“Many years ago, I worked for a radio news service that shared offices with the SA Press Association in downtown Joburg. Landlines rang incessantly over the clatter of keyboards being hammered by reporters and copy editors who’d honed their skills on typewriters. Sitting on stained red couches in an unventilated smoking room, we’d share views on the day’s stories over cigarettes and instant coffee. It was noisy and chaotic and decrepit. And always, always strewn with newspapers. In other words, utterly glorious.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Listeriosis Class Action
In 2017, South Africa was faced with the largest listeriosis outbreak in world history. By September 2018, this foodborne disease had killed more than two hundred people and left hundreds more in serious condition. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) investigated and traced the source of the outbreak to Enterprise polony, a popular ready-to-eat processed meat produced by Tiger Brands. The deadly listeriosis strain that caused the outbreak, ST6, was not found at any location or facility during the outbreak period except Tiger Brands’ Polokwane meat processing facility. A class action lawsuit saw listeriosis survivors demanding compensation from the consumer goods giant. But six years later, they have received nothing.
Producer: Kate Barry | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Prep School Bully
In Pietermaritzburg, an all-boys preparatory school that prides itself on being a leading specialist institution has found itself mired in controversy. The headmaster stands accused of sexual harassment, bullying staff and verbally abusing schoolboys as young as seven. Many of his alleged victims say the principal is a seasoned bully, ruling through power and dominance, and accustomed to belittling both staff and students. But the embattled educator says he is a whistleblower raising real concerns about the governing body’s financial management of the school. The school has taken the matter to court, asking the Department of Education to suspend the headmaster – but at what cost?
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Oom Frans and His Newspapers
In an antique building on the main street of Calvinia in the heart of the Hantam Karoo, 91-year-old Oom Frans Hugo shuffles from his desk to the large cardboard printouts on another table. He carefully cuts out a black-and-white photograph and sticks it just below the newspaper headline that he’s working on. This is the newsroom where, for decades, Oom Frans has been patiently producing three weekly newspapers: The Messenger, Die Noordwester and Die Owernuus. As the future of print news hangs in the balance, and the journalism profession faces an existential crisis, Oom Frans seems unaffected. Once a week, he sets off before daybreak to drive 1200 km in a single day, personally delivering his popular newspapers to readers across the region.
Producer: Anina Peens | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
From Podcast Bro to Politics
An SOE shakeup is welcomed by most – so is it a move in the right direction? Then, from podcasts to politics – what Roman Cabanac’s controversial appointment says about the DA. Later, do we have a compromised Minister of Justice? And bringing the gees to the Paralympics in Paris. But first, as we celebrate day 160 of no loadshedding, it seems South Africa has reached a crucial turning point in our 17-year-long energy crisis. Pessimists will say: don’t hold your breath, while optimists (such as
ourselves) are eagerly awaiting a blackout-free summer.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Snotklap
In a packed bar, two men face each other across a small table. To the cheers of the crowd, one lines up… then slaps his opponent with all his might across the cheek. No, this is not a bar fight. It’s professional slap fighting and it’s experiencing a massive surge in popularity. Emerging as a viral phenomenon in Russia in 2019, slap fighting is attracting former wrestlers and boxers like South African heavyweight Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden. But it’s as controversial as it is compelling. Repeated blows to the head can cause concussion, traumatic brain injury and long-term neurological issues. Fans claim slap fighting is safer than many combat sports, but critics say it’s unavoidably risky – and question whether it can be considered a sport at all.
Critical Care Under Threat
The Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust is building a haven for children in crisis at Sebokeng Hospital. This dedicated new paediatric trauma unit will revolutionise the care of babies and older children. But building it has not been without difficulties. Earlier this year, the so-called construction mafia threatened to derail the build, forcing the Trust to ramp up security and fight back against attempts to sabotage this critical project. But with the support of hospital management and the dedication of its team, the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust is ensuring that this life-saving facility becomes a reality for Sebokeng’s youngest and most vulnerable patients.
Learn more about the Making A Difference Trust
There’s a Kudu on My Stoep
It’s an idyllic vision: a bushveld holiday town where human residents and wild animals live as neighbours. Marloth Park, bordering the Kruger National Park, was established in 1977 as an enclosed suburb made of large residential stands interspersed with parklands for grazing, with animals coming and going across the Crocodile River as they pleased. But nearly 50 years later, the border with the Kruger has been fenced off, the town is overpopulated and overgrazed, and mismanagement and infighting prevail. A culling programme was stopped in 2017 amidst concerns for residents’ safety. Today, no one can agree on a way to end the stalemate. Can the promised bushveld haven be salvaged?
Taking It All
In Gauteng, several anti-crime groups are springing up in different townships as residents take back their streets. They chase down suspects, kick down doors and even arrest alleged criminals. But are their actions legal?
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 / X: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
Threads: carteblanchetv
