“Our efforts to establish the facts around the various government departments in Gauteng allegedly renting buildings, despite owning several of their own, have been met with the now-customary legal threats and intimidation. But our viewers can rest assured that in this instance, as in all others, we have left no stone unturned in trying to establish the facts. And that will remain the case.” – John Webb, Executive Produce
Limpopo Deluge Revisited
For communities across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the year began in chaos. As torrential rains swept the north of the country, roads were washed away, services cut off and families displaced. As government declared a national disaster, our crew was on the ground to hear stories of narrow escape and celebrate the heroes rebuilding bridges and saving lives. Weeks after the floodwater receded, we revisit the damage to the Kruger National Park and get a glimpse of the recovery efforts through the eyes of an award-winning wildlife documentary filmmaker.
A Trusted Source: Live Studio Update
Last week, we broadcast our investigation into alleged violations of good manufacturing practices at a respected pharmaceutical company. An insider reported broken ventilation, rusted equipment and product contamination risks; the company, Adcock Ingram, insisted that the allegations were false. The body responsible for ensuring compliance in the pharmaceutical sector is the Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). We offered their officials an opportunity to appear on camera in last week’s insert, but they too declined, sending us a written response instead. SAHPRA has now agreed to an interview and the body’s CEO joins us live in studio.
Rent’s Due
In the heart of Johannesburg, more than a dozen buildings once earmarked for an ambitious government precinct stand empty. But even as Gauteng spends millions on rates, its own departments are housed in privately owned, leased buildings. Last year, public outrage erupted over the expenditure and an investigation was promised – but to date, answers are not forthcoming. Carte Blanche’s own investigation reveals that nearly half the rent flows to one business empire with a long history in property tenders. Even as government promises to reduce reliance on rented buildings, why have leases worth hundreds of millions been approved? And who benefits?
Producer: Harri Vithi | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Sailing for Science
He’s no stranger to pushing the limits: he’s rowed across the Atlantic, climbed Mount Everest, and flown a gyrocopter around the globe. Now, British adventurer James Ketchell is sailing around the world in a bid to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe by air, land, and sea. But his mission is about more than breaking records: Ketchell is linking exploration with science and expanding our understanding of our oceans. We join him onboard for a tiny snapshot of what it takes to handle the ropes, and sail into the unknown.
Producer: Floris Kotze | Presenter: Erin Bates
COMING SOON
Music, Magic and Mirth
Here’s something to bring a smile to your face. Coming up in March, we’ll be bringing you some extraordinary stories. From individuals driven to making history to people doing small things with great love, here’s a glimpse of the inspiration you can look forward to!
Crayfish Control
In an upcoming episode, we’re given rare frontline access as we join a community-driven enforcement unit determined to fight marine poachers.
STREAMING NOW
A Trusted Source
The local pharmaceutical industry is valued at well over R100 billion, and the company at the centre of this next story is a big player, with much of its business focused on over-the-counter medication. Adcock Ingram started life as a pharmacy in the country’s early goldmining days. Today, it holds around 10% of the local market and boasts that it “sells more tablets, capsules and liquids than any other player”. But last year, a source approached us with allegations that the company isn’t adhering to manufacturing standards. Watch the full investigation now on DStv Stream.
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