Why M-Net's Carte Blanche is exiting its Ferndale office space and switching to a work-from-home staff format

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's long-running weekly investigative current affairs programme Carte Blanche is exiting its office space in Johannesburg, with the show produced by Combined Artistic Productions that has decided to switch to a work-from-home format.

Combined Artistic Productions is giving up its office space in Oak Avenue in Johannesburg at the end of March. 

What DStv subscribers of Canal+'s MultiChoice however see, and are familiar with on Sunday evenings on M-Net (DStv 101), is the beautiful blue-hue Carte Blanche set, located at Stark Studios, which remains in place. 

"Combined Artists will be vacating its rented Ferndale offices at the end of this month as the building has been sold by its owner," John Webb, Carte Blanche executive producer, told TVwithThinus in response to a media query about the building move.

"We considered finding alternative office space but, given the experience gained during the pandemic and to improve operational efficiencies, we’ve decided instead to return to a work-from-home model."

"As our internal team is small and we rely on freelance producers and other technical contractors for the bulk of our content, a fixed office space is no longer a necessity."

Since Canal+ took over MultiChoice, all local programming is at risk, with Canal+ executives saying they're going with a "fine-comb through everything". 

It's not yet publicly known what Canal+'s plans are for channels like M-Net and premium local programming like Carte Blanche, and if channels and shows like these will continue.

The M-Net channel will celebrate its 40th anniversary in October, with the 37-year-old Carte Blanche as the channel's longest-running local show.

Carte Blanche exec producer John Webb on Derek Watts: 'His passion never dimmed'.

by Thinus Ferreira

With the entirely of Sunday's episode of Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) at 19:00 which will be dedicated to and be a tribute to Derek Watts who died earlier this week after losing his battle against cancer, the show's executive producer John Webb says Watts' "passion never dimmed".

The entire hour of Sunday's Carte Blanche will be devoted to Derek Watts and to remember and honour the work and legacy of the veteran anchor on the South African current affairs show, with the "gentle giant" who has become one of the longest enduring presenters and faces on South African television.

Diana Lucas is the producer of Sunday's Derek Watts' look-back and tribute Carte Blanche episode done by Combined Artistic Productions.

"Where do you begin to eulogise a man who has meant so much to so many people?" says John Webb, Carte Blanche executive producer. "This Sunday, the Carte Blanche family stands together to pay tribute to our beloved colleague and friend, Derek Watts."

"Our superlatives exhausted, what is left to be said about Derek Watts not already reflected in the thousands of tributes that followed news of his death? From politicians to sports stars and fellow hacks, the memories and messages have been overwhelming."

"Still, I wonder if any of us have done true justice to the legacy of this remarkable man. How do you capture a life lived as Derek lived his; one squeezed of every ounce of adventure and possibility and promise yet one so devoid of selfishness? I have tried - as I’m sure others have, too - but my words are inadequate."

"No matter which I choose, or how I order them, nothing that comes from my lips brings to life the images of the man in my head. The best I can do - we can do - is to live a life that leaves others in a similar quandary when our time comes."

Webb says "Derek was a remarkable man, fearless in the pursuit of justice. He was a beacon for the forgotten and downtrodden, and a steadying hand amid chaos and anxiety. He embodied the ideal, 'umntu ngumntu, ngabantu' (I am because you are), connecting with people from all walks of life and treating each with dignity and respect. He dedicated his life to telling South Africa's story."

Webb explains that in 1988, producer Bill Faure approached Derek to co-host a new show, Carte Blanche, which would air on M-Net every Sunday night. 

"Forty years old, easy-going, sports mad Derek might not have been an obvious choice, but his charisma and the chemistry he shared with co-host Ruda Landman created a dynamic partnership that audiences found irresistible."

"As Carte Blanche grew and evolved, covering the seminal moments of South Africa's changing story, Derek too went from strength to strength. The stories he told reflected this: from reporting on the Boipatong Massacre where the crew filmed through the night as Derek confronted politicians and gave the victims and their families a much-needed voice, to traveling to the foot of Mount Everest and every possible corner of South Africa."

"In the 35 years he spent with the show, his passion never dimmed and he never lost his unique ability to connect with people. We will miss him tremendously, but we draw strength and inspiration from the incredible legacy he leaves behind."

"Our deepest condolences to his beloved Belinda, Tyrone, Kirsten, and his siblings. Lala ngoxolo Papa D, ugqatso ulufezile. Umzamo omhle uwuzamile. Rest in perfect peace."

ALSO READ: Sunday’s Carte Blanche will be an hourlong Derek Watts tribute episode.

ALSO READ: Veteran Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts dead at 74 after losing his battle against cancer.

Sunday’s Carte Blanche will be an hourlong Derek Watts tribute episode.

by Thinus Ferreira

His longtime former colleagues Devi Sankaree Govender and Ruda Landman might very well return to the Carte Blanche studio this Sunday evening on M-Net (DStv 101) at 19:00 when the whole hour of the show will be a tribute episode to Derek Watts who died earlier this week after losing his battle against cancer.

Today kykNET (DStv 144) will rebroadcast a sit-down interview with Derek Watts when the episode of Hannes Aan Huis in which Hannes van Wyk talks to Watts at his home, will be shown again at 17:30.

Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes the Combined Artistic Productions show has immediately started to rework Sunday's entire episode as a tribute programme to Derek Watts.

John Webb, Carte Blanche executive producer, says that an hour feels like too little time to honour and showcase Watts' massive contribution but we're going to try our best.

Devi Sankaree Govender told TVwithThinus that few people are aware that Derek Watts "hated doing confrontational interviews. He hated it with an absolute passion and I had no idea about this because I was watching Derek from the time I was 15 years old when Carte Blanche started".

"I never would have guessed that. I joined Carte Blanche in 2002 and I just had this leaning towards catching the crooks and the bad guys and it was just something that I loved doing."

"It didn't take Derek long before he came up to me the one day and he said: 'I'm so happy that you do these stories and you do it so well because it means I don't really have to do it because I don't like confronting people - it makes me feel awkward."

"The thing with Derek is that he was just genuinely such a nice guy. He was the real deal. He actually felt bad for the skelms. He always remarked on that he just really found it difficult. He did ask the thought questions in his own way and he was always able to get answers out of people in a very gentle, almost kind, kind of way."

