Carte Blanche: The Podcast

Hospitals under siege – why it’s time to pay attention to cyberattacks on healthcare systems. From chatbots to image generators and transcription tools – AI is here to stay, and South Africans are loving it. Then, protests in Kenya continue as the youth say: no more. Later, how a simple tech solution is keeping moms-to-be safe. And why a Hilux bakkie named Edna captured the hearts of many. But fir...

Another week, another blow to independent media. We send out an SOS. Comparing apples and pears… literally. The Competition Commission warns fresh produce wholesalers to stop its anti-competitive practices. Later, Ray Mahlaka tells us why he believes Transnet is about to stage the biggest turnaround in business history. And women in Soweto are saying: Funk It, I’m Walking. But first: it was a lavi...

It’s official: the ANC, DA and IFP have formally signed an agreement to form a Government of National Unity. But what does it all mean? How the MK Party overplayed its hand… Then, the struggle for ministerial positions continues, and we can’t help but wonder whether politicians have forgotten about the people. Later, a race against time as cases of mpox are on the rise. We also look at why Transne...

New faces, new voices – we look at the big changes on the Members of Parliament list. Then, from political drama to courtroom drama – we do a quick-take on some major cases. Later, devastation across parts of KZN – again. Also, are willing fathers unfairly excluded from their children’s lives by the legal system. And Mexico welcomes its first female president and we’re ready to take notes. But fir...

South Africa officially enters a new political era. So, now what? Then, the IEC takes a battering as voters and some political parties say: we expected better. Later, we ask: what more needs to happen before the humanitarian crisis in Gaza gets the urgent attention it deserves? And a new medical trial could change the way we handle everything from dentistry to bone diseases. But first, it’s the bi...

Ethical leadership, releasing the land to the people, and setting up a food security council in the Free State. These are just some of the things independent candidate, Sesing Ramotswabodi is putting on the table to convince voters to give him a chance. But running for office is a daunting task and the challenges are many – even for the biggest political parties out there. Masa Kekana finds out wh...

He’s the face of Build One South Africa (or BOSA), a relatively new party that’s garnered a fair amount of attention. Mmusi Maimane is a well-known political contender who aims to bring new, fresh voices to the local scene. But will voters be able to separate him from his DA legacy? Masa Kekana speaks to Maimane about BOSA’s goals and why he believes an “uberised response system” is the answer to...

Election week is upon us and it will be all eyes on the results as they start trickling in from across the country. Then, political killings are on the increase. Could it get worse pending the election outcomes? Later, President Cyril Ramaphosa is eager to sign off on yet another Bill. Why you should care about the so-called spy bill. Also, are we facing a mental health crisis? Some experts say: y...

South Africa's education landscape faces a sobering reality. Alongside issues like bullying, substance abuse and vandalism, rampant sexual abuse and grooming add to the burden experienced by many schoolchildren. Many cases go unreported, but the statistics paint a clear picture of a trend that demands urgent attention. Having recently launched on Mnet Channel 101, a four-part documentary series ca...

Two-pot what? With just four months before it goes live, we look at the two-pot retirement system. How the local drone industry is quite literally lifting off in a big way. Then, could we face another bird flu epidemic? Why the novel H7N6 strain is cause for concern. Later – a new road safety survey calls drivers out on their bad habits. And South Africans are gatvol – so they’re fixing things the...

Shell is gone – what the oil giant’s exit from South Africa really means. Then, a burning flag sends some South Africans into a fiery rage. Later, Israel ups the ante as ground forces intensify their presence in Gaza. And could it soon be lights off for Joburg? Perhaps, if Eskom gets its way. But first, several construction workers remain trapped beneath the rubble after a five-storey apartment bu...

Worker’s Day or Unemployment Day? Millions of South Africans have little to celebrate. As the search for missing Joshlin Smith continues, we look at the growing crisis our children face. Then, a major political move to free two South Africans imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea. And is that some hope we see on the horizon? Eskom says: you bet. But first – small parties with a potentially big swing. As...

