“I’m appalled by suggestions from the Kremlin that Russia’s nuclear weapons are an option in deciding the outcome of its war in Ukraine. Apparently, Putin has at his disposal what are known as tactical nuclear warheads designed to obliterate life in smaller quantities than would be the case with his selection of much bigger intercontinental nuclear missiles. Well, that’s a relief! Anyway, while Putin and his Pyongyang playmate threaten humanity’s continued existence, more sober minds are using nuclear technology for more altruistic purposes. And a site near Hartbeespoort, once used to develop weapons of mass destruction, is at the forefront.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Nuclear Miracles
What do you think of when you hear the word “nuclear”? The iconic mushroom clouds of an atomic explosion? The devastating fallout from Chernobyl or Fukushima? Well, a group of local scientists wants you to see nuclear differently: a way to save lives. The team based at Pelindaba in the North West is at the cutting edge of research that’s promising great results in the treatment of advanced cancer. Carte Blanche takes a tour behind the scenes.
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
Stellenbosch Student Abductions
It’s a summer night in peaceful, picturesque Stellenbosch and students are taking to the streets to party with their friends. But beneath the surface of this typical weekend scene, danger lurks. A group of girls walking home together realise that a car is following them. A couple taking in the view at the nearby Franschhoek Pass are bundled into the back of a car. Hours later, parents receive a frightening demand: money, or we kill your son. From muggings to abductions, violent crime in Stellenbosch is on the rise. What will it take to protect students?
Producer: Catherine Rice | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
Isabella’s Dream
On 28 September, South Africans cheered as our nation’s heroes took to the field to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship final. But the pluckiest person on the field was fighting not for a trophy, but for her life. Ten-year-old Isabella Esterhuyse is undergoing intense chemotherapy to combat the cancer invading her body. But her spirit remains undaunted. An avid rugby fan, her dream was to meet the Springboks… But, as she walked into the stadium holding Siya Kolisi’s hand, it was Isabella who captured the nation’s hearts.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Masa Kekana
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
Stormy Conditions
An organisation being torn apart from the inside – what the conflict between two ANC heavyweights reveals about the party. Then, another fail for former Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane. Later, the US hurricanes serve as a sobering preview of things to come. And a Minister on a mission – Gayton McKenzie delivers on his promises. But first, now that the City of Tshwane has a new mayor at the helm, two coalition role players are pulling in two very different directions. On the one hand, we have the DA making demands – give us back our mayor, or else. And on the other, the EFF is showing us its mature side and calling for stability. All this while the battle for Ekurhuleni heats up…
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Living on the Dead
These days, it’s not unusual to see informal settlements springing up on even the smallest pockets of vacant land – the result of a housing, economic and law enforcement crisis. But you would surely think that the spaces set aside for burying our dead would be respected. Sadly, that’s not the case. In the Eastern Cape’s Buffalo City Municipality, public cemeteries have fallen into such a state of disrepair and neglect, they’ve become targets for land invasion. We were alarmed by reports that graveyards had become informal settlements, but nothing could have prepared us for what we encountered when we visited Buffalo City for ourselves.
Govan Whittles: Best TV Presenter 2024
He’s the presenter who interviewed Shauwn Mkhize, he visited Buffalo City’s multi-million rand ‘stoep’, and even jumped out of a plane – all to bring you the stories that matter. Now, you can vote for him as Best TV Presenter at the #SAFTAs18 by dialling *120*32020# and selecting option 5.
Ghost Squad: Illegal Street Racing
On a well-known highway in Cape Town, under the cover of darkness, several vehicles speed down the road at over 200 km an hour. In an instant, one vehicle swerves out of control, flips into the air, and crashes. It’s a scene that’s becoming all too familiar as illegal street racers take to the city’s highways. It’s a dangerous pastime that has led to several accidents and fatalities. But the Cape Town Metro Police is pushing back with the Ghost Squad, an elite unit of officers with exceptional driving skills, which was formed to combat this threat. Operating with unmarked vehicles and covert tactics, the squad has become the frontline in a battle against street racers who show little regard for the law or human life.
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