On M-Net & M-Net HD (Channel 101) on Sunday 26 January at 19h00, the Carte
Blanche team revisits hostage-taking tactics, finds out more about the lucrative
illegal cigarette smuggling business, questions whether there’s hope for SA’s
falling currency, investigates animal hoarding and reveals what makes Cape
Town so alluring.
SA Hostages
Hostage taking is an old practice that dates back to ancient times when it was
used as a negotiating tool. However, these days, it has all to do with money as
unsuspecting tourists are taken hostage and become commodities. Experts
discuss ways to travel with caution.
Produced by Susan Comrie and presented by Bongani Bingwa.
Journalists: Chwayitisa Futshane and Bombi Mavundza
Cigarette Smugglers
Recently, family of Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe, have been linked to
the largest organised crime industry in sub-Saharan Africa, namely cigarette
smuggling or “butt-legging’. The directors of a new local airline have also been
implicated in this illegal activity with R5b in lost tax revenue.
Producer by Bernadette Maguire and presented by Devi Sankaree Govender.
Journalist: Wynand Grobler
A Sick Currency
Are the financial woes of 2013 spilling over into the new year? As the Rand hits a
new five-year low, imminent strike action and continuing emerging market
volatility raise serious questions about hope for our under-valued currency.
Producer by Joy Summers and presented by Devi Sankaree Govender.
Journalist: Chwayitisa Futshane
Animal Hoarders
Animal hoarding, which is defined as a compulsive need to possess and control
animals, can be triggered by loss, relationship stress or economic hardship.
Justifying their obsession as a love for animals and a desire to “help’, the
hoarders prolong the misery of suffering animals.
Producer by Julie Laurenz and presented by Leigh Bennie.
Cape Town Design Capital
Elected as Design Capital for 2014 and ranked as one of the world’s top holiday
destinations, Cape Town remains hugely popular. The team finds out what
makes the Mother City such a desirable location.
Produced by Diana Lucas and presented by Derek Watts.
Line-ups are subject to change.
