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Masa Kekana is a South African journalist who has worked at one of the country’s leading news agencies, Eyewitness News servicing four major radio stations: 702, CapeTalk, Kfm and 94.7. Masa has crisscrossed the country covering stories of national and global importance. She has been featured several times on BBC News for some of her headline stories such as Rhodes Must Fall. Residents of Joburg are familiar with her voice not only because of her top stories as a reporter on the ground but as the news anchor on 94.7 weekend breakfast show. Masa joined the Carte Blanche team in 2019 and stands alongside a team of renowned researchers, producers, journalists and presenters contributing to bringing the truth to the fore.
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Eskom: No fun in the sunTwo bouts of power cuts in the last six weeks were a painful reminder of the precarious state of Eskom and precarious state of our energy supply. And it’s led to renewed interest from people wanting to install solar systems at their homes and businesses. But before those who’ve already forked out the substantial amount of money needed for solar say, “I told you so”, they might want to read the fine print in a plan unveiled by Eskom.
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Chaos on the Lesotho borderLesotho is surrounded by three of our provinces: KZN, the Free State, and Eastern Cape. It's a border that stretches for just under a thousand kilometres. It’s tough terrain that’s difficult to patrol – a role that’s left to the SANDF. But, if locals are to be believed, they’re failing dismally to deliver on their mandate, leaving communities along the border vulnerable to theft and violent crime. It comes as our Home Affairs minister recently commended the police and border officials for their effective operations during the festive season. As Masa Kekana reports, he may want to take a trip to the foot of the Maluti Mountains.
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Antivenom crisisAn estimated 4000 people are bitten by snakes every year in South Africa. For many, surviving the experience depends on getting quick access to antivenom. The consequences of not getting proper treatment can be deadly. And across the world,snake handlers depend on antivenom produced for African snake species exclusively in South Africa. But, for the past few years, supply has slowed to a trickle, and we wanted to know why.
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Komani in the darkKomani, formerly known as Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape is a town we’ve visited many times before. For years, prolonged power and water outages have driven its frustrated residents onto the streets in protest. But sadly, it seems no one is paying attention. Komani's infrastructure continues to deteriorate. Since 2020, the municipality's Eskom debt has skyrocketed from R350 million to an eye-watering R1.4 billion. Most of what’s left of the municipality's money after salaries are paid is used to service debt, leaving very little for critical service delivery. And not even the most critically ill patients at the historic Frontier Provincial Hospital have been spared the impact. Get the full story now on DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
The stories behind the stories"Good evening. This is Carte Blanche." You’ve heard the words a hundred times in your sitting room on a Sunday night, but have you ever wondered what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling? Well, you’re in luck! Because we’re about to give you a sneak peek into the story behind the stories. From the tension of investigating organised crime to the fluffed lines, or the high of being on a new adventure to making a plan when everything goes wrong. Meet the team that makes the Carte Blanche machine run and go off-script with us on some of 2024’s most iconic stories.
Books galore!𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
In Johannesburg’s inner city, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored. Known as the Literary District, it’s the unlikely home to a treasure trove of books from some of the world’s best-known African and international authors. From one-of-a-kind collectables tucked away in the basement of the Rand Club, to second-hand paperback novels sold on the street - this area boasts more than 70 booksellers within an approximate one-kilometre radius. Former Agence France-Presse journalist Griffin Shea is one of them, and he has spent the past decade compiling a detailed map to help book lovers navigate the district. Carte Blanche explores the inner city’s surprising reading culture.
BELA Bill: The debate𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
On Tuesday, thousands of protesters gathered at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria to protest the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law in September, while also recommending that two crucial sections of the Bill be reviewed. Now, two months into the three-month consultation period around sections of the BELA Act, opinions continue to be divided as the future of basic education seemingly hangs in the balance. As time runs out for concerned parties to find a middle ground, will Ramaphosa sign the remaining controversial sections into law?
