg"/>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1650398?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Tax breaks galore, reforms and economic growth forecast in Budget 2026</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1649998</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1649998</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Don’t worry, folks, it appears 2026 is a good news Budget. In a nutshell, Treasury has spared us the pain of universal tax increases, while also introducing increases on tax-free thresholds for several investments. The economy, as many continue to celebrate, is turning the corner, so much so that the annual growth projection stands at 1.6%. Specialist journalist Carol Paton gives the finance minister and his team three thumbs up out of five. Then, in our trending topic, you can now apply for an e-Visa to travel to the UK, but that’s about the only change to this expensive process. Finally, Madiba cooled some KZN tensions in On This Day in SA History, heard later in the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1649998/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:07.000" title="Crossing to Carol on Budget 2026" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:00.000" title="Minister on Jozi water &amp; rates" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:43.000" title="Trending topic: UK e-visas for SA" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:56.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Tax breaks galore, reforms and economic growth forecast in Budget 2026</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1649998_20260225_191032_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:02</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Don’t worry, folks, it appears 2026 is a good news Budget. In a nutshell, Treasury has spared us the pain of universal tax increases, while also introducing increases on tax-free thresholds for several investments. The economy, as many continue to celebrate, is turning the corner, so much so that the annual growth projection stands at 1.6%. Specialist journalist Carol Paton gives the finance minister and his team three thumbs up out of five. Then, in our trending topic, you can now apply for an e-Visa to travel to the UK, but that’s about the only change to this expensive process. Finally, Madiba cooled some KZN tensions in On This Day in SA History, heard later in the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Monday through Thursday at 19:00. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1649998?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The Joburg water crisis is not over</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1649472</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1649472</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Coronationville, Westbury and Melville are among the Johannesburg suburbs still suffering from a perpetual water crisis. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has promised residents that long-term solutions are on the way. But metro journalist Alex Patrick tells us that, in the meantime, many infuriated locals are struggling to survive. In our trending topic: a fire at Cape Town International Airport delays global flights. Finally, a journalist of colour was sentenced to prison time for conspiring to break the apartheid Immorality Act, with On This Day in SA History, which is among our regular segments before Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1649472/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:47.000" title="Crossing to Alex Patrick on Jozi&#039;s water crisis" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:55.000" title="A Brixton resident&#039;s plight" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:03.000" title="Trending topic: CPT airport fire" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:01.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The Joburg water crisis is not over</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1649472_20260224_170948_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>20:35</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Coronationville, Westbury and Melville are among the Johannesburg suburbs still suffering from a perpetual water crisis. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has promised residents that long-term solutions are on the way. But metro journalist Alex Patrick tells us that, in the meantime, many infuriated locals are struggling to survive. In our trending topic: a fire at Cape Town International Airport delays global flights. Finally, a journalist of colour was sentenced to prison time for conspiring to break the apartheid Immorality Act, with On This Day in SA History, which is among our regular segments before Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1649472?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Alleged bribes, price gouging the locomotives for Prasa deal?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1649015</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1649015</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Multi-millions of our hard-earned taxes have gone towards a mass Metrorail train refurbishment project but allegations of bribery between the contractors and the Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa) dog this deal, all while the trains gather rust, and are yet to leave any station. We mind the gap with investigative journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who faces legal threats for reporting on the matter. In other rail news, Prasa says the critical Kapteinsklip corridor in Cape Town is open again for Mitchells Plain Metrorail commuters. Finally, two well-known South Africans share their birthday, while progressive MP Helen Suzman made her mark, with On This Day in SA History, which is among our regular segments like Rauby's Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1649015/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:35.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi on Prasa deal" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:30.000" title="Train refurbishments&#039; price-gouging claims" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:45.000" title="Trending topic: Mitchells Plain rail resumes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:22.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Alleged bribes, price gouging the locomotives for Prasa deal?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1649015_20260223_165932_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:08</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Multi-millions of our hard-earned taxes have gone towards a mass Metrorail train refurbishment project but allegations of bribery between the contractors and the Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa) dog this deal, all while the trains gather rust, and are yet to leave any station. We mind the gap with investigative journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who faces legal threats for reporting on the matter. In other rail news, Prasa says the critical Kapteinsklip corridor in Cape Town is open again for Mitchells Plain Metrorail commuters. Finally, two well-known South Africans share their birthday, while progressive MP Helen Suzman made her mark, with On This Day in SA History, which is among our regular segments like Rauby's Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1649015?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Inside the spectacle that was SONA 2026</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1645731</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1645731</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The opening of Parliament, albeit from Cape Town City Hall, is anything but a quiet affair. Let The Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, take you inside the spectacle that was the State of the Nation Address 2026. From politicians’ demands on the red carpet and a student protest to the president’s podium, Raubenheimer holds out his mic to gauge the moment. And, besides the perpetual water crisis, crime and corruption, Raubenheimer discovers across party political lines an undercurrent of concern over illegal immigration. This is The Lead, and this is the South African story. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Inside the spectacle that was SONA 2026</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1645731_20260213_134506_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>11:50</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The opening of Parliament, albeit from Cape Town City Hall, is anything but a quiet affair. Let The Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, take you inside the spectacle that was the State of the Nation Address 2026. From politicians’ demands on the red carpet and a student protest to the president’s podium, Raubenheimer holds out his mic to gauge the moment. And, besides the perpetual water crisis, crime and corruption, Raubenheimer discovers across party political lines an undercurrent of concern over illegal immigration. This is The Lead, and this is the South African story. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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				<ionofm:thumbnail href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1645731_20260213_134506_750.jpeg"/>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1645731?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Special Panel – Will you fix the water crisis, Mr President?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1645321</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1645321</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is The Lead, and this is the South African story. Joining host Graeme Raubenheimer for a special roundtable discussion, asking whether or not President Cyril Ramaphosa has kept his 2025 State of the Nation Address promises, are News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson, political analyst and media commentator Mpumelelo Mkhabela, and esteemed academic of the highest order, affiliated in various professor roles in UCT and Wits University, Richard Calland. Stay tuned to News24 for on-the-ball, expert coverage of the 2026 State of the Nation Address. We critique the president’s promises to help you better understand the direction in which our beautiful country is heading. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Special Panel – Will you fix the water crisis, Mr President?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1645321_20260212_135248_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:37</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is The Lead, and this is the South African story. Joining host Graeme Raubenheimer for a special roundtable discussion, asking whether or not President Cyril Ramaphosa has kept his 2025 State of the Nation Address promises, are News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson, political analyst and media commentator Mpumelelo Mkhabela, and esteemed academic of the highest order, affiliated in various professor roles in UCT and Wits University, Richard Calland. Stay tuned to News24 for on-the-ball, expert coverage of the 2026 State of the Nation Address. We critique the president’s promises to help you better understand the direction in which our beautiful country is heading. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1645321?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The reality of KZN’s FMD outbreak. Plus: Tony Leon on next DA leader</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1644992</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1644992</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as the epicentre of the current devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cattle, with farmers, desperate for the new locally made vaccine, resorting to the worst to protect their livelihoods. We get a sense of the situation on farms with our roaming KZN reporter, Sakhiseni Nxumalo, who tells us farmers are shooting their infected livestock. Meanwhile, former DA leader Tony Leon offers John Steenhuisen’s eventual successor some strong pointers, and any guesses who his money is on? Finally, we tune in for our regular segments; On This Day in SA History and the ever-challenging Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1644992/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:42.000" title="Crossing to Sakhiseni in KZN " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:08:30.000" title="What about the cultural impact?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:57.000" title="Tony Leon with tips for next DA leader" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:47.000" title="Tony&#039;s backing who?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:49.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The reality of KZN’s FMD outbreak. Plus: Tony Leon on next DA leader</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1644992_20260211_173939_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:02</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as the epicentre of the current devastating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cattle, with farmers, desperate for the new locally made vaccine, resorting to the worst to protect their livelihoods. We get a sense of the situation on farms with our roaming KZN reporter, Sakhiseni Nxumalo, who tells us farmers are shooting their infected livestock. Meanwhile, former DA leader Tony Leon offers John Steenhuisen’s eventual successor some strong pointers, and any guesses who his money is on? Finally, we tune in for our regular segments; On This Day in SA History and the ever-challenging Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1644992?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Johannesburg Water strike called off but supply crisis deepens</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1644524</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1644524</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We begin this late Tuesday edition of The Lead with breaking news: Johannesburg Water says an unprotected strike by some of its staff has been called off, following discussions with municipal union SAMWU. Note, please, that the rest of this show was compiled before this development. Meanwhile, the blame for the worsening water crisis in the City of Gold is being laid at politicians’ feet, reports News24 metro journalist Alex Patrick, who takes us deeper into the real reasons why Rand Water is slowing supply flow. Later, in our trending topic, Knysna and the Mother City are also grappling with their own water woes. Finally, the US conceded it needed to change tact with apartheid SA, with On This Day in SA History, heard later. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented, and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1644524/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Breaking News" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:21.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:57.000" title="Crossing to Alex on Jozi&#039;s water woes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:00.000" title="Randburg suburbs suffer" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:54.000" title="Trending topic: Knysna, CPT water issues abound" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:36.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Johannesburg Water strike called off but supply crisis deepens</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1644524_20260210_174320_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:38</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[We begin this late Tuesday edition of The Lead with breaking news: Johannesburg Water says an unprotected strike by some of its staff has been called off, following discussions with municipal union SAMWU. Note, please, that the rest of this show was compiled before this development. Meanwhile, the blame for the worsening water crisis in the City of Gold is being laid at politicians’ feet, reports News24 metro journalist Alex Patrick, who takes us deeper into the real reasons why Rand Water is slowing supply flow. Later, in our trending topic, Knysna and the Mother City are also grappling with their own water woes. Finally, the US conceded it needed to change tact with apartheid SA, with On This Day in SA History, heard later. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented, and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1644524?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Red tender flags, yet PP clears Gauteng in Mashatile sons’ deal</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1644107</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1644107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[They scored big contracts with the Gauteng government. And, according to News24 investigations, the Public Protector’s about to clear the province’s Infrastructure Development Department of any alleged wrongdoing in awarding these tenders to companies linked to the sons of Deputy President Paul Mashatile.But journalist Kyle Cowan fears that this Chapter Nine institution has failed to consider the glaring red flags that sprang up during the companies’ tender bid process. Later, in our trending topic, no, that does not appear to be the late Nathi Mthethwa in an alleged Epstein video. Finally, almost a century before Madiba was sent to Robben Island, there was Hlubi Chief Langalibalele, as heard later in On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1644107/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:05.000" title="Crossing to Cowan on Mashatile sons&#039; latest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:00.000" title="Checking with a governance expert" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:47.000" title="Trending topic: That&#039;s not Nathi" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:20.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Red tender flags, yet PP clears Gauteng in Mashatile sons’ deal</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1644107_20260209_181009_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:40</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[They scored big contracts with the Gauteng government. And, according to News24 investigations, the Public Protector’s about to clear the province’s Infrastructure Development Department of any alleged wrongdoing in awarding these tenders to companies linked to the sons of Deputy President Paul Mashatile.But journalist Kyle Cowan fears that this Chapter Nine institution has failed to consider the glaring red flags that sprang up during the companies’ tender bid process. Later, in our trending topic, no, that does not appear to be the late Nathi Mthethwa in an alleged Epstein video. Finally, almost a century before Madiba was sent to Robben Island, there was Hlubi Chief Langalibalele, as heard later in On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Here we AGOA again, but no silver bullet for US-SA trade</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1643031</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1643031</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Trump administration has now signed off on a new AGOA deal, allowing South Africa duty-free access to the US market. But do not celebrate too quickly, warns our seasoned business journo, Jan Cronje. Those pesky 30% Liberation Day tariffs remain, and our trade delegation’s yet to strike any new overriding deal. Finally…We remember Dr Neil Agett, with On This Day in SA History. Finally, can you crack Rauby’s pointless braai quiz? Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1643031/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:36.000" title="Crossing to Jan on US-SA trade latest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:14.000" title="The AGOA layer of complexity " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:16.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:44.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Here we AGOA again, but no silver bullet for US-SA trade</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1643031_20260205_170119_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:21</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Trump administration has now signed off on a new AGOA deal, allowing South Africa duty-free access to the US market. But do not celebrate too quickly, warns our seasoned business journo, Jan Cronje. Those pesky 30% Liberation Day tariffs remain, and our trade delegation’s yet to strike any new overriding deal. Finally…We remember Dr Neil Agett, with On This Day in SA History. Finally, can you crack Rauby’s pointless braai quiz? Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Who succeeds Steenhuisen? With Pieter du Toit and Velani Ludidi</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1642595</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1642595</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In an about-turn, John Steenhuisen has decided to bow out as DA leader. It’s left the party’s upcoming elective congress all the more intriguing. We take stock of Steenhuisen’s tenure with News24 investigations editor Pieter du Toit, and assess Steenhuisen’s potential successors with journalist Velani Ludidi, in this special roundtable. Top political analyst Daniel Silke keeps the conversation flowing, arguing that the next DA leader should stick to being just that and avoid taking on a public office-bearer role. Finally, a bold attempt to fly from London to Cape Town began in 1920, as featured on On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1642595/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="Roundtable panel w/ Pieter and Velani" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:30.000" title="Who&#039;ll be Cape Town Mayor?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:11.000" title="Analyst Daniel Silke weighs in" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:12.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Who succeeds Steenhuisen? With Pieter du Toit and Velani Ludidi</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1642595_20260204_174148_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:25</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In an about-turn, John Steenhuisen has decided to bow out as DA leader. It’s left the party’s upcoming elective congress all the more intriguing. We take stock of Steenhuisen’s tenure with News24 investigations editor Pieter du Toit, and assess Steenhuisen’s potential successors with journalist Velani Ludidi, in this special roundtable. Top political analyst Daniel Silke keeps the conversation flowing, arguing that the next DA leader should stick to being just that and avoid taking on a public office-bearer role. Finally, a bold attempt to fly from London to Cape Town began in 1920, as featured on On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Witness F’s WhatsApps to Matlala, Sibiya and Mabuza. Plus: Steenhuisen’s done?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1642176</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1642176</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[They are one of the most critical witnesses yet…In the Madlanga Commission’s view, the implicated police officer known as Witness F was the “go-between” for Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and General Shadrack Sibiya. The commission, as legal journalist Karyn Maughan reports, is leading Witness F’s sensitive WhatsApp messages that also reveal talk of some sort of arms deal with the apparent nephew of the late former deputy president, David Mabuza. Later, in our trending topic, are these John Steenhuisen’s final days as DA leader? Some sources suggest so ahead of the party’s April elective congress. Finally, the historic ‘Wind of Change’ speech was delivered in Parliament, and On This Day in SA History, it was heard later. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:47:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1642176/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="Crossing to Karyn on Madlanga latest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:15.000" title="DD Mabuza&#039;s nephew&#039;s arms deal?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:16.000" title="Trending topic: Is Steenhuisen done?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:49.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Witness F’s WhatsApps to Matlala, Sibiya and Mabuza. Plus: Steenhuisen’s done?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1642176_20260203_175337_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>20:56</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[They are one of the most critical witnesses yet…In the Madlanga Commission’s view, the implicated police officer known as Witness F was the “go-between” for Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and General Shadrack Sibiya. The commission, as legal journalist Karyn Maughan reports, is leading Witness F’s sensitive WhatsApp messages that also reveal talk of some sort of arms deal with the apparent nephew of the late former deputy president, David Mabuza. Later, in our trending topic, are these John Steenhuisen’s final days as DA leader? Some sources suggest so ahead of the party’s April elective congress. Finally, the historic ‘Wind of Change’ speech was delivered in Parliament, and On This Day in SA History, it was heard later. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The Cat’s wife’s R3.7m training tender. Plus: Epstein’s SA links</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1641746</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1641746</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While the notorious Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala gunned for dodgy multimillion-rand payouts with the Tembisa Hospital extraction scandal, the police, and even tried to pilot a luxury private airport terminal, it has now emerged that his wife, Tsakane, landed a lucrative training tender from the City of Ekurhuleni almost overnight. None other than investigative journalist Jeff Wicks has the details in this edition. In our trending topic, we wrap up what we know so far regarding the latest Epstein files release and any reference the emails carry to South Africa. Finally, it is a major moment in time: On This Day in SA History, former president FW de Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC and Tata Madiba’s imminent release. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1641746/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:05.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks on Tsakane&#039;s Ekurhuleni deal" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:08:20.000" title="City of Ekurhuleni&#039;s reaction" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:20.000" title="Trending topic: Epstein emails re: Zuma, CPT" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:30.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The Cat’s wife’s R3.7m training tender. Plus: Epstein’s SA links</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1641746_20260202_175101_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>21:08</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[While the notorious Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala gunned for dodgy multimillion-rand payouts with the Tembisa Hospital extraction scandal, the police, and even tried to pilot a luxury private airport terminal, it has now emerged that his wife, Tsakane, landed a lucrative training tender from the City of Ekurhuleni almost overnight. None other than investigative journalist Jeff Wicks has the details in this edition. In our trending topic, we wrap up what we know so far regarding the latest Epstein files release and any reference the emails carry to South Africa. Finally, it is a major moment in time: On This Day in SA History, former president FW de Klerk announced the unbanning of the ANC and Tata Madiba’s imminent release. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Is SA getting ‘bad’ cars? With Wendy Knowler and Driving with J9</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1640674</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1640674</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, we ask: Are we being forced to buy inferior new cars? There’s no sugarcoating the latest crash test results for Hyundai SA’s Grand i10, which received zero stars for front-seat passengers. While the AA has raised the alarm on the meagre two-star safety rating for the locally made Toyota Corolla Cross. Join our roundtable with consumer journalist Wendy Knowler and motoring editor Janine van der Post, host of News24’s Driving with J9 podcast. Later, in our trending topic, will heads roll? President Ramaphosa accepts Madlanga’s findings so far, while Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala pleads for another prison change. Finally, Mzansi’s only Formula One champ, Jody Scheckter, celebrates his 76th birthday today, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1640674/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:04.000" title="Roundtable w/ Knowler &amp; J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:40.000" title="Wendy&#039;s verdict? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:14:05.000" title="J9&#039;s verdict? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:43.000" title="Trending topic: Madlanga &amp; the Cat updates" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:43.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is SA getting ‘bad’ cars? With Wendy Knowler and Driving with J9</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1640674_20260129_172022_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>23:22</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Today, we ask: Are we being forced to buy inferior new cars? There’s no sugarcoating the latest crash test results for Hyundai SA’s Grand i10, which received zero stars for front-seat passengers. While the AA has raised the alarm on the meagre two-star safety rating for the locally made Toyota Corolla Cross. Join our roundtable with consumer journalist Wendy Knowler and motoring editor Janine van der Post, host of News24’s Driving with J9 podcast. Later, in our trending topic, will heads roll? President Ramaphosa accepts Madlanga’s findings so far, while Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala pleads for another prison change. Finally, Mzansi’s only Formula One champ, Jody Scheckter, celebrates his 76th birthday today, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>No more state deals for ‘Stuttgart’ company tied to Mashatile’s son</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1640126</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1640126</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[His son has links to a company that once raked in millions from a questionable Gauteng Health Department contract. Now, this business, tied to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s lad, Thabiso, not only has a fat tax bill and changed its name to that of a major German city, but it’s no longer doing business with the South African state, either. Investigative journalist and author Kyle Cowan tells us why, in this edition, next. Finally, in Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz, we ask: Who’s the star of an upcoming documentary that’s now been pulled from SA cinemas? Find out after On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1640126/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:09.000" title="Crossing to Kyle on Mashatile latest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:30.000" title="Mashatiles not available for comment" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:47.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>No more state deals for ‘Stuttgart’ company tied to Mashatile’s son</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1640126_20260128_181934_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:03</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[His son has links to a company that once raked in millions from a questionable Gauteng Health Department contract. Now, this business, tied to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s lad, Thabiso, not only has a fat tax bill and changed its name to that of a major German city, but it’s no longer doing business with the South African state, either. Investigative journalist and author Kyle Cowan tells us why, in this edition, next. Finally, in Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz, we ask: Who’s the star of an upcoming documentary that’s now been pulled from SA cinemas? Find out after On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Senona spills on Mkhwanazi’s meeting with ‘Cat’ Matlala</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1639544</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1639544</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Madlanga Commission’s work deepens this week with KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss, Lesetja Senona, coming clean on his and his son Thato’s proximity to The Cat – Vusimusi Matlala. Senona admits he sent the controversial tender don Bheki Cele’s contact details, and even the contentious Political Killings Task Team disbandment letter. But any insinuation, Senona claims, that there’s a corrupt business relationship between him, his son, and The Cat, is beyond the pale. Legal journo Karyn Maughan also dishes the details of Senona’s claims that outspoken KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, tried to strike a shadowy deal with Matlala. Later, in our trending topic, Jozi’s Ferndale residents are learning that brothels are difficult to shut down. Finally, SA gunned for Europe in World War 2, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1639544/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:19.000" title="Crossing to Karyn on Madlanga latest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:40.000" title="What is Senona claiming about Mkhwanazi? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:25.000" title="Trending topic: Ferndale brothel saga" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:10.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Senona spills on Mkhwanazi’s meeting with ‘Cat’ Matlala</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1639544_20260127_174306_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:29</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Madlanga Commission’s work deepens this week with KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss, Lesetja Senona, coming clean on his and his son Thato’s proximity to The Cat – Vusimusi Matlala. Senona admits he sent the controversial tender don Bheki Cele’s contact details, and even the contentious Political Killings Task Team disbandment letter. But any insinuation, Senona claims, that there’s a corrupt business relationship between him, his son, and The Cat, is beyond the pale. Legal journo Karyn Maughan also dishes the details of Senona’s claims that outspoken KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, tried to strike a shadowy deal with Matlala. Later, in our trending topic, Jozi’s Ferndale residents are learning that brothels are difficult to shut down. Finally, SA gunned for Europe in World War 2, with On This Day in SA History. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>New cellphone data rollover rules explained. Plus: Oscars 2026</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1638986</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Say you’ve used only a quarter of an expensive data bundle, and its 30-day use period is about to expire? Well, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) has quietly gazetted new rules that force major mobile companies to roll this unused data over to the following month so you don’t lose it. It’s just one of a handful of new cellphone regulations, discussed in detail, with business journo William Brederode. Later, in our trending topic, the Oscar season is upon us and we review the upcoming Rachel McAdams thriller, Send Help, with our resident movie critic, Joel Ontong. Finally, we recall one of the Mother City’s biggest veld fires in living memory, with On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1638986/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:02.000" title="Crossing to William on new cell data rules" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:50.000" title="Will the cell companies appeal? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:56.000" title="Trending topic: Spilt Popcorn with Joel on the Oscars" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:39:22.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>New cellphone data rollover rules explained. Plus: Oscars 2026</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1638986_20260126_182549_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>41:32</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Say you’ve used only a quarter of an expensive data bundle, and its 30-day use period is about to expire? Well, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) has quietly gazetted new rules that force major mobile companies to roll this unused data over to the following month so you don’t lose it. It’s just one of a handful of new cellphone regulations, discussed in detail, with business journo William Brederode. Later, in our trending topic, the Oscar season is upon us and we review the upcoming Rachel McAdams thriller, Send Help, with our resident movie critic, Joel Ontong. Finally, we recall one of the Mother City’s biggest veld fires in living memory, with On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>The Lead hits 1 million listens! We cross to Davos for WEF and US-SA trade talks</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1637800</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1637800</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Lead on News24 has finally reached more than one million listens, and one million page views, in under a year. Thanks go to all of the excellent News24 editors, journalists and columnists who’ve lent a great deal of their time and energy to share their intricate knowledge of news. But most of all, thank you, Lead listeners, for tuning in. Host Graeme Raubenheimer crosses to chilly Davos, Switzerland, to speak to business journo Garth Theunissen, on special assignment at the World Economic Forum. From US President Donald Trump’s push for Washington to control Greenland… to Minister Tau’s delicate US-SA trade talks, what do the snowy Swiss ski slopes have in store for Brand South Africa? Later, in our trending topic, one Jozi man demanded a refund after being caught with an alleged sex worker in a Ferndale problem building. Finally, we celebrate legendary journo Percy Qoboza, with On This Day in SA History, heard later. BONUS: Try and crack Graeme’s Pointless Braai Quiz in the process! To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1637800/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Thanks Lead listeners! " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:05.000" title="Crossing to Garth in Davos, Switzerland" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:08:00.000" title="Update on US-SA trade talks..." />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:16.000" title="Trending topic: Ferndale problem properties raid" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:14:36.000" title="AD: N24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:04.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The Lead hits 1 million listens! We cross to Davos for WEF and US-SA trade talks</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1637800_20260122_160111_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>17:14</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Lead on News24 has finally reached more than one million listens, and one million page views, in under a year. Thanks go to all of the excellent News24 editors, journalists and columnists who’ve lent a great deal of their time and energy to share their intricate knowledge of news. But most of all, thank you, Lead listeners, for tuning in. Host Graeme Raubenheimer crosses to chilly Davos, Switzerland, to speak to business journo Garth Theunissen, on special assignment at the World Economic Forum. From US President Donald Trump’s push for Washington to control Greenland… to Minister Tau’s delicate US-SA trade talks, what do the snowy Swiss ski slopes have in store for Brand South Africa? Later, in our trending topic, one Jozi man demanded a refund after being caught with an alleged sex worker in a Ferndale problem building. Finally, we celebrate legendary journo Percy Qoboza, with On This Day in SA History, heard later. BONUS: Try and crack Graeme’s Pointless Braai Quiz in the process! To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>From Iran’s navy with love: What’s next? With Carol Paton</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1637397</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1637397</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 journalist, Carol Paton, says that ship hasn’t left the dock yet. Later, in our trending topic, the Reserve Bank Governor has revealed that he thinks that pesky prime lending rate should be scrapped. Finally, we recall the country’s worst mining disaster, with On This Day in SA History, heard later. BONUS: Try to crack Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz! Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1637397/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:37.000" title="Crossing to Carol on Iran navy fiasco" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:00.000" title="Who could replace Minister Motshekga? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:36.000" title="Trending topic: Governor wants to scrap PLR" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:54.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>From Iran’s navy with love: What’s next? With Carol Paton</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1637397_20260121_182336_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:25</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 journalist, Carol Paton, says that ship hasn’t left the dock yet. Later, in our trending topic, the Reserve Bank Governor has revealed that he thinks that pesky prime lending rate should be scrapped. Finally, we recall the country’s worst mining disaster, with On This Day in SA History, heard later. BONUS: Try to crack Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz! Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>‘Day Zero’ looms large for drought-stricken Knysna</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1636869</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1636869</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 Ludidi, who spent three days on the ground in the drought-stricken tourist town. Later, in our trending topic, a sole thief is targeting CrossFit gyms in Jozi, not necessarily for the intense workout, but for your cellphone. Finally, a famous pirate was spotted off the Cape of Good Hope, On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1636869/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:45.000" title="Crossing to Velani on Knysna water crisis" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:10:00.000" title="Will boreholes alone save Knysna? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:38.000" title="Trending topic: The CrossFit cellphone snatcher" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:52.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>‘Day Zero’ looms large for drought-stricken Knysna</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1636869_20260120_172411_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:07</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 Ludidi, who spent three days on the ground in the drought-stricken tourist town. Later, in our trending topic, a sole thief is targeting CrossFit gyms in Jozi, not necessarily for the intense workout, but for your cellphone. Finally, a famous pirate was spotted off the Cape of Good Hope, On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>More tough questions for Ekhuruleni mayor over DJ’s murder</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1636480</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1636480</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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. And the very same gunman implicated in the DJ’s murder also stands accused of snuffing out the life of top City auditor Mpho Mafole. Later, in our trending topic, a horror crash involving a scholar transport vehicle and a truck has left at least 13 children dead in Vanderbijlpark. Finally, protests erupted amid the English cricket “rebel tour” of apartheid South Africa, On This Day in SA History, heard later. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1636480/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi on the latest re: Hunted" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:30.000" title="Is Mr Mayor the only state witness in the DJ&#039;s case?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:03.000" title="Trending topic: Vaal accident claims 13 lives" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:33.000" title="AD: Listen Up!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:26.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>More tough questions for Ekhuruleni mayor over DJ’s murder</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1636480_20260119_181320_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>23:31</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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. And the very same gunman implicated in the DJ’s murder also stands accused of snuffing out the life of top City auditor Mpho Mafole. Later, in our trending topic, a horror crash involving a scholar transport vehicle and a truck has left at least 13 children dead in Vanderbijlpark. Finally, protests erupted amid the English cricket “rebel tour” of apartheid South Africa, On This Day in SA History, heard later. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>‘Cat’ Matlala tried to open an ultra-lux OR Tambo airport terminal</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1635496</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1635496</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 party member since 1995, ousted government of national unity minister Dion George quits the DA. Finally, a Limpopo student lost it with his lecturers, On This Day in SA History, heard later. BONUS: Try and crack Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz in the process! Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1635496/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:46.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks on Matlala&#039;s failed airport deal" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:10.000" title="The Cat&#039;s entrepreneurial spirit" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:14:03.000" title="Trending topic: The George/Steenhuisen DA saga" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:47.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>‘Cat’ Matlala tried to open an ultra-lux OR Tambo airport terminal</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1635496_20260115_161603_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>18:49</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 party member since 1995, ousted government of national unity minister Dion George quits the DA. Finally, a Limpopo student lost it with his lecturers, On This Day in SA History, heard later. BONUS: Try and crack Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz in the process! Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1635496?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Is the ‘prime lending rate’ just a load of BS?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1635046</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1635046</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Is the so-called “prime lending rate” – the fancifully advertised rate that banks use as a reference or pegging point to sell bonds and loans to us – just a giant load of untested BS? Why is it 350 basis points more than our much-deserved low repo rate, and isn’t it high time the SA Reserve Bank reviewed this? The very latest word from News24 business journo, Garth Theunissen, is that the Competition Commission’s already been looking into alleged cartel collusion regarding the rate and local banks since 2021. Later, in our trending topic, an alleged drunk driver in Cape Town turns on two cops trying to solicit a bribe from him. Finally, Britain upset the Commonwealth by selling apartheid SA arms, On This Day in SA History, heard later in the show just before Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1635046/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:54.000" title="Crossing to Garth on what the prime lending rate is" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:25.000" title="CC&#039;s &#039;cartel investigation&#039; into the PLR" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:27.000" title="Trending topic: CPT officers nabbed for bribery" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:00.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is the ‘prime lending rate’ just a load of BS?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1635046_20260114_180730_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:20</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Is the so-called “prime lending rate” – the fancifully advertised rate that banks use as a reference or pegging point to sell bonds and loans to us – just a giant load of untested BS? Why is it 350 basis points more than our much-deserved low repo rate, and isn’t it high time the SA Reserve Bank reviewed this? The very latest word from News24 business journo, Garth Theunissen, is that the Competition Commission’s already been looking into alleged cartel collusion regarding the rate and local banks since 2021. Later, in our trending topic, an alleged drunk driver in Cape Town turns on two cops trying to solicit a bribe from him. Finally, Britain upset the Commonwealth by selling apartheid SA arms, On This Day in SA History, heard later in the show just before Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Everything you need to know about the 2025 matric results</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1634594</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1634594</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Back to school, back to reality…<br />
With schools about to reopen, senior education journalist Prega Govender takes stock of the 2025 matric results. Think of it like a scale: on one end, a greater average pass rate, while on the other, fewer pupils are taking critical subjects like standard maths. And the concern is: when does this scale tip completely? Later, in our trending topic, car sales jump in 2025, and expect more Chinese brands to speed in soon. We remember the Orkney football derby disaster of 1991, with On This Day in SA History, heard later in the show. Finally, can you crack Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz? Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:02:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1634594/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:58.000" title="Crossing with Govender on 2025 matric results" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:50.000" title="KZN comes out tops" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:35.000" title="Trending topic: Naamsa reports 2025 car sales jumped" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:54.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Everything you need to know about the 2025 matric results</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1634594_20260113_174028_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:45</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Back to school, back to reality…
With schools about to reopen, senior education journalist Prega Govender takes stock of the 2025 matric results. Think of it like a scale: on one end, a greater average pass rate, while on the other, fewer pupils are taking critical subjects like standard maths. And the concern is: when does this scale tip completely? Later, in our trending topic, car sales jump in 2025, and expect more Chinese brands to speed in soon. We remember the Orkney football derby disaster of 1991, with On This Day in SA History, heard later in the show. Finally, can you crack Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz? Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. The show is fully produced, presented and edited by Raubenheimer, and quality-checked by Simon Sonnekus.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1634594?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Is KZN’s paper-thin coalition on the rocks?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1634211</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1634211</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Provincial coalition politics in KwaZulu-Natal are on shaky, uncertain ground, with the small kingmaker National Freedom Party trying to call the shots, threatening to pull out of the IFP, ANC, and DA government of provincial unity, leaving the MKP rubbing its hands. Our man in Durban, Soyiso Maliti, reports the latest developments. Later, in our trending topic, it’s been an especially tough summer for Cape firefighters now battling the extensive Franschoek blaze. Finally, it’s like poetry! The Zulu throne changed hands in the early 1970s, with On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:43:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1634211/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:55.000" title="Crossing to Durban w/ Soyiso Maliti" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:10:10.000" title="The NFP demands Zululand mayoral post" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:46.000" title="Trending topic: Franschoek, Dunoon fires" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:16.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is KZN’s paper-thin coalition on the rocks?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1634211_20260112_175459_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:38</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Provincial coalition politics in KwaZulu-Natal are on shaky, uncertain ground, with the small kingmaker National Freedom Party trying to call the shots, threatening to pull out of the IFP, ANC, and DA government of provincial unity, leaving the MKP rubbing its hands. Our man in Durban, Soyiso Maliti, reports the latest developments. Later, in our trending topic, it’s been an especially tough summer for Cape firefighters now battling the extensive Franschoek blaze. Finally, it’s like poetry! The Zulu throne changed hands in the early 1970s, with On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1634211?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Should SA get involved in the US-Venezuela crisis?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1633187</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1633187</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While the SACP marched on the US Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday to denounce the Trump administration’s abduction of another sitting head of state, the political parties that make up the current government of national unity (GNU) failed to see eye-to-eye on how best to react to the US-Venezuela crisis. We check the GNU’s foreign policy pulse with our columnists, global correspondent Phillip de Wet, and political analyst Mphumelelo Mkhabela, next. The ANC is also founded 114 years ago with On This Day in SA History. Finally, can you beat Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz in this edition? A grand prize awaits! Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1633187/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:54.000" title="Crossing to De Wet &amp; Mkhabela on US-Venezuela crisis" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:30.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History: The ANC&#039;s birthday" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Should SA get involved in the US-Venezuela crisis?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1633187_20260108_170325_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:41</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[While the SACP marched on the US Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday to denounce the Trump administration’s abduction of another sitting head of state, the political parties that make up the current government of national unity (GNU) failed to see eye-to-eye on how best to react to the US-Venezuela crisis. We check the GNU’s foreign policy pulse with our columnists, global correspondent Phillip de Wet, and political analyst Mphumelelo Mkhabela, next. The ANC is also founded 114 years ago with On This Day in SA History. Finally, can you beat Rauby’s Pointless Braai Quiz in this edition? A grand prize awaits! Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
		<enclosure url="https://dl.iono.fm/epi/prov_3108/epi_1633187_high.mp3?p=rss" length="28499592" type="audio/mpeg" />
				<ionofm:thumbnail href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1633187_20260108_170325_750.jpeg"/>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1633187?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>From SIU head to NPA boss, Andy Mothibi’s surprise leap raises eyebrows</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1632799</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1632799</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A surprise appointment to be sure… Corruption buster Advocate Andy Mothibi has his work cut out for him as the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority from February 1. But does his bypassing of the interview process sour the start of his new position, and what about concerns over his age? Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan comes out of holiday hibernation to fill us in. Later, in our trending topic, another potential “Day Zero” scenario of dangerously low water levels looms large for the beloved tourist town of Knysna. We look back at the 1957 bus boycott with On This Day in SA History. Finally, can you crack Graeme’s Pointless Braai Quiz for today? The question comes at the start, and the answer’s heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:37:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1632799/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:06.000" title="Crossing to Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:11:23.000" title="Who takes over at the SIU? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:46.000" title="Trending topic: Knysna&#039;s water crisis" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:09.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:40.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History / Rauby&#039;s Pointless Braai Quiz" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>From SIU head to NPA boss, Andy Mothibi’s surprise leap raises eyebrows</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1632799_20260107_174456_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>21:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[A surprise appointment to be sure… Corruption buster Advocate Andy Mothibi has his work cut out for him as the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority from February 1. But does his bypassing of the interview process sour the start of his new position, and what about concerns over his age? Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan comes out of holiday hibernation to fill us in. Later, in our trending topic, another potential “Day Zero” scenario of dangerously low water levels looms large for the beloved tourist town of Knysna. We look back at the 1957 bus boycott with On This Day in SA History. Finally, can you crack Graeme’s Pointless Braai Quiz for today? The question comes at the start, and the answer’s heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1632799?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Why are SA shoppers still using savings stamps? With Maya Fisher-French</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1632400</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1632400</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In our second edition of the new year so far…<br />
They’re by no means a new invention. But they appear to be as popular as ever, according to one major retailer. Many South Africans continue to spend millions on savings stamps every month, according to consumer journalist Maya Fisher-French. Later, in our trending topic, as Tweede Nuwe Jaar comes and goes, we sum up the Cape Town minstrel mess so far. And finally, the so-called Wind of Change was sweeping through Africa but apartheid SA didn’t care to listen, On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1632400/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:23.000" title="Crossing to Maya Fisher-French on savings stamps and their interesting psychology" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:40.000" title="SA&#039;s turning the economic corner" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:39.000" title="Trending topic: Minstrels mess wrapped" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:01.000" title="And finally: On This Day in SA History: Wind of Change" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Why are SA shoppers still using savings stamps? With Maya Fisher-French</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1632400_20260106_173752_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:06</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In our second edition of the new year so far…
They’re by no means a new invention. But they appear to be as popular as ever, according to one major retailer. Many South Africans continue to spend millions on savings stamps every month, according to consumer journalist Maya Fisher-French. Later, in our trending topic, as Tweede Nuwe Jaar comes and goes, we sum up the Cape Town minstrel mess so far. And finally, the so-called Wind of Change was sweeping through Africa but apartheid SA didn’t care to listen, On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1632400?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Analysing Bafana’s Afcon exit</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1632101</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1632101</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to 2026 Lead listeners…<br />
From municipal elections to the FIFA World Cup, it is going to be a banger of a year… and we’ll be with you telling our countries’ most critical stories, every step of the way. For our first edition of season two of The Lead; Bafana bows out of the Africa Cup of Nations after failing to capitalise on early attacks against the Cameroonians in the knockout stages. We’ll hit the locker room with News24 Sport journalist Tashreeq Vardien next. Later, in our trending topic, the SAPS scores several arrests these holidays, seizing explosives in the process. Finally, the SABC’s first run of television broadcasts started On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
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				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:39.000" title="Crossing to Tashreeq Vardien on Bafana&#039;s last five games" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:12.000" title="Bafana&#039;s loss to the mighty Cameroonians" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:34.000" title="Trending topic: SAPS scores several holiday arrests" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:28.000" title="And finally: On This Day in SA History: We got TV!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Analysing Bafana’s Afcon exit</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1632101_20260105_171343_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:51</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to 2026 Lead listeners…
From municipal elections to the FIFA World Cup, it is going to be a banger of a year… and we’ll be with you telling our countries’ most critical stories, every step of the way. For our first edition of season two of The Lead; Bafana bows out of the Africa Cup of Nations after failing to capitalise on early attacks against the Cameroonians in the knockout stages. We’ll hit the locker room with News24 Sport journalist Tashreeq Vardien next. Later, in our trending topic, the SAPS scores several arrests these holidays, seizing explosives in the process. Finally, the SABC’s first run of television broadcasts started On This Day in SA History, heard at the end of the show. Comment below and send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note: 072 562 3179. To advertise: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Are we turning into an assassination nation? With Sikonathi Mantshantsha</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1630727</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1630727</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sadly, assassinations will come to define the 2025 news agenda. From Ekhuruleni financial auditor Mpho Mafole to Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe, several South Africans have paid the ultimate price for doing the right thing. Our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Manthshantsha, is live on the line with us in this end-of-the-year edition of The Lead to try and make sense of all the izinkabi’s bloodshed. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Are we turning into an assassination nation? With Sikonathi Mantshantsha</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1630727_20251223_170111_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:33</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Sadly, assassinations will come to define the 2025 news agenda. From Ekhuruleni financial auditor Mpho Mafole to Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe, several South Africans have paid the ultimate price for doing the right thing. Our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Manthshantsha, is live on the line with us in this end-of-the-year edition of The Lead to try and make sense of all the izinkabi’s bloodshed. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The government of national unity (barely) survives 2025, with Jan Gerber</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1630729</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1630729</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Touch wood, South Africa’s government of national unity has survived 2025. But the tested national coalition between two of the country’s most devout enemies, the ANC and the DA, has the war wounds to show for it. And senior parliamentary correspondent Jan Gerber has borne witness to most of these GNU trials and tribulations. He’s our final guest on The Lead this 2025. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>The government of national unity (barely) survives 2025, with Jan Gerber</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1630729_20251223_170325_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>23:46</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Touch wood, South Africa’s government of national unity has survived 2025. But the tested national coalition between two of the country’s most devout enemies, the ANC and the DA, has the war wounds to show for it. And senior parliamentary correspondent Jan Gerber has borne witness to most of these GNU trials and tribulations. He’s our final guest on The Lead this 2025. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1630729?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Woolies cash bags and info peddlers: Madlanga musings with Karyn Maughan</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1630725</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1630725</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Another high-profile commission of inquiry wasn’t on our news bingo cards for 2025.But we’re not surprised another one was established, either. Born out of two parts: one, News24 picking up slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s investigation into the Tembisa Hospital extraction scandal, and two, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s bombshell press conference, the Madlanga Commission is very much the impactful sequel to the Zondo Inquiry. Except, this time, this commission has taken us to the heart of this country’s problem all along, a politically and criminally compromised law enforcement and judicial system. One of the country’s best journos, who’s held our hands throughout the commission, is our very own specialist legal writer, Karyn Maughan, our guest in this special end-of-year edition of The Lead. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Woolies cash bags and info peddlers: Madlanga musings with Karyn Maughan</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1630725_20251223_165703_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:59</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Another high-profile commission of inquiry wasn’t on our news bingo cards for 2025.But we’re not surprised another one was established, either. Born out of two parts: one, News24 picking up slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s investigation into the Tembisa Hospital extraction scandal, and two, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s bombshell press conference, the Madlanga Commission is very much the impactful sequel to the Zondo Inquiry. Except, this time, this commission has taken us to the heart of this country’s problem all along, a politically and criminally compromised law enforcement and judicial system. One of the country’s best journos, who’s held our hands throughout the commission, is our very own specialist legal writer, Karyn Maughan, our guest in this special end-of-year edition of The Lead. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1630725?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Jeff Wicks tells us how Vusimusi Matlala became the ‘Cat’</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1630726</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1630726</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Vusimusi “the Cat” Matlala has been a name tough to keep out of our top news headlines of 2025. From the Tembisa Hospital extraction scandal to a failed hit on his former lover, actress Tebogo Thobejane, all while brushing shoulders with former police commissioner and long-time minister Bheki Cele – the Cat’s nine lives may well and truly be finally up. And our guest on this end-of-year edition of The Lead is the man who has taken up slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s cause to flag criminality in the Gauteng health sector, our intrepid investigative journo, Jeff Wicks. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Jeff Wicks tells us how Vusimusi Matlala became the ‘Cat’</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1630726_20251223_165908_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>17:36</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Vusimusi “the Cat” Matlala has been a name tough to keep out of our top news headlines of 2025. From the Tembisa Hospital extraction scandal to a failed hit on his former lover, actress Tebogo Thobejane, all while brushing shoulders with former police commissioner and long-time minister Bheki Cele – the Cat’s nine lives may well and truly be finally up. And our guest on this end-of-year edition of The Lead is the man who has taken up slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s cause to flag criminality in the Gauteng health sector, our intrepid investigative journo, Jeff Wicks. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Revealing ‘Twatterbaas’, the X Boer who hasn’t posted since April</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1630711</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1630711</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You may be wondering these holidays, around the braai, “hey, I can’t remember but…” what set off the US Trump Administration in 2025 to punish South Africa with tariffs, a White House press ambush, and a ghosting at the G20 in Johannesburg? Well, not one factor, person or organisation is to blame for the supreme souring of relations between Washington and Pretoria. Instead, a disinformation war waged online, using X and other social media sites, worked in concert to drive a very disingenuous and false claim that whites are being subjected to a genocide in our country. One account at the centre of it helped bring that narrative to the  eyeballs of Elon Musk, and thus the US president, was Twatterbaas. Joining us in this end-of-year Lead edition to reflect on his exposé of the man behind the busy X Boer profile is our very own Kyle Cowan. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Revealing ‘Twatterbaas’, the X Boer who hasn’t posted since April</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1630711_20251223_145717_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>34:53</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[You may be wondering these holidays, around the braai, “hey, I can’t remember but…” what set off the US Trump Administration in 2025 to punish South Africa with tariffs, a White House press ambush, and a ghosting at the G20 in Johannesburg? Well, not one factor, person or organisation is to blame for the supreme souring of relations between Washington and Pretoria. Instead, a disinformation war waged online, using X and other social media sites, worked in concert to drive a very disingenuous and false claim that whites are being subjected to a genocide in our country. One account at the centre of it helped bring that narrative to the  eyeballs of Elon Musk, and thus the US president, was Twatterbaas. Joining us in this end-of-year Lead edition to reflect on his exposé of the man behind the busy X Boer profile is our very own Kyle Cowan. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Protea fire blazes bright, the Boks’ amazing year and Afcon loading</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1630591</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1630591</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When, eventually, we peer back at the annals of South African sport in 2025, cricket will come out tops. That’s the argument from our News24 Sport editor, Lloyd Burnard, who believes the Proteas’ fire is blazing bright for both the men’s and women’s sides. Burnard joined The Lead in our new Cape Town studios to reflect on the sporting year that was, not just on the oval, but out on the pitch and field, too. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Protea fire blazes bright, the Boks’ amazing year and Afcon loading</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1630591_20251222_180810_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:51</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[When, eventually, we peer back at the annals of South African sport in 2025, cricket will come out tops. That’s the argument from our News24 Sport editor, Lloyd Burnard, who believes the Proteas’ fire is blazing bright for both the men’s and women’s sides. Burnard joined The Lead in our new Cape Town studios to reflect on the sporting year that was, not just on the oval, but out on the pitch and field, too. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The toll of Cape Town’s unending gang war</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1629904</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1629904</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Western Cape gang crisis is at fever pitch. The latest stats show nearly 100 people were killed in gang violence every month for the past six months. Families are shattered, police detectives are strained to capacity, and trauma doctors are burnt out. We give the “War at Home” in Cape Town a face with journalist, Lisalee Solomons. Later, in our trending topic, with a win over Ghana under their belt, Bafana brace for a tough Afcon tournament in Morocco. And finally, On This Day in SA History in 1923, the country heard its very first experimental radio broadcast. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1629904/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:06.000" title="Crossing with Lisa-Lee Solomons on Cape gang war" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:35.000" title="How do schools operate in gang violence? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:36.000" title="Rauby&#039;s Round Robin" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:39:32.000" title="Trending topic: Bafana&#039;s Afcon chances, with Tashreeq Vardien" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:41:55.000" title="On This Day in SA History: First radio broadcast experiment" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The toll of Cape Town’s unending gang war</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1629904_20251218_182543_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>43:29</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Western Cape gang crisis is at fever pitch. The latest stats show nearly 100 people were killed in gang violence every month for the past six months. Families are shattered, police detectives are strained to capacity, and trauma doctors are burnt out. We give the “War at Home” in Cape Town a face with journalist, Lisalee Solomons. Later, in our trending topic, with a win over Ghana under their belt, Bafana brace for a tough Afcon tournament in Morocco. And finally, On This Day in SA History in 1923, the country heard its very first experimental radio broadcast. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Who killed DJ Warras and why? PLUS, meat prices soar</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1629457?v=1</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1629457?v=1</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Media personality turned businessman Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock tasked himself with restoring some order in Johannesburg’s maze of problematic, hijacked buildings. We look at why Stock, a former 5FM DJ and private security company boss, was shot and killed in broad daylight on a public holiday meant to celebrate our country’s reconciliation. Journalist Tankiso Makhetha helps us fill in the blanks in this edition. Later, in our trending topic, meat eaters beware: Christmas lunch will be significantly more expensive this year due to rising food price inflation. Finally, South Africa took charge of Namibia in 1920, 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:02:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1629457/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:30.000" title="Interview with Tank Makhetha on DJ&#039;s murder" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:05:31.000" title="Gunman returned to the crime scene twice? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:48.000" title="Rauby&#039;s Round Robin" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:01.000" title="Trending topic: Meat prices soar" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:15.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:44.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Namibia" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Who killed DJ Warras and why? PLUS, meat prices soar</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1629457_20251217_171904_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>21:53</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Media personality turned businessman Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock tasked himself with restoring some order in Johannesburg’s maze of problematic, hijacked buildings. We look at why Stock, a former 5FM DJ and private security company boss, was shot and killed in broad daylight on a public holiday meant to celebrate our country’s reconciliation. Journalist Tankiso Makhetha helps us fill in the blanks in this edition. Later, in our trending topic, meat eaters beware: Christmas lunch will be significantly more expensive this year due to rising food price inflation. Finally, South Africa took charge of Namibia in 1920, 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Pierre de Vos judges the judiciary in 2025. PLUS, KZN legislature chaos </title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1628887</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1628887</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you clocked out for the year already? On the beach yet? Switched off? Well, constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos has, but not before giving us his last interview for the year. Touching on all his highs and lows for the judiciary in 2025, from one judge allegedly receiving church bribes – to IDAC’s Transnet corruption trial, De Vos weighs in. Later, in our trending topic, our politicians haven’t gone on holiday yet! Over in KwaZulu-Natal, a chaotic legislature sitting and motion against Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli ended with him keeping his post. Finally, the British suffered serious losses in the Second Anglo-Boer War, 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1628887/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:36.000" title="Chat with Pierre de Vos on the judiciary in 2025" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:40.000" title="De Vos on KT Molefe bribery allegations" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:29.000" title="Rauby&#039;s Round Robin " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:20.000" title="Trending topic: KZN legislature chaos " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:06.