"He never like the confrontations and in a way we bonded over my confrontations because he was just so grateful and always acknowledged it when I did great work which I appreciated as a young journalist just starting out."

"I got to work with my television icon - one of the people along with Ruda Landman and Manu Padayachee, so I know I was the lucky one." 

ALSO READ: Veteran Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts dead at 74 after losing his battle against cancer.

Carte Blanche anchor and 'patriarch' Derek Watts reveals cancer fight.

by Thinus Ferreira

Derek Watts, the iconic South African TV anchor of Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) on Sunday nights, and considered the weekly current affairs show's "patriarch", has revealed his cancer fight amidst an ongoing health battle, saying he's determined to return to the show he's anchored for 35 years when he's better.

The highly-respected journalist and TV presenter standing 1.9 metres tall who has been with Carte Blanche for 35 years, suffered a big health scare in late March which landed him in hospital, and on Sunday night revealed that he's privately been battling cancer as well.

The veteran Carte Blanche anchor was diagnosed with severe sepsis after he collapsed in Hoedspruit during a family trip and said that he had to learn to walk again with the help of a physiotherapist.

On Sunday night, a frail-looking Derek Watts in a taped recording made on Saturday from a Netcare hospital bed, revealed his cancer battle to Carte Blanche viewers but noted that he planned to return to the show when he's better.

Last year Derek Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer that had spread to his lungs. With the support of his family and specialists, he was able to continue presenting Carte Blanche, but the sepsis infection in March complicated his cancer treatment.

"Another short hospital stay, but I'm fine - I'll be out of here soon," Derek Watts said. 

"Really just wanted to say to our viewers - thank you for all the love, the messages, the prayers that give us all hope. and thanks of course for continuing to watch Carte Blanche. I'll be back soon, have a magic week and cheers for now."

The Hillbrow-born TV presenter who grew up in Bulawayo joined the South African public broadcaster's SABC News division in 1985 and later co-anchored its Top Sport sports magazine show.

He jumped to M-Net when the pay-TV channel decided to start Carte Blanche in 1988 as a new South African current affairs magazine TV show two years after M-Net had launched.

Derek Watts was the original co-host of Carte Blanche alongside Ruda Landman and has been with the Combined Artistic Productions produced show for the past 35 years - door-stopping various criminals caught in the act and doing interviews around the world, taking him from Mount Everest to the nuclear aircraft carrier George Washington during the Gulf War. 

MultiChoice in a statement on Sunday night after the episode confirmed that "Derek Watts will be stepping back from his work to focus on his health" for the time being.

"While this news is undoubtedly disheartening, we remain hopeful and optimistic about Derek's journey toward recovery. We have complete confidence in the expertise and dedication of his medical team, who will provide the best possible care and support throughout this process."

John Webb, Carte Blanche executive producer, in the statement, says "Derek has touched the lives of many throughout his remarkable career, and his unwavering spirit has been a source of inspiration for all. This was especially clear when, earlier this year, he was hospitalised with severe sepsis".

"Derek took enormous comfort from the thousands of messages he received during his recovery from sepsis. Following his cancer diagnosis, I know his resolve will be strengthened by the continued love and support of the people to whom he dedicated his working life. We join all of you in wishing strength and recovery to our patriarch, mentor, colleague, and friend."

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice Group CEO of general entertainment, says "M-Net would like to send a message of support and well-wishes to veteran investigative journalist and long-time Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts".

"We hold him, his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers and wish him strength and courage as he fights this illness."

"The team at M-Net has the utmost respect and admiration for Derek and his commitment to the channel for the last 36 years. Derek's immense contribution to Carte Blanche forms the tapestry and legacy of the M-Net brand. We will continue to support him during this challenging time."

"During this challenging time, we kindly request that his privacy and that of his loved ones be respected, allowing him the space needed to focus on his recovery."

The veteran Carte Blanche cameraman and versatile South African director of photography Piet Snyman has died after long illness.

by Thinus Ferreira

The longtime Carte Blanche cameraman and versatile director of photography Piet Snyman who worked for the Combined Artistic Productions investigative current affairs programme on M-Net (DStv 101) amongst others, has died.

Carte Blanche in a statement said "It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of beloved cameraman, Piet Snyman. He worked on many Carte Blanche stories, was known for his bravery and always went the extra mile. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues".

Besides working for M-Net's Carte Blanche, Piet Snyman had worked across multiple TV series from drama series, telenovelas, documentaries, and magazine shows across channels ranging from the SABC to kykNET, VIA, Mzansi Magic and the Discovery Channel.

As a lighting cameraman Piet Snyman did lighting design and was a director of photography (DOP), working in-studio and on-location for drama series and lensed episodes of shows like Pelgrims, In Ons Midde, Tyres and Braaiers, Mega Boere, Zabalaza, Proesstraat, On the Couch, Bravo!, Kwêla, Isidingo, Fiesta and a string of documentaries and documentary inserts from Forgotten Soldiers and Deforestation in Africa to 50/50 and many more. 

Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts paid tribute and said in the closer of Sunday night's edition on M-Net, "On Friday one of our longtime cameramen and friends, Piet Snyman, passed away after a long illness".

"I knew Piet to be ultra and committed to his craft, along with being the ultimate team player - never missed the opportunity to bring laughter to our shoots. We will really miss him and we offer our deepest condolences to Janine and his children."

Carte Blanche presenter and anchor Claire Mawisa said "It was always a comforting feeling to read your name on the callsheet. How lucky for me to have known you. You'll be sorely missed, thank you for everything".

M-Net’s true crime docuseries Strangers You Know returns for a second season from 9 January 2022 with 4 further horrific South African murder cases.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African true-crime docuseries, Strangers You Know, is back for a second season on M-Net (DStv 101) from Sunday 9 January at 20:00 with blood-curling episodes that will unpack the horrific details of the murders of Anene Booysen, Jayde Panayiotou, the Van Breda family, and Karabo Mokoena killed by her boyfriend.

Produced by Combined Artistic Productions, also responsible for M-Net's weekly Sunday investigative magazine show Carte Blanche, the second season of Strangers You Know will once again go deeper in exploring the macabre circumstances around some of the most sensational murders in South Africa where people were killed by someone they knew.

In the second season's four new episodes, viewers will be able to watch insightful and emotional interviews from the friends and families at the heart of the story and the analysis of the lead investigators, forensic pathologists, and prosecutors involved in each case.

