“Cyril Ramaphosa and Roelf Meyer were at the forefront of the negotiations that birthed our new democracy. In the years that followed, the former made lots of money in business before returning to politics and ultimately becoming president. The latter started a moderately successful political party before disappearing into relative obscurity. Decades later, history is repeating itself (well, sort of) for these two quintessential interlocutors as Meyer returns to the diplomatic limelight and attempts to mend a relationship crucial to Ramaphosa’s presidency.” – 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
Red Dust II
It’s the gateway for the country’s iron ore exports. But for towns along the West Coast, that’s as much a curse as it is a blessing. For years, residents of Saldanha Bay have fought the red iron ore dust blowing off Transnet’s export terminal, coating their homes, cars and gardens. This year, a landmark victory seemed to be in sight when the municipality refused to renew Transnet Port Terminals’ air emission licence. But the celebration was short-lived. Days later, national government granted a five-year licence. Why was a licence refused, then granted elsewhere? And will the dust ever settle?
Producer: Floris Kotzé | Presenter: Erin Bates
Playing the Enemy
Three decades ago, Roelf Meyer helped negotiate the end of apartheid. Now, he’s been tasked with repairing strained international relations after a high-profile confrontation between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump, the expulsion of our previous ambassador, and the United States’ admission of white Afrikaners as refugees. As Meyer takes on the challenge of finding common diplomatic ground, the Springboks have been preparing to face their own adversary in Baltimore. Can rugby succeed where politics has failed?
Producer & Presenter: Nickolaus Bauer
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
Two NSFASes
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was intended to fund tertiary education for low-income students, but for years it’s been dogged by reports of dysfunction. This is the story of two NSFASes: on one side, luxury hotel stays and millions spent on advisors; on the other, students making the choice between lunch and data, juggling their studies against the stretch from payday to payday. As concerns around governance and expenditure grew, the troubled fund was placed under administration. But how did those brought in to clean up NSFAS become the subject of the very scrutiny they were appointed to address?
Producer: Harri Vithi | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
MISSED THESE MOMENTS?
Majority Stake
Illicit cigarettes are estimated to control nearly 70% of the market. So, this is no longer just organised crime. It’s the systematic looting of the South African state. Billions are disappearing.
Pay Up or Shut Up
We meet an alleged major player in the illicit cigarette cartel. From tobacco farmers, to the police, to SARS officials – this insider claims everyone’s in on the illicit cigarette game.
Changing Sides
A staunch All Blacks supporter, teacher and coach Winston Baard recently changed sides after one of his own students joined the Springbok squad in 2018. But his family are still proudly wearing the New Zealand jersey.
Young and Fierce
At just 16 years old, Amber-Rose Berry was the youngest female to ever attempt the False Bay crossing – a roughly 34-kilometre swim. Now, she’s taking on the 33.7-kilometre English Channel.
Historical Support
Often called the Cape Crusaders, this local New Zealand support base is deeply rooted in political protest, apartheid history and generational family identity. As a talk show host, Africa Melane says it’s a hot ongoing topic.
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
