As tributes pour in on the passing of longstanding investigative journalist and ‘Gentle Giant’ Derek Watts (1948 – 2023), Multichoice Africa remembers his legacy with these facts about his life.
- Derek was born in Hillbrow, Johannesburg in 1948 and moved to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe when he was five years old.
- He said he never liked school and was unsure about his future after graduating. He was in the army and hopped around jobs in his early 20s, including working for a plastics company.
- Derek said he decided on journalism after a former boss politely asked him to leave: “He said ‘Have you ever thought of journalism?’, which I suppose was his way of firing me. But it suddenly sparked something in me, and I went back to Zimbabwe and joined the Herald ”
- After his years as a reporter for the Rhodesia Herald, he worked at the SABC as a writer and reporter.
- In 1988, producer Bill Faure called Derek about a new show for M-Net. Derek joined what would later be called Carte Blanche alongside Ruda Landman.
- Thanks to Derek and the committed Carte Blanche team, the show is recognised as number one on DStv Premium and has amassed over 200 journalistic awards.
- Some of Derek’s high impact Carte Blanche episodes include his investigation into fraudulent charity The Smile Schools Foundation, which led to the school being shut down. Another investigation into 11 infant deaths led to midwife Yolande Maritz’s nursing licence being revoked and Maritz being investigated by the National Prosecuting Authority.
- Derek listed his 1996 meeting with US burn victim W Mitchel, 2005 interview with SA tech mogul Elon Musk, and 1998 visit to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington as some of his most memorable assignments.
- Derek was an avid golfer, and big sports and motoring fan. His website co.za showcases some of his “Watts on Wheels” motor writing. He also worked as an MC, awards presenter, and guest speaker.
- Derek announced his retirement from Carte Blanche in July 2023 – he had been on the show for 35 years.
In honour of his legacy, M-Net will be airing a documentary special on his life on 26 August, 19:00 SAT. Called Derek Watts: A Tribute, it will trace his life, career, and massive contribution to South African journalism and broadcasting.
Carte Blanche has confirmed that its 27 August episode on Sunday will be in honour of Derek.
Both shows will be available on DStv Premium on M-Net (Channel 101) and live-streamed on DStv Stream. They will also be available on DStv Catch Up after broadcast.
