Unique stories. Unique perspectives. Carte Blanche: The Podcast delves beneath the headlines on South African and global issues, bringing you the stories that matter. Like what you hear? Drop us a rating or review.

Joining us this week is financial journalist, Ray Mahlaka to help us dissect everything from elections to what’s been happening at this past week’s World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos. Then, we ask the question: is it too late for Transnet? And promises, promises, promises. As election season kicks off, Ray tells us what he wants to see and hear from SA’s politicians. That and more, so let’s get into it.

It was when her longtime clients were most vulnerable – dealing with the passing of loved ones – that one Pretoria accountant allegedly dipped into their funds. But where were the industry watchdogs when things went very wrong?

They call it TV-on-demand – giving consumers access to hundreds of channels and streaming services, all at their fingertips. But what are you really bringing into your home with cheap, illegal TV boxes?

A hospital designed for patients and built by doctors determined to bring change. Why this new medical facility in Joburg is a game-changer.

In this extended episode, we look at what 2024 might hold. From major elections both locally and internationally, the rise of watershedding, and the dawn of AI. We also examine how global superpowers might have to step aside as Brazil, India and even South Africa are set to have greater political influence. That and so much more in the final episode of 2023.

The concept of ecopsychology is becoming a big talking point as experts encourage individuals to feel the grass beneath their feet, breathe in the fresh air, watch wildlife go about their day, or get their hands dirty in the garden. We sit down with Conservation Psychologist, Dr Andrea Marais-Potgieter. Exploring the connection between humans and nature, Andrea understands just how important it is to reconnect with the natural world while also healing nature in the process.

An out-of-the-box approach to bring their son back from the brink of death. Josh Crickmay is living a big adventure, repaying a life debt to mother nature.

It's Dezemba and it's been a whopper of a year overflowing with news events that left us stunned, surprised, infuriated, despondent, and inspired. We look back on some of the major newsmakers that had an impact on us and the nation.

He used a popular social media platform for professionals to lure his unsuspecting international clients. But once they paid up, the so-called LinkedIn Swindler disappeared with their money. But police are on his trail.

A devastating outbreak of bird flu, farmers on the brink of financial ruin and a last-ditch attempt to prevent food shortages. Can the poultry industry survive SA’s worst outbreak in recorded history?

First-time voters show up in full force, but will it be enough to effect change in the upcoming national elections? We talk about coalitions – again – as a minority party speaker takes her place in Joburg. Then, the ongoing war in Gaza hits close to home as the ANC takes a stance. And how one programme is turning learners into leaders.

It should have been a moment of celebration; hundreds of donations from generous Carte Blanche viewers delivered to children with special needs at Ikwezi Lokusa. But it almost ended in anger and frustration for the volunteers...

It’s estimated about one in four women will have a hysterectomy by the age of 55. Melanie Verwoerd became part of that statistic, and endured months of a gruelling recovery after her surgery – but now for the big question: was the operation even necessary?

We look at why Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has his sights set on Africa. Then, a Harvard report provides some clues on how to fix the country. We make sense of the Forex Cartel case involving multiple major banks. Later, the global fight against TB continues and South Africa is leading the way. And does size really matter? When it comes to small towns, the answer is no.

Fuel spiking, cross-border tax fraud, under-declaring of quantities… We expose a game of dodgy clearing agents and fake paperwork as the underground dirty fuel industry costs the country billions. We go undercover.

As South Africa continues to celebrate the Springboks' recent Rugby World Cup victory, we look back on their thrilling journey and get a glimpse of things to come.

As the war in Gaza continues, we look at the inexcusable human cost on both sides. Then, the fight against corruption continues but is government even in our corner? Later, Transnet has gone off the rails and another bail out is probably not the best solution. And hold onto hope and celebrate the beauty of South Africa as we wrap things up with a few green shoots.

Peacekeepers, force multipliers, or a Premier's private army? Hastily deployed with training still in progress and now accused of brutal assault. We investigate how Gauteng's Crime Prevention Wardens might become a law unto themselves.

She's among the rare few experts who can decipher the secrets in bones. Through her work, she reveals how and why a newborn baby passed away.

Is there a doctor in the house? Certainly not when it comes to bogus doctor, Matthew Lani. Homeless and hopeless: survivors of the Marshalltown Fire are left to fend for themselves. Then, as loadshedding makes its unwelcome return, Eskom delivers even more bad news. And we pay tribute to two inspiring individuals - Professor Shabir Madhi and Nompilo Dlamini.

It’s compact, lightweight and has a top speed of 70km an hour. In the cutthroat business of e-hailing services, the Bajaj Qute is an unwelcome competitor. But is the new kid on the block operating illegally and putting the lives of motorists and commuters at risk?

While poaching continues to decimate South Africa’s rhino, conservation efforts were given a lifeline with the purchase of the world’s largest population of privately owned rhino. Can an audacious plan by NGO African Parks to rewild 2,000 of them help save white rhino in South Africa?

The ANC wants to call it quits on partnering with the EFF. The latest Brenthurst Survey predicts some interesting 2023 election outcomes. Then, the AGOA Forum kicks off this week. And the SA Music Awards in limbo. But first, Erin Bates and Queenin Masuabi look at the Springboks' unforgettable Rugby World Cup journey and how it’s inspired a nation.

