M-Net's Carte Blanche celebrates three
decades of cutting-edge television journalism. Catch the landmark 90-minute
Carte Blanche 30th Birthday Broadcast on Sunday night (August 26, 2018)
Carte Blanche has given M-Net viewers the
“right to see it all”; it 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 conversations at the watercooler;
it has become a respected and loved institution that has stood the test of
time. Now, the longest-running current affairs show on South African television
is celebrating 30 years of daring story-telling.
On August 26 at 19h00, M-Net’s
multiple-award-winning flagship local production Carte Blanche is celebrating
its 30th anniversary with a special 90-minute long broadcast that will look
back on many of the highlights and memorable moments that created appointment
viewing over three decades.
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.
Among other highlights, the special Carte Blanche 30th Birthday edition will
feature the following not-to-be-missed 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 crosshairs.
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.
Produced by Combined Artistic Productions
and spearheaded by legendary Executive Producers such as the late Bill Faure,
Linda Vermaas, Pieter Cilliers and George Mazarakis, Carte Blanche has garnered
numerous accolades. The show’s impressive list of honours for inserts created
by its top-notch producers and researchers include more than 230 international
and local awards.
During its three decades on our screens,
Carte Blanche has also turned many highly talented powerhouse presenters and
journalists into household names. Derek Watts and Ruda Landman steered the show
as studio anchors. The team of fearless presenters who have reported from the
trenches include the likes of Bongani Bingwa, Tim Modise, Michelle Alexander,
Bonita Nuttal, Neo Motaung, Chantal Rutter Dros, Doreen Morris, Annika Larsen,
Manu Padayachee, Moki Makhura, Zaa Nkweta, David Ampofo, Martien Dennis and Les
Aupiais – all of whom have contributed to the show’s excellence.
After 30 years in the Carte Blanche hot
seat – a South African television record – Derek Watts continues to have
regular appointments with Carte Blanche audiences in the show’s iconic timeslot
on Sunday evenings before the channel’s blockbuster movie. Devi Sankaree
Govender, known for her fearless reporting, and seasoned journalist Macfarlane
Moleli have joined him as studio anchors while Claire Mawisa, John Webb and
Nhlanhla Sehume have brought viewers the excellent stories Carte Blanche is
renowned for under the leadership of new Executive Producer Wynand Grobler.
Carte Blanche is still the most watched and
highest-rated programme on M-Net 101, but it’s not only its eye-opening stories
that have contributed to our society. At the time of its 20th birthday
celebrations, The Carte Blanche Making a Difference Campaign was launched and
in just ten years, the campaign has raised over R130-million in funds and
millions in kind. Every cent has gone towards 20 paediatric hospital projects
in ten state hospitals around the country.
Making television history, Carte Blanche
also created the Oscar Pistorius pop-up channel for DStv during his trial.
To celebrate this milestone birthday with
the Carte Blanche team, be sure to catch Sunday’s show at 19h00. You can also
share your Carte Blanche memories or a birthday wish at #carteblanche30.
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