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History: British losses in Second Anglo-Boer War" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Pierre de Vos judges the judiciary in 2025. PLUS, KZN legislature chaos </itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1628887_20251215_173909_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:50</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Have you clocked out for the year already? On the beach yet? Switched off? Well, constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos has, but not before giving us his last interview for the year. Touching on all his highs and lows for the judiciary in 2025, from one judge allegedly receiving church bribes – to IDAC’s Transnet corruption trial, De Vos weighs in. Later, in our trending topic, our politicians haven’t gone on holiday yet! Over in KwaZulu-Natal, a chaotic legislature sitting and motion against Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli ended with him keeping his post. Finally, the British suffered serious losses in the Second Anglo-Boer War, 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Can the black middle class save the ANC from collapse? </title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1628030?v=1</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1628030?v=1</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1628030/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:15.000" title="Crossing to Mpumelelo Mkhabela on ANC&#039;s history" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:00.000" title="Mkhabela on ANC Vets League rule changes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:30.000" title="Rauby&#039;s Round Robin" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:20.000" title="AD: N24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:54.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Olive Schreiner" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Can the black middle class save the ANC from collapse? </itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1628030_20251211_181234_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>37:50</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Inside the ANC’s soul-searching NGC – vote buying, step-asides and succession</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1627539</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[An end to vote-buying at elective conferences. And a stricter step-aside ruling for those accused of corruption. These are just some of the party policy changes the African National Congress (ANC) is mulling over at its current National General Council in Boksburg. As our political reporter, Soyiso Maliti debuts on The Lead, the ANC takes a hard look in the mirror. Later, the ANC’s Chief Albert Luthuli carved his name on a Nobel Peace Prize, 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:43:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1627539/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:42.000" title="Crossing to Soyiso Maliti on ANC NGC" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:30.000" title="ANC succession murmurs " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:45.000" title="ADs: N24 The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:28.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Chief Albert Luthuli" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Inside the ANC’s soul-searching NGC – vote buying, step-asides and succession</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1627539_20251210_172022_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>18:51</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[An end to vote-buying at elective conferences. And a stricter step-aside ruling for those accused of corruption. These are just some of the party policy changes the African National Congress (ANC) is mulling over at its current National General Council in Boksburg. As our political reporter, Soyiso Maliti debuts on The Lead, the ANC takes a hard look in the mirror. Later, the ANC’s Chief Albert Luthuli carved his name on a Nobel Peace Prize, 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>ANC and DA succession races – Didiza rising, Hill-Lewis waiting?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1627154</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[The DA won’t be led by John Steenhuisen forever, and this is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s final turn at the helm of Africa’s oldest liberation movement, the ANC. While most of us have our minds on the beach at this time of year, News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson has some very informed thoughts on who may or may not lead these two awkward GNU bedfellows in the years to come. Later, in our trending topic, the deputy president is cagey in Parliament about a diamond for his wife and his multimillion-rand travel bill. Finally, we shine a light on Operation Blanket, a covert SADF operation against the ANC in Lesotho, 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:31:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1627154/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:37.000" title="Crossing to Adriaan Basson on possible ANC, DA leadership changes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:10:10.000" title="What about the ANC&#039;s Didiza, Mbalula? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:56.000" title="Rauby&#039;s Round Robin!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:15.000" title="Trending topic: Mashatile&#039;s Liebenberg diamond? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:42.000" title="On This Day in SA History: &#039;Operation Blanket&#039;" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>ANC and DA succession races – Didiza rising, Hill-Lewis waiting?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1627154_20251209_173625_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:56</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The DA won’t be led by John Steenhuisen forever, and this is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s final turn at the helm of Africa’s oldest liberation movement, the ANC. While most of us have our minds on the beach at this time of year, News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson has some very informed thoughts on who may or may not lead these two awkward GNU bedfellows in the years to come. Later, in our trending topic, the deputy president is cagey in Parliament about a diamond for his wife and his multimillion-rand travel bill. Finally, we shine a light on Operation Blanket, a covert SADF operation against the ANC in Lesotho, 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>‘Vlam’ extinguished - why was crimefighter Marius van der Merwe killed?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1626671</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Nicknamed “vlam”, or flame in English, 41-year-old Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe was shot and killed last Friday at his home. It’s mere weeks after he, as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, detailed an alleged 2022 murder cover-up involving deputy Ekurhuleni top metro cop, Julius Mkhwanazi. And it follows Van Der Merwe’s private security efforts to fight illegal mining on Gauteng’s East Rand this year. Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks brings us up to speed on these developments. Later, in our trending topic, how much would you pay for a 1995 Springbok players’ medal gifted by the late Nelson Mandela? Finally, the Little Foot Sterkfontein skeleton was unearthed On This Day in SA History. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:47:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1626671/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:55.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks on Vlam&#039;s murder" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:33.000" title="Suspects at large" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:50.000" title="Trending topic: Rare Boks medal up for auction" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:54.000" title="AD: Listen Up!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:48.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Little Foot" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>‘Vlam’ extinguished - why was crimefighter Marius van der Merwe killed?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1626671_20251208_171113_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>19:56</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Nicknamed “vlam”, or flame in English, 41-year-old Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe was shot and killed last Friday at his home. It’s mere weeks after he, as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, detailed an alleged 2022 murder cover-up involving deputy Ekurhuleni top metro cop, Julius Mkhwanazi. And it follows Van Der Merwe’s private security efforts to fight illegal mining on Gauteng’s East Rand this year. Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks brings us up to speed on these developments. Later, in our trending topic, how much would you pay for a 1995 Springbok players’ medal gifted by the late Nelson Mandela? Finally, the Little Foot Sterkfontein skeleton was unearthed On This Day in SA History. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Dlomo in the dock cracks open SSA looting legacy of the Zuma years</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1625703</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1625703</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 alleged forgery, looting the agency of millions. And our investigations editor, Pieter du Toit, thinks it’s among our best early Christmas presents this year. Finally, the Mother City suffered a fairly serious earthquake in the early 1800s … 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1625703/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:26.000" title="Crossing to Pieter du Toit on Dlomo&#039;s legacy" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:30.000" title="Arthur Fraser knows where the skeletons are buried " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:34.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:59.000" title="On This Day in SA History: CPT earthquake" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Dlomo in the dock cracks open SSA looting legacy of the Zuma years</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1625703_20251204_154541_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:07</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 alleged forgery, looting the agency of millions. And our investigations editor, Pieter du Toit, thinks it’s among our best early Christmas presents this year. Finally, the Mother City suffered a fairly serious earthquake in the early 1800s … 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Families desperate as 17 SA men remain stuck in Russian conflict</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1625335</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1625335</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 saga, Iavan Pijoos, in our latest edition of The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, the Boks have been thrown in a fairly easy pool for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Finally, Dr Christiaan Barnard made human heart transplant history on this day in 1967 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1625335/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:23.000" title="Crossing to Iavan Pijoos on MKP Russia saga" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:33.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:25.000" title="Crossing to Khanyiso Tshwaku on RWC 2027 pools" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:58.000" title="AD: N24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:26.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Dr Christiaan Barnard" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Families desperate as 17 SA men remain stuck in Russian conflict</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1625335_20251203_174742_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:20</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 saga, Iavan Pijoos, in our latest edition of The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, the Boks have been thrown in a fairly easy pool for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Finally, Dr Christiaan Barnard made human heart transplant history on this day in 1967 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Gqeberha’s governance crisis: Who can fix the Windy City?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1624839</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1624839</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 stakes its claim for the ANC’s coveted mayoral chain. Later, we pay tribute to the first woman to publish poetry in isiXhosa, 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1624839/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:29.000" title="Crossing to Siya Capa on Gqeberha&#039;s woes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:24.000" title="Odendaal&#039;s claim Gqeberha is criminally captured" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:00.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:24.000" title="On This Day in SA History: First isiXhosa poet" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Gqeberha’s governance crisis: Who can fix the Windy City?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1624839_20251202_184854_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:09</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 stakes its claim for the ANC’s coveted mayoral chain. Later, we pay tribute to the first woman to publish poetry in isiXhosa, 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1624839?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Mayoral misleadings in Mafole murder?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1624355</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1624355</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 matters… but not the lucrative R1.8 billion chemical toilets tender this auditor, and News24, delved into. Finally, the British Empire ended slavery in the Cape of Good Hope, 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:38:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1624355/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:17.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi Mantshantsha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:55.000" title="The Mayor knew more than he lets on" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:50.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:17.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Cape slavery ends" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Mayoral misleadings in Mafole murder?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1624355_20251201_184945_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>21:56</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 matters… but not the lucrative R1.8 billion chemical toilets tender this auditor, and News24, delved into. Finally, the British Empire ended slavery in the Cape of Good Hope, 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1624355?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The Cat, the Hat and the Woolies shopping bags of money</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1623013</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1623013</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 Gerber and I distil Matlala’s evidence before MPs, sitting in a Pretoria prison, with a giant pinch of salt. Finally, we end off the show with Trump’s attempts to bar SA from the 2026 G20 and a different landmark moment in US-SA diplomatic relations with On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1623013/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:09.000" title="Crossing to Jan Gerber on Matlala, Cele and Mkhwanazi" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:00.000" title="The disputed Mogotsi connection" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:10.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:03.000" title="Trump V Ramaphosa | On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The Cat, the Hat and the Woolies shopping bags of money</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1623013_20251127_173710_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:51</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 Gerber and I distil Matlala’s evidence before MPs, sitting in a Pretoria prison, with a giant pinch of salt. Finally, we end off the show with Trump’s attempts to bar SA from the 2026 G20 and a different landmark moment in US-SA diplomatic relations with On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1623013?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Indian fake news farm fuels Sassa lies. PLUS, probing ‘cheap flights’</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1622618</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1622618</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How did an obscure northern Indian digital agency turn into a global fake news factory spouting all sorts of Sassa nonsense in SA? It’s a burning question that we discuss with our Disinformation Desk editor Andrew Thompson. Because even after being exposed for how it peddles completely made-up stories about SA last month, the Indian agency has doubled down, forcing our local authorities to act once again. The man whose investigation revealed the true source of Mzansi’s fake news problem, Thompson, joins The Lead in our Cape Town studios. Later, in our trending topic, flights aren’t necessarily cheap these days with all the frills added to your overall bill. Finally, the first cornerstone of the Union Buildings was laid 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1622618/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:37.000" title="Crossing to Andrew Thompson on SASSA fake news" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:40.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:23.000" title="Trending topic: Cheap flights? Doesn&#039;t exist!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:40.000" title="AD: N24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:11.000" title="On This Day in SA History: The Union Buildings" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Indian fake news farm fuels Sassa lies. PLUS, probing ‘cheap flights’</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1622618_20251126_175615_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>36:25</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[How did an obscure northern Indian digital agency turn into a global fake news factory spouting all sorts of Sassa nonsense in SA? It’s a burning question that we discuss with our Disinformation Desk editor Andrew Thompson. Because even after being exposed for how it peddles completely made-up stories about SA last month, the Indian agency has doubled down, forcing our local authorities to act once again. The man whose investigation revealed the true source of Mzansi’s fake news problem, Thompson, joins The Lead in our Cape Town studios. Later, in our trending topic, flights aren’t necessarily cheap these days with all the frills added to your overall bill. Finally, the first cornerstone of the Union Buildings was laid 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Power surge, Carol Paton on Mzansi’s new electricity revolution</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1622144</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1622144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If, like me, you’ve seen these headlines of new independent power producers emerging to feed into the national grid ... and you’re wondering, when will we finally wean ourselves off a century-old Eskom monopoly and realise cheaper power prices? Then stick around for my conversation with specialist journalist Carol Paton in this edition of The Lead. Because the long and short of it is this: we’re at the start of an unprecedented electricity revolution in Mzansi. Later, in our trending topic, a Cape Town institution, the trendy Oranjezicht market moves … across the road. Finally, the apartheid regime once supported a failed operation to overthrow the Seychelles government … 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
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							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:44.000" title="Crossing to Carol Paton on SA&#039;s elec. revolution" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:50.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:18.000" title="Trending topic: Oranjezicht market moves" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:50.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Failed Seychelles coup" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Power surge, Carol Paton on Mzansi’s new electricity revolution</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1622144_20251125_170744_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:16</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[If, like me, you’ve seen these headlines of new independent power producers emerging to feed into the national grid ... and you’re wondering, when will we finally wean ourselves off a century-old Eskom monopoly and realise cheaper power prices? Then stick around for my conversation with specialist journalist Carol Paton in this edition of The Lead. Because the long and short of it is this: we’re at the start of an unprecedented electricity revolution in Mzansi. Later, in our trending topic, a Cape Town institution, the trendy Oranjezicht market moves … across the road. Finally, the apartheid regime once supported a failed operation to overthrow the Seychelles government … 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Ubuntu diplomacy lands at Jozi G20 as US stays away</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1621730</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1621730</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The first G20 summit on African soil has flown by and, barring the United States’ view, it appears that President Cyril Ramaphosa has come in for near-universal applause for pulling off a global event of this magnitude. In what some are calling a diplomatic masterstroke, Pretoria pushed for the participating powers to adopt the summit’s declaration early on Saturday, possibly to avoid any overtures from Washington. For more on the politically charged weekend that was, we’ve got our deputy politics editor, Bongekile Macupe, in The Lead hotseat. Later, in our trending topic, Helen Zille breaks up a public spat between John Steenhuisen and Dion George. Finally, the capital, Pretoria, elected its first black mayor in 1995 On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1621730/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:29.000" title="Crossing to Bongekile Macupe" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:06.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:32.000" title="Trending topic: Zille gags George &amp; Steenhuisen" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:46.000" title="On This Day in SA History: PTA&#039;s first black mayor" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Ubuntu diplomacy lands at Jozi G20 as US stays away</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1621730_20251124_173448_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:44</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The first G20 summit on African soil has flown by and, barring the United States’ view, it appears that President Cyril Ramaphosa has come in for near-universal applause for pulling off a global event of this magnitude. In what some are calling a diplomatic masterstroke, Pretoria pushed for the participating powers to adopt the summit’s declaration early on Saturday, possibly to avoid any overtures from Washington. For more on the politically charged weekend that was, we’ve got our deputy politics editor, Bongekile Macupe, in The Lead hotseat. Later, in our trending topic, Helen Zille breaks up a public spat between John Steenhuisen and Dion George. Finally, the capital, Pretoria, elected its first black mayor in 1995 On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>SA’s high stakes G20 and whiplash from Washington</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1620625</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1620625</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We start this edition of The Lead tonight with the breaking news from President Cyril Ramaphosa that Washington has done a u-turn and is now showing a willingness to participate in the G20 Summit in some form or another. Please note the rest of the show tonight was recorded earlier in the day. For the first time in Africa’s history, the G20 Summit is happening this weekend in Johannesburg, a city beset by a poisonous urban decay. We’ll catch up with political journalist, Amanda Khoza on the G20 first, and then cross to editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson on the B-20, all next. Later, with On This Day in SA History, a reckless, daredevil biker made headlines on this day in 2005. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1620625/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
						<itunes:title>SA’s high stakes G20 and whiplash from Washington</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1620625_20251120_185737_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:26</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[We start this edition of The Lead tonight with the breaking news from President Cyril Ramaphosa that Washington has done a u-turn and is now showing a willingness to participate in the G20 Summit in some form or another. Please note the rest of the show tonight was recorded earlier in the day. For the first time in Africa’s history, the G20 Summit is happening this weekend in Johannesburg, a city beset by a poisonous urban decay. We’ll catch up with political journalist, Amanda Khoza on the G20 first, and then cross to editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson on the B-20, all next. Later, with On This Day in SA History, a reckless, daredevil biker made headlines on this day in 2005. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Unravelling Brown Mogotsi’s conspiracies with Karyn Maughan</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1619986</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1619986</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We begin this special edition of The Lead with the very latest charge from Madlanga Commission evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, that notorious North West businessman Brown Mogotsi lied under oath. Mogotsi’s claims read like a Cold War-era spy novel, but they appear to lack the evidence the commission so sorely needs to make concrete findings. The self-proclaimed Crime Intelligence contact agent, the alleged go-to guy between Gauteng’s criminal underworld and the now-suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu, has claimed KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is a CIA agent, which the commission has since poured cold water over. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan updates us from Pretoria. Later, in our trending topic, US President Donald Trump claims – as his reason for not attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit – that Pretoria is exterminating people. Finally, the mid-1990s saw the Springboks dominate the rugby world, with On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1619986/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:31.000" title="First crossing with Karyn Maughan on Mogotsi&#039;s claims" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:18.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:09.000" title="Second crossing with Maughan on Mogotsi&#039;s claims" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:35.000" title="Trending topic: Trump&#039;s unfounded SA claims" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:15.000" title="Hot take: Trump&#039;s disgusting &#039;piggy&#039; comment" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:50.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:18.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Springboks" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Unravelling Brown Mogotsi’s conspiracies with Karyn Maughan</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1619986_20251119_174433_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:01</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[We begin this special edition of The Lead with the very latest charge from Madlanga Commission evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, that notorious North West businessman Brown Mogotsi lied under oath. Mogotsi’s claims read like a Cold War-era spy novel, but they appear to lack the evidence the commission so sorely needs to make concrete findings. The self-proclaimed Crime Intelligence contact agent, the alleged go-to guy between Gauteng’s criminal underworld and the now-suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu, has claimed KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is a CIA agent, which the commission has since poured cold water over. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan updates us from Pretoria. Later, in our trending topic, US President Donald Trump claims – as his reason for not attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit – that Pretoria is exterminating people. Finally, the mid-1990s saw the Springboks dominate the rugby world, with On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>78-year-old District Six resident beats 2023 eviction order</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1619518</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1619518</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every now and then, a modern-day David and Goliath story comes along that warms our hearts. Today, this story is about 78-year-old Noor-Banu Allie, a long-time District Six resident who was forcibly removed from the area in the late 1960s. She very nearly suffered the same fate recently when her landlord dug their heels in, but a Western Cape High Court ruling has now allowed her to keep renting her humble District Six home. More with this incredible story is journalist Marvin Charles, our guest on The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, he’s held three top Cabinet posts; now, Malusi Gigaba finds himself in a court dock charged with corruption. And finally, epic aviator Amy Johnson broke her solo flying record from England to Cape Town with On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:38:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1619518/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:13.000" title="Crossing to Marvin Charles on D6 claimant&#039;s win over 2023 eviction order" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:11.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:37.000" title="Trending topic: Gigaba&#039;s charged with corruption" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:53.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Hot Take: G20" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>78-year-old District Six resident beats 2023 eviction order</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1619518_20251118_165623_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>18:49</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Every now and then, a modern-day David and Goliath story comes along that warms our hearts. Today, this story is about 78-year-old Noor-Banu Allie, a long-time District Six resident who was forcibly removed from the area in the late 1960s. She very nearly suffered the same fate recently when her landlord dug their heels in, but a Western Cape High Court ruling has now allowed her to keep renting her humble District Six home. More with this incredible story is journalist Marvin Charles, our guest on The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, he’s held three top Cabinet posts; now, Malusi Gigaba finds himself in a court dock charged with corruption. And finally, epic aviator Amy Johnson broke her solo flying record from England to Cape Town with On This Day in SA History. 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>How the DA axed its own minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1619084</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1619084</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First came Andrew Whitfield’s axing – and now the DA’s had to see the environment minister, Dion George, fired too. This time for failing to toe the Cabinet’s policy lines on COP30 and regulated rhino horn and ivory trading. Allegations, too, of bullying and sexual misconduct suggest that George was deeply unpleasant to work with. Catch our conversation with News24’s new climate correspondent, Ethan van Diemen, next. Later, in our trending topic, the ANC changes tactics for next year’s local government elections. Finally, it just so happens to be an important historical day for the DA’s precursor party, the DP … in 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1619084/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:30.000" title="Crossing to Ethan van Diemen on George&#039;s demise" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:08:47.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:55.000" title="Trending topic: ANC changes poll tactics" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:17.000" title="On This Day in SA History: DP origins" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>How the DA axed its own minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1619084_20251117_170400_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>21:07</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[First came Andrew Whitfield’s axing – and now the DA’s had to see the environment minister, Dion George, fired too. This time for failing to toe the Cabinet’s policy lines on COP30 and regulated rhino horn and ivory trading. Allegations, too, of bullying and sexual misconduct suggest that George was deeply unpleasant to work with. Catch our conversation with News24’s new climate correspondent, Ethan van Diemen, next. Later, in our trending topic, the ANC changes tactics for next year’s local government elections. Finally, it just so happens to be an important historical day for the DA’s precursor party, the DP … in 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Lawless lawmen? Inside the AmaPanyaza saga, with Khaya Koko</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1618078</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1618078</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[They’re called the AmaPanyaza. Meaning: Panyaza’s boys. These are the more than 6 000 anti-crime wardens appointed as a task force in the name of the premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, back in 2023. But Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, just this October, found in a report that the establishment of the force was illegal and unconstitutional. She ordered the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), working with Panyaza’s administration, to retrain the force as traffic wardens specifically. But with the RTMC’s books squarely in the red, a massive training effort doesn’t look likely anytime soon. Investigative journalist, Khaya Koko, colours in the lines in this edition of The Lead. Finally, before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, there was the Harms Commission, with On This Day in SA History 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1618078/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="Crossing with Khaya Koko on AmaPanyaza" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:00.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:09.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Lawless lawmen? Inside the AmaPanyaza saga, with Khaya Koko</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1618078_20251113_171855_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:22</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[They’re called the AmaPanyaza. Meaning: Panyaza’s boys. These are the more than 6 000 anti-crime wardens appointed as a task force in the name of the premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, back in 2023. But Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, just this October, found in a report that the establishment of the force was illegal and unconstitutional. She ordered the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), working with Panyaza’s administration, to retrain the force as traffic wardens specifically. But with the RTMC’s books squarely in the red, a massive training effort doesn’t look likely anytime soon. Investigative journalist, Khaya Koko, colours in the lines in this edition of The Lead. Finally, before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, there was the Harms Commission, with On This Day in SA History 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Adriaan Basson calls out SA’s Trump collaborators</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1617546</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1617546</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Remember their names: Kallie Kriel, Rob Hersov, Elon Musk. These are just some of the collaborators News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson argues played a part in backing US President Donald Trump’s lies about the Afrikaner experience in SA today. Basson, our guest on The Lead, believes Trump’s comments may come and go, but history will remember these collaborators. Later, in our trending topic, a Free State man walks 15km to save his four-legged best friend named “Option”. Finally, we consider the Koornhof family legacy with On This Day in SA History. 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.The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1617546/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:33.000" title="Crossing to Adriaan Basson on calling out SA&#039;s Trump collaborators" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:38.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:02.000" title="Trending topic: FS man walks 15kms to save his dog&#039;s life" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:29.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:58.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Graeme&#039;s Hot Take" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Adriaan Basson calls out SA’s Trump collaborators</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1617546_20251112_162842_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>31:56</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Remember their names: Kallie Kriel, Rob Hersov, Elon Musk. These are just some of the collaborators News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson argues played a part in backing US President Donald Trump’s lies about the Afrikaner experience in SA today. Basson, our guest on The Lead, believes Trump’s comments may come and go, but history will remember these collaborators. Later, in our trending topic, a Free State man walks 15km to save his four-legged best friend named “Option”. Finally, we consider the Koornhof family legacy with On This Day in SA History. 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.The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>The MKP’s puzzling Russia deployment. PLUS: How to spot AI slop</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1617136</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1617136</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We lead today’s show with a News24 exclusive on news that the MK Party flew some of its members to Russia to train as bodyguards only for them to be deployed, apparently unknowingly, to the frontlines of a war. It now appears that former president Jacob Zuma wants them moved to a safe space. And, later in the show, how did an obscure northern Indian digital agency turn into a global fake news factory spouting all sorts of Sassa nonsense in SA? You’ll hear a lot more about these incredible stories from our top journalists, Ivan Pijoos and Andrew Thompson, next! Finally, Angola gained independence On This Day in SA History at the end of the show. But not before host Graeme Raubenheimer gives his ‘hot take’ on the Please Call Me compensation saga. You can send 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:23:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1617136/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:55.000" title="Crossing to Iavan Pijoos on MKP Russia deployment" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:56.000" title="AD: 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:20.000" title="Crossing to Andrew Thompson on Indian fake news &#039;factory&#039;" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:37:57.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Graeme&#039;s Hot Take" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The MKP’s puzzling Russia deployment. PLUS: How to spot AI slop</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1617136_20251111_174315_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>41:50</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[We lead today’s show with a News24 exclusive on news that the MK Party flew some of its members to Russia to train as bodyguards only for them to be deployed, apparently unknowingly, to the frontlines of a war. It now appears that former president Jacob Zuma wants them moved to a safe space. And, later in the show, how did an obscure northern Indian digital agency turn into a global fake news factory spouting all sorts of Sassa nonsense in SA? You’ll hear a lot more about these incredible stories from our top journalists, Ivan Pijoos and Andrew Thompson, next! Finally, Angola gained independence On This Day in SA History at the end of the show. But not before host Graeme Raubenheimer gives his ‘hot take’ on the Please Call Me compensation saga. You can send 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Cat clairvoyance? Matlala bagged clinic lease months before SAPS tender</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1616686</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1616686</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just when you thought the Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala saga couldn’t get any more intriguing, it does. Today, specialist investigative journalist Jeff Wicks can reveal the notorious tender don secured a pretty affordable deal to rent a state clinic on the grounds of the Pretoria West Police Training Academy, a full six months before he landed a controversial R360-million health services tender with the SA Police Service. What foresight did the Cat possess? asks Wicks in our latest edition of The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter Duduzile finally faces the music for allegedly inciting the July 2021 riots, but pleads not guilty. Finally, the Proteas returned to one-day international cricket with On This Day in SA History, our regular segment 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1616686/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="This ep. is brought to you by 10X Investments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:52.