Explosions, sinkholes, earth tremors. Beneath our feet, the dangerous, volatile world of zama zamas. But could rampant illegal gold mining ultimately destroy Johannesburg?

Runner Jono Kruger runs with purpose. We meet the local hero who’s challenging poverty in the lives of children in his Eastern Cape.

The Western Cape is under siege as gang violence and organised crime takes hold. A damning report on last year’s Parliament blaze confirms what we all kind of knew. Then, is this another Life Esidimeni on the cards? The horrendous state at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital’s psychiatric ward. And the Train of Hope that’s bringing healthcare to the masses.

The Johannesburg Property Company is back in the spotlight as questions emerge around its current board, while a controversial CEO manages to stay under the radar.

He’s a popular figure in his community and a well-known pharmacist in Gauteng. Now under investigation for allegedly trading codeine on the black market, we find out what he’s been hiding.

You've listened to our recent stories on suspended lawyer Zuko Nonxuba and the terrible conditions at Ikwezi Lokusa Special School. Now, we speak to the producer behind both these ongoing investigations, Tarryn Crossman. From traversing the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in search of Nonxuba's alleged victims, to going undercover to witness the horrors at Ikwezi Lokusa - Tarryn takes us behind the camera.

We’ve seen the devastation of the Israel-Hamas War and South Africa won’t be left unscathed. Is Pravin the problem? Why our SOEs just can’t seem to get it right. Then, South Africa closes the books on Steinhoff. And grains of hope in the latest census report.

Carte Blanche is known for telling hard-hitting, impactful stories. But some stories hit harder than others, most notably our stories on matters affecting children. Two recent investigations left Masa Kekana and Govan Whittles shaken - our exposé on suspended lawyer, Zuko Nonxuba, and an undercover investigation into Ikwezi Lokhusa Special School. Masa and Govan discuss the difficulties around telling these stories and how they deal with the emotional toll that follows.

A global event hosted with a promise of the glorious legacy that would put SA soccer on the map. But a decade on, the promises lay plundered. Who stole the country’s footballing hope.

When the deadly cholera outbreak struck Hammanskraal in May, the town was invaded by media, microphones, blue lights and politicians. Promises were made. So, why are the very people who lost their loved ones to cholera still dependent on the water tankers they blame for the outbreak?

Two big findings by Parliament's Ethics Committee have everyone riled up. A doping scandal of a different kind as government misses a crucial deadline. Has South Africa passed the point of no return as kidnappings and assassinations become the order of the day? Government places its bets on the Post Bank. And two South African teachers get recognised for their work in uplifting the youth.

During the deadly taxi strike, Philippi East - a crime-ridden suburb - was caught in the crossfire. Now, with a precarious truce struck between the City of Cape Town and taxi bosses, can this community move on?

Fast cars, dirt roads and a passion for racing… Ordinarily, you wouldn’t associate this with a school. But one school in the Eastern Cape is helping students leave the classroom in the dust!

The recent Cape Town floods have us wondering just how prepared national government is for extreme weather events. Then, we look at how the ANC is failing the people of South Africa. And we reflect on the tragic lives of Zoleka and Winnie Mandela.

In the Eastern Cape, well-known lawyer, Zuko Nonxuba allegedly defrauded his young clients: children living with disabilities. But despite him operating for years, the organisation that ensures lawyers fulfil their mandate failed to stop him.

Three children are murdered in South Africa every day. The most recent crime stats reveal that 293 children were murdered between April and June this year - a 20 percent increase. Shockingly, many of these cases are unresolved.

When soccer star Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead, Zamokuhle Mbatha’s life changed forever. Charged with his brutal murder and paraded in court, he was the first suspect in the case. But the police got it wrong.

Eskom sees less loadshedding in our future. But how optimistic should we be? The National State Enterprises Bill has ruffled a few feathers. So, what does it all mean? Markus Jooste says it wasn't him. How plausible is his defence? President Ramaphosa's dubious June peace mission to Ukraine and Russia is bearing fruit - sort of. And when it comes to loadshedding, a sense of humour will get you far. Just ask Trevor Noah.

In Johannesburg, at least 77 people were killed after a fire tore through a five-storey building. Witnesses say most of the victims didn’t stand a chance. Now, as the city scrambles for answers, we investigate how hijacked buildings could bring the inner city to its knees.

Gripped by unemployment and frantic to find a way out… How ruthless job scammers are preying on job seekers.

Taking the courageous - and possibly dangerous - step of blowing the whistle on fraud and corruption has just become a lot easier. Meet the heroes of Whistleblower House where safety and support have found a new address.

National Treasury wants to tighten the purse strings and not everyone is keen on the idea. A civil servant strike has the City of Tshwane on its knees, while other metros across the country are teetering on the edge. Then, we celebrate the Rugby World Cup gees and look at ways to fix the country.

There’s virtually no game of rugby that doesn’t result in some concussion injuries. But the big question: how many knocks does it take to cause long-term, irreversible damage? We reveal breakthroughs in concussion research that help protect the players and the game.

