Carte Blanche: The Podcast

The Usindiso Inquiry continues and it highlights the City of Joburg’s many failings. The death of an 11-year-old boy shines the spotlight on unfinished building projects across the country. Then, a feel-good update on a story that left many of our followers seeing red. And conservation news reminds us what we are capable of if we work together. But first, it’s the dreaded Budget week where we are...

Someone hide the pens! While the President is eager to sign off on the NHI Bill, organisations and opposition parties are sounding the alarm. Then, the taxman is telling controversial businessman Edwin Sodi to pay up. And we quench our thirst for some good news as we celebrate Tyla’s Grammy win. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Over the years, Carte Blanche has done several investigations into alleged child sexual abuse at various elite boys’ schools across the country. Our focus was primarily on several sports coaches who are either currently facing allegations of child grooming and sexual assault, or have been prosecuted. One thing that was seen in all our investigations was the culture of secrecy that so often prevent...

It’s SONA week and we’re certain many South Africans aren’t too bothered about even watching the whole affair. But with a potentially life-altering election looming, this might be the most important SONA in years… No spark was found, but a recent lacklustre report on the 2021 July riots certainly sparked controversy. Then, campus horrors as the dark underbelly of Stellenbosch initiation culture is...

Is Jacob Zuma an ANC problem or a South African problem? We recently discussed the former president's comments against the ruling party in this week's episode of The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick and why his suspension isn't necessarily a win for a fractured ANC. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Joining us this week is financial journalist, Ray Mahlaka to help us dissect everything from elections to what’s been happening at this past week’s World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos. Then, we ask the question: is it too late for Transnet? And promises, promises, promises. As election season kicks off, Ray tells us what he wants to see and hear from SA’s politicians. That and more, so...

It was when her longtime clients were most vulnerable – dealing with the passing of loved ones – that one Pretoria accountant allegedly dipped into their funds. But where were the industry watchdogs when things went very wrong? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

They call it TV-on-demand – giving consumers access to hundreds of channels and streaming services, all at their fingertips. But what are you really bringing into your home with cheap, illegal TV boxes? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A hospital designed for patients and built by doctors determined to bring change. Why this new medical facility in Joburg is a game-changer. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

In this extended episode, we look at what 2024 might hold. From major elections both locally and internationally, the rise of watershedding, and the dawn of AI. We also examine how global superpowers might have to step aside as Brazil, India and even South Africa are set to have greater political influence. That and so much more in the final episode of 2023. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on...

The concept of ecopsychology is becoming a big talking point as experts encourage individuals to feel the grass beneath their feet, breathe in the fresh air, watch wildlife go about their day, or get their hands dirty in the garden. We sit down with Conservation Psychologist, Dr Andrea Marais-Potgieter. Exploring the connection between humans and nature, Andrea understands just how important it is...

An out-of-the-box approach to bring their son back from the brink of death. Josh Crickmay is living a big adventure, repaying a life debt to mother nature. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

It's Dezemba and it's been a whopper of a year overflowing with news events that left us stunned, surprised, infuriated, despondent, and inspired. We look back on some of the major newsmakers that had an impact on us and the nation. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

He used a popular social media platform for professionals to lure his unsuspecting international clients. But once they paid up, the so-called LinkedIn Swindler disappeared with their money. But police are on his trail. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A devastating outbreak of bird flu, farmers on the brink of financial ruin and a last-ditch attempt to prevent food shortages. Can the poultry industry survive SA’s worst outbreak in recorded history? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

First-time voters show up in full force, but will it be enough to effect change in the upcoming national elections? We talk about coalitions – again – as a minority party speaker takes her place in Joburg. Then, the ongoing war in Gaza hits close to home as the ANC takes a stance. And how one programme is turning learners into leaders. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Face...

It should have been a moment of celebration; hundreds of donations from generous Carte Blanche viewers delivered to children with special needs at Ikwezi Lokusa. But it almost ended in anger and frustration for the volunteers... Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

It’s estimated about one in four women will have a hysterectomy by the age of 55. Melanie Verwoerd became part of that statistic, and endured months of a gruelling recovery after her surgery – but now for the big question: was the operation even necessary? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

We look at why Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has his sights set on Africa. Then, a Harvard report provides some clues on how to fix the country. We make sense of the Forex Cartel case involving multiple major banks. Later, the global fight against TB continues and South Africa is leading the way. And does size really matter? When it comes to small towns, the answer is no. Carte Blanche We...

Fuel spiking, cross-border tax fraud, under-declaring of quantities… We expose a game of dodgy clearing agents and fake paperwork as the underground dirty fuel industry costs the country billions. We go undercover. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

As South Africa continues to celebrate the Springboks' recent Rugby World Cup victory, we look back on their thrilling journey and get a glimpse of things to come. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

As the war in Gaza continues, we look at the inexcusable human cost on both sides. Then, the fight against corruption continues but is government even in our corner? Later, Transnet has gone off the rails and another bail out is probably not the best solution. And hold onto hope and celebrate the beauty of South Africa as we wrap things up with a few green shoots. Carte Blanche Website · Ch...

Peacekeepers, force multipliers, or a Premier's private army? Hastily deployed with training still in progress and now accused of brutal assault. We investigate how Gauteng's Crime Prevention Wardens might become a law unto themselves. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

She's among the rare few experts who can decipher the secrets in bones. Through her work, she reveals how and why a newborn baby passed away. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Is there a doctor in the house? Certainly not when it comes to bogus doctor, Matthew Lani. Homeless and hopeless: survivors of the Marshalltown Fire are left to fend for themselves. Then, as loadshedding makes its unwelcome return, Eskom delivers even more bad news. And we pay tribute to two inspiring individuals - Professor Shabir Madhi and Nompilo Dlamini. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on...