Carte Blanche: The Podcast Carte Blanche

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.

South Africa's education landscape faces a sobering reality. Alongside issues like bullying, substance abuse and vandalism, rampant sexual abuse and grooming add to the burden experienced by many schoolchildren. Many cases go unreported, but the statistics paint a clear picture of a trend that demands urgent attention. Having recently launched on Mnet Channel 101, a four-part documentary series called School Ties takes a sobering look at a culture of grooming and sexual abuse within some of the country's most elite private schools. We're joined by series producer Richard Gregory to find out more about Operation Nemo, a specialized police investigation into sports coaches targeting vulnerable students, and why school ties should serve as a wake-up call for parents and educators alike.

Two-pot what? With just four months before it goes live, we look at the two-pot retirement system. How the local drone industry is quite literally lifting off in a big way. Then, could we face another bird flu epidemic? Why the novel H7N6 strain is cause for concern. Later – a new road safety survey calls drivers out on their bad habits. And South Africans are gatvol – so they’re fixing things themselves. But first, President Cyril Ramaphosa found his pen and the Rolls Royce of healthcare has been signed into law this past week. But not everyone is celebrating the National Health Insurance Bill. But don’t cancel your medical aid just yet…