There's no denying: the South African economy is on shaky ground. As a result, many business across the country are struggling to keep head above water, leaving many owners dent-ridden and facing impending collapse. But business rescue could be a life-saver, especially if you act early. Masa Kekana speaks to business rescue practitioners about the pros and cons of the process and why it's not necessarily the end of the road for some.

Ever since another taxi strike erupted on the streets of Cape Town in August, negotiations between City of Cape Town officials and taxi industry representative body, SANTACO, have been ongoing. Insiders say discussions have been fraught as both sides thrash out the finer points of an agreement that would not only protect commuters, but ensure there’s a mutual understanding between officials, taxi drivers and operators. We caught up with conflict resolution specialist, Andre Vlok, to find out where previous negotiations most likely fell apart, and get his views on possible long-term solutions.

Nothing to see here, folks… The Lady R report raises more questions. Why has Daily Maverick become the target of not one, but two cyber attacks? Then, the SANDF is left red-faced as classified info gets leaked. Later, big pharma bullies… We look at the recently released COVID-19 contracts. And some good news for 2000 South African rhino.

Emirates Airline Park - once the grand dame of stadiums hosting some of the biggest rugby clashes in the world. Now, as Joburg’s inner city continues to decay, this iconic stadium stands as a shadow of its former glory.

In March 2023, we investigated a Swedish businessman and self-styled philanthropist who’d made sweeping promises to an impoverished community in the Limpopo town of Alldays. We uncovered how he’d failed to keep those promises, failing the area’s children and becoming embroiled in a dispute in which the local municipality appeared reluctant to intervene. It was an outcome for which the children and their desperate carers were paying the ultimate price. But happily, things have changed as the businessman has fled the country, and the children in need were finally given access to this life-changing centre.

Violent, prolific and with an insatiable appetite for killing young boys. For years, the Station Strangler terrorised communities in the Western Cape. Now, the man once believed to be the serial murderer is on parole and his neighbours are living in fear.

A devastating fire in Johannesburg leaves over 70 people dead. But could it have been prevented? We look at Gauteng crime stats and crime wardens. Then, a vote mired in controversy: why is government keeping quiet on the Zimbabwe elections? Later, another political party is launched. This time, Ace Magashule is ready to ACT. And another shoutout to Gift of the Givers.

What does a retired prison warder, a house mother and pastor have in common? They all landed in the clutches of a notorious local scamster. We’re on the trail of a well-known Eastern Cape farmer who duped scores of victims out of their pensions.

A mother entrusts the care of her newborn to someone she knows. Within seconds, both disappear without a trace. So, how did a healthcare worker solve the case of a missing baby boy?

Years of tension between the City of Cape Town and the taxi industry came to a head this week as wanton violence spilled onto the city’s highways and streets, unwitting commuters and other civilians caught in the middle. On Thursday last week, taxi bosses unexpectedly suspended their services to embark on a week-long stay-away that left thousands of desperate commuters stranded. Many of them, including school children, attempted the long treacherous journeys home on foot. Violence soon followed as buses and other vehicles were burnt and stoned, and troublemakers sowed chaos on commuter transport routes by intimidating workers trying to get to and from work. At the centre of the stand-off was a demand that impounded taxis be released, something the City’s authorities refused to consider. By Thursday evening, and after several rounds of tense negotiations, the taxi industry finally gave in.

It was all eyes on BRICS - so what's in it for us? Then, we look at recent extreme climate events and ask: how prepared is SA government? Then, a much-needed positive development in the Zuko Nonxuba matter. And we pay tribute to Derek Watts.

Johannesburg: the City of Gold. Poorly maintained, high crime levels, dilapidated. Cape Town: the Mother City. Pristine beaches, a functioning municipality and the dark underbelly of organised crime. It’s the battle of provinces as hard-nosed Joburgers choose to escape to the Cape.

Are baseless lawsuits and intimidation shrinking the space for journalists in South Africa to speak truth to power? We investigate the rising cost of press freedom and the potentially lethal toll of fear and interference.

Sports broadcaster extraordinaire, and standing tall among the legends of the sports, Motshidisi Mohono is rugby’s First Lady.

A new COVID strain makes headlines. But no need to stock up on wine and cigarettes just yet. Then, will government hand over secretive documents relating to COVID vaccine procurement deals? Wednesday is election day for Zimbabwe and things are off to a really bad start… Later, coalition government has a dismal track record in SA. But could the Moonshot Pact make a success of it? And there’s a lot of good news: from heroic ministers to employment figures, and a rising star…

In May this year, a body was found on a beach in Macassar in the Western Cape. The victim, a young woman, had been brutally raped and murdered before being dumped in the sand. There were no witnesses, and over the next few days, three more bodies were discovered in this small community. But it wasn’t always like this: elderly residents who have lived in the once-peaceful fishing village their whole lives recall happier times. But in the past decade, conditions have deteriorated so dramatically that Macassar is no longer safe, with gangs from inside and outside the area roaming the streets. With the police apparently powerless to help, Macassar is under siege.

