Coming up on Carte Blanche‎ on M-Net & M-Net HD [101], Sunday 30 June 2024 at 19:00

Rabid Seals
Cape fur seals are generally curious and friendly sea mammals. They are often found lazing around in Western Cape harbours and diving sites, and they’ve become a common sight on our beaches. But in recent years, there has been a significant increase in unprovoked attacks on people both in the water and onshore. Experts say this behaviour is unusual because seals usually attack only when they’re protecting their young. Now eight seals, including a pup that attacked five surfers in May this year, have tested positive for the deadly rabies virus: the first recorded cases in seals since 1981. Scientists, veterinarians and marine authorities are confounded, and companies that used to snorkel with seals have closed shop.

Producer: Liz Fish
Presenter: Erin Bates
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A Time of War
In March 2022, Russia did the unthinkable: Eight years after the first Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014, thousands of Russian troops crossed the border as Vladmir Putin carried out his long-standing threat to invade the country again. Chernobyl, home to the world’s most notorious nuclear power station, was captured and hundreds of people were trapped. Then Russian troops occupying the area began to withdraw. Now, more than two years since the war began, Carte Blanche goes inside the exclusion zone to examine why keeping Chernobyl out of Russian hands was critical to Ukraine’s fightback.

Producer: Floris Kotze
Presenter: Govan Whittles
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Hot Tea and Apricots
It was a 40th birthday celebration that should’ve ended in high spirits. But without warning, career woman and mom of three young children, Kim Ballantine, lost her voice. Spasmodic dysphonia, a rare and serious neurological condition, caused her vocal cords to spasm, leaving her unable to breathe and, on several occasions, at death’s door. Meals were puréed and sipped through a straw but often triggered life-threatening spasms of Kim’s vocal cords. Doctors couldn’t find the cause of her condition, and she was told she would never speak again. And then, just as the family was learning to adapt to a new normal, Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. In this remarkable story of loss and hope, love and faith, we speak to a family that stuck together through the tough times, inspiring us never to give up – no matter how dire the situation may appear.

Producer: Joy Summers
Presenter: Masa Kekana
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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.