What the Fog? Watch Carte Blanche, this Sunday 27 June 2021 at 19:00, only on M-Net 101.
I N V E S T I G A T E & A N A L Y S E
What the Fog?
Scientists say that sterilising surfaces with disinfecting liquids and wipes is enough to reduce exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19, so why did an already cash-strapped Gauteng Department of Education spend nearly half a billion Rands on a controversial fogging method as schools were set to open after lockdown last year? As the Special Investigating Unit refers 63 state employees to various institutions for disciplinary action for contravening supply chain regulations and the Public Finance Management Act, Carte Blanche investigates the haphazard awarding of emergency tenders on cleaning contracts that delivered little of value in empty classrooms.
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein
Presenter: Derek Watts
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Hunting with Dogs
In a controversial practise that is escalating across the country, participants in so-called taxi hunts transport their highly-prized hunting dogs to participate in illegal hunts that are publicised far and wide on social media. Although hunting with dogs has been outlawed in South Africa, it is practiced widely and has landowners up in arms as livestock or game is caught and killed, indiscriminately, by vicious dogs. Carte Blanche travels to Northern KwaZulu-Natal where the devastation caused is fuelling tensions in an already tense relationship between landowners and hunters.
Producer: AltydVrystaat Productions
Presenter: Claire Mawisa
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Masa Kekana: “While the headlines and public outrage have died down, the families of the victims of the Esidimeni tragedy are left with pain and no justice. The upcoming inquest is the start – but it is five years later.”
Esidimeni Inquest
Several years after inhumane decisions by the Gauteng Health Department resulted in the deaths of 144 patients in need of mental healthcare as they were moved out of professional care into community-based NGOs, the National Prosecuting Authority is finally set to conduct an inquest in July into precisely how lives were lost. While an alternative dispute resolution process between affected families and the government led to some financial compensation for those who lost loved ones, exact causes of death remain a mystery. Carte Blanche finds out what extent lessons have been implemented within the department to prioritise mental healthcare and we ask whether criminal prosecutions will finally bring closure.
Producer: Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje
Presenter: Masa Kekana
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Parliamentary Q&A
The role of Parliament in manifesting the democracy South Africans treasure, cannot be underestimated. The members of the house elected to represent ordinary people are meant to be their voice. Parliament is accountable to the people – and every word uttered there matters. Or it should – but Carte Blanche discovers it takes an expert to decipher the often-obscure answers to oversight questions posed at the heart of democratic process.
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein
Presenter: Derek Watts
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Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
