Carte Blanche: The Podcast

Something is rotten in the state of… Joburg. From libraries to roads and everything in between – 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 – how breathing and hamsters can help you chill. But first, we reflect on Pravin Gordhan's legacy. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

In this special crime-focused extended episode, we ask how a Memorandum of Understanding can potentially turn the tide against crime in the Western Cape. Then, no one is safe from extortion rackets - not even schools... Later, why are food poisoning incidents on the rise? And how one man turned personal tragedy into triumph for hundreds of disabled children nationwide. But first, amaPanyaza is here to stay! Why is Panyaza Lesufi not willing to let go of his beloved crime prevention unit? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

An SOE shakeup is welcomed by most – so is it a move in the right direction?

Then, from podcasts to politics – what Roman Cabanac’s controversial appointment says about the DA. Later, do we have a compromised Minister of Justice? And bringing the gees to the Paralympics in Paris. But first, as we celebrate day 160 of no loadshedding, it seems South Africa has reached a crucial turning point in our 17-year-long energy crisis. Pessimists will say: don’t hold your breath, while optimists (such as ourselves) are eagerly awaiting a blackout-free summer. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Scorpions 2.0 is a go after years of delays… Then, the forgotten continent – mpox shows how Africa is often overlooked. Later, a win for South Africans as inflation hits a three-year low. And forget about free Willy. It’s free Charlie the Elephant! But first, as many South Africans struggle to come to terms with the murder of 16-year-old Deveney Nel earlier this month, and the family of slain Pastry Princess, Thembekile Letlape, try and come to terms with her death at the hands of an alleged abusive boyfriend, we ask – once again – what needs to happen for women and girls in South Africa to be safe? Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Out with the old and in with the… uhm, new? Dada Morero takes over as Joburg mayor. Then, the latest unemployment figures highlight the desperate situation so many South Africans find themselves in. Later, a new Human Trafficking report places South Africa at the centre of criminal networks operating across the continent. And does a sperm donor a father make? A recent ruling says: no. But first: Floyd Shivambu – one of the founding members of the Economic Freedom Fighters – defected in dramatic fashion last week, leaving the political party facing an uncertain future. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

From Khayelitsha shootout to courtroom misfire – why an open-and-closed case was scrapped from the roll. Later, a worsening scholar transport crisis is putting our children at risk. Then, xenophobic bullies take aim at a Miss SA contestant, while xenophobes in the UK wreak havoc. And an Olympics of a different kind as space geeks unite in Cape Town. But first, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party continues making headlines for all the wrong reasons – this time for its seemingly out-of-the-blue decision to oust at least 15 of its MPs. The party says: this was always the plan, but others warn this has the makings of an aggressive takeover. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The youth are getting thrifty – how Gen Z and Millennials are reclaiming their financial power. Then, Kabelo Gwamanda must go! But is he the only one to blame for Joburg’s ruin?

Later, an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga. How did government miss it? And gold, silver and bronze – our Olympic athletes are bringing home the medals. But first, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (known as AGOA) is once again topping the agenda as the United States is seemingly warming to the idea of keeping South Africa around as a trade partner. Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry and his Deputy are confident our membership will be renewed. But there’s still a lot that could happen between now and September next year. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Is government’s plan to get off the greylist being hampered by some estate agents and lawyers? Then, we talk about the p-word – no, not that one. We ask whether privatisation is the answer. Later, chartreuse green, coconut trees and brats – Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign is giving. And welcome to the International Space Station. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave… But first, as Carte Blanche wraps up its two-part investigation into extortion rackets in the Western Cape, we ask what needs to happen to prevent yet another crime trend from taking hold. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The GNU looks stable, but some GPUs are seemingly headed for the ICU. Then, why it’s time for the EFF to speak up about VBS.Later, Independent Media’s big blunder as a bizarre campaign targets the wrong man. And with the Paris Olympics just days away, we focus on the star South African athletes going for gold. But first, Parliament is in session and there’s a lot of work to be done. Why last week’s Opening of Parliament Address gives us hope for the next five years… Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The Gauteng Cabinet is crumbling as the ANC, DA and EFF struggle to see eye-to-eye. Then, starting claims made by the former CEO of VBS Mutual Bank. But are these just the ramblings of man desperate for a lighter sentence? Why appointing a jaded former judge to the JSC has experts concerned. And some closure in the Life Esidimeni tragedy. But first, just days into his tenure as new Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie ruffled a few feathers. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook