On Sunday we feature an update on the withdrawal of the country’s biggest-ever SLAPP suit – that is Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation. It’s a story that resonates with us because we, too, have suffered at the hands of people hoping to intimidate us into not pursuing particular stories. Like the people featured in Sunday’s update, we will also never back down. – John Webb, Executive Producer
Please note: The line-up change below; the story on sex offenders in schools will air at a later time.
Care Home of Horrors
It’s a care facility in Pretoria intended for elderly, homeless, mentally and physically disabled people. But in recent months, serious allegations of neglect and verbal abuse have emerged. Residents are allegedly crammed up to thirteen in a house riddled with bedbugs, sharing a single bathroom, often without hot water and electricity. They claim caregivers withhold medication and feed them poorly, leaving many malnourished. The Department of Social Services has been called in but denied access; for the desperate residents, there’s been little reprieve. Carte Blanche investigates why some residents have been left in such a terrible state.
Producer: Mart-Marie Faure | Presenter: Govan Whittles
The Lipstick Artist
Ricollin Moodley is no ordinary artist. He’s turning coffee, Woolies grocery bags and even lipstick into art. The self-taught artist from the South Coast has gained recognition for his unique creations, but his art has been both a creative outlet in difficult circumstances and a way to provide for his family when food is scarce. In 2020, Ricollin’s life was thrown into turmoil when his father lost his job. But a chance encounter with a good Samaritan helped him take his art to the next level – and take care of his family. Now, with little more than lipstick and a brush, Ricollin is slowly making his dreams come true.
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
NOW STREAMING
Chaos on the Lesotho Border
Lesotho is surrounded by three of our provinces: KZN, the Free State, and Eastern Cape. It’s a border that stretches for just under a thousand kilometres. It’s tough terrain that’s difficult to patrol – a role that’s left to the SANDF. But, if locals are to be believed, they’re failing dismally to deliver on their mandate, leaving communities along the border vulnerable to theft and violent crime. It comes as our Home Affairs minister recently commended the police and border officials for their effective operations during the festive season. As Masa Kekana reports, he may want to take a trip to the foot of the Maluti Mountains.
SA20: For the Love of Cricket
For years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has dominated the international cricket calendar. It’s where the best men’s T20 players converge each year in a tournament that is bursting with support and no shortage of cash. As our local cricket scene limped along – not helped by poor performances on the field – some forward thinkers recognised an opportunity to breathe fresh life into a stagnating sport. In 2023, the SA20 league was launched to much fanfare and a healthy dose of scepticism, but it didn’t disappoint.
SANDF Under Siege
It’s a tragedy that’s led to calls for political resignations, a military withdrawal and a diplomatic spat with Rwanda. Fourteen of our soldiers, part of a military intervention force in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, were killed in a vicious firefight for control of the key city of Goma. The deaths were reportedly inflicted by a rebel group called M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda. That country’s president, Paul Kagame, dismissed the claim and scoffed at South Africa’s threat of war. So, should the SANDF be in the DRC in the first place, and how capable is it?
NEWS & VIEWS
UPDATE: 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. Merchiston Preparatory School headmaster, Llewellyn Bragin, 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.
In September last year, the Pietermaritzburg High Court overturned the Education Department’s decision to lift Bragin’s suspension and interdicted him from returning to Merchiston. However, on 14 February 2025, the School Governing Body (SGB) filed an urgent application to have Bragin’s appointment set aside entirely. In its filing, the SGB claims Bragin misrepresented his education qualifications as well as previous experience when he originally applied for the position. The SGB also questioned whether Bragin does indeed have BA degree.
In response, Bragin told News24 that the latest court action was “part of an agenda to make sure I don’t return to the school”.
Carte Blanche reported on this ongoing legal battle late last year. You can watch the full story now on our website.
UPDATE: Knysna’s Collapse
Knysna, once the jewel of the Garden Route, has suffered years of mismanagement, poor service delivery and a failing municipal council. While the rot set in some time ago, a change in the local administration to an ANC-led multi-party coalition appeared to have accelerated the town’s decline in the year following the change of governance. In 2024, as Knysna faced bankruptcy, Carte Blanche investigated what caused the downfall of one of the country’s most celebrated tourist destinations.
At the time, we asked whether then-Knysna Mayor, Aubrey Tsengwa was the best man for the job. And what were his immediate plans to fix some of Knysna’s most pressing crises? Tsengwa’s response didn’t inspire confidence and now, nearly a year later, he has been removed from office following a successful motion of no confidence. The motion was tabled by the EFF with support from the Knysna Independent Movement. “Aubrey Tsengwa’s removal is long overdue given rampant allegations of corruption and misconduct,” the DA’s Ryan Smith said.
Watch our full interview with Tsengwa now on the Carte Blanche website.
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