Carte Blanche: The Podcast

There’s virtually no game of rugby that doesn’t result in some concussion injuries. But the big question: how many knocks does it take to cause long-term, irreversible damage? We reveal breakthroughs in concussion research that help protect the players and the game. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

There's no denying: the South African economy is on shaky ground. As a result, many business across the country are struggling to keep head above water, leaving many owners dent-ridden and facing impending collapse. But business rescue could be a life-saver, especially if you act early. Masa Kekana speaks to business rescue practitioners about the pros and cons of the process and why it's not nece...

Ever since another taxi strike erupted on the streets of Cape Town in August, negotiations between City of Cape Town officials and taxi industry representative body, SANTACO, have been ongoing. Insiders say discussions have been fraught as both sides thrash out the finer points of an agreement that would not only protect commuters, but ensure there’s a mutual understanding between officials, taxi...

Nothing to see here, folks… The Lady R report raises more questions. Why has Daily Maverick become the target of not one, but two cyber attacks? Then, the SANDF is left red-faced as classified info gets leaked. Later, big pharma bullies… We look at the recently released COVID-19 contracts. And some good news for 2000 South African rhino. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Fa...

Emirates Airline Park - once the grand dame of stadiums hosting some of the biggest rugby clashes in the world. Now, as Joburg’s inner city continues to decay, this iconic stadium stands as a shadow of its former glory. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

In March 2023, we investigated a Swedish businessman and self-styled philanthropist who’d made sweeping promises to an impoverished community in the Limpopo town of Alldays. We uncovered how he’d failed to keep those promises, failing the area’s children and becoming embroiled in a dispute in which the local municipality appeared reluctant to intervene. It was an outcome for which the children and...

Violent, prolific and with an insatiable appetite for killing young boys. For years, the Station Strangler terrorised communities in the Western Cape. Now, the man once believed to be the serial murderer is on parole and his neighbours are living in fear. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A devastating fire in Johannesburg leaves over 70 people dead. But could it have been prevented? We look at Gauteng crime stats and crime wardens. Then, a vote mired in controversy: why is government keeping quiet on the Zimbabwe elections? Later, another political party is launched. This time, Ace Magashule is ready to ACT. And another shoutout to Gift of the Givers. Carte Blanche Website &middot...

What does a retired prison warder, a house mother and pastor have in common? They all landed in the clutches of a notorious local scamster. We’re on the trail of a well-known Eastern Cape farmer who duped scores of victims out of their pensions. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A mother entrusts the care of her newborn to someone she knows. Within seconds, both disappear without a trace. So, how did a healthcare worker solve the case of a missing baby boy? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Years of tension between the City of Cape Town and the taxi industry came to a head this week as wanton violence spilled onto the city’s highways and streets, unwitting commuters and other civilians caught in the middle. On Thursday last week, taxi bosses unexpectedly suspended their services to embark on a week-long stay-away that left thousands of desperate commuters stranded. Many of them, incl...

It was all eyes on BRICS - so what's in it for us? Then, we look at recent extreme climate events and ask: how prepared is SA government? Then, a much-needed positive development in the Zuko Nonxuba matter. And we pay tribute to Derek Watts. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Johannesburg: the City of Gold. Poorly maintained, high crime levels, dilapidated. Cape Town: the Mother City. Pristine beaches, a functioning municipality and the dark underbelly of organised crime. It’s the battle of provinces as hard-nosed Joburgers choose to escape to the Cape. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Are baseless lawsuits and intimidation shrinking the space for journalists in South Africa to speak truth to power? We investigate the rising cost of press freedom and the potentially lethal toll of fear and interference. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Sports broadcaster extraordinaire, and standing tall among the legends of the sports, Motshidisi Mohono is rugby’s First Lady. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A new COVID strain makes headlines. But no need to stock up on wine and cigarettes just yet. Then, will government hand over secretive documents relating to COVID vaccine procurement deals? Wednesday is election day for Zimbabwe and things are off to a really bad start… Later, coalition government has a dismal track record in SA. But could the Moonshot Pact make a success of it? And there’s a lot...

In May this year, a body was found on a beach in Macassar in the Western Cape. The victim, a young woman, had been brutally raped and murdered before being dumped in the sand. There were no witnesses, and over the next few days, three more bodies were discovered in this small community. But it wasn’t always like this: elderly residents who have lived in the once-peaceful fishing village their whol...

Residents on Joburg’s East Rand are living in fear. Illegal rock blasting, running gun battles and zama zamas mining for gold - right on their doorsteps. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

What would you do to help your child realise their sporting dream - even if it’s wacky and off-beat? The story of a mother, her daughter and a 1600 km journey in a very old tractor. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A quick look at the recent taxi strike and, of course, Zuma's special remission. Then, we focus on several court cases this week including the Blue Lights assault matter, the acquittal of child rapist, Ntokozo Zikhali, and the latest on the Babita Deokoran case. We also continue our Women's Month discussion. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A sanctioned Russian oligarch, a multi-billion rand Manganese mine and the impoverished communities in the Northern Cape that should’ve benefited from a lucrative deal. We investigate why it all went wrong. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A former president, South Africa’s political entanglements, and the dance with Putin's Russia. Does a friendship with Russia jeopardise South Africa’s future? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

We investigate a man of many incarnations: film director, television distributor, doctor and now, pastor. Why do his victims claim he’s duped them out of hundreds of thousands of rands? After a year-long investigation, we track down the notorious Netflix Scammer. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Symbolic or a veiled threat? We look at the latest debate swirling around Kill The Boer. Then, illegal mining is top of mind for many Joburg residents. So, what’s the solution? And we celebrate Women’s Month while also taking a very sober look at what can be done to empower South African women even more. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

As the influx of coal trucks to Richards Bay keeps escalating, stockpiles are popping up like mushrooms with scant regard to rules and regulations. How will the residents survive clouds of black dust permeating the air they breathe? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook