Carte Blanche: The Podcast

It’s compact, lightweight and has a top speed of 70km an hour. In the cutthroat business of e-hailing services, the Bajaj Qute is an unwelcome competitor. But is the new kid on the block operating illegally and putting the lives of motorists and commuters at risk? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

While poaching continues to decimate South Africa’s rhino, conservation efforts were given a lifeline with the purchase of the world’s largest population of privately owned rhino. Can an audacious plan by NGO African Parks to rewild 2,000 of them help save white rhino in South Africa? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The ANC wants to call it quits on partnering with the EFF. The latest Brenthurst Survey predicts some interesting 2023 election outcomes. Then, the AGOA Forum kicks off this week. And the SA Music Awards in limbo. But first, Erin Bates and Queenin Masuabi look at the Springboks' unforgettable Rugby World Cup journey and how it’s inspired a nation. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X ·...

Explosions, sinkholes, earth tremors. Beneath our feet, the dangerous, volatile world of zama zamas. But could rampant illegal gold mining ultimately destroy Johannesburg? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Runner Jono Kruger runs with purpose. We meet the local hero who’s challenging poverty in the lives of children in his Eastern Cape. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The Western Cape is under siege as gang violence and organised crime takes hold. A damning report on last year’s Parliament blaze confirms what we all kind of knew. Then, is this another Life Esidimeni on the cards? The horrendous state at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital’s psychiatric ward. And the Train of Hope that’s bringing healthcare to the masses. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X ·...

The Johannesburg Property Company is back in the spotlight as questions emerge around its current board, while a controversial CEO manages to stay under the radar. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

He’s a popular figure in his community and a well-known pharmacist in Gauteng. Now under investigation for allegedly trading codeine on the black market, we find out what he’s been hiding. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

You've listened to our recent stories on suspended lawyer Zuko Nonxuba and the terrible conditions at Ikwezi Lokusa Special School. Now, we speak to the producer behind both these ongoing investigations, Tarryn Crossman. From traversing the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in search of Nonxuba's alleged victims, to going undercover to witness the horrors at Ikwezi Lokusa - Tarryn takes us behind th...

We’ve seen the devastation of the Israel-Hamas War and South Africa won’t be left unscathed. Is Pravin the problem? Why our SOEs just can’t seem to get it right. Then, South Africa closes the books on Steinhoff. And grains of hope in the latest census report. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Carte Blanche is known for telling hard-hitting, impactful stories. But some stories hit harder than others, most notably our stories on matters affecting children. Two recent investigations left Masa Kekana and Govan Whittles shaken - our exposé on suspended lawyer, Zuko Nonxuba, and an undercover investigation into Ikwezi Lokhusa Special School. Masa and Govan discuss the difficulties around tel...

A global event hosted with a promise of the glorious legacy that would put SA soccer on the map. But a decade on, the promises lay plundered. Who stole the country’s footballing hope. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

When the deadly cholera outbreak struck Hammanskraal in May, the town was invaded by media, microphones, blue lights and politicians. Promises were made. So, why are the very people who lost their loved ones to cholera still dependent on the water tankers they blame for the outbreak? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Two big findings by Parliament's Ethics Committee have everyone riled up. A doping scandal of a different kind as government misses a crucial deadline. Has South Africa passed the point of no return as kidnappings and assassinations become the order of the day? Government places its bets on the Post Bank. And two South African teachers get recognised for their work in uplifting the youth. Carte Bl...

During the deadly taxi strike, Philippi East - a crime-ridden suburb - was caught in the crossfire. Now, with a precarious truce struck between the City of Cape Town and taxi bosses, can this community move on? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Fast cars, dirt roads and a passion for racing… Ordinarily, you wouldn’t associate this with a school. But one school in the Eastern Cape is helping students leave the classroom in the dust! Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The recent Cape Town floods have us wondering just how prepared national government is for extreme weather events. Then, we look at how the ANC is failing the people of South Africa. And we reflect on the tragic lives of Zoleka and Winnie Mandela. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

In the Eastern Cape, well-known lawyer, Zuko Nonxuba allegedly defrauded his young clients: children living with disabilities. But despite him operating for years, the organisation that ensures lawyers fulfil their mandate failed to stop him. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Three children are murdered in South Africa every day. The most recent crime stats reveal that 293 children were murdered between April and June this year - a 20 percent increase. Shockingly, many of these cases are unresolved. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

When soccer star Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead, Zamokuhle Mbatha’s life changed forever. Charged with his brutal murder and paraded in court, he was the first suspect in the case. But the police got it wrong. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Eskom sees less loadshedding in our future. But how optimistic should we be? The National State Enterprises Bill has ruffled a few feathers. So, what does it all mean? Markus Jooste says it wasn't him. How plausible is his defence? President Ramaphosa's dubious June peace mission to Ukraine and Russia is bearing fruit - sort of. And when it comes to loadshedding, a sense of humour will get you far...

In Johannesburg, at least 77 people were killed after a fire tore through a five-storey building. Witnesses say most of the victims didn’t stand a chance. Now, as the city scrambles for answers, we investigate how hijacked buildings could bring the inner city to its knees. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Gripped by unemployment and frantic to find a way out… How ruthless job scammers are preying on job seekers. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Taking the courageous - and possibly dangerous - step of blowing the whistle on fraud and corruption has just become a lot easier. Meet the heroes of Whistleblower House where safety and support have found a new address. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

National Treasury wants to tighten the purse strings and not everyone is keen on the idea. A civil servant strike has the City of Tshwane on its knees, while other metros across the country are teetering on the edge. Then, we celebrate the Rugby World Cup gees and look at ways to fix the country. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook