Carte Blanche: The Podcast Carte Blanche

It’s official: the ANC, DA and IFP have formally signed an agreement to form a Government of National Unity. But what does it all mean? How the MK Party overplayed its hand… Then, the struggle for ministerial positions continues, and we can’t help but wonder whether politicians have forgotten about the people. Later, a race against time as cases of mpox are on the rise. We also look at why Transnet is crying foul of a World Bank report. And why should cattle farmers paint eyes on their animals’ backsides? We find out.

New faces, new voices – we look at the big changes on the Members of Parliament list. Then, from political drama to courtroom drama – we do a quick-take on some major cases. Later, devastation across parts of KZN – again. Also, are willing fathers unfairly excluded from their children’s lives by the legal system.
And Mexico welcomes its first female president and we’re ready to take notes. But first, as the ANC moves towards a Government of National Unity, the fight over policies begins. Whether its giving back the land or nationalising the Reserve Bank, or even scrapping BEE… Heck, some parties are even pushing for the scrapping of the Constitution altogether. So, what’s a coalition government to do when policies clash?

South Africa officially enters a new political era. So, now what? Then, the IEC takes a battering as voters and some political parties say: we expected better. Later, we ask: what more needs to happen before the humanitarian crisis in Gaza gets the urgent attention it deserves? And a new medical trial could change the way we handle everything from dentistry to bone diseases. But first, it’s the big C-word many of us have been anticipating. As the IEC declares this year’s election results, coalition negotiations are already in high gear. And with Jacob Zuma’s MK Party kicking dust in the faces of many major political parties, the intricate coalition game is sure to deliver a few more surprises.

Ethical leadership, releasing the land to the people, and setting up a food security council in the Free State. These are just some of the things independent candidate, Sesing Ramotswabodi is putting on the table to convince voters to give him a chance. But running for office is a daunting task and the challenges are many – even for the biggest political parties out there. Masa Kekana finds out why Sesing thinks he stands a chance.

He’s the face of Build One South Africa (or BOSA), a relatively new party that’s garnered a fair amount of attention. Mmusi Maimane is a well-known political contender who aims to bring new, fresh voices to the local scene. But will voters be able to separate him from his DA legacy? Masa Kekana speaks to Maimane about BOSA’s goals and why he believes an “uberised response system” is the answer to South Africa’s crime problem.

Election week is upon us and it will be all eyes on the results as they start trickling in from across the country. Then, political killings are on the increase. Could it get worse pending the election outcomes? Later, President Cyril Ramaphosa is eager to sign off on yet another Bill. Why you should care about the so-called spy bill. Also, are we facing a mental health crisis? Some experts say: yes. And it’s all because of that smartphone in your hand. And we celebrate the appointment of our new Chief Justice.