“Under normal circumstances, I’d search for an anecdote with a – sometimes tenuous – link to one of the stories in our Sunday line-up. But it’s Easter, and so, if you’ll permit me some poetic licence, I’ll simply raise my Mopane Worm infused tipple and wish you all a blessed break.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Bloem Brouhaha
Bloemfontein is home to the University of the Free State and the Central University of Technology. It’s now a bona fide student town as thousands flock to these campuses from around the country. But there isn’t enough on-site accommodation to house them all; conditions ripe for manipulation. Some have spotted a lucrative opportunity to illegally convert their own homes into crowded student digs., or to build cramped digs on any available open stand. It’s caused havoc in some suburbs as service delivery, intended for smaller suburbs, is stretched to the limit. Residents who’ve for years called these once quiet suburbs home, now contend with overflowing sewage, raucous parties, and plummeting property prices. Carte Blanche goes knocking.
Producer: Liz Fish | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Munching on Masonja
In Limpopo, Mopane Worms are a sought-after delicacy and good business for traders. They’re harvested throughout the province and sold to eager buyers on street corners and online. But they remain an acquired taste, and as villages expand in Limpopo, mopane forests are being chopped down for fencing & firewood. But change is in the air – quite literally – as climate change is forcing a re-think in our consumption of methane producing livestock. Some young South Africans are seizing the moment, determined to popularise mopane worms as a greener – and surprisingly tasty – gastronomic alternative.
Producer: Carol Albertyn Christie | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Senior and Single
In a dimly lit café in New York, a group of men and women – all strangers and all single – anxiously gather, each with a strong drink in hand. They’ve come for a specially organised evening of speed dating but with a twist; no one here is younger than 58. At a time when love and relationships seem to be the preserve of the young and restless, some seniors are making bold moves for a second, sometimes third chance at a happy ending. These are the senior singles, searching for love and lust in the Big Apple. But they’re not alone. Almost starved of more personal affection during the peak of the COVID pandemic, these older-aged singles are shaking off their frail and vulnerable image. In their later years, they’re navigating dating and sex on a renewed quest for intimacy.
Producer: SBS Australia
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Prison Breaks, Likable Leaders & Luh Twizzy
It’s been a week of the bizarre and strange as South Africans come to terms with the Thabo Bester prison break scandal, we try and make sense of a TikTok challenge, and we celebrate a small victory against corruption. That and more in this week’s The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick and Carte Blanche.
Steytlerville Follies
A quaint little hotel in the Eastern Cape countryside and a couple who created a life filled with everything they love. Join us for the Steytlerville Follies!
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Stealing from the Disabled
He painted himself as a brilliant litigation lawyer and a champion for the people. He’d go into underprivileged communities and offer to help families of children with disabilities. But in many cases, he simply pocketed the money and left them with nothing.
Wanted: The Worst Roads
From potholes to no roads – we’re searching for South Africa’s worst roads and we need your help. Send us your videos and show us just how bad it can really get.
IronMac: The Finish Line
It was a promise made to his friend and cyclist Andre. Now, Macfarlane Moleli has completed one of the toughest challenges in the world!
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
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