“How far is too far? That’s the question we ask in our “fly-on-the-wall” look at one of the many community crime-fighting units patrolling Joburg’s lawless streets. Their shakedowns and house searches would likely encounter strong resistance in societies not racked by crime and violence. In places like Vosloorus, though – where policing is hardly stellar – these private law enforcers encounter hero worship above indignation.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Taking it All
Their community was terrorised by drug dealers, hijackers, and burglars. Nowhere felt safe. Born out of desperation, a self-styled community anti-crime unit called Thatha Zonke, loosely translating to ‘take it all’, emerged from the disorder. Led by a revered local man known as “The Supreme Commander”, Thatha Zonke chases down suspects, kicks down doors and arrests alleged criminals. But are the group’s actions legal?
Producer: Chuma Kave | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Lost Legacies
Johann Keeve is a young man with big dreams. He should’ve been a fourth-generation commercial farmer, ploughing his family’s lands. Instead, his father’s legacy has been destroyed by what farmers describe as ruthless liquidators pursuing aggressive legal action in the name of the Land Bank. Years ago, the bank gave millions to various cooperatives to lend to the agricultural community. It’s alleged some cooperatives acted recklessly, lending money to farmers without following proper processes. Now, the Land Bank wants its money back. And, despite some financially strained farmers having assets worth far more than their debts, they have still lost much of what they owned. Could corporate syndicates be manipulating the liquidation process in a bid to enrich themselves?
Producer & Presenter: Anina Peens
There’s a pothole pandemic in South Africa and motorists have had enough. Now, by repurposing existing self-driving technology and artificial intelligence, a young inventor has found an advanced solution to tackling our pothole dilemma. Poetically named Amehlo, which means ‘eyes’, it’s a little device that uses modern GPS and other technology to identify and map potholes and other areas of crumbling road infrastructure – even to the point of “seeing” them before they develop. That data provides a “real-time” picture of the state of various roads. It allows drivers to plan their journeys to avoid the worst-affected roads and lets administrators know what requires fixing, and how soon.
Producer: Stenette Grosskopf | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
The Dark Side of Cacti
Government fails the community of Hammanskraal as a cholera outbreak takes hold, Queenin tries to wrap her head around AI-generated content, and why that cute cactus in your home could be funding a global syndicate.
The De Ruyter Interview
Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter is overseas and somewhere in hiding as the ANC seeks to serve papers on him for defamation. He gives Bongani a behind-the-scenes perspective of his three years at the helm.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Finger-pointing in a Time of Cholera
She’s known as the leader of a so-called band of ‘vigilante’ first responders. But with just a basic first aid training certificate, how has one woman in Gauteng been able to successfully masquerade as a paramedic?
Ray Hartley on SA’s Russia Relations
She’s known as the leader of a so-called band of ‘vigilante’ first responders. But with just a basic first aid training certificate, how has one woman in Gauteng been able to successfully masquerade as a paramedic?
Stealing from the Disabled
His clients were mostly children with disabilities who had legitimate medical negligence cases against the Health Department. But instead of helping them get their multi-million rand pay-outs, he stole their money.
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