“Our story on Amber-Rose’s Channel crossing is remarkable for several reasons: first, she’s a magnetic personality and an inspiration to the ‘selfie’ generation lulled into near-psychosis by social media. Second, it’s a non-stop, eleven-hour swim for goodness’ sake. And third, it’s a story filmed largely on cell phones and pieced together by a producer 10,000 km away.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Illicit Trade: Fuel
A highly-organised illegal fuel market is undermining legitimate traders, infiltrating consumers’ fuel tanks, and costing the country billions. Whether it’s truck hijackings, border tax fraud, or “spiking” diesel with cheap paraffin, the shadow economy is highly profitable and increasingly popular. As stolen or spiked fuel is channelled into legitimate filling stations, honest businesses are forced out of operation, while ordinary drivers unknowingly fill up with bad fuel. Step inside the criminal economy costing the country billions.
Producer: Ogilvy | Presenter: Govan Whittles
The Whistleblower
Johannesburg is falling apart. But years ago, a whistleblower says she handed the City evidence of the syndicates bleeding it dry. From emergency vehicles to an unusable pound, she flagged a dozen contracts worth a total of R5 billion… Then she was dismissed. But what happened to the cases she reported? This year, senior City officials have faced scrutiny in the Madlanga Commission and parliamentary questions about Johannesburg’s failures of accountability. Could the crisis have been avoided?
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
The Crossing
Nothing stands between you and your goal except your own mind… and maybe the odd jellyfish. That’s what Amber-Rose Berry demonstrated when she became the youngest South African woman ever to swim the English Channel, braving 43 km of cold, choppy salt water between England and France. She’s one of around 2,000 people ever to make the crossing alone. But Amber is no stranger to challenges – or breaking records – and she’s had her eye on this prize for a long time. Carte Blanche travels with Amber and her mom to Dover to tell her story in her own words.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman
MISSED THESE MOMENTS?
Bribe to Stay Alive
According to Prof Candace Rondeaux, many African recruits on the Russian front line are forced to pay bribes if they want to stay alive.
Waiting to Assist
Currently, Gift of the Givers is still waiting for Nepal government to invite them to assist with flood recovery and rescue operations. But they are ready.
Choose This Life
Junaid Benting’s a member of one of the area’s most notorious gangs. A self-confessed killer, he makes no attempt to hide the life he’s chosen.
Blame the System
Once a promising law student, Magadien Wentzel turned to the gangs during Apartheid’s student riots, becoming a high-ranking member.
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