It's been a tale of two budgets. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana proposed a one-percentage-point value-added tax (VAT) increase over the next two years. The minister promised not to increase personal income tax; however, the tax bracket has not been adjusted for inflation. For News24's business editor, Helena Wasserman, the tax bracket "creep" is a far more concerning trend. "I think that's going to be more painful than VAT," says Wasserman. LISTEN to host Graeme Raubenheimer in conversation with the business editor about Godongwana's proposal. If you're a fan of the show, or have a burning topic you'd like to engage in, drop us your mails and voice notes at [email protected].

Welcome to the second episode of The Lead. In the studio with host Graeme Raubenheimer we have News24's Khaya Koko and Sipho Masondo. They talk us through what News24 understands to be dodgy deals at Johannesburg's City Power utility and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). Koko found that City Power had been dishing out millions for contractor work not completed by a set deadline. Meanwhile, Masondo uncovered evidence that Prasa awarded one contractor two multi-billion-rand tenders without meeting critical minimum requirements. Later, we discuss the latest Budget speech negotiations and how King Charles III got his apparent groove back. If you're a fan of the show or have a burning topic you'd like to engage in, drop us your mails and voice notes at [email protected]

Dive deep into the stories shaping our world with The Lead, News24's definitive daily podcast for in-depth reporting. Join our host Graeme Raubenheimer every week as he engages in candid conversations with News24's top journalists, and discover what they saw, heard, and uncovered in their relentless pursuit of the big story. A new edition drops every night, Monday to Thursday at 19:00 SAST on News24, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Share your views, news tips, and voice notes: WhatsApp: 072 562 3179 or email: [email protected]. Let’s chat all this and more, right here on The Lead on News24!