“I recall conversations with students (some more rational than others) and Vice-Chancellors (some more defiant than others) that made clear the challenge of solving the Fees Must Fall crisis. Most observers agreed free education was out of the question. Jacob Zuma, his presidency increasingly tenuous, believed otherwise. Not too surprising then that a concept born of such uncertain circumstances should find itself mired in controversy.” -John Webb, Executive Producer
Broken Promises: KwaZulu-Natal
At King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal, the much-anticipated, multi-million rand statue of King Shaka Zulu is still ominously missing. The imposing bronze statue has been years in the making but – much like promised housing and infrastructure projects in the province – it has yet to be officially unveiled. In one community, residents are still waiting for government to deliver on its promise of housing and proper sanitation. But contractors abandoned the project many years ago and the land where the houses should’ve been built is empty. Carte Blanche examines whether the trail of broken promises in KwaZulu-Natal will impact how people in these communities cast their votes.
Producer: Carol Albertyn Christie | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
Fact or Fiction
On the face of it, he’s just a flamboyant character accustomed to a flashy lifestyle and luxury vehicles. But Lennox Ntsodo, a former high-placed member of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), insists he’s a credible whistleblower with shocking allegations about the fledgling movement. As South Africa approaches an unpredictable and possibly volatile election, Carte Blanche examines the evidence for allegations that one of the country’s newest parties committed electoral fraud.
Producer: Marion Edmunds | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Funding Fiasco
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, better known as NSFAS, is a vital lifeline for students in need of financial assistance. It is funded by government and manages the billions of rands that are distributed to students to cover their fees, books, accommodation, and even their meals. Now it’s under threat. Years of mismanagement and questionable financial decisions inside the organisation have left hundreds of thousands of students in the lurch. Many of the problems can be traced back to a new payment system that allows service providers to charge high service fees. Carte Blanche examines how proximity to high-ranking NSFAS officials has benefitted one of these service providers.
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein | Presenter: Govan Whittles
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Great Exits & Questionable Campaigns
Shell is gone – what the oil giant’s exit from South Africa really means. Then, a burning flag sends some South Africans into a fiery rage. Later, Israel ups the ante as ground forces intensify their presence in Gaza. And could it soon be lights off for Joburg? Perhaps, if Eskom gets its way. But first, several construction workers remain trapped beneath the rubble after a five-storey apartment building in George in the Western Cape collapsed. While it’s too early to determine the cause, South Africans want answers.
Elections Unpacked with Tshidi Madia
Several political parties – both big and small – are coming out in full force as the elections creep ever closer. But what’s truly on offer? And how capable are the many political parties of sticking to those promises? We speak to Eyewitness News politics associate editor and Politricking host, Tshidi Madia, about manifestos, the biggest potential losers, own goals and whether your chosen party is willing to sell its soul in the coalition game.
Elections Unpacked: Herman Mashaba
Bring back the Scorpions! No more parole. Penal colonies in the Kalahari. And grand corruption will be declared a “crime against humanity”. Furthermore, the triple BEE model will be scrapped – but is a proposed replacement just BEE dressed up in a fancier name? Masa Kekana sits down with ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba to find out how the party hopes to achieve many of its lofty promises.
Elections Unpacked with Keamogetswe Seipato
With just over two months to go before South Africans are set to make their mark, Masa Kekana sits down with My Vote Counts campaigner, Keamogetswe Seipato, to find out why this election feels so different. What’s truly at stake? Who has the most to lose? And why the youth hold the power to change it all.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Broken Promises: Northern Cape
So-called state-of-the-art facilities built for the people of the Eastern Cape. But are communities benefiting from the millions being spent?
FULL INTERVIEW: Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul
On Sunday 12 May, Carte Blanche aired a story showcasing the various broken promises across the Northern Cape. From incomplete projects to failing infrastructure, there was a lot to cover. Following our insert, the province’s Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, took issue with how he was being portrayed and requested that the full exchange between himself and Carte Blanche presenter, Govan Whittles, be made available.
[FROM THE ARCHIVES] The NHI Bill Explained
Until recently, a National Health Insurance (NHI) has been little understood and much feared. But South Africans agree that medical care is expensive with private schemes beyond the reach of most, and about 85% of people depending on a crumbling public healthcare system. We sit down with Dr Nicholas Crisp, the man brought in to set up the NHI’s administrative and operational capacity for the Department of Health, to get a glimpse inside the real hope that the NHI could herald for the future.
COMING SOON
Child Soldiers
Some are spotters, others drug peddlers. But the most dangerous are the enforcers – all of them children. We enter gang territory in the Western Cape where some children become killers.
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