“For a time, my parents lived near Richards Bay. They were heading into their twilight years, and it seemed as good a place as any to unwind after a life of work and child-related stress (though only from my brother and sister, you understand). Theirs was a calm existence, interrupted only by the occasional raid on my father’s prized fruit trees by a brazen troop of monkeys. I’m truly astonished by how much it’s changed in a few short years. And truly outraged that it’s yet another victim of insatiable greed.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Black Dust
The people of Richards Bay are fed up. Residents say they’re living like prisoners in their own homes, tormented by a dark dust cloud that is suffocating them. Black dust is everywhere: entire suburbs, schools and hospitals are engulfed by the toxic particles that accompany a massive influx of coal trucks into the bay. Illegal coal stockpiles are mushrooming around town and some doctors say they’re seeing a record number of lung disorders directly linked to coal dust inhalation. Businesses have been forced to close as authorities turn a blind eye. The effects of coal mining have become a question of life and death for this community.
Producer: Anina Peens | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Grid Gremlins
It was set to be a freezing, cold week for most of the country, the below-zero temperatures and the unexpected snowfall resurrecting an old foe for South Africans: the dreaded stage six power cuts. For several weeks, Eskom had offered the country an unexpected reprieve from the higher stages of loadshedding, lulling many into the belief that the national utility finally had a grip on the power crisis. But this was short-lived. This week, as many braced themselves for a harsh July, Eskom announced continuous stage six loadshedding over the weekend, ushering in renewed levels of uncertainty.
Producer: Julian Sun | Presenter: Erin Bates
Banyana Banyana: Road to Glory
Banyana Banyana: the champions of Africa and the pride of the nation. But it seems even their newfound standing in the hearts of South Africans couldn’t prevent a last-minute contractual dispute that almost caused them to miss their flight to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Banyana are not alone. In a sport that has previously been the sole domain of their male counterparts, other national women’s football teams around the world are also demanding more money for playing in the upcoming tournament. Carte Blanche digs into the controversy, shares the players’ stories, and gives viewers a rare glimpse into the team’s final training camp.
Producer: Cheryl Uys-Allie | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Going Global
This week, we discuss various geopolitical issues impacting South Africa. From the upcoming BRICS Summit to a summit you’ve likely never heard of – we unpack it all with
Peter Fabricius on The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick.
A Better Ending
It’s what they do and who they are… The Betereinders: working toward a more equal, more integrated, better South Africa! Facing the difficult conversations and deliberately getting to know people of other races in the hopes of transforming SA, one new friendship at a time.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Blue Light Bullies
It was an assault so vicious that it went viral on social media. But it wasn’t just the extreme violence that caused outrage, but also the identity of the attackers. Now, in the aftermath, questions are again being asked about the future of a specialised police unit. We speak to Action Society SA’s Ian Cameron.
View (age restricted)
Making a Difference with Lexus Pop Classics
This year, music lovers will have the opportunity to support a great cause – the Carte Blanche Making A Difference Trust. For a minimum contribution of R100, you can get up to four tickets with all proceeds going to the Trust.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
AARTO Aware
South African motorists have a bad rap for notoriously reckless and unsafe driving. The country has among the highest road fatality statistics in the world. This is why the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) was written – to change the ways of bad drivers. It’s been partially trialled in Johannesburg and Tshwane for over a decade. Once AARTO is rolled out nationally later this year, bad driving habits could cost drivers their licences. Critics say it’s more about making money than road safety, but AARTO is meant to improve road safety and adjudicate infringements under an administrative system to alleviate pressure on an overburdened court system. Carte Blanche investigates whether AARTO can finally make the roads safer.
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