The first season of Strangers You Know is now available on DStv Catch Up, with the new second season that will examine the deceit and betrayal which led to these gut-wrenching crimes which gripped the nation. 

"In a country such as ours, where violence especially against women, is so rife, these are some of the stories that need to be told," says Chwayitisa Futshane, creator, producer and executive producer of Strangers You Know.

"In the second season the series really gets to grips with some of these crimes and if nothing else, our viewers will be reminded that sometimes the most brutal killers, are the strangers we know."

M-Net supplied a log sheet with episodes synopses of the four new episodes:

Karabo Mokoena | Sunday 9 January

Karabo Mokoena thought she found the man of her dreams when she started dating Forex trader Sandile Mantsoe. He appeared to be successful, intelligent and grounded in his spirituality. But when Karabo goes missing, her friends and family try to track her down at the last place she was seen. It soon becomes evident that Sandile is not the Prince Charming Karabo had first envisioned.

Jayde Panayiotou | Sunday 16 January

In Gqebera circles, Jayde and Christopher were a match made in heaven. Jayde was a fun, well-loved teacher and Christopher was the businessman with a plan. But their lives are ripped apart when Jayde’s body is found in a field outside of town. While Christopher and his family mourn their profound loss, police set up a sting operation and a shocking discovery is made.

Anene Booysen | Sunday 23 January

A despicable act of savagery ends the life of Bredasdorp teenager Anene Booysen. After the 17-year-old is found beaten and almost naked on a construction site by a security guard, the public is baying for blood. With her dying words, Anene whispers the name of her killer to her mother. What appears to be an open-and-shut case actually raises more questions about the police investigation and, most importantly, whether the right man is in prison.

Henri van Breda | Sunday 30 January

South Africans were shaken when the picture-perfect Van Breda family were brutally attacked in their Stellenbosch home by an axe-wielding intruder. While the massacre grabbed international headlines, the police started paying close attention to someone inside the home. The police slowly piece together the events of that day and a heart-breaking betrayal is revealed.

Coronavirus: M-Net's Carte Blanche to continue with new episodes through Covid-19 on Sundays, will do 2 stories looking at the growing pandemic in South Africa and globally.

by Thinus Ferreira

The weekly investigate and current affairs programme Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) will continue on Sunday evenings at 19:00 through the weeks of South Africa's national lockdown period and will this Sunday once again feature stories about the growing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa and globally.

While production of the weekly current affairs show produced by Combined Artistic Productions, has been impacted similar to a lot of other locally-produced South Africa TV shows, Carte Blanche has quickly adapted. Some inserts have already been pre-recorded for playout and production staffers are also working remotely as far as possible.

Similar to this past Sunday, Carte Blanche will stay on the Covid-19 pandemic story that's dominating headlines in South Africa and abroad with two inserts - one following its impact in South Africa, and one looking at the global impact so far.

Presenter Claire Mawisa and producer Sophia Phirippides will firstly look at the economic devastation of the national lockdown in South Africa as the panic of the lockdown is beginning to set it for members of the public and businesses forced to close.

As the global community fights to contain the pandemic and already depressed economic activity all but grinds to a halt, Carte Blanche examines how South Africans are bracing for the impact.

Then presenter John Webb who is also producing the second insert is examining how Europe and especially Ireland is trying to prepare for the peak in the steady rise of Covid-19 cases.

With Europe currently the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts estimate that Ireland is only likely to see infection rates peak around June and July.

John Webb meet a sports broadcaster, lawyer, tour guide and charity founder from Ireland trying to make sense of life as the Irish government clamps down on free movement and tries to enforce social distancing.

"The Irish I've been speaking to are wathing Italy closely, worried something similar will happen here," he says. "After all, it's only a 2-hour flight away. But they're also determined to see this thing through with a smile on their face."

"Pity the Irish government, though, who have had to get this nation of writers, musicians and raconteurs to stop socialising. Luckily for the most part, the Covid-19 penny has dropped and much of this country has gone quiet."

In other inserts on Sunday evening Carte Blanche will look at the ongoing spate of robberies targeting luxury wristwatches. Presenter Derek Watts and producer Kate Barry speak to the widow of a British tourist who was robbed and killed and investigate what drives the trade in stolen watches and Rolex gangs.

Then Carte Blanche also investigates the dilapidated Bloemfontein zoo where animals have been neglected and some left to die in the months after the provincial department of environment closed the zoo's doors for business.

The Bloemfontein zoo has become the latest casualty of the bankrupt Mangaung municipality with presenter Masa Kekana and producer Stenette Grosskopf investigating.

'NOWHERE SEEMS TOO FAR AWAY.' How Carte Blanche's John went away yet stayed - and in his next chapter made DStv's M-Net viewers part of a bigger, worldwide Webb.

When they leave, they - and their shows - say they'll stay. But they hardly ever really do and you can't at all blame them.

Yet, since the veteran Carte Blanche presenter John Webb emigrated to the United Kingdom a year ago, he has actually not just kept to and made good on his promise to remain and keep reporting on Carte Blanche - he completely shattered and surpassed all expectations.

John Webb didn't disappear off TV screens and he refused to fade away.

In fact, the highly-respected journalist did the opposite. Over the past year, John Webb has helped to elevate South Africa's long-running, weekly investigative programme on M-Net (DStv 101) that has remained outstanding, to even more eye-popping and must-see appointment television on Sunday nights at 19:00.

Bringing incredible production values and visuals to Carte Blanche inserts as he continues to file multiple extremely interesting inserts and interviews from the United Kingdom and across Europe, John Webb as producer and presenter has managed to successfully infuse the venerable current affairs show in its 31st year of pay-TV existence on DStv with something incredible - a great international flavour.

To a masterful extent in a manner of speaking, the intrepid John and his reporting wanderlust has made Carte Blanche and DStv subscribers, on almost a weekly basis, part of the "world wide webb".

TV viewers might see and then have an underlying awareness that something is of above-average quality - or not - but rarely sit down to deconstruct exactly why that's the case.

Yet, when Carte Blanche and the seemingly indefatigable John Webb in October 2018 broadcast a fascinating insert on global warming when he went to Sweden on assignment to report on global warming, utterly mesmerising visuals and can't-look-away storytelling formed part of the package.

It was beautifully shot.

