“Our AmaPanyaza story follows an earlier investigation into how the Premier’s grand plan will be funded. Our information then was that precious funds were being diverted from social welfare programmes; taking from Peter to give to Paul when Peter is on the bones of his proverbial. Were the crime wardens an immediate and uncontroversial success, it would still be an arrangement hard to fathom. How should we respond knowing they aren’t?” ~ John Webb, Executive Producer
Liquid Gold
It’s a highly lucrative commodity traded on the black market. From diesel skimming to tanker hijackings and petrol depot robbery: over the years, Carte Blanche has investigated multiple criminal networks fuelling the illicit trade in what’s known as liquid gold. But as old schemes are exposed, criminals evolve. Now, fuel spiking – blending diesel with cheaper ingredients, often paraffin – has taken off on an industrial level. It’s a criminal MO affecting every South African and costing the country millions of every day. After several months of investigating these illicit operations, we uncover an elaborate cross-border tax fraud scheme.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
AmaPanyaza
Thirty-year-old Andrew Make is lucky to be alive. For weeks, he lived in excruciating agony from injuries sustained in a savage beating. His attackers, he says, weren’t criminals but Gauteng’s new crime busters known colloquially as AmaPanyaza. He alleges they forced their way into his house claiming to be searching for drugs. When they found none, Make claims they turned on him in a frenzy of shouts, punches and kicks. His is one of several allegations made against the Crime Prevention Wardens. Hastily trained, how well-equipped are they to keep the streets of Gauteng safe and can they be trusted to stay on the right side of the law themselves?
Producer: Bongani Bingwa | Presenter: Bongani Bingwa
WATCH AGAIN: Un-welfare
This story originally aired on 18 June 2023. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are the backbone of the social care system in Gauteng. They provide food, shelter, and medical care for some of the most vulnerable members of society, often reaching people and places that government simply can’t. Now, as Gauteng considers a policy shift for NGOs – which could reduce the very funding that these organisations need to stay afloat – the social security net that has been supporting those in need could finally crumble. But why is government so intent on changing the playing field?
Saving Private Rhino
Poaching has decimated our rhino population, a scourge that continues unabated despite concerted attempts by conservation groups and others to stem the tragic tide. Now, this threatened species has been given a lifeline: 2 000 semi-wild rhinos, once owned by a high-profile businessman and breeder, will be rewilded into reserves across the continent. It’s an audacious plan with significant risks, but the purchase of the world’s largest population of privately owned rhino could be a game-changer for these mammals. Can this ambitious conservation effort help secure a future for the white rhino?
Producer: Julian Sun | Presenter: Masa Kekana
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Hope in a Hopeless World
We’ve seen the devastation of the Israel-Hamas War and South Africa won’t be left unscathed. Is Pravin the problem? Why our SOEs just can’t seem to get it right. Then, South Africa closes the books on Steinhoff. And grains of hope in the latest census report.
Debrief: Tarryn Crossman
You’ve listened to our recent stories on suspended lawyer Zuko Nonxuba and the terrible conditions at Ikwezi Lokusa Special School. Now, we speak to the producer behind both these ongoing investigations, Tarryn Crossman. From traversing the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in search of Nonxuba’s alleged victims, to going undercover to witness the horrors at Ikwezi Lokusa – Tarryn takes us behind the camera.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Joburg Undermined
An estimated 40 000 to 75 000 zama zamas work along a 150-kilometre stretch running from the east to the west of Joburg. Are they putting critical infrastructure at risk? Lourensa Eckard goes underground to find out. Watch the full story now.
Going Inside Lily Mine
In 2020, Carte Blanche went underground with miners who took it upon themselves to retrieve their colleagues’ bodies. To date, they’ve been unable to gain access to the container holding the remains of Pretty Nkambule, Solomon Nyirenda and Yvonne Mnisi.
Rugby’s First Lady
On the small screen, sports broadcaster Motshidisi Mohono is a commanding figure. Sharp witted, talented and knowledgeable, Mots – as she’s affectionately known – has solidified her place among the giants of rugby commentary and analysis. But it wasn’t always this way: this award-winning sportscaster’s navigation of live TV’s often unnerving terrain has taken years. Now, broadcasting to local and international audiences, she’s considered one of the industry’s leading lights. And, as sports fans prepare for next month’s Rugby World Cup, Mots has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for anyone who dares to follow their dreams. In the Springboks’ final home match before the tournament, Carte Blanche joined her pitchside.
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
Facebook: Carte Blanche #CarteBlanche
Twitter: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
