“Earlier this week, I had an interesting conversation with the producer of Sunday’s Transnet insert. After a rigorous interview that clearly didn’t go as well as the parastatal had hoped, we were asked to allow them another opportunity to provide additional “context” for their responses. The producer and I agreed that we were fully aware of the context and wouldn’t entertain this obvious attempt at “double dipping” their right to reply to the allegations put to them. There’s too much at stake in this country to allow additional breathing space to those we are compelled to hold to account.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Clear and Present Danger
In South Africa, stories of sexual predators operating inside schools regularly grab headlines. With the trust that parents place in teachers to look after their children, it might be expected that teachers are properly vetted before they are employed. But it appears that criminal background checks for incoming teachers have, for years, been a blind spot for provincial education departments across the country. In 2023, the Department of Basic Education spearheaded a drive to “vet” almost half a million teachers and support staff working in South African public schools. Two years later, very little progress has been made, and it’s almost certain that convicted sex offender teachers have continued to hide in plain sight. One teacher raped a 12-year-old girl at a farm school in the rural Western Cape in 2011. Years later, the survivor tells Carte Blanche her life is still in ruins. Will her appeal to the Department fall on deaf ears?
Producer: Daneel Knoetze | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Transnet’s Trip-Up
In December 2023, Transnet announced that it had bought seven second-hand Rubber Tyre Gantries (RTGs). These large, mobile cranes are vital machinery that help load and unload shipping containers in port, and the purchase promised to ease equipment failures and delays in Cape Town’s Port Terminal. But one RTG was non-operational on arrival and, within two years, most of the others were experiencing running breakdowns almost every week. Meanwhile, Transnet’s inefficiencies and equipment failures have caused prolonged delays which have had a severe impact on the shipping industry, and stakeholders are furious.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Smart Swipes
South Africans have an addiction, and we don’t even know it. In just about every wallet and on every phone sit dozens of shopping rewards cards – from Checkers Xtra Savings to Clicks ClubCard, Dis-Chem Benefits to Woolworths WRewards and Pick n Pay Smart Shopper. These loyalty programmes have become a currency of their own as points, cashback and discounts offer a form of financial relief in South Africa’s tough economy. But while consumers chase rewards to stretch their rands, believing they’re getting the better end of the deal, there’s a trade-off. Loyalty programmes are a massive business built on our data – and most of us don’t even think about it. South Africans love loyalty programmes, but are they really helping us save, or are we just playing into the game exactly as companies planned?
Producer: Floris Kotze | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
NOW STREAMING
Care Home of Horrors
It’s a well-known care facility in Gauteng, with a reputation as a sanctuary for the elderly, the homeless and those living with mental and physical disabilities. It’s received generous donations and media coverage, but Uncle Ben’s Den has recently faced shocking allegations of verbal abuse, unhygienic living conditions and the malnutrition of some of its residents. While investigating the claims, we were invited to see the facility first-hand. So, unannounced, we took up the offer. For the full story, get DStv Stream
NEWS & VIEWS
Time’s Running Out for Shauwn Mkhize
On Thursday, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court ordered the Royal AM football club – owned by Shauwn Mkhize – to disclose any interested buyers to SARS so the revenue service can finalise the sale of the debt-ridden club. This in an attempt to recover roughly R40 million in tax debt from Mkhize. However, should the sale go through, the buyer will also inherit a staggering R14 million debt which is owed to Serbian player and former Royal AM striker, Samir Nurkovic.
In 2024, we reported on a controversial sponsorship deal between Royal AM and the Msunduzi Local Municipality. At the time, the mayor defended the deal, saying it would benefit the city in the long run. But towards the end of January this year, the municipality stated it would consider terminating the deal.
At the time, Carte Blanche referred to Mkhize as a “convicted fraudster”, something she vehemently denied. So, we offered her the opportunity to clear her name – and she accepted. In an explosive interview with Govan Whittles, the flamboyant tenderpreneur pushed back against our claims.
UPDATE: SLAPP in the Face
The Greater Kyalami Conservancy (GEKCO) is dedicated to protecting unique wetlands that border Johannesburg. So, when property developers announced plans to build new commercial and housing estates on its doorstep, pushback was inevitable. That pushback came from GEKCO itself, as they fought against the company behind the plans, Century Property Developments. It resulted in an eye-watering multi-million rand damages claim against GEKCO and its chair in 2021. Some legal experts described it as an attempt to intimidate – a growing trend among big corporates the world over. But, as ever, the little guys refuse to buckle.
FULL STORY: SLAPP in the Face
In a rapidly expanding city, where housing development is sorely needed, residents’ rights to ensure building projects proceed on a sustainable basis have to be carefully balanced. Now, one successful developer, working to bring relief to the housing needs in the Diepsloot area west of Johannesburg, has brought a R197-million lawsuit against a small environmental organisation that has dedicated its existence to ensuring responsible development on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Is it a legitimate claim for real damages brought on by the delays that objections in the public participation process have caused? Or is this a case of so-called Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) – an abusive bullying tactic to undermine legitimate expression?
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The SANDF in the DRC
In 2016, escorted by the legendary Rooivalk combat helicopter, Carte Blanche travelled to a recently-captured military camp deep in the tropical forests north of Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. John Webb gained exclusive access to the SANDF’s forward-operating bases in the infamous Triangle of Death in North Kivu Province as we visited our soldiers on the frontline in the battle against ADF rebels. We found soldiers who had distinguished themselves both in the field of battle as well as in crucial combat support roles, and SANDF pilots operating as part of the UN’s aviation unit who had fast developed a reputation for skill and courage. Carte Blanche also met the SANDF’s General Derrick Mgwebi who was appointed to head the overall UN peacekeeping operation in the DRC – one of the largest peacekeeping mission in the world.
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
Facebook: Carte Blanche #CarteBlanche
Twitter / X: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
Threads: carteblanchetv