Part of the incredible scene-setting shots included fly-over landscape panning scenes of the Swedish wilderness along winding roads. It was absolutely movie quality and obviously done using a camera drone - a seemingly small touch that literally elevated the entire story and enhanced it in scope, content, visuals and substance.

You just don't really see that in or on South African weekly television but the effort, the thought, and the enhanced production values in that indelible moment raised the bar yet again of what Carte Blanche is and what it shows to M-Net viewers.

The incredible quality of camerawork, combined with interesting topics and well-done research that are part of John Webb's filed overseas stories have now been seen - and noticed - several times since.

#Hurricanes, tornadoes and flash #floods have become more frequent as climate experts warn that the effects of #climatechange could soon be irreversible. Don't miss #CarteBlanche Sun at 7pm on @MNet @journojohn @DStv ch 101 pic.twitter.com/Tbi8fQNiDa

— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) October 12, 2018

TVwithThinus decided to reach out to John Webb not just about his incredible and dedicated work over the past year for Carte Blanche but to find out how working for the Combined Artistic Productions show has been different since he's now been doing global stories from afar and reporting on stories that have a resonance for South African and African viewers on DStv.

"The most significant difference has been taking on the additional challenge of producing as well as presenting the inserts," says John Webb.

"It's heightened my regard for the Carte Blanche production team which has - for 30 years - generated amazing content in often very taxing conditions and with very short turn-arounds."

"You're taking responsibility for something which is only a concept when you begin shooting - a collection of thoughts and images in your mind's eye - and trying to find the visual and human components that bring it to life."

"Not only that, but then you have to bring it to life in a way that draws people into their TV rooms on a Sunday night - and, while doing that, you're booking yet another Uber and thinking about what to buy your crew for lunch," John Webb explains.

"It's also brought home the central role of the presenter - not only as the person guiding the viewer through the complexities of any given story, but as someone to turn to for help with the creative process and bounce ideas off."

"In my case, the absence of a second set of eyes and ears can sometimes be a little disconcerting," he says. "In those instances, it helps to have a camera operator not afraid to voice an opinion."

Tales from a true international TV correspondent
And who now comes up with the story-ideas that will find John Webb in Italy the one week, interviewing experts about Brexit and what the impact will be for South Africa the next, or literally standing in the middle of a frozen river somewhere in Europe?

"These are discussed and dissected at our weekly editorial meetings," he says. "The ideas come from the producers themselves, the editorial and management team or our excellent researchers. They're pitched, discussed, refined and then either approved or turned down."

"It's a thorough and - quite rightly - rigorous process. The challenge for me is finding ideas that will make it through that process unscathed," says John Webb. "And that means stories that aren't being shot in Europe simply for shooting in Europe's sake."

"For example, a piece-to-camera in the middle of a Norwegian fjord might look extraordinary, but there'd be very little point filming one if what was happening in Norway wasn't in some way relevant to a South African audience."

"So, while there are always interesting events unfolding in the northern hemisphere, our task is to seek out the ones we think our viewers will feel a connection with. It's an inexact science and it's always extremely helpful to have the input of the editorial team in Johannesburg, as well as the other producers and presenters."

"Thankfully, I think our audience responds to a wide variety of stories. The key is ensuring they're well-told and well filmed. And, given that we're in the story-telling business, as long as we get that part right, we're on the right track."

Then I ask John Webb - who already travelled extensively to several places and countries around Europe the past few months, how this experience has been.

"Travelling is one of the great privileges of this job," he says. "Driving through the magnificent tundra of the far north of Sweden or sharing a bowl of clams with a cameraman in downtown Lisbon isn't part of the job description of too many other professions."

"It also helps that nowhere seems too far away when you're flying within Europe. I can board a plane in Dublin at 6am and be shooting pieces-to-camera in Munich three hours later."

"There's also an upside to using local crew when shooting abroad. They tend to show great enthusiasm as amateur tour guides and are often very knowledgeable. A story in Germany last year involved a long drive from Munich to Stuttgart."

"The cameraman, while driving at obscene speed down the autobahn, filled me in on just about every historical aspect of the areas we were passing through.  My life would be poorer for not knowing how deeply some Germans feel about asparagus!" says John Webb.

Of camerawork that lifts a story
And the very noticeable high production quality of some of the inserts - how has this been made possible?

"I've been fortunate in finding capable camera operators," says John Webb. "When almost all your stories are shot abroad, this can be a bit of a lottery, you're never entirely sure what you're going to get."

"Where I'm unable to rely on the recommendations of colleagues, I do my best to research their work online. It also helps to know if they're shooting with up-to-date gear."

"I also think that, when you've worked for Carte Blanche for a while, you recognise the importance of spending time shooting well-considered 'b-roll'. This is the footage that generally covers the voice-over in a script and the rule-of-thumb is that you can never have enough."

" But, if you ensure that what you do get is well shot, then it can make an extraordinary difference to an insert. As for the drones, well, at the outset, I should admit to being an absolute sucker for drone footage shot in good light," says John Webb.

"I think the aesthetic impact is undeniable. But, on some stories they've become a crucial device in helping to tell the story."

"Even the best scripting in the world can't fully capture the brooding grittiness of somewhere like Emalahleni or the sheer magnificence of the Arctic Circle in the way that a drone can.  There's always a danger that these shots can be overused, but I think the additional dimension shot with such stability can really lift a story," he explains.

"All of which, I hope, contributes to a product that is pleasing on the eye.  It's something that we pay a lot of attention to at Carte Blanche and I think our viewers - given their own investment in HD technology and beyond – have every right to expect of us."

Reaching out in the dark with a new contribution
When you moved, did you really think or envision that you would do such a lot of stories and inserts, I ask. Was it a resolute goal from the beginning, or something that developed and continued more organically?

"I certainly hoped to do as many but, in a lot of ways, I was reaching out in the dark," says John Webb. "I wasn't sure I would be able to regularly find stories that my colleagues would consider interesting and worthy of an insert."

"I'm absolutely thrilled that it's worked out that way and delighted that my executive producer, Wynand Grobler, sees the value in global content."

And what does he want to say about this new chapter of working for Carte Blanche from the United Kingdom? "I'm sure I'm going to be accused of cheerleading here, but I think it's important to say that Carte Blanche, even by global comparisons, is a unique product," he says.

"I simply don't see, outside of the flagship programmes on the major networks, anyone in any other part of the world with our level of content."

