Coming Up On Carte Blanche – 17 October 2021

Solar Power(less): Watch Carte Blanche, this Sunday 17 October 2021 at 19:00, only on M-Net

G O I N G   L O C A L  

Vuk’uzenzele, Eastern Cape 

The breath-taking vistas, rich historical legacy and distinct culture of the Eastern Cape – the birthplace of so many South African leadership icons – belie an ongoing tragedy of underdevelopment and municipal mismanagement. Divided into six districts and two metropolitan municipalities, not one of these have been declared stable or functional by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in its last report to Parliament. Growth in the province remains chronically stunted and most communities fail to receive the most basic services. So, what will shape residents’ actions in the coming local election? In the second week of an election roadshow, Carte Blanche investigates how, from Mankozi to Nquthu, villagers are taking back control and finding their own solutions to decades-long problems.   

Producers: Laura Byrne & Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Claire Mawisa 

Watch the trailer 

A N A L Y S E 

Constitutional Court on the Edge  

At the vanguard of South Africa’s democracy as defender of a hard-won fundamental human rights, the Constitutional Court has long fulfilled its mandate to check the abuse of power by branches of government and enforce the rule of law. But more recent judgments have signalled a court deeply divided and at odds over politically sensitive cases. Could an increasingly politicised caseload and a leadership vacuum at the helm hasten the court’s unravelling and undermine the leadership role the country’s future depends on? 

Producer: Julian Sun | Presenter: Bongani Bingwa 

I N V E S T I G A T E 

 Solar Power(less) 

Bracing themselves for the disruption and frustration of loadshedding – this week at stage 2 due to high demand and Eskom’s urgent maintenance at certain power stations – South Africans are increasingly exploring off-the-grid alternatives. Whether it’s making life and business more sustainable, citizens are entering a future set for more of the same, according to the experts. Carte Blanche investigates a cautionary tale of solutions promised but not delivered as one solar service provider banks on the desperation of his clients and seems to get away with one excuse after the next.  

Producer: Graham Coetzer | Research: Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli 

Watch the trailer 

C E L E B R A T E  

 Running Legend  

She’s 90 years old and thrashing runners half her age! Undefeated by lockdown or the pandemic, the astonishing Deirdre Larkin kicked off her ninth decade with a gentle 10km run. The former concert pianist discovered a great athletic gift at the age of 78 and has been breaking records ever since. When Carte Blanche first met her in 2017 at a half marathon in Pretoria, she smashed the world record for her age group by a staggering 20 minutes. For her 90th birthday she set another world record at the Spar Women’s Race. With her positive attitude and consistent pace, Larkin is the steady inspiration that motivates younger runners to try and keep up with her. We joined the celebration. 

Producer: Kate Barry | Presenter: Derek Watts  

Watch the trailer 

Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za

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By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb