Frank Sinatra could not have imagined the world in 2023 when he suggested that “from now on, our troubles will be miles away”. Nor could he possibly have grasped the challenges – most of them self-inflicted – South Africa would be wrestling with. But with a less literal interpretation of arguably the greatest ever Christmas song in mind, allow us to wish you all a “merry little Christmas”. ~ John Webb, Executive Producer
Christmas Cheer
What’s Christmas without song? In Alberton, Gauteng, beloved choir master Ida Strydom and her merry band of choristers are turning the town into their own rehearsal stage as they prepare for this year’s Christmas celebrations. Tannie Ida is a bubbly 72-year-old with an incredible passion for music dating back to 1994 when she founded The Cantare Children’s Choir. But she didn’t stop there and, through her passion for music, she’s impacted the lives of many children. Recently, Harmonia – a choir full of talented young women – performed at the beautiful Thaba Eco Hotel and Tussen Twee Koppies. This Chrismas Eve, Tannie Ida and her Harmonia Choir give us something to smile about.
Producer: Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Masa Kekana
Lessons in Solitude
It’s the most gruelling unassisted solo yacht race around the world. Attempted by only the world’s finest sailors, the Golden Globe Race is designed to push skills to the limit and challenge an athlete’s mental fortitude. With no navigational tools or weather reports, Kirsten Neuschäfer battled the elements and intense loneliness for 235 days to cross the finish line a day ahead of her competitors. Now, after winning the world’s toughest sailing competition the old-fashioned way, she’s back on home soil and getting her feet stuck into her next solo adventure.
Producer: Liz Fish | Presenter: Erin Bates
Tractor Tannie
Mom of two, Corné Else, has brought a new twist to the moniker “soccer mom”. For 13 days this year, Corné drove the family’s battered 59-year-old tractor close to 2000 kilometres through some of the country’s smallest towns. She was raising money to send her daughter to a sporting World Championships. Not soccer, though, or even netball. No, this was funding for tug-of-war. Corné’s daughter, Marconette, is a South African champion and she’d been invited to the World Champs in Switzerland. But, in the absence of government funding, Corné – with a little help from generous friends and family – devised a cunning plan to get her daughter to Europe.
Producer: Tarryn Crossman | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
IronMac: The Finish Line
It’s one of the most unforgiving long-distance triathlons in the world. The IRONMAN Championship comprises an exhausting 3.8km swim, a grueling 180km cycle, and an intense 42km marathon. Undertaken after years of training by only the world’s toughest athletes, IRONMAN tests the physical, mental and emotional fortitude of every contender. But for Carte Blanche’s resident cycling enthusiast, Macfarlane Moleli, it was a promise made to a departed friend that pushed him into this elite competition. With just six months of intense training, Macfarlane confronted the ultimate challenge.
Producer: Floris Kotze | Presenter: Derek Watts
CARTE BLANCHE: THE PODCAST
2024 is Gonna Be Hot!
And we’re not just talking about the potential impact of El Niño… We look at some of the biggest events on the political calendar – both locally and internationally. One big question: is the world inching closer towards multipolarity and what would that mean for South Africa? There’s also the very real matter of coalitions, while a handful of political bigwigs are set to face the music in court in the first half of 2024. The year hasn’t even started and we’re already exhausted at the mere thought of what’s to come.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Backyard Gold
The property market in Gauteng may be in shambles, but now there’s a deal you can’t resist as the criminal underworld infiltrates some back yards. We investigate the secret world of backyard gold refineries popping up in the south of Johannesburg.
Lethal Contact
Cash-in-transit robberies are highly skilled and move with almost military precision. The security trained to guard these trucks risk their lives to protect the cash load. But what really happens when the two worlds collide?
Full Story (age restricted)
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