Residents on Joburg’s East Rand are living in fear. Illegal rock blasting, running gun battles and zama zamas mining for gold - right on their doorsteps.

What would you do to help your child realise their sporting dream - even if it’s wacky and off-beat? The story of a mother, her daughter and a 1600 km journey in a very old tractor.

A quick look at the recent taxi strike and, of course, Zuma's special remission. Then, we focus on several court cases this week including the Blue Lights assault matter, the acquittal of child rapist, Ntokozo Zikhali, and the latest on the Babita Deokoran case. We also continue our Women's Month discussion.

A sanctioned Russian oligarch, a multi-billion rand Manganese mine and the impoverished communities in the Northern Cape that should’ve benefited from a lucrative deal. We investigate why it all went wrong.

A former president, South Africa’s political entanglements, and the dance with Putin's Russia. Does a friendship with Russia jeopardise South Africa’s future?

We investigate a man of many incarnations: film director, television distributor, doctor and now, pastor. Why do his victims claim he’s duped them out of hundreds of thousands of rands? After a year-long investigation, we track down the notorious Netflix Scammer.

Symbolic or a veiled threat? We look at the latest debate swirling around Kill The Boer. Then, illegal mining is top of mind for many Joburg residents. So, what’s the solution? And we celebrate Women’s Month while also taking a very sober look at what can be done to empower South African women even more.

As the influx of coal trucks to Richards Bay keeps escalating, stockpiles are popping up like mushrooms with scant regard to rules and regulations. How will the residents survive clouds of black dust permeating the air they breathe?

As Eskom continues to teeter on the edge, we ask what disaster management plans have been put in place should the unthinkable happen.

Train harder, play with power and perseverance, show no mercy. They've been called SA's beacon of hope, the pride of the nation. But what will it take for Banyana Banyana to win the upcoming World Cup?

Putin won't be attending the BRICS Summit, but SA's Russia headache is far from over. Then, why did it take so long for Paul Mashatile's VIP Protection Unit to get arrested? And we get excited about the Netball World Cup.

Westbury - an area with a rich history and a violent present. Located on the outskirts of Johannesburg, the region has been plagued by gangsterism for decades. But individuals like gangster-turned-pastor, Peter Faver hope to turn things around and save the community from a bloody future.

"A web of lies, eager accomplices and the dramatic escape of Thabo Bester. But his freedom was short-lived. Now, a former Mangaung Prison guard pieces together the clues. "

Criminals are terrorising the streets of Mthatha. But it’s tourists who’ve become easy targets for card scammers. With no evidence, and no police investigation, the visitors fear coming back to South Africa.

In a community overcome by drug abuse and teen pregnancy, one woman is using sports to bring change. Now, a battered netball court has become the building blocks for a better future.

Will Zuma be sent back to prison? First, he needs to come back to South Africa. Then, medical xenophobia comes under the spotlight this week. And why every day should be Mandela Day.

On the running calendar, the Comrades Marathon is the toughest race on earth. Local and international competitors train for months, sometimes even years, for the opportunity to complete the brutal 89 km run. For the last-place finishers, the medal is priceless: confirmation that they’ve completed the race before the 12-hour cut-off time. But this year, something went horribly wrong and hundreds of runners were cut off “too soon”. In fact, there were hardly any runners near the finish line when the gun went off at the 12-hour mark, leaving the field uncharacteristically empty. With runners crying foul, claiming they’ve been unfairly deprived of their hard-earned medals, what went wrong?

For days, heavy rains in the Western Cape wreaked havoc on the province. With no electricity and no food supplies coming in, Citrusdal was cut off and farmers suffered devastating losses. We visit a community in turmoil.

When robbing Peter to pay Paul – and then paying Peter again – becomes the basis for one of the most elaborate Ponzi schemes in automotive history... The next chapter in SA’s great car Ponzi scheme.

The scandals keep piling up against South Africa’s Deputy President. But all is perhaps not what it seems. A little help from his friends? In the case of Joburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, it seems that’s exactly what’s happening. And a small victory in a monumental fight as Caster Semenya is thrown a lifeline.

The assassinations of two Bulgarians in a quiet suburb in Cape Town in 2018. A cargo ship carrying tonnes of cocaine seized in Saldanha Bay in 2021. And now, four Bulgarians brutally murdered in a leafy lane in Constantia. A startling coincidence or clear signs of a foreign criminal cartel putting down roots in the Western Cape?

As Britain’s most notorious insurance fraudster once said: pretending you’re dead is easy. Coming back to life is, as everyone knows, slightly more difficult. We investigate how one couple’s fake death scam unravelled spectacularly.

It's what they do and who they are… The Betereinders: working toward a more equal, more integrated, better South Africa! Facing the difficult conversations and deliberately getting to know people of other races in the hopes of transforming SA, one new friendship at a time.

In this slightly longer episode, we focus on various geopolitical issues impacting South Africa. With the BRICS Summit happening in August, is it worth the political headache? Then, another summit you’ve probably never heard of that could lead to even more fallout. And we end things off on a positive note as we look at how local entrepreneurs are going big with the very small black soldier fly.

