Coming up on Carte Blanche on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 23 July 2023 at 19:00.
Let Them Eat Pap
It’s a story that spans continents – from Europe to the USA, and to Kuruman in the Northern Cape. In 2004, Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg arrived in South Africa looking for manganese mining opportunities and a BEE partner to win the mining rights. Several politically connected entities jostled for the privilege, but one consortium stood out. It included the ANC’s investment holding company, Chancellor House and the little-known Kuruman Community Trust. The consortium won the mining rights and Vekselberg invested $350 million to build the mine. Today, the mine is the third-largest manganese producer in the world and the shareholders should all be reaping the benefits. But that hasn’t been the case for the poor local villagers who are beneficiaries of the Kuruman Community Trust. While the politically connected earn millions from the mine, they’ve been reduced to little more than R1000 a year and an annual Christmas hamper. Believing they were simply used to acquire the mining rights, they survive on pensions and government grants in villages with no running water, no inside toilets, and no jobs. In this two-part investigation, Carte Blanche examines how the poor and disenfranchised were used to line the pockets of the rich.
Producer: Kate Barry
Presenter: Masa Kekana
Closer to Home
Marinda Beukes is a woman on a mission. She’s lived in Benoni, on Johannesburg’s East Rand, for almost 20 years. But in the last few years, fear and desperation have forced her to take to her neighbourhood’s streets on the lookout for the illegal miners who are terrorising the community. Residents say the zama zamas are moving their illicit gold mining operations right into their suburbs. In their single-minded pursuit of gold, the zama zamas are digging right outside office parks and homes. Explosions and shootings are regular events, and blanket-wrapped bodies have been found next to the freeway. The zama zamas have even erected their own village, complete with makeshift markets where they dig, refine and trade their illicit gains. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Chuma Kave
Presenter: Govan Whittles
Watch the Trailer
Netball Glory
She’s an ultimate competitor on the netball court. Playing centre and wing attack for the senior national side, Proteas captain Bongi Msomi is a fierce opponent. Now, she and her army of fourteen will take on the world’s toughest teams at the Netball World Cup, hoping to upset the odds and lift the trophy on home soil. Msomi is a veteran of the sport, having played in three previous World Cups. And having never won the tournament, she knows all too well the bitter taste of defeat. So, can Msomi and her teammates make history this time ’round?
Producer: Julian Sun
Presenter: Erin Bates
Watch the Trailer
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.
