From SIU head to NPA boss, Andy Mothibi’s surprise leap raises eyebrows

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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.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 02:06 Crossing to Karyn Maughan
  • 11:23 Who takes over at the SIU?
  • 17:46 Trending topic: Knysna's water crisis
  • 19:09 AD: The Weekender
  • 19:40 Finally: On This Day in SA History / Rauby's Pointless Braai Quiz
7 Jan English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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