It’s known as a hotspot for young people looking for a fun night out. But with a reputation for underage drinking and violent bouncers, why has one nightclub in Gauteng been allowed to continue operating?

They're the backbone of the social care system that Gauteng's most vulnerable people have come to rely on. But what happens when a shift in policy suddenly threatens to reduce the very funding that NGOs need to provide care?

The Golden Globe Yacht Race – the most challenging solo competition the sailing world has to offer – won this year by a most extraordinary South African woman. Kirsten Neuschäfer made South Africa proud. But who is the woman behind the win?

What the Wagner Group’s Russian rebellion means for Africa. The latest unemployment figures are out and things are not looking good. And not one but two positive stories to get you ready for the week ahead.

Six years in the making, the premiere of Shaka iLembe is finally here. It promises to wow audiences with a South African story that has everything a blockbuster is made of.

Imagine driving a brand-new luxury vehicle every six months without ever paying a loan instalment. Sound too good to be true? Well, it probably is! We investigate an intricate Ponzi scheme that’s got some participants in a wheelspin.

Millions of rands in medical negligence claims, 20 plaintiffs, and the disabled children who were defrauded by a disgraced lawyer. We investigate why the SAPS and the Legal Practice Council, have done nothing.

We break down the rands and cents of the controversial Karpowership deal. Then, the shambolic Ukraine-Russia peace mission - but what was actually discussed? And several wins for truth and justice!

For over eight months, we investigated why some commercial farmers have lost all they owned. Why are some farmers saying they have been targeted by a ruthless liquidation mafia, acting in the name of the country’s Land Bank?

It’s an invention that’s repurposing existing technology to help motorists deal with the dreaded pothole. Now, this little device – called Amehlo – could help motorists see potholes before they even develop and instantly report them.

They carry firearms, kick down doors and arrest suspected criminals. But they aren’t the police... Fed up with crime in their communities, this self-appointed anti-crime unit in Gauteng is using its own methods to combat criminality.

Move BRICS, get out the way! Could government hand over this political hot potato to China? Then, we explore why the National Health Insurance (NHI) simply won't work in its current form. And an unbelievable story of survival.

Westbury: a stone's throw away from Johannesburg where the wave of gangster turf killings, guns, and drugs is steadily swelling. Now, some determined mothers, who've paid a very high price, are kicking back against the tide.

Tony Adebayo has been using a wheelchair all his life. But despite the obvious challenges, it hasn’t stopped him from becoming a competitive wheelchair sprinter, mid-distance competitor, and a champion weightlifter.

Is press freedom under attack? Then, we look at how a partnership between business and government could fix the country. And some advice to the ad-hoc committee tasked with selecting a new Public Protector.

From a future filled with promise – investing into a fool proof franchise – to running for their lives as the franchisor turned on them. We track down an alleged serial scammer that's intimidating some of his clients.

It’s a growing phenomenon: community members in Gauteng stepping up to act as paramedics at accident scenes. But what happens when a Good Samaritan’s actions threaten the life of a patient?

From Vondwe village in Venda to Boston’s prestigious MIT… We meet the award-winning inventor of the game-changing liquid cement.

Syria, Sudan, South Africa… There are few places in the world they wouldn’t go to help those in distress. How Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and the Gift of the Givers are saving lives around the world – one disaster at a time.

Heather and Lezanne chat about what BRICS actually means for SA and why the Ukraine peace process is distracting us from the bigger picture; the assault on dignity of LGBTQI+ people and basic human rights in Uganda and parts of the US; good news on the State Capture front as the US SEC fines a US consultancy firm for its role - but when will SA make its move? And why AIDS vaccine development is giving us hope.

How did the Al Jama-ah party vet current Johannesburg mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda for this crucial position? They asked his mother... According to party leader, Ganief Hendricks, this was more than enough. We call Gwamanda's qualifications into question.

Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter is overseas and somewhere in hiding as the ANC seeks to serve papers on him for defamation. He gives Bongani a behind-the-scenes perspective of his three years at the helm.

In a community that prides itself on ethics and truth, how did one of their own – an accountant with a great investment offer – manage to dupe so many?

Government fails the community of Hammanskraal as a cholera outbreak takes hold, Queenin tries to wrap her head around AI-generated content, and why that cute cactus in your home could be funding a global syndicate.

When 16 teams from around the world lined up to take on the Cape2Rio Race, SA rookies calling themselves the Arch Angels didn’t stand a chance. But this unlikely team of seafarers turned the iconic race on its head.

Will he or won’t he? As the world holds its breath to see what the SA government will do should Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the BRICS summit in August, we look at the potential political fallout.

Of about 7 000 languages spoken worldwide, at least 25 disappear every year. And with each one, irreplaceable heritage and culture is lost. Now, one extraordinary 90-year-old is working to keep traces of her N/uu language alive.

Mother knows best? Not quite when it comes to Joburg's current mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda. Masa and Ferial also get into the ongoing Russian debacle, and we celebrate some good news for struggling parents.

Carte Blanche laid bare Jonathan Constable's many alleged dodgy schemes: from masquerading as a property expert to claiming he's an international immigration consultant, and everything in between. Jonathan Constable had left his alleged victims outraged and out of pocket, but now he's feeling the heat. After over a year on the run, and with nowhere left to hide, the fake pilot comes crashing down to earth – quite literally.

