Coming up on Carte Blanche‎ on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 18 August 2024 at 19:00

Counterfeit City
It’s early morning in downtown Johannesburg and, as small-business owners open shop for the day, an elite team from the SAPS’ anti-counterfeit unit descends on the inner city. Here the sale of counterfeit goods – popular luxury clothing brands, sneakers and even pharmaceuticals – has exploded. Cheap knockoffs are easy to come by and, because of its shipping routes, South Africa is one of the biggest markets for fake goods on the continent – large counterfeit consignments often move through the country undetected. As this illicit market continues to grow, fuelling other major criminal networks, Carte Blanche joins one anti-counterfeit unit’s operation on the streets of Johannesburg.

Producer: Harri Vithi
Presenter: Govan Whittles
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New Knees
Schalk Burger is a man with a spring in his step. For the last 20 years, he has battled ongoing knee problems that have made it difficult for him to walk or to enjoy the simple things in life, like visiting a mall with his wife. But a recent surgery has changed his life. Using a groundbreaking new technique called kinematically aligned knee arthroplasty, specialist orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hannes Jonker successfully implanted a revolutionary prosthesis to replace Schalk’s injured knee. It marked a historic moment for South Africa and the continent as Dr Jonker became the first surgeon in the country to perform this pioneering operation. Carte Blanche goes inside the operating theatre for one of these trailblazing surgeries.

Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein
Presenter: Govan Whittles
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Critical Care Unit Under Threat
The Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust is building a haven for children in crisis at Sebokeng Hospital. This dedicated new paediatric trauma unit will revolutionise the care of babies and older children. But building it has not been without difficulties. Earlier this year, the so-called construction mafia threatened to derail the build, forcing the Trust to ramp up security and fight back against attempts to sabotage this critical project. But with the support of hospital management and the dedication of its team, the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust is ensuring that this life-saving facility becomes a reality for Sebokeng’s youngest and most vulnerable patients.

Producer: Sinethemba Nogude
Presenter: Xola Ntshinga
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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.