“We’re living in dangerous times. Just a week after we reported on an alleged torture and death squad operating within the SANDF, we investigate allegations of political meddling, profiteering and gross mismanagement at PetroSA. With the emergence of a Russian connection in another potentially questionable deal, one wonders what revelations and controversies lie in store.” ~ John Webb, Executive Producer
PetroSA’s Dirty Business
State-owned company PetroSA used to produce diesel and other fuels from gas at its refinery in Mossel Bay. But in 2020, it ran out of gas… and money. Two decades of woeful investments, scandals, absence of governance, and profligacy had rendered the company bankrupt. But Minerals and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has refused to let it fail. He has big plans for PetroSA’s revival into a new petroleum company with the sole shareholding vested in his office. Meanwhile, inside the boardroom of PetroSA, all is not well as the chairman makes headlines. He reportedly wants the CEO’s position, but a string of misconduct findings against him may scupper his plans. As details of questionable tender processes emerge, Carte Blanche investigates an institution operating behind a veil of secrecy not even parliament seems able to penetrate.
Producer: Joy Summers | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Rape Extortion Racket
In eMqhekezweni, a small village in the Eastern Cape, women are on edge. Once the second home of former President Nelson Mandela, it was known for its close-knit community living in relative tranquillity. But now it’s plagued by a sinister balaclava-clad gang running a ruthless extortion racket targeting women. At dusk, men arrive on horseback to terrorise the villagers, demanding that young girls and women of all ages pay them a protection fee or risk being raped. Most in the village are poor, unable to pay their tormentors. Yet help from the police is kilometres away.
Producer: Sipha Kema | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Miracle Baby
Matteo Botha shouldn’t be alive today… When he was just 18 months old, an ordinary evening at home ended in an emergency visit to hospital. Matteo needed surgery to have a large portion of his bowel removed. But this was just the beginning of his ordeal. Matteo’s heart stopped on the operating table, an unusual outcome that baffled his medical team. They resuscitated him – but then his heart stopped again… and again. Within 24 hours of being rushed to the emergency department, the little boy’s heart had stopped 12 times. His doctors warned that he was severely brain damaged, but his parents refused to give up. Now, more than a year later, Matteo is a thriving baby boy making a remarkable neurological recovery.
Producer: Liz Fish | Presenter: Erin Bates
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
We Made It!
It’s Dezemba and it’s been a whopper of a year overflowing with news events that left us stunned, surprised, infuriated, despondent, and inspired. We look back on some of the major newsmakers that had an impact on us and the nation.
Ecopsychology: The Power of the Nature
We’re surrounded by beautiful landscapes, open spaces and abundant wildlife. Yet we don’t spend nearly enough time outdoors. Now, research is showing just how beneficial nature can be for our overall wellbeing; from mental health to childhood development and even addressing crime… We speak to Dr Andrea Marais-Potgieter about ecopsychology and the importance of reconnecting with nature.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
SANDF Torture Squad
Is there a torture squad operating within the SANDF? In collaboration with Open Secrets, we follow a trail of shadowy operations, kidnapping, assault, torture and murder.
UPDATE: IKWEZI LOKUSA SPECIAL SCHOOL
Just over a month after our most recent follow-up into the ongoing human rights violations at Ikwezi Lokusa Special School in the Eastern Cape, the Provincial Department of Education informed us that much-needed refurbishments – amounting to just over R11 million – had begun. The upgrade will most notably include the demolition of 318 brick beds, replacing them with modern beds and fittings. Furthermore, the school’s plumbing system, electricity infrastructure, flooring, windows and doors, and ablution facilities will also be overhauled. The school will receive a generator. It’s taken far too long for authorities to take action, but we hope that the learners at Ikwezi Lokusa will finally be provided the dignity and support they so greatly need and deserve.
We will continue following developments closely.
Josh Crickmay: A Big Life
Just 10 years ago, Josh Crickmay was enveloped in darkness, unable to imagine a future. But an extraordinary journey brought him back from the brink of death, giving him a purpose and a unique place in the world.
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