Grand Theft Avo: Watch Carte Blanche, this Sunday 14 February 2021 at 19:00, only on M-Net 101.
I N V E S T I G A T E & I N T E R R O G A T E
Vaccinating SA?
A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, that has killed 46 869 South Africans and counting, the rapid development of vaccines offers a route back to normality. When the first million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines landed at O.R. Tambo last week, hope was alive that the government’s ambitious drive to inoculate over 40 million people this year could finally begin. But then the disturbing news broke that the AstraZeneca vaccine is ineffective at preventing mild and moderate disease caused by the South African variant of COVID-19. Carte Blanche sits down with South Africa’s leading scientists and the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mhkize to examine the way forward.
Producer: Julian Sun
Presenter: Derek Watts
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In the Hot Seat – Prof. Shabir Madhi: Principal Investigator of the Oxford Trial
For scientists at the coalface in the hunt for the COVID-19 vaccine, the last year has brought unprecedented public and political pressure. Now vaccinology Prof. Shabir Madhi, Director of the Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand, has his hands full. This after his unit, which led the South African ChAdOx1CoV-19 vaccine trial, explained that a further study of 2000 volunteers showed that the vaccine was ineffective against the 501Y.V2 variant. Carte Blanche invites Prof. Madhi into the studio to unpack some of the complex science and answer some burning questions from our audience on where this vaccine fits into the big picture.
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“Masa Kekana: Does Ivermectin work against COVID-19? That’s the big question. It’s said to be cheap, effective and, if taken in the right dosages, safe. But SA scientists say they need more evidence before it can be declared a treatment option.”
Ivermectin – Silver Bullet or False Hope?
With a slow start to South Africa’s vaccine rollout, there still is no proven remedy to relieve the suffering of COVID-19 patients. Some doctors have hailed Ivermectin as a wonder-drug, but leading scientists say that, although it may look promising, they cannot say if it works and they cannot yet say if it doesn’t. Only more science can determine whether it’s safe and effective. As Ivermectin is put through the rigours of randomised control trials across the globe, some impatient South Africans are unwilling to wait and resort to self-medicating with the veterinary product. Carte Blanche tracks the latest developments in the application of Ivermectin.
Producer: Joy Summers
Presenter: Masa Kekana
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Grand Theft Avo
Rich in nutrients and oils, avocados became the superfood of dieters, sport stars and trendy eateries in the last decade. Being high in demand has meant the price has skyrocketed and that has spelled quick money for criminals cashing in on increasingly easy access to what some now call “green gold”. With ready markets in towns and cities, it’s in avo farming heartland where large-scale looting originates. Carte Blanche travels to Tzaneen in the Limpopo province where virtually every farmer has been affected and we meet the small but savvy army of private security and their bloodhounds that are taking the fight to the green gold grabbers.
Producer: Niel van Deventer
Journalist: Hendrik Hancke
Director: Stenette Grosskopf
Presenter: Claire Mawisa
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Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