"Of course, there's astonishing programming being produced all over the world at any given time, but to broadcast up to five world-class inserts week-in and week-out is quite unprecedented.  And the ability to make my contribution from thousands of kilometres away is a rare privilege," says John Webb.

Creative visuals, yet meticulously factual
I also knocked on the door of Wynand Grobler, Carte Blanche's executive producer, for answers to some questions about John Webb's global contribution.

"Since his relocation overseas, John has been able to bring a fresh global perspective to the programme and to specific inserts," says Wynand Grobler.

"While more than 90% of Carte Blanche content is local, Carte Blanche recognises that our viewers are worldly citizens who appreciate multiple outlooks - and now we can bring that home where relevant."

"There are numerous examples: We recently produced a story on the possible impact of Brexit on South Africa. John's presence in the United Kingdom made it possible for us to physically show our viewers what an Irish border looks like and what the complicated intellectual debates around it really mean, rather than to merely refer to it."

"But the first consideration is always to be relevant to our viewers," he says.

About how Carte Blanche decides when and how many inserts to do and use from John Webb or when to include those, he says "there is no rule as such".

"Each story idea is subjected to editorial scrutiny like any other, its relevance to South African viewers debated and its practicality considered. John plans to regularly return to South Africa and produce and present stories while here too."

"John is an exceptional journalist and astute presenter who is creative in his visual approach to stories while being meticulously factual," says Wynand Grobler. "He has a knack for telling stories that are accessible but thought-provoking."

"This gives him the ability to bring a fresh take to South African problems by looking at solutions that have been successful elsewhere in the world."

"John recently visited the city of Lisbon to get the lowdown on the unconventional methods the city used to deal with its drug problem. This also applies to South Africa, a country with an equally serious drug problem, which Carte Blanche has featured on numerous occasions in different guises."

"While addressing the problem head-on, his stories bring a sense of hope and the suggestion that there are solutions to be found to many of the country's complications."

Wynand says "every aspect of John's work is of exceptional quality and compares favourably to the best from around the world".

"His stories bring an added dimension to the show which we hope viewers will appreciate. We look forward to more instalments from him."  


Carte Blanche is broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) on Sundays at 19:00.

Carte Blanche is available on MultiChoice's DStv Now Catch Up, and is also made available to international Showmax subscribers.

For the first time in its history, Carte Blanche on M-Net stays brand-new throughout the festive season with original pre-recorded episodes of the weekly investigative magazine show.

For the first time in its history, the weekly investigative magazine show Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) will continue broadcasting brand-new episodes during the end-of-the-year festive season, starting today.

Carte Blanche used to broadcast repackaged episodes on M-Net with highlights of the year's show over the doldrum mid-to-end-December, early-January period.

Now, for the first time in Carte Blanche history, the programme will be airing brand-new episodes for the festive season.

It does come with a Carte Blanche caveat: The Combined Artistic Productions team will not be live from the Randburg studios as is being done on a weekly basis, but have pre-recorded the new episodes featuring new topics, profiles and investigations.

Sunday's Carte Blanche episode on M-Net dives into the "real state of the nation", investigates witch hunts in South Africa, looks at the increasing mall theft during the holiday season and explores the making of vault 2120, a secure underground time capsule.

Carte Blanche ventures into its 31st season on M-Net with a new on-air look, committed to show how truth brings change.

Carte Blanche on M-Net is charting forward in its 31st year on South African television with a new on-air look, logo, slogan and theme music with the iconic weekly current affairs show that remains undeterred in exposing the truth and doing hard-hitting investigative TV reporting and interviews.

The current affairs show from Combined Artistic Productions that started in August 1988 celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday evening on M-Net (DStv 101) with a special 90-minute look-back programme running through a treasure trove of highlights from the past 30 years.

Carte Blanche introduced a new opening theme that echoes back to its classic roots after having done over 5 000 stories, had more than 70 000 minutes on air and won over 230 international and local awards and counting.

While the anchors and crew did Sunday's episode from a beautiful redress for the night of the new SuperSport studio and with Derek Watt's former co-anchor Ruda Landman who returned for a special appearance, M-Net at the same time held a viewing celebration party across the road inside MultiChoice City in Randburg.

Journalists and TV critics, M-Net and MultiChoice executives, lawyers, other stakeholders and sponsors, producers and TV stars, gathered to watch the special broadcast, followed afterwards by a special Carte Blanche cake-cutting ceremony on stage and a blowing out of 30 candles by executive producer Wynand Grobler, alongside Derek Watts, Ruda Landman, Macfarlane Moleli, Claire Mawisa and Devi Sankadee Govender.

"Carte Blanche is an absolute incredibly important show for us," said Jan du Plessis, director of M-Net channels. "With so much negativity and craziness in the world, it is always important to  take the time to recognise those who have taken on the mantle of what I call lightbearers - bringing insight and information to all who watch the show".

"For many of us, Carte Blanche is the way in which we end our weekends. For 30 years we have sat down on a Sunday and consumed the stories brought to us, shedding light on so many issues that face South Africans on a daily basis."

"In all of the noise and chaos, unwaving resolve is becoming scarce. Carte Blanche has exposed corrupt politicians, individuals and organisations. The show has shed light on the truth and given a platform to those who have no voice."

"On behalf of M-Net and MultiChoice I would like to congratulate every person involved in making Carte Blanche happen every single Sunday night. Your contribution and passion is appreciated and celebrated. The cream of our award-winning South African journalists provide the heartbeat of this incredible show. Thanks to every single person whose name appear on the end-credit list of Carte Blanche."

Wynand Grobler said "it takes serious courage, determination and compassion to remain relevant to thousands of viewers as the longest running current affairs show on South African television".

"Carte Blanche has evolved over time but remained relevant in a changing society, with compeletely different needs, hopes and desires. Carte Blanche has always aimed to be an independent, clear and unambiguous reflection of society whether it be through in-depth investigations, or by being in the thick of the action both locally and internationally."

"We're entering our 31st year with a completely new but somewhat familiar look - a new title sequence, logo, soundtrack, and an updated look and feel. What remains the same is our commitment to in-depth investigative content that doesn't shy away from the truth but with the aim of making a real difference," said Wynand Grobler.

"Our motto going forward is that truth bring change. With that comes a new focus on story telling, an emphasis on dramatic visuals, unflinching analysis and high production value."

"The big thing is to help bring change. To investigate.To follow up and to go back and see if there's been a difference; if something's changed."

