“As with most crimes, what began as a trickle has become a flood as syndicates quickly figure out the rewards offered by kidnappings outweigh the risks. In the Eastern Cape in particular, what were once isolated incidents mostly targeting the Ethiopian community have now become regular abductions of a far broader range of targets. We can only hope police are able to crush the groups responsible before a growing scourge becomes a national crisis.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Kidnap Kingpins
Since 2022, foreign nationals – especially Ethiopian businessmen – have been targeted by kidnappers in the Eastern Cape. Now it’s become an all-out war. In Qonce (formerly King William’s Town), the community says at least two people are taken every week, with the kidnappers demanding ransom from their families. On the ground, informants and security experts say they’ve narrowed down the location of the kidnapping kingpins. They say that organised crime syndicates have taken root in the province and allege that police are involved. According to some insiders, these small-scale kidnappings provide much-needed capital for the syndicates to operate on a larger, more lucrative scale; targeting wealthy South African business owners. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Surviving the Valencian Floods
In late October, South African mother-of-four Lindie Jackson was enjoying an ordinary day in her new home city, Valencia in Spain. Then torrential rains and flooding hit the coastal city. It would become the deadliest flood in modern Spanish history, killing more than 220 people. Within minutes of receiving the flood alert warning, the streets had become submerged in fast-flowing muddy water. In every street, cars piled on top of each other, pavements were completely ripped up and debris was everywhere. For people like Lindie, the unfolding disaster was terrifying. Now, she shares the harrowing details, revealing governance failures as extreme weather conditions continue to batter cities around the world.
Producer & Presenter: Nickolaus Bauer
Joburg’s Literary Lottery
In Johannesburg’s inner city, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored. Known as the Literary District, it’s the unlikely home to a treasure trove of books from some of the world’s best-known African and international authors. From one-of-a-kind collectables tucked away in the basement of the Rand Club, to second-hand paperback novels sold on the street – this area boasts more than 70 booksellers within an approximate one-kilometre radius. Former Agence France-Presse journalist Griffin Shea is one of them, and he has spent the past decade compiling a detailed map to help book lovers navigate the district. Carte Blanche explores the inner city’s surprising reading culture.
Producer: Jeannine Snyman & Stenette Grosskopf | Presenter: Masa Kekana
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
How Many Ships to a Navy?
Decriminalising illegal mining? Some say that’s the solution to our zama zama problem. Then, the EFF is on life support – can it survive the mass exodus? Also, how many ships do you need to make a navy? Just one, it seems. And why doing something good could land you in court… But first – a massive study into South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis was published last week. With nearly 20 000 households surveyed – consisting of roughly 50% men and 50% women from all walks of life – it serves as a serious wake-up call to government.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Sebokeng’s Children – Making A Difference Trust
The Carte Blanche Making A Difference Trust has a longstanding relationship with Sebokeng Regional Hospital. In the last decade, the Trust has built two paediatric high-care wards at Sebokeng, but they’re operating beyond capacity. Meanwhile, at Sebokeng – as at other regional hospitals – children are traumatised by their exposure to violence and illness in the emergency department they share with the community’s adults. So the Trust stepped in again. In 2023, construction began on a first-of-its-kind Paediatric Emergency Unit, where children will be treated by specialist doctors using equipment designed for their tiny bodies. This week, the Trust proudly unveiled the completed, state-of-the-art facility and handed it over to the hospital, its community and, most importantly, its children.
Chicken-less Eggs
Arturo Elizondo, a young American inventor, is revolutionising the global food system with his groundbreaking innovation of chicken-less egg whites. Arturo’s foray into food security and sustainability was driven by his ambition to reimagine the future of food. He developed the world’s first animal-free egg – crafted using precision fermentation – and it’s already made its debut in some Michelin-starred kitchens. Arturo’s mission is simple: to create greater access to sustainable protein while preserving our planet for future generations. His story is one of disruption, determination, and hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
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.
NEWS & VIEWS
Shauwn Mkhize: Clean Sheet?
In April this year, Shauwn Mkhize surprised us when she (and her legal team) agreed to a sit-down interview. MaMkhize spoke to Govan Whittles about the SARS matter, tenders, and whether or not she’s a convicted fraudster.
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