Thabo Bester, AKA and the Boks: What South Africa googled most in 2023.

by Thinus Ferreira

It's a Barbie world according to Google that revealed its most searched-for terms by South Africans during 2023 - a list also topped by searches about the sensational criminal Thabo Bester, rapper AKA who was murdered, as well as the country's national rugby team. 

Google South Africa released its annual 2023 Year in Search data, revealing that celebrities - some famous and some notorious - sports stars and sporting events once again dominated South Africans' searches online during the past year.

The year's Cricket and Rugby World Cups soared to the top of the most searched sporting events by South Africans this year, while the Springboks reigned supreme on the most searched athlete lists.

The Rugby World Cup and Inter Miami also captured significant interest, claiming the second and third spots on the lists respectively.

Among celebrities and media personalities who passed away this year, the rapper and producer Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA topped the search list after his horrific murder in Durban in February.

Another South African rapper Costantinos Tsobanoglou, better known as Costa Titch was the second most searched individual in the "loss" category. The category also included the Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts, broadcaster Eusebius Mckaiser, and politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

After conquering the box office worldwide, the Barbie film soared to the top of South Africa's most searched movies and TV shows, followed by the biographical thriller film, Oppenheimer.

MultiChoice and M-Net's big-budget drama series Shaka Ilembe which made its first season debut on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) also made the most-searched list in the TV and film category in third place.

The notorious criminal Thabo Bester and media personality and popular DJ, Cyan Boujee were the top two most searched individuals in the country, with both appearing in headlines various times in the past 12 months. 

While South Africans were eager to know the dates of upcoming events like Father's Day, Mother's Day and the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, their online searches also revealed a diverse range of interests, including literary comparisons and health concerns.

"How is poetry different to other writing genres?" and "How are mumps spread?" were the top second and third top general questions that South Africans were searching for answers to. Interestingly, the most searched general question this year concerned Celine Dion's well-being.

In technology, people were interested in finding out more about MultiChoice's DStv Stream service which is watching the pay-TV operator's content without a satellite dish, the Titan disaster in June when a deep-sea submarine going to the Titanic imploded, as well as the new social media service Threads which launched as a competitor to X which was formerly known as Twitter.

 
Below are the full lists of top searches by South Africans in 2023:

Top 10 people searched in 2023
1. Thabo Bester
2. Cyan Boujee
3. Nadia Nakai
4. Dr Nandipha Magudumana
5. Andrew Tate
6. Derick Hougaard
7. Steve Harvey
8. Sim Dope
9. Anele Tembe
10. Tyla

Top searched Loss in 2023
1. AKA
2. Costa Titch
3. Matthew Perry
4. Tina Turner
5. Derek Watts
6. Titanic submarine
7. Zoleka Mandela
8. Mangosuthu Buthelezi
9. Christian Atsu
10. Eusebius Mckaiser
11. Olive Barker
12. Angie Oeh

Top 10 movies and TV shows searched in 2023

1. Barbie movie

2. Oppenheimer

3. Shaka Ilembe

4. John Wick 4

5. Fast X

6. Queen Charlotte Bridgerton

7. The Last of Us

8. Creed 3

9. Fatal Seduction

10. Kaleidoscope

Top 10 most searched athletes in 2023

1. Springboks

2. Siya Kolisi

3. Bongi Mbonambi

4. Faf de Klerk

5. Eben Etzebeth

6. Cheslin Kolbe

7. Ox Nche

8. Hakimi

9. Roger Federer

10. Ronaldo

Top 10 sporting events searched in 2023

1. Cricket world cup

2. Rugby world cup

3. Inter Miami

4. Banyana banyana

5. Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns

6. Wimbledon 2023

7. Liverpool vs Man United

8. Al nassr

9. Netball world cup

10. Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury

Top searches related to technology in 2023

1. DStv Stream

2. iPhone 15

3. Google's 25th birthday

4. Titanic submarine

5. Samsung 23

6. Samsung a14

7. Whatsappgb

8. Threads

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.

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

by Thinus Ferreira

The veteran anchor of Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101), Derek Watts died Tuesday morning surrounded by his family after losing his battle against cancer. He was 74.

Derek Watts who was born on 24 November 1948 died on Tuesday morning after he was diagnosed with skin cancer last year which had since spread to his lungs. He is survived by his wife Belinda and his children Tyrone and Kirsty.

Derek Watts was part of the Combined Artistic Productions show since its inception in 1988 on M-Net and over decades became one of the country's most respected interviewers and investigative journalists. 

I'm told Sunday night's episode of Carte Blanche will be dedicated to Derek Watts.

After initially saying that he planned to return to Carte Blanche when he was feeling better when he told viewers about his cancer diagnosis, last month Derek Watts said that he will never be returning to Carte Blanche again.

His daughter Kirsty said "we are devastated, he was the most wonderful person we knew".

