“In the next few weeks, we’ll be broadcasting investigations into the presence on the Ukraine frontlines of South African soldiers of fortune – and misfortune. In the fog of war much remains unclear, but we now know our countrymen and women have volunteered for both Kyiv and Moscow in this internecine conflict. It’s less obvious what our government intends doing about it.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
The Foreign Fighter Files
At 19, she walked into an embassy in Pretoria. Days later, she was on her way to a war zone. Today, she’s firsthand proof that Ukraine has sent our citizens to the frontline. As reality set in, she fled to Spain where she lives in legal limbo – even as South Africans who fought alongside Russian forces return home. Now, a critical question surfaces: will those who violated our laws governing military service face prosecution for fighting on the side of a foreign power?
Producer & Presenter: Nickolaus Bauer
Bay of Broken Dreams
A municipal tender awarded in a so-called emergency to a company with questionable credentials, while stray and abandoned animals are left vulnerable. But the absence of transparency and unanswered questions are symptoms of a deeper malaise hanging over Nelson Mandela Bay. Thousands of streetlights are out, rubbish blows through the streets and the Metro boasts a record R30 billion in unauthorised, irregular and wasteful expenditure. As residents lose hope, is the city collapsing under its own malfeasance?
Producer: Joy Summers | Presenter: Catherine Rice
Mowbray Maternity Angels
It’s a story about heart, grit, and the miracle of life. Nearly 10,000 babies are born at Mowbray Maternity Hospital every year: many arrive too soon, many start life with a fight. Meanwhile, the century-old building is showing its age and the effects of an ever-growing demand. But inside these wards, the mostly female team of nurses, midwives and doctors protect hope with everything they have. This is a small hospital with a giant spirit – where tiny futures are held gently in the hands of women who refuse to give up.
Producer: Floris Kotze | Presenter: Erin Bates
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
Facebook: Carte Blanche #CarteBlanche
Bluesky: @carteblanche.co.za
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Twitter / X: @carteblanchetv
Threads: carteblanchetv