Asked what he learnt from George Mazarakis, the previous executive producer, he said "one of the things I've learnt from his is to have guts, to be brave".

"You're often alone in this situation. There's a lot of people working and everybody is busy with something, but at the end of the day you're sitting alone when you have to make extremely important decisions. So you have to believe deeply in yourself and believe in the story. And know that no matter what, it will be worth it telling it. It's important to have the guts to take it on and to see it through".

Ruda Landman, asked how she felt being back on set said "it was hugely enjoyable. It was just such a familiar feeling - and of course to see Derek there again. It almost felt as if I was back permanently. And the new presenters - they're amazing. And the set is wonderful. It's the most beautiful set I've ever seen".

"Why a show such as Carte Blanche is important for South Africa, she said "it tells the story of South Africa - with all the good and the bad. And it's not just the investigative stories. The story of Carte Blanche is the story of South Africa. And we forget so soon. I think it's important that we remind ourselves of it."

Derek Watts said "to be back with Ruda was special and she was a very special lady. Tonight was -and it sounds like such a cliche - but it was a trip down memory lane."

"And just to see how things have changed over 30 years. And I'm grateful that, the people in the studio, when they saw me from 30 years ago, that they didn't laugh because I think I have changed a lot!"

"Carte Blanche has always been important for the country because I think truth brings change. Carte Blanche does bring that element to stories. We don't have agendas, we're never told how to do a story. M-Net is a very brave broadcaster. We've learnt from 60 Minutes in America. And we don't have a comfort zone. We actually are as good as our last story - that's why we keep going".

Carte Blanche turns 30: Here's what Sunday's special broadcast on M-Net will be about as anchor Derek Watts says it's impossible task 'to encapsulate 30 years of Carte Blanche'.

The weekly investigative magazine show Carte Blanche will celebrate a milestone anniversary - it's 30th birthday - this Sunday evening at 19:00 on M-Net (DStv 101), with original anchor Derek Watts saying it's impossible to encapsulate what Carte Blanche has meant and accomplished over the past three decades and continues to do.

The Combined Artistic Productions produced show that has given M-Net and DStv subscribers "the right to see it all" since 1988, will reach episode number 1 572 this Sunday evening for the 90-minute broadcast that will see the original former co-anchor Ruda Landman return for a special appearance.

Carte Blanche "has provided a voice to all South Africans; it has been a trustworthy authority on the state of affairs and a clear reflection of the world we live in; it has generated fiery debates and conversation at the watercooler; it has become a respected and loved institution that has stood the test of time," says M-Net about the show's landmark accomplishment.

"Now the longest-running current affairs show on South African television is celebrating 30 years of daring story-telling," says M-Net, with Carte Blanche that has remained the most-watched and highest-rated show on the channel over the years.

In an online tribute letter to the show that he's been a part of right from the beginning when it started out in a rented studio, Derek Watts writes that "to encapsulate 30 years of Carte Blanche in a few sentences would be an impossible task. And hardly do justice to the lives that have been touched or the emotions of a journey that has included thousands of stories".

"The question that does arise is how this program has survived - no thrived - in the same time spot and on the same channel for three decades."

He says that the team at Carte Blanche "really became hardcore journalists when George Mazarakis left his lecturing post at Rhodes University and took over the helm more than 20 years ago. George expected a lot from the team – the researchers, producers, camera crews and presenters."

"He urged us to push the limits but never sat back himself. Not quite a master of delegation, I don't think there is a story over that period that he didn't view with the lawyers personally beforehand. And we did keep them busy!"

Derek Watts also thanks M-Net, saying it's been "a broadcaster which is resilient enough to let us tackle just about any situation or personality and a sprinkle of  good fortune to the mix", as well as viewers "who have embraced the show as their private property, who interact with us and are quick to praise and just as quick to criticize when they feel we have dropped the ball."

"We have given you the right to see it all. And we really do believe that truth brings change". 

New executive producer
Produced by Combined Artistic Productions and spearheaded by legendary executive producers like the late Bill Faure (in the photo above), Linda Vermaas, Pieter Cilliers and George Mazarakis, the show continues to accumulate journalistic accolades - the tally now reaching 230 international and local awards.

Wynand Grobler recently took over from George Mazarakis as Carte Blanche's new executive producer.

George Mazarakis remains one of the director of Combined Artists but recently resigned as executive producer of the show after deciding to relocate to Greece to be closer to his family.

He handed over the reins to Wynand Grobler who has been working at his side for the past four years and who has been with Carte Blanche for 13 years.

"George's contribution to Carte Blanche is beyond comparision," M-Net tells TVwithThinus.

"Not only did he passionately spearhead the multiple award-winning show for 25 years and shaped it into the institution it is today, but he also initiated the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Campaign and was instrumental in raising millions of rands to upgrade hospitals around the country".

Besides Derek Watts and Ruda Landman, Carte Blanche over the past three decades has had many stand-out presenters and journalists who proved their mettle in doing everything from hard-hitting doorstop interviews to relentless probing of issues ordinary South Africans wanted answers to - from the late Manu Padayachee to Michelle Alexander, Les Aupiais, and Bongani Bingwa, Devi Sankaree Govender, John Webb, Tim Modise, Chantal Rutter Dros and Annika Larsen.

The current presenting team consists out of Derek Watts, Devi Sankaree Govender known for her fearless reporting, John Webb from the United Kingdom, Macfarlane Moleli who joined last last year, and Claire Mawisa.

Sunday's special line-up
Sunday's milestone 90-minute broadcast will look back on many of the highlights and memorable moments that created appointment viewing on Sunday nights on M-Net over the past 30 years.

Viewers will relive Carte Blanche's coverage of epic moments in history as it exposed wrongdoing of all kinds, interviewed global icons, kept viewers informed about the latest technology, and showcased remarkable achievements of South Africans from all walks of life

DStv subscribers can tune in for these inserts:

Three Decades of History

In August 1988, the first episode of Carte Blanche was broadcast. South Africa was a very different country at the time. PW Botha was state president, Nelson Mandela was behind bars, townships were aflame, and a repressive state of emergency was being fiercely opposed.  Since then, unimaginable changes have taken place in our history and Carte Blanche has been there to cover many of these human triumphs and tragedies.