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:20.000" title="The IDAC v PKTT saga" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:39.000" title="Trending topic: Zuma-Sambudla pleads not guilty" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:18.000" title="On This Day in SA History: The Proteas" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Cat clairvoyance? Matlala bagged clinic lease months before SAPS tender</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1616686_20251110_174449_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:09</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Just when you thought the Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala saga couldn’t get any more intriguing, it does. Today, specialist investigative journalist Jeff Wicks can reveal the notorious tender don secured a pretty affordable deal to rent a state clinic on the grounds of the Pretoria West Police Training Academy, a full six months before he landed a controversial R360-million health services tender with the SA Police Service. What foresight did the Cat possess? asks Wicks in our latest edition of The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter Duduzile finally faces the music for allegedly inciting the July 2021 riots, but pleads not guilty. Finally, the Proteas returned to one-day international cricket with On This Day in SA History, our regular segment 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. The Lead is currently sponsored by 10X Investments.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Jozi leaders out of office ahead of G20. PLUS: DA, ANC, PA duel for WC</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1615587</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[From the Big Smoke to Slaapstad, there’s plenty to unpack politically this week. In Jozi, a temporary leadership vacuum ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit has coalition partners outraged. Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, the DA’s blue wave has swallowed up some senior ANC members left out in the cold. Stay tuned for The Lead’s discussions with News24 journos Alex Patrick and Siyamtanda Capa. Later, Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in Durban On This Day in SA History, a regular segment at the end of the show. Finally, host Graeme Raubenheimer gives his ‘hot take’ on Angelo Agrizzi’s plea and sentencing deal with the State. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1615587/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:47.000" title="Crossing to Alex Patrick: Jozi leaders out of office" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:09:09.000" title="Crossing to Siyamtanda Capa: DA, ANC, PA duel for WC" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:50.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:18.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:04.000" title="Graeme&#039;s hot take: Angelo Agrizzi sentenced" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Jozi leaders out of office ahead of G20. PLUS: DA, ANC, PA duel for WC</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1615587_20251106_165737_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:47</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[From the Big Smoke to Slaapstad, there’s plenty to unpack politically this week. In Jozi, a temporary leadership vacuum ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit has coalition partners outraged. Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, the DA’s blue wave has swallowed up some senior ANC members left out in the cold. Stay tuned for The Lead’s discussions with News24 journos Alex Patrick and Siyamtanda Capa. Later, Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in Durban On This Day in SA History, a regular segment at the end of the show. Finally, host Graeme Raubenheimer gives his ‘hot take’ on Angelo Agrizzi’s plea and sentencing deal with the State. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>BEE makeover - Is Tau’s Transformation Fund glow-up enough?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1615135</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1615135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau’s dream of realising a massive voluntary fund to uplift small black businesses gets a reality check in this edition of The Lead. Specialist journalist Carol Paton tells us that Tau has revised this concept to include a key incentive for big business to help build the R100-billion chest. Later, in our trending topic, political silly season’s in full swing with a top Cape ANC man defecting to the DA. Finally, the Cullinan diamond was cut up, not for any South African’s benefit, in our regular On This Day in SA History segment 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:47:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1615135/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:51.000" title="Crossing to Carol Paton" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:10:00.000" title="Are they deployed cadres? " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:27.000" title="Trending topic: WC ANC man defects to DA" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:04.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Top Billing&#039;s back!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>BEE makeover - Is Tau’s Transformation Fund glow-up enough?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1615135_20251105_171234_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>23:22</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau’s dream of realising a massive voluntary fund to uplift small black businesses gets a reality check in this edition of The Lead. Specialist journalist Carol Paton tells us that Tau has revised this concept to include a key incentive for big business to help build the R100-billion chest. Later, in our trending topic, political silly season’s in full swing with a top Cape ANC man defecting to the DA. Finally, the Cullinan diamond was cut up, not for any South African’s benefit, in our regular On This Day in SA History segment 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>All aboard? Not quite, as Gautrain stuck in search for new operator</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1614659</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1614659</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Democratic South Africa has had such lofty dreams of bullet trains for our now largely decrepit rail network. The Gautrain, though, stands as somewhat of a contemporary rail success story. And now, the high-speed service between OR Tambo International Airport and the capital, Pretoria, is approaching its final station in finding a new operator to run it. News24 business journalist William Brederode tells The Lead that the appointment process is heavily delayed. Later, in our trending topic, the site of the deadly George building collapse is going up for auction soon. Finally, a curious murder case grabbed national attention in 1970s apartheid SA, with On This Day in SA History, our regular segment. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:06:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1614659/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:19.000" title="Crossing to William Brederode" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:00.000" title="UK / SA trains subsidy comparison" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:35.000" title="Trending topic: George building collapse site auction" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:01.000" title="Finally: On This Day in SA History / Dick Cheney fun fact" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>All aboard? Not quite, as Gautrain stuck in search for new operator</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1614659_20251104_171311_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:18</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Democratic South Africa has had such lofty dreams of bullet trains for our now largely decrepit rail network. The Gautrain, though, stands as somewhat of a contemporary rail success story. And now, the high-speed service between OR Tambo International Airport and the capital, Pretoria, is approaching its final station in finding a new operator to run it. News24 business journalist William Brederode tells The Lead that the appointment process is heavily delayed. Later, in our trending topic, the site of the deadly George building collapse is going up for auction soon. Finally, a curious murder case grabbed national attention in 1970s apartheid SA, with On This Day in SA History, our regular segment. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>SARS guns for company linked to Mashatile’s sons. PLUS: Murray murders case restarts</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1614219</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1614219</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once a registered South African company trades past R1 million, it is legally required to pay value-added tax (VAT). Tell that to two of the deputy president’s sons whose company they are linked to, Modipadi Nokaneng, now owes the SA Revenue Service (SARS) a cool R3 million. This is revealed by our investigative journalist, Kyle Cowan, who is live with The Lead in this edition for not one, but two stories. In our trending topic, and following the murders of top liquidators, the father-and-son duo of Cloete and Thomas Murray, Cowan tells us that Gauteng police have now conceded to restarting their probe into this curious case ... 960 days later! Finally, we recall Mzansi’s rich media ownership legacy with On This Day in SA History. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1614219/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:38.000" title="Crossing to Kyle Cowan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:12:19.000" title="Public Protector probe into Mashatile sons&#039; R90m deal" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:35.000" title="Update on Murray Murders matter" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:37:42.000" title="AD: Listen Up! A News24-powered podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:38:36.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>SARS guns for company linked to Mashatile’s sons. PLUS: Murray murders case restarts</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1614219_20251103_173932_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>40:20</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Once a registered South African company trades past R1 million, it is legally required to pay value-added tax (VAT). Tell that to two of the deputy president’s sons whose company they are linked to, Modipadi Nokaneng, now owes the SA Revenue Service (SARS) a cool R3 million. This is revealed by our investigative journalist, Kyle Cowan, who is live with The Lead in this edition for not one, but two stories. In our trending topic, and following the murders of top liquidators, the father-and-son duo of Cloete and Thomas Murray, Cowan tells us that Gauteng police have now conceded to restarting their probe into this curious case ... 960 days later! Finally, we recall Mzansi’s rich media ownership legacy with On This Day in SA History. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Rassie’s suprise year-end rookie. PLUS: Black Coffee’s R157m CT villa</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1610356</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1610356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Sprinbok boys in green and gold go head-to-head with their old foes, the Japanese Cherry Blossoms this 1 November. Coach Rassie Erasmus has already named his squad for next month’s tour, with young Stormers breakout star Zachary Porthen tipped to make his debut. Taking stock post-Rugby Championship for The Lead is our News24 sport editor, Lloyd Burnard. Later, in our trending topic, Nicole McCain gives us the scoop on DJ Black Coffee’s R157 million Clifton villa, complete with cinema room. Finally, we recount Mzansi’s Boxing golden years with On This Day in SA History. Editor’s note: The Lead will resume normal programming Monday 3 November. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1610356/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:30.000" title="Crossing to Lloyd Burnard" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:08:30.000" title="Rassie&#039;s November squad" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:50.000" title="DJ Black Coffee&#039;s R157m Clifton villa" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:59.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:27.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Boxing&#039;s golden years" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Rassie’s suprise year-end rookie. PLUS: Black Coffee’s R157m CT villa</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1610356_20251022_172841_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:12</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Sprinbok boys in green and gold go head-to-head with their old foes, the Japanese Cherry Blossoms this 1 November. Coach Rassie Erasmus has already named his squad for next month’s tour, with young Stormers breakout star Zachary Porthen tipped to make his debut. Taking stock post-Rugby Championship for The Lead is our News24 sport editor, Lloyd Burnard. Later, in our trending topic, Nicole McCain gives us the scoop on DJ Black Coffee’s R157 million Clifton villa, complete with cinema room. Finally, we recount Mzansi’s Boxing golden years with On This Day in SA History. Editor’s note: The Lead will resume normal programming Monday 3 November. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Poor Economic Empowerment - DA’s answer to BEE. PLUS: Slain auditor update</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1609907</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1609907</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On one hand, the ANC’s championing of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) has certainly succeeded in putting money into black people’s hands, a majority race excluded from enjoying the fruits of our country’s economy for centuries. But BBBEE’s critics, on the other hand, claim that the wealth this contentious policy has generated has often landed in the laps of a small elite group with strong political ties. So, in apartheid’s shadow, what could potentially take BBBEE’s place? The ANC’s government of national unity partner, the DA, claims to have the answer. And the journalist covering the party’s latest proposal is Siyamtanda Capa, our guest in this edition of The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, the plot thickens, with our investigations team detailing evidence that slain auditor Mpho Mafole’s work was hindered from within the City of Ekurhuleni. Finally, revelations of a double agent shocked the nation in 2003 with “On This Day in SA History”. 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. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1609907/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:37.000" title="Crossing to Siyamtanda Capa" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:07:44.000" title="Presidency unaware of DA&#039;s counter to BBBEE" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:01.000" title="Trending topic: Ekurhuleni city&#039;s reaction to slain auditor revelations" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:30.000" title="AD: Driving with J9 on News24" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:28.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Double agent " />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Poor Economic Empowerment - DA’s answer to BEE. PLUS: Slain auditor update</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1609907_20251021_172326_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>18:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[On one hand, the ANC’s championing of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) has certainly succeeded in putting money into black people’s hands, a majority race excluded from enjoying the fruits of our country’s economy for centuries. But BBBEE’s critics, on the other hand, claim that the wealth this contentious policy has generated has often landed in the laps of a small elite group with strong political ties. So, in apartheid’s shadow, what could potentially take BBBEE’s place? The ANC’s government of national unity partner, the DA, claims to have the answer. And the journalist covering the party’s latest proposal is Siyamtanda Capa, our guest in this edition of The Lead. Later, in our trending topic, the plot thickens, with our investigations team detailing evidence that slain auditor Mpho Mafole’s work was hindered from within the City of Ekurhuleni. Finally, revelations of a double agent shocked the nation in 2003 with “On This Day in SA History”. 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.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Is this why Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole was assassinated?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1609397</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1609397</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hunted. What was slain auditor Mpho Mafole and his team probing from within the City of Ekurhuleni when he was gunned down in Kempton Park this year? Find out by listening to this edition of The Lead with our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha. Later, in our trending topic, the PA unseats the ANC in a startling Soweto by-election. And finally, SA’s got a rich rail legacy with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1609397/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:24.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi Mantshantsha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:07:13.000" title="What Mpho &amp; his team uncovered" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:36.000" title="Trending topic: PA wins Soweto by-election" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:53.000" title="AD: Listen Up! " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:49.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Rail legacy" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is this why Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole was assassinated?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1609397_20251020_170316_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:37</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Hunted. What was slain auditor Mpho Mafole and his team probing from within the City of Ekurhuleni when he was gunned down in Kempton Park this year? Find out by listening to this edition of The Lead with our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha. Later, in our trending topic, the PA unseats the ANC in a startling Soweto by-election. And finally, SA’s got a rich rail legacy with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1609397?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Mchunu defends decision to disband PKTT, with Jan Gerber</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1608459</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1608459</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[He’s been itching to tell his side of the story. Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been emphatic to Parliamentarians this Thursday that there was no sinister ulterior motive in disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and that the unit was under review for a long time. Catch the very latest from Mchunu’s evidence before MPs, with our senior parliamentary correspondent, Jan Gerber, in this edition of The Lead. Later, the road to Springbok glory was difficult, with our regular segment, “On This Day in SA History”, 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. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:22:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1608459/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:28.000" title="Morning crossing to Jan Gerber" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:00.000" title="After lunch with Jan Gerber" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:43.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:11.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Springboks" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Mchunu defends decision to disband PKTT, with Jan Gerber</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1608459_20251016_183308_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:28</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[He’s been itching to tell his side of the story. Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been emphatic to Parliamentarians this Thursday that there was no sinister ulterior motive in disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and that the unit was under review for a long time. Catch the very latest from Mchunu’s evidence before MPs, with our senior parliamentary correspondent, Jan Gerber, in this edition of The Lead. Later, the road to Springbok glory was difficult, with our regular segment, “On This Day in SA History”, 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. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Why is Riaan Manser going WILD with News24? PLUS: Bafana’s triumph</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1607960</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1607960</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“The outdoors is screaming for you. Time to listen,” Who said that? Our very own Riaan Manser, of course, News24’s outdoors editor, a man of many firsts, including traversing the entirety of Africa on a bicycle. He joins us on The Lead alongside our Good News editor, Paul Herman, regaling us with fantastic tales from across the globe. Later, 3-0 baba! Mzansi’s celebrating Bafana’s booking in next year’s FIFA World Cup. We celebrate with football journo Njabulo Ngidi from Mbombela. Finally, we turn back time to when the ANC’s Robben Island prisoners were released with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1607960/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:55.000" title="Chat with Riaan Manser &amp; Paul Herman" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:00.000" title="Manser meets Mandela" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:44:29.000" title="Trending topic: Bafana&#039;s triumph w/ Njabulo Ngidi" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:59:30.000" title="On This Day in SA History: Robben Island releases" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Why is Riaan Manser going WILD with News24? PLUS: Bafana’s triumph</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1607960_20251015_172810_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>1:01:00</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[“The outdoors is screaming for you. Time to listen,” Who said that? Our very own Riaan Manser, of course, News24’s outdoors editor, a man of many firsts, including traversing the entirety of Africa on a bicycle. He joins us on The Lead alongside our Good News editor, Paul Herman, regaling us with fantastic tales from across the globe. Later, 3-0 baba! Mzansi’s celebrating Bafana’s booking in next year’s FIFA World Cup. We celebrate with football journo Njabulo Ngidi from Mbombela. Finally, we turn back time to when the ANC’s Robben Island prisoners were released with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Zuma funder, diamond ‘conman’ Louis Liebenberg’s guitar, pool table under auction</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1607478</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1607478</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[He is accused of being one of South Africa’s best-known conmen. A larger-than-life diamond trader-turned-alleged-Ponzi scheme mastermind, the notorious Louis Liebenberg is currently languishing in a Pretoria remand prison cell. And from this week, the heavy, earth-moving construction gear Liebenberg’s mine operated out of Koingnaas in the Northern Cape will go under the hammer. The journalist breaking this story in The Lead is our very own Jan Cronje. Later, in our trending topic, is there a pre-festive season fuel pump price present under the tree this year? Finally, we reflect on the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission’s gains and setbacks with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1607478/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:42.000" title="Interview with Jan Cronje" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:11.000" title="Auctioning off Liebenberg&#039;s possessions " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:01.000" title="Trending topic: Fuel price drop?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:19.000" title="On This Day in SA History: TRC hearings" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Zuma funder, diamond ‘conman’ Louis Liebenberg’s guitar, pool table under auction</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1607478_20251014_173921_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>31:22</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[He is accused of being one of South Africa’s best-known conmen. A larger-than-life diamond trader-turned-alleged-Ponzi scheme mastermind, the notorious Louis Liebenberg is currently languishing in a Pretoria remand prison cell. And from this week, the heavy, earth-moving construction gear Liebenberg’s mine operated out of Koingnaas in the Northern Cape will go under the hammer. The journalist breaking this story in The Lead is our very own Jan Cronje. Later, in our trending topic, is there a pre-festive season fuel pump price present under the tree this year? Finally, we reflect on the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission’s gains and setbacks with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>The real costs of the police’s PKTT. PLUS: Bafana’s last chance</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1607005</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1607005</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Much of the Madlanga Commission’s focus has been on detailing the events leading up to the disbandment of KwaZulu-Natal’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) nearly a year ago and the alleged reasons behind the decision. But if we pause and consider the text-based evidence tabled before the commission regarding the PKTT’s effectiveness, has it been all that impressive and worthwhile? Jean Redpath is a senior researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape and argues in this edition of The Lead that the costs involved in the PKTT achieving so few convictions are perhaps not bang for SA’s buck. Later, in our trending topic, News24 football journo Tashreeq Vardien helps us take stock of where a draw against Zimbabwe leaves Bafana Bafana in its final bid to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Finally, we reflect on the country’s long LGBTQ+ journey with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1607005/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:23.000" title="Interview with Jean Redpath" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:08.000" title="Trending topic: Bafana&#039;s last chance with Tashreeq Vardien" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:41:46.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The real costs of the police’s PKTT. PLUS: Bafana’s last chance</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1607005_20251013_175442_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>43:59</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Much of the Madlanga Commission’s focus has been on detailing the events leading up to the disbandment of KwaZulu-Natal’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) nearly a year ago and the alleged reasons behind the decision. But if we pause and consider the text-based evidence tabled before the commission regarding the PKTT’s effectiveness, has it been all that impressive and worthwhile? Jean Redpath is a senior researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape and argues in this edition of The Lead that the costs involved in the PKTT achieving so few convictions are perhaps not bang for SA’s buck. Later, in our trending topic, News24 football journo Tashreeq Vardien helps us take stock of where a draw against Zimbabwe leaves Bafana Bafana in its final bid to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Finally, we reflect on the country’s long LGBTQ+ journey with On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Mkhwanazi in Parly. Maumela, Sibiya raids. PLUS: Bafana FIFA preview</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1605998</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1605998</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Die poppe is besig om te dans! Translated: the dolls are busy dancing! Which essentially means the chickens have come home to roost. While the SIU raids tender don Morgan Maumela’s Sandton mansion, and heavily armed officers swarm the Centurion home of suspended top cop Shadrack Sibiya, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi wrapped up his evidence before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee at midnight on Wednesday. Our senior Parliamentary journalist, Jan Gerber, has been burning the midnight oil to keep us abreast of any major Mkhwanazi takeaways there. Later in the show, we cross to our football aficionado, Tashreeq Vardien, in Durban for the critical Bafana Bafana Friday clash against Zimbabwe in the aftermath of Mokoena-gate. Finally, with “On This Day in SA History”, did you know a South African once traversed the famous Channel Tunnel wearing flip flops? You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:27:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1605998/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:11.000" title="Crossing to Jan Gerber on Mkhwanazi" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:40.000" title="Mkhwanazi faces DA questioning" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:24.000" title="UPDATE: Sibiya raid" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:17.000" title="Crossing to Tashreeq Vardien on Bafana" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:47:47.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Mkhwanazi in Parly. Maumela, Sibiya raids. PLUS: Bafana FIFA preview</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1605998_20251009_183230_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>49:45</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Die poppe is besig om te dans! Translated: the dolls are busy dancing! Which essentially means the chickens have come home to roost. While the SIU raids tender don Morgan Maumela’s Sandton mansion, and heavily armed officers swarm the Centurion home of suspended top cop Shadrack Sibiya, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi wrapped up his evidence before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee at midnight on Wednesday. Our senior Parliamentary journalist, Jan Gerber, has been burning the midnight oil to keep us abreast of any major Mkhwanazi takeaways there. Later in the show, we cross to our football aficionado, Tashreeq Vardien, in Durban for the critical Bafana Bafana Friday clash against Zimbabwe in the aftermath of Mokoena-gate. Finally, with “On This Day in SA History”, did you know a South African once traversed the famous Channel Tunnel wearing flip flops? You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>More Jozi coalition chaos on the cards? PLUS: Mkhwanazi latest</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1605537</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1605537</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The smaller, minority political parties are easily the kingmakers in the City of Johannesburg. Now, though, it has emerged that some of them have suddenly exited their shared WhatsApp group. So where does this leave the current configuration of the government of local unity in Jozi? Could it spell more coalition uncertainty for a metro screaming out for proper service delivery? We catch up with our resident metro journalist in the council, Alex Patrick. Later in the show, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi tells MPs that if Crime Intelligence revealed sensitive info about political party funding, “the country will burn”.Finally, we remember the Jozi gold rush pioneers with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1605537/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:12.000" title="Crossing to Alex Patrick" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:08:21.000" title="Zille cleans up Jozi council toilets" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:43.000" title="Trending topic: Mkhwanazi before MPs" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:24.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:52.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>More Jozi coalition chaos on the cards? PLUS: Mkhwanazi latest</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1605537_20251008_181855_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>20:37</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The smaller, minority political parties are easily the kingmakers in the City of Johannesburg. Now, though, it has emerged that some of them have suddenly exited their shared WhatsApp group. So where does this leave the current configuration of the government of local unity in Jozi? Could it spell more coalition uncertainty for a metro screaming out for proper service delivery? We catch up with our resident metro journalist in the council, Alex Patrick. Later in the show, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi tells MPs that if Crime Intelligence revealed sensitive info about political party funding, “the country will burn”.Finally, we remember the Jozi gold rush pioneers with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>ANC considers changing tack against DA’s Zille in Jozi</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1605017</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1605017</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the DA quick out of the gates to deploy one of its most senior members to run for Johannesburg’s mayoral chain, where does this leave the ANC? Does the party, wilting under its track record of corruption and poor service delivery rely on incumbent Dada Morero to take up the fight against Helen Zille in next year’s municipal polls? Or does it deploy a candidate no-one saw coming? With some answers for The Lead is our News24 journalist dabbling in local government politics, Siyamtanda Capa. Later in the show, a US-blacklisted Russian cargo plane touches down in Upington. Finally, we look back on Ian Smith’s last ditch attempts to keep white minority rule in Zimbabwe with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1605017/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:33.000" title="Crossing to Siyamtanda Capa" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:00.000" title="Zille on the charm offensive" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:15.000" title="Trending topic: US-blacklisted Russian plane lands in SA" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:24.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>ANC considers changing tack against DA’s Zille in Jozi</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1605017_20251007_171422_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>24:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[With the DA quick out of the gates to deploy one of its most senior members to run for Johannesburg’s mayoral chain, where does this leave the ANC? Does the party, wilting under its track record of corruption and poor service delivery rely on incumbent Dada Morero to take up the fight against Helen Zille in next year’s municipal polls? Or does it deploy a candidate no-one saw coming? With some answers for The Lead is our News24 journalist dabbling in local government politics, Siyamtanda Capa. Later in the show, a US-blacklisted Russian cargo plane touches down in Upington. Finally, we look back on Ian Smith’s last ditch attempts to keep white minority rule in Zimbabwe with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>After nearly 50 years of SA TV, can SABC, DStv live on?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1604551</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1604551</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[South Africa has been watching television for almost half a century. Yet with the SABC’s finances in the red, DStv haemorrhaging subscribers over its prices, while streamers stream in, we ask: what’s next for Mzansi’s traditional TV industry?  We change channels to TV trade journo Thinus Ferreira in this edition of The Lead. Later, the Patriotic Alliance heralds the return of the so-called Sushi King to his Jozi throne. Finally, we reflect on early 1994’s teething problems with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:49:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1604551/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:28.000" title="Crossing to Thinus Ferreira" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:45:13.000" title="Trending topic: Kunene&#039;s back on his throne" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:46:29.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>After nearly 50 years of SA TV, can SABC, DStv live on?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1604551_20251006_171526_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>48:11</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[South Africa has been watching television for almost half a century. Yet with the SABC’s finances in the red, DStv haemorrhaging subscribers over its prices, while streamers stream in, we ask: what’s next for Mzansi’s traditional TV industry?  We change channels to TV trade journo Thinus Ferreira in this edition of The Lead. Later, the Patriotic Alliance heralds the return of the so-called Sushi King to his Jozi throne. Finally, we reflect on early 1994’s teething problems with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Meet the monster John Harris (with Jacques Pauw)</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1603340</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1603340</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 frequented many towns up and down the Western Cape, was earlier this year sent to Paarl’s Alandale prison for the grooming, sexual assault and double rape of a 9-year-old girl. In fact, he preyed on several women and girls, some of whose experiences only came to light for the first time this week, thanks in part to Pauw’s reporting. We’d like to take this opportunity to urge anyone aware of child or women abuse in South Africa to please contact the South African Police Service at 10111 or call the national Childline toll-free helpline at 116.<br />
We end today’s show with ‘On This Day in SA History’. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: ⁠thelead@24.com⁠. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1603340/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro: Listeners&#039; discretion advised" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:53.000" title="Crossing to Jacques Pauw" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:48:42.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Meet the monster John Harris (with Jacques Pauw)</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1603340_20251002_175909_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>50:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 frequented many towns up and down the Western Cape, was earlier this year sent to Paarl’s Alandale prison for the grooming, sexual assault and double rape of a 9-year-old girl. In fact, he preyed on several women and girls, some of whose experiences only came to light for the first time this week, thanks in part to Pauw’s reporting. We’d like to take this opportunity to urge anyone aware of child or women abuse in South Africa to please contact the South African Police Service at 10111 or call the national Childline toll-free helpline at 116.
