Holy Wars
Never before in South Africa’s history has there been an act of such violence in a place of worship, as the attack on the Shia Imam Hussain Mosque in Verulam, Durban.
What could have motivated three suspects, posing as worshippers, to brutally assault three people - one of whom has succumbed to his stab wounds? The suspects then burned down a library with a collection of Holy Books. Police found a spray paint can, pair of glasses and an explosive device under the Imam’s chair. Has ISIS extremism reached our shores or are there local forces fuelling the hatred?
Producer: Jacqui Jayamaha
Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Voice Bank
The ability to speak is something many of us take for granted, but for those who have had strokes, accidents, throat cancer or been diagnosed with motor neuron disease, voice loss can be a devastating reality. Robotic machines such as the one used by Stephen Hawking have helped the voiceless communicate, but they sound impersonal and generic. Now researchers are creating unique, personalised voices for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Producer: Laura Byrne
Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Church or Cult?
As one member after another leaves a Pretoria-based church group, questions emerge about their brand of Christianity that dismisses the Holy Trinity and allegedly subjects adherents to indoctrination and coercion. Fashioned around the personality of their leader, a self-proclaimed reincarnation of King David and the new Christ on earth, former members say this is a cult that has split apart families and isolated their members from society for the church's financial gain.
Producer: Graham Coetzee
Presenter: Devi Sankaree Govender
The Youngest Aquaponics Farmer
Combining aquaculture and hydroponic farming methods, aquaponics farming is breaking new ground in agriculture. It is a difficult and complex undertaking for even the most experienced farmers, but 16-year-old scholar, Rikalize Reinecke still manages to operate one of the largest aquaponics farms in the country. CarteBlanche meets this extraordinary entrepreneur.
Producer: Annalise Lubbe
Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za.