The award-winning investigative journalist joined a massive outpouring of tributes on social media after news broke of the legendary broadcaster’s passing yesterday, Tuesday, 22nd August.
Govender wrote of her friend and fellow presenter, with whom she worked for 18 years at Carte Blanche, “ Gutted that my long-time partner in crime @DerekWatts passed away yesterday I had the privilege of working alongside him for 18 years on @carteblanchetv @MNet He was an absolute #OG who loved his country deeply Hambe kahle, my friend."
Gutted that my long-time partner in crime @DerekWatts passed away yesterday
— DeviSankareeGovender (@Devi_HQ) August 23, 2023
I had the privilege of working alongside him for 18 years on @carteblanchetv @MNet
He was an absolute #OG who loved his country deeply
Hambe kahle, my friend.#TheLongAndShortOfIt ????#RIPDerekWatts pic.twitter.com/Ihp5qNQDoK
Just last month 74-year-old Watts expressed his gratitude to his 'absolutely wonderful' Carte Blanche family upon announcing his retirement from the long-running investigative show to concentrate on his health. Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022 which then spread to his lungs.
His announcement marked the end of a truly remarkable 36-year career in front of the Carte Blanche cameras - a career, MultiChoice Group CEO of General Entertainment Nomsa Philiso said, had formed " the tapestry and legacy of the M-Net brand."
Algoa FM sends its sincere condolences to Derek’s wife Belinda and children Tyrone and Kirstin.
May you RIP Derek Watts.
