INVESTIGATION
Cell Phone Invaders
Have you ever seen a random phone number added to your cell phone bill, only to have money and data added to the account that you didn’t ask for? It’s the most elaborate scam – trading on information from inside a mobile network operator – that has left some cell customers baffled, shocked and desperately out of pocket. Approaching their service provider gave them no answers or resolution. Carte Blanche investigates how thousands of rands were stolen from unsuspecting consumers in seconds.
Producer: Liz Fish | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Loadshedding’s Collateral Damage
Loadshedding is not just a matter of inconvenience. The true cost of frequent power outages extends to health risks and threats to livelihoods. What is it like for people at home reliant on oxygen, or for South Africans working online from home? Long term, Eskom's heavy debt poses an existential threat to the country’s economy and, with lost opportunities in education and development, investors are reluctant to set up shop in South Africa. Carte Blanche explores the collateral damage of loadshedding and confronts Eskom about the outlook for the future.
Producer: Sophia Phirippides | Presenter: Bongani Bingwa
ANALYSIS
Claire Mawisa: “Bees are popularly known for producing honey. But their fundamental role in nature is pollination that ultimately results in most of the fruit, vegetables and nuts we eat. So, the rising scourge of vandalism that destroys beehives around the country should not only be of concern to the beekeepers who have lost their bees and honey, but should concern us all as it compromises food security.”
Bullying the Bees
Who would even think of stealing honey? With the high prices that pure honey fetches in a growing market, the seemingly peaceful pursuit of beekeeping is turning into a fight to keep the hives, and the average of 80,000 bees each one houses, safe. Without bees, there would be no food production. But deliberate beehive destruction and honey theft are escalating across the country and beekeepers are struggling to meet the demands of crop pollination. Carte Blanche looks into how brazen thieves target commercial hives in remote locations, hacking structures to pieces, poaching honey and killing precious bees.
Producer: Stenette Grosskopf | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
TOKYO 2021
Sailing for Olympic Gold
South Africans sailors Alex Burger and Benji Daniel have set sail for Tokyo under the expert guidance of their coach, double Olympian Asenathi Jim. Theirs is a uniquely South African story – athletes from vastly different backgrounds united through a common passion behind one goal – Olympic gold. While every race remains a learning curve in a highly technical sport, the pair has proved they are able to perform under pressure in a battle against the elements. Will the former Junior World Champions be on course for victory when the Tokyo Olympics kick off this month? Carte Blanche meets the inspiring trio and previews the team’s chances.
Producer: Kate Barry | Presenter: Derek Watts
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