We end today’s show with ‘On This Day in SA History’. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: ⁠thelead@24.com⁠. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Morgan Maumela’s North West hospital hustle, with Jeff Wicks</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1602829</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[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 Wicks reports, Maumela’s company couldn’t even bother to obtain a legitimate BBBEE certificate to win this lucrative hospital catering deal. Wicks tells The Lead that Maumela lost the bid but has since interdicted the tender. Later in the show, EFF leader Julius Malema loses his firearm case in the courts. Finally, the French back apartheid arms in our daily reflection with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1602829/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:43.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:49.000" title="Trending topic: Malema loses gun case" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:07.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Morgan Maumela’s North West hospital hustle, with Jeff Wicks</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1602829_20251001_170634_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:20</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 Wicks reports, Maumela’s company couldn’t even bother to obtain a legitimate BBBEE certificate to win this lucrative hospital catering deal. Wicks tells The Lead that Maumela lost the bid but has since interdicted the tender. Later in the show, EFF leader Julius Malema loses his firearm case in the courts. Finally, the French back apartheid arms in our daily reflection with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Mogotsi, Matlala and the ‘Big Five’ criminal cartel</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1602384</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1602384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 that has infiltrated its heart: “The Big Five”. And with a new inquiry evidence leader, advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC entering the fray, how can we better make sense of the claims we are hearing right now? To navigate us through the noise in this edition of The Lead, you will hear from our News24 specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, live from the Pretoria inquiry, Mbekezeli Benjamin, a researcher and advocacy officer for non-profit group Judges Matter, as well as News24 investigations editor Pieter du Toit. Later in the show, French police are investigating the death of former long-time Cabinet minister Nathi Mthethwa at a Paris hotel. And finally, we remember Winnie Madikizela-Mandela with “On This Day in SA History” courtesy of SA History Online. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1602384/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:01.000" title="Special panel dissects Madlanga revelations and SIU Tembisa probe" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:40:04.000" title="Trending topic: Mthethwa dies in Paris" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:41:03.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Mogotsi, Matlala and the ‘Big Five’ criminal cartel</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1602384_20250930_172320_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>42:12</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 that has infiltrated its heart: “The Big Five”. And with a new inquiry evidence leader, advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC entering the fray, how can we better make sense of the claims we are hearing right now? To navigate us through the noise in this edition of The Lead, you will hear from our News24 specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, live from the Pretoria inquiry, Mbekezeli Benjamin, a researcher and advocacy officer for non-profit group Judges Matter, as well as News24 investigations editor Pieter du Toit. Later in the show, French police are investigating the death of former long-time Cabinet minister Nathi Mthethwa at a Paris hotel. And finally, we remember Winnie Madikizela-Mandela with “On This Day in SA History” courtesy of SA History Online. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. Mail us: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Is SA the next Mexico or Brazil when it comes to contract killings? </title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1601952</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[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. To take stock of the lessons one can learn from Mexico, for example, The Lead’s Graeme Raubenheimer interviews Julian Rademeyer, the East and Southern Africa director for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC). Later in the show, is SA/US trade dead in the water or is it all systems AGOA for a new agreement? And finally, we remember the Tulbagh earthquake of 1969 with “On This Day in SA History” courtesy SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1601952/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:30.000" title="Interview with Julian Rademeyer" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:58.000" title="Our WhatsApp line" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:16.000" title="Trending topic: Is AGOA a goner?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:47.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is SA the next Mexico or Brazil when it comes to contract killings? </itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1601952_20250929_170538_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:08</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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. To take stock of the lessons one can learn from Mexico, for example, The Lead’s Graeme Raubenheimer interviews Julian Rademeyer, the East and Southern Africa director for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC). Later in the show, is SA/US trade dead in the water or is it all systems AGOA for a new agreement? And finally, we remember the Tulbagh earthquake of 1969 with “On This Day in SA History” courtesy SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Police chief Masemola claims Mchunu, Sibiya shielded criminals</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1600344</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1600344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 of the Political Killings Task Team and halt investigations into the criminal underworld. But in this edition of The Lead, specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, cautions us to, pause, and take all this with a healthy dose of salt. Later in the show, the Patriotic Alliance clears its deputy president Kenny Kunene for any alleged wrongdoing over his presence at a police raid. Finally, we remember the mysterious Vela Incident from 1979 with ‘On This Day in SA History’ courtesy SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 18:04:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1600344/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:29.000" title="Crossing to Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:11.000" title="Trending topic: Sushi King cleared by PA" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:29.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s Listen Up!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:23.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Police chief Masemola claims Mchunu, Sibiya shielded criminals</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1600344_20250923_181731_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:53</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 of the Political Killings Task Team and halt investigations into the criminal underworld. But in this edition of The Lead, specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, cautions us to, pause, and take all this with a healthy dose of salt. Later in the show, the Patriotic Alliance clears its deputy president Kenny Kunene for any alleged wrongdoing over his presence at a police raid. Finally, we remember the mysterious Vela Incident from 1979 with ‘On This Day in SA History’ courtesy SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Masemola reveals deputy Sibiya probed for alleged criminal syndicate links</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1599857</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1599857</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s been day four of the Madlanga Commission with our second witness on the stand: national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, who’s since insisted that the decision to disband the contentious Political Killings Task Team was “unlawful”. That’s not all: Masemola told the commission in Pretoria on Monday that he received a tip-off alleging that his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya, may be linked to Gauteng’s criminal syndicates, in particular now-incarcerated tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who had been taking liberties with his alleged illegal connections to the police. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins The Lead’s host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, to break down all the juiciest bits from the day’s events. Later in the show, some Mpumalanga schools are forced to make thousands of costly photocopies of old textbooks to teach pupils. And finally, we remember Thabo Mbeki’s booting from office with “On This Day in SA History” courtesy SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1599857/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:58.000" title="Crossing to Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:35.000" title="Trending topic: MP schools with no textbooks" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:49.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:47.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Masemola reveals deputy Sibiya probed for alleged criminal syndicate links</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1599857_20250922_185905_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:34</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s been day four of the Madlanga Commission with our second witness on the stand: national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, who’s since insisted that the decision to disband the contentious Political Killings Task Team was “unlawful”. That’s not all: Masemola told the commission in Pretoria on Monday that he received a tip-off alleging that his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya, may be linked to Gauteng’s criminal syndicates, in particular now-incarcerated tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who had been taking liberties with his alleged illegal connections to the police. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins The Lead’s host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, to break down all the juiciest bits from the day’s events. Later in the show, some Mpumalanga schools are forced to make thousands of costly photocopies of old textbooks to teach pupils. And finally, we remember Thabo Mbeki’s booting from office with “On This Day in SA History” courtesy SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Mkhwanazi tells Madlanga about Mogotsi’s ‘unfettered’ SAPS access</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1599151</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1599151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Friday marks day three of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminal capture of the country’s criminal justice system. Evidence of WhatsApp conversations between KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and an apparent associate and friend of now suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu has offered South Africans a glimpse inside the core of the claims being made thus far. Mkhwanazi believes it’s “strange” that the mysterious Brown Mogotsi has had unfettered access to SAPS Crime Intelligence information, knew about developments in the ranks, and even the details of the minister’s daily diary. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer in The Lead’s hotseat to take us through the day’s proceedings thus far. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Mkhwanazi tells Madlanga about Mogotsi’s ‘unfettered’ SAPS access</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1599151_20250919_141652_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:56</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Friday marks day three of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminal capture of the country’s criminal justice system. Evidence of WhatsApp conversations between KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and an apparent associate and friend of now suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu has offered South Africans a glimpse inside the core of the claims being made thus far. Mkhwanazi believes it’s “strange” that the mysterious Brown Mogotsi has had unfettered access to SAPS Crime Intelligence information, knew about developments in the ranks, and even the details of the minister’s daily diary. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer in The Lead’s hotseat to take us through the day’s proceedings thus far. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Mkhwanazi guns for NCC MP Fadiel Adams over ‘reckless’ handling of classified info</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1598752</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1598752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s day two of the Madlanga Commission and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has begun implicating more public figures for their alleged role in politically interfering in the country’s criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi alleges that National Coloured Congress (NCC) MP Fadiel Adams has been “reckless” in his alleged handling of classified Crime Intelligence information. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan, as well as Madlanga Commission Spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, joined The Lead host, broadcaster Graeme Raubenheimer, for all the major talking points from the commission at the site of its hearings in central Pretoria. This was a live recording. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Mkhwanazi guns for NCC MP Fadiel Adams over ‘reckless’ handling of classified info</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1598752_20250918_141226_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s day two of the Madlanga Commission and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has begun implicating more public figures for their alleged role in politically interfering in the country’s criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi alleges that National Coloured Congress (NCC) MP Fadiel Adams has been “reckless” in his alleged handling of classified Crime Intelligence information. Specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan, as well as Madlanga Commission Spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, joined The Lead host, broadcaster Graeme Raubenheimer, for all the major talking points from the commission at the site of its hearings in central Pretoria. This was a live recording.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1598752?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
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	<item>
		<title>Foundation laid on Day 1 of the Madlanga Commission</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1598293</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1598293</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For the first time ever, News24’s The Lead has gone live from the source of the story. The News24 team has set up camp at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in central Pretoria for all the main talking points from Day 1 of the Madlanga Commission. Host, Graeme Raubenheimer has been in conversation with specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, discussing the foundational evidence brought by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who insists that if nothing urgent is done soon, the country’s criminal justice system will virtually collapse. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
						<itunes:title>Foundation laid on Day 1 of the Madlanga Commission</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1598293_20250917_140352_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>24:26</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[For the first time ever, News24’s The Lead has gone live from the source of the story. The News24 team has set up camp at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in central Pretoria for all the main talking points from Day 1 of the Madlanga Commission. Host, Graeme Raubenheimer has been in conversation with specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, discussing the foundational evidence brought by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who insists that if nothing urgent is done soon, the country’s criminal justice system will virtually collapse. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this live to 072 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>DA envy: Unpacking Ramaphosa’s startling admission with Bongekile Macupe</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1597954</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1597954</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a stunning admission rarely seen from any politician in South Africa today, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa conceded that DA municipalities, such as Cape Town, are outperforming those governed by the ANC. Ramaphosa told thousands of the ANC ward councillors attending roll call at FNB Stadium in Soweto this week that it’s high time they prioritise service delivery or watch their party perish. The Lead’s host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, is joined in our Randburg studios by News24’s deputy politics editor, Bongekile Macupe, who reckons the president’s frankness, like proper service delivery, are long overdue. We turn to the sport desk for editor Lloyd Burnard’s take on Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma’s current fitness ahead of the 50-over Cricket World Cup in 2027.Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1597954/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:32.000" title="Interview with Bongekile Macupe" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:38:39.000" title="Crossing to Lloyd Burnard on Bavuma&#039;s injuries" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:42:14.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:43:08.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Madlanga inquiry" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>DA envy: Unpacking Ramaphosa’s startling admission with Bongekile Macupe</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1597954_20250916_171553_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>44:54</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In a stunning admission rarely seen from any politician in South Africa today, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa conceded that DA municipalities, such as Cape Town, are outperforming those governed by the ANC. Ramaphosa told thousands of the ANC ward councillors attending roll call at FNB Stadium in Soweto this week that it’s high time they prioritise service delivery or watch their party perish. The Lead’s host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, is joined in our Randburg studios by News24’s deputy politics editor, Bongekile Macupe, who reckons the president’s frankness, like proper service delivery, are long overdue. We turn to the sport desk for editor Lloyd Burnard’s take on Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma’s current fitness ahead of the 50-over Cricket World Cup in 2027.Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Unravelling the complex crypto fund that embroiled slain lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1597531</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1597531</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Four people continue to elude the Gauteng police’s grasp for the brazen murder of top Johannesburg insolvency attorney Bouwer van Niekerk. He was shot and killed in his law firm’s offices earlier in September. Since then, the questionable, multimillion-rand NTC Global Trade Fund that Van Niekerk helped place in business rescue has been provisionally liquidated. The fund’s partners are now, according to them, living in fear too as investors ask the courts to get their millions back.News24 investigative journalist Kyle Cowan joins The Lead broadcasting from the news team’s Randburg studios. Later in the show, the asset management industry raises eyebrows at the latest Public Investment Corporation board appointments. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1597531/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:57.000" title="Interview with Kyle Cowan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:52.000" title="Trending topic: PIC board appointments" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:54.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:22.000" title="On This Day in SA History / Ep. 100 apology" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Unravelling the complex crypto fund that embroiled slain lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1597531_20250915_165444_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>37:24</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Four people continue to elude the Gauteng police’s grasp for the brazen murder of top Johannesburg insolvency attorney Bouwer van Niekerk. He was shot and killed in his law firm’s offices earlier in September. Since then, the questionable, multimillion-rand NTC Global Trade Fund that Van Niekerk helped place in business rescue has been provisionally liquidated. The fund’s partners are now, according to them, living in fear too as investors ask the courts to get their millions back.News24 investigative journalist Kyle Cowan joins The Lead broadcasting from the news team’s Randburg studios. Later in the show, the asset management industry raises eyebrows at the latest Public Investment Corporation board appointments. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<ionofm:player_url><![CDATA[https://iframe.iono.qa/e/1597531?download=0]]></ionofm:player_url>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The Cat and the Hat - what did Cele do at Zimbali villa? PLUS: Charlie Kirk’s hit</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1596577</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1596577</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For our final edition of The Lead this week: it’s getting more difficult for former police minister Bheki Cele to downplay his past meetings with controversial tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks is our first guest filling in the blanks here. Later in the show, we cross to long-time Washington correspondent John Matisonn, who distills the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing in the US. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in History”. A special thank you from the team for tuning in to the show, now listened to about 600 000 times! You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1596577/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:30.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:07.000" title="Crossing to John Matisonn" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:56.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:24.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The Cat and the Hat - what did Cele do at Zimbali villa? PLUS: Charlie Kirk’s hit</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1596577_20250911_190535_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:25</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[For our final edition of The Lead this week: it’s getting more difficult for former police minister Bheki Cele to downplay his past meetings with controversial tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks is our first guest filling in the blanks here. Later in the show, we cross to long-time Washington correspondent John Matisonn, who distills the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing in the US. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in History”. A special thank you from the team for tuning in to the show, now listened to about 600 000 times! You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Why is trans inmate taking state to court? PLUS: ‘Sweatshop’ sentencing</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1596141</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1596141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to this bumper Wednesday edition of The Lead on News24. Our first topic deals with the case of a transgender inmate in Johannesburg Central Prison who is fighting for their right to access the use of women’s clothes and gender-affirming healthcare. Later in the show, a group of Chinese nationals are sentenced for running a human-trafficking sweatshop in the Johannesburg CBD. Both updates come courtesy of our expert courts journalist, Bernadette Wicks. Then, local retail analysts warn US icon Walmart will be tested on its South African market staying power. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:06:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1596141/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:12.000" title="Bernadette Wicks on transgender inmate" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:53.000" title="Wicks on Jozi&#039;s Chinese &#039;sweatshop&#039; sentencing" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:58.000" title="AD: News 24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:26.000" title="And finally: Walmart comes to Mzansi" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:51.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Why is trans inmate taking state to court? PLUS: ‘Sweatshop’ sentencing</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1596141_20250910_175919_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>24:15</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to this bumper Wednesday edition of The Lead on News24. Our first topic deals with the case of a transgender inmate in Johannesburg Central Prison who is fighting for their right to access the use of women’s clothes and gender-affirming healthcare. Later in the show, a group of Chinese nationals are sentenced for running a human-trafficking sweatshop in the Johannesburg CBD. Both updates come courtesy of our expert courts journalist, Bernadette Wicks. Then, local retail analysts warn US icon Walmart will be tested on its South African market staying power. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>The brutal killing of ‘incorruptible’ lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, with Kyle Cowan</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1595615</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1595615</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The hit on a top Johannesburg insolvency lawyer has reverberated throughout the country’s legal fraternity. Now, while the police attempt to arrest the gunmen who so brazenly snuffed out Bouwer van Niekerk’s life last Friday, details are slowly emerging about the multimillion-rand cryptocurrency trading fund that he was engaged with. Kyle Cowan, our senior investigative journalist, is piecing this puzzle together for us in this 101st edition of The Lead on News24.Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1595615/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:55.000" title="Crossing to Kyle Cowan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:59.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s Listen Up!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:36:53.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The brutal killing of ‘incorruptible’ lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, with Kyle Cowan</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1595615_20250909_172204_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>39:41</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The hit on a top Johannesburg insolvency lawyer has reverberated throughout the country’s legal fraternity. Now, while the police attempt to arrest the gunmen who so brazenly snuffed out Bouwer van Niekerk’s life last Friday, details are slowly emerging about the multimillion-rand cryptocurrency trading fund that he was engaged with. Kyle Cowan, our senior investigative journalist, is piecing this puzzle together for us in this 101st edition of The Lead on News24.Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Who is Andre Pienaar, the ‘low-level’ spook badmouthing SA in DC?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1595137</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1595137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to the 100th episode of The Lead on News24, hosted by broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer. First, we’ll reflect on the moment with our proud editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson. Then, in our top story: from Johann Rupert to the DA, we are aware of the most notable South African figures who’ve visited the White House to consult with the Trump Administration amid souring Pretoria-Washington ties. But today we’re going to tell you a bit more about a more obscure businessman named Andre Pienaar whose high-profile dealings in the States have attracted a defamation lawsuit, lodged against him by a top US executive. Stay tuned for our 100th episode discussion with specialist journalist, Carol Paton. Later in the show, the alarm’s raised on stolen Namibian firearms being smuggled to Cape gangs. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, now at 18:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:35:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1595137/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="A special message from N24 EIC Adriaan Basson" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:38.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:04:47.000" title="Interview with Carol Paton" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:47.000" title="Trending topic: Namibian guns smuggled to SA" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:00.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Who is Andre Pienaar, the ‘low-level’ spook badmouthing SA in DC?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1595137_20250908_174046_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:49</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to the 100th episode of The Lead on News24, hosted by broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer. First, we’ll reflect on the moment with our proud editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson. Then, in our top story: from Johann Rupert to the DA, we are aware of the most notable South African figures who’ve visited the White House to consult with the Trump Administration amid souring Pretoria-Washington ties. But today we’re going to tell you a bit more about a more obscure businessman named Andre Pienaar whose high-profile dealings in the States have attracted a defamation lawsuit, lodged against him by a top US executive. Stay tuned for our 100th episode discussion with specialist journalist, Carol Paton. Later in the show, the alarm’s raised on stolen Namibian firearms being smuggled to Cape gangs. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday, now at 18:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Council chaos in the wild, wild North West, with Siyamtanda Capa</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1594087</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1594087</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The North West province appears to be the wild, wild west these days. The audit reports for most municipalities in this often-forgotten province make for painful reading as critical service delivery has ground to a halt in many towns. Including the city of Mahikeng, where, despite this grim reality, managers recently walked away with a fat bonus. This, while armed gunmen have effectively taken over the Ramotshere Moiloa council amid a dispute between the ousted mayor and speaker, in what’s essentially a municipal coup. About 20 councils were called to account before three parliamentary committees this week, and what MPs heard is bordering on unbelievable. The Lead’s guest and star reporter on this story is Siyamtanda Capa. Lastly, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:37:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1594087/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:51.000" title="Crossing to Siyamtanda Capa" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:12.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:40.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Council chaos in the wild, wild North West, with Siyamtanda Capa</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1594087_20250904_175316_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:33</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The North West province appears to be the wild, wild west these days. The audit reports for most municipalities in this often-forgotten province make for painful reading as critical service delivery has ground to a halt in many towns. Including the city of Mahikeng, where, despite this grim reality, managers recently walked away with a fat bonus. This, while armed gunmen have effectively taken over the Ramotshere Moiloa council amid a dispute between the ousted mayor and speaker, in what’s essentially a municipal coup. About 20 councils were called to account before three parliamentary committees this week, and what MPs heard is bordering on unbelievable. The Lead’s guest and star reporter on this story is Siyamtanda Capa. Lastly, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>No laughing matter: How Mchunu set the Hawks on a TikTok satirist</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1593594</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1593594</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s a story so out of left field and certainly not one we had on our bingo card for 2025!The Hawks, our supposedly elite crime-fighting unit, which is currently severely underpowered, have come out in strong defence of their investigation of fairly well-known local social media content creator Anton Taylor. The story, broken last week by our specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, revealed that Taylor, after posting a satirical video of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu earlier this year, attracted a full-blown Hawks probe and even a raid on his home, with officers hell-bent on gaining access to his cellphone. Maughan details the viral saga in its entirety on The Lead. Later in the show, membership of the ANC in the Eastern Cape is in sharp decline, warns its chairperson, Oscar Mabuyane. Also, the son of a Norwegian princess could face 10 years in prison if found guilty of rape. Lastly, we end off with ‘On This Day in SA History’. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:04:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1593594/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:05.000" title="Interview with Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:20.000" title="Trending topic: ANC EC members drop" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:38.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:05.000" title="And finally: Norway&#039;s princess&#039; son to go on trial for rape" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:47.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:15.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>No laughing matter: How Mchunu set the Hawks on a TikTok satirist</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1593594_20250905_172620_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>31:08</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s a story so out of left field and certainly not one we had on our bingo card for 2025!The Hawks, our supposedly elite crime-fighting unit, which is currently severely underpowered, have come out in strong defence of their investigation of fairly well-known local social media content creator Anton Taylor. The story, broken last week by our specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, revealed that Taylor, after posting a satirical video of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu earlier this year, attracted a full-blown Hawks probe and even a raid on his home, with officers hell-bent on gaining access to his cellphone. Maughan details the viral saga in its entirety on The Lead. Later in the show, membership of the ANC in the Eastern Cape is in sharp decline, warns its chairperson, Oscar Mabuyane. Also, the son of a Norwegian princess could face 10 years in prison if found guilty of rape. Lastly, we end off with ‘On This Day in SA History’. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Looters’ paradise or critical body? Debate over role of state pensions agency</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1593130</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1593130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s been a national talking point these past few weeks thanks to our intrepid investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who’s refusing to take his foot off the pedal when it comes to the numerous allegations of dodgy payments to the tune of billions at the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).First came revelations that the agency awarded a company many millions to lease out a Pretoria building for a decade, which said company had zero control over. These are certainly not the only questionable contracts the agency’s dished out that’s now landed it in hot water with National Treasury albeit after News24’s investigations gained traction. With a new acting CEO appointed to discipline those who allegedly targeted whistleblowers in the agency, The Lead turns to Manshantsha who argues that the GPAA should not exist as a potential feeding trough for criminals. He’s joined by our well-known consumer financial journalist, Maya Fisher-French, who argues that the GPAA ought to be stabilised to assist the Government Employees’ Pension Fund. She also sizes up how these negative headlines affect the value of pension payouts at the end of the day. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1593130/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:56.000" title="Panel chat with Mantshantsha, Fisher-French" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:07.000" title="AD: Driving with J9, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:05.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Looters’ paradise or critical body? Debate over role of state pensions agency</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1593130_20250905_211008_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:05</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s been a national talking point these past few weeks thanks to our intrepid investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who’s refusing to take his foot off the pedal when it comes to the numerous allegations of dodgy payments to the tune of billions at the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).First came revelations that the agency awarded a company many millions to lease out a Pretoria building for a decade, which said company had zero control over. These are certainly not the only questionable contracts the agency’s dished out that’s now landed it in hot water with National Treasury albeit after News24’s investigations gained traction. With a new acting CEO appointed to discipline those who allegedly targeted whistleblowers in the agency, The Lead turns to Manshantsha who argues that the GPAA should not exist as a potential feeding trough for criminals. He’s joined by our well-known consumer financial journalist, Maya Fisher-French, who argues that the GPAA ought to be stabilised to assist the Government Employees’ Pension Fund. She also sizes up how these negative headlines affect the value of pension payouts at the end of the day. Finally, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Witness the rise of our Springbok Women, with Lloyd Burnard</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1592692</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[South Africa’s Springbok Women celebrated this weekend like never before with a truly historic win: their first triumph over Italy and their very first time reaching the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, currently under way in England. It all came down to the wire with a nail-biting 29-24 victory over the Italians in the city of York on Sunday. The Springbok Women have come a long way since their debut in 2004 and the first World Cup in 2006. Joining The Lead to reflect on their biggest success in 21 years is News24 Sport editor Lloyd Burnard. Later in the show: Pay back the money! Shula Developers returns an irregular payment of millions to the state pensions admin agency. Also, Netflix’s Wednesday season two has a new star: Gqeberha’s very own Luyanda Lewis-Nyawo. Finally, we end with ‘On This Day in History’, courtesy of SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 17:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1592692/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:56.000" title="Interview with Lloyd Burnard" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:07.000" title="Trending topic: State pension agency payback" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:25.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:21.000" title="And finally: Mzansi&#039;s Wednesday star" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:30.000" title="On This Day in History with Graeme Raubenheimer" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Witness the rise of our Springbok Women, with Lloyd Burnard</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1592692_20250901_172225_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:23</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[South Africa’s Springbok Women celebrated this weekend like never before with a truly historic win: their first triumph over Italy and their very first time reaching the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, currently under way in England. It all came down to the wire with a nail-biting 29-24 victory over the Italians in the city of York on Sunday. The Springbok Women have come a long way since their debut in 2004 and the first World Cup in 2006. Joining The Lead to reflect on their biggest success in 21 years is News24 Sport editor Lloyd Burnard. Later in the show: Pay back the money! Shula Developers returns an irregular payment of millions to the state pensions admin agency. Also, Netflix’s Wednesday season two has a new star: Gqeberha’s very own Luyanda Lewis-Nyawo. Finally, we end with ‘On This Day in History’, courtesy of SA History Online. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Will the delayed Madlanga inquiry restore SA’s trust in the SAPS?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1591662</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[It was all meant to get under way in Pretoria in the new week, but the Madlanga inquiry has been delayed, seemingly due to factors out of its control. We’ve since heard from Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi that she’s suspended her department’s director-general, advocate Doc Mashabane, and his deputy, Jabu Hlatshwayo, for failing to ensure the commission had adequate information and communication technology infrastructure set up in time. This inquiry, chaired by the now-retired acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has already indicated it’s been in contact with one of its chief witnesses, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He publicly alleged that the heart of the South African Police Service has been captured by politically connected criminal figures. The Lead picked out the best bits of an expert panel discussing the delays with star specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan, political analyst, media columnist and fellow author Mpumelelo Mkhabela, as well as renowned criminologist and political scientist, currently based at Stellenbosch University, Dr Guy Lamb. The panel agrees: the delayed inquiry must begin soonest to help restore Mzansi’s trust in law enforcement. Finally, we end with ‘On This Day in History’. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
