Coming up on Carte Blanche‎ on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 21 July 2024 at 19:00

The Politics of Power
South Africa’s newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) is settling in, forging new alliances to build an accountable and effective government. But while political adversaries appear to be burying the hatchet at national level, old and new faultlines threaten to scupper this fragile political marriage of convenience. In Gauteng, the failure to form a representative GNU is a symptom of deeper and darker political contests beneath the surface. Carte Blanche tests the waters with South Africa’s ministerial newbies, to establish the strength and nature of the glue in the GNU – and to ask: on whose shoulders will success ultimately rest?

Producer: Marion Edmunds
Presenter: Erin Bates
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Extortion City
On the surface, Randolf Jorberg – with his bright yellow t-shirt, sunglasses and newly dyed yellow beard – is an eccentric character. But on the streets of Cape Town, he’s a well-known business owner who used to run one of the best beer houses on Long Street. In recent years, though, Randolf has been forced to retreat from the spotlight as protection rackets targeting small businesses have flourished. Cape Town has become the extortion epicentre, with violent criminal syndicates operating across the city. In 2015, Randolf refused to pay protection money. Weeks later, his doorman was assassinated. He says it was a clear message: pay up or suffer the consequences. Alleged underworld kingpins are currently on trial in the Western Cape High Court, but that hasn’t stopped their henchmen from wreaking havoc. Carte Blanche examines the underbelly of the Western Cape’s deadly extortion rackets.

Producer: Catherine Rice
Presenter: Govan Whittles
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The Thirteen Peaks
The 13 Peaks Challenge is a journey of over 100 kilometres, climbing more than 6000 metres and conquering some of the Western Cape’s most difficult mountain peaks. It was designed by an experienced extreme endurance runner, and it’s a tough adventure for even experienced adult trail runners. But that hasn’t deterred Mackenzie Knott, a sporty 11-year-old with a passion for animals and the outdoors. Determined to raise funds for the care of rhino orphans, Mackenzie has taken on the gruelling 13 Peaks Challenge every year since she was just eight years old.

Producer: Laura Byrne
Presenter: Erin Bates
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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.