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Erin Bates

@ermbates.bsky.social
122 followers 39 following 8 posts

Award-winning freelance journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. @carteblanche.co.za anchor and presenter. Shares ≠ endorsements. Views ≠ those of my employers.

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Erin Bates @ermbates.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
South Africa's special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, has his work cut out for him, and little time to gain ground in the interests of South Africa's minnow (to use economist Dawie Roodt's metaphor) economy. More on #CarteBlanche @carteblanche.co.za tomorrow from 19:00. bsky.app/profile/cart...
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 19/04/2025
As US President Donald Trump makes a sharp U-turn on drastic tariff policies, we look at whether South African farmers can weather the economic storm. That's #CarteBlanche this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 17/04/2025
The multi-million rand Botmaskop Estate development has been put on hold pending a full court review to be done later this year. In October last year, #CarteBlanche asked questions about how the project was initially approved. You can watch that story now on our website.
dstv.com
Botmaskop: Scar on the mountain
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟲 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. A half-hour walk up the mountain above Unie Park in Stellenbosch takes you to a huge construction site where ground has been broken for what is meant to ...
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 14/04/2025
A top Johannesburg clinic claims to cure migraines. But its founder, Dr Elliot Shevel - once seen as a pioneer - is now on trial for murder. @ermbates.bsky.social investigates his dramatic downfall. Watch the full story now on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
dstv.com
Deadly headaches
It’s a well-known clinic performing what’s described as groundbreaking procedures on people suffering severe headaches and migraines. And it was founded by a doctor regarded by many as a pioneer in his field. That is until he was put on trial. Dr Elliot Shevel has led The Headache Clinic in Johannesburg for 30 years, and he says he has permanently cured thousands of people of chronic pain. So, how did his legacy unravel so dramatically? Erin Bates went in search of answers.For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
In an effort to ensure his recreations of fading San rock art are historically accurate, Stephen uses the same methods and tools. But that doesn't mean technology doesn't have its place... #CarteBlanche @ermbates.bsky.social
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
Rock art sites are sacred and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, these ancient paintings are under threat as people touch the paintings, or even pour water on them to bring out the colours. #CarteBlanche @ermbates.bsky.social
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
Forensic artist Stephen Townley Bassett comes from a long line of rock art preservation experts. Both his father and uncle dedicated their lives to ensuring these sacred paintings are protected for future generations. #CarteBlanche @ermbates.bsky.social
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
In 2021, Marinella Avvakoumides underwent Dr Shevel's Desensitisation Procedure to help relieve debilitating cluster headaches. Hours later, she collapsed and died - medical reports show significant damage to her brain and spinal canal. #CarteBlanche @ermbates.bsky.social
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
Tristan Clarke's father, Bruce, saw Dr Shevel at The Headache Clinic to treat recurring migraines in 2022. But Bruce allegedly collapsed during the procedure and is now unable to walk or talk. #CarteBlanche @ermbates.bsky.social
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
He lived by crime and died in a hail of bullets. But alongside him, four private security guards also perished. Police call it justice. Families say otherwise. Who's telling the truth? #CarteBlanche investigates tonight at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream and Catch Up. #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
It was a complicated and invasive procedure on their skulls. Now, two people are dead and the renowned headache doctor who performed the operation is facing murder charges. That's #CarteBlanche tonight at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream and Catch Up. #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 06/04/2025
Ancient artworks that offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the San. But time has faded their masterpieces. Now, forensic artist Stephen Townley Bassett is reviving this sacred art. Join #CarteBlanche this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 05/04/2025
He lived by crime and died in a hail of bullets. But alongside him, four private security guards also perished. Police call it justice. Families say otherwise. Who's telling the truth? That's #CarteBlanche this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream. #SouthAfrica #Crime
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 05/04/2025
A renowned maxillofacial surgeon is facing murder charges in Gauteng. Two patients died under his care after he performed a complicated and invasive procedure on their skulls. #CarteBlanche investigates this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream. #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 23/02/2025
It's #CarteBlanche o'clock! We're looking at loyalty programmes - worth it or nah? Then, we confront Transnet about its terrible port terminal. We explore the cosmos at the revamped Wits Planetarium! And why has govt failed to implement a vital vetting process to weed out sexual predators?
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Erin Bates @ermbates.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Join the #CarteBlanche @carteblanche.co.za team live now on MNet channel 101 on DStv, with Claire Mawisa and Govan Whittles in studio presenting tonight's programme. First up: how do sexual predators evade consequences, securing placements at schools where they can groom children?
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 23/02/2025
South Africans love loyalty programmes. But are they true savings or just data-driven business? Points and discounts help, but are we really winning - or just playing into the system? That's #CarteBlanche tonight at 7pm on M-Net channel 101.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 23/02/2025
Transnet coughed up R140 million for second-hand equipment to ease up pressure in the Cape Town Container Terminal. But it seems those machines have just added to the pressure. That's #CarteBlanche this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101. #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 22/02/2025
