WORLD WIDE WEBB
“In the mid 90s, interest rates were going berserk. The banks were charging me close to 20 percent for the privilege of driving an Opel Kadett. The idea of paying double that just to cover the basics makes my eyes water and yet that is precisely what some unscrupulous Matshonisas are charging today.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Relentless Scammers
An elderly pensioner is offered the opportunity of a lifetime: a half-million investment into a crypto currency business, with a staggering guaranteed return of close to two million rands – in just two weeks. But it’s all a scam. This is the modus operandi of a sophisticated and faceless group of online scammers. But it doesn’t end there… Far from receiving a handsome payout from the investment, the criminals then demand more money before agreeing to release the funds. It’s a complex scam, but when the victims are old and desperate, it’s easy money for these shameless syndicates.
Producer: Eugene Botha | Presenter: Derek Watts
Dodging the Debt Spiral
Simphiwe Ntuli was an aspiring businesswoman, creating entertaining social media content for her subscribers. But beneath the veneer of a flourishing online enterprise, Ntuli and her husband were drowning in debt, even forced to buy groceries on credit. It’s a situation that’s become prevalent in millions of homes in South Africa: consumers borrowing more and more money to simply stay afloat. So desperate are some that they turn to micro-lenders and ruthless loan sharks for assistance. It’s not a new phenomenon, but as the cost of living escalates, so too does the challenge of making ends meet.
Producer: Siniketiwe Hlanze | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Couch Con
A controversy that began with the non-delivery of couches and, where they were delivered, complaints of questionable quality. But as we followed up the claims by irate customers, it became apparent that the high-end company in question had swept a little more dirt under its carpets. Our investigation unravels a business that not only doesn’t legally exist but has been charging its clients VAT without paying its dues to SARS.
Producer: Mosibudi Ratlebjane | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Sowing the Seeds
The agricultural sector is bucking the economic trend, performing remarkably well in the last financial quarter. But it’s been hard going for a new generation of emerging farmers who have pinned their hopes on commercial farming for a sustainable livelihood. Carte Blanche takes a road trip around the country to meet four young farmers who, despite the obstacles of stock theft, climate change, and disease, are taking the bull by the horns and meeting the challenges head-on.
Producer: Siniketiwe Hlanze | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick
The South African news cycle is fast-paced and, at times, chaotic. Keeping up with the latest happenings – whether it be politics, crime, environmental news, or international developments – can be tricky. Fortunately, Daily Maverick‘s Ferial Haffajee and Carte Blanche’s Masa Kekana will help you make sense of it all in our new series The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick.
Battle Lines at ANC NEC with Ongama Mtimka
The biggest weekend in local politics is upon us. As the ruling party prepares for internal battles at this year’s ANC National Elective Conference (NEC), South Africans are waiting with bated breath to see who walks away as party president. Political analyst Ongama Mtimka looks at the contenders, the power struggles, and a promise of hope.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Decades of War
A decades-long war has turned innocent children into child soldiers. Not in the DRC or Sudan, but in Majola, Port St. Johns. Groomed to defend their homes and avenge loved ones lost in the terror, childhood friends and relatives have become sworn enemies. Homes have been torched, people hacked to pieces with pangas. Now, sleeping in the forests and mountains has become the norm for these Eastern Cape children, security and warm bed foreign concepts as they trek to safety under the cover of darkness.
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.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Vigilante Justice
Against the backdrop of South Africa’s soaring crime rate and the outsourcing of safety and security to private companies in suburbia, Carte Blanche gets unprecedented access to the well-organised and notorious Mayitsha group that has become prosecutor, judge and executioner for anyone accused of a crime in their Eastern Cape home village.
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
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