No Banana Republic: Watch Carte Blanche, this Sunday 5 September 2021 at 19:00, only on M-Net
I N V E S T I G A T E
Next-Level Land Grabs
With great housing backlogs in South Africa’s big cities, Carte Blanche has kept track of land invasions and illegal building occupations from Gauteng to the Western Cape. Now, the Msunduzi Municipality – vowing to fight lawlessness and preventing a banana republic from taking root – is fighting to keep land grabbers off municipal land in Napierville, Pietermaritzburg. Despite a court interdict and regular demolition operations, wealthy land grabbers in collusion with connected officials intent on erecting mansions complete with swimming pools and fountains seem to be getting away with executing these next-level land grabs. Carte Blanche investigates how organised groups have teamed up to sell off state land, costing the government millions in lost revenue from stolen rates and service charges.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
The Quest for Open Parole
For Rob Matthews from Fourways, a life sentence for Donovan Moodley who had kidnapped and conspired to murder his daughter Leigh in 2004 brought a measure of comfort that justice had been served. In addition, parole rules had been strengthened, setting at 25 years the minimum period after which lifers should be considered for parole. But now, Matthews has discovered that, irrespective of serving a life sentence, Donovan Moodley may be eligible to appear before a parole board sooner than expected and far sooner than the Matthews family is prepared for. This because of how cut-off dates for the application of the new parole regime have been determined by the courts. Carte Blanche investigates what’s at stake for families who are still living with the fallout of vicious crimes.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Bongani Bingwa
Derek Watts: “The sudden Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and the chaos and death around Kabul Airport, have dominated international news. But hearing from a South African security specialist who couldn’t see a way out, and didn’t want to tell his family he may never see them again, was chilling.”
Escaping Afghanistan
Hours after the last American soldiers evacuated from Kabul airport this week, ending two decades of an unwinnable war, United States President Joe Biden insisted the withdrawal of his troops from Afghanistan was the best available option to bring an end to his country’s longest military campaign. Having seized control of the country two weeks ago for a second time, the Taliban celebrated the victory, calling Afghanistan a “free and sovereign” nation at last. But as planeloads of Afghans and foreign contractors, who worked for and alongside the US-led NATO forces, have fled amid signs of rising conflict between the Taliban and rival ISIS groups, Carte Blanche follows the journey of a South African security officer’s harrowing escape.
Producer: Anina Peens | Presenter: Derek Watts
L I F E M A T T E R S
The Kindness of Strangers
When nine-year-old Rodwell Nkomazana was attacked by a hyena and had his face mauled near his home in Harare, Zimbabwe earlier this year, his long-term chances of survival were severely limited unless he received specialist medical care. But through the kindness and sacrifice of strangers, who helped Rodwell get the best treatment possible in South Africa, the young boy is beating the odds. A group of medical professionals and generous donors stepped up to get him to Johannesburg and, while his road to full recovery will be long and he may never be able to do everything that other young boys can do, the grace and spirit with which he has fought through pain and uncertainty to relearn skills such as eating, speaking and walking have inspired his caregivers.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
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