‘Fake’ TV show under investigation by channel

The show, presented by the popular K2 twins Charlie and Alex Kotze, asked kykNET viewers to write to producers to tell them why one room in their homes should be featured on the show to be overhauled by the twins in 48 hours.

As it turns out the co-owner of Seven20 Entertainment and Oulap se Rooi co-producer and director Francois van Wyk had his friends pretend to be homeowners for six episodes while rooms in his own home in the leafy suburb of Emmarentia in Johannesburg were redone for the show.

Builders Warehouse sponsored R1.3 million in material to be used to redo viewers’ homes during the show’s run. According to Leo Smit, brand manager for kykNET, “a bombshell dropped this morning [yesterday]”.

Smit said Karen Meiring, the head of kykNET, asked for an investigation into the show on Friday. The channel was unaware that Van Wyk’s home was used for the majority of renovations featured thus far in the TV show.

Former Top Billing presenter Ursula Chikane, also a co-producer on the show, told Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport the show was behind schedule and that was one of the reasons producers decided to feature Van Wyk’s home in some episodes.

Van Wyk admitted to Rapport that his home was used during production, but said it was to keep the show within budget. Builders Warehouse marketing manager Zandile Manana confirmed they are also investigating the production.