No one knows how many sexual predators there are masquerading as teachers in South Africa. But a national vetting drive, that should’ve ensured they’re rooted out, seems to have failed. So, what went wrong? #CarteBlanche investigates this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and the DStv Stream app.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 22/02/2025
From Halley’s Comet to the moon landing, SA’s first planetarium has long been a gateway to discovery. Now, it merges six decades of history with cutting-edge tech to redefine education and bring the universe to Joburg. That's #CarteBlanche Sunday 7pm on M-Net channel 101. #Astronomy #Space #Science
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 22/02/2025
In Cape Town’s Port Terminals, prolonged delays and equipment failures have a severe impact on the shipping industry – and some stakeholders are furious. But can Transnet find solutions before it’s too late? That's #CarteBlanche this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on the DStv Stream app.
dstv.com
Coming up on 23 February - Transnet: Diagnosis, terminal
Transnet coughed up R140 million for second-hand equipment to ease up pressure in the Cape Town Container Terminal. But it seems those machines have just added to the pressure. For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 16/02/2025
Unable to afford art supplies, Ricollin Moodley took whatever he could find to bring his artworks to life. From sand to ground coffee and cosmetics - nothing was off-limits. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica #Art
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 16/02/2025
If your rights as an older person are being violated or if you want to help someone who is being abused, neglected or exploited you can contact one of the following organisations for help. #CarteBlanche
dstv.com
How to Report Elder Abuse
If your rights as an older person are being violated or if you want to help someone who is being abused, neglected or exploited you can contact one of the following organisations for help.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 16/02/2025
Apart from allegedly taking residents' bank cards, another clause in the resident's contract surprised us. And the owner of Uncle Ben's Den was seemingly just as surprised. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 16/02/2025
When we started looking into allegations of abuse and neglect at Uncle Ben's Den - a care home for the elderly, homeless and disabled - owner Ronel van Dyk sent us an open invitation to come and have a look. And we happily took her up on the offer... #CarteBlanche
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 16/02/2025
Uncle Ben's Den - a care home for the elderly, destitute and disabled - has received glowing media coverage over the years. But residents claim that, when the cameras aren't rolling, serious neglect and mistreatment take place. We investigate now on #CarteBlanche.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 15/02/2025
It was meant to be a care facility for the vulnerable. But serious allegations reveal how the elderly, homeless and those living with disabilities were abused at the facility. That's #CarteBlanche this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on DStv Stream. #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 15/02/2025
A charismatic leader with a mission to help the vulnerable… But what’s really happening to patients inside a so-called care facility in Gauteng? #CarteBlanche investigates this Sunday at 7pm on M-Net channel 101, and on the DStv Stream app.
dstv.com
Coming up on 16 February - The care home
It was meant to be a care facility for the vulnerable. But serious allegations reveal how the elderly, homeless and those living with disabilities were abused at the facility.For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
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Erin Bates @ermbates.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
Live now on M-Net is tonight's episode of #CarteBlanche @carteblanche.co.za with Claire Mawisa and Lourensa Eckard in studio. Tune in to DStv channel 101, for a staggering exposé on a home meant to care for seniors and more. 🎬🔎🤔💪🏽
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 16/02/2025
It's #CarteBlanche o'clock! First up, we're joined by Minister Pieter Groenewald to discuss the ever-developing US-SA relations. We also investigate a well-known care home for alleged abuse and neglect. And we spend some time with inspiring artist, Ricollin Moodley.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
Lekker, man! SA20 cricket commentator Nikhil Uttamchandani loves watching the games. But he loves it even more engaging with the fans on the sidelines. #CarteBlanche #T20 #Sports
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
When it comes to SA20 cricket, everyone feels the gees. Even Govan Whittles was ready to take a swing at it. But we all have our limits... #CarteBlanche #SA20 #Sports
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
Even those with valid passports still opt to cross the Lesotho border illegally. Why? Because it's just far less hassle... #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
At least 150 and up to 500 per day... This sekepe (Sesotho for 'boat') helps countless Lesotho citizens cross the border into South Africa illegally. #CarteBlanche
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
When Keletso Motlokoa's father, Ntsane, failed to return from a nightly patrol along the Lesotho border, he knew something was wrong. A police officer confirmed Ntsane had been murdered. The community was devastated. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
The global average on military spending is roughly 2% of a country's GDP. In South Africa, depending who you speak to, defence force spending is between 0.5% and 0.7% of the GDP. Is it any wonder the SANDF is woefully ill-equipped? #CarteBlanche
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
According to SANDU National Secretary Pikkie Greef, SANDF troops were destined to fail in the DRC. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
Ricardo Teixeira from @defenceweb.co.za shows Govan Whittles where the SANDF troops were reportedly attacked by M23 rebels. Many soldiers are still being held at an airstrip near Goma. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
Matome Justice Malesa is one of the SANDF soldiers killed in the DRC in January. Family spokesperson Mpho Monyela says they have many questions about what went wrong. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica
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Erin Bates @ermbates.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Just minutes until Macfarlane Moleli and I present tonight's edition of #CarteBlanche @carteblanche.co.za live. Join us on M-Net channel 101 on DStv for powerful inserts from the team, including Govan Whittles reporting on the SANDF fatalities in the DRC.
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Carte Blanche @carteblanche.co.za · 09/02/2025
Sam Nujoma, Namibia's first president following independence from South Africa, has died. He was 95 years old. "Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country," Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba said. #CarteBlanche
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