“We journalists and filmmakers are famous for our humility. However, no stone shall remain unturned in our quest to titillate our viewers. And so, for one night only, we’re casting aside our modesty and turning the camera on ourselves as we offer a glimpse of CB as you rarely see it: from behind, so to speak.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
From Eden to Addo
Through the dense foliage of the Knysna Forest steps a lone elephant. This is Strangefoot, the last survivor of the herds of elephants that once roamed the Garden Route before they were hunted almost to extinction. Today, our wildlife survives in fragmented, confined parks, unable to migrate along ancient pathways. But a radical initiative is seeking to change that, by linking the nature reserves of the Garden Route with corridors of protected land. Carte Blanche takes to the trail to explore an ambitious project to restore a damaged ecosystem and secure the future of our biodiversity.
Producer: Carol Albertyn Christie | Presenter: Erin Bates
Art for Awakening
Masiphumelele, a township on the Cape Peninsula: life here is about survival. This community, plagued by poverty and crime, is the last place you’d expect to find a bustling art studio filled with budding young artists. But Luc van der Walt has seen the power of art to heal the trauma of children brought up in a violent world. In his workshops, children are introduced to the joy of creativity and given back some of their childhood.
Producer: Catherine Rice | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
The Stories Behind the Stories
“Good evening. This is Carte Blanche.” You’ve heard the words a hundred times in your sitting room on a Sunday night, but have you ever wondered what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling? Well, you’re in luck! Because we’re about to give you a sneak peek into the story behind the stories. From the tension of investigating organised crime to the fluffed lines, or the high of being on a new adventure to making a plan when everything goes wrong. Meet the team that makes the Carte Blanche machine run and go off-script with us on some of 2024’s most iconic stories.
Producer: Stenette Grosskopf
SA’s Smallest Town
Nestled in the serene farmlands of Mpumalanga lies Val, a living time capsule. Once a stop on the Johannesburg-Durban railway, it has witnessed some big moments in South Africa’s history. But today, its population doesn’t even reach the double digits. In fact, with just eight full-time inhabitants, Val is South Africa’s smallest town. However, one woman is determined to keep its stories alive, and her passion has transformed Val into a historic gem. We take a tour of the tiny town with a big heart.
Producer: Sinethemba Nogude | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
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Please note: Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change. Stories can be viewed at www.carteblanche.co.za
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