“I once had a conversation with Craig Foster of ‘My Octopus Teacher’ fame. He remarked that it was rare in our modern world for some children to regularly feel the earth beneath their feet; something he considered detrimental to their psychological wellbeing. In a time of increased autism and ADHD diagnoses, Craig felt that reconnecting with nature might sometimes prove a better option than Ritalin. Our story on Josh Crickmay suggests he may have been onto something.” ~ John Webb, Executive Producer
The Last Train Out
Willie Marais was once a steam train driver born opposite the railway station in Touws River in the Western Cape. Built in 1881, the station was the central hub of the community. Touws River was one of many thriving towns built around an extensive railway network. That all changed in the 1980s when any route deemed uneconomical was simply cut off. Entire communities were drained of their lifeblood, leaving thousands jobless, and the towns began to die. Today, these towns are sad remnants of their former glory, with most inhabitants surviving on state grants, and the tracks leading to these far-flung places are lined with derelict and abandoned sidings. While trucks thunder past, the people left in their dust cling to the hope that, somehow, their towns can be revived.
Producer: Liz Fish | Presenter: Govan Whittles
The LinkedIn Swindler
He was a man whose financial acumen impressed several hard-nosed businesspeople. Backed by references from a respected lawyer, he was a well-connected broker who could provide funds for big international projects… At least, that’s what he claimed on his LinkedIn profile. Using the business networking platform to contact brokers who acted on his behalf to secure clients, he lured people in with the promise of millions in investment funds. The only catch was the payment of an underwriting fee, refundable once the deal was finalised. But the refunds never materialised. The so-called LinkedIn Swindler duped 39 clients from around the world, vanishing with their money and unfulfilled promises of investment.
Producer: Catherine Rice | Presenter: Erin Bates
A Big Life
A once healthy and happy child who suddenly fell into the depths of depression and attempted suicide… Josh Crickmay’s story could have ended quite differently were it not for the unique and life-altering intervention of his parents, Kathy and Andrew. When their son – just 15 – became violent and endured bouts of severe depression, eventually dropping out of school, they sought medical help. After a year filled with hospital visits, Josh was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, a condition on the spectrum that affects the ability to communicate and socialise. The diagnosis was the turning point for Kathy and Andrew who decided that saving their only child meant taking drastic steps as a family. They quit their jobs to take him on a “Birding Big Year”: 365 days to spot and document 1000 species of birds. And so began a year of adventure that would eventually save Josh and provide him with much-needed purpose.
Producer: Stenette Groskopf | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Is There a (Real) Doctor in the House?
Is there a doctor in the house? Certainly not when it comes to bogus doctor, Matthew Lani. Homeless and hopeless: survivors of the Marshalltown Fire are left to fend for themselves. Then, as loadshedding makes its unwelcome return, Eskom delivers even more bad news. And we pay tribute to two inspiring individuals – Professor Shabir Madhi and Nompilo Dlamini.
Written in the Bones
She’s among the rare few experts who can decipher the secrets in bones. Through her work, she reveals how and why a newborn baby passed away.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
A Good Deed
It should have been a moment of celebration; hundreds of donations from generous Carte Blanche viewers delivered to children with special needs at Ikwezi Lokusa. But it almost ended in anger and frustration for the volunteers…
Codeine Chemist
He’s a popular figure in his community and a well-known pharmacist in Gauteng. Now under investigation for allegedly trading codeine on the black market, we find out what he’s been hiding.
Joburg Undermined
Explosions, sinkholes, earth tremors. Beneath our feet, the dangerous, volatile world of zama zamas. But could rampant illegal gold mining ultimately destroy Johannesburg?
Hot Property
The Johannesburg Property Company is back in the spotlight as questions emerge around its current board, while a controversial CEO manages to stay under the radar.
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