“Who would have thought providing services to informal settlements would deliver another opportunity for tenderpreneurs and compromised bureaucrats to illegally enrich themselves? I know, silly question. There doesn’t appear to be a single sphere of society immune from the clutches of those enthralled by money and prepared to do just about anything to accumulate more of it.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Poverty for Profit
On paper, it’s a story of development. On the ground, allegations of corruption, intimidation, and even murder… This year, R83 million was allocated to upgrade Jumpers informal settlement east of Johannesburg. Residents were promised electricity and improved living conditions, but little has materialised. Meanwhile, a community member alleges secret meetings, shady dealings and bribery by contractors and officials. But he himself is behind bars facing charges of murder. As tension escalates, the question remains: is Jumpers a crime story? Or is violent crime masking an age-old tale of corruption?
Producer: Harri Vithi | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Where’s the Money?
In September last year, prominent insolvency specialist Bouwer van Niekerk was shot dead in his office by two men posing as clients. He’s the latest in a succession of lawyers, investigators and whistleblowers assassinated in apparent efforts to prevent them exposing organised crime. It’s widely assumed that Van Niekerk’s murder is linked to his work on a major case relating to an alleged Ponzi scheme. But could it be related to a much older controversy? Carte Blanche peers into the dark and dangerous world of financial crime in South Africa.
Producer: Mart-Marie Faure | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Viv the Violin
A birthday gift, a loss deeply felt and, years later, a mystery unlocked. Viv is a violin belonging to Diana Neille since childhood. Over years of practice and performance, a deep bond was forged – until Viv was stolen in a burglary. Desperate, Diana posted an appeal online, listing every identifying detail. But years passed without news before, one day, out of the blue, came a message from a stranger. And an unlikely detective brought the music back.
Producer: Carol Albertyn Christie | Presenter: Masa Kekana
STREAMING NOW
The Cunning Con: Full Interview with Dr Pieter Groenewald
It’s no secret: prisoners have access to cell phones. And they sometimes use those devices to scam unsuspecting members of the public on the outside. We have an hour-long interview with Dr Pieter Groenewald, Minister of Correctional Services, about how these devices make their way into prisons, the systems allowing inmates to continue operations, and what’s being done to stop them.
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
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