A man with a chequered past, a criminal record, and multiple allegations of fraud stacking up against him in the community of Rosettenville. We set out to find him…

It’s a startling statistic: nearly 80% of grade 4 children in SA can’t read. Our exclusive access to Department of Basic Education planning documents sheds new light on how government is failing children across the country.

Well, ship! The Rand takes a tumble as the world wants to know: what was on the Russian vessel, Lady R? Then, we take a quick look at the recent Eskom SCOPA hearings. And why the Klein Karoo has foodies around the world excited.

Endurance athlete and digital nomad Paulo de Barros found a perfect home in Cape Town, until he was assaulted and injured to within an inch of his life at a party. CCTV footage captured the events, so why would prosecutors not pursue the case?

Dating apps are a popular online destination for singles looking for love or hook-ups. But for some users, instead of falling in love, they’ve fallen prey to unscrupulous and violent criminals exploiting dating apps for nefarious gain.

It’s a dog-eat-dog industry: a race against the clock to deliver food to thousands of customers, and they’re just hoping to make it back home. We go behind the frontlines of the country’s growing army of food delivery bikers.

As the country faces another week of Stage 6 loadshedding, Daily Maverick's Ray Mahlaka tells us what the Minister of Electricity told him... Then, we look at the latest developments in the Life Esidimeni inquest, and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana celebrates the inclusion of sign language as our twelfth official language. That and more in this week's WholeWeek Wrap.

The plan was meticulous: an unidentified body, a blazing fire, and prison officials who were paid to look the other way... Convicted murderer Thabo Bester almost got away with the most daring prison break in South Africa, until GroundUp’s investigative journalists caught on.

An international pharma giant, a medical device intended to better the lives of women worldwide, and the devastating health complications impacting some. Why some South African women are heading to court in a class action lawsuit that could make history.

With at least 180 injections every month, caring for diabetic children is a heavy burden placed on caregivers. But could tech advances spell a long-awaited breakthrough?

Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter had some explaining to do before parliament, Masa and Heather question whether coalitions could ever work, and President Cyril Ramaphosa's big ICC blunder.

It’s a free-for-all at the University of the Free State as student houses pop up all over town, taking over the suburbs and allowing landlords to cash in. But how are residents meant to live with their neighbourhoods tuning into party zones?

It’s not everyone’s idea of a balanced meal, but the lowly mopane worm is creeping into milkshakes and ice cream. Meet the indigenous foods becoming part of a protein revolution.

It's all eyes on inflation as South Africans find it increasingly more challenging to make ends meet. Markus Jooste skips court and Germany isn't having any of it. And Masa chats to Ferial about football and potholes...

He was a well-known and respected lawyer in the Eastern Cape, popular for helping poor families win multi-million rand medical negligence claims. But in some cases, he simply pocketed the money and left his clients – mostly children with disabilities – with nothing.

It’s a classic marriage of convenience; political parties with very little in common forced into a coalition government. As the scraps for power and positions intensify, can SA’s biggest metros survive the collapse of good governance?

Some call him Baby Tiger Woods, and with his extraordinary talent on the golf course it’s difficult to disagree. We meet rising golf star Sim Tshabalala.

From his dramatic escape to his rearrest to all-out confrontations in parliament - convicted murderer and rapist, Thabo Bester dominated the headlines this past week. Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana and Daily Maverick's Janet Heard also look at the impact of infrastructure vandalism, and is the South African Post Office on its last legs?

The murder of independent liquidator Cloete Murray and his son has sent shockwaves through the country. With yet another deadly assassination in broad daylight, we ask: where are our crime-fighting agencies as organised crime takes hold?

A knock on a hotel door in the middle of the night… Why were two South African engineers targeted for arrest in Equatorial Guinea? After a month in some of the continent’s most notorious prisons, who can get them out?

Raised in one of the most violent communities in the country, children in Manenberg have very few opportunities But with bat and ball, one cricket coach is determined to use the sport to make a difference.

Did the National State of Disaster achieve much in finding solutions to our ongoing energy crisis? And what's up with that Eskom exemption that had South Africans concerned? Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana and Business Maverick's Ray Mahlaka try and answer these questions and more.

A wealthy international property owner in Limpopo, vulnerable children, and the millions donated to an orphanage that doesn’t exist. We investigate.

Painful and debilitating: some children living with arthritis are offered a life-saving treatment. But why are some medical aids reluctant to pay? More on Carte Blanche

A quaint little hotel in the Eastern Cape countryside and a couple who created a life filled with everything they love. Join us for the Steytlerville Follies!

It's the prison break on everyone's lips - Thabo Bester has netizens and government buzzing. We also look towards the 2024 election and the DA's elective conference, and Daily Maverick's Queenin and Carte Blanche's Siniketiwe try and make sense of the Luh Twizzy challenge. More on Carte Blanche

He says God told him to train up an army of prophetic end-time generals at a multicampus online private university. But why have no earthly education authorities accredited his degrees?

