Derek Watts: A special tribute | Carte Blanche | M-Net

Where do you begin to eulogise a man who has meant so much to so many people? This Sunday, the Carte Blanche family stands together to pay tribute to our beloved colleague and friend, Derek Watts. Derek was a remarkable man, fearless in the pursuit of justice. He was a beacon for the forgotten and downtrodden, and a steadying hand amid chaos and anxiety. He embodied the ideal, “umntu ngumntu, ngabantu” (I am because you are), connecting with people from all walks of life and treating each with dignity and respect. He dedicated his life to telling South Africa’s story.

In 1988, producer Bill Faure approached Derek to co-host a new show, Carte Blanche, which would air on M-Net every Sunday night. Forty years old, easy-going, sports mad... Derek might not have been an obvious choice, but his charisma and the chemistry he shared with co-host Ruda Landman created a dynamic partnership that audiences found irresistible. As Carte Blanche grew and evolved, covering the seminal moments of South Africa’s changing story, Derek too went from strength to strength. The stories he told reflected this: from reporting on the Boipatong Massacre where the crew filmed through the night as Derek confronted politicians and gave the victims and their families a much-needed voice, to traveling to the foot of Mount Everest and every possible corner of South Africa. In the 35 years he spent with the show, his passion never dimmed and he never lost his unique ability to connect with people.

We will miss him tremendously, but we draw strength and inspiration from the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Our deepest condolences to his beloved Belinda, Tyrone, Kirsten, and his siblings. Lala ngoxolo Papa D, ugqatso ulufezile. Umzamo omhle uwuzamile. Rest in perfect peace.
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[carteblanchetv]

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[redhowell]

Grew up with the guy.. What a fabulous segment! Seriously, S.A needs a Derek Watts statue . Well done Carte Blanche.

[richardseed]

In loving memory of Derek Watts

Hello all, my name is Richard Anthony Seed and I have watched Carte Blanche since the first episode broadcast back in 1988, and I had the privilege of working alongside Derik at Carte Blanche as a studio rigger and camera operator. Derik was not just a colleague; he was a friend with a heart of gold, making every day in the studio and on location production a joy.

My journey into the world of television began during my time with KTV, and it was there that I started my climb in this industry. But what I'll always cherish about Derik is the time he took to connect with me, even amid the hustle and bustle of his busy schedules. We'd chat about everything, including my ongoing battle to reclaim my childhood home, a dream that remains close to my heart. I had hoped that Derik would be the one to share my story in his last interview, but I am certain he's watching from heaven, ensuring that justice prevails and I get back what's rightfully mine.

Derik wasn't just a colleague; he knew my parents well, and it was through their connection that I found my way into the TV industry, initially starting at SABC and then on to M-NET, Derik's guidance and support were invaluable in shaping my career.

So, farewell, Uncle Derik. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside you. Your warmth, kindness, and professionalism made every day a pleasure. Your legacy lives on, not just in the stories you told, but in the lives, you touched every Sunday evening for 35 years on Carte Blanche. Rest in peace, dear friend.

With deepest sympathy,
from Richard Seed

[mandlas.]

South Africa is poorer without you. What a gem.

[banyana]

I can't believe he is gone😢. I grew up in Botswana. Sunday nights were not the same without Carte Blanche. South Africa has lost one of the best. RIP beloved Derek.

[justin-my]

The type of person that makes you feel proud to be human. Absolute legend and true patriot🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[brianmorrison]

Wowzer .. a brilliant tribute to a brilliant guy .. Well done all the Carte Blanche team.
R.I.P. Derek Watts

[trojanperky]

“Only when a tall tree has fallen can you take the measure of it. The same is with a man” Anne Morrow Lindbergh. RIP Derek, your watch is over. Thank you for standing up for the helpless and talking for the voiceless. A true South African patriot!

[booz]

South Africa adopted me in 1991…. not my county of birth - but a country I grew to love as my very own.
This country had a story to tell… and who better than Derek as he intrenched himself into our family’s Sunday evening, as if to ease a nation’s deepest fears… a change for a better tomorrow … .
From a nation fraught in the humiliation of separation . His voice, his smile helped suppress a nation’s anxiety that ultimately culminated in celebrations of freedom…
and just like that…
without a moment to spare… his sincere and still comforting voice, returned. This time against a new absolutely powerful elite whose absolute corrupt endangering future generations. Corruption, like a malignant cancer to human body, so too is corruption to a fledgling democracy.

Derek lost his battle, yet, in his own way, helped unite a nation; from the plains of the Kruger to the escapement. From the beaches of KZN to the Wilderness. From the lively streets of Soweto to the billionaires of Clifton… a nation that understand the possibilities our country and people are capable of - and the reason why it’s worth fighting for.

cheers for now Derek, and forevermore.
Rest in peace.


A grateful fan.

[jacquesmaree]

RIP Derek nothing will be the same without you.
The country lost a lot with your passing.

[bossbglobal]

Derrick will forever remain legendary. A True Patron

[shawngower]

I played squash with him at the Beacon Isle Hotel in Plett when he visited our town. An incredible gentleman, whom made me laugh at myself, outplayed me, my 3 steps for his one. A man I felt comfortable around and I was an absolute Noone, just a staff member at the hotel. He was kind and I enjoyed being in his space. Wonderful gentleman

[trinnysafari]

From Kenya, Derek was the face of SA to us since the early days when DSTV showed Carte Blanche here. His voice became so familiar as the presenter & the memorable programmes. An admirable man. He will be greatly missed. May he RIP. 🙏🏽 This programme was a worthy tribute to him, well done.

[missNicole]

RIP Derek, thank you for all your years on television that I grew up with. I have never known a Sunday without Derek ending the weekend and bringing in the new week in my 36 years on this earth. The loss is real.

[handyvickers]

As a Saffer in the UK, I watch every episode of CB on the Internet. It won't be the same without this gentle giant.
Here we lost Michael Parkinson around the same time. Both giants in their fields for so many years.
RIP. SORELY MISSED!

[DayaGHK]

A national treasure. Derek Watts. South Africa thanks you. 😢

[maropinini]

Derrick, thank you for your honest reporting and for your morality against challenging circumstances. Enkosi ngenyaniso nobudoda bakho, Lala ngoxolo ulakho ugqatso ulifezile. Rest in peace my brother and mentor

[ksc]

I have listened to quite a few interviews with John Webb about Derek, and rest assured John, just hearing your reassuring voice has done justice and brought us great comfort. Derek was just larger than life - in every sense. I am in tears as I write this. He really was such an extraordinary man and will be forever missed❤

[theresaparduman]

Dear Team Carte Blanche. Thank you for an amazing, heartfelt and honest tribute to an extra ordinary human being Derek Watts. A life well engaged & treasured. Thank you Team.

[zenandekhomo]

Derek was the embodiment of the South Africa we yearn for