{"id":24170,"date":"2025-09-26T14:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T12:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/?p=24170"},"modified":"2025-09-26T14:00:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T12:00:48","slug":"coming-up-on-carte-blanche-28-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2025\/09\/26\/coming-up-on-carte-blanche-28-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Coming Up On Carte Blanche – 28 September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cIn our investigation into Alabuga Start, a government spokesperson makes the point that \u2018if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.\u2019 It\u2019s a well-worn statement we\u2019ve repeated dozens of times ourselves over the years. Heaven knows, we\u2019ve had ample opportunity given the sheer volume of scams that come across our desks. And the latest Russian iteration is as transparently \u2018too good to be true\u2019 as any other we\u2019ve exposed. Sadly, the messaging isn\u2019t working, so we may have to come up with a different way of forewarning potential victims. How about, \u2018if they\u2019ll pay for your stay, stay the hell away\u2019?\u201d – John Webb, Executive Producer<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/TgkjsOg41TU\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alabuga Start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A recruitment programme touted by local influencers promises jobs and training. The only condition: relocation to Russia. But as young women prepare to uproot their lives in the name of opportunity, suspicion flourishes. Influencers marketing the programme admit they have no idea what the recruits will be doing overseas. When a public outcry accuses them of participating in human trafficking, they delete the posts and issue public apologies. Government issues a stern warning against the programme. But who is really behind the drive to recruit young South African women to Russia? Carte Blanche <\/strong><\/em>investigates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Sebe Buthelezi | Presenter: Masa Kekana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Refinery for a Rand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Why has government bought a broken oil refinery, while global companies simply walk away? It was the country\u2019s largest crude oil refinery \u2013 supplying around a third of our fuel \u2013 until it was flooded in 2022. Then, last year, after Durban\u2019s SAPREF refinery had stood derelict for months, government agreed to buy it for the symbolic sum of R1. Leaked documents raise red flags about the purchase, while activists say the sale allows international oil giants to shirk responsibility for polluting local communities. How was government persuaded into a deal that will commit the country to a fossil fuel future? And who will pay the true price?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producer: Marion Edmunds | Presenter: Erin Bates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spinning Right \u2018Round<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s the face of a viral phenomenon that started right here at home. Spinning: it\u2019s part motorsport, part stunt. It\u2019s uniquely accessible, welcoming participants from all backgrounds and communities. And like spinning itself, Samkeliso \u201cSam Sam\u201d Thubane has emerged from local roots to dominate the world stage. Growing up in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Sam Sam\u2019s passion and talent for motorsports was evident from a tender age. This year, he performed at the opening of the Red Bull Hangar-7 in Salzburg, Austria. Carte Blanche <\/strong><\/em>spends a day in the life of a global superstar on the rise \u2013 a young man spinning not only cars, but culture, identity and possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

NOW STREAMING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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