It was a promise made to his friend and cyclist Andre. Now, Macfarlane Moleli has completed one of the toughest challenges in the world. He is an IRONMAN!

An explosive intelligence report exposing high-ranking government ministers and alleged criminal cartels operating inside Eskom. But without evidence, is it just smoke and mirrors?

Despite a second cancer diagnosis, Mark Pilgrim took on the fight, and his positive outlook had South Africans rallying behind him. We celebrate his life.   

As Human Rights Month comes to a close, Carte Blanche's Siniketiwe Hlanze and Maverick Citizen editor Mark Heywood look at everything from basic services, to our Constitution, to protests. We end things off with a wholesome discussion on the South African people's resilience and ability to transcend even the most trying times. 

A Durban couple goes to bed, never to wake up again. Investigations reveal the cause of death: an agricultural poison used to fumigate the neighbour’s flat and prohibited in urban areas. We investigate how this happened. 

Cape Town was the perfect host, power cuts were mitigated, and the Formula E race was electric... We take you inside the paddock for a unique racing experience. 

It was a standoff enforced by some of Cape Town’s most powerful taxi bosses. Holding children's education to ransom, they say they want a piece of the action in the Western Cape’s transport tenders. 

ChatGPT – an AI chatbot you can have conversations with, placing the sum total of human knowledge and creativity right at your fingertips. If this is the beginning… how will it end? 

A surprise contender puts up her hand to lead the DA, the Public Protector states her case, and another child dies in a pit toilet. There's lots to unpack in this week's WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick and Carte Blanche as we sit down with Ferial Haffajee and look at the latest news developments. 

Without ample warning, several sluice gates at the Vaal Dam were opened, releasing millions of litres of water downstream. Now, with some homes destroyed by the inevitable flooding, residents want answers. 

At least six elephants – dead. But the culprits aren’t necessarily poachers. We investigate these horrific killings in Northern KZN. 

Generators, spiking fuel prices, systems offline… How loadshedding is strangling the funeral industry and making it harder to give loved ones a dignified send-off. 

Tough to break into and even tougher to succeed, motorcycle racing is one of the most competitive sports in the world. But could 15 -year-old rookie KJ Mononyane be SA’s next elite motorcyclist? 

As the NEHAWU strike intensifies, Masa Kekana and Daily Maverick's Managing Editor, Janet Heard, look at the union's demands and the impact this ongoing strike has had on South Africans. We also get a quick take on suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's Section 194 inquiry. And how Spain takes a stand for women's health.  

Shot at close range, popular rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes didn’t stand a chance. But why was one of SA’s biggest music icons gunned down? 

A champion-in-waiting, and a rising star in the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Could Dricus du Plessis and Cameron Saaiman be the future of UFC in SA? 

It’s become a danger zone, and it stinks! Welcome to the West Rand’s gaping, shifting sinkholes. How did the streets of Merafong Municipality come to resemble scenes from a post-apocalyptic thriller?

From the Warsaw Ghetto to three concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, to present-day Cape Town. The extraordinary story of one woman’s will to survive.

Coalitions: it's a word that's become synonymous with failure. As yet another coalition crumbles - this time in Tshwane - Masa Kekana and Daily Maverick political journalist Queenin Masuabi look at why these shaky partnerships just won't work. And we look at the disturbing case of alleged child sex trafficker Gerhard Ackerman. 

What happens when the man of your dreams is a convicted criminal serving time behind bars? For one woman in Gauteng, nothing could get in the way of her newly found love connection with a prisoner. 

In an emergency, you expect them to pick up the phone as quickly as possible. But with seven million dropped calls by 10111 operators, emergency service call centres are seemingly in a crisis - and South Africans are paying the price.

Power cuts, an economy in decline, a high crime rate, fuel increases and a president against the ropes. What is the true state of the nation? 

A man, his four dogs, and a very long road trip. As missiles strike the city he’s called home for years, we follow a former SA club cricketer’s journey from war-torn Ukraine to a place of safety. 

The ground shook violently, buildings crumbled, and lives were shattered in an instant. As rescuers race to find survivors following the deadly Türkiye-Syria earthquake, we speak to South Africans impacted by the devastation.

From last week's big budget 2023 takeaways, to de Ruyter's early exit at Eskom, to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's lofty promises. That and so much more in this week's The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick featuring Ray Mahlaka and Siniketiwe Hlanze. 

The pictures are real, the property agents legitimate… But their identities have been stolen. We investigate an intricate scam that’s left some consumers frustrated and cashless.

He won the hearts of millions of South Africans and rose to the top to win SA Idols. So, why is the policeman with the big voice now selling eggs and atchar from the boot of his car? The answer will inspire you… 

Thousands of flights take to our skies every day, and passenger lives depend on a safety-first regime. In what is supposed to be a tightly regulated industry, we ask: is the Civil Aviation Authority on top of their game? 

The news cycle is busy and, at times, overwhelming. Let us help you make sense of local and international headlines every week as Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffejee and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana sit down every Monday to unpack the biggest talking points, all wrapped up neatly for you to access on-the-go. 

