{"id":23008,"date":"2024-09-20T11:08:41","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T09:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/?p=23008"},"modified":"2024-09-20T11:08:47","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T09:08:47","slug":"coming-up-on-carte-blanche-22-september-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2024\/09\/20\/coming-up-on-carte-blanche-22-september-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Coming Up On Carte Blanche – 22 September 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cI reported on the Ghost Squad when it was launched all those years ago. Back then, many questioned the wisdom of a specialised undercover unit focussing purely on traffic violations. Good to see it\u2019s not only still operating but making a significant difference.\u201d<\/em> – John Webb, Executive Producer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/iWd9Jkek-8o\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Police Force or Service?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In KwaZulu-Natal, shootouts between police and gun-wielding criminals are becoming the norm. Since the start of the year, close to 100 criminal suspects have been killed by police in running gun battles. KZN isn\u2019t the province with the highest or even the second-highest levels of violent crime in the country, but its police are becoming notorious for \u201cfighting fire with fire\u201d. At the centre of it all is the province\u2019s top brass, led by the provincial Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who insists that police are at war with criminals intent on bloodshed. But is this approach justified? In a wide-ranging interview, Carte Blanche sits down with Mkhwanazi to ask the hard questions around the emergence of a police force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Govan Whittles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ghost Squad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On a well-known highway in Cape Town, under the cover of darkness, several vehicles speed down the road at over 200 km an hour. In an instant, one vehicle swerves out of control, flips into the air, and crashes. It’s a scene that\u2019s becoming all too familiar as illegal street racers take to the city\u2019s highways. It\u2019s a dangerous pastime that has led to several accidents and fatalities. But the Cape Town Metro Police is pushing back with the Ghost Squad, an elite unit of officers with exceptional driving skills, which was formed to combat this threat. Operating with unmarked vehicles and covert tactics, the squad has become the frontline in a battle against street racers who show little regard for the law or human life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Govan Whittles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/MZywlf4MFwE\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Penguin Ranger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On Robben Island, the small colony of African Penguins is often difficult to spot. Worldwide, global warming has taken its toll on this endangered species, its impact most evident in the birds\u2019 dwindling numbers – even on this island haven. The surviving colony has become an iconic feature, with visitors strictly prohibited from accessing their position. In fact, Yandisa Cwecwe is one of only a handful of people who\u2019ve been granted unfettered access. She’s the island’s lone penguin ranger, her sole purpose is to look after the penguins… and she isn\u2019t giving up on their survival just yet. Every morning, Yandisa collects crucial data for researchers and ensures the safety and security of the remaining breeding pairs that call the island home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Annalise Lubbe | Presenter: Erin Bates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Joburg Files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Something is rotten in the state of\u2026 Joburg. From libraries to roads and everything in between \u2013 we look at the Joburg Files. Then, Helen Joseph Hospital hell. Later, wage negotiation season is officially open. Why public servants are fighting an uphill battle. We also discuss the rather bizarre US presidential debate. And a lesson in zen \u2013 how breathing and hamsters can help you chill. But first, we reflect on Pravin Gordhan’s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n