Coming up on
Carte Blanche this Sunday 10 August 2025:
Sacred Conflict
For centuries, a spiritual war has raged between Christianity and African spirituality.
Christianity branded traditional beliefs as “witchcraft” - a battle that still echoes in today’s classrooms where children hear voices that science can’t explain.
But last year, South Africa’s Catholic schools quietly launched a first-of-its-kind policy to support learners experiencing the ancestral call to become sangomas.
The guidelines seek to balance child safety, cultural respect, and Catholic doctrine.
But will this policy reconcile the division, or ignite it?
Producer: Matuba Mahlatjie
Presenter: Govan Whittles
Park Capture
Is a contentious proposal threatening Johannesburg’s iconic green spaces?
From Marks Park to Melville Koppies: they’re treasured recreation areas forming a vital green corridor through the city.
Now, the City is reviewing the leases that govern these spaces - and residents fear it could open the door to selling off their beloved parks.
Lease holders say they’ve invested millions for the benefit of the public, only to be targeted.
Ward councillors warn that a constitutional right is under threat. Some political parties claim this land could be better used for affordable housing.
Meanwhile, the City says it’s merely claiming much-needed revenue. What does the future hold for Johannesburg’s scarce and embattled green spaces?
Producer: Sasha Schwendenwein
Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Secured
Armed guards stationed on walking trails. The body of a missing man found on a rubbish dump. A local resident partially paralysed by crossfire.
Is this private security company operating as paramilitary force?
A company hired to secure plantations in the Eastern Cape is allegedly using strongarm tactics to restrict access to forest hiking trails.
Worse still: in a nearby town, its guards are accused of assault and even murder.
Tourism is declining and locals live in fear of aggression and assault. Despite stringent regulations governing private security operations, these guards appear to be a law unto themselves.
Producer: Harri Vithi
Presenter: Erin Bates
Return to Knysna
Once the jewel of the Garden Route, now on a knife edge. Governance failures, infrastructure collapse and political infighting have brought Knysna to the brink of disaster.
In June, the provincial government initiated a process that could lead to the dissolution of the municipal council. But opinions are divided over what’s best for the town.
Some residents say the current mayor is turning things around and needs more time, while others claim there’s no hope under this council.
The DA, official opposition, is in favour of the dissolution. The rest of the council has threatened to bring an interdict to prevent it. It’s a critical moment and a test case for dysfunctional municipalities.
Will placing Knysna under administration be a lifeline, or a last resort too long delayed?
Producer: Catherine Rice
Presenter: Masa Kekana
Small Town: Napier
A village with a history as unusual as its present-day inhabitants. Napier was founded on the grounds of a bitter dispute between two prominent neighbours over where to build the community church.
The conflict was never resolved: to this day, it’s the source of playful rivalry between descendants of the two families in Napier and its neighbouring church town, Bredasdorp. And this long history is just the first of Napier’s charms.
From a unique pipe organ and its dedicated organist, to a retired revolutionary rock star, Carte Blanche gets a taste of what this tiny town has to offer.
Producer: Catherine Rice
Presenter: Erin Bates
Premiere episodes of Carte Blanche air on M-Net on Sundays at 19h00 and are on Catch Up afterwards.