Remembering Derek Watts | Watts passed away after battling cancer

Derek Watts, a mainstay of Mnet’s Carte Blanche news programme for decades, has died. He was 74 and succumbed to cancer.Devi Sankaree Govender worked on Carte Blanche for many years before joining us here at eMedia. She spoke with eNCA's Sally Burdett. Courtesy of #DStv403

[desstanbridge]

RIP Derek Watts!! You deserve a state funeral for the contribution you made to SA. Condolences to his family 😢

[monachetty]

I am in awe of a person who did not like confrontation but took up the challenge to make it his job. RIP Derek Watts

[not.likely]

RIP Derrick Watts. Great presenter, insiteful, experienced, mature and more.

Condolences to family and friends. You will be missed by millions.

[einreallife]

Carte Blanche won't be the same without him 😢. May his beautiful soul rest in peace

[Fishstycz]

An absolute GEM... Thank you for your tremendous service to normal South Africans. Fly high ouboet.

[LansMalherbe]

RIP Dereck. Devi: You are a class act. Thank you also for your tremendous contribution to journalism in our beloved Country

[elyaaskarbelkar]

My closest description of Derek is to call him a Gentle Giant, coz he truely was a gentleman and he was a giant not coz of his size but becoz of his great reach out to people.I always enjoyed his proffessionlism and his demeanour.

[NirmalaMoodley-hl]

Well said Devi Sankaree Govender. A great team spirit captured on Carte Blanch, Derrick and Devi.
How wonderful to have to reminsce your.lls memories, just before he bid farewell.
Await to have another journalist fill in his footsteps.
SA' s legend/ icon investigative journalist, RIP.
Condolences to his families, collegues and friends/ fans.😢❤

[dinogovender]

I was lucky enough to meet Derek in Ballito. What a guy he actually took time to chat with me in a parking lot of all places..rest in peace Derek a true south African legend

[michellFrith]

Such a great gentle man. He definitely will be missed.

[JJ-vsgi]

I giggle EVERYTIME I watch his add dancing and always will. Rest easy LEGEND! 💔

[barbararobertson]

What a wonderful testimonial, thank you

[daafromann]

A true South African journalist has fallen.
We grew up watching him, always looking forward to Sundays.
RIP, Condolences to family and friends.
You served your country well.
Derek Watts, you will be missed.

[LYNETTEWUCHERPFENNIG]

RIP DEREK U WERE A LEGEND NEVER FORGOTTRN😢

[Llandor]

Derek Watts you will be missed. What a legend....

[ianrundle]

I heard Derick described perfectly in this interview.

I had known him since school days in Bulawayo.
"Stretch" was a big guy BUT a softee.
An absolute gentleman.

I had lost touch with Derick but was surprised when a person tapped me on the shoulder and said "hello Ian", that was in the theatre in Pretoria where my wife and I had gone to see "Midnight Express".
We spent hours just chatting after the show.

I remember him fondly

[TheFundiOne]

Fond memories. I vividly remember watching Derek in his 30s presenting a sports programme on TV1 in the mid 1980s. Loved him then. Loved him since. May you rest well our gentle giant.

[shaaminigovender]

Mr Derrick Watts, an absolute amazing human being. His soul was filled with love, truth, honesty, a remarkable man. My Thy Soul travel well to the Highest Abode of Thy Lord and rest peacefully. A man who worked for the people and not for his own gain. We don't hear this often. It is called self service, one in a million souls. Condolences to the family. ❤❤

[ChildofGod-gf]

I'm devastated! I loved that man. The nicest open face. He was lovely. RIP our friend.

[joanwalden]

Sincere condolences to his wife and family. Derek was in our lounges every Sunday night, throughout our childhoods and into adulthood. We salute your authenticity and contribution to bringing us the truth in a professional dignified manner . Well done on living your life to the fullest, what an outstanding example to us all.
May your family and loved ones find comfort in the wonderful memories you've left.