“There was a lot of interest in our Ozempic story several weeks ago, which prompted us to broadcast this Sunday’s foreign special. The content differs in many ways, but the premise is similar: in a scenario in which billions are poured into marketing unhealthy lifestyles, and in a society quick to pass judgment, how far will parents go to help their children? And how far is too far?” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Cash for Days
On a long-distance bus from Pretoria to the Beitbridge border post, the conductor makes his passengers an irresistible offer: he can help them extend their stay in South Africa beyond the 90-day legal limit – for a small fee. Many of his passengers are undocumented foreign nationals who should be on their way back to Zimbabwe. Instead, they’ll pay the fee to obtain a new 90-day stamp and “legally” remain in the country. Many of them won’t even stand face to face with the customs official who stamps their passports. On these long-distance buses, this practice – called buying days – is common, as bus drivers and Home Affairs officials line their pockets at the expense of those desperate to remain in South Africa. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Road from Hell
Sybil Visagie is a force to be reckoned with. As a sheep farmer in the heart of the Hantam Karoo, she’s been helping other farmers get back on their feet after a devastating, nearly decade-long drought. But as the farmers in this part of the country are starting to recover, they face another major challenge: getting their product to the market. The roads of the Hantam and Namaqua districts have been neglected by government for years; today, they are inaccessible. When the scarce rains come, the roads turn into rivers, cutting the farmers off from the rest of the country. Now, the logistics companies that move products like meat and wool are refusing to make collections from farms. Farmers say it means working for no pay for months on end while, for customers, the price of lamb is skyrocketing.
Producer: Anina Peens | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Racing Towards History
Five years ago, Mika Abrahams was racing F1 cars on a video game with his friends. Now, the 16-year-old is on the brink of making history. This young Johannesburg talent is set to become the first South African to race in Formula 1 since Jody Scheckter, the 1979 World Champion. Mika’s skill and determination have taken him from karting in South Africa to racing in Europe. His impressive career includes a standout season in the Danish F4 Championship, where he secured nine podiums in 15 starts. In 2023, he competed in the British F4 championship, earning 1st and 2nd place finishes. Mika also earned the prestigious SA Protea National Colours. We take to the circuit with this rising star.
Producer: Floris Kotze | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Born Big
The sleepy town of Port Deposit in Maryland, USA has just over 600 residents. But even its tiny population hasn’t escaped the epidemic that’s spreading through America: childhood obesity. Research shows that over 15 million American children are obese. It’s a staggering figure and, put simply, it means nearly one in five children is struggling with severe weight gain. Now, parents are taking drastic steps, pursuing radical treatment options including bariatric surgery and experimental medication. But are these life-altering procedures the right step for a child?
Producer: SBS Australia
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Bye-Bye Floyd!
Out with the old and in with the… uhm, new? Dada Morero takes over as Joburg mayor. Then, the latest unemployment figures highlight the desperate situation so many South Africans find themselves in. Later, a new Human Trafficking report places South Africa at the centre of criminal networks operating across the continent. And does a sperm donor a father make? A recent ruling says: no. But first: Floyd Shivambu – one of the founding members of the Economic Freedom Fighters – defected in dramatic fashion last week, leaving the political party facing an uncertain future.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Counterfeit City
It’s a global challenge costing economies billions; the trade in counterfeits – including the world’s most sought-after brands – is so serious it’s necessitated specialised task teams cooperating with cross-border agencies. South Africa hasn’t been spared the worst of the counterfeit goods crisis: a war is raging in our inner cities as specialised agencies try to strike a blow against the syndicates running these illicit operations. Govan joins an elite team on a raid in Joburg’s CBD.
Killings in Khayelitsha
In June this year, four-year-old Enzokuhle Dladlu was playing outside on the street in Khayelitsha when four gunmen entered a barbershop in her neighbourhood and opened fire. One man and three children were killed in the shooting: Enzokuhle was one of them. In Khayelitsha, these mass shootings have become tragically common as rival gangs force businesses and civilians alike to pay protection fees or risk being killed. In a new report, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime has identified four growing extortion economies in the province, including transport, construction and township economies. Carte Blanche examines how protection rackets in Khayelitsha are expanding their illicit business portfolio, targeting street vendors, spaza shops, and even churches.
Wimbledon Wonder
At just 12 years old, Limpopo’s Kgothatso Montjane – who was born with a congenital deformity – had her leg amputated. But she refused to be deterred. An energetic child with big dreams, she first pursued competitive ballroom and Latin American dance, despite her disability. That is until her schoolteachers introduced her to wheelchair tennis. It was a decision that would change her life and see her become one of the country’s best players. Now, she’s a three-time wheelchair tennis grand slam champion and she’s eager to pay it forward and give other athletes the same opportunities to succeed.
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