“Focusing on the impact of the Western Cape floods on wine farms might at first seem elitist. It’s a perception acknowledged by our editorial team when we first considered the story. But the devastation at Van Loveren, Springfield and others appeared to us an ideal way of demonstrating the ferocity of the storm that lashed the Breede Valley and beyond for the better part of 24 hours. What’s more, the story will surely resonate with those among us with stories to tell of evenings spent around a bottle or two of ‘Life from Stone’; the sauvignon blanc laid to waste by the deluge.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Unco-operative Co-operative
They were promised a rural utopia: instead, they’re marooned on a remote farm. From 2016, idealistic Afrikaners invested their savings in an agricultural co-operative on the West Coast, hoping to settle there forever. They thought they were joining a collaborative, self-governing community… But for some, it’s gone terribly wrong. Members claim a small band of directors have manipulated processes to run the co-operative as their own fiefdom. Several members have been expelled, their shares revoked without compensation. Now, neighbours are turning on each other in a bitter fight for survival.
Producer: Marion Edmunds | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
Wrath of the Breede
Mud-caked cellars, uprooted trellises, vast expanses of vineyard reduced to swamp land, and multiple deaths: when the Breede River breached its banks in mid-May, it tore through the historic Robertson Wine Valley with a force locals had never seen before. In a matter of hours, a legacy built by generations of farmers was brought to its knees. But, as the river subsided, destruction was succeeded by defiance. As a community stands united to rebuild, what will emerge from the wreckage?
Producer: Joy Summers | Presenter: Catherine Rice
Skate A Nation
A skateboard, a stranger, and a journey that went viral. In February, American skateboarder Jason Vanporppal set out from Uganda to skate across Africa to raise awareness for youth skate initiatives. But when he reached South Africa, his journey became a phenomenon. In town after town, kids ran alongside him, communities gathered, and people offered support. As Jason completes his journey in Cape Town, we join the crowds showing up for something good.
Producer: Beth Neale | Presenter: Catherine Rice
JOIN THE #CARTEBLANCHE CONVERSATION
Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
Facebook: Carte Blanche #CarteBlanche
Bluesky: @carteblanche.co.za
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Twitter / X: @carteblanchetv
Threads: carteblanchetv
