Carte Blanche: The Podcast

In the very final episode of The WholeWeek Wrap with Daily Maverick and Carte Blanche, we reflect on some of the biggest moments of 2024 and celebrate everything that South Africa has to offer. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Bullying BRICS – Donald Trump says it’s the dollar or nothing. Later, shrinking economies and shrinking inflation. We make sense of it all. Then, government sets its sights on banks and budget airlines. But why now? And why South Africans are semigrating to the Windy City. But first: as evidence mounts against the now-former Minister of Justice, Thembi Simelane, analysts and various organisations are crying foul of President Ramaphosa’s failure to act more decisively. Thembi Simelane Investigation - Daily Maverick & News24 · Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

The President’s Phala Phala predicament continues. Later, is honesty the best policy when it comes to Members of Parliament? Also, Table Mountain’s crime problem makes headlines again. Then, vapers beware – new proposed laws causes some serious blowback. And Olympics in South Africa? Gayton says, "Yes!" But first, how the mighty have fallen… We look at the case against Danny Jordaan. Table Mountain Crime Map · Danny Jordaan Timeline · Phala Phala Timeline · Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Decriminalising illegal mining? Some say that’s the solution to our zama zama problem. Then, the EFF is on life support – can it survive the mass exodus? Also, how many ships do you need to make a navy? Just one, it seems. And why doing something good could land you in court… But first – a massive study into South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis was published last week. With nearly 20 000 households surveyed – consisting of roughly 50% men and 50% women from all walks of life – it serves as a serious wake-up call to government. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Out-of-control incidents of food poisoning push the President to address the nation. Then, violence erupts once more in Mozambique. Later, the SAPS is watching – your TikToks, that is. But first, as taps begin to run dry in parts of Johannesburg, some are sounding the alarm… With about 35% of the metro’s drinkable water lost due to leaks and illegal connections, city management is quickly running out of road to turn things around. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Cape Town’s criminal underworld is up for grabs following Mark Lifman’s murder. Then, caught in a debt spiral – it’s time for government to clean house. Later, spam calls be gone! And how well do you know your national symbols? But first: it’s been called one of the biggest, most dramatic political comebacks in recent history. As Donald Trump wins a second term in the Oval Office, his election victory reveals a lot about the American voter. With just over half of the US population saying “Yes, we want more of Trump”, his presidency is sure to deliver a fair amount of chaos. But with promises of better living conditions, most Americans are seemingly more than willing to put up with it. The rest of the world be damned… Caryn Dolley on Mark Lifman · Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Another tender, another scandal. But it might not be too late. Then, it’s back to school for ANC members. We ask: what’s the point? Later, the US elections are here and it could be an uncomfortably close race. And a win for families as Tiger Brands offers to pay up. But first: this past week’s mini-budget was hardly one for the history books. With a strong emphasis on early retirement and public-private partnerships when it comes to infrastructure projects, we unpack some of the key points. Ghost Company Bags R428-Million Tender · Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

All for show… Why this year’s BRICS Summit felt rather pointless. Later, why hundreds of medical professionals are fleeing to Canada. Then, society is seemingly calling it quits on news. Why that’s a problem. And how one women’s vision reshaped the mental health conversation in South Africa. But first, another girl found dead at the hands of a depraved man. The country recoiled in horror as 6-year-old Amantle Samane was raped and murdered in Orlando East in Soweto last week. She becomes yet another young life lost in the most brutal way imaginable. With a man in custody, and court proceedings expected to continue this coming Friday, young Amantle’s murder comes as the country grapples with two more court cases involving child trafficking and murder. We look at how these handful of cases serve as a reflection on our very broken society. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

Budget cuts threaten to decimate our already fragile education sector. Later, express kidnappings are on the rise – we look at the stats. Then, a national hero – why rape survivor Alison Botha needs your help. And it’s bye-bye Karpowership! But first, more than 100 days in, our government of national unity is teetering on the edge as various political parties struggle to meet each other halfway. From the highly controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill to National Health Insurance – powersharing roleplayers just can’t see eye-to-eye. So, can a newly formed conflict resolution committee be the GNU’s saving grace? Help Alison Botha · Carte Blanche · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

An organisation being torn apart from the inside – what the conflict between two ANC heavyweights reveals about the party. Then, another fail for former Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane. Later, the US hurricanes serve as a sobering preview of things to come. And a Minister on a mission – Gayton McKenzie delivers on his promises. But first, now that the City of Tshwane has a new mayor at the helm, two coalition role players are pulling in two very different directions. On the one hand, we have the DA making demands – give us back our mayor, or else. And on the other, the EFF is showing us its mature side and calling for stability. All this while the battle for Ekurhuleni heats up… Daily Maverick · Carte Blanche · Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook