“If there’s one thing our nation is better at than sport, it’s producing sports administrators who don’t know their A%$ from their elbow. But, c’mon… Even karate? The martial art of the diminutive Mr Miyagi and his fly-catching chopsticks? The inspiration behind a film that encouraged a generation of teenagers to wrap their father’s work ties around their heads and roundhouse kick the daylights out of plywood tomato boxes? Our story on the alleged rot at Karate SA will hit hardest those of us who once believed fate favoured the wax-on-wax-offers above
the leg-sweepers.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Black Belt Betrayal
A crisis of leadership is tearing the karate community apart. Allegations of financial mismanagement, governance failures and a culture of intimidation within the sport’s national governing body sparked a fact-finding mission by the World Karate Federation – and then, the unprecedented suspension of Karate South Africa’s entire executive. Carte Blanche investigates what’s behind the dramatic intervention and asks: what does it mean for the future of the sport?
Producer: Latashia Naidoo | Presenter: Masa Kekana
The Cost of Opposition
Intimidation, arrest, and fatal attacks: in rural KwaZulu-Natal, environmental activists live in fear. The reason: a struggle over land, livelihoods and billions of rands. Massive mining projects move in on the landscape, promising jobs, growth, and foreign investment – things government says the country desperately needs. But for some communities, they represent a loss of land, livelihoods, and spiritual homes. And for those who speak out, the battle is turning bloody. What is the human cost of standing in the way of a mine?
Producer: Jabulile Mbatha | Presenter: Govan Whittles
Children of the Moon
For some, life begins when the sun goes down. A vanishingly rare genetic condition, Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), prevents the body repairing damage caused by UV rays, and turns sunlight into a lifelong threat. There’s no cure, no miracle treatment: instead, a lifetime of sunscreen, protective clothing and hiding in the shadows. But resilience and hope flourish even in the dark. From the country’s oldest survivor – dedicating her life to offering support for other families – to the children who play at dusk and under the full moon, Carte Blanche meets the people living with determination and hope against the odds.
Producer: Annalise Lubbe | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Treasure Valley
Augustina Katse remembers the day that water swallowed her valley. Today, her home lies deep under the surface of the dam that bears her family’s name. But not everything was lost to the depths. Before the waters rose, an epic rescue mission preserved the valley’s natural treasures. Today, rare plant species unique to this part of Lesotho are housed in what some call the Southern Hemisphere’s highest botanical garden. And with them, traditional recipes and healing heritage – passed down through generations to Augustina – live on.
Producer: Anina Peens | Presenter: Govan Whittles
MISSED THESE MOMENTS?
Bully Tactics?
Why would the President of KZN Athletics resort to a street fight with a local race director?
Athletics SA Responds
Athletics South Africa (ASA) wishes to advise its Member Federations, affiliated clubs, athletes, technical officials, partners and the public that the 100th Comrades Marathon is not sanctioned by Athletics South Africa.
This position follows the failure of the event organisers (Comrades Marathon Association) to recognise and comply with the governance and regulatory framework governing athletics. Despite extensive engagements undertaken in good faith by Athletics South Africa and its member federation, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), the organisers have not satisfied the requirements necessary for sanctioning under the constitution, rules and regulations of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, Athletics South Africa and World Athletics.
Taxpayer, Pay Up!
Earlier this year, the NYDA Chair Dr Sunshine Myende got a restraining order against journalist Sisanda Mbolekwa in an effort to prevent her from reporting on the troubled organisation.
History in a Bottle
Franco-Españolas is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja, Spain. With over 3,500 wine barrels hidden in its cellars, it places ageing over origin.
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