Rassie Erasmus – no, not the rugby coach – is a man with a lot to answer for... Now, the infamous owner of Sheba the tiger says his hand-reared apex predator was maliciously released from his property. The question is: why?

How did Macfarlane Moleli end up in the streets of Pretoria… in his boxer shorts? We join over 200 “cheeky" bikers for the annual Anti-Pants, Anti-Poaching rally.

When disaster struck parts of Türkiye and Syria early in February, Dr Simpiwe Sobuwa immediately packed his bags to assist Gift of the Givers in providing aid to affected residents. He speaks to Carte Blanche producer Siniketiwe Hlanze from Antakya in Türkiye about his experiences on the ground and the tireless search for survivors. 

His bodyguard was brutally assassinated leaving Fort Hare’s Prof. Buhlungu shaken. But why would a university Vice Chancellor be on an apparent hit list? 

The news cycle is busy and, at times, overwhelming. Let us help you make sense of local and international headlines every week as Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffejee and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana sit down every Monday to unpack the biggest talking points, all wrapped up neatly for you to access on-the-go. 

To ban or not to ban… Pit bulls have become known as some of the most vicious dogs in the country. As the number of attacks continues to rise, we investigate why the legislation regulating the breeding of these canines is lagging behind. 

At just 16 years old, pianist Mike Wang has a way with keys. So much so that he recently scooped the winning title at the prestigious National Youth Music Competition – and he’s not stopping there.  

With no money for diesel, persistent breakdowns, sabotage, and relentless power cuts, Eskom is a crime scene. Now, civil society has had enough and South Africans are pushing back. But could it save the crumbling power utility? 

Fossil fuels pumped into the atmosphere, rain forests chopped down, wetlands contaminated, and oceans over-fished. Can dire predictions of the earth’s climate future be reversed? We take lessons from Antarctica. 

The news cycle is busy and, at times, overwhelming. Let us help you make sense of local and international headlines every week as Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffejee and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana sit down every Monday to unpack the biggest talking points, all wrapped up neatly for you to access on-the-go. 

The Western Cape’s smallest and poorest municipality has had a merry-go-round of leadership changes in recent years. But the appointment of a convicted child rapist as mayor has sparked moral outrage and calls for electoral reform. 

The Johannesburg Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of over 10 000 artworks from early Dutch masters to contemporary African works. But they’re rotting away in a derelict storage room… 

More than sixty minutes… That’s how much time the police, fire department and emergency services had to help avert a disaster. But as the clock ticked on, no one came to help. With 40 people dead in the horrific Boksburg tanker explosion, could this tragedy have been avoided? 

The news cycle is busy and, at times, overwhelming. Let us help you make sense of local and international headlines every week as Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffejee and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana sit down every Monday to unpack the biggest talking points, all wrapped up neatly for you to access on-the-go. 

Car-thieves-turned-hackers are targeting high-end keyless cars. It’s a sophisticated MO that’s effortlessly cracking advanced security systems. We unpack a well-orchestrated trend hitting South Africa.

Imagine you live on a farm or a mine in the remote Northern Cape. A medical emergency like a heart attack could be life-threatening simply because an ambulance could take the better part of a day to reach you. Enter helicopter medical services!

The country’s roads seem busier than ever. Work commutes, traffic jams – it’s a nightmare and ordinary people are exploding and unleashing extraordinary violence. This Sunday, we look at SA’s growing road rage problem.

The news cycle is busy and, at times, overwhelming. Let us help you make sense of local and international headlines every week as Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffejee and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana sit down every Monday to unpack the biggest talking points, all wrapped up neatly for you to access on-the-go. 

So, you’re ready to make your house a home. For many, buying the couch of their dreams is first on the list and online shopping is their first stop. But be careful before you hit that Checkout button. 

Homegrown and with a distinctive beat – amapiano is an unapologetically South African music genre that’s taking the world by storm. 

Accepting a late-night call from a complete stranger, a promise of untold profits - a pensioner’s dream turned into a nightmare by ruthless scammers.

The pace of transformation in agriculture has been described as lacklustre. But a growing cohort of black farmers are making moves in the industry with minimal support from government or commercial banks.

The news cycle is busy and, at times, overwhelming. Let us help you make sense of local and international headlines every week as Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffejee and Carte Blanche's Masa Kekana sit down every Monday to unpack the biggest talking points, all wrapped up neatly for you to access on-the-go. 

Children dragged into conflict, coerced into taking up arms. This is no faraway warzone.  Instead, it’s Majola in the Eastern Cape where speaking out comes at a price. 

It’s gruelling, painful, exhilarating… How mounting the death toll among cyclists in hit-andrun accidents has spurred our very own Macfarlane Moleli to go above and beyond as he trains to compete in next year’s IRONMAN race.

South Africa has become one of the most violent societies in the world. As countless illegal firearms flood our streets, even Police Minister Bheki Cele admits these weapons often come from police storage facilities. We investigate.

Times are tough, and more consumers are using their credit cards to buy necessities like groceries. It’s become a crutch for many households but the long-term implications of living on credit can be devastating. 

Is government taking regulation a step too far by wanting to force vegetarian and vegan producers to no longer label their products as “sausage” or “mince” if it contains no actual meat?