"He always thought of other people and yesterday evening he said he would like to thank all the viewers. He appreciated him and loved his work."

After privately battling cancer since 2022, with the support of his family and specialists, Derek Watts was able to continue presenting Carte Blanche.

In March however, he got a sepsis infection which complicated his cancer treatment. The sepsis led him to collapse and he ended up in hospital having to learn to walk again.

In June, Derek Watts made a taped recording from his Netcare hospital bed in which he revealed his cancer battle to Carte Blanche viewers for the first time and noted that he definitely planned to return to the show when he's better.

In a statement, Combined Artistic Productions says "It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Carte Blanche anchor and icon, Derek Watts. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by loved ones".

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and children in this time of loss. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of his Carte Blanche family."

In a statement, Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, says "MultiChoice extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late, Derek Watts".

"We remember him as a dedicated investigative journalist and a longstanding presenter of Carte Blanche. His unwavering commitment to his work and his determination in the face of challenges were truly remarkable."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May they find solace in the cherished memories they shared and may Derek's legacy continue to inspire us all."

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

ALSO READ: Derek Watts: Done with M-Net's Carte Blanche and focused on cancer treatment.

Derek Watts: Done with M-Net's Carte Blanche and focused on cancer treatment.

by Thinus Ferreira

After M-Net revealed last month that the Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts has cancer, is receiving treatment for it and Watts said he planned to return to the show, the legendary anchor has now made it clear that he won't be back and that his 35 years on the show has reached its end.

After privately battling cancer, Derek Watts (74) was diagnosed with severe sepsis which led him to collapse and end up in hospital and having to learn to walk again.

Watts last month, in a taped recording made from his Netcare hospital bed, revealed his cancer battle to Carte Blanche viewers but noted that he definitely 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.

"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," Derek Watts said.

In an interview with the Rapport newspaper on Sunday from his home in Bryanston, Johannesburg, Watts revealed that he won't be returning to the Combined Artistic Productions show on Sunday nights on M-Net (DStv 101) and that his time with the show as anchor and presenter has come to an end.

About the end of his Carte Blanche career after 35 years, he says the plan was to end it anyway and that 35 "is a good number".

"A while back we did have a discussion about it that this would have been my last year anyway. And the show is in a good place, there are absolutely wonderful people and journalists who ask the difficult questions without shying away."

Derek Watts told Rapport that he found a lump under his one arm and went to the doctor early in 2022 - but that it only happened after several months and after incessant prodding by his wife Belinda.

"Like so many men, I didn't listen," he said. "I had left it for several months, and when I eventually did go to the doctor it was much bigger. He sent me for a sonar where they discovered spots on my lungs. The lump couldn't be removed since it was too close to nerves. I then started treatment - for more than a year - of first immunotherapy".

"Unfortunately it didn't work; followed by chemotherapy; and at a point, both," Watts explained.

With the cancer now in his lungs, Watts has to be connected to an oxygen machine every now and then due to decreased lung capacity.  

He's also had to halt the chemotherapy to prevent a flare-up of the sepsis - although his oncologists are telling him he has to resume the chemotherapy.

"How will I feel if I'm already feeling weak and struggle when I resume chemotherapy? It's a difficult one. The chemo will shrink the wound and open my lungs but take its toll on my immune system," he explained.

"From my first day with cancer I've stayed optimistic because that's who I am. That hasn't changed".

Asked about Derek Watts now saying he's done with Carte Blanche and not returning, M-Net told TVwithThinus in response to a media query that "nothing has changed from our side since the last update. The team from Carte Blanche is in continuous contact with Derek and his family".

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

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."

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.

M-Net's Carte Blanche starts a YouTube channel - for the right to see it online.

M-Net's long-running and award-winning weekly investigative and current affair programme, Carte Blanche has started a YouTube channel, giving viewers without DStv the right to see some of it online.

Carte Blanche on YouTube loaded its first video on 21 January this year and has since followed it up with ongoing selected inserts from the broadcast show done by Derek Watts, Devi Sankaree Govender, Claire Mawisa, Macfarlani Moleli, as well as John Webb who is now adding incredible international reporting from across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Content range from 12-minute inserts including expose investigations and profile pieces, to specially produced clips for Carte Blanche's YouTube audience like Macfarlane Moleli explaining and giving tips on how people who want to send footage to the show should film it on their smartphones.

Whole episodes of the Combined Artistic Production produced show are however not shared.

It's not clear what the strategy and reason are behind Carte Blanche's latest platform and brand extension - M-Net was asked multiple times over many weeks - but adding some content to YouTube will clearly have a two-fold impact.

Firstly, the venerable 30-year old show is getting a large new sampling factor and more additional exposure beyond pay-TV viewers. With literally thousands of views, many people have already watched the combined and growing collection of Carte Blanche videos in just a month and a half.