Chicken-less eggs𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟯 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
Arturo Elizondo, a young American inventor, is revolutionising the global food system with his groundbreaking innovation of chicken-less egg whites. Arturo's foray into food security and sustainability was driven by his ambition to reimagine the future of food. He developed the world’s first animal-free egg - crafted using precision fermentation - and it’s already made its debut in some Michelin-starred kitchens. Arturo's mission is simple: to create greater access to sustainable protein while preserving our planet for future generations. His story is one of disruption, determination, and hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
Poisoned: An investigation𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
On an afternoon walk in downtown Johannesburg, street vendors offer a myriad of lethal poisons to eager customers looking for pesticides to kill rodents. But some of these products have been banned for years and the sale of these substances is illegal. Aldicarb is one such chemical which is easily available from vendors. Another known (but legal) chemical is the highly toxic terbufos that can kill grown men within hours. It’s this chemical that investigators from the Department of Health now believe may be behind the tragic deaths of six children who died after consuming food from a local spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto. This follows startling reports of other children around the country who have either died or become critically ill from eating snacks or food bought from spaza shops. Now, as government contends with increasing numbers of reported poisoning, especially in children, Carte Blanche investigates whether the state may ultimately be responsible for these deaths.
Zama zamas: Lowveld hijacked𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟯 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
In Mpumalanga, the illicit gold mining industry is worth millions. Thousands of illegal miners, better known as zama zamas, have moved into the Lowveld in a modern-day gold rush, mining abandoned and operational mines. In Sabie, they're endangering the R40-billion forestry industry, digging shafts between trees and destroying vast tracts of valuable land. But it’s not the only town that has been impacted. Pilgrim’s Rest, Barberton and Mbombela are on edge. One of the biggest concerns for communities is the so-called acid baths – rudimentary pool-sized baths filled with dangerous chemicals like cyanide and sulfuric acid which are used to separate gold from ore-bearing rock. They're built next to major rivers supplying local agriculture, and the chemicals are leaking into the groundwater. And that’s not all. Running gun battles between illegal miners and law enforcement have left many community members fearing for their lives. In this two-part special, Carte Blanche investigates the extent and the impacts of the illegal mining that has hijacked the Lowveld.
The blind tour guide𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟵 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
In the heart of Salt River in Cape Town, tour guide Winston Fani leads a group of eager tourists on a two-hour walking expedition. It’s a unique experience, not simply because of the giant artworks and local art studios that visitors get to enjoy, but also because Winston is completely blind. He was born partially sighted but, in his early teens, lost his sight entirely. Since then, he’s learnt to adapt to the world around him. By counting steps between stops, talking to the artists and creating a whole new language to describe the attractions through his blind eyes, Winston has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Bulungula: Paradise under threat𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
The Wild Coast is a remote paradise that attracts tourists from around the world. It’s a rugged part of the country that is still overwhelmingly rural, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But in recent months, this paradise has been haunted by violence. A wave of brutal attacks on residents has left the community reeling. Most recently, well-known community developers Dave Martin and his wife Rejane Woodroffe were violently attacked in their home, beaten up, and kidnapped by their assailants. The community is concerned that criminals from outside the area are infiltrating the once-peaceful villages... with a potentially devastating impact on tourism in the region.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Prep school bully𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
In Pietermaritzburg, an all-boys preparatory school that prides itself on being a leading specialist institution has found itself mired in controversy. The headmaster stands accused of sexual harassment, bullying staff and verbally abusing schoolboys as young as seven. Many of his alleged victims say the principal is a seasoned bully, ruling through power and dominance, and accustomed to belittling both staff and students. But the embattled educator says he is a whistleblower raising real concerns about the governing body’s financial management of the school. The school has taken the matter to court, asking the Department of Education to suspend the headmaster – but at what cost?
