The Radical Birth Keeper
For some expectant parents, the opportunity to enjoy a more intimate, natural birth experience at home – supported by a trusted midwife – is sought after. And that was true of a Cape Town couple who secured the services of a “midwife” recommended to them by a local businesswoman. But within hours of labour, and as their unborn baby went into distress, they realised the person in whom they’d placed all their trust was not what they believed her to be. And they’re not alone. Carte Blanche investigates how this self-styled “birth keeper” has so far escaped accountability.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Up In Flames
Are Johannesburg’s affluent northern suburbs being terrorised by someone with an appetite for fire? Recently, at least 11 upmarket homes have been broken into and set alight, raising fears that an arsonist is at work. But does the evidence support that conclusion? In some cases, valuables were stolen while in others the homeowners appear to have been deliberately attacked. Yet, despite the different modus operandi, the suspect or suspects’ penchant for fire has investigators puzzled. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Bongani Bingwa
Cancer’s Dirty Secret
In 2013, Simone Blanckenberg was a dedicated runner and new mom to a beautiful baby boy. She’d beaten cancer – twice – and was finally in remission. Then, just three days after giving birth, her leg became excruciatingly painful, swelling to double its normal size. The diagnosis? A debilitating condition called lymphoedema: a delayed side-effect of the life-saving cancer surgery she’d undergone a few years before. Now, an innovative operation which closely mimics the cosmetic procedure liposuction is helping her live a full life again. Carte Blanche explores how this medical solution – a first for the continent – is giving renewed hope to lymphoedema patients.
Producer: Latashia Naidoo | Presenter: Masa Kekana
A Need for Speed
At the 2022 South African Junior Athletics Championships, it took just 11 seconds for a young woman from the Eastern Cape to make a global impact on the track. She smashed the national record for the 100-metre sprint and also set a new under-18 record for the 200-metres (which had remained unbroken for exactly 40 years), Viwe Jingqi is now the fastest under-18 female in the world, this year. Now, the 17-year-old sprinter is aiming to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games and bring home the medals.
Producer: Sophia Phirippides | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
Facebook: Carte Blanche #CarteBlanche
Twitter: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
WATCH IT AGAIN
