“A colleague is currently filming a doccie off remotest Indonesia. Even there, schools of exotic fish share apparently endless reefs with chip packets and ziplock bags. So, while it’s perfectly understandable to get caught up in the thrill of Bokkie’s return to the ocean, we shouldn’t forget why her rehabilitation was necessary in the first place.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
See No Evil
In the shadows of South Africa’s spiritual landscape, a sinister practice is claiming lives: exorcisms gone wrong. In KwaZulu-Natal , one family is demanding justice after the tragic death of their 17-year-old daughter. Prior to her death, Thozama Sonjica’s family suspected that her uncharacteristic disobedience and bad behaviour signalled something far more sinister. They suspected that she, along with her group of friends, may be possessed by demonic forces. The local pastor confirmed their worst fears – the devil was at work – and he ordered an exorcism be performed on the children. But during the ritual, something went horribly wrong. Five days later and after enduring prolonged torture at the hands of her tormentors, Thozama succumbed to her injuries. But this isn’t an isolated incident in South Africa. Carte Blanche goes inside the secretive world of so-called Exorcisms.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Forged Promises
She was once a trusted attorney in Malalane, Mpumlanga. Friends and clients alike used her legal expertise on various matters. But in the last few years, she’s allegedly used her position in the community to orchestrate a series of elaborate frauds – targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses with high-value property transactions and investment opportunities. Over the course of several years, she allegedly misappropriated millions of rands from her clients by fabricating legal documents, forging communications, and creating false identities. In each case, this well-known lawyer leveraged her clients’ trust by convincing them to invest large sums of money into property deals or investment projects, assuring them that she was handling the legal and financial aspects. But she wasn’t. Instead, she’s left a trail of frustrated clients who say she’s ruined their lives. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Jana Marx | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Bokkie the Turtle
On 21 October 2023 – as the Springboks beat England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in Paris – across the world on the coast of South Africa, an injured, barnacle-covered turtle washed up on Struisbaai beach. She was rescued by a local who contacted the Turtle Rescue Network. The turtle was in severe distress and some believed it wouldn’t be alive for much longer. Over several weeks, volunteers tried to save the turtle, which was also missing a flipper. But the frightened animal was resilient and within months, the team could see a substantial improvement in her health. Buoyed by her fighting spirit, the team aptly named her “Bokkie” in honour of the mighty Springboks.
Producer: Diana Lucas | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
The Trump Card
Cape Town’s criminal underworld is up for grabs following Mark Lifman’s murder. Then, caught in a debt spiral – it’s time for government to clean house. Later, spam calls be gone! And how well do you know your national symbols? But first: it’s been called one of the most dramatic political comebacks in recent history. As Donald Trump wins a second term in the Oval Office, his election victory reveals a lot about the American voter. With just over half of the US population saying, “Yes, we want more of Trump”, his presidency is sure to deliver a fair amount of chaos. But with promises of better living conditions, most Americans are seemingly more than willing to put up with it. The rest of the world be damned…
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Poisoned: An Investigation
Last week, more than a hundred children from the same Gauteng school were rushed to hospital with suspected food poisoning. Hours later, 38 children in the Free State also needed medical help after eating sweets and snacks, reportedly from the same source. Several other provinces have similarly reported cases of children becoming violently ill with apparent food poisoning. Some have tragically died. But for years, government appears to have ignored warnings about the availability of deadly chemicals sold at spaza shops and by street vendors. Our team went undercover for an investigation that delivered startling results.
People vs Primates
In Simon’s Town and Kommetjie in the Western Cape, residents are facing off against a familiar opponent: baboons. For years, both communities have tolerated the growing numbers of baboons moving around the villages in search of food. But, over time, tensions between people and these primates have reached boiling point. The baboons have become so habituated to living in town that they no longer fear people. Several homeowners have reported baboons breaking into their houses, looking for food. Some parents say their children are too afraid to play outside in their gardens. This is a crisis that’s been decades in the making and it’s pitting neighbour against neighbour as frustrated residents turn on each other.
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.
NEWS & VIEWS
Soccer’s Lost Legacy
In a village in Zeerust in the North West, 16-year-old Kutlwano Motswenyane plays soccer with his friends on a dusty field. He dreams of becoming an international football star. But with scarce resources in this community, his future is bleak. This shouldn’t be the case. In 2010, South Africa hosted the FIFA Soccer World Cup. The reward for its success was a R450-million cash injection to form a Legacy Trust Fund to support and develop the game. The Legacy Trust should’ve become South Africa’s soccer heritage but, more than a decade later, it’s been milked dry, providing no benefit to players like Kutlwano.
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