Secondly, it might help drive uptake of DStv Premium under consumers who see the programme with its quality content that is only for top-tier subscribers and who want to get M-Net.

It's the same phenomena as the 290 000 views that the first episode of The Bachelor South Africa got - also on M-Net - after the entire first episode was placed on YouTube, dramatically helping to drive interest, buzz and sampling of that brand-new Rapid Blue produced format show.

TVwithThinus asked Nomntu Mnengi, M-Net publicist in mid-February about Carte Blanche's YouTube move and was promised M-Net is working on the questions, and was asked multiples times again in several follow-ups, although no answers have been forthcoming a month later by 7 March.

Some of the questions M-Net was asked was why the Carte Blanche YouTube channel was started, how Carte Blanche decides what to place on YouTube and how long, what the vision is of and for this brand and platform content extension, what Carte Blanche wants its YouTube channel to be, and if whole episodes would ever be placed on YouTube.

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.

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.

Carte Blanche on M-Net interviews South Africa;s Hollywood actor Sharlto Copley on Sunday night at 19:00.

Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101)  on Sunday night at 19:00 will have an interview with the South African actor Sharlto Copley who've made a name for himself in Hollywood the last few years.

The very recently secured interview for the weekly news magazine show with Sharlto Copley comes on the same night that M-Net will show the movie Elysium at 20:00 in which Sharlto Copley appears and which was directed by his friend Neill Blomkamp.

"The Carte Blanche interview with Sharlo is quite a coup," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's head of publicity.

"For the first time on South African television, Sharlo shares personal pictures, anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from his awe-inspiring career".

"Furthermore, it's fascinating to hear how Sharlto and his long-time friend, director Neill Blomkamp, have integrated our culture and 'South-African-ness' into their movies and how they grafted for many years before their big break into the international scene. It's indeed a must-see interview".

Carte Blanche caught ip with Sharlo shortly after wrapping in South Africa for the latest Neill Blomkamp feature, Chappie.

Carte Blanche on M-Net this Sunday a special extended edition of one and a half hours due to M-Net scheduling . . . and covering e-tolls.

Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) this Sunday at 19:00 - as anchor Derek Watts hinted in the close on Sunday evening - will be an extended edition, and I can now report that the Carte Blanche episode will be an hour and a half instead of the usual hour and will be covering the introduction of the draconian e-tolling system in Gauteng.

The extended Carte Blanche this Sunday gives the Combined Artistic Productions weekly investigative magazine show on the pay-TV broadcaster more room for stories.

On Sunday Carte Blanche will cover the e-tolling saga, expose heavy vehicle scandals on South Africa's roads, revisit the scandalous Eastern Cape's atrocious health department neglect, pull back the web of lies around the tale of the teenager Flippie Engelbrecht, and profile the paddler Chris Bertish.

BREAKING. Carte Blanche on M-Net reveals it's brand-new look and logo; beautifully redone opening sequence for its 25th birthday.

Carte Blanche on M-Net on Sunday evening unveiled a brand-new beautiful, edgy, richly symphonic, "rewind" opening theme and transparent on-air logo for its 25th birthday broadcast, done from atop what was once the Hillbrow Tower.

The brand-new Carte Blanche's richly symbolic opening sequence - in keeping with the show's longrunning motto of "the right to see it all" - cleverly "peels back" the layers of the types of stories South African viewers have come to expect from the highly acclaimed Sunday night at 19:00 current affairs show.

The iconic theme tunes has been updated but still maintains the sweeping violins and the nine high end notes as among other things ink lifts up beautifully from censored documents, forest dirt and leaves lift to reveal a girl's pink shoe, building rubble (from an earthquake or the zombie apocalypse) lifts to reveal not quite a zombie but a dust covered man.

Dave Pollecutt's beautiful edgy theme music was updated with a new orchestration by Robert Michael Brinkworth and Masters and Savant Worldwide did the stunning opening imaging and refreshed Carte Blanche's logo.

The Carte Blanche cold open started with a stunning panoramic view of Johannesburg's winter nightscape, then zooming in on the top of the Telkom Tower, 269 metres high, from the outside, with Derek Watts and Bongani Bingwa visible sitting inside on white chairs.

"Welcome to our 25th birthday broadcast," said Derek Watts.

"Carte Blanche has been a mirror on South Africa for 25th years," said George Mazarakis, the executive producer, interviewed by Derek Watts, "and deals, very eloquently with the issues which we faced as a society and as a country."

"It's not an easy thing doing investigative journalism," said George Mazarakis. "And I think its become more difficult. And clearly the legislation that's floating about is designed to prevent that kind of journalism from happening."

Ruda Landman, the former co-anchor made a surprise guest appearance by video link to congratulate the show.

Carte Blanche did an insert about the book, Carte Blanche 25 Years, the content of which falls somewhat short of expectations for a book of this type

Derek Watts cut a special 25th birthday celebration cake on the air.