News24 The Lead

Who is Andre Pienaar, the ‘low-level’ spook badmouthing SA in DC?

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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.
Chapters
  • 00:01 A special message from N24 EIC Adriaan Basson
  • 02:38 Graeme's intro
  • 04:47 Interview with Carol Paton
  • 25:47 Trending topic: Namibian guns smuggled to SA
  • 27:00 On This Day in SA History
8 Sep 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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