{"id":23049,"date":"2024-09-27T16:28:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T14:28:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/?p=23049"},"modified":"2024-09-27T16:28:43","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T14:28:43","slug":"coming-up-on-carte-blanche-29-september-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2024\/09\/27\/coming-up-on-carte-blanche-29-september-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Coming Up On Carte Blanche – 29 September 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cIn what seems a lifetime ago, I hosted a radio show on 702. Under instruction from a highly paid consultant to take calls from listeners, we relied on what were known as \u201ctalkers\u201d – topics known to ignite conversation to fill any dead air.\u00a0There\u2019s nothing that unnerves a radio host quite as much as lifeless phone lines. Capital and corporal punishment, the \u201csituation\u201d in the Middle East, and anything to do with astrology were among the topics considered bankers. These days it seems any mention of baboons is likely to generate the TV equivalent of a talker and, as was the case decades ago, not all of it will be rational.\u201d<\/em> – John Webb, Executive Producer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/opXlr4QC50Y\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

People vs Primates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Simon\u2019s Town and Kommetjie in the Western Cape, residents are facing off against a familiar opponent: baboons. For years, both communities have tolerated the growing numbers of baboons moving around the villages in search of food. But, over time, tensions between people and these primates have reached boiling point. The baboons have become so habituated to living in town that they no longer fear people. Several homeowners have reported baboons breaking into their houses, looking for food. Some parents say their children are too afraid to play outside in their gardens. This is a crisis that\u2019s been decades in the making and it\u2019s pitting neighbour against neighbour as frustrated residents turn on each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Liz Fish | Presenter: Govan Whittles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/SGLmFzdR6SI\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Terrorised by Taxis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a never-ending battle: taxi operators versus motorists. Now, in some parts of Gauteng, taxi associations are shifting gears and redirecting their anger at motorists who share rides with their colleagues, friends or family. As they battle to maintain an iron grip on the public transport market, taxi operators say that carpooling and lift clubs are impacting their bottom line, robbing them of potential clients. And, as the threats escalate, all motorists with more than one passenger in their vehicle could become targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje| Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/vdFaYY-IROI\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Blind Tour Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the heart of Salt River in Cape Town, tour guide Winston Fani leads a group of eager tourists on a two-hour walking expedition. It\u2019s a unique experience, not simply because of the giant artworks and local art studios that visitors get to enjoy, but also because Winston is completely blind. He was born partially sighted but, in his early teens, lost his sight entirely. Since then, he\u2019s learnt to adapt to the world around him. By counting steps between stops, talking to the artists and creating a whole new language to describe the attractions through his blind eyes, Winston has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Diana Lucas | Presenter: Masa Kekana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

SOE to the Rescue?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beware the lemon\u2026 A cautionary tale when it comes to buying a second-hand car. Then, another state-owned enterprise \u2013 this time to tackle our water woes. Also, how exploding pagers and walkie-talkies pave the way for a new kind of warfare. Later, how the world\u2019s smelliest fruit is contributing to skyrocketing coffee prices. And the wheels of justice turn slowly \u2013 but at least, they\u2019re turning. But first, just over two weeks into its existence, the two-pot retirement fund has already led to billions of rands making its way back into the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n