“I was part of ‘that’ generation. The one old enough to remember the bitterness of defeat at the hands of England, the weather and the infernal Messrs Duckworth and Lewis at the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Well, on our way to victory, a sudden downpour left us needing 22 off just one ball. And in the years that followed, it all went downhill from there. But now, after a glorious three and a half days in London, the ‘chokers’ spell has been broken and a string of World Cup victories no doubt awaits.” – John Webb, Executive Producer
Choke No More
What does it take to break a curse? It was the final test, the biggest stage. South Africa hovered once again on the cusp of greatness – or another grand collapse. For decades, the Proteas have found heartbreak in the most imaginative ways possible. Now, in the World Test Championship final against Australia, has the national team finally exorcised the ghosts of cricketing trauma past? It’s a story of hope and heartbreak, of loyalty against the odds, and of long-suffering, devoted fans rewarded at long last. Carte Blanche celebrates with our national team.
Producer & Presenter: Nickolaus Bauer
Death in the Chicken House
Starving chickens eat each other in horrific conditions. Unpaid workers protest. A board member forces through a massive payment before fleeing the coop. All this as a huge integrated chicken business implodes under the care of government’s own asset manager. Years of looting, bloated management and millions paid in questionable fees have forced the once-profitable company into business rescue. It’s a story of greed, corruption and mismanagement, and the suffering that follows.
Producer: Joy Summers | Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
On the Run
The waters of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline erupt as billions of sardines arrive – and the feeding frenzy begins. Birds dive, sharks circle and the netting crews compete for the ultimate catch. They brave shark-infested waters, navigate dangerous surf and haul in heavy nets – all as tempers flare and tragedy hovers. This is a story of survival, tradition and timing, set against the backdrop of a fragile coastal economy that lives and dies with the catch.
Producer: Beth Neale | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
NOW STREAMING
The Mountain Syndicate
Every year, stories about the dangers of unregulated initiation schools hit the headlines. But this story is about a sinister manipulation of traditional practices – and the exploitation of vulnerable teens and their families. As children disappear from their homes and schools, desperate families are forced to pay up while authorities seem unwilling to step in. Macfarlane and team embarked on a desperate hunt for one missing girl – and came face to face with an alleged syndicate. Watch the full story now on DStv Stream.
Death Behind Bars
A known gangster with multiple sentences – awaiting trial for murder – dies in prison under shadowy circumstances. Some might say “good riddance”. But this single death opens a window into apparent dysfunction and mismanagement. Our prisons are overcrowded and understaffed, known hotspots for gangsterism. And it’s claimed some of those in charge of maintaining order are as violent as the criminals in their care. When conflict broke out inside a Cape Town prison earlier this year, it brought those concerns into stark focus. Lourensa investigates. For the full story, get DStv Stream.
Koppies Kill Zone
Nearly 15 000 people die on our roads every year despite ongoing attempts to bring down that shocking figure. But it seems a particularly hazardous stretch of highway hasn’t been given the attention it deserves, despite locals labelling it a known death trap. As the tragedies multiply, a grief-stricken mother is demanding answers. Our producer Anina Peens tells her story.
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
Twitter / X: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Instagram: @carteblanchetv #CarteBlanche
Youtube: carteblancheTV #CarteBlanche
TikTok: @carteblanchetv101
Threads: carteblanchetv