The Joy𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟰 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
It began as little more than a group of young boys, all belonging to the school choir, singing melodies together to pass the time. But when the boys from Hammarsdale in Sterkspruit started recording their sessions and sharing them on social media, thousands of South Africans began to take note. Then, within three years, some of the world’s biggest musicians were queuing up to share the stage with the newly-formed acapella singing sensation @thejoyofficialmusic. Now, they’re a bona fide international act, but their musical roots remain firmly in South Africa.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
UPDATE: Cyber pirates𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟯𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
Cybercrime and piracy are a growing problem in our country. The technology is more sophisticated than ever before, and criminals are selling stolen movies, music and television shows at a fraction of the price. Even live sports like football and rugby haven't been spared the clutches of illicit streamers. Last year, we investigated the growing piracy black market, focusing on an illegal app that provided access to hundreds of channels. We give you an update on that ongoing investigation.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Six years of silence𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟯𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
It was a 40th birthday celebration that should’ve ended in high spirits. But without warning, career woman and mom of three young children, Kim Ballantine, lost her voice. Spasmodic dysphonia, a rare and serious neurological condition, caused her vocal cords to spasm, leaving her unable to breathe and, on several occasions, at death’s door. Meals were puréed and sipped through a straw but often triggered life-threatening spasms of Kim’s vocal cords. Doctors couldn’t find the cause of her condition, and she was told she would never speak again. And then, just as the family was learning to adapt to a new normal, Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. In this remarkable story of loss and hope, love and faith, we speak to a family that stuck together through the tough times, inspiring us never to give up - no matter how dire the situation may appear.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
GNU talks with Helen Zille𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟲 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
From ensuring all Government of National Unity (GNU) member parties stick to the agreement, to what needs to happen to ensure a GNU works for the people of South Africa... We speak to Chairperson of the DA Federal Council, Helen Zille.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Biodiversity: A wild strategy𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟱 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
It’s a strategy that’s been in place since 2016. But in March this year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment unveiled a revised strategy to harness our natural resources. It plans to aggressively exploit our biodiversity on a massive scale to create money and jobs. Some called it ambitious, while others sounded the alarm claiming the move to attract more international trophy hunters could make South Africa a pariah of the conservation world. Government’s plan also includes stimulating the domestic trade in ivory and rhino horn, creating health clinics and selling rhino horn to tourists from the Far East. But, if properly implemented, could the revised National Biodiversity Economy Strategy to commodify a range of wildlife and plants generate increased revenue and jobs for rural communities? Carte Blanche examines this growing controversy.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Court in the middle𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟳 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
In the Eastern Cape, a fierce battle is brewing in the legal fraternity. A highly contested report has recommended that the seat of the Eastern Cape High Court be moved from Makhanda – formerly known as Grahamstown – to the province’s capital city, Bhisho. It’s a move that many in Makhanda didn’t see coming, and residents believe it will turn the struggling community into a ghost town. Research suggests that if the move goes ahead, one-third of Makhanda’s businesses will lose so many customers that they’ll have to shut down, and the unemployment rate will skyrocket. So, why would government risk destroying this historical town? Carte Blanche investigates.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
The Business of Birth𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟰 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
It began as an investigation into one Gauteng midwife who was allegedly administering a dangerous drug to her patients to induce labour without their consent. The drug sped up the delivery, sending the unborn baby into distress; several newborns allegedly died in the process. But it seems she isn’t the only midwife playing recklessly with the lives of vulnerable pregnant women and their babies. Startling new evidence has revealed that some midwives at private home birthing centres are operating outside their scope of practice – possibly in the pursuit of profit. In some instances, midwives insist on delivering the baby even when it’s in distress, because sending the patient to a nearby hospital means losing money. Carte Blanche investigates.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Costly insurance𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟴 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
It’s one of the biggest insurers in the country, with thousands of clients paying high premiums for their cover. But in recent months, two families have found themselves at loggerheads with the company after claiming it sent dubious contractors to attend to their issues. The home of one of the families, a long-time client, was razed to the ground by fire after a recommended contractor incorrectly installed a solar geyser – a highly technical job requiring an experienced electrician. We investigate why this trusted insurer seemingly relies on sub-par contractors to service its clients.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
PetroSA's plush deal𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
PetroSA, South Africa’s state-owned oil and gas company, has successfully hidden most of its bad investments over the years. By 2020, poor decisions at the secretive company had wasted billions and almost closed it down. But it was given a lifeline when Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe - determined to save PetroSA - insisted Eskom buy its diesel from the parastatal. Now, it’s on a new drive to partner with private business. A recent contract with the Russian Gazprom Bank has caused a stir, but a far larger deal (signed in secret) will make a controversial businessman a major player in the oil and gas industry. We lift the lid on this new profit-sharing deal in the oil and gas fields off the Southern Cape Coast.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Elections 2024: People, promises and power𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
It’s been dubbed the most critical election in our history as the governing party’s hold on the electorate continues to slip. It's a make-or-break poll for those in power and those jostling for it as changes to the ballot papers and the introduction of independent candidates come into effect. Voters will need to keep their wits about them as they gear up to make their mark. But what does the future hold for an electorate yearning for change? This Sunday, Carte Blanche examines the politics of promises and power as we build towards the highly anticipated national elections.
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
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