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							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:12.000" title="Panel discussion feat: Graeme, Karyn, Mpumelelo, Guy" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:55:51.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:56:20.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Will the delayed Madlanga inquiry restore SA’s trust in the SAPS?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1591662_20250908_195814_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>57:55</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It was all meant to get under way in Pretoria in the new week, but the Madlanga inquiry has been delayed, seemingly due to factors out of its control. We’ve since heard from Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi that she’s suspended her department’s director-general, advocate Doc Mashabane, and his deputy, Jabu Hlatshwayo, for failing to ensure the commission had adequate information and communication technology infrastructure set up in time. This inquiry, chaired by the now-retired acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has already indicated it’s been in contact with one of its chief witnesses, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He publicly alleged that the heart of the South African Police Service has been captured by politically connected criminal figures. The Lead picked out the best bits of an expert panel discussing the delays with star specialist legal journalist Karyn Maughan, political analyst, media columnist and fellow author Mpumelelo Mkhabela, as well as renowned criminologist and political scientist, currently based at Stellenbosch University, Dr Guy Lamb. The panel agrees: the delayed inquiry must begin soonest to help restore Mzansi’s trust in law enforcement. Finally, we end with ‘On This Day in History’.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Denel sends US firm 2 old jets allegedly without ejector seats</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1591158</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[State-owned arms manufacturer Denel, known for developing world-renowned defence weaponry, including the Casspir armoured vehicle and the Rooivalk attack helicopter, has been battling to stay financially afloat in recent years, despite government bailouts. And now a jet deal it struck with a US firm has seemingly soured, too. Bringing The Lead this exclusive story today is business journalist Jan Cronje. Cronje details how Denel’s 2017 contract was to sell Draken International 12 jets, but according to Draken’s court papers, it only received three jets, two of which apparently didn’t have ejector seats! Later in the show, a kidnapped Gqeberha woman is safely reunited with her family. Also, celebrated thespian Dr John Kani now has the honour of handing out Oscars. Finally, The Lead pauses to remember the late great broadcaster and political journalist, Tshidi Madia. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:38:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1591158/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
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				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:56.000" title="Interview with Jan Cronje" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:38.000" title="Trending topic: Kidnapped Gqeberha woman safely home" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:31.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:59.000" title="And finally: Dr John Kani becomes Oscar judge" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:04.000" title="Condolences to all who loved Tshidi Madia" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:27.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Denel sends US firm 2 old jets allegedly without ejector seats</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1591158_20250908_215240_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:49</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[State-owned arms manufacturer Denel, known for developing world-renowned defence weaponry, including the Casspir armoured vehicle and the Rooivalk attack helicopter, has been battling to stay financially afloat in recent years, despite government bailouts. And now a jet deal it struck with a US firm has seemingly soured, too. Bringing The Lead this exclusive story today is business journalist Jan Cronje. Cronje details how Denel’s 2017 contract was to sell Draken International 12 jets, but according to Draken’s court papers, it only received three jets, two of which apparently didn’t have ejector seats! Later in the show, a kidnapped Gqeberha woman is safely reunited with her family. Also, celebrated thespian Dr John Kani now has the honour of handing out Oscars. Finally, The Lead pauses to remember the late great broadcaster and political journalist, Tshidi Madia. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>News24 probe spurs finance minister to intervene in state pensions admin agency</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1590659</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[It’s a fairly obscure government agency, but with a big budget. And now a News24 investigation led by journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha has spurred the finance minister to appoint a new acting CEO at the state pensions administration agency. This follows evidence uncovered of irregular contracts, including a ghost building lease and ICT deals to the tune of R1.6 billion, and staff targeted for speaking out against the alleged graft. Later in the show, no new date’s been set yet for the Madlanga commission of inquiry into SA policing, but a top Justice director-general has been suspended for the delays .Finally, Mzansi’s crowned a new boerewors champ, and he’s a car salesman from Paarl! You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1590659/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:08.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi Mantshantsha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:33.000" title="Trending topic: Madlanga inquiry update" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:21.000" title="AD: Driving with J9, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:19.000" title="And finally: Mzansi&#039;s new boerewors champ" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:45.000" title="On This Day in SA History &amp; Your Voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>News24 probe spurs finance minister to intervene in state pensions admin agency</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1590659_20250908_215905_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>37:48</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s a fairly obscure government agency, but with a big budget. And now a News24 investigation led by journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha has spurred the finance minister to appoint a new acting CEO at the state pensions administration agency. This follows evidence uncovered of irregular contracts, including a ghost building lease and ICT deals to the tune of R1.6 billion, and staff targeted for speaking out against the alleged graft. Later in the show, no new date’s been set yet for the Madlanga commission of inquiry into SA policing, but a top Justice director-general has been suspended for the delays .Finally, Mzansi’s crowned a new boerewors champ, and he’s a car salesman from Paarl! You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Clocking in from jail? Overtime abuse with Mangaung on the brink</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1590265</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1590265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It has been under national administration. And yet the financial books for the metro council in charge of Bloemfontein, Mangaung, remain firmly in the red. In short, the City’s liabilities exceed its assets. News24 investigative journalist Sipho Masondo reports to The Lead that the troubled council has allowed a culture of staff excessively billing for overtime. Even if said staffer is in prison! Meanwhile, there’s been headline after headline about the severe lack of basic services, such as waste removal. Later in the show, cellphone records show that former police minister Bheki Cele frantically tried to get hold of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala one night. Finally, the all-star Boks team to take on our rivals, the All Blacks, next month has been announced. Hear who made the cut! You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1590265/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:27.000" title="Crossing to Sipho Masondo" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:12.000" title="Trending topic: Cele&#039;s calls to Matlala" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:28.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:22.000" title="And finally: Boks name All Blacks squad" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:33.000" title="On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Clocking in from jail? Overtime abuse with Mangaung on the brink</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1590265_20250825_170512_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>26:11</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It has been under national administration. And yet the financial books for the metro council in charge of Bloemfontein, Mangaung, remain firmly in the red. In short, the City’s liabilities exceed its assets. News24 investigative journalist Sipho Masondo reports to The Lead that the troubled council has allowed a culture of staff excessively billing for overtime. Even if said staffer is in prison! Meanwhile, there’s been headline after headline about the severe lack of basic services, such as waste removal. Later in the show, cellphone records show that former police minister Bheki Cele frantically tried to get hold of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala one night. Finally, the all-star Boks team to take on our rivals, the All Blacks, next month has been announced. Hear who made the cut! You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Which ANC bigwigs could face US sanctions? Check with Zondo</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1589311</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1589311</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some US lawmakers remain relentless in drafting new legislation that seeks to punish South Africa on a range of policy fronts, going further than the measures already brought by the second Trump administration. The latest Bilateral Relations Review Bill, sponsored by a Texas Republican congressman, Ronny Jackson, will need plenty of support to make it past both legislative houses in the States, however. One of Jackson’s bill’s biggest advocates is the Hudson Institute’s Joshua Meservey, whom our specialist News24 journalist, Carol Paton, spoke to. Paton reports what she’s hearing from Meservey and others in Washington to The Lead in this Thursday edition. Finally, host Graeme Raubenheimer ends with “On This Day in SA History”, our new daily show segment. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1589311/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:21.000" title="Interview with Carol Paton" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:46.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:40.000" title="AD: Driving with J9, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:38.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:05.000" title="On This Day in History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Which ANC bigwigs could face US sanctions? Check with Zondo</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1589311_20250821_173740_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:55</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Some US lawmakers remain relentless in drafting new legislation that seeks to punish South Africa on a range of policy fronts, going further than the measures already brought by the second Trump administration. The latest Bilateral Relations Review Bill, sponsored by a Texas Republican congressman, Ronny Jackson, will need plenty of support to make it past both legislative houses in the States, however. One of Jackson’s bill’s biggest advocates is the Hudson Institute’s Joshua Meservey, whom our specialist News24 journalist, Carol Paton, spoke to. Paton reports what she’s hearing from Meservey and others in Washington to The Lead in this Thursday edition. Finally, host Graeme Raubenheimer ends with “On This Day in SA History”, our new daily show segment. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Babita Deokaran Day? 4 years later, calls to honour whistleblower</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1588792</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1588792</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This Saturday, 23 August 2025, marks exactly four years to the day since Babita Deokaran, a single mother, was murdered. Gunned down in a hail of bullets fired from the firearms of hired hitmen, what we didn’t know at the time was that the Gauteng health department’s chief accountant had just recently internally flagged and frozen some R100 million in payments emanating from Tembisa Hospital. Soon, News24’s intrepid investigative journalist, Jeff Wicks, would uncover, with access to Babita’s massive email database, how the overcrowded Gauteng East Rand health facility was transformed into a giant state fund feeding ground for the province’s politically connected criminal underworld. Today, Wicks wonders: Did Babita die in vain? The two-time Taco Kuiper award-winning investigative journalist is joined in this special panel discussion on The Lead by SAA corruption whistleblower Cynthia Stimpel, and OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage. Stimpel suggests: shouldn’t 23 August be SA’s new day honouring whistleblowers? You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts: +27 72 562 3179. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 17:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1588792/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:18.000" title="Panel discussion w/ Wicks, Stimpel, Duvenage" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:56:53.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Babita Deokaran Day? 4 years later, calls to honour whistleblower</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1588792_20250908_222037_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>57:53</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[This Saturday, 23 August 2025, marks exactly four years to the day since Babita Deokaran, a single mother, was murdered. Gunned down in a hail of bullets fired from the firearms of hired hitmen, what we didn’t know at the time was that the Gauteng health department’s chief accountant had just recently internally flagged and frozen some R100 million in payments emanating from Tembisa Hospital. Soon, News24’s intrepid investigative journalist, Jeff Wicks, would uncover, with access to Babita’s massive email database, how the overcrowded Gauteng East Rand health facility was transformed into a giant state fund feeding ground for the province’s politically connected criminal underworld. Today, Wicks wonders: Did Babita die in vain? The two-time Taco Kuiper award-winning investigative journalist is joined in this special panel discussion on The Lead by SAA corruption whistleblower Cynthia Stimpel, and OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage. Stimpel suggests: shouldn’t 23 August be SA’s new day honouring whistleblowers? You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts: +27 72 562 3179. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Adriaan Basson names SA’s dirtiest politician</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1588353</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1588353</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s a critical position in the now crumbling City of Johannesburg: a mayoral committee member for group corporate and shared services. It may sound a bit vague. But in this seat, you’re responsible for finance management, the city’s IT infrastructure, and supply chain processes. And it’s now occupied by one, Mr Sithembiso Zungu. He’s an ANC politician who has anything but quietly climbed the political ranks, as allegations of his running of a local construction cartel have followed him for years, enough to attract a Hawks investigation. Zungu may well be Mzansi’s dirtiest politician, argues News24 editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson, who joins us in Tuesday’s edition of The Lead. Finally, show host Graeme Raubenheimer ends with a new segment: “On This Day in History”, courtesy SA History Online. You can send Graeme a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1588353/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:51.000" title="Interview with Adriaan Basson" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:06.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week on News24" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:33.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:27.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro / On This Day in History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Adriaan Basson names SA’s dirtiest politician</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1588353_20250908_222508_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>36:01</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s a critical position in the now crumbling City of Johannesburg: a mayoral committee member for group corporate and shared services. It may sound a bit vague. But in this seat, you’re responsible for finance management, the city’s IT infrastructure, and supply chain processes. And it’s now occupied by one, Mr Sithembiso Zungu. He’s an ANC politician who has anything but quietly climbed the political ranks, as allegations of his running of a local construction cartel have followed him for years, enough to attract a Hawks investigation. Zungu may well be Mzansi’s dirtiest politician, argues News24 editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson, who joins us in Tuesday’s edition of The Lead. Finally, show host Graeme Raubenheimer ends with a new segment: “On This Day in History”, courtesy SA History Online. You can send Graeme a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>How a Polish website drives fake news in SA</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1587846</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1587846</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A new report, put out by a research centre at Stellenbosch University, has now exposed a Poland-based news group called Visegrád24 for amplifying the views of alt-right commentators and their false narratives and mistruths about what’s happening in South Africa today. The report, authored by the university’s Centre for Information Integrity in Africa, has also drawn links between Visegrád24 and Polish government funding, while allegedly enjoying US tax-exempt status. The man at the centre of its operations is founder Stefan Tompson, who has brushed shoulders with local political YouTuber Willem Petzer and Sebastiaan Jooste, the man behind “Twatterbaas”. To shed more detail on the university’s report in this edition of The Lead is our News24 Disinformation Desk editor, Andrew Thompson. Later in the show, News24’s multimedia team ventures down a zama-zama’s mine shaft. Finally, The Lead is “skibidi” enough to end off revealing Cambridge Dictionary’s new words.You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1587846/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:40.000" title="Interview with Andrew Thompson" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:38.000" title="Trending topic: Zama-zamas" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:48.000" title="AD: Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:46.000" title="And finally: Skibidi!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:37:15.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro / On This Day in History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>How a Polish website drives fake news in SA</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1587846_20250908_223254_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>39:28</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[A new report, put out by a research centre at Stellenbosch University, has now exposed a Poland-based news group called Visegrád24 for amplifying the views of alt-right commentators and their false narratives and mistruths about what’s happening in South Africa today. The report, authored by the university’s Centre for Information Integrity in Africa, has also drawn links between Visegrád24 and Polish government funding, while allegedly enjoying US tax-exempt status. The man at the centre of its operations is founder Stefan Tompson, who has brushed shoulders with local political YouTuber Willem Petzer and Sebastiaan Jooste, the man behind “Twatterbaas”. To shed more detail on the university’s report in this edition of The Lead is our News24 Disinformation Desk editor, Andrew Thompson. Later in the show, News24’s multimedia team ventures down a zama-zama’s mine shaft. Finally, The Lead is “skibidi” enough to end off revealing Cambridge Dictionary’s new words.You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>What to do with a rogue general? With Pieter du Toit</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1586830</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1586830</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It seems like anyone can become South Africa’s foreign policy spokesperson these days. Just ask the chief of our defence force. South African National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya jetted off to Tehran this week to meet with his Iranian counterpart and, quite astonishingly, spoke like the country’s foreign minister. And now our actual international relations minister, Ronald Lamola, back home, is scrambling to clean up after the general’s mess. Maphwanya’s timing couldn’t have been worse as Pretoria tries to salvage ties with Washington whose missiles just recently struck Tehran’s nuclear sites. The Lead host Graeme Raubenheimer and investigations editor Pieter du Toit are left wondering how or why this trip happened at all. Later in the show, we end off with ‘On This Day in History’. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1586830/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:28.000" title="Crossing to Pieter du Toit" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:14.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week on News24" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:41.000" title="On This Day in History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>What to do with a rogue general? With Pieter du Toit</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1586830_20250909_220429_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>24:34</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It seems like anyone can become South Africa’s foreign policy spokesperson these days. Just ask the chief of our defence force. South African National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya jetted off to Tehran this week to meet with his Iranian counterpart and, quite astonishingly, spoke like the country’s foreign minister. And now our actual international relations minister, Ronald Lamola, back home, is scrambling to clean up after the general’s mess. Maphwanya’s timing couldn’t have been worse as Pretoria tries to salvage ties with Washington whose missiles just recently struck Tehran’s nuclear sites. The Lead host Graeme Raubenheimer and investigations editor Pieter du Toit are left wondering how or why this trip happened at all. Later in the show, we end off with ‘On This Day in History’. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Billions for blue lights, SA’s VIP protection splurge with Jan Gerber</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1586357</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1586357</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[R1.47bn. This is how much the government has spent on protecting its VIPs from the 2020/21 financial year to date. And it’s not even the full picture of the cost. It’s especially mind-boggling, given that around R2.3bn has been set aside just this year alone to keep VIPs safe. To make sense of the numbers for The Lead, we’re joined in our Cape Town studio by our senior parliamentary journalist, Jan Gerber. Later in the show, the DA is finalising its replacement for the deputy trade minister in the GNU. And finally, The Stormers unveil their new look! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1586357/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:42.000" title="Interview with Jan Gerber" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:52.000" title="Trending topic: DA finalises Whitfield replacement" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:53.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:21.000" title="And finally: The Stormers&#039; new look" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:22.000" title="On this Day in History &amp; Your Voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Billions for blue lights, SA’s VIP protection splurge with Jan Gerber</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1586357_20250909_221405_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:54</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[R1.47bn. This is how much the government has spent on protecting its VIPs from the 2020/21 financial year to date. And it’s not even the full picture of the cost. It’s especially mind-boggling, given that around R2.3bn has been set aside just this year alone to keep VIPs safe. To make sense of the numbers for The Lead, we’re joined in our Cape Town studio by our senior parliamentary journalist, Jan Gerber. Later in the show, the DA is finalising its replacement for the deputy trade minister in the GNU. And finally, The Stormers unveil their new look! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Coalition crumbles and cloak and dagger dealings in Joburg metro</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1585888</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1585888</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The game of thrones, with its political musical chairs for coalition maneuvering now even has smaller parties pitted amongst each other in the government of local unity in the City of Johannesburg where local service delivery has suffered and urban decay has set in, in more recent years. Central to the latest bout of inter-political unhappiness is a long-winded investigation into an alleged device used to spy on councillors. Our metro reporter on the story Alex Patrick is joining us in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, the police’s top brass head to court against each other. Finally, Home Affairs teams up to introduce bank app-first ID and passport applications. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1585888/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:01.000" title="Crossing to Alex Patrick" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:47.000" title="Trending topic: SAPS war goes to court" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:53.000" title="AD: Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:51.000" title="And finally: Home Affairs&#039; bank app initiative" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:36:46.000" title="On This Day in History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Coalition crumbles and cloak and dagger dealings in Joburg metro</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1585888_20250909_222120_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>38:15</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The game of thrones, with its political musical chairs for coalition maneuvering now even has smaller parties pitted amongst each other in the government of local unity in the City of Johannesburg where local service delivery has suffered and urban decay has set in, in more recent years. Central to the latest bout of inter-political unhappiness is a long-winded investigation into an alleged device used to spy on councillors. Our metro reporter on the story Alex Patrick is joining us in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, the police’s top brass head to court against each other. Finally, Home Affairs teams up to introduce bank app-first ID and passport applications. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Exposing the pension agency’s near R1bn ghost headquarters deal</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1585424</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1585424</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Another day, another allegedly dodgy case involving a lesser-known state agency. This time, News24’s investigations team has uncovered evidence that the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) has issued millions to a company to facilitate its new headquarters in the capital, Pretoria. Yet contractor Shula Developers has not secured the lease to step foot in the building. Are we being duped as taxpayers yet again? Our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, believes this is a giant fake, “ghost” deal! Later in the show, a Cape Town man will spend five years behind bars for a hoax bomb threat, all to get out of work. Finally, some Kenyans discover that Starlink’s not all what it’s cracked up to be. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1585424/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:40.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi Mantshantsha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:17.000" title="Trending topic: CPT man sentenced for hoax" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:29.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:23.000" title="And finally: Kenyans disconnect from Starlink" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:25.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Exposing the pension agency’s near R1bn ghost headquarters deal</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1585424_20250909_222638_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>34:54</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Another day, another allegedly dodgy case involving a lesser-known state agency. This time, News24’s investigations team has uncovered evidence that the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) has issued millions to a company to facilitate its new headquarters in the capital, Pretoria. Yet contractor Shula Developers has not secured the lease to step foot in the building. Are we being duped as taxpayers yet again? Our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, believes this is a giant fake, “ghost” deal! Later in the show, a Cape Town man will spend five years behind bars for a hoax bomb threat, all to get out of work. Finally, some Kenyans discover that Starlink’s not all what it’s cracked up to be. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Inside Netshitenzhe’s speech on ‘white supremacy’ and a platinum bourse</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1584431</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1584431</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[He’s a mostly quiet but key former policy mind for the ANC. However, Joel Netshitenzhe is now picking up where former US ambassador Ebrahim Rasool left off. Now with the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, or Mistra for short – the same think-tank that facilitated a webinar at which Rasool uttered controversial comments about US President Donald Trump, Netshitenzhe echoed much of Rasool’s sentiment at a Standard Bank-sponsored event just this week. Our business journalist, Garth Theunissen, was there and joins us in this edition of The Lead to take us inside Netshitenzhe’s speech. Later in the show, we play your voice notes! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1584431/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:48.000" title="Interview with Garth Theunissen" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:24.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:18.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Inside Netshitenzhe’s speech on ‘white supremacy’ and a platinum bourse</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1584431_20250909_223945_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:11</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[He’s a mostly quiet but key former policy mind for the ANC. However, Joel Netshitenzhe is now picking up where former US ambassador Ebrahim Rasool left off. Now with the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, or Mistra for short – the same think-tank that facilitated a webinar at which Rasool uttered controversial comments about US President Donald Trump, Netshitenzhe echoed much of Rasool’s sentiment at a Standard Bank-sponsored event just this week. Our business journalist, Garth Theunissen, was there and joins us in this edition of The Lead to take us inside Netshitenzhe’s speech. Later in the show, we play your voice notes! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Tony Leon on the state of the GNU, the DA, and brown envelopes</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1584015</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1584015</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The government of national unity (GNU) is MIA. And it’s not unified in the nation’s interests - it’s every man or woman for themselves. This is the opinion of one former DA leader-turned-ambassador, Tony Leon, who argues that SA’s current crop of leaders is failing the perfect storm test as we barrel toward Trump’s tariffs sans a senior diplomat in Washington. And what does he think about the Independent Development Trust bribe scandal? And the DA’s internal leadership battles for key posts? Find out in Tony’s debut edition of The Lead with host Graeme Raubenheimer. Later in the show, an elusive Jozi investment broker who allegedly conned his clients out of millions hands himself over to the police. Finally, Sean “Diddy” Combs wants a Trump pardon. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1584015/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:29.000" title="Interview with Tony Leon" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:05.000" title="Trending topic: Jozi investment broker in custody" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:23.000" title="AD: Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:20.000" title="And finally: Sean &#039;Diddy&#039; Combs wants Trump pardon" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:36:05.000" title="Your voicenotes" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Tony Leon on the state of the GNU, the DA, and brown envelopes</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1584015_20250910_163217_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>39:49</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The government of national unity (GNU) is MIA. And it’s not unified in the nation’s interests - it’s every man or woman for themselves. This is the opinion of one former DA leader-turned-ambassador, Tony Leon, who argues that SA’s current crop of leaders is failing the perfect storm test as we barrel toward Trump’s tariffs sans a senior diplomat in Washington. And what does he think about the Independent Development Trust bribe scandal? And the DA’s internal leadership battles for key posts? Find out in Tony’s debut edition of The Lead with host Graeme Raubenheimer. Later in the show, an elusive Jozi investment broker who allegedly conned his clients out of millions hands himself over to the police. Finally, Sean “Diddy” Combs wants a Trump pardon. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>No deal (yet) - what does Trump’s 30% tariffs mean for you?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1583540</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1583540</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We’re edging ever closer to becoming one of the few countries in the world to bear the full brunt of the US Trump administration’s 30% tariff slap. Can a last-minute phone call from President Cyril Ramaphosa curry favour and land a new US/SA trade deal? Business journalist William Brederode and The Lead host Graeme Raubenheimer are holding their breaths. For now, the pair discuss how the tariffs impact you, whether SA will trade with China more, and expectations for GDP and job losses. Later in the show, Pretoria confirms that our special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, has yet to formally set foot in the States in his current role. Finally, it’s a small relief, but we’ll take it: petrol prices drop from Wednesday. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1583540/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:59.000" title="Interview with William Brederode" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:25.000" title="Trending topic: Jonas yet to go to the US" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:04.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week round-up" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:59.000" title="And finally: Petrol price relief " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:36:51.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>No deal (yet) - what does Trump’s 30% tariffs mean for you?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1583540_20250910_163819_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>38:18</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[We’re edging ever closer to becoming one of the few countries in the world to bear the full brunt of the US Trump administration’s 30% tariff slap. Can a last-minute phone call from President Cyril Ramaphosa curry favour and land a new US/SA trade deal? Business journalist William Brederode and The Lead host Graeme Raubenheimer are holding their breaths. For now, the pair discuss how the tariffs impact you, whether SA will trade with China more, and expectations for GDP and job losses. Later in the show, Pretoria confirms that our special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, has yet to formally set foot in the States in his current role. Finally, it’s a small relief, but we’ll take it: petrol prices drop from Wednesday. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Shades of Babita - another auditor, another hit and more tender billions</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1583048</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1583048</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It may mean “place of peace”. But the City of Ekurhuleni has been on edge this year following the murder of its chief auditor, Mpho Mafole. The soon-to-be married financial investigator was shot and killed not far from his Kempton Park home in late June. Mafole, a former staffer in the Auditor-General’s office, was only three months on the job in Ekurhuleni. And he is most certainly not the first municipal auditor to be targeted for combing through the metro’s books, but for what specifically? Piecing together this complex story is Sikonathi Mantshantsha, our senior investigative journalist joining us in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, the DA-led City of Cape Town faces flak for giving a R2-billion tender to a Jozi company. Finally, while the Mother City shivers, KwaZulu-Natal busts out the aircon for dry conditions and veld fires. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:10:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1583048/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:58.000" title="Crossing to Sikonathi Mantshantsha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:03.000" title="Trending topic: CoCT R2bn Jozi tender saga" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:10.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:04.000" title="And finally: KZN wild fire warning" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:50.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro / On This Day in SA History" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Shades of Babita - another auditor, another hit and more tender billions</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1583048_20250910_164532_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>24:06</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It may mean “place of peace”. But the City of Ekurhuleni has been on edge this year following the murder of its chief auditor, Mpho Mafole. The soon-to-be married financial investigator was shot and killed not far from his Kempton Park home in late June. Mafole, a former staffer in the Auditor-General’s office, was only three months on the job in Ekurhuleni. And he is most certainly not the first municipal auditor to be targeted for combing through the metro’s books, but for what specifically? Piecing together this complex story is Sikonathi Mantshantsha, our senior investigative journalist joining us in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, the DA-led City of Cape Town faces flak for giving a R2-billion tender to a Jozi company. Finally, while the Mother City shivers, KwaZulu-Natal busts out the aircon for dry conditions and veld fires. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Criminal comrades? Pieter du Toit on THAT party picture that says a thousand words</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1582044</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1582044</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.If you haven’t read Animal Farm, that’s one of author George Orwell’s most famous quotes and it has never rung truer in the South African context than today, 31 July 2025.As we wait for the Madlanga Inquiry’s first public hearings into alleged police criminal capture, the man at the centre of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, just cannot stay out of the headlines. This time, it’s for rubbing shoulders with some questionable figures and senior ANC members at an ultra-elite 50th birthday party for fellow controversial tender don Edwin Sodi, all caught on camera. Our investigations editor, Pieter du Toit, argues that you’ll see, once and for all, the greatest example of a corrupt ANC patronage network. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:13:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1582044/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:35.000" title="Interview with Pieter du Toit" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:34.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:30.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:24.000" title="AD: Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:22.000" title="On this day in history &amp; Graeme says goodbye!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Criminal comrades? Pieter du Toit on THAT party picture that says a thousand words</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1582044_20250910_204115_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>34:59</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.If you haven’t read Animal Farm, that’s one of author George Orwell’s most famous quotes and it has never rung truer in the South African context than today, 31 July 2025.As we wait for the Madlanga Inquiry’s first public hearings into alleged police criminal capture, the man at the centre of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, just cannot stay out of the headlines. This time, it’s for rubbing shoulders with some questionable figures and senior ANC members at an ultra-elite 50th birthday party for fellow controversial tender don Edwin Sodi, all caught on camera. Our investigations editor, Pieter du Toit, argues that you’ll see, once and for all, the greatest example of a corrupt ANC patronage network. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Oxygen thieves to blame in dodgy R800m tender? With Jan Gerber</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1581613</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1581613</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[An independent investigation into a massive government-sanctioned tender to provide 60 of our country’s hospitals with critical medical-grade oxygen has exposed many serious red flags throughout the procurement process. The DA’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister in the government of national unity (GNU), Dean Macpherson, launched an investigation into alleged corruption within the state agency, the Independent Development Trust (IDT), late last year. The first findings from the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) probe are now public, and they paint a picture of paralytic procurement problems throughout. To detail what’s been uncovered, we’re joined in our Cape Town studios in this edition of The Lead by our senior Parliamentary correspondent, Jan Gerber. Later in the show, the Joburg mother of a child who made her three-year-old son smoke drugs on camera is now in police custody. Finally, FlySafAir’s pilot strike sees domestic trips soar with international price tags. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1581613/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:34.000" title="Interview with Jan Gerber" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:42.000" title="Trending topic: JHB mom makes 3-yr-old smoke drugs" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:13.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:07.000" title="And finally: Soaring domestic flight prices!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:13.000" title="Your voicenotes" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Oxygen thieves to blame in dodgy R800m tender? With Jan Gerber</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1581613_20250910_204222_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:47</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[An independent investigation into a massive government-sanctioned tender to provide 60 of our country’s hospitals with critical medical-grade oxygen has exposed many serious red flags throughout the procurement process. The DA’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister in the government of national unity (GNU), Dean Macpherson, launched an investigation into alleged corruption within the state agency, the Independent Development Trust (IDT), late last year. The first findings from the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) probe are now public, and they paint a picture of paralytic procurement problems throughout. To detail what’s been uncovered, we’re joined in our Cape Town studios in this edition of The Lead by our senior Parliamentary correspondent, Jan Gerber. Later in the show, the Joburg mother of a child who made her three-year-old son smoke drugs on camera is now in police custody. Finally, FlySafAir’s pilot strike sees domestic trips soar with international price tags. