“Over the years, we’ve exposed several rehab facilities marketing themselves as centres of altruism while abusing the people in their care. Many also claim to be founded on Christian principles. So, there’s a feeling of déjà vu about Sunday’s investigation as, sure enough, the controversial founder proudly proclaims his religious credentials just as four members of his team face serious criminal charges.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
March and March
In a country wrestling with historic inequality and growing unemployment, a grassroots movement is demanding action on illegal immigration – and dividing public opinion. Led by a former radio personality, the March and March campaign insists it is not xenophobic, but patriotic: fighting for local jobs and against the strain on public services, and what it sees as the erosion of citizen rights. We follow the controversial campaign from its inception in KwaZulu-Natal to its growing national momentum, and unpack what it says about race, justice, and who truly belongs.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Deadly Deliverance
A young man in the grip of cannabis-induced psychosis is admitted to a Christian rehab centre on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Days later, his body is found barefoot, shirtless and beaten so badly, it looks like torture. Witnesses provide shocking accounts, and investigations reveal the centre has no doctors, no therapists, and no psychiatric oversight. What really happened to this young man inside the facility which promised healing through prayer? His family believes he was murdered – and witnesses claim he’s not the first.
Producer: Latashia Naidoo | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Sublime Crew
Terri was a dance mom, supporting her son from the sidelines at every practice session – until the coach convinced her to try dancing herself. Now, four nights a week without fail, she shows up to train with her hip-hop dance crew: all women, all over 35. They each carry something: kids, health worries, financial stress… Terri’s son is fighting for his life in hospital, but she’s dancing for them both. These women have carved out space to chase a dream. And they’re living proof that rhythm, grit and a love for dance have no age limit.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Erin Bates
WATCH AGAIN
Medical Xenophobia (2022)
Abandoned, abused, and exploited in a place of care. After sporadic verbal attacks by politicians and more violent ones by self-styled vigilantes, Carte Blanche re-examines what the Constitution and health laws say about emergency and maternal care for foreigners in local hospitals. Despite humane policies, xenophobia has found a new target and it’s affecting the most vulnerable: children and expectant mothers. It’s violating the joy of foreign-born women bringing new life into the world through an often-cruel reception and demands for payment. This is the ugly scourge of medical xenophobia and obstetric violence in SA hospitals.
Cash for Days (2024)
On a long-distance bus from Pretoria to the Beitbridge border post, the conductor makes his passengers an irresistible offer: he can help them extend their stay in South Africa beyond the 90-day legal limit – for a small fee. Many of his passengers are undocumented foreign nationals who should be on their way back to Zimbabwe. Instead, they’ll pay the fee to obtain a new 90-day stamp and “legally” remain in the country. Many of them won’t even stand face to face with the customs official who stamps their passports. On these long-distance buses, this practice – called buying days – is common, as bus drivers and Home Affairs officials line their pockets at the expense of those desperate to remain in South Africa.
Granny Grommets (2024)
It’s an early Friday morning on Nahoon Beach in the Eastern Cape, and Susan Matthee and her best friend, Riana Swanepoel, are stepping outside their normal routine. Stripping off their vintage jewellery and silk scarves, Susan and Riana don their wetsuits and strap boogie boards to their wrists to catch the morning wave. And they aren’t alone. They belong to a group of dozens of women – all over 50 – who aren’t content with settling into stereotypical hobbies for the elderly. Looking for a little action and excitement, they’ve committed themselves to doing something out-of-the-box in their twilight years. They call themselves the Granny Grommets: elderly amateur boogie boarders with a taste for adventure. Carte Blanche caught some waves with these senior citizens.
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