Investigations and Scams

Investigative reportage has been the cornerstone of Carte Blanche for 30 years, busting corruption, cruelty and trickery, from car dealers to shady politicians, animal abusers to scamsters of every type. It still inspires countless people to write to us every day. We recall the highlights in our investigative journey and reflect on the sometimes entertaining and always enlightening responses of those in the cross-hairs.

The Bizarre, the Adventurous and the Extraordinary 

While it may be known for its investigative prowess, Carte Blanche has over the years explored bizarre and extraordinary lifestyles and adventures.  From adult “babies” in nappies, to the first South African Everest expedition – we’ve captured these moments and met courageous men and women who have pushed the boundaries of modern-day adventure.

Sport, Celebrities and Golden Moments

Carte Blanche’s very presence made – and recorded – magic. Devi’s iconic confrontation of Eskom’s Matshela Koko. Derek’s meeting with Mark Shuttleworth before he ventured into space. Macfarlane’s scowl as he descended into Johannesburg’s sewers with zama zama miners looking for treasure, and the wonder on Claire’s face as she tested some of the first virtual reality phone devices. Moments like these have made you stay with us and have propelled us into the future.

Ruda Landman back on Carte Blanche this Sunday on M-Net for the show's special 30th anniversary broadcast.

Ruda Landman will be back on Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) this Sunday evening at 19:00 for the weekly investigative show's landmark 30th anniversary that will take the form of a special 90-minute look-back episode.

Ruda Landman will return for a special appearance next to her former co-anchor Derek Watts with whom she shared the Carte Blanche stage for 19 years at the Combined Artistic Productions show until she left 11 years ago.

Together Ruda Landman and Derek Watts left an indelible imprint on South Africa's TV landscape with the iconic Sunday night show that it still going strong after three decades and Sunday's episode that will reflect on how "truth does brings change".

Sunday's special episode of the programme with its signature theme song, slogan of "the right to see it all" and currently with presenters Derek Watts, Devi Sankaree Govender, Claire Mawisa, John Webb and Macfarlane Moleli, will include a look back at Carte Blanche's memorable moments, highlights and groundbreaking investigations over the past 30 years.

The highly-successful Sunday night 19:00 TV staple on M-Net since its very start in 1988 with jaw-dropping stories over the years has seen South Africa transition through seismic political, cultural and socio-economic changes with a weekly mix of investigative and consumer journalism stories, profile interviews and agenda-setting exposes based on a similar format as America's 60 Minutes.

"Ruda Landman will be back for a guest appearance," Derek Watts told OFM in a radio interview. "Ruda was a great part of the show and she will be back and it will be the whole team there, all presenting segments."

"It's quite a thing to look back on 30 years and how many lives have changed, how many laws have changed. People have been affected. And you can't help feeling a bit nostalgic going back 30 years but it's been quite a trip for everybody on the team," said Derek Watts.

Devi Sankaree Govender who has been with Carte Blanche for the past 16 years, told Jacaranda FM in an interview that the special 30th anniversary episode will look back at some of the best stories over the years, "stories that have affected the country, stories that brought about change".

"We're looking at the investigative stories, the catching crooks stories, the happy stories, the adventure stories - marking 30 years, and 30 years of the fact that truth does bring change."

In an interview with 702 Devi Sankaree Govender said "Carte Blanche has been the greatest privilege of my life because I've had access to people and situations that ordinarily I wouldn't have access to".

"A big part of transformation for me, is transparency. And the only way you're going to get that, is if you're not afraid to ask the really tough questions. People don't like to be put on the spot," said Devi Sankaree Govender.

"When you're sitting across from somebody during an interview, it's just about you and that person. It's not about clever, fancy questions with big words. It's about keeping it real, asking questions that matter, but more importantly, finding some kind of direction."

"I'm a sucker for 'I'm sorry'. Very few of the people I interview actually say 'I'm sorry'. If you're sorry, then let's see how we are going to fix this together," she said.

M-Net's Carte Blanche to celebrate 30th anniversary with a special 90-minute 'look back' live studio broadcast on 26 August with memorable moments, showing how truth does bring change.

The planned, special live studio broadcast on Sunday 26 August of M-Net's (DStv 101) long-running weekly investigative magazine show, Carte Blanche to celebrate its 30th anniversary on South African television will include a look back at its memorable moments, highlights and groundbreaking investigations over the past three decades - showing how truth does bring change.

The Combined Artistic Productions show with its signature theme song and currently with presenters Derek Watts, Devi Sankaree Govender, Claire Mawisa, John Webb and Macfarlane Moleli, remains a Sunday night 19:00 TV staple with a mix of investigative and consumer journalism stories, profile interviews and agenda-setting exposes based on a similar format as America's 60 Minutes.

As a South African TV institution, the special 30th birthday episode of Carte Blanche on 26 August will be an extended 90-minute broadcast from 19:00 until 20:30, and will include a look at some of the show's historical moments and the groundbreaking TV journalism investigations that the show brought to viewers over three decades under its slogan of "the right to see it all".

Devi Sankaree Govender who has been with Carte Blanche for the past 16 years, told Jacaranda FM in an interview that the special 30th anniversary episode will look back at some of the best stories over the years, "stories that have affected the country, stories that brought about change".

"We're looking at the investigative stories, the catching crooks stories, the happy stories, the adventure stories - marking 30 years, and 30 years of the fact that truth does bring change."

In an interview with 702 Devi Sankaree Govender said "Carte Blanche has been the greatest privilege of my life because I've had access to people and situations that ordinarily I wouldn't have access to".

"A big part of transformation for me, is transparency. And the only way you're going to get that, is if you're not afraid to ask the really tough questions. People don't like to be put on the spot," said Devi Sankaree Govender.

"When you're sitting across from somebody during an interview, it's just about you and that person. It's not about clever, fancy questions with big words. It's about keeping it real, asking questions that matter, but more importantly, finding some kind of direction."

"I'm a sucker for 'I'm sorry'. Very few of the people I interview actually say 'I'm sorry'. If you're sorry, then let's see how we are going to fix this together," she said.

M-Net's Carte Blanche explains the on-air absence of John Webb, saying he is still part of the show but has left South Africa for Ireland.

The reason why John Webb has dropped off M-Net's (DStv 101) Carte Blanche is because he no longer lives in South Africa.

TVwithThinus, as well as viewers who asked, noticed the absence of the highly respected journalist and TV presenter on M-Net's weekly investigative magazine show on Sunday evenings at 19:00, produced by Combined Artistic Productions with George Mazarakis as executive producer.

