“We investigated an audacious coal scam just three years ago, so it’s disheartening to be doing it again. And, as if the shamelessness of these commodity criminals weren’t bad enough, that we’re confronting some of the same characters is downright infuriating.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Coal Switch
Coal – it’s a commodity in high demand – locally and globally. Power stations need it, export markets want it, and criminals are after their slice of the action. The black market for coal is thriving, and a devious new trend is hitting the industry. Syndicates are paying willing transport company drivers to replace their loads of high-grade coal with a lower grade product. The driver pockets a cut of the profits, while the criminals sell the loads of coal back to the legitimate market at a premium. It’s called coal switching and Carte Blanche has the inside edge on how it’s done, and who’s pocketing the lion’s share.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Vet Gone Violent
In October this year, ten healthy dogs were taken to a well-known veterinarian in Gauteng for sterilisation. It was a simple enough procedure, especially for an experienced practitioner, but inexplicably, seven dogs died. This wasn’t the first time animals had mysteriously died in the vet’s care. This time, though, an animal activist who’d been investigating the vet for years, finally obtained crucial evidence to prove her negligence. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Rugby Rumpus
Intense and full of drama, rugby union is one of the globe’s biggest sports. World Rugby has never been more competitive, with traditional rivalries like the Springboks and the All Blacks often decided by a single point . With such fine margins, referees hold the key to ensuring fair play. But the performance of match officials is increasingly in the spotlight, with every controversial decision analysed and criticised. With so much at stake, and innovative technology advancements at their fingertips, why are some referees still getting it wrong?
Producer: Julian Sun | Presenter: Xola Ntshinga
The Power of Amapiano
South Africa has a well-known flair for developing its own musical genres: from the catchy tunes of Kwaito to the heady jams of ‘Gqom’, December anthems are almost always home-grown. Now, the distinctive lock-drum hook and irresistible sounds of Amapiano are taking centre stage. It’s a genre with a massive following both locally and internationally, but here at home, Amapiano isn’t just a music sensation, it’s a lifestyle. So, what’s behind the rise of the so-called “Yanos”? Carte Blanche heads into the studio booth.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Masa Kekana
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: The Streets of Hillbrow with Masa Kekana
Hillbrow – a Johannesburg neighbourhood that’s famous for all the wrong reasons. But underneath the dark veneer of violence and crime are residents just living their lives. Masa Kekana speaks to Carte Blanche producer Sasha Schwendenwein about spending a night on the streets of Hillbrow.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Presidential Panic
With a potential career-ending criminal investigation looming over his head, some political commentators say that party president Cyril Ramaphosa is politically wounded and exposed… But in the battle for the leadership of the ANC, who will come out on top?
Sting in the Tale
It started off as an innocent friend request on social media – a new friend and a party – and turned into a drug hell that stole years of her life. We reveal how a syndicate is utilising apps and social media to recruit children as drug mules.
A Helping Hand at Tygerberg
The Carte Blanche Making A Difference Trust has just finalised its 22nd project – this time at Tygerberg Hospital. With as many as 10 000 people at Tygerberg on any given day, this project is a lifeline for many.
WATCH IT AGAIN
Police Impunity
In one of the largest cities in the Eastern Cape, police dockets are known to go missing. Serious and violent crime cases remain unsolved, and residents say dirty cops are at the centre of the criminality. Why, in this gangster’s paradise, do violent criminals walk free?
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
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