Several political parties – both big and small – are coming out in full force as the elections creep ever closer. But what’s truly on offer? And how capable are the many political parties of sticking to those promises? We speak to Eyewitness News politics associate editor and Politricking host, Tshidi Madia, about manifestos, the biggest potential losers, own goals and whether your chosen party is...

The NPA is tired of waiting and urges ministers, accused and others to get a move-on. Then, carnage in the Cape as gangs take hold. Later, the Forgotten War – we turn our focus to Sudan’s worsening civil war. And the Supreme Court of Appeal comes to rape victims’ defence. But first, this past Sunday, Carte Blanche aired a special 90-minute documentary titled 30 Years of Democracy. With the electio...

Daily Maverick has shut down – well, sort of. Why all South Africans should pay attention. It’s the battle of Public Protectors – but at what cost? Then, the ANC is confident it will reign victorious come the May elections. And a win for Siya Kolis, Limpopo musicians… and South Africa as a whole. But first, we try and understand why so many people are convinced that the late former Steinhoff CEO,...

Devastating storms in the Western Cape have us worried about what the future holds. A nation left vulnerable – we look at the dire state of our military. Then, how one man is saving lives – one box of medication at a time. And the so-called Hardest Geezer does the unimaginable. But first, it’s been a busy week for the IEC as not one but two major court judgments had everyone buzzing. Carte Blanche...

Bring back the Scorpions! No more parole. Penal colonies in the Kalahari. And grand corruption will be declared a “crime against humanity”. Furthermore, the triple BEE model will be scrapped – but is a proposed replacement just BEE dressed up in a fancier name? Masa Kekana sits down with ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba to find out how the party hopes to achieve many of its lofty promises. Carte Blanche...

As the inquiry into the deadly Usindiso building fire wraps up, survivors are running out of time. Another step closer to Eskom 2.0 – but will it solve our power problems? Then, several arrests in the Fort Hare University scandal exposes a deadly network of crime and corruption. And bye-bye e-tolls? Government says: we promise. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

A private education giant has fallen, leaving devastated students and parents in its wake. The ANC finds itself between a rock and a hard place as the National Speaker faces arrest. Later, we reflect on a few stories that made us question reality. And how an invasive plant is bringing hope to families in the Northern Cape. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The clear divide between what government chooses to celebrate on Human Rights Day, and what’s really happening on the ground. Then, one basic human right countless South Africans are living without. Later, we need to talk about the MK Party… And how kids on the Cape Flats are helping sunbirds find their way home. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

With just over two months to go before South Africans are set to make their mark, Masa Kekana sits down with My Vote Counts campaigner, Keamogetswe Seipato, to find out why this election feels so different. What's truly at stake? Who has the most to lose? And why the youth hold the power to change it all. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

We’re joined by journalist, Takudzwa Pongweni to take us into this past week’s The Gathering. Then, are local news publications suffering because of tech giants? Has X become a safe space for cyberbullies? One activist says: yes. Later, Nigeria comes down hard on plastic pollution, but is it the best solution? And Gauteng’s Green Army is uplifting communities one veggie garden at a time. Carte Bla...

All is not well with Knysna, and a 109-page report tries to explain why. You’ve heard of state capture. But are we entering an era of media capture? Then, the High Court says no to anti-vaxxers. Later, how one mining giant is playing its part in reviving Mpumalanga’s rivers. And the country has been gripped by the heartbreaking case of young Joshlin Smith. Following arrests last week, we look at t...

Cadre deployment: what does it mean, who’s benefiting and is the DA really in a position to complain? But first: Arrests at last! A massive breakthrough in the AKA murder case gives us hope. Then, AI saves the day as SARS uses tech to take back taxes. And the fight against HIV and AIDS gets a massive boost as a game-changing pilot project goes live. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X &middot...

Causing a stink in Cape Town – the so-called livestock death ship reignites a decades-long debate. Eradicate pit latrines or else – why government has failed to address this human rights violation. Then, we finally have an election date! And why is the ANC staying quiet on Alexei Navalny's death? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook