Coming up on Carte Blanche on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 14 April 2024 at 19:00
The Business of Birth
It began as an investigation into one Gauteng midwife who was allegedly administering a dangerous drug to her patients to induce labour without their consent. The drug sped up the delivery, sending the unborn baby into distress; several newborns allegedly died in the process. But it seems she isn’t the only midwife playing recklessly with the lives of vulnerable pregnant women and their babies. Startling new evidence has revealed that some midwives at private home birthing centres are operating outside their scope of practice – possibly in the pursuit of profit. In some instances, midwives insist on delivering the baby even when it’s in distress, because sending the patient to a nearby hospital means losing money. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman
Presenter: Masa Kekana
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College Cop-out
Educor once stood as a monument of hope for thousands of students looking for an affordable and reputable education at a private college. With scores of campuses around the country, it was the largest private education supplier in Southern Africa and, for several years, it earned itself a good reputation. But in recent years, Educor has become notorious for poor quality education and non-compliance with government regulations. In February this year, the Department of Higher Education finally deregistered the company, sending students and educators into a spiral. Despite several deadline extensions, Educor had failed to submit crucial financial records and tax clearance certificates, leaving the Department with no choice but to shut it down. For many critics, this was a long time coming – but students are left in limbo.
Producer: Liz Fish
Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
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Courageous Gwala
Mhlengi Gwala was an avid cyclist and a professional athlete. But one early morning in 2018, his entire life changed. Three assailants pulled him from his bicycle and attempted to saw off his leg with a chainsaw. They cut through meat and bone, leaving the limb barely attached to his body. Then, as suddenly as the attack began, his attackers disappeared into the darkness. Doctors managed to save his leg and Mhlengi bravely fought back to full recovery – only to lose his leg to infection two years later. Desperate to fulfil his dreams of becoming a champion triathlete, Mhlengi had to start all over again – this time, learning how to walk with one leg before he could swim, run and cycle. Now, he has set his sights on the Paris Paralympic Games later this year.
Producer: Chuma Kave
Presenter: Claire Mawisa
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Carte Blanche: The Podcast
Unique stories. Unique perspectives. Carte Blanche: The Podcast delves beneath the headlines into South African and global issues, bringing you the stories that matter. Like what you hear? Drop us a rating or review.
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Please note Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change.
