#CarteBlanche
Derek Watts
The people’s presenter, Derek Watts entered our living rooms and our lives over 40 years ago. For most of that time he was on Carte Blanche’s screen as anchor and journalist, something in his own words he felt extremely proud of. And we as his Carte Blanche family - past and present – are grateful that Derek touched each and every one of us, in his own special way.
“Derek formed part of the Carte Blanche team since its inception in 1988 and became one of South Africa's most respected and recognised investigative journalists,” says MultiChoice CEO, Nomsa Philiso. “Throughout his career, he played an instrumental role in uncovering the truth and justice for many, with an unwavering commitment to the show and its mission of holding those in power accountable.”
The magic and personality of what Derek brought to the screen would define all his stories. In 2022, Derek was diagnosed with skin cancer which had spread to his lungs. But with the support of his family and specialists, he continued doing what he loved best.
In March 2023, Derek fell ill while on a family break. He was rushed to Milpark Hospital and diagnosed with acute sepsis. His recovery was challenging, but he always had his loyal fans in mind, carrying their love and support with him throughout.
Derek’s longevity in this business is legendary. Through his more than 30 years, on Carte Blanche alone, we have witnessed history through his eyes.
“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?” says Carte Blanche Executive Producer, John Webb. “I’ve 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.”
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Derek Watts: A special tributeWhere do you begin to eulogise a man who has meant so much to so many people? This Sunday, the Carte Blanche family stands together to pay tribute to our beloved colleague and friend, Derek Watts. 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.
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.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Pilot project𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟯 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
An alleged scamster with a tenuous relationship with reality: a bogus pilot, bogus Iraq war veteran, and bogus immigration expert. Yes, there’s no end to the roles on Jonathan Constable’s CV for which he is suitably unqualified. In fact, the only thing at which this Jack of All Trades truly excels is taking people for a financial ride. It’s alleged he’s hijacked buildings, weaponised the police to settle scores, and posed as a Home Affairs official to dupe desperate refugees out of tens of thousands of rands. This is a story Mr Contestable appears desperate to conceal but, despite his efforts to duck accountability, Carte Blanche will do what Carte Blanche does.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
Steytlerville Follies𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
It’s a beautifully restored hotel overlooking the sleepy Karoo town of Steytlerville. The Karroo Theatrical Hotel is an oasis in the desert with a naughty attraction – a one-of-a-kind-drag show – that has all the locals talking. By day, Mark Hinds and his partner Jacques Rabie run their hotel. By night, they transform into Dame Leyla Lamborghini and Freddie Ferrari, with spectacular costumes designed and made by Jacques himself. Together they take their audiences on an emotional rollercoaster ride with an eclectic mix of classical piano and outlandish drag numbers. Carte Blanche peaks behind the curtain.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
IronMac: The Finish LineIt’s one of the most unforgiving long-distance triathlons in the world: the IRONMAN Championship comprises an exhausting 3.8km swim, a grueling 180km cycle, and an intense 42km marathon. Undertaken after years of training by only the world’s toughest athletes, IRONMAN tests the physical, mental and emotional fortitude of every contender. But for Carte Blanche’s resident cycling enthusiast, Macfarlane Moleli, it was a promise made to a departed friend that pushed him into this elite competition. With just six months of intense training, Macfarlane confronted the ultimate challenge.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
A winning Formula E𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
They may lack the roar of Formula One race engines, but they still pack a punch. Touted as the future of F1 racing, Formula E racing cars are fuelled by electricity and, since 2014, support for the sport has been growing rapidly. Last week, these cars went head-to-head on the streets of Cape Town. Still a distant second to F1 in terms of support and sponsorship, Formula E is nonetheless cementing its place in motor racing. Carte Blanche takes you inside the paddock for a unique racing experience in a championship that’s set to electrify the world.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv
That sinking feeling𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
Khutsong near Carletonville on Gauteng’s West Rand is built on dolomite. It’s a soluble rock which means, over time, its structure is weakened by moisture in the ground, affecting its integrity and causing fractures and fault lines. Houses in the area are quite literally built on shaky ground. But, in Khutsong, there’s another problem: the cavities created by collapsing dolomite are being filled with sewage; a malodorous and disturbing clue about the danger underfoot. Apart from the giant sinkholes threatening to swallow the area, their contents point to the near-total collapse of the entire sewage system in the Merafong municipality. Carte Blanche visits a communi.ty living on the edge.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://bit.ly/PodcastCB
Air tales𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟱 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
When a South African Airways Airbus A340-600 landed in Johannesburg from Accra, Ghana on 15 April last year, all was not as it seemed. During the flight, the plane’s engines started surging – an unusual occurrence for any aircraft as it may suggest contaminated fuel and demands urgent action from the flight crew. Alarmingly, though, the flight’s commander chose to continue flying back to O.R. Tambo International Airport… It was the third in a series of four recent incidents involving SAA. But, while other airlines have been grounded over safety concerns, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - mandated with regulating our airspace - has taken no action against the national carrier. Our probe uncovers evidence that all is not well at the CAA, undermining our country’s reputation for sterling air safety.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://bit.ly/PodcastCB
Trekking Antarctica𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟮 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
It’s the coldest place on earth, a continent virtually uninhabited and covered almost entirely by ice. The temperatures are unforgiving, threatening dangerous frostbite. But while conditions in Antartica have always been extreme, it’s showing the visible effects of damage to the environment by humans. As the earth warms, the ice in the region is rapidly melting, causing dramatic changes on the continent. Alarmingly, the impacts of climate change at the Earth’s southern tip are felt around the world. Not for nothing do the experts say: what happens in Antartica, doesn’t stay in Antartica. Carte Blanche set off on an expedition to wildest Antarctica, along with some young South Africans brimming with ideas about helping save our planet.
Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://bit.ly/PodcastCB
[FROM THE ARCHIVES] Pat Lambie's concussion battle𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟯 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟵.
A concussion is a dangerous head injury and in rugby, high tackles can have a devastating outcome. Despite World Rugby tightening regulations around tackling and contact to the head, concussion rates are still high. Now Springbok, Pat Lambie’s early retirement after several serious concussions has rugby fans and sports specialists abuzz. Can more be done to make the sport safer?
Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv