Carte Blanche is 35 years old. It’s a milestone worth celebrating and pausing over. From its start to how it grew. Not just as South Africa’s longest running investigative journalism programme, but also as the household name it became.
The start of Carte Blanche
It’s the 28th of August 1988. In the studio is Derek Watts and Ruda Landman making their debut on South Africa’s first alternative voice, Carte Blanche. The idea came from William Faure. A director and writer, best known for the 1985 drama, Shaka Zulu. He roped in Pieter Cilliers – theologian-turned-TV-producer – who laid the foundation. And coming off the rigid controls of the SABC, Carte Blanche was Cilliers’ way to have carte blanche and run with it.
It started as a fun magazine show. Because when it came to the actual news, the SABC had a “my toys” approach. And if anything happened in the last 24 hours Carte Blanche couldn’t report on.
This did not stop them. From the get-go it was free of any political or social agenda. It told real South African stories during a time the country was bleeding for democracy, yearning for freedom.
And it was everything M-Net was after. Magic.
From the get-go it was free of any political or social agenda
It is this foundation, and people like William Faure, Pieter Cilliers, Linda Vermaas, George Mazarakis and of course the duo on our screens – Derek and Ruda – that set the tone for Carte Blanche’s motto: you have the right to see it all. And set the benchmark for other investigative prorgrammes and those who followed in their footsteps, from the Devis to the Claires, the Macfarlanes to the Bonganis.
Derek Watts, the end of an era
The death of Derek Watts sent shockwaves through South Africa. Even though he announced his retirement not too long ago, it’s the realisation that our beloved Sunday uncle is no longer with us, that really hits hard.
To quote KFM’s Darren Simpson, “Carte Blanche always signified the end of a weekend, your passing signifies the end of an era.”
Derek Watts asked the tough questions.
Showed concern.
And continues to inspire.
But he also entertained us. With his dance moves, wit and charm.
A gentle giant, a family man, and an uncle for all. 