Coming up on Carte Blanche‎ on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 04 January 2026 at 19:00

Under the Counter
They come in their hundreds, day in and day out; smugglers, hauling illegal cigarettes across the border. On the ground, it’s a warzone as landowners face a choice: pack up and go, turn a blind eye, or take a cut. A multibillion-rand criminal economy is bleeding the nation’s coffers dry. South Africa’s illicit cigarette trade outperforms the legal market, robbing the state of billions every year in lost taxes. Corruption and porous borders keep the trade thriving, despite government promises to crack down. From the border to spaza shop counters, we trace the illicit cigarette trade and lift the lid on the hidden supply chain that keeps it alive.

Producer: Nicky Troll
Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
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Death Behind Bars
In an overcrowded Cape Town prison, an awaiting trial inmate lies naked and severely beaten. Hours later, he’s declared dead. The official report: the alleged gangster died in a prison fight. But leaked information suggests the story may be far more sinister. What really happened that day? From horrific photos to reports of broken security cameras and attack dogs… Whispers swirl and more questions are raised than answers. Carte Blanche investigates.

Producer: Marion Edmunds
Presenter: Lourensa Eckard
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Spinning Right ‘Round
He’s the face of a viral phenomenon that started right here at home. Spinning: it’s part-motorsport, part-stunt. It’s uniquely accessible, welcoming participants from all backgrounds and communities. And like spinning itself, Samkeliso “Sam Sam” Thubane has emerged from local roots to dominate the world stage. Growing up in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Sam Sam’s passion and talent for motorsports was evident from a tender age. This year, he performed at the opening of the Red Bull Hangar-7 in Salzburg, Austria. Carte Blanche spends a day in the life of a global superstar on the rise – a young man spinning not only cars, but culture, identity, and possibility.

Producer: Nicky Troll
Presenter: Govan Whittles
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Carte Blanche: The Podcast

Unique stories. Unique perspectives. Carte Blanche: The Podcast delves beneath the headlines into South African and global issues, bringing you the stories that matter. Like what you hear? Drop us a rating or review.

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Please note Carte Blanche line-ups are subject to change.