“A politician recently lamented the heavy-handedness of the City of Cape Town in enforcing certain by-laws. A man whose outspokenness is indirectly proportional to support for his party, he found it reprehensible that a city unable to provide affordable housing to the poorest of its residents should act against someone ‘feeding birds on the ground’. Clearly political expediency trumps the risk of a rodent infestation. He would do well to watch Sunday’s insert on the people rolling up their sleeves to help turn around Joburg’s (mis)fortunes and pay careful attention to their opinions on the importance of by-laws.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Justice Delayed
Eight years ago, John Chinn went to court against doctors he believes permanently damaged his health. Nearly a decade later, as his health deteriorates and his medical bills overwhelm him, he is still waiting for judgement. But John’s case is far from isolated. Our courts are buckling under the weight of deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate staff, unreliable systems, and poor security. Cases wait months or years to be heard, leaving ordinary people trapped in legal limbo. Has justice delayed become justice denied?
Producer: Mart-Marie Faure | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
Licensed to Trade
One Northern Cape farmer has won the case of a lifetime. Now, will he be allowed to sell his controversial product? Four years ago, Wicus Diedericks applied for permission to export rhino horns trimmed from the herd on his farm. When government refused to issue the permits, he took the matter to court – and won. But the standoff continues. Meanwhile, a divisive question is being put to the test: will the legal sale of rhino horn lead to regulation, or devastation for a desperately vulnerable species?
Producer: Carol Albertyn Christie | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Saving Joburg
Collapsing infrastructure, overgrown parks, and broken roads: Johannesburg’s story has become a familiar lament. Every election cycle comes with another promise that this time, things will change – while millions of residents live with the consequences. But the real story isn’t a city falling apart. It’s the people refusing to let the lights go out. We meet the residents caught between decline and defiance to ask: what does resilience in the fact of neglect look like? What’s the cost of letting a city unravel? And what makes it worth fighting for?
Producer: Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
MISSED THESE MOMENTS?
Where’s the Money?
In 2016, Karate SA received a R2-million National Lottery grant for grassroots development. Former national athlete and coach, Themba Ndlovu, alleges some of that money was used for legal costs instead.
Our Land
In 2011, an international mining giant – Jindal Steel – set its sights on the rich iron ore deposits of Zululand. The community is fighting back.
Extremely Rare
Xeroderma Pigmentosum, or XP, a rare genetic disorder where the body can’t repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light. Prof Alan Lehmann explains the symptoms.
Race to Rescue
81-year-old Augustina Katse’s home overlooks the Katse Dam in Lesotho – the highest in Africa. But before the dam was built, locals raced to save unique plants found only in this valley.
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
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