In response to a media enquiry, M-Net says John Webb remains one of the Carte Blanche presenters although his diminished on-screen appearances in inserts in the magazine show are due to the fact that he's left South Africa.

"John Webb has been based in the United Kingdom and Ireland for quite a while so when we have overseas stories, John is the logical choice of field presenter for Carte Blanche. John is also producing some stories for Carte Blanche at the moment," says M-Net.

"In short, he remains one of the Carte Blanche field presenters."

John Webb's in-field absence means a heavier lifting load for the remaining Carte Blanche presenters.

The longtime presenter and anchor Bongani Bingwa left Carte Blanche in March and was replaced in the anchor chair by Macfarlane Moleli who joined Carte Blanche in September 2017 after just 5 months with the show. His promotion came ahead of Claire Mawisa who has been with the show for a much longer time.

The other two presenter-anchors are Derek Watts and Devi Sankaree Govender - meaning Carte Blanche is in effect short on one presenting person.

The multiple award-winning Carte Blanche will celebrate its 30th anniversary in August as South Africa's longest running television programme.

Carte Blanche sexism? M-Net's weekly investigative magazine suddenly makes Macfarlane Moleli an anchor after just 5 months with the show, although Claire Mawisa has been there much longer.

Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) comes across as extremely sexist after suddenly promoting Macfarlane Moleli who has been with the show for just a few months to the anchor chair, instead of Claire Mawisa who has more experience on the show and who has been with the show several years longer than Macfarlane Moleli.

Macfarlane Moleli is replacing another man, Bongani Bingwa in the Carte Blanche anchor chair despite being part of the weekly investigative magazine show for the shortest amount of time - just 5 months - out of all the presenters.

Carte Blanche shocked on Sunday evening when anchor Derek Watts in the closer of Sunday's episode announced that "next Sunday our new anchor Macfarlane Moleli, our new anchor, will be joining us in the hot seat, as we say goodbye to Bongani Bingwa, who's made such a valuable contribution to our show for more than a decade".

Bongani Bingwa dropped Carte Blanche to join the SABC as the new SABC News weekday prime time co-anchor next to Francis Herd on SABC News (DStv 404) and SABC3, with Macfarlane Moleli who will be behind the Carte Blanche anchor desk from 18 March.

For years only Derek Watts and Bongani Bingwa as two men alternated as anchors of Carte Blanche, before Devi Sankaree Govender was finally allowed since the middle of last year to anchor episodes of the Combined Artistic Productions show broadcast on Sunday nights from the Randburg studio.

Despite years of experience as an investigative TV journalist and having also anchored hours and hours of studio coverage during the Oscar Pistorius trial on MultiChoice's Oscar Pistorius Trial channel on DStv - ironically produced by the same production company responsible for Carte Blanche - Devi Sankaree Govender was for some reason not used or seen as a Carte Blanche anchor until mid-2017.

Since Devi Sankaree Govender joined Carte Blanche in 2002, it means it took her - as the first female anchor since Ruda Landman left - 15 years to make it to the show's anchor desk.

Claire Mawisa, with TV presenting and in-studio presenting experience joined Carte Blanche in April 2015 as a field presenter and since then has done dozens of stories. She is a year older than Macfarlane Moleli.

Macfarlane Moleli quietly joined Carte Blanche in September 2017 as a field presenter just 5 months ago.

Interestingly, neither M-Net nor Combined Artistic Productions issued any official statement or press release when Macfarlane Moleli joined Carte Blanche in late-2017, as was the case with Claire Mawisa in 2015 and others previously, with Macfarlane Moleli's addition as a new presenter that came across as decidedly low-key.

Now Macfarlane Moleli has suddenly been appointed as a studio anchor on the show, above Claire Mawisa who has been with the show longer, who has done more stories, and who has more on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes experience with the actual news magazine show.

Carte Blanche was asked why Macfarlane Moleli has suddenly been made an anchor on the show and why he was chosen as a man to replace Bongani Bingwa who also happens to be a man.

With Devi Sankaree Govender who had to wait years before being made an anchor, and with Claire Mawisa who joined Carte Blanche before Macfarlane Moleli, Carte Blanche was also asked why she has not been allowed to anchor or to become an anchor before Macfarlane Moleli who has been with the show for a far shorter time than Claire Mawisa.

M-Net in response to a media enquiry says "why Macfarlane got the anchoring job, it’s quite simple: He comes with a huge amount of live studio anchoring experience under his belt from his time at eNCA and the SABC. Hosting live TV is a very unique skills set that Macfarlane already joins the team with."

"Macfarlane has spent the past two decades honing his presenting and investigative journalism skills on issues around current affairs, politics, economics, business, sports and environmental affairs," says George Mazarakis, Carte Blanche executive producer. "He is a seasoned studio presenter and we're thrilled to welcome someone of his calibre to our team of highly experienced anchors".

Carte Blanche says "Macfarlane Moleli has more than 14 years' work experience as a journalist in the media and entertainment industry under his belt. Most recently he worked at Kaya FM, following a 5-year stink at news channel eNCA."

"Macfarlane was also a former prime time newsreader on SABC3 for the 19:00 news. During this time he hosted 180 Degrees on SABC News International, as well as the drive time news and current affairs anchor on "The Touch Down show on Touch Central."

When Claire Mawisa's name is searched for in online search engines, lurid stories doesn't come up like one last year about Macfarlane Moleli where headlines blare 'Lover' says Macfarlane shattered her heart with things like an alleged girlfriend, Lerato Phakathi, who told The Daily Sun that he allegedly "has a tough time keeping 'it' in his pants".

Carte Blanche will celebrate its 30th anniversary in August. The show's current roster of presenters are Derek Watts, Devi Sankaree Govender, Claire Mawisa, Macfarlane Moleli and John Webb who is apparently relocating overseas and leaving South Africa but who will still be doing inserts for the show.

Investigative news mags - because they value and protect their credibility and integrity in a genre of television where the faces directly represent the credibility and trust of viewers built up over years of doing stories and interviews - usually promote from within.

America's 60 Minutes, the BBC's Panorama and the BBC's interview show HARDTalk only elevate insiders from within the fold to the prestigious rank of anchor presenter, and only after many years of having built up a cache of credibility and having proven their mettle through a vault of stories and interviews.