“Inserts about wildlife and the environment are notoriously tricky to produce, not least because of the entrenched opinions on each side of a particular debate. Our experience has been that a defensive politician is far easier to handle than a righteously indignant activist. Then again, good luck to them. Without their passionate dedication, where would conservation be in this country? Thankfully, Sunday’s story about Duma (formerly Charley) the elephant – while not controversy-free – is unlikely to divide opinion. Except perhaps on whether Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ is ever likely to be an elephant’s favourite song.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
The Missing Mega City
Cosmo City in Gauteng is government’s flagship mega city housing development. Initiated in 2001, it’s home to tens of thousands of residents living in well-built, mixed-income housing units. It has schools, parks, shopping malls, and churches: a haven for many people in need of housing. In 2014, government attempted to recreate the success of Cosmo City, investing billions of rands into dozens of so-called mega cities across the country. Montrose Mega City Development, on the outskirts of former gold mining town Randfontein, is one of them. It should’ve been a state-of-the-art home, place of work and transport hub for residents of nearby informal settlements. But it seems one shady developer secured the multi-billion rand tender… then disappeared, leaving a trail of unpaid contractors and incomplete buildings. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Harri Vithi | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Bulungula: Paradise Under Threat
The Wild Coast is a remote paradise that attracts tourists from around the world. It’s a rugged part of the country that is still overwhelmingly rural, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But in recent months, this paradise has been haunted by violence. A wave of brutal attacks on residents has left the community reeling. Most recently, well-known community developers Dave Martin and his wife Rejane Woodroffe were violently attacked in their home, beaten up, and kidnapped by their assailants. The community is concerned that criminals from outside the area are infiltrating the once-peaceful villages… with a potentially devastating impact on tourism in the region.
Producer: Catherine Rice | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Duma’s Last Home
On a private game reserve in Limpopo, an adult elephant gleefully takes his first step into a mud bath as a group of delighted observers cheers him on. It’s a taste of freedom for Duma the elephant, and a victory for the conservationists who have worked tirelessly to get this much-loved retiree into his new home. But Duma wasn’t always known by this name. For decades, he was Charley, spending much of his life as a circus performer before becoming the star attraction at the National Zoo in Pretoria. For the last three years, he has been the only elephant at the zoo. Now, after a nationwide petition to retire Charley, and months of meticulous planning, he has finally reached his new home.
Producer: Joy Summers | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Crime Crisis
In this special crime-focused extended episode, we ask how a Memorandum of Understanding can potentially turn the tide against crime in the Western Cape. Then, no one is safe from extortion rackets – not even schools… Later, why are food poisoning incidents on the rise? And how one man turned personal tragedy into triumph for hundreds of disabled children nationwide. But first, amaPanyaza is here to stay! Why is Panyaza Lesufi not willing to let go of his beloved crime prevention unit?
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Prep School Bully
An elite all-boys preparatory school in Pietermaritzburg is on a collision course with its headmaster. The school’s governing body alleges he’s guilty of sexual harassment and verbally abusing students and staff members alike. It’s a battle that’s been brewing for months, and even the provincial department of education has entered the fray. What at first appears to be a stand-off between an employer and employee over serious allegations of misconduct is clouded by counterclaims against the school. We sat down with the headmaster who says he’s being targeted for blowing the whistle on this hundred-year-old institution.
UPDATE: Liquid Gold
In South Africa, diesel is liquid gold – it’s in high demand, easy to trade and difficult to trace. That is why organised crime syndicates are cashing in. In October last year, we investigated cross-border tax fraud in diesel imports. The story had far-reaching implications… Since our exposé, industry leaders and investigators have been cracking down on illicit traders with some success.
AMR: Superbug Takeover
Superbugs – or antibiotic-resistant bacteria – have become one of the biggest threats to human health worldwide. Due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, these life-threatening bugs have developed resistance to medication and are rapidly proliferating, causing many infections to become untreatable. Until now, the focus of research has primarily been on human health and animals. But scientists have now identified the role of the environment in the spread of superbugs.
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