“In the coming weeks, we’ll broadcast two inserts that shine a light on gun ownership. I don’t own one myself and have in the past been critical of those who do. But it’s increasingly hard to ignore the arguments in favour of having a gun at one’s side when criminals strike. As the Sidney Hill case shows, though, successfully fighting them off signals the beginning rather than the end of the trauma.”
– John Webb, Executive Producer
Illegal Chrome: Undermined
It’s a valuable component of steel, essential to arms manufacture and construction. And with rich deposits available just under the earth’s surface, it’s a tempting target for illegal miners. But in Limpopo, the unchecked hunt for chrome is undermining communities at their very foundations. Vast open pits scar the landscape, opening up in the centre of villages to pose a threat to children and livestock. Terrified residents strike deals with zama zamas or flee the area; others hesitate to leave their homes for fear of what they might return to. Many accuse authorities of turning a blind eye – or worse. Why are vulnerable communities allegedly left to carry the cost of illegal mining alone?
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje | Presenter: Masa Kekana
In Safe Hands?
Last June, a long-term patient at a state psychiatric hospital in North West province told his sister on the phone, “They’re hurting me.” Days later, he was dead. An investigation revealed disturbing shortcomings – but the story goes beyond this isolated case. As wider allegations of sexual abuse, neglect and suspicious deaths pile up, families demand answers about what happened to their vulnerable loved ones. How safe are our most vulnerable patients in state institutions, and who is held accountable when care goes wrong?
Producer: Latashia Naidoo | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Unlikely Hero
For terrifying seconds, he faced losing everything. Last month, Sidney Hill was leaving his Pinetown home with his two young children when gunmen opened fire. What followed was captured on dashcam footage that’s since gone viral. Sidney returned fire, killing one attacker and sending the others fleeing. The public hailed him as a hero, but he and his family are grappling with the emotional aftermath of an event that’s changed their sense of safety forever. Carte Blanche meets a father confronted with a question every South African hopes they’ll never have to answer: What would you do?
Producer: Beth Neale | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
MISSED THESE MOMENTS?
Sink or Swim: Too Little, Too Late
Two months ago, Swimming SA president, Alan Fritz, and CEO Shaun Adriaanse were provisionally suspended by the Aquatics Integrity Unit on charges of fraud and abuse of power. But for athletes like Tatjana Smith, this action comes far too late.
Trade in Donkey Skins: Meat of Unknown Origin?
This informant claims Carlie van Aswegen slaughters donkeys and horses regularly for their skin and meat. Carlie denies this.
The Chris Hani Legacy: Forgiveness and Healing
Lindiwe Hani, daughter of the late Chris Hani, says her healing only began after she met the man who killed her father – Janusz Waluś.
Sink or Swim: Goggle Relay
At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Swimming SA allegedly failed to provide enough swimming goggles to athletes. It was a scenario that descended into a farce.
Trade in Donkey Skins: Little Regulation
While the Department of Agriculture maintains that donkey slaughter in SA is regulated, it adds the operating authorisation for the only approved donkey abattoir in the country has been suspended. The Department also doesn’t keep a central register of donkey skin exports.
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