“I’m often surprised by the popularity of our ‘good news’ features. The extraordinary achievements of those we glibly describe as ‘ordinary South Africans’ clearly resonate with our audience – and our story about scientist, Dr Tebogo Makhubela, will likely do the same. If I were a cynic, I might suggest these achievements are another reminder of how our politicians don’t represent the best of us.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Mocktails Uncapped
From cigarettes to sneakers, sanitary pads to sweaters… Anything can be counterfeited. But have you ever suspected your favourite bottle of spirits might not be what it appears? Counterfeit alcohol sales are spiking across the country – and it’s not only the work of small-scale “backdoor” brewers. In Boksburg, an apparently legitimate brewer supplies ingredients to black market manufacturers. An insider tells us how it’s done – from manufacturing to packaging it in recycled bottles for sale – not only on the black market, but in mainstream shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, consumers pay the price – in some cases, with their lives. Carte Blanche gets a taste of the trade.
Producer: Sebe Buthelezi | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Pickpocket Squad
A new crime trend is sweeping shopping centres and parking lots: 29 cases in just 11 months, all with the same modus operandi and the same target. Their method is simple and slick: create a distraction, lift your car keys, locate your vehicle and drive away before you’ve realised you’re a victim. The brand of car doesn’t matter: an expensive 4×4 to transport over the border, or a skedonk that can be scrapped for a quick buck. But the target is always the same: the elderly. The victims and the evidence are stacking up. But the pickpocket squad is out there, ready to pounce again.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
The Prince of Science
From humble beginnings in Soweto to ground-breaking work in palaeoscience: Dr Tebogo Makhubela’s journey is one of passion, perseverance and purpose. He turned down a conventional mining career, choosing instead to delve into the history of humankind, and helping to clarify and detail our evolutionary timeline. Now, he’s been recognised on the international stage. It’s a story of excellence, representation in science and the power of talent when it meets opportunity.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
NOW STREAMING
SA Refugees in Ireland
We spend a lot of time debating – and protesting – the number of foreigners crossing our borders in search of refuge or just a better future. But thousands of our own citizens have uprooted their lives here to seek asylum overseas. In at least one European country, self-proclaimed South African refugees are benefiting from accommodation, financial support and possibly even citizenship. But locals are beginning to push back. We head to Ireland to find out if they’re genuine asylum seekers in need of protection, or using a back door to get into Europe.
Bakgatla: Fight for Land
The Platinum Belt, which stretches across thousands of square kilometres in the north of our country, supplies around 70% of the world’s platinum. Not only that, it’s rich in nickel, copper, iron, and a host of other minerals. No wonder then that it’s a prime target for exploitation. It’s an age-old story: people living in desperate poverty while international companies profit from the wealth beneath their feet. But the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela claim that they’re being betrayed by one of their own. We headed to the North West to meet the people fighting for the land of their ancestors.
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