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Mashatile’s millionaire mansions – but who pays for them? With Kyle Cowan</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1581068</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1581068</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It must be super lekker to be the deputy president. During the week, you can live it up in your Waterfall mansion in Midrand. And on the weekends, you can cruise down to Slaapstad to lounge by the pool in your Constantia palace. Both these properties have now been formally and publicly declared by Deputy President Paul Mashatile to Parliament, vindicating a long-standing media investigation led by News24. It’s the good life, good life, good life… Joining us in this edition of The Lead to colour in all the details is our specialist investigative journalist, Kyle Cowan, live from our Johannesburg newsroom. Later in the show, the Madlanga inquiry into alleged South African Police Service capture by criminals gets nearly R148 million to start its hearings. Finally, local budget-friendly supermarket Boxer tries to knock out the competition! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1581068/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:04.000" title="Crossing to Kyle Cowan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:25.000" title="Trending topic: Madlanga inquiry price tag" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:47.000" title="AD: Driving with J9, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:45.000" title="And finally: Boxer outperforms!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:47.000" title="Your voicenotes" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Mashatile’s millionaire mansions – but who pays for them? With Kyle Cowan</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1581068_20250910_204338_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>38:23</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It must be super lekker to be the deputy president. During the week, you can live it up in your Waterfall mansion in Midrand. And on the weekends, you can cruise down to Slaapstad to lounge by the pool in your Constantia palace. Both these properties have now been formally and publicly declared by Deputy President Paul Mashatile to Parliament, vindicating a long-standing media investigation led by News24. It’s the good life, good life, good life… Joining us in this edition of The Lead to colour in all the details is our specialist investigative journalist, Kyle Cowan, live from our Johannesburg newsroom. Later in the show, the Madlanga inquiry into alleged South African Police Service capture by criminals gets nearly R148 million to start its hearings. Finally, local budget-friendly supermarket Boxer tries to knock out the competition! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Is northern KZN becoming SA’s new coal belt? With Sakhiseni Nxumalo</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1580633</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1580633</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The people of Mbabane, a small rural town deep in northern KwaZulu-Natal, have had enough of coal mining in the area. Cracked walls, incessant soot and noise and poor service delivery have come to characterise the small town. The arrival of a local coal mine has brought mixed fortunes for its people and now the town’s reality has sounded an alarm for the future of the entire Amajuba district. Here, the mineral resources ministry has fielded some 60 mining rights applications in recent years. In this edition of The Lead, we cross to our man on the scene, Sakhiseni Nxumalo. Later in the show, the country’s shocking shortage of detectives left one Cape Town mom to probe her son’s murder on her own. We cross to journalist Tammy Petersen. Finally, the sports minister assures local golf fans they won’t have to take out a loan to attend next year’s LIV Golf in SA, a first for Africa. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1580633/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:45.000" title="Crossing to Sakhiseni Nxumalo" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:26.000" title="Trending topic: Shocking detective shortage w/ Tammy Petersen" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:38:14.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:39:07.000" title="And finally: LIV Golf comes to Mzansi but at what price?" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:40:41.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is northern KZN becoming SA’s new coal belt? With Sakhiseni Nxumalo</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1580633_20250910_204503_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>41:33</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The people of Mbabane, a small rural town deep in northern KwaZulu-Natal, have had enough of coal mining in the area. Cracked walls, incessant soot and noise and poor service delivery have come to characterise the small town. The arrival of a local coal mine has brought mixed fortunes for its people and now the town’s reality has sounded an alarm for the future of the entire Amajuba district. Here, the mineral resources ministry has fielded some 60 mining rights applications in recent years. In this edition of The Lead, we cross to our man on the scene, Sakhiseni Nxumalo. Later in the show, the country’s shocking shortage of detectives left one Cape Town mom to probe her son’s murder on her own. We cross to journalist Tammy Petersen. Finally, the sports minister assures local golf fans they won’t have to take out a loan to attend next year’s LIV Golf in SA, a first for Africa. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Five months later and we finally have a Budget! With Carol Paton</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1579711</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1579711</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s felt like a never-ending story. But after five gruelling months for the government of national unity (GNU), President Cyril Ramaphosa’s coalition has finally passed a Budget - a critical oil for his administration’s engine to keep running. At the same time, National Treasury’s brought three new measures to ensure we don’t take this long for next year’s Budget process. Specialist journalist, Carol Paton, and the Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, together break down and chronologically track the politically fraught Budget process thus far, ahead of the final vote in the National Council of Provinces on 30 July. Lastly, we end off with your voicenotes! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1579711/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:09.000" title="Interview with Carol Paton" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:24.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:18.000" title="AD: Driving with J9, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:46.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Five months later and we finally have a Budget! With Carol Paton</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1579711_20250910_204743_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>35:32</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s felt like a never-ending story. But after five gruelling months for the government of national unity (GNU), President Cyril Ramaphosa’s coalition has finally passed a Budget - a critical oil for his administration’s engine to keep running. At the same time, National Treasury’s brought three new measures to ensure we don’t take this long for next year’s Budget process. Specialist journalist, Carol Paton, and the Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, together break down and chronologically track the politically fraught Budget process thus far, ahead of the final vote in the National Council of Provinces on 30 July. Lastly, we end off with your voicenotes! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Are INTEC, Damelin failing their students and staff? With Prega Govender</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1579237</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1579237</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Is Educor setting itself up for deregistration by the government once again? Representing a host of private education institutions, including Damelin College, Educor has in recent years been drowning in a pile of complaints from staff and students about its poor teaching and administrative practices. Well, another of its institutions, INTEC, has now come in for sharp criticism from staff and students, past and present, complaining about a severe lack of academic support. We mark Educor’s test paper with News24’s senior education journalist, Prega Govender, in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo claims he had more faith in the early 2000s-era Scorpions than today’s Hawks. Finally, ‘Luigi’ the Boks’ homeless superfan finally heads home to Makhanda. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1579237/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:45.000" title="Crossing to Prega Govender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:19.000" title="Trending topic: Zondo prefers The Scorpions" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:27.000" title="AD: The Weekender on News24" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:55.000" title="And finally: The homeless Boks superfan goes home" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:15.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Are INTEC, Damelin failing their students and staff? With Prega Govender</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1579237_20250910_204849_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:57</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Is Educor setting itself up for deregistration by the government once again? Representing a host of private education institutions, including Damelin College, Educor has in recent years been drowning in a pile of complaints from staff and students about its poor teaching and administrative practices. Well, another of its institutions, INTEC, has now come in for sharp criticism from staff and students, past and present, complaining about a severe lack of academic support. We mark Educor’s test paper with News24’s senior education journalist, Prega Govender, in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo claims he had more faith in the early 2000s-era Scorpions than today’s Hawks. Finally, ‘Luigi’ the Boks’ homeless superfan finally heads home to Makhanda. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>SAPS ‘capture’ web of intrigue widens with ‘Death Squad’ mastermind’s arrest</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1578784</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[First came the “Cat’s” arrest. And then startling claims of SA Police Service “capture” by underworld figures. But the story certainly doesn’t end there. Sandton figurehead, Katiso “KT” Molefe, is now in police custody, too. It’s in connection with the 2022 hit on lounge club owner, DJ Sumbody, whose real name is Oupa John Sefoka, as well as his two bodyguards. Both Molefe and tender don, Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, are understood to be central figures in the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which prompted the president to set up the Madlanga inquiry into police and the criminal justice system as we know it. Our star investigative journalist, Jeff Wicks, is on the trail for us and joins us to chronologically detail this story’s course of events in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, we stay with the SAPS saga and get word from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on forced special leave. Finally, the companies behind plant-based meat alternative products have a year to change the way they advertise these foods in SA. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1578784/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:06.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:45.000" title="Trending topic: Mchunu&#039;s Parly response" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:21.000" title="AD: Driving with J9, a News24 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:21.000" title="And finally: Vegan food ad title ban" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:30.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>SAPS ‘capture’ web of intrigue widens with ‘Death Squad’ mastermind’s arrest</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1578784_20250910_204947_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:22</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[First came the “Cat’s” arrest. And then startling claims of SA Police Service “capture” by underworld figures. But the story certainly doesn’t end there. Sandton figurehead, Katiso “KT” Molefe, is now in police custody, too. It’s in connection with the 2022 hit on lounge club owner, DJ Sumbody, whose real name is Oupa John Sefoka, as well as his two bodyguards. Both Molefe and tender don, Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, are understood to be central figures in the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which prompted the president to set up the Madlanga inquiry into police and the criminal justice system as we know it. Our star investigative journalist, Jeff Wicks, is on the trail for us and joins us to chronologically detail this story’s course of events in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, we stay with the SAPS saga and get word from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on forced special leave. Finally, the companies behind plant-based meat alternative products have a year to change the way they advertise these foods in SA. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Jozi’s construction cartel with alleged links to senior ANC councillor</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1578343</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1578343</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A top councillor, wearing the ANC colours in the City of Johannesburg, stands accused of meddling in and stalling key public infrastructure developments in Gauteng, extorting payments before work can even start. Sithembiso Zungu, though, has denied the claims, threatening our man on the beat, News24 journalist, Tankiso Makhetha, who joins us in this edition of The Lead. Zungu’s currently the ANC’s Chief Whip in council but it’s his former position of chairperson of the Ward 122 Business Forum, based out of Vlakfontein, that acts as the entry point into saga, the latest of which involves extortion allegedly stalling a local primary school refurbishment project. The influential councillor also allegedly served a short stint behind bars for extorting funds out of the Lehae housing project in Lenasia in 2019. Later in the show, the people of Tembisa protest over high electricity fee hikes. Finally, it’s a rare sighting indeed: Knysna’s only elephant, ‘Oupoot’ has been spotted! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1578343/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:39.000" title="Crossing to Tankiso Makhetha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:24.000" title="Trending topic: Thembisa protests" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:37.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes, a News24-powered podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:30.000" title="And finally: Knysna&#039;s last elephant spotted" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:37.000" title="Your comments!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Jozi’s construction cartel with alleged links to senior ANC councillor</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1578343_20250910_205033_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:11</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[A top councillor, wearing the ANC colours in the City of Johannesburg, stands accused of meddling in and stalling key public infrastructure developments in Gauteng, extorting payments before work can even start. Sithembiso Zungu, though, has denied the claims, threatening our man on the beat, News24 journalist, Tankiso Makhetha, who joins us in this edition of The Lead. Zungu’s currently the ANC’s Chief Whip in council but it’s his former position of chairperson of the Ward 122 Business Forum, based out of Vlakfontein, that acts as the entry point into saga, the latest of which involves extortion allegedly stalling a local primary school refurbishment project. The influential councillor also allegedly served a short stint behind bars for extorting funds out of the Lehae housing project in Lenasia in 2019. Later in the show, the people of Tembisa protest over high electricity fee hikes. Finally, it’s a rare sighting indeed: Knysna’s only elephant, ‘Oupoot’ has been spotted! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Who’s coup is it anyway? With Amanda Khoza</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1577399</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1577399</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the Ramaphosa administration grapples with a warring police force, a hollowed out South African Air Force and a scuppered Navy, how real or imminent is the threat of a coup d‘état in South Africa in 2025? It’s a difficult question to answer given Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s latest remarks following the release of the National Security Strategy report for the years 2019 to 2024 in review. The report reveals security, geopolitical, and environmental factors that may well impact South Africa in future. But are Ntshavheni’s coup’s comments referring to the recent startling press conference led by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi? Some Crime Intelligence sources suggest it is, according to journalist Amanda Khoza who is joining us in this edition of The Lead. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1577399/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:28.000" title="Crossing to Amanda Khoza" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:38.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:11.000" title="AD: Listen Up! podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:05.000" title="AD: Driving with J9 podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:05.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Who’s coup is it anyway? With Amanda Khoza</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1577399_20250910_205251_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:39</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[As the Ramaphosa administration grapples with a warring police force, a hollowed out South African Air Force and a scuppered Navy, how real or imminent is the threat of a coup d‘état in South Africa in 2025? It’s a difficult question to answer given Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s latest remarks following the release of the National Security Strategy report for the years 2019 to 2024 in review. The report reveals security, geopolitical, and environmental factors that may well impact South Africa in future. But are Ntshavheni’s coup’s comments referring to the recent startling press conference led by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi? Some Crime Intelligence sources suggest it is, according to journalist Amanda Khoza who is joining us in this edition of The Lead. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Latest twist in unfolding police war, with Tankiso Makhetha</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1576963</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1576963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If claims are anything to go by right now, the top brass of the South African Police Service (SAPS) appears to be at severe odds following bombshell claims that shady figures have captured the police. Like Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has also been forced to take a leave of absence. He  claims that KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is conducting his own parallel probe, requesting details of certain case dockets linked to the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team. To get the latest in this cop versus cop tit for tat, we speak to Tankiso Makhetha for this edition of The Lead. Later in the show: The president says it would be unfair to fire the police minister prematurely. Finally, a US ghost hunter dies while leading a creepy doll tour. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1576963/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:51.000" title="Crossing to Tankiso Makhetha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:14:10.000" title="Trending topic: Presidency budget vote" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:56.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week Podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:28.000" title="And finally: US paranormal investigator dies" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:29.000" title="AD: Driving with J9 Podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:27.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Latest twist in unfolding police war, with Tankiso Makhetha</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1576963_20250910_205358_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>18:58</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[If claims are anything to go by right now, the top brass of the South African Police Service (SAPS) appears to be at severe odds following bombshell claims that shady figures have captured the police. Like Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has also been forced to take a leave of absence. He  claims that KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is conducting his own parallel probe, requesting details of certain case dockets linked to the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team. To get the latest in this cop versus cop tit for tat, we speak to Tankiso Makhetha for this edition of The Lead. Later in the show: The president says it would be unfair to fire the police minister prematurely. Finally, a US ghost hunter dies while leading a creepy doll tour. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>How one act of kindness helped a family find their homeless brother</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1576484</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1576484</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s a complicated story like so many aspects of modern life. Relatives of a homeless man in Cape Town, “Luigi”, who’d gone viral for attending a Springbok match thanks to the goodwill of a fan, have since reunited, thanks in part to News24’s Good News coverage. Still, the sisters of the 49-year-old man, whose real name is Alan Strydom, face difficult decisions as he suffers with schizophrenia. Bringing us up to speed with this truly unique story in this edition of The Lead is our Good News editor, Paul Herman. Later in the show, a new survey reveals that trust in the police remains at an all-time low. Finally, Potterheads, rejoice! Hogwarts’ doors are open again with production of a new Harry Potter series in the works. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1576484/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:27.000" title="Interview with Paul Herman" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:05.000" title="Trending topic: SAPS trust survey results" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:13.000" title="AD: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s Business Week Podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:45.000" title="And finally: Potterheads, rejoice!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:44.000" title="AD: Listen Up! Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes Podcast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:39.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>How one act of kindness helped a family find their homeless brother</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1576484_20250910_205507_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:03</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s a complicated story like so many aspects of modern life. Relatives of a homeless man in Cape Town, “Luigi”, who’d gone viral for attending a Springbok match thanks to the goodwill of a fan, have since reunited, thanks in part to News24’s Good News coverage. Still, the sisters of the 49-year-old man, whose real name is Alan Strydom, face difficult decisions as he suffers with schizophrenia. Bringing us up to speed with this truly unique story in this edition of The Lead is our Good News editor, Paul Herman. Later in the show, a new survey reveals that trust in the police remains at an all-time low. Finally, Potterheads, rejoice! Hogwarts’ doors are open again with production of a new Harry Potter series in the works. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>What to expect from the inquiry into SAPS ‘capture’, with Karyn Maughan</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1576068</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1576068</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Another year, another commission of inquiry. Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the soon-to-be retiring deputy chief justice, will be chairing the country’s umpteenth commission of inquiry, this time broadly looking into alleged criminal and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS).This follows KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims that the SAPS has been captured by criminal syndicates. The inquiry’s scope will be broader than just the police; it will hone in on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State Security Agency, the Judiciary, and even certain metro police departments. Reacting to the President’s Sunday address in this Monday edition of The Lead is specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan. We also look at the president’s executive consents to lifestyle audits and two Kalahari lions that now the Eastern Cape home. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1576068/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:08.000" title="Interview with Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:15.000" title="Trending topic: SA executive lifestyle audits" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:16.000" title="Announcement: Bruce Whitfield&#039;s back!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:03.000" title="And finally: Lions move to Addo" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:06.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:02.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>What to expect from the inquiry into SAPS ‘capture’, with Karyn Maughan</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1576068_20250910_205608_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:25</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Another year, another commission of inquiry. Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the soon-to-be retiring deputy chief justice, will be chairing the country’s umpteenth commission of inquiry, this time broadly looking into alleged criminal and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS).This follows KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims that the SAPS has been captured by criminal syndicates. The inquiry’s scope will be broader than just the police; it will hone in on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State Security Agency, the Judiciary, and even certain metro police departments. Reacting to the President’s Sunday address in this Monday edition of The Lead is specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan. We also look at the president’s executive consents to lifestyle audits and two Kalahari lions that now the Eastern Cape home. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Why is Gauteng’s R700m forensic super-lab still closed?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1574987</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1574987</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s a state-of-the-art facility meant to speed up the processing of post-mortems and toxicology reports to give grieving families much-needed closure. But Gauteng’s new R703m Forensic Medical Services super-lab in Johannesburg’s Auckland Park near the Helen Joseph Hospital remains a ghost town for now. It’s 98% complete, but the building contractors refuse to lift another finger until they’re paid the final costs they claim they’re owed. A journalist who’s been on this story for many years is News24’s Alex Patrick, who brings us up to speed with the facility’s persistent delays. Later in the show, an ex-apartheid-era policeman has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for the 1987 murder of student activist Caiphus Nyoka. Finally, don’t know how to get your local pothole plugged? Well, there’s soon to be a “Fixlocal” app for that! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1574987/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:06.000" title="Interview with Alex Patrick" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:25.000" title="Trending topic: Johan Marais sentenced" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:32.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:59.000" title="And finally: Fixlocal app for service delivery" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:09.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Why is Gauteng’s R700m forensic super-lab still closed?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1574987_20250910_215235_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:10</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s a state-of-the-art facility meant to speed up the processing of post-mortems and toxicology reports to give grieving families much-needed closure. But Gauteng’s new R703m Forensic Medical Services super-lab in Johannesburg’s Auckland Park near the Helen Joseph Hospital remains a ghost town for now. It’s 98% complete, but the building contractors refuse to lift another finger until they’re paid the final costs they claim they’re owed. A journalist who’s been on this story for many years is News24’s Alex Patrick, who brings us up to speed with the facility’s persistent delays. Later in the show, an ex-apartheid-era policeman has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for the 1987 murder of student activist Caiphus Nyoka. Finally, don’t know how to get your local pothole plugged? Well, there’s soon to be a “Fixlocal” app for that! You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Consensual sexts or unwanted advances? Judge President Mbenenge under fire, with Karyn Maughan</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1574626</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1574626</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge remained under cross-examination this Wednesday over allegations that he sexually harassed a former court secretary, Andiswa Mengo. The now 41-year-old’s 2022-based complaint led to a tribunal brought by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and if Mbenenge is found guilty of sexual harassment, he could be impeached. News24’s specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, has been closely following proceedings at the Sandton-based JSC tribunal for us, listening in on the Judge President’s cross-examination this week. Later in the show, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala was caught with a cellphone in his prison cell. Finally, toy company Mattel reveals its new Barbie with type one diabetes. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to ⁠thelead@24.com⁠. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1574626/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:36.000" title="Crossing to Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:23.000" title="Trending topic: Cat&#039;s CELL-phone confiscated" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:12.000" title="AD: Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:08.000" title="And finally: New Barbie with diabetes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:10.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Consensual sexts or unwanted advances? Judge President Mbenenge under fire, with Karyn Maughan</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1574626_20250910_215317_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>27:54</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge remained under cross-examination this Wednesday over allegations that he sexually harassed a former court secretary, Andiswa Mengo. The now 41-year-old’s 2022-based complaint led to a tribunal brought by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and if Mbenenge is found guilty of sexual harassment, he could be impeached. News24’s specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, has been closely following proceedings at the Sandton-based JSC tribunal for us, listening in on the Judge President’s cross-examination this week. Later in the show, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala was caught with a cellphone in his prison cell. Finally, toy company Mattel reveals its new Barbie with type one diabetes. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to ⁠thelead@24.com⁠. Editions drop on Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The big, beautiful Trump tariff explainer with William Brederode</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1574180</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1574180</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In less than a month, South African produce and products being shipped to America will face remarkably higher tariffs. This came after US President Donald Trump signed a letter to Pretoria, stating that 30% tariffs on certain South African exports will be effective from 1 August. President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently with BRICS counterparts in Rio de Janeiro, claims Trump’s reasoning and methodology do not make sense. Host Graeme Raubenheimer and News24 Business journalist William Brederode dive deep into a big, beautiful Trump tariff explainer! Later in the show, former police minister Bheki Cele admits he twice overnighted at the Pretoria penthouse leased by arrested tender don, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. And in Bulawayo: Protea fire produces another record breaker in all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1574180/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:51.000" title="Interview with William Brederode" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:25.000" title="Trending topic: Cele stays at the Cat&#039;s PTA penthouse" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:43.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:37.000" title="And finally: Wiaan Mulder brings Protea fire" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:54.000" title="Your comments!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The big, beautiful Trump tariff explainer with William Brederode</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1574180_20250910_215410_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>38:37</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In less than a month, South African produce and products being shipped to America will face remarkably higher tariffs. This came after US President Donald Trump signed a letter to Pretoria, stating that 30% tariffs on certain South African exports will be effective from 1 August. President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently with BRICS counterparts in Rio de Janeiro, claims Trump’s reasoning and methodology do not make sense. Host Graeme Raubenheimer and News24 Business journalist William Brederode dive deep into a big, beautiful Trump tariff explainer! Later in the show, former police minister Bheki Cele admits he twice overnighted at the Pretoria penthouse leased by arrested tender don, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. And in Bulawayo: Protea fire produces another record breaker in all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Is the SAPS captured? With Jeff Wicks</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1573780</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1573780</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The gloves are off. In a startling Sunday press conference, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, publicly claimed that the heart of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been captured. Mkhwanazi alleges that Minister Senzo Mchunu has ties to the underworld and, together with deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and an associate known as Brown Mogotsi, they’ve all played a part in politically interfering in the SAPS. Mkhwanazi alleges Mchunu had an ulterior motive in disbanding a key policing unit, the political killings task team. And a name that prominently features in this intriguing web as well is tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, whose alleged dodgy dealings have been exposed by the News24 investigations team. Jeff Wicks is the dogged journalist charged with piecing this puzzle together in this edition of The Lead. We stay with policing matters for the rest of the show. Minister Mchunu insists to parliamentarians that the Hawks have an 80% state capture corruption case conviction rate. Finally, the News24 Disinformation Desk says roadblock laws are clear: no traffic cop may keep your licence for not paying a fine on the spot. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1573780/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:03:27.000" title="Crossing to Jeff Wicks" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:18:38.000" title="Trending topic: Mchunu on state capture cases" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:03.000" title="AD: Listen Up! With Tim Cohen &amp; Mark Barnes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:56.000" title="And finally: Roadblock dos and don&#039;ts" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:20.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Is the SAPS captured? With Jeff Wicks</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1573780_20250910_215443_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>22:59</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The gloves are off. In a startling Sunday press conference, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, publicly claimed that the heart of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been captured. Mkhwanazi alleges that Minister Senzo Mchunu has ties to the underworld and, together with deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and an associate known as Brown Mogotsi, they’ve all played a part in politically interfering in the SAPS. Mkhwanazi alleges Mchunu had an ulterior motive in disbanding a key policing unit, the political killings task team. And a name that prominently features in this intriguing web as well is tender don Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, whose alleged dodgy dealings have been exposed by the News24 investigations team. Jeff Wicks is the dogged journalist charged with piecing this puzzle together in this edition of The Lead. We stay with policing matters for the rest of the show. Minister Mchunu insists to parliamentarians that the Hawks have an 80% state capture corruption case conviction rate. Finally, the News24 Disinformation Desk says roadblock laws are clear: no traffic cop may keep your licence for not paying a fine on the spot. You can send show host Graeme Raubenheimer a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>We chat about the Boks’ homeless superfan and a son’s cheeky Spur poster</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1572758</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1572758</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From a good Samaritan who gave his extra Bok ticket to a homeless man, to a woman who reforged her legacy after a forced marriage at 14; good news editor Paul Herman is behind the mic to uplift and inspire in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, a Cape Town woman who allegedly abducted a newborn baby boy tries to bar the media from filming her in court. Finally, host Graeme Raubenheimer ends off reading a News24 Go! travel love letter to the West Coast town of Hondeklip Bay. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1572758/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:44.000" title="Interview with Paul Herman" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:48.000" title="Trending topic: Baby kidnap suspect in court" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:20:55.000" title="AD: Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:53.000" title="And finally: Love letter to the West Coast" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:13.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:41.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>We chat about the Boks’ homeless superfan and a son’s cheeky Spur poster</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1572758_20250910_215631_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>31:19</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[From a good Samaritan who gave his extra Bok ticket to a homeless man, to a woman who reforged her legacy after a forced marriage at 14; good news editor Paul Herman is behind the mic to uplift and inspire in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, a Cape Town woman who allegedly abducted a newborn baby boy tries to bar the media from filming her in court. Finally, host Graeme Raubenheimer ends off reading a News24 Go! travel love letter to the West Coast town of Hondeklip Bay. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Charting the DA and ANC’s GNU collision course with Jan Gerber</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1572304</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1572304</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[President Cyril Ramaphosa’s surprise axing of DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield has again set the cat among the government of national unity’s (GNU) pigeons. First, the DA issued the ANC an ultimatum: fire all ministers accused of corruption or forfeit its friendly budget vote. Since then, the DA has singled out two ANC ministers in Parliament. Apart from pulling out of the National Dialogue, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille this week personally oversaw the laying of criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane over a controversial process to appoint ANC-aligned members to the boards of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).The party has already laid charges against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane over the VBS Bank scandal.It has also threatened to take the nuclear option that could collapse the entire coalition: a potential motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa. But as senior parliamentary reporter, Jan Gerber, tells us in this edition of The Lead, this is merely a DA warning to the ANC in the GNU for now, because it’ll need to summon substantial numbers from the opposition benches to get such a motion passed. Later, in our show’s trending topic, a key suspect in the recent Gugulethu mass shooting had been released from prison just days before the killings. Finally, Kanye West, or Ye, has been denied a visa to Australia for his latest track glorifying Adolf Hitler. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1572304/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:42.000" title="Interview with Jan Gerber" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:17.000" title="Trending topic: Gugs suspect in mass murders" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:19.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:47.000" title="And finally: &quot;YE&quot; Nazi song slammed" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:53.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Charting the DA and ANC’s GNU collision course with Jan Gerber</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1572304_20250910_215720_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:35</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[President Cyril Ramaphosa’s surprise axing of DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield has again set the cat among the government of national unity’s (GNU) pigeons. First, the DA issued the ANC an ultimatum: fire all ministers accused of corruption or forfeit its friendly budget vote. Since then, the DA has singled out two ANC ministers in Parliament. Apart from pulling out of the National Dialogue, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille this week personally oversaw the laying of criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane over a controversial process to appoint ANC-aligned members to the boards of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).The party has already laid charges against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane over the VBS Bank scandal.It has also threatened to take the nuclear option that could collapse the entire coalition: a potential motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa. But as senior parliamentary reporter, Jan Gerber, tells us in this edition of The Lead, this is merely a DA warning to the ANC in the GNU for now, because it’ll need to summon substantial numbers from the opposition benches to get such a motion passed. Later, in our show’s trending topic, a key suspect in the recent Gugulethu mass shooting had been released from prison just days before the killings. Finally, Kanye West, or Ye, has been denied a visa to Australia for his latest track glorifying Adolf Hitler. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Are we seeing glimpses of Rassie’s grand plan for 2027?</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1571818</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1571818</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Springbok test season is in full swing with a convincing win over the Barbarians, a first on South African soil this past weekend. Now, the Boks’ sights are set on sinking Italy and Georgia in quick succession with the match-ups offering the front line-up, in particular, a considerable challenge. Building depth among the forwards is key, according to News24’s senior sports journalist Khanyiso Tshwaku, who joins us in this edition of The Lead to chat Bok depth, Rassie’s new “hybrid” player, and pricey match tickets. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer reports that conflict in the Middle East means you’ll pay more for fuel from Wednesday. Finally, a kidnapped Cape Town baby is found, and a woman is in police handcuffs. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1571818/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:43.000" title="Crossing to Khanyiso Tshwaku" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:18.000" title="Trending topic: Rising fuel prices" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:15.000" title="AD: News24&#039;s Driving with J9" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:13.000" title="And finally: Kidnapped CPT baby found, woman arrested" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:51.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Are we seeing glimpses of Rassie’s grand plan for 2027?</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1571818_20250910_215810_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>33:46</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Springbok test season is in full swing with a convincing win over the Barbarians, a first on South African soil this past weekend. Now, the Boks’ sights are set on sinking Italy and Georgia in quick succession with the match-ups offering the front line-up, in particular, a considerable challenge. Building depth among the forwards is key, according to News24’s senior sports journalist Khanyiso Tshwaku, who joins us in this edition of The Lead to chat Bok depth, Rassie’s new “hybrid” player, and pricey match tickets. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer reports that conflict in the Middle East means you’ll pay more for fuel from Wednesday. Finally, a kidnapped Cape Town baby is found, and a woman is in police handcuffs. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Can Starlink stake its claim in South Africa? With Carol Paton</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1571379</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1571379</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lesotho has granted Elon Musk’s satellite internet streaming service, Starlink, a decade-long licence to operate there. How did Lesotho get Starlink before South Africa? Specialist journalist Carol Paton explains in The Lead that the real reasons behind this are rather complex, as many local regulatory hurdles have to be cleared first. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi is arduously exploring a possible policy alternative for Starlink to meet local employment equity requirements, despite significant opposition over Musk’s past remarks regarding BBBEE. Still, Musk’s company wants South Africa to host its regional grounding stations, which may end up proving to be a potential trump card. Later in the show, some ex-Transnet bosses, two of whom are current members of Parliament, are hauled before court. Lastly, the health department calls those behind a viral deepfake video using Dr Salim Abdool Karim’s likeness “charlatans” peddling fake heart medicine. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1571379/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:39.000" title="Interview with Carol Paton" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:36.000" title="Trending topic: Transnet arrests" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:51.000" title="And finally: Viral deepfake COVID-19 video" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:22.000" title="Your comments!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Can Starlink stake its claim in South Africa? With Carol Paton</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1571379_20250910_215920_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:47</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Lesotho has granted Elon Musk’s satellite internet streaming service, Starlink, a decade-long licence to operate there. How did Lesotho get Starlink before South Africa? Specialist journalist Carol Paton explains in The Lead that the real reasons behind this are rather complex, as many local regulatory hurdles have to be cleared first. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi is arduously exploring a possible policy alternative for Starlink to meet local employment equity requirements, despite significant opposition over Musk’s past remarks regarding BBBEE. Still, Musk’s company wants South Africa to host its regional grounding stations, which may end up proving to be a potential trump card. Later in the show, some ex-Transnet bosses, two of whom are current members of Parliament, are hauled before court. Lastly, the health department calls those behind a viral deepfake video using Dr Salim Abdool Karim’s likeness “charlatans” peddling fake heart medicine. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>101 dead in EC flooding after cold front, with another on the way</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1570294</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1570294</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[At least 101 people have died and thousands left homeless after flooding hit the Eastern Cape earlier this month. As survivors catch their breath and rebuild their livelihoods, another intense cold front is creeping closer to the province. With snow, showers and sweeping winds forecast, we speak to News24’s East London correspondent, Sithandiwe Velaphi, for an update on rebuilding, rescue efforts and Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s choice to take leave. Later, host Graeme Raubenheimer looks into the political shake-ups across the country this week. Lastly, with the Springbok season starting on Saturday, we check in with News24 Sport’s rugby writer, Herman Mostert, who gives his thoughts on the clash versus the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:13:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1570294/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:13.000" title="Crossing to Sithandiwe Velaphi" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:17.000" title="Trending topic: Political see-saw week" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:47.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:16.000" title="And finally: Boks v BaaBaas w/ Herman Mostert" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:33:51.000" title="AD: Free audiobook of the month" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:34:46.000" title="Hear your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>101 dead in EC flooding after cold front, with another on the way</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1570294_20250910_220107_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>39:39</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[At least 101 people have died and thousands left homeless after flooding hit the Eastern Cape earlier this month. As survivors catch their breath and rebuild their livelihoods, another intense cold front is creeping closer to the province. With snow, showers and sweeping winds forecast, we speak to News24’s East London correspondent, Sithandiwe Velaphi, for an update on rebuilding, rescue efforts and Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s choice to take leave. Later, host Graeme Raubenheimer looks into the political shake-ups across the country this week. Lastly, with the Springbok season starting on Saturday, we check in with News24 Sport’s rugby writer, Herman Mostert, who gives his thoughts on the clash versus the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>The sinking SA Navy, with Sikonathi Mantshantsha</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1569877</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1569877</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The South African Navy’s limited operational capability has been scuppered in recent years. Today, only five vessels can take to the seas along our expansive coastline, and they are restricted to patrolling around our harbours. If you’re wondering, “Who needs a navy anyway?”, then you’re sorely mistaken about the force’s critical importance in other areas. Despite Minister Angie Motshekga’s claims in the National Council of Provinces this week that we are not defenceless as a nation, our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who wrote about the state of our maritime force, insists the minister is misguided. He takes The Lead through the operational capability of each class of SA Navy vessel, finding very little confidence in our ability to keep the coast clear of pirates. Later in the show, the DA’s John Steenhuisen eyes a possible third term at the party’s helm. Lastly, another cold front is barreling towards the flood-stricken Eastern Cape where at least 100 people have recently died and thousands of homes have been destroyed. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1569877/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:48.000" title="Crossing with Sikonathi Mantshantsha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:27.000" title="Trending topic: Steenhuisen eyes third DA term" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:41.000" title="AD: Free audiobook of the month" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:36.000" title="And finally: EC weather update" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:53.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The sinking SA Navy, with Sikonathi Mantshantsha</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1569877_20250910_220144_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>36:18</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The South African Navy’s limited operational capability has been scuppered in recent years. Today, only five vessels can take to the seas along our expansive coastline, and they are restricted to patrolling around our harbours. If you’re wondering, “Who needs a navy anyway?”, then you’re sorely mistaken about the force’s critical importance in other areas. Despite Minister Angie Motshekga’s claims in the National Council of Provinces this week that we are not defenceless as a nation, our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who wrote about the state of our maritime force, insists the minister is misguided. He takes The Lead through the operational capability of each class of SA Navy vessel, finding very little confidence in our ability to keep the coast clear of pirates. Later in the show, the DA’s John Steenhuisen eyes a possible third term at the party’s helm. Lastly, another cold front is barreling towards the flood-stricken Eastern Cape where at least 100 people have recently died and thousands of homes have been destroyed. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Meet the rogue soldiers who allegedly killed top cop, kidnapped ISIS bosses</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1569381</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1569381</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A dozen former and current South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members are, as we speak, in police custody in connection with the murder of a senior Hawks detective. In 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Ngwako Frans Mathipa was shot and killed near Hammanskraal Toll Plaza. Mathipa was tasked with investigating an alleged abduction involving SANDF members as suspects. It’s alleged these elite soldiers, so-called “Recces”, kidnapped two prominent local Islamic State members from the Mall of Africa in 2022. The two are still missing and are now presumed dead. News24 journalists Bernadette Wicks and Tankiso Makhetha join us on The Lead to piece together this intriguing puzzle. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer looks into how Johannesburg has settled its massive Eskom debt to keep the lights on. Finally, former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba temporarily halts the broadcasting of a tell-all Showmax episode about the intimate details of his personal life. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1569381/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:47.000" title="Crossing to journalists Wicks, Makhetha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:18.000" title="Trending topic: JHB settles Eskom debt" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:22.000" title="And finally: Gigaba halts Showmax episode" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:26:41.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Meet the rogue soldiers who allegedly killed top cop, kidnapped ISIS bosses</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1569381_20250910_220244_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>32:57</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[A dozen former and current South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members are, as we speak, in police custody in connection with the murder of a senior Hawks detective. In 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Ngwako Frans Mathipa was shot and killed near Hammanskraal Toll Plaza. Mathipa was tasked with investigating an alleged abduction involving SANDF members as suspects. It’s alleged these elite soldiers, so-called “Recces”, kidnapped two prominent local Islamic State members from the Mall of Africa in 2022. The two are still missing and are now presumed dead. News24 journalists Bernadette Wicks and Tankiso Makhetha join us on The Lead to piece together this intriguing puzzle. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer looks into how Johannesburg has settled its massive Eskom debt to keep the lights on. Finally, former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba temporarily halts the broadcasting of a tell-all Showmax episode about the intimate details of his personal life. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Mashatile, his sister-in-law and the R180bn Lotto deal</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1568963</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1568963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s sister-in-law has reason to celebrate. It has been revealed that Khumo Bogatsu’s company, Bellamont Gaming, is among the key shareholders of Sizekhaya Holdings, the company that has won one of the country’s most lucrative government tenders: the latest licence to operate the lottery. It is quite the politically-connected R180-billion jackpot if you ask us, but according to journalist Azarrah Karrim with the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, all involved deny that this is the case. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer asks what it will take for the Post Office to finally become profitable. Finally, debt-laden Capetonians can expect a rates bill relief soon if the city council gives the green light.You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1568963/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="Crossing to Azarrah Karrim" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:19:36.000" title="Trending topic: SAPO&#039;s future" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:20.000" title="And finally: COCT&#039;s rate debt write-off" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:40.000" title="Your comments!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Mashatile, his sister-in-law and the R180bn Lotto deal</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1568963_20250910_220325_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>24:41</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s sister-in-law has reason to celebrate. It has been revealed that Khumo Bogatsu’s company, Bellamont Gaming, is among the key shareholders of Sizekhaya Holdings, the company that has won one of the country’s most lucrative government tenders: the latest licence to operate the lottery. It is quite the politically-connected R180-billion jackpot if you ask us, but according to journalist Azarrah Karrim with the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, all involved deny that this is the case. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer asks what it will take for the Post Office to finally become profitable. Finally, debt-laden Capetonians can expect a rates bill relief soon if the city council gives the green light.You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Karyn Maughan demystifies the NPA’s extradition ruling headache</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1567941</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1567941</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The way South Africa’s prosecutors go about extraditing the criminally accused from another country to face justice in a local court is currently under intense scrutiny. The crux of the matter is that in 2014, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in one particular case that only the country’s Justice Minister and not the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is allowed to make extradition requests. This effectively allowed the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule, Moroadi Cholota, to argue her way to walking free in the so-called asbestos tender trial. And now the SCA ruling may affect nearly ninety other extradition matters, including the murder case of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. Our resident legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, joins us in this edition of The Lead to help us demystify this major legal precedent. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer takes us to Midrand where former EFF turned MKP politician Floyd Shivambu says he’s consulting the possibility of starting a new party but won’t resign from the MKP. Finally, Kyalami race track solidifies plans to jumpstart to Formula One status. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:33:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1567941/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:16.000" title="Interview with Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:10.000" title="Trending topic: Shivambu&#039;s presser" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:20.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:47.000" title="And finally: Kyalami gears up for F1" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:35:14.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Karyn Maughan demystifies the NPA’s extradition ruling headache</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1567941_20250910_220459_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>41:14</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The way South Africa’s prosecutors go about extraditing the criminally accused from another country to face justice in a local court is currently under intense scrutiny. The crux of the matter is that in 2014, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled in one particular case that only the country’s Justice Minister and not the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is allowed to make extradition requests. This effectively allowed the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule, Moroadi Cholota, to argue her way to walking free in the so-called asbestos tender trial. And now the SCA ruling may affect nearly ninety other extradition matters, including the murder case of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. Our resident legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, joins us in this edition of The Lead to help us demystify this major legal precedent. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer takes us to Midrand where former EFF turned MKP politician Floyd Shivambu says he’s consulting the possibility of starting a new party but won’t resign from the MKP. Finally, Kyalami race track solidifies plans to jumpstart to Formula One status. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	<item>
		<title>Iran, Israel conflict explained</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1567487</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1567487</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Despite calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Middle Eastern nations have, in recent days, exchanged a volley of missile strikes, adding pressure to a very volatile geopolitical situation. Will America enter the fray, and can South Africa play peacemaker? News24 international correspondent Phillip de Wet provides his insights. Later in the show, we’ll tell you which of the GNU’s ministers are the most frequent flyers and biggest international tax spenders. And was there a lion on the loose in a South African supermarket? According to the News24 disinformation desk, the viral video is AI-generated and 100% fake. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:01:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1567487/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:41.000" title="Crossing to Phillip de Wet in the UK" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:42.000" title="Trending topic: Big GNU travel spenders" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:30.000" title="AD: Audiobook of the month" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:25.000" title="And finally: Fake AI Lion video" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:51.000" title="Your comments &amp; voice notes" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Iran, Israel conflict explained</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1567487_20250910_220600_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>28:01</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Despite calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Middle Eastern nations have, in recent days, exchanged a volley of missile strikes, adding pressure to a very volatile geopolitical situation. Will America enter the fray, and can South Africa play peacemaker? News24 international correspondent Phillip de Wet provides his insights. Later in the show, we’ll tell you which of the GNU’s ministers are the most frequent flyers and biggest international tax spenders. And was there a lion on the loose in a South African supermarket? According to the News24 disinformation desk, the viral video is AI-generated and 100% fake. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Streets of sewage and a ray of light in Krugersdorp, with Sikonathi Mantshantsha</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1565778</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1565778</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2024, News24’s Waste Land exposé uncovered the source of the Gauteng West Rand’s unbearable smell: the old Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was illegally dumping untreated, heavily polluted water into the Blougatspruit, which feeds into the Hartbeespoort Dam downstream. This raw sewage, seeping into crucial water sources, farms and homes, threatened the livelihoods of everyone around these crucial river conduits. After News24’s reporting and Mogale City pumping millions of rands into its resuscitation, many of the problems have been solved. However, as investigative journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha reports the daily reality in the nearby Kagiso township remains grim as the residents live with streams of human excrement outside their front doors. Later in the show, we cross to the News24 Sports desk for editor Lloyd Burnard’s take on the Proteas challenge for the ICC World Test Championship against the Aussies at Lord’s. We also explore which of the cheapest cars in South Africa are not produced in China or India.  You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:50:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1565778/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:12.000" title="Interview with Sikonathi Mantshantsha " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:23.000" title="Cricket crossing with Lloyd Burnard" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:51.000" title="AD: Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:29:20.000" title="And finally: Cheap cars imported here from elsewhere" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:45.000" title="Your voicenotes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Streets of sewage and a ray of light in Krugersdorp, with Sikonathi Mantshantsha</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1565778_20250910_221104_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>34:48</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 2024, News24’s Waste Land exposé uncovered the source of the Gauteng West Rand’s unbearable smell: the old Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was illegally dumping untreated, heavily polluted water into the Blougatspruit, which feeds into the Hartbeespoort Dam downstream. This raw sewage, seeping into crucial water sources, farms and homes, threatened the livelihoods of everyone around these crucial river conduits. After News24’s reporting and Mogale City pumping millions of rands into its resuscitation, many of the problems have been solved. However, as investigative journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha reports the daily reality in the nearby Kagiso township remains grim as the residents live with streams of human excrement outside their front doors. Later in the show, we cross to the News24 Sports desk for editor Lloyd Burnard’s take on the Proteas challenge for the ICC World Test Championship against the Aussies at Lord’s. We also explore which of the cheapest cars in South Africa are not produced in China or India.  You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Wouter Basson vs HPCSA round two, with Tammy Petersen</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1565338</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1565338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) continues in 2025 to push for some form of historical accountability from “Dr Death” Wouter Basson’s involvement in the apartheid government’s secret chemical and biological warfare programme, “Project Coast”. But as News24’s Cape Town journalist Tammy Petersen reports in this edition of The Lead, the Durbanville-based cardiologist has, at the age of 74, turned to the High Court to get the HPCSA off his back once and for all: “Dr Basson argues in his court papers that this new bid by the HPCSA is nothing but persecution,” says Petersen. Later in the show, we learn that a former Transnet official is wanted by the police for the mistaken hit on a Vereeniging engineer whose company blew the whistle on procurement corruption. Finally, attorneys for disgraced R&B singer R Kelly claim he’s in danger behind bars and argue that he should be put under house arrest. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:26:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1565338/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:00.000" title="Interview with Tammy Petersen" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:26.000" title="Trending topic: Ex-Transnet staffer wanted for hit" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:14:55.000" title="AD: Audiobook of the month" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:50.000" title="And finally: R-Kelly pushes for house arrest" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:17:01.000" title="Your voicenotes" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Wouter Basson vs HPCSA round two, with Tammy Petersen</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1565338_20250910_221158_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>21:18</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) continues in 2025 to push for some form of historical accountability from “Dr Death” Wouter Basson’s involvement in the apartheid government’s secret chemical and biological warfare programme, “Project Coast”. But as News24’s Cape Town journalist Tammy Petersen reports in this edition of The Lead, the Durbanville-based cardiologist has, at the age of 74, turned to the High Court to get the HPCSA off his back once and for all: “Dr Basson argues in his court papers that this new bid by the HPCSA is nothing but persecution,” says Petersen. Later in the show, we learn that a former Transnet official is wanted by the police for the mistaken hit on a Vereeniging engineer whose company blew the whistle on procurement corruption. Finally, attorneys for disgraced R&B singer R Kelly claim he’s in danger behind bars and argue that he should be put under house arrest. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The bloody diamond war in Namaqualand with Jacques Pauw (special edition)</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1564921</link>
		<guid isPermaLink="true">https://iono.qa/e/1564921</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For decades, the forgotten, desolate sands of the coastal Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape have offered both illicit diggers and influential tycoons a chance at the big time. The promise of still-hidden diamonds beneath the hot soil has recently attracted all walks of life to a region whose people feed on the carcass of infrastructure left behind by the De Beers mining group. The veteran investigative journalist Jacques Pauw has returned from the Namaqualand with tales contained in a series of reports and videos for News24 called Dig: South Africa’s new diamond rush. He joins host Graeme Raubenheimer in this special edition of The Lead to take us inside the bloody trade. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:38:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1564921/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:00.000" title="Interview with Jacques Pauw" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:37:49.000" title="AD: Audiobook of the month" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:38:42.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>The bloody diamond war in Namaqualand with Jacques Pauw (special edition)</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1564921_20250910_221243_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>40:48</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[For decades, the forgotten, desolate sands of the coastal Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape have offered both illicit diggers and influential tycoons a chance at the big time. The promise of still-hidden diamonds beneath the hot soil has recently attracted all walks of life to a region whose people feed on the carcass of infrastructure left behind by the De Beers mining group. The veteran investigative journalist Jacques Pauw has returned from the Namaqualand with tales contained in a series of reports and videos for News24 called Dig: South Africa’s new diamond rush. He joins host Graeme Raubenheimer in this special edition of The Lead to take us inside the bloody trade. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Meet the Jozi broker who disappeared with millions from friends, family and clients</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1564495</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[A “smooth talker” who plied clients with fantastic food and drink, convincing many into handing over their precious millions, only to evade questions when it was time to cough up. This is how numerous clients described the elusive Johannesburg investment broker, Mark Kretzschmar, to News24.Tonight in The Lead, News24 Business journalist Jan Cronjé tells us how Kretzschmar allegedly duped investors, including family friends and discusses the litany of charges he faces. Later in the show, we look at the possibility of Helen Zille standing for Jozi mayor. Finally, a missing Comrades Marathon finisher was found in critical condition on a construction site, kilometres from the finish line. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
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							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:04.000" title="Interview with Jan Cronjé" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:36.000" title="Trending topic: Zille mulls JHB mayorship" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:24:51.000" title="And finally: Missing Comrades runner found" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:53.000" title="Your comments and voice notes!" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Meet the Jozi broker who disappeared with millions from friends, family and clients</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1564495_20250910_221322_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>30:01</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[A “smooth talker” who plied clients with fantastic food and drink, convincing many into handing over their precious millions, only to evade questions when it was time to cough up. This is how numerous clients described the elusive Johannesburg investment broker, Mark Kretzschmar, to News24.Tonight in The Lead, News24 Business journalist Jan Cronjé tells us how Kretzschmar allegedly duped investors, including family friends and discusses the litany of charges he faces. Later in the show, we look at the possibility of Helen Zille standing for Jozi mayor. Finally, a missing Comrades Marathon finisher was found in critical condition on a construction site, kilometres from the finish line. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Has the NPA messed up again? Karyn Maughan on why Ace Magashule’s PA walked free</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1563453</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[She’s a free woman. Moroadi Cholota, the former assistant to then-Free State Premier Ace Magashule, has won her special plea against the National Prosecuting Authority. The Free State High Court in Bloemfontein declared her extradition from the United States “unlawful” following a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that only the justice minister may request extradition. The ruling leaves the NPA with a bloody nose, and many legal experts have warned that this trial-within-a-trial may have far-reaching consequences. To decipher what this all means, legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins us in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, Graeme Raubenheimer discusses the AARTO Act’s consequences for errant motorists and snow forecasts nationwide. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.   ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1563453/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:04.000" title="Interview with Karyn Maughan" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:52.000" title="Trending topic: AARTO 1 October start" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:30:14.000" title="AD: Free audiobook of the month" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:31:09.000" title="And finally: SNOW!" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:13.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:32:41.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Has the NPA messed up again? Karyn Maughan on why Ace Magashule’s PA walked free</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1563453_20250910_221531_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>34:41</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[She’s a free woman. Moroadi Cholota, the former assistant to then-Free State Premier Ace Magashule, has won her special plea against the National Prosecuting Authority. The Free State High Court in Bloemfontein declared her extradition from the United States “unlawful” following a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that only the justice minister may request extradition. The ruling leaves the NPA with a bloody nose, and many legal experts have warned that this trial-within-a-trial may have far-reaching consequences. To decipher what this all means, legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins us in this edition of The Lead. Later in the show, Graeme Raubenheimer discusses the AARTO Act’s consequences for errant motorists and snow forecasts nationwide. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.  ]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Bye-bye Floyd - why MK speared Shivambu as SG, with Andisiwe Makinana</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1563015</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[He took off his red beret to take up the spear. But the writing’s been on the wall for some time before the MK Party  booted Floyd Shivambu out of its secretary-general office on Tuesday and onto the benches in Parliament. “Floyd’s visit to [Shepherd Bushiri] in Malawi was an excuse they could find to take action against him,” says News24 political editor Andisiwe Makinana who joins us in the studio to discuss what this shift means for Shivambu’s political prospects. Later in the show, South Africa’s deputy president goes big on the taxpayer’s ticket in Japan. Finally, claims of imminent June power cuts are hogwash, says our disinformation desk. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1563015/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:02:14.000" title="Interview with Andisiwe Makinana" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:25:34.000" title="Trending topic: Mashatile&#039;s Japan splurge" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:00.000" title="AD: The Weekender" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:27:28.000" title="And finally: Eskom fake news" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:28:35.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Bye-bye Floyd - why MK speared Shivambu as SG, with Andisiwe Makinana</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1563015_20250910_221631_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>29:43</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[He took off his red beret to take up the spear. But the writing’s been on the wall for some time before the MK Party  booted Floyd Shivambu out of its secretary-general office on Tuesday and onto the benches in Parliament. “Floyd’s visit to [Shepherd Bushiri] in Malawi was an excuse they could find to take action against him,” says News24 political editor Andisiwe Makinana who joins us in the studio to discuss what this shift means for Shivambu’s political prospects. Later in the show, South Africa’s deputy president goes big on the taxpayer’s ticket in Japan. Finally, claims of imminent June power cuts are hogwash, says our disinformation desk. You can now send a short voice note of 15 to 20 seconds with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Selling sweets to pay for matric ball and May’s best good news stories</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1562546</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[From a viral Grade 12 pupil selling sweets every morning at a local taxi rank to attend his matric dance to a young Ikeys rugby star who got a shock call-up from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, by the end of Tuesday’s discussion with Good News editor Paul Herman in The Lead, we hope to leave you feeling extra inspired and proud to be a South African. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer discusses controversial Gauteng tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala who abandoned his bid for bail in connection with an alleged failed hit. Finally, we look at how the economy barely budged in this year’s first quarter. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1562546/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:47.000" title="Interview with Paul Herman" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:21:22.000" title="Trending topic: The Cat in cuffs" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:22:49.000" title="And finally: Bad GDP growth" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:23:59.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Selling sweets to pay for matric ball and May’s best good news stories</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1562546_20250910_221738_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>25:17</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[From a viral Grade 12 pupil selling sweets every morning at a local taxi rank to attend his matric dance to a young Ikeys rugby star who got a shock call-up from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, by the end of Tuesday’s discussion with Good News editor Paul Herman in The Lead, we hope to leave you feeling extra inspired and proud to be a South African. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer discusses controversial Gauteng tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala who abandoned his bid for bail in connection with an alleged failed hit. Finally, we look at how the economy barely budged in this year’s first quarter. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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		<title>Suspected ISIS SA leader appears in a Joburg court, with Tankiso Makhetha</title>
		<link>https://iono.qa/e/1562076</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit believe they’ve caught a suspected senior leader in the Islamic State terrorist network operating right out of Johannesburg’s inner city.  Abubakar Ali (39) appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday to apply for bail after he was arrested in Fordsburg on a charge of carrying an unlicensed firearm. The Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, crosses to News24’s Tankiso Makhetha in court, who tells us why the case has been postponed to 11 June when other alleged ISIS-linked matters are due to be heard. Later in the show, the government’s new licensed lottery operator promises a jackpot shake-up, but a court case ensues. Finally, a viral Cape Town teen opens a sweets and chips business to pay for his upcoming matric ball. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. ]]></description>
					<category>News</category>
				<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
				<podcast:season>0</podcast:season>
		<podcast:episode>0</podcast:episode>
					<podcast:chapters url="https://dl.iono.qa/chapters/1562076/json" type="application/json+chapters" />
							<psc:chapters version="1.2" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters">
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:00:01.000" title="Graeme&#039;s intro " />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:01:35.000" title="Crossing with Tankiso Mahketha" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:13:54.000" title="Trending topic: New lottery operator woes" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:15:27.000" title="And finally: CPT matric pupil business" />
			 
				<psc:chapter start="00:16:47.000" title="Graeme&#039;s outro" />
						</psc:chapters>
				<itunes:title>Suspected ISIS SA leader appears in a Joburg court, with Tankiso Makhetha</itunes:title>
		<itunes:season>0</itunes:season>
		<itunes:episode>0</itunes:episode>
		<itunes:author>Graeme Raubenheimer</itunes:author>
					<itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
				<itunes:image href="https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3108/logo_1562076_20250910_221843_1400.jpeg"/>
		<itunes:duration>18:20</itunes:duration>
		<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit believe they’ve caught a suspected senior leader in the Islamic State terrorist network operating right out of Johannesburg’s inner city.  Abubakar Ali (39) appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday to apply for bail after he was arrested in Fordsburg on a charge of carrying an unlicensed firearm. The Lead host, Graeme Raubenheimer, crosses to News24’s Tankiso Makhetha in court, who tells us why the case has been postponed to 11 June when other alleged ISIS-linked matters are due to be heard. Later in the show, the government’s new licensed lottery operator promises a jackpot shake-up, but a court case ensues. Finally, a viral Cape Town teen opens a sweets and chips business to pay for his upcoming matric ball. Mail your comments and voice notes to thelead@24.com. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.]]></itunes:summary>
				<source url="https://rss.iono.qa